The Jim Thorpe Current - November 2022

The CURRENT

Raising the House Hosts Second Annual Lights at the Lake

EXPLORE THE TOWN OF JIM THORPE Road Trip to the Poconos Series

the House, a nonprofit based in Palmerton, PA, will host its second annual Lights at the Lake drivethrough holiday display beginning this November. Beginning November 18, visitors can enjoy holiday and winter-themed light displays throughout Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe.

Raising

Not only will the mile long drive-through be even brighter this year, but new opportunities have been added to enhance the holiday experience, including a visit from Santa Claus on select dates. Starting November 18 and ending December 23, Lights at the Lake will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the exception of November 25. Tickets are $25 per car, and can be purchased at LightsAtTheLake.com.

“Raising the House is dedicated to helping families, and through our light show we can provide more funds to expand how, and the amount of people we can help. This event is a way for us to achieve this goal as well as give back to the community through a holiday event that is fun for all,” said Raising the House President, Adrianne Allen. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event, with the opportunity for

By Emily Whalen Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

Theopen road is calling! Packed with natural beauty, charming small towns and local hidden gems, the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania is ideal for a road trip getaway. Just a few hours’ drive from cities like New York and Philadelphia brings visitors to historic and picturesque boroughs like Jim Thorpe, PA.

From the rushing rapids and waterfalls of the Lehigh River Gorge to the historic streets and Victorian mansions of “Old Mauch Chunk,” there’s so much to discover in the Jim Thorpe area. Whether you’re taking a weekend jaunt to enjoy the town’s popular seasonal festivals and events, or skipping the crowds with a midweek escape, we’ve got three days of trip itineraries to help you get started planning. Mix and match these possibilities to craft the perfect Jim Thorpe vacation!

Naturally Yours: Local, Sustainable, Yours.

By Natalya Bucuy The Current Contributing Writer

Eco-Friendly Boutique

Welcomes Locals and Visitors

Once every couple of weeks, Elaine Tino and her husband get in the car and drive from Hazleton to Jim Thorpe to do some shopping in town. The main destination for this treat of a trip is Naturally Yours, the one-of-a-kind shop downtown that sells clothing, personal care items, and jewelry with sustainability in mind.

“The clothes are unique, they fit well, and are well crafted,” Tino says. “I really love

the jewelry, too. I buy at least three pairs of earrings every time I come. It is a wonderful shop. I love it.” She jokes that she has to park her husband down the street so he doesn’t see everything she buys.

The eco-boutique attracts people like Tino from all around the area and beyond, as it gets its business from local regulars as well as the area’s tourists. Owner June Gaudreau says she ships to some repeat customers in locations as far as Nevada. What makes the shop special? Perhaps it’s the attention Gaudreau pays to sustainable practices with which her products are made. She carefully selects her vendors at trade shows, focusing on fair-trade standards, organic cotton

Morning:

The town of Jim Thorpe dates back to the early 1800s, and there’s a lot of rich local history to discover! See how industrial millionaires lived at the Asa Packer Mansion, or visit the eerie cells of the Molly Maguires at the Old Jail Museum. Join Jim Thorpe Walking Tours to learn about the photo-worthy buildings and landmarks you’ll pass as you stroll along the mountain streets.

While downtown, you’ll want to plan for time for shopping! From Broadway to Historic Stone Row, there are plenty of quaint shops and trendy boutiques to browse. Pick up handmade gifts at Trend & Source Marketplace , or get ready for the holidays at Jingle Bells Christmas Shoppe .

Afternoon:

Ready for lunch? You have plenty of choice when it comes to dining in Jim Thorpe! Downtown is full of hip eateries like MYST Restaurant, Continued on page 4

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DAY ONE: EXPERIENCE THE PAST & PRESENT

Join The Jim Thorpe Historic District

November 18, 2022

Start your Christmas shopping early! Browse through over 50 businesses in the Historic District and take advantage of special discounts offered at over three dozen shops and restaurants. It’s our way of thanking our customers for your support throughout the year!

Participating Merchants & Discounts (Some Restrictions May Apply)

Antiques on Broadway -10% all day

Artsy Gourmet - 10% off regular priced items

Artsy Oil - 10% off all day Broadway Grille - 20% off all lunch and dinner (food only)

Country Cottage - 10% off Restrictions apply

Decorate It Again - 20% all day Dreisbach House - 10% off Emporium Gifts - 10% off regular priced items

Everything Nice - 10% off all day

Gem Shop - 15% all day

Habitual - 15 % and some limited addition products for sale

Jingle Bells - 15% off JT House of Jerky - 20 % off all day Mabacol Shoes - 50% off selected Shoes

Mauch Chunk Five and Dime - 20% off from 4-8pm

Mulligan’s Toy Shop - 10% off regular priced items

Muggles - 10% off

Naturally Yours - 20% off regular priced items

Natures Trail - 15% off regular priced items

Nomad Distillery - 15% off Merchandise / $5 Spiked Hot Cider Rainbows End - 10% off gift items all day (Excludes Candy& Food)

Sellers Books - 15% off

Somersault Letterpress - 20 % off all day Sound Check Records - 10% off regular priced items, does not include Equipment or tickets

Star & Stripes - 10% all day

Stitch Craft Magic - 10% all day Stonekeep Meadery - 5% off Studio YNW - 10% off Treasure Shop - 20% off regular priced items

Trappe Alley Ltd - 10% on purchases over $20

Wear It Again - 20% all day Wilder Elder - 20% off

Have You Been Naughty or Nice? Krampus Festival Returns to Jim Thorpe

The Annual Black Forest Krampusnacht Festival is back! This year offers more space and more parking! The goal of The Carbon Chamber and Economic Corp. is to catapult this unique event to the forefront of Pocono Festivals.

This year’s festival is Saturday, December 3rd at Pocono Whitewater located at 1519 State Route 903 in Jim Thorpe. A rain/snow date is scheduled for Sunday, December 4th. The time of the free festival is 1p.m. –6p.m. There is a $15 parking fee.

This festival is a Carbon County spin on the Krampusnacht traditions in Germany, and Austria. Krampus is an Alpine monster that punishes naughty children. He is the counterpart of Saint Nicholas.

This event may sound sinister; however, it is great fun for the whole family. We do however, recommend the age of five years or older at this event. If you and your children are fans of Halloween, you will love this festival.

You can expect dozens of Krampus roaming the festival and encourage festival goers to dress up and join the fun. We have Saint Nicholas blessing the festival and leading the Krampuslauft parade through the festival grounds. Events within the festival also include the beloved Pennsylvania Villagers Polka Band, and a live radio broadcast by Magic 105.5 fm.

Bring a toy to support Toys for Tots and enjoy a smore station fireside hosted by The Jim Thorpe Girls’ Basketball team! Kids can enjoy handcrafted root beer by Parlor Beverage, and adults can enjoy our beer and wine garden featuring Big Creek Vineyard.

carboncountychamber.org 484-943-9669. We have sponsorship packages available. Stay up to date by following our FB Page: Black Forest Krampusnacht online at: https://tinyurl.com/blackforestkrampus

Executive Editor/Publisher Jeffrey “JD” Diaz 570.399.1400 - JD@JTCurrent.com

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

Contributing Writers

Aillinn Brennan • Natalya Bucuy Julie Druzak • Maura Guzek Ariel Mann • David Ramoy Nicolas and Stephen Servis Emily Whalen • Yvonne Wright

For Advertising Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713 JP4541@aol.com

Distribution JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Published by

Shop a variety of unique vendors including an official Carbon County Black Forest Krampusnacht merch store. Food vendors will be onsite as well as amazing desserts for sale. Organizers are still adding to the festival events and information will be updated often leading up to the festival. This is an outdoor festival, please dress warm.

This year Café Arielle at the Stabin Museum in Jim Thorpe is hosting a Krampus Ball to kick off the festivities on Friday, December 2nd 7pm – 10pm. This event features an eight-piece oompah band, food, and drinks. Dress to impress and contact venue directly for tickets 570-325-5588

CCEDC is expecting a crowd of 2500 people. If you are a business looking to advertise within the festival please contact Marianne Rustad at the CCEDC office. marianner@

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.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2022 Stony Creek Media, LLC. all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

a sushi-hibachi gastropub. For authentic ambience as well as delicious food, try Broadway Grille & Pub, Marion Hose Bar or Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub.

Don’t stop after the morning’s museum visits: take a deeper dive into the past with immersive tours! Take in the beauty of the region as you hop aboard an old-fashioned form of transportation with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway or Jim Thorpe Trolley Company. Visitors to the No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in nearby Lansford can descend 1,600 feet into the mountainside along an original mine shaft.

Evening:

Ever wanted to stay overnight in a Victorian townhouse? An overnight stay in Jim Thorpe is the perfect opportunity! Take your pick of historic bed & breakfasts offering old-world charm alongside modernday amenities. Accommodations like The Dolon House, Hotel Switzerland, The Inn at Jim Thorpe and Times House allow you to stay in the middle of the action, just steps from downtown attractions.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, find the perfect couples retreat at The Gilded Cupid B&B or The Harry Packer Mansion Inn. Head just across the Lehigh River to stay at nearby quaint country inns like Angel of Jim Thorpe Bed & Breakfast, The Bella Victoria Bed and Breakfast and Mountain View Suites.

DAY TWO: DISCOVER OUTDOOR THRILLS

Morning:

Jim Thorpe is located just a stone’s throw away from great outdoor adventure spots including Lehigh Gorge State Park and the The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Just across the Mansion House Bridge, visitors will find hiking, biking, waterfalls, rafting and more. Rent some wheels from Pocono Biking to cycle the D&L Trail along the Lehigh River, or get out on the water and brave the rapids with Jim Thorpe River Adventures. Help us keep the Poconos pristine for future generations of visitors: remember to take litter with you and leave no trace.

Afternoon: Why not kick the adrenaline up a notch? Get geared up for a game of paintball! Local outfitters like Skirmish Paintball and Pocono Mountain Paintball are great for friendly competition. If you have an aspiring Robin Hood or Merida in the group, head to nearby Archery Addictions to try your hand with a bow and arrow.

After all that action, it’s time to eat! Enjoy a panoramic view of the verdure you’ve just been exploring at Roadies Restaurant and Bar. Venture to nearby small towns to discover gems like The Gorge Eatery in Weissport or Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill in Lehighton. Both Lehighton and Weissport can be accessed via the D&L Trail, about a four-and-a-half mile hike or bike ride from Jim Thorpe. If you’re looking to avoid parking in downtown Jim Thorpe and are up for the trek, parking in Weissport or Lehighton can be a great option!

Evening: Outdoor lovers have no need to leave Mother Nature behind when it’s time to turn in for the night. Find a campsite or cabin under the stars at Don Laine Campground, Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, Mauch Chunk Lake Park or Pocono Glamping.

DAY THREE: RELAX AND ENJOY

Morning: It’s your vacation: don’t leave relaxation out of the schedule! Let someone else take the wheel as you take an unforgettable sightseeing tour in a motorcycle sidecar with Jim Thorpe Sidecar Tourz. Open June through August, Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary is a great spot for families to spend some time exploring the “Flutterarium.” For a one-of-a-kind, off-the-beaten path experience, contact Mountain Man Journeys for a thoughtful and immersive ecotour of the area.

Afternoon:

Kick back with a journey along the Carbon County branch of the Pocono Beverage Trail! Don’t miss the chance to sample locally-made wine and spirits at Jim Thorpe tasting rooms. Nomad Distillery Co. serves up cocktails, bourbons and moonshine on Race Street, while Wild Elder Wine and Cider Co. and Mad Hatter

Winery & Smokehouse offer fresh vintages and bites on Broadway. Just across the river, stop by Bright Path Brewing to see what’s on tap! Don’t forget to download the free Pocono Beverage Trail digital passport to earn points and access discounts at wineries, breweries and distilleries throughout the Pocono Mountains.

Evening: Get out on the town to see a show or enjoy Jim Thorpe’s arts, culture and entertainment. Art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to The Stabin Museum and Studio YNW. Big-name musical acts are staples on the concert and events calendar at Penn’s Peak, while the Pocono Event Center downtown offers unique classes and workshops.

Find all the comforts of home at guesthouse lodging in Jim Thorpe! Glen Onoko Guesthouse offers spacious rentals with fully-stocked kitchens in a former soda fountain shop built in 1874. Rosemary Remembrances II Guest Lodging is located in the historic district just off of Opera House Square, with a private guest suite that can accommodate two adults. High Street Guesthouse offers spacious apartments for larger groups to spread out and recharge after a full day of exploring in Jim Thorpe.

Jim Thorpe is a small town that attracts visitors from all over the world; if you live in the Northeastern US, it’s right in your backyard! Hop in the car, and take that road trip to explore all the great attractions, shopping, dining, events and accommodations in the region. For even more ideas of things to do in the area, download the Visit Jim Thorpe PA app or stop by our Visitors Center, located downtown in the train station.

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

pocono bits

D&L Trails and Conservation Assistant

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has an exciting opportunity for someone to gain experience in the field of trails and conservation, work at one of the first National Heritage Areas in the country and help connect the 165+ mile D&L Trail through the 5-county corridors.

The Trails & Conservation (T&C) Assistant is a part-time entry level position supporting the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor’s Trails & Conservation Department. The T&C Assistant will provide support to staff and programs in the Trails and Conservation Department, including:

Trail Towns, Trail Patrol, Trail Tenders & Adopt-A-Section volunteer programs

Get Your Tail on the Trail, Lehigh Valley Greenways, Visually Speaking, Trail Construction and Data Driven Sustainability.

The ideal candidate is someone with skills in office administration, a strong willingness to learn, enjoys working outdoors, meeting new people and attending events and trainings.

To apply visit https://delawareandlehigh. org/about/team/dl-tc-assistant

Foundation Looking ForCandidates For Its Board

The Carbon County Community Foundation is seeking candidates for board service who are knowledgeable about the educational, cultural, civic, public and charitable needs of the Carbon County region, and who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and motivation to warrant this responsibility.

Board members are selected from a candidate pool by the CCCF nominating team as board seats become available over the next 1 to 4 years. Board members are appointed to a 3-year term and are limited

to three consecutive terms of service.

To be included in the potential candidate pool, the foundation asks that you review the board member responsibilities and submit a short letter of interest that states your willingness to serve and highlights any relevant skills, desirable qualities, or areas of expertise you may possess. Include any professional designations or titles.

The work the foundation does now will positively impact the community for generations to come.

Letters of interest can be submitted to: Carbon County Community Foundation, attention Sharon Alexander, president, P.O. Box 243, Lehighton, Pa., 18235. Or email director@cccfoundpa.org or call 610-7302526.

Contact the foundation or any board member if you have questions and would like to further discuss this unique leadership opportunity. (www.tnonline.com)

State of the County Event Returns to Pike County in Poconos

Pike County will once again bring together leaders in business, local government and across the region to highlight successes and challenges facing the area at the State of the County Dinner on November 17, 2022 at the Best Western Inn at Hunt’s Landing in Matamoras.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Pike County Economic Development Authority and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) have worked to plan the evening of networking, business and government updates as well as keynote speaker Jesse Ergott, President & CEO of NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will be held from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and include speakers from each organization including all three Pike County Commissioners. Dinner is included in the $50 price per ticket for the event and sponsorships are still available.

Registration is required at PikeChamber. com. Register here.

The theme of the event is: Inspire. Educate. Collaborate. Each organization and the commissioners intend to update attendees on where the business climate stands and what factors require collaboration to build on Pike County’s success. Ergott’s keynote will take an honest approach to the obstacles the region faces, instilling a sense of the possible and build momentum for what the next steps may require from everyone involved in Pike County’s future

2007, Ergott has focused his efforts on promoting homeownership and quality housing as a key tool for increasing the financial stability of families, helping seniors to age in their homes with dignity, and strengthening the neighborhoods we call home. He has also taken a lead role in the region’s response to foreclosures and their compounding effects on families, communities and local government.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce, Pike County Economic Development Authority and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau are proud to partner with the Pike government to bring this event back to the county. Thanks to event sponsors including the PMVB, Pike County Light & Power, Twin Cedar Senior Living, Belle Reve Senior Living and other sponsors for making the State of the County Dinner possible.

Colossal Radio, Your #1 Internet Radio Station

Colossal Radio was built and designed by Layne “Doc” Roberts in March of 2019 with Small and Regional Businesses in mind. Understanding the needs of our small businesses, it was Doc’s idea to give them a platform to use in a most cost effective way.

Tune in to a totally real radio station for the fun of it or for cool station promotions and giveaways, to our annual events for our Veterans.

Ergott has served in the community development field for close to 20 years. During this time, he has used his community planning background on many different types of initiatives, including environmental & conservation projects, educational programming, historic preservation efforts, and the promotion of tourism in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Since joining NeighborWorks in late

Coming up November 16th it’s the 3rd Annual Give a Gobbler, where Colossal Radio hosts a drive to feed Our Vets for the Holiday Season. In December, tune-in for a Colossal Caring Christmas.

For a complete lineup of our events, shows, personalities, the team, our partners and more check us out online at www.colossalradio.rocks

Download the Free Colossal Radio phone app from your app store and you’ll find Colossal Radio on Alexa. Just say, “Alexa, play Colossal Radio.”

Jesse Ergott

pocono bits

Dimmick Library’s GingerbreadHouse Contest is Back!

November is quickly upon us, which means it’s only a matter of time before the snow starts flurrying, the cocoa comes out, and we start getting ready for the holidays.

And, what’s a holiday season without a gingerbread house? This year, back by popular demand, the Dimmick Memorial Library will be bringing back our Gingerbread House Contest for the first time since 2019.

Locals will be able to create their own gingerbread house at home and then bring it in to be displayed at the library for judging (by the general public, of course!)

The creators of the top three most unique gingerbread houses will win a monetary prize. There’s no theme this year, so let’s let our imaginations run wild!

To enter this contest, be sure to pick up an application at the library, available beginning November 14th. The contest is open to the public and anyone can enter! Gingerbread houses can be dropped off Friday, December 9th, and will stay at the library until pick-up on Monday, December 19th. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!

For further questions and more information, call the Circulation Desk at 570-325-2131.

Albrightsville Author Pens New Poetry Book: A Heart Searchingfor Its Soul

About the Book

A Heart Searching for Its Soul, the fourth book by veteran Carl Fazio, is filled with poignant poetry on themes as varied as love and loss, warmth and war, and determination and death. The thoughtprovoking, inspiring poems will appeal to lovers of poetry and people passionate about humanity and living a life of meaning.

The book is available for purchase through the author or through Amazon.

About the Author

Carl Fazio was a high school dropout. He finished his GED, and he attended the Military Police Training Academy in Fort Gordon, Georgia.

After taking college courses on the Army base in France, through the University of Maryland, he subsequently received a certificate in personnel management from King’s College, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He then graduated from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Academy.

Throughout Fazio’s life, he worked in various heavy industries and jobs, including for a slipper/shoe factory, a trailer manufacturer, a steel manufacturer, and a correctional facility. He also owned a tavern. He worked for years as a supportive physical therapist, which he loved because it gave him the opportunity to help people.

Fazio served on the advisory boards of the Hazleton Chapters of the American

Heart Association and of the Arthritis Foundation. He also served as the Arthritis Foundation Hazleton Chapter board president. He served as well on the board of governors of the Hazleton Art League.

For his local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8225, he was Vice Commander and Commander for several terms. He was named Aide-de-Camp for the national VFW because of their success maintaining 100 percent re-enrollment in their post.

Fazio is also the author of Fallow’s Final Duty, Bits & Pieces of an Ordinary Man’s Life, and Final Duty.

He is a proud American who served his country in the U.S. Army. As a civilian, he was an elected Borough Mayor, and he served three terms - 12 years.

Today, Fazio lives in Albrightsville, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Christine, and their dog, Sasha.

To contact Carl Fazio, reach out to him directly, via his email at chriscarlfazio@ yahoo.com.

Jim Thorpe Applies for $1.1MGrant for Memorial Park

Jim Thorpe has requested a grant of approximately $1.1 million for the third phase of its master site implementation project at Borough Council Memorial Park.

“The bulk of phase three at Memorial Park is going to be our two basketball courts,” Borough manager Maureen Sterner said during a council workshop last month. “Courts are one of the biggest big ticket items on the master site plan and we jumped on it when this funding became available in great abundance.”

In addition to building the courts, lighting will also be included, bringing the actual grant application total to $1,082,000.

Grant applications were due October 27th and borough officials are hopeful for a positive result.

“I know $1 million will go a long way to get the park in good shape,” said council chairman Greg Straubinger. “One of the reasons we did the master site plan was that it would give us the ability to go out and get in after all of this grant money has been paid for so far.”

The borough received a combined $287,000 for Phase 1 of the project from three different sources, including the DCNR and the Department for Community and Economic Development.

Phase 1, for which the borough is expected to begin design work soon, will include new playground equipment for children between the ages of 2 and 5.

The municipality learned last month

that it would receive $171,000 for the second phase of the project, which includes building a walkway; installation of sports equipment, a sensory garden, and utilities for ages 5-12; Americans with Disabilities Act access, landscaping, project signage and other related site improvements.

This month, Book Club will be meeting on November 9th at the Stabin Museum at 2pm. We will be reading Jennifer Egan’s Visit From The Goon Squad. If you’d like to attend and need a copy of the book, please be sure to call the Circulation Desk for more information.

Coaltown Crafters will be meeting at the Dimmick at 6pm on November 10th. We meet the second Thursday of every month to craft together and chat! Come bring your current project and join us!

Our November Board Meeting will take place on November 14th from 5:00-7:30 at the Borough Conference Room.

Reader’s Circle will be November 17th at 6pm. This fun program allows adults to connect by sharing their favorite books (or the book you’re currently reading) and talk about it! New members are always welcomed, so be sure to stop by.

We also will be having a new D&D program starting November 2nd. On Wednesdays through November,

That money also came courtesy of a state DCNR entertainment grant and will go toward an estimated Phase 2 cost of $333,760.

(www.tnonline.com)

from 5-7 PM we will be having a mini-campaign led by our local Dungeon Master, Devin Vazquez. Sign ups are limited to 10 players, so please be sure to call the Circulation desk or visit us in person if you’d like to reserve your slot.

Storytime: Storytime is every Tuesday at 10AM Children under 5 (and siblings, too!) are encouraged to join Miss Brenda for a themed reading and a craft. This month’s themes are as follows:

November 1st: Down On The Farm

November 8th: Acorns

November 15th: Harvest

November 22nd: Thanksgiving November 29th: Grandparents

We will also be having several events for teens this month. Mindfulness for Teens is a program that targets both tweens and teens and encourages kindness and peace of mind through crafting. This month’s dates and themes are as follows:

November 4th: Wave Bottles & Bookmarks

November 11th: Make Your Own Calico Corn

November 18th: Button Art

December 2nd: Book Art

materials, and hand-crafted and upcycled items. Gaudreau works with local crafters and made-in-USA products and clothes as much as possible.

The store offers organic cotton clothes, bamboo towels, and products made of modal - a fabric made from beech trees. The fresh smell of hand-made soaps greets the visitors at the door. Candles and personal care items made from beeswax and honey stress the importance of natural products in Gaudreau’s inventory.

Handbags created with patches of leather left from saddle production or scraps of tent fabric are examples of upcycling practices. “I try to keep it as sustainable as possible,” Gaudreau says. “My mission is to sell sustainable goods for low-impact living.”

Naturally Yours opened 15 years ago at a location just down the street from the current one, in a smaller space. Gaudreau remembers having trouble finding organic cotton clothes suppliers and then selling out most of her inventory in two weeks

upon opening. That’s when she knew opening the store on Broadway in Jim Thorpe was the right choice. Since then, she has expanded her business, hiring two employees and adding to her growing list of suppliers.

In addition to its eco-conscious ideals, Naturally Yours is a solid member of Jim Thrope’s community. “We’ve been part of the neighborhood for a long time,” Gaudreau says. “I love hearing customer stories and happy moments.” She recalls grandmothers purchasing baby sweaters and finger poppets for their grandbabies and how good it feels to be such a personable business.

Naturally Yours Boutique is located at 81 Broadway in Jim Thorpe. The store hours are Sun. - Thurs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April to Dec. During the winter months, the store is generally open 10 a.m to 7 p.m. on the weekends, 10 am to 5 pm Sun.Thurs., with occasional closures on Tues. or Wed., depending on the weather.

premium ad placement for the entirety of Lights at the Lake season. To learn more, please visit LightsAtTheLake.com or email Sawyer Allen at sawyer@raisingthehouse.org.

About Raising the House

Raising the House is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, founded in 2013 to honor the legacy of Blaine House, a beloved teacher at Towamensing Elementary. Raising the House provides students and their families within the Palmerton community with a variety of services, including food assistance, scholarships, and educational initiatives.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much do Tickets cost?

Tickets for Lights at the Lake are $25 per Car, Truck, or SUV. Unfortunately, commercial vehicles of any kind are not permitted to enter the display.

Where is Lights at the Lake located?

Lights at the Lake takes place at Mauch Chunk Lake Park in beautiful Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.

Mauch Chunk Lake Park

625 Lentz Trail in Jim Thorpe, PA

Should I buy tickets online?

Yes! Buying your tickets online ensures an easy and fast entry into the light show. You will have the opportunity to select what time you’d like to arrive during checkout.

Timed arrivals are used to speed up the queue process and make your experience more enjoyable!

How long is the path?

The driving path is approximately 1 mile with lights and displays featured throughout the entire length.

Can I walk the path instead of driving?

No! Guests may not exit their vehicle for any reason after leaving the ticket booth. Once admitted into the light show, you must remain in your vehicle and continue along the marked path to the exit.

Are there bathrooms on site?

Yes! There are porta-potties available for all guests at the top of the overflow parking lot near the ticket booth. Immediately after leaving the ticket booth, families may make a quick stop in the overflow lot to use the restroom.

This is the only time guests are permitted to exit their vehicles.

Where do donations and profits go?

Since Lights at the Lake is an event presented by Raising the House (RTH), a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit, all of the proceeds go towards supporting the mission of RTH. The money raised from this event will help to further expand Raising the House’s impact on students and their

families within the Palmerton Area School District and beyond. Click here to learn more about Raising the House’s mission and programs.

Volunteers for Lights at the Lake are also able to earn a donation towards their Carbon County based non-profit just by volunteering their time to help make this event a success. If you represent an organization that would like to get involved, you may reach out to our volunteer coordinator at contact@ lightsatthelake.com.

How do I become a sponsor?

Looking to have your business stand out and make a lasting impression on potential customers from all over Carbon County and beyond? Contact Sawyer at sawyer@ lightsatthelake.com for more information!

How do I get my digital ticket?

After completing your purchase, you will be taken to a purchase confirmation screen. On this page, you may select to email a digital ticket or print a hard copy. You will also be able to access these options later from your order confirmation email. If you have any issues accessing or printing your tickets, please reach out to us at: contact@ lightsatthelake.com.

What is an arrival time?

When you purchase your ticket, you will be prompted to select an Arrival Time. This is a 15 minute window when you are to arrive at the event. You must be in line at the Mauch Chunk Lake Park at your designated arrival time. Guests arriving past their designated arrival time may be required to enter the overflow lot until an opportunity to enter the light display appears.

For Example: If purchased a ticket to Lights at the Lake for Friday, December 3rd with an arrival time of 7:45pm. you must arrive at Mauch Chunk Lake Park between 7:45 and 8 pm to enter the light show.

What do I need to bring to Lights at the Lake?

Lights at the Lake is a drive through holiday experience, each guest will have a personalized experience.

In general, guests should:

• Have a full tank of gas.

• Be prepared to wait in line to enter the park.

• Use the restroom before arriving.

• Maintain a constant speed throughout the display.

• Avoid following too closely behind those in front of you.

What Radio Station should I tune into?

Lights at the Lake uses Radio music to enhance the experience of the beautiful lights display!

Guests should tune into 103.9 FM at the entrance to the lights display!

taste

Baby Boomers Cafe: A New (Booming) Restaurant in Albrightsville

By Natalya Bucuy The Current Contributing Writer

“ His food is amazing!” a passerby in the parking lot yells as I walk through the door into Joe Marino’s Baby Boomers Cafe in Albrightsville. And so I know I am in for a treat.

Inside, seven tables, retro decor, and an electric fireplace all come together to create a cozy setting. “Chef Joe,” as a little chalkboard introduces him to the visitors, sits at one of the tables adorned with old-timey newspaper ads-themed vinyl tablecloth and salt-and-paper shakers.

He’s in his kitchen attire, black polo shirt and white apron, ready for the busy day ahead. We take a break from our conversation over coffee so he can answer

from the city’s hustle and bustle, he’d been feeling a bit of cabin fever in his quiet new surroundings. And so, he turned to his trusted old friend - the restaurant kitchen.

“I have a passion for cooking,” he says. “I like the immediate satisfaction when everyone likes the food. I figured I’d give this area something a little different foodwise.”

Baby Boomers Cafe - a nod to the owner’s generation - specializes in Northern Italian and French cuisine. The menu features a wide variety of soups, appetizers, pastas, steaks, seafood dishes, and homemade desserts. Marino is the sole chef in the house. He makes every single dish to order and ensures that its taste, garnish, and presentation are up to his very high standards.

His small business is as small as it gets. He runs the restaurant with minimal payroll, having only one waiter and a dishwasher on staff. “I love working for Joe,” says Marisol Berdecia, the dishwasher. “It’s like a family, very friendly and personal. And his food is addicting,” she adds as she tries some coconut shrimp fresh from the kitchen.

Marino does all his shopping himself in order to find the best quality ingredients at the lowest prices. “I try to keep my costs down for the customers,” he says. Even though the restaurant doesn’t open until 4 p.m., his days start at 7 a.m., when he heads out to do the shopping at various restaurant outlets and stores. He’s in the kitchen by 9 a.m., starting prep for the day.

The restaurant is closed Sun. through Tues., but Marino does not give himself a day off. When he’s not cooking for guests, he’s cleaning the space, doing inventory, and baking deserts in large quantities for the week.

makes with Capocollo instead of ham, an Italian spin on an American classic. The aforementioned coconut shrimp, fried to a crispy perfection, does not disappoint. Neither does the main course, Marino’s hand-rolled gnocchi in sweet and tangy tomato sauce and soft, yet with a crunchy bite, shrimp.

I couldn’t leave without trying the mandatory Tiramisu. Its light filling with just the precise placement of ladyfingers and the coating of chocolate on top is the only way to finish this meal. Unless, of course, one goes for one of the other delightful dessert concoctions in the display case at the front of the restaurant, of which there are plenty.

the phone and take down a to-go order. Then, he heads to the kitchen to prepare the dishes for the order and some for me.

Five months ago, Marino, who has 40 years of experience in the business and 13 restaurants under his belt, decided to take on one more venture. Marino, 67, and his wife moved to the area from New York in 2021 to retire and be closer to family. Away

“Presentation means a lot to me,” he says. “I feel that today’s food out there lacks presentation and quality. I do it a little bit differently. I take my time. I taste every dish before it goes out to the guest’s table. People don’t mind waiting for quality.”

Marino takes pride in creating unique and delicious meals for his guests. He also makes a point to keep his prices affordable.

In addition to sit-down and to-go service, Baby Boomers Cafe offers grab-and-go dishes, meals customers can reheat or finish cooking at home. These include delicious soups, crispy Chicken Parm - Marino’s personal go-to meal - and lasagna rolls, among others. The portions are affordable and generous, a fact Marino values greatly.

As for me, I get to try the richest and most flavorful split pea soup, which Marino

Marino opened the Baby Boomers Cafe to share his passion for high-quality and unique food with his new community. “I like the people here,” he says. “They are all so nice and friendly. Everyone knows each other.” And so he continues to follow his heart and prepare not just food but artful creations made with love. Addicting, indeed.

Baby Boomers Cafe is located at 2681 State Rt 903 and is open Tues. - Sat., 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservation recommended on Thurs.-Sat., Grab-and-Go available 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., to-go orders welcome before 5 pm. For more information visit, babyboomerscafeonline.com. For reservations, call 570-215-8858.

Baby Boomers Cafe owner Joe “Chef Joe” Marino

taste

The Victorian Kitchen, At Thanksgiving Time!

By Aillinn Brennan The Current Contributing Writer

Queen Victoria’s reign, from 1837 to 1901, marks the Victorian Era. The architecture of this period, “Victorians,” are abundant in Jim Thorpe! Wander our little streets and discover their varied styles for yourself.

Directly across from the Mauch Chunk Opera House, one of the earliest Vaudeville theaters in America, stands the gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian, The Dolon House B&B. Discover a Gothic Revival Victorian with a visit to the Harry Packer Mansion. On your way up the hill, you cannot miss the stunning Italianate Victorian, the Asa Packer Mansion.

Thanksgiving is upon us! What would the kitchens in those mansions be like at Thanksgiving time?

The Heart of the Home

The kitchens of these mansions would have been amply outfitted utilitarian spaces featuring a long wooden worktable. The preferred wood, pine, was unfussy and easily scrubbed down with sand, soda and water. All surfaces in the kitchen would be sparkling clean, clean, clean!

A large cupboard, open at the top with doors and drawers below is where cooking implements would be stored. Tools for pitting, chopping, peeling, slicing, and dicing would be readily on hand. And just above the cooks head dangling would be gleaming cooper moulds and cast iron pots and pan.

A substantial stove would be present and outfitted with roasting racks, spits, stovetop and oven. The heat source could be wood, but most likely in our famously coal dense region, coal. Getting water from a pump and well was the way to do it before plumbing came along toward the end of the era. When plumbing was your happy new thing, it was the bathrooms that were outfitted first.

If you did have the new-fangled plumbing and were really setup, you had water filling receptacles attached to the stove. We all want that even now-a-days! AND the Victorian kitchen would be used for making medicines and other homeopathic fixes. It’s where you get stitches or even surgery…. on that pine table! And candle making too. The heart of the home.

At Thanksgiving Time…

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. His intention for this new national holiday was to “give thanks” and “heal the wounds of the nation.”

The Victorian traditions of Thanksgiving are mostly our traditions

today. They started decorating their homes with pumpkins, turkeys and harvest stuff. The “kid’s table” came to be from this time, cheerfully set with colorful decorations and games. And for the big dinner, they enjoyed all of the favorites of today; turkey, sweet potato, stuffing and gravy!

However, some their favorites have fallen out of fashion. Mincemeat pies, there is no meat. Try, mixed dried fruits, beef suet, and spices baked in a pastry. Oh, and boiled onions too. Yum??

Just spend a few hours of garden digging here in Jim Thorpe and you will discover oyster shells. Scalloped oysters would have been on the table, along with clams. And the very British with hardly any plumb in it “at-tauwl,” was made from mostly mixed dried fruits and prunes.

Plumb Pudding was carefully, gently, steamed in one of those beautiful copper molds for many, many, many hours and would be served among all the Victorian mansion finery, flambé with a crème fraiche. Happy Thanksgiving!

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

5 Healthy Tips for a Guilt Free Holiday

By Ariel Mann Special to The Current

During the holidays, we often choose between the two extremes - starve and miss out on everything or overindulge and eat everything in sight without a plan. This Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be so black or white. Let’s go into this holiday season with gratitude and love for ourselves! Here are five healthy tips for enjoying the holidays without the after-guilt.

1. Stop starving yourself. If you begin the day by trying to eat as little as possible, cravings and hunger will grow until you can’t take it anymore and end up raiding the pantry after you leave Friendsgiving. Nourishing your body throughout the day will prevent you from hitting the breaking point and eating overeating at night.

2. After the Thanksgiving feast grab your kids, your girlfriends, or your spouse and go for a quick 30-minute walk to boost your metabolism. Not only will it help you digest and get you moving your body, it’s also a great excuse to get away from the table and avoid the inevitable grumbles about politics.

3. Practice this easy and effective Thanksgiving exercise - the plate push. All you have to do is push your plate away from you when you feel full. It’s easy to overindulge. You’re afraid you’ll miss out on something, when everything tastes so darn good. Guess what? There are always leftovers! You will be able to come back for more when you’re ready to eat again!

4. Drink more water. Staying hydrated will help you feel less hungry, and boost your energy and mood. It helps replenish our brains, muscles, and aid in digestion.

5. Give yourself grace. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful and thankful for what we have. You are allowed to indulge in holiday treats and feasts and still love yourself. It’s all about finding balance, so you are still grateful for yourself at the end of the day.

taste

Sweet Potato: Autumn’s Favorite Orange Torpedo

By Nicolas Servis The Current Contributing Writer

With the warm weather becoming a distant memory, we would like to welcome the cold. Saying hello to our new friend, Fall, what sounds better than a beautiful frost-ripened sweet potato? Most people are unaware, but if we leave our starchy root vegetables in the ground after the frost, the chilly weather will turn the starches into sugars and create a much more sweet, more enjoyable veggie.

I love covering sweet potatoes in marshmallows and baking them as much as the next guy. But such preparation eliminates many of the veggie’s incredible health benefits. Loaded with antioxidants, sweet potatoes can play a vital role in fighting off cancers, heart disease, and aging.

SWEET POTATO BABA GHANOUSH

Ingredients:

2 sweet potatoes, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 tbsp of lemon juice, 2 tbsp of tahini, 1 garlic clove, salt & pepper.

Four Ways to Have a Sustainable Thanksgiving

By Stephen Servis The Current Contributing Writer

Sustainability is an important value. With Thanksgiving around the corner, it is time to think about ways to enjoy this holiday responsibly. And so, as my brother Nic and I inherit family traditions from some of our older relatives, we have been thinking about some easy changes that can help us make our Thanksgiving sustainable.

1. Substitute Chicken or Duck for the Turkey! One of the major things we do with our family is that we gravitate toward chickens and ducks instead of roasting a whole turkey. We frequent Bolton’s Poultry Farm and source from Keiser Pheasantry to get these birds.

Method:

On a medium-high grill or in an oven, grill or bake the sweet potato until the skin is charred and the flesh is fork-tender. Allow potatoes to cool. Halve the potatoes and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add all of the remaining ingredients into the processor and buzz until desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to your desired liking.

Uses:

They are rich in beta-carotene, the antioxidant that gives orange vegetables their bright color. Our bodies turn it into vitamin A and use it to produce lightdetecting receptors in our eyes, increasing the overall strength of our eyesight.

So, here is a healthy recipe for this vibrant orange torpedo, perfect for your Thanksgiving table.

Serve as a spread on top of any Nord Sourdough Breads seasonal flavors, sprinkled with a little sumac or za’atar spice, and smile in enjoyment!

As November approaches, some farms ramp up their turkey production in preparation for the holiday. For us, eating an animal that is pumped out for a specific social celebration just doesn’t sit right. And so we go for the birds raised regardless of what the calendar says.

2. Buy LOCAL Another major thing we are passionate about is, of course, our call for local, local, local! We can’t stress that enough. We recommend serving sides with vegetables from local establishments and sourcing protein from local animal farms. Buy local jams and get pies from a local bakery.

Learn a new skill and take on cooking more dishes from scratch. Better nutrition, a sense of fulfillment, and feeling great about helping out your neighboring farmers are guaranteed. Isn’t that what Thanksgiving is about, anyway?

3. Use Compostable or Regular Flatware If your family is more into disposable products to make clean-up easier, we recommend going with compostable flatware and silverware. We use fallen palm

leaf plates and bowls when we do bigger events and all compostable silverware. The Webstaurant store online (webstaurantstore. com) has great options and varieties.

Alternatively, use zero disposable products and serve everything on china or regular plateware. Make clean-up more of a bonding activity with the family, and work together to make a smaller environmental footprint.

I have fond childhood memories of cleaning up and doing dishes as a family. It brought us together and made us grateful to have each other. Then, we were even more grateful when we sat down again in a clean kitchen to enjoy the after-dinner coffee.

4. Bring Your Own Tupperware This is a trend that’s been picking up with environmentalist restaurant goers around the country. Instead of packing that delicious meal in a single-use styrofoam or plastic containers (might not be recyclable after use in Carbon County) just bring Tupperware from home. This idea works great for Thanksgiving dinner as well. Let’s indulge on those left-overs guilt free (at least when it comes to our environmental impact) !

We can all be doing a little bit better to leave a more bountiful planet for the next generations. Why not start with some simple sustainable practices during the holiday season?

HYGGE: A Way of Tranquil Living living

Pants or Not to Wear Pants The Art of Working Remote

By David Ramoy Special to The Current

Since the Pandemic working from home has become a household term. The recent American Opportunity Survey determined out of 25,000 respondents, 58 percent have had the opportunity to work from home at least one day per week, and an astounding 35 percent have had the option to work from home five days per week.

I fall into the 35 percent category, and if you asked me two years ago if I thought I could be efficient at my job, or more importantly stay sane performing it from home, I’d say you were crazy. I’ve been going into an office my entire career. Yet here I am over two years later, working home full time, performing at a high level, and I’ll be the first to admit it, I don’t want to go back.

Working remotely forced me to reevaluate what was effective in this new environment and what wasn’t. After much trial and error, I’ve compiled a list of tips that have done wonders for me in this new chapter in my life. Remote work isn’t for everyone. You may find yourself having too long of a conversation with your mailman time to time for some human interaction, but if done correctly you can have your cake and eat it too.

1.) Put your Pants on. You’re still going into an office. The biggest lesson I learned while working from home is to make my transition from personal time to work mode as authentic as going into the office. My routine is as such. I shower each morning, put on jeans or comfortable joggers, collared polo, and keep facial hair groomed for Zoom.

2.) Manage Time Wisely. I arrive on time to my desk each morning, preferably before 9 am, to get caught up on emails and write my to-do list for the day. As monotonous and routine as this may sound to those still going into an office, to my remote people of the world, they know how essential habits can fall by the wayside.

3.) It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere . At the end of the day, after you send your last email and have your final call, you get to transition to Mom, Dad, Husband, Wife, etc. I highly encourage you to take a minute to transition from work clothes and slip into something more comfortable. I find the act of transitioning from work clothes to civilian clothes almost as impactful as leaving the office and coming home, except you get less traffic (depending on how many kids you have).

4.) Clear off your desk . Take your time after each workday to organize your paperwork/notes, clear off any coffee cups or dishes, and if you really want to step it up, spray and wipe it all down! A clean desk makes a huge difference when you start your day with everything organized in the morning. When my desk is clear and clean, I mentally associate it with work, and I’m less likely to throw my clothes on the chair and treat it like another piece of furniture.

5.) Set Boundaries . Not all households are created equal for the working-athome experience. If you have a hightraffic home with kids or roommates and no room to spare, distractions can come at you in droves. My advice, have an honest conversation with the people in your life. Whether they’re 3 or 30, setting boundaries is paramount to having a successful remote career.

6.) Me, Myself, and I . This one is a doozy. At some point, you will realize there is nobody in person to talk to, no updates from co-workers’ weekend at the water cooler, or hey, let’s grab a happy hour after work. When that moment happens, and you realize that you’re all alone, you either embrace working remotely or you may hate it. In my case, I love it! It’s not that I don’t love people; I’m definitely not an introvert. My solution was to double down on my family time and prioritize after-work socializing.

By Julie Druzak Special to The Current

Have you ever snuggled up with a blanket on a cold rainy day? Curled up on your couch as candles illuminate a warm glow? Felt totally relaxed and comfortable as you listen to the rain? If you’ve felt this before, you might have experienced Hygge.

Originating from Norway and adopted by the Danish, Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a popular lifestyle in Nordic countries. Dating back to the early 1800s, Hygee derives from a Nordic word meaning “wellbeing” and encompasses living in a way that exemplifies courage, comfort, and joy.

Hygge lies in the practice of spending time with the ones you love. The tradition is about connection, love, gratitude, and what makes people feel content and happy.

Hygge practice embraces the practice of starting each day with a grateful and humble mindset. The desire to serve others is another important part of the tradition. This quote embodies this lifestyle and mindset:

“The True Meaning of Life: We are visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years at the very most. During this period, we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives. If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.” H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama.

The Hygge lifestyle takes us away from the restless drive to acquire more things, which leads to stress and a decline in health.

In the Nordic culture, Hygge is practiced all year round, not just in the winter months or indoors. And here in Carbon County, one can partake in it any time. In the spring and summer, picnicking, barbecuing, or enjoying a nice walk or bike ride around Mauch Chunk Lake provides attributes of well-being. But there’s something extra special about adding comfort and coziness in the cooler months in fall and winter.

Curling up to a fire with some hot cider, a good book in a room full of lit candles is a great option. Even though it may be experienced alone, a very essential part of

Personally, I have embraced Hygge lifestyle as much as I could. Six months before the COVID-19 shutdown began, I moved into my new apartment. I wanted a new space to reflect comfort and warmth, much like the Danish style of Hygee. I surrounded myself with neutral, light, natural, and airy decor, all of which have given me so much comfort these last few years. My home environment has helped promote a relaxing atmosphere where I can indeed be present.

Here are some ways to Hyyge:

• Play relaxing music

• Cozy up with a cup of tea under a soft blanket

• Read a good book

• Relish in quiet company or tranquil solitude

• Light a seasonal candle or a fire

• Make some favorite slow cooked comfort meals

Extension (Interstate 476) and Route 209, St. Luke’s Carbon Campus is a 160,000-square-foot hospital with three stories and capacity for 80 private rooms. It also has 24-hour critical care with 12 ICU beds, state-of-the-art operating rooms, and the most advanced radiology and diagnostic technology available to the region.

RockToberfest Donations

The Lehighton Downtown Partnership is proud to donate funds to both Blended Bakery and their Beards for Breasts campaign and Perfect Balance Boutique to help someone who cannot afford product.

Through the community’s support and the LDP’s efforts a total of $700 was raised at RockToberfest through donation buckets, the candy wheel, dime pitch, pumpkin painting and scarecrow building. The amount was split between the two businesses to support their causes.

everyone has insurance, and not all products are covered by insurance.

We are so happy we could donate to both very important causes.

The Carbon County Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine for Younger Children at LVHN

St. Luke’s Carbon Campus Expands Emergency Dept. ToMeet High Demand for Services

St. Luke’s University Health Network’s Carbon Campus has completed an expansion that has added more beds to its Emergency Department (ED) to meet the high demand for quality emergency services from area residents. The largest acute-care hospital in Carbon County now has a total of 30 rooms in its ED.

“The residents in this region can be confident that St. Luke’s Carbon Campus has the capacity and resources necessary to provide the highest level of emergency care close to home,” says Joseph Pinto, Chief Operating Officer at St. Luke’s Carbon Campus. “We are here for you when you need us most and when seconds matter.”

Opened in November 2021, St. Luke’s Carbon Campus offers 24/7 critical care, chest pain and stroke center accreditation as well as general surgery center of

excellence. These benefits and services provide nationally recognized health care for residents of Carbon County.

Construction of the additional rooms began in January 2022. The new ED offers the same nationally ranked quality of care for which St. Luke’s is known.

Among the features of the state-of-theart St. Luke’s Carbon Campus ED, each room has:

• Its own walls and doors, allowing for privacy;

• Cardiac monitors;

• A bed that can weigh patients for calculating prescription dosages; and

• A television to help patients pass the time while waiting for test results and treatment.

The expansion also has created new jobs for nursing and ancillary staff within the ED.

Located just off the Mahoning Valley interchange of the PA Turnpike Northeast

Beards for Breasts raise funds that stay in our area for those affected by breast cancer through the Cancer Support Community of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Christi and Brandy from Blended Bakery along with Meghan a friend of Christi’s agreed to shave their heads if they could raise $10,000.

Perfect Balance Boutique is a unique boutique offering services and product to those suffering from effects of cancer. Not

Appointments for recently authorized bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech booster shots for younger children at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) COVID-19 vaccination clinics can now be scheduled.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent booster for children as young as 5, to be given at least two months following completion of a primary series or prior booster. The federal agencies also authorized the Moderna bivalent COVID-19 booster for children as young as 6, though the Moderna bivalent booster is not provided for those under 18 at LVHN’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Those previously infected with COVID-19 may choose to wait up to three months before getting a bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine, but at a minimum should be symptom-free and 10 days out from a positive COVID-19 test. A new study published in November 2021 indicates that a longer interval following infection improved immune response to vaccination.

When it comes to your child, you only want the best for them. From simple to complex cardiac issues, turn to the team you TRUST.

St. Luke’s team of pediatric cardiologists diagnose, treat and manage common conditions such as chest pain, syncope and murmurs to complex conditions including fetal heart disease, heart failure and congenital, genetic, metabolic, oncologic, neuromuscular and inflammatory heart muscle disorders.

The St. Luke’s team is skilled in the latest techniques and technology to care for infants, children and adolescents.

Our pediatric cardiologists work closely with your child’s pediatrician, sports medicine providers, imaging technologists and other pediatric or prenatal specialists. Our collaborative approach enables us to create comprehensive and customized management plans based on your child’s specific needs, condition and age, from infants to teens... all right here at St. Luke’s.

The heart care you trust for kids. Now more than ever.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

PENN’S PEAK

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE LATE FOR THE SKY (THE MUSIC OF JACKSON BROWNE)

“Late For The Sky – Jackson Browne Tribute with Jake Thistle” pays tribute to one of the 20th century’s greatest folk/country/rock songwriters whose legacy is cemented in both the deep emotions his songs have stirred for fifty years and his unwavering determination and activism in trying to make the world a better place.

THE FRONTMEN WITH SPECIAL GUEST BLACKHAWK

THE FRONTMEN – comprised of 3 former lead singers, Larry Stewart (Restless Heart), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Tim Rushlow (Little Texas) – is country music’s hottest new supergroup. The men have already mastered the stage, succeeded on radio and nightly take sold-out audiences on a rollercoaster of 90’s nostalgic smash hits then transcend their past hit parade with fresh new & original songs that are unmistakably THE FRONTMEN today!

Tickets $37- $43

Doors Open 6:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $26

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

to play! Their music is timeless, and touring is part of their DNA. Foghat’s live show is as intense as ever with the incredible energy and musicianship that one would expect and hope for from a seasoned band with such a long musical history and they are bringing their fans along for the ride. These guys just love to play! Tickets $32- $37 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

Neal McCoy has released fifteen studio albums. In 1993, Neal McCoy broke through with the back-to-back number 1 singles No Doubt About It and Wink from his platinumcertified album No Doubt About It. His commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits. A seventh Top Ten hit, Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, came in 2005 from his selfreleased That’s Life. Tickets $25 - $30

Doors Open 6:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

Friday • November 4

The Victors: Fiddle Dreams

An energetic fusion of Celtic roots, bluegrass

6:00-8:30pm Tickets

Saturday • November 12

Russ and Clark “Unplugged”

A Tribute to 90s Acoustic Grunge

Russ Mehnert and Chuck play an acoustic homage to 90s grunge music in this unique in-the-round setting that emulates the original UNplugged series stage.

7:00pm Tickets $10

Friday, November 25

Erin McClelland

The accomplished and ubiquitous NEPA guitarist Erin McClelland makes his debut at Vic’s Jazz Loft performing in a quartet with Tony Marino (bass), Daniel Gonzalez (drums) and Spencer Reed (guitar)

7:00 - 10:00pm Tickets $15

Friday, December 2

Krampus Ball:

The Alternative Christmas Gala

A party unlike any other, featuring:

• Passed Hors D’oeuvres

• Delicious Food & Dessert Stations,

• 8-piece Oompah band, The Schutzengiggles,

• Multiple areas to mix & mingle, inside and out

• Costume Contests with Prizes

• Themed cocktails

Tickets $75

www.vicsjazzloft.com/event-details/ krampus-ball-christmas-gala

ANGEL

Employing a dazzling mix of glam rock, hard rock, and progressive rock, Angel’s outrageous, white-satin-heavy image and equally over-the-top stage shows, made them one of the more colorful arena rock bands of the mid-’70s and early ‘80s. Discovered by Kiss bass player Gene Simmons, the group issued their eponymous debut album in 1975, which hewed closer to prog rock than the glam pop that would inform future endeavors like On Earth as It Is in Heaven (1977) and Sinful (1979). The group went their separate ways in 1981, but re-formed in the late ‘90s with a new lineup, and released two studio albums (1999’s In the Beginning and 2019’s Risen) and numerous compilations.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $39

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

TOP OF THE WORLD - MUSIC OF THE CARPENTERS

Tribute to The Carpenters! Fronted by singer Debbie Taylor, her Karen Carpenter vocal resemblance is absolutely astonishing. She is backed by a seven-piece band consisting of top-notch, professional industry musicians who have had amazing careers in their own right. The band members are all multi-instrumentalists and at times use 3 keyboards to recreate the incredibly complex arrangements created by Richard Carpenter. The attention to detail paired with saxophone, trumpet, flute and many more instruments complete every song to perfection!

Showtime 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $45

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 PENN’S PEAK THE MAVERICKS:

Countless musicians of far lesser accomplishment have probably made similar statements regarding their own personal creative process, but when the confession comes from John Waite – who has been successfully writing, recording and performing some of the most listenable, enduring and appreciated popular music for more than 35 years – one cannot help but both recognize and marvel at the shimmering legacy of this British born rock star.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $39-$45

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

THE LAST WALTZ CELEBRATION

The THE BAND Band’s spectacular Last Waltz Celebration revisits that magical Thanksgiving evening that has earned a high place in the annals of rock and roll history. Reminiscent of The Band at The Last Waltz, The THE BAND Band becomes the

EVENT SCHEDULE

NOVEMBER ART SHOW

Photography by Kristin Maag

‘EN ESPANOL’ WORLD TOUR

Through the years, it would not be unusual to look out in the audience and see artists like Carlos Santana, Eric Johnson, B. B. King, and Eric Clapton, looking on with interest as Eric took his guitar and worked crowd after crowd into a frenzy. The new millennium presented fresh opportunities for Eric. He was signed to a deal with Nightbird Records which was affiliated with the Hendrix family and distributed through MCA/Universal. Under this deal, Eric recorded the critically acclaimed record “That’s What I Am” in 2001 and hit the road, mesmerizing fans around the world with his uncanny connection to his guitar.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $34-$39

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

PENN’S PEAK FOGHAT WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAT TRAVERS BAND

Foghat celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, and their live performances show why the band is still around and why they will be able to keep on rockin’ as long as they want

The Mavericks, the eclectic rock and country group known for crisscrossing musical boundaries with abandon, has gone through three distinct phases since it was founded in Miami in 1989. An initial period of heady success marked by big hits and critical acclaim in the ‘90s. A long hiatus starting 2003 when the musicians each went their own way. And finally, a triumphant reunion in 2012 which held long enough for them to recently celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary.

Tickets $32 - $37

Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

PENN’S PEAK NEAL MCCOY WITH SOUTH PENN DIXIE

Kristin Maag’s photographs are on display and for sale at 76 Broadway, Jim Thorpe for the month of November. Join us Friday, November 4, 6-8:00pm as we host the artist and celebrate her work in person. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Drinks and additional food will be available for purchase.

WILD ELDER OPEN MIC

Friday, November 11 6:30 - 9:30pm

Come on out to Wild Elder Tasting Room & Eatery to either share songs you’ve written, or show us your take on something else! All creatives welcome - poets, comics, musicians, we’d love to see what you create. Hosted by Peaches & Wine.

www.wildelder.com 76 Broadway in Jim Thorpe (570) 732-9933

ERIC GALES

JOHN WAITE

music • entertainment

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

PENN’S PEAK WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS: THE RETURN OF EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER

Sole surviving member Carl Palmer, in association with the Estates of his bandmates Keith Emerson & Greg Lake, has announced the much anticipated WELCOME BACK MY FRIENDS- THE RETURN OF EMERSON LAKE & PALMER Tour. Launching on Friday November 18th., 2022 at the 2300 ARENA in Philadelphia, PA, the tour will actually reunite ELP LIVE ON STAGE through modern technology. After exploring the idea of a Hologram tour in detail, Palmer with the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake opted for what they felt was a more honest approach using live footage of Keith and Greg on massive video walls alongside Carl (and his band) playing LIVE on stage in each theater. The voice and instrumentation of Greg Lake and the unmistakable keyboard mastery of Keith Emerson will be mixed with Palmer’s onstage live drumming to magically reunited ELP once again. Emerson and Lake passed away nine months apart in 2016, leaving Palmer to carry on the band’s enormous musical legacy. Tickets $27 - $32

Doors Open 6:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE HARVEST JAM

Come celebrate the bounty of the harvest with a heavenly dinner from the 14 Acre Farm and an evening of music by Free Range Folk.

Doors open 6:30 PM – Showtime 7:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $18

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

PENN’S PEAK

backing band for guest artists representing many of the special guest performances from that night, such as Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” Ronnie Hawkins’ “Who Do You Love,” Van Morrison’s “Caravan,” and more. And in the spirit of the original Last Waltz where promoter Bill Graham served Thanksgiving turkey dinner to the concert audience, prior to showtime come enjoy fabulous free hors d’oeuvre by Jim Thorpe’s own 14-Acre Farm, compliments of the Opera House.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $39

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

PENN’S PEAK

W.A.S.P. WITH ARMORED SAINT

June 6th 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of one of the most infamous, notorious, controversial Heavy Metal Bands in the World…W.A.S.P. Few Bands in the history of Rock N’ Roll have ever incited the love, the hate, the raw emotional effect this Band has had on the world. From the very beginning, in the small venues of Los Angeles California, and later to the numerous countries worldwide that banned these Winged Assassins from performing live, the Band’s unique style of Shock and Rock caused Religious organizations, Local City Councils, Parliaments, and the Washington D.C. Senate to hold hearings in an effort to bar this group from selling records and trashing stages everywhere they played. Tickets $39 - $44

Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

DARK STAR ORCHESTRA

Performing to critical acclaim for over 20 years and over 3000 shows, Dark Star Orchestra continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience. Their shows are built off the Dead’s extensive catalog and the talent of these seven fine musicians. On any given night, the band will perform a show based on a set list from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. This allows fans both young and old to share in the experience. By recreating set lists from the past, and by developing their own sets of Dead songs, Dark Star Orchestra offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within this musical canon. Tickets $33 - $40

Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

EAGLEMANIA (THE EAGLES TRIBUTE)

If you love The Eagles, then this is the show to see. With an intimate room, phenomenal sound, all seats close, and a great listening and viewing balcony, it all adds up to a great opportunity to experience your own style of Eaglemania! With a passion for perfection, Eaglemania brings the ultimate Eagles experience, scrupulously delivering the harmonies and musicianship of one of the greatest bands of all time.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $35

WED., NOVEMBER 30 & SAT. DECEMBER 3 PENN’S PEAK

takes on traditional classics, to instant classics, Switchfoot’s “this is our Christmas album” has something to brighten anyone’s holiday season. Tickets $35 - $75

Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

Broadway Grille + Underground

RYAN PELTON - AN ELVIS CHRISTMAS SHOW

Ryan Pelton is an international, award winning, Elvis tribute artist, actor, and singer/ songwriter. Ryan kicked off his career in 1998 by competing in an Elvis impersonator contest on a dare from his mother. Against all odds and after having only one week to prepare (and not knowing any of Elvis’s songs), Ryan won the contest. Since then Ryan has sung along Celine Dion and starred in a show at Legends in Concert, Myrtle Beach. Ryan has appeared as Elvis in the movie Hounddog alongside Dakota Fanning and more recently starred in the movie The Identical with Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd and Seth Green. Showtime 1:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 PENN’S PEAK

SWITCHFOOT:

THIS IS OUR CHRISTMAS TOUR Dreaming of a California Christmas? Looking to warm up your holidays with a bit of California sunshine? Switchfoot is here for you with some California surf-rock holiday cheer. Inspired by a West Coast sound ranging from The Beach Boys to Black Flag, Switchfoot’s “this is our Christmas album” brings you the California Christmas album you never knew you needed. An album full of Nostalgia? Sunshine? Maybe even some honest anticonsumerist lyrics about Christmas Muzak at the mall? Yes. Yes and yes. From fresh new

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

OPEN MIC W/ MATT FILER 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4

LIVE MUSIC: NOT JOHN 7:00 PM -10:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6

LIVE MUSIC: BRIAN KIBLER 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

LIVE MUSIC: Q BALL 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

LIVE MUSIC: DUSTIN DOUGLAS 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 OPEN MIC W/ MATT FILER 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

LIVE MUSIC: SHELLSHOCKED CHURCHILLS 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

LIVE MUSIC: JUSTIN SKYLER 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

LIVE MUSIC: MCGEEHAN DUO 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 THANKSGIVING BUFFET 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26

LIVE MUSIC: KEYSTONE GROOVE 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

LIVE MUSIC: MATT FILER 7:00 PM -10:00 PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

LIVE MUSIC: SHELLSHOCKED CHURCHILLS 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

LIVE MUSIC: MATT FILER 7:00 PM -10:00 PM broadwaygrillepub.com (570)

FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25 -26 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

arts

In the Defense of Art

By Yvonne Wright The Current Contributing Writer

Recent events in Europe at the National Gallery in London England, and at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne Australia, has prompted heated international discussion about the ways in which protesting against the dangers of climate change and the global need to move away from fossil fuels (considered vital to our survival), can be addressed without irrational vandalism of valuable cultural artifacts by environmental activists. Such incidences also highlight the cultural importance of art as our collective human heritage, igniting international outcry and uniting art-loving individuals in emotional outbursts (largely on social media) in activists’ condemnation. At the same time, it also brings to question the growing need for better protection and preservation of cultural treasures, and how the costs involved in doing so relate to the environmental and social concerns of the 21st Century.

The October 14th 2022 attack on Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece “Sunflowers” at the National Gallery in London was perpetrated by two young fossil fuel protesters representing the Just Stop Oil group (a coalition of UK activists working together to pressure their Government to commit to halting new fossil fuel licensing and production), by throwing the contents of a can of tomato soup on the painting, and then glueing themselves to the wall beneath the 1889 work, while at the same time live streaming their actions on social media. The protesters explained that they chose to use a can of soup because “it symbolizes the dilemma of Brits who are so strapped because of gas prices they won’t be able to heat up food in the coming winter,” adding that “the cost of living crisis has been driven up by fossil fuels.” Fortunately, the painting (having an estimated value $84.2 million) wasn’t damaged, but three of the people involved were charged.

In 1972, the 33 year old Hungarian-born, Australian geologist Laszlo Toth jumped an altar railing in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and dealt 12 hammer blows to Michelangelo’s marble sculpture “Pieta”, severely damaging the Renaissance masterpiece. It took over two years to complete the restoration efforts, and the sculpture is now displayed behind bulletproof glass.

In 1914, in an act of rage Suffragette Mary Richardson, an art student and journalist, slashed the 17th century painting by Diego Velazquez “Rokeby Venus” five times with a meat cleaver at the National Gallery in London because (as she explained) “the way male visitors gaped at it all day long.”

For centuries, art has played an important part in the social conciseness of nations, narrating and reflecting historic events, religious believes, cultural values, aesthetic trends, philosophical concepts, patriotic sentiments, social belonging, and many other artistically stunning and emotionally charged examples of narratives advocating for human rights and environmental concerns. Naturally, considerable funds are required to protect them from vandalism, theft and the ravages of time. A 2016 survey of American museums indicated that about 30% of their operational budgets comes from selling admission tickets, parking spaces, gift shop merchandise, etc., while the rest depends upon private and corporate donations, endowments and government funding.

Sadly, people attempting to vandalize art seem to believe in the misguided notion that art museums are for the privileged only, and not really ‘useful’ for the working classes. Subsequently, if “old art is just another currency for the super rich” then what the activists are doing is attacking an economic entity rather than a thing of beauty and cultural importance. And yet, many publicly funded art galleries are free, or provide varying free admission options to anyone interested in art. For example, the target of this latest attack, the National Gallery in London (famously located at Trafalgar Square) charges no fee at all to enter it, and is open daily; in the United States, many of Washington DC’s major museums and art galleries do not require tickets and offer free timed-entry passes; the Philadelphia Museum of Art offers Pay What You Wish admission fees on the first Sunday of the month and every Friday night, while visitors 18 years-of-age and under enter free. In addition, there are also discounted general admissions to over 50 museums, gardens, theaters, and cultural sites throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, offered to individuals with disabilities and low-income families.

As designated guardians of cultural heritage, art museums have been identified as the most popular and frequently visited tourist destinations around the world. They are also employers of vast numbers of people in various services and expertise levels. The first major public art collection in Europe was made available in 1793, when the Bourbon residence at the Palais du Louvre became nationalized during the French Revolution. The once-socially-exclusive Grand Galleries were opened to the viewing pleasure of all French citizenry. The Napoleonic wars and mid-19th-century social upheavals turned many European aristocratic residences, with their splendid art collections, into public spaces. Previously restricted cultural assets became tools for social change and education, accessible to all through a democratization process.

The “Sunflowers” incident is just one example in a series of recent protests targeting famous works of art in an effort to draw attention to the role of fossil fuels in climate change. Being of the opinion that protesting through art is the most valuable tool to use, because “an emotive action produces maximum publicity,” it is believed that the activists concentrate on targeting publicly funded art museums rather than vandalize properties belonging to oil companies with an acute awareness of the latter being generally well secured, and with the means to sue them into oblivion.

Just two days before, on October 12th, two Australian climate activists from Extinction Rebellion (another global environmental movement with the aim of “using nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action to avoid tipping points in the climate system, biodiversity loss, and the risk of social and ecological collapse”) were arrested for gluing themselves to the perspex cover of Pablo Picasso’s 1951 painting “Massacre in Korea” at the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. On the floor, at their feet lay a black banner that read “Climate Chaos = War + Famine” in white letters.

In July, three members of the Just Stop Oil group glued themselves to a frame housing a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at the Royal Academy of Art in London, believed to be painted by the Renaissance master’s two pupils, Giampietrino and Giovanni Boltraffio 15 years after the original fresco in Milan was completed. The same month, two members of the Italian climate activist organization Ultima Generazione (Last Generation) glued their hands to the Sandro Botticelli’s painting “Primavera,” the 540-year-old painting at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, but to their credit, “the activists had consulted art restoration experts to make sure no damage was done.”

In May, a 36-year-old man disguised himself as an old woman in a wheelchair and used compassionate advantage to get closer to da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum in Paris in an effort to smear a cake over the painting’s protective glass while shouting “Think of the Earth! There are people who are destroying the Earth!” And, it wasn’t the first time this famously iconic work was attacked. A Bolivian man threw a rock at the painting in 1956, damaging the canvas near the sitter’s left elbow. Since then, the artwork has been protected by thick glass, making it hard to fully appreciate the masterpiece.

During the 1870s and 1880s, in the so-called ‘gilded age’ of North America’s prosperous economy, most major American art institutions were founded (e.g., the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Art in New York City, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, the Art Institute of Chicago, and so on); these initiatives were inspired by a similar unprecedented museum-building-boom taking place in western Europe at the time. The cultural and economic importance of these new art institutions began to define and reflect the American nation as a whole. They became repositories of unique and irreplaceable objects with ‘an auratic’ value “to increase and diffuse knowledge,” bridging and connecting socially diverse communities under the umbrella of mutual interest in art - the benefits of which can only be fully comprehended from our modern perspective.

George Brown Goode, the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in the 1890s, proposed that “future art museums should minister to the mental and moral welfare of the masses, turning them into good citizens by providing education disguised as entertainment.” But it wasn’t until the last decades of the 20th century that fine art begun to position itself firmly in a cultural landscape ruled by the accelerated consumption of images, and an overt emphasis on monetary value rather than aesthetic.

The dangers of climate change and the global imperative to move away from fossil fuels is compelling. In October 2022, the World Wildlife Fund reported that since 1970 we have lost 69% of earth’s wildlife populations. A staggering statistic, and yet, apparently this news didn’t make the headlines in much of the British media, whereas the attack on “Sunflowers” did.

As a result, some people choose to abuse art - they take hammers to it, throw food at it, slash it, or glue themselves to it in an erratic act of defying the symbolic ‘authority’ of art, motivated by desperation and fear for our global future. But there is a great danger in believing that the cause justifies the means, and when individual beliefs rise to a ‘religious’ fervor of medieval iconoclasts… we’ve seen it before, and it didn’t end well.

While it appears that these attacks on art have achieved public attention, it can be questioned whether this attention is helping advance their cause or hindering it through its association with violence against inappropriate targets. Art, is the soul and the pulsing heart of any nation. It gives people a sense of pride that transcends political alliances and social status. With its multi-faceted characteristics, art unites peoples rather than separates them. Its universal appeal inspires, comforts and communicates with us in ways that surpass understanding, indulging our senses and enriching our soul in the process. Great works of art need our protection!

Wright is the owner of STUDIO YNW at 100

in Jim Thorpe. She can be reached

1. Van Gogh Sunflowers, 2. Picasso Massacre in Korea, 3. Da Vinci Mona Lisa, 4. Boltraffio The Last Supper, 5. Botticelli Primavera, 6. Buonarroti Pieta, 7. Velazquez Rokeby Venus

outdoors

CCEEC PERSPECTIVE

SHINRIN-YOKU•Forest Bathing

By Maura Guzek Special to The Current

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going on a forest bathing walk in the woods. Based on a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is play off of the concept of sun bathing….but in this case, instead of soaking in sun rays, the goal is to soak in the stillness, smells, sounds, and lessons offered by being intentionally slow and silent in nature.

FALL SCHEDULE

Art Class with Jean Perry—“Mallard Ducks”

Saturday, November 5, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Being our most common inland duck, mallards reside in our entire region September through April, with migratory ducks arriving for winter from the north and west. Females sport a variation of brown feathers and a light orange beak. The unmistakable male’s head and neck is a glossy green with a white necklace and purplish chest.

Participants will each bring their own duck to life using watercolors or colored pencils on paper.

All materials supplied for a $20 fee. No children, please.

Reptiles

Saturday, November 5, 1:00 p.m.

The perfect chance to make friends with scaly creatures in a controlled setting. Naturalist Jeannie Carl explains what makes a reptile a reptile, and how some remarkable adaptations have made them among the most successful creatures on the planet. CCEEC’s snakes and turtles will be in attendance. This free program is open to all ages, though children under five will not be permitted to touch live reptiles.

Leftovers

Wednesday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.

Spend a post-Thanksgiving evening learning avian anatomy from your dinner leftovers. Chief Naturalist Susan Gallagher leads an exploration into bones and muscles, conducts some fun experiments, and answers that burning question: What’s in a giblet bag?

Participants are encouraged, though not required, to bring their own leftover turkeys. The program is free for children and CCEEC members, with a $5 donation per adult requested of non-members.

Art Class with Jean Perry—“Starry Night”

Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. to Noon

What was Van Gogh thinking when he painted this famous work? After a brief discussion about the colorful and flowing piece, artists will follow up with their own painting skills, guided by instructor. With a power point and step by step presentation, create your masterpiece in acrylics on canvas. All materials supplied for a $20 fee. No children, please.

Holiday Crafts

Wednesday, December 14, 6:00 p.m.

Brighten up the holiday with some hand-crafted items: Candle holders, wreaths, jewelry, gift bags and tree ornament projects will be available for everyone. Holiday music and refreshments will round out the night. There is a $10 fee per adult participant, and pre-registration is a must. All ages are welcome.

Forest bathing is the practice of relearning how to connect with the childlike wonder you once so easily tapped into. It’s goal is noticing, perhaps for the first time, the beauty and intelligence permeating the woods.

As I was being guided through this experience of forest bathing, my teacher took a moment to point out how, if you run your fingers through the dirt and dead leaves on the ground, you will soon discover a white, streaky substance running throughout the forest floor. She explained that this substance is called myecelium, a type of fungus vital in the decomposition of plant matter. She noted how over 90% of plants use myecelium networks to transfer water, nitrogen, carbon and other minerals to one another. Turns out, even plants and fungus need to exist in community in order to survive.

It struck me how nothing in nature lives in isolation, and, that while there is some element of survival of the fittest at play, in its totality, nature is our prefect teacher for what it means to live life in balance. Leaves that once captured sunlight eventually line the forest floor, creating fertile ground for new life to spring up. Fallen trees become hiding places for small animals, comfy homes for moss and lichen to grow, contributing to life, even after death.

All of these lessons had me thinking deeply about the society we are living in now. One perhaps more than ever defined

but suffocating levels of isolation and tribalism. We long for community, but expend so much energy trying to silence those who don’t share our viewpoints. We grow accustomed to light pollution and forget there is a galaxy of stars watching us from above. We fall prey to the busyness of life and lose touch with our very real innate need for stillness, quiet and wonder. The further we fall away from recognizing those needs, the more we distract ourselves with mindless scrolling, endless consumerism, and other forms of self-numbing, and then wonder why our mental health is suffering.

Nature is one of the greatest teachers out there, and it is available to everyone, free of charge.

As the leaves start to turn and the air fills with sweet scents of fall, I encourage you to take some time in stillness in nature. Go for a slow walk with no agenda other than to wonder. You will be amazed at the lessons waiting for you if you’re willing to slow down, be present and look for the lessons all around you.

Maura Guzek is a therapist and life coach focused helping others explore issues self-empowerment, mindfulness and deep fulfillment. Contact Maura at maura.c.guzek@gmail.com for more information on accessing one-on-one support in these areas, or if you would like to learn more about guided forest bathing opportunities.

122 N. SECOND STREET

l 610-377-3226

Old Las Vegas Gala to HonorLocal Professionals

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) will honor businesses and business professionals in Carbon County for their dedication and service to our community on Friday, November 18, 2022 at the annual dinner at Blue Mountain Resort. The Old Las Vegas themed Gala will focus on the great things happening in Carbon County and will feature the presentation of awards to Carbon County businesses, initiatives and individuals who have made a significant difference in our communities.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a Happy Hour, Auction and networking in the Vista Room. The dinner and program will begin at 6:15 p.m. in the Alpine Room, The evening will also feature an overview of the CCEDC’s accomplishments and highlights from the past year. A winners reception and afterparty will begin at 8 pm in the Vista Room, complete with music, dancing and games!

The awards will be presented to: Business of the Year ~ Times News Rookie Business of the Year ~ Within Harmony Tourism & Entertainment Business of the Year ~ Jim Thorpe Trolley Company Volunteer & Community Impact Project of the Year~ Joe Federanich Young Professional of the Year Award ~ Leeann Koch Economic Development Project ~ Lehigh Valley Hospital, Carbon Campus William H. Bayer Lifetime Achievement Award ~ Wayne Nothstein

“As a bottom up organization we look forward to highlighting our outstanding local business leaders and businesses in Carbon County.” said Alice Wanamaker, Executive Director of the CCEDC. “This night celebrates the people and the businesses in this great county.”

The CCEDC’s Gala and Annual Dinner will be an evening to remember. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.carboncountychamber. org. For more information, call 610-3795000. Come out and enjoy an evening

with the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation as we celebrate the businesses, initiatives and individuals of Carbon County.

November Moonlight Market

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development is excited to announce the night market will be held on November 19th in Lansford on Ridge St. between Coal and Tunnel. The hours are 5p.m. –8p.m. Assisting with the planning efforts is Lansford Alive, and Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau.

We are currently accepting applications for holiday vendors.

November’s Market will feature Dani Long Legs and the Eclectic Circus Costume Tent!

The community is invited to come play dress up! There will also be live festive music by vocalist Dina Tulli Davis.

Holiday vendors can contact Marianne Rustad at the CCEDC office.

marianner@carboncountychamber.org 484-943-9669.

Carbon County CommunityFoundation Call for Board Nominations

The Carbon County Community Foundation (CCCF) is seeking candidates for board service who are knowledgeable about the educational, cultural, civic, public, and charitable needs of the Carbon County region, and who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to warrant this honor and responsibility.

Board members are selected from a candidate pool by the CCCF Nominating Team as board seats become available over the next 1 – 4 years. Board members are appointed to a 3-year term and are limited to three consecutive terms of service.

If you wish to be included in the potential candidate pool, we ask that you review our board member responsibilities and submit a short letter of interest that states your willingness to serve and highlights any relevant skills, desirable qualities, or areas of expertise that you may possess. Please include any professional

designations or titles.

The work we do today for the Carbon County Community Foundation will positively impact the community for generations to come. If you are excited about joining us in this work, we look forward to hearing from you.

Letters of Interest can be submitted to: Carbon County Community Foundation Attn: Sharon Alexander, President PO Box 243, Lehighton PA 18235 director@cccfoundpa.org | 610-730-2526

Please contact the Community Foundation or any current board member if you have questions and would like to further discuss this unique leadership opportunity.

Join Us For Lunch To Hear More From Each Of These Nonprofits!

You are invited to the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Luncheon on Thurs., Nov. 10th at 11:30 AM at The Hofford Mill in Weissport.

20/20 Circle Members and guests will hear presentations from the three

nonprofit finalists on the projects they want to complete in the next year using a grant from the 20/20 Circle.

After the presentations, members will vote for the organization and project they’d like to see receive the grant of $3,500!

RSVP Now

**The event is free to attend, but donations to help offset costs are always appreciated.**

If you can’t attend in person, the presentations will stream live on our Facebook page and the full video will be available on our website immediately following the program. 20/20 Circle members will have 24 hours to submit their votes.

Not a 20/20 Circle Member?

That’s ok! You can still attend to learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation, the 20/20 Circle, and our presenting nonprofits. Plus, if you pledge your membership before the end of the day on November 10th, you will be able to submit a vote this year for the nonprofit of your choice.

YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE

biz briefs

PennDOT ‘Innovations Challenge’ Contest Announced

Pennsylvania high school students are invited to participate in the sixth annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problemsolving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, with a $4,000 award for the winner.

For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop ideas to help address the shortage of commercial truck parking along major interstate corridors in Pennsylvania. Trucks parking on highway shoulders and ramps is common during overnight hours but presents a significant safety issue.

The challenge asks students to select one of Pennsylvania’s interstate corridors where truck parking is a known issue and develop an innovative approach to increase commercial truck parking in that area and offset costs incurred for construction. The solution must consider local ordinances and zoning laws, commercial entity interaction in land development, community impact, restroom facilities, and space requirements for commercial trucks.

Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be selected and invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winner. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.gov/innovation and click on Innovations Challenge. The submission deadline is Jan. 27, 2023.

Be Cautious of Slow-MovingVehicles

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to share the road safely with slow-moving vehicles.

The fall months can mean harvest season for certain crops, making it commonplace to see farm equipment and other vehicles on Pennsylvania’s rural routes. Drivers should remain patient and use caution when approaching slow-

moving traffic, which is vehicles traveling at a speed of less than 25 miles per hour such as horse-drawn buggies, construction machinery and farm equipment.

PennDOT advises that drivers should slow down immediately when seeing a slow-moving vehicle to provide a cushion of safety.

Do not pass a slow-moving vehicle if you cannot see clearly in front of you and the vehicle you intend to pass; there are curves or hills in the road ahead; you are in a designated “No Passing Zone”; or you are within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, elevated structure or tunnel.

Also, do not assume that a vehicle operator who pulls the vehicle to the right side of the road is turning right or letting you pass. The operator may be swinging wide to execute a left-hand turn.

Attention Farmers: Participatein 2022 Census of Agriculture

Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

The ag census remains the only source of comprehensive agriculture data for every U.S farm, ranch and person who operates them in every state and county in the nation. It looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures.

The ag census includes even the smallest plots and operations, rural or urban. As long as $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, in the census year, that is considered a farm to be counted.

Census forms will be mailed out to more than 3 million U.S. producers starting in November. Farm operators will have the opportunity to respond online or by filling out the form and returning it via U.S. Mail. The deadline to respond is Feb. 6, 2023.

Applications for Boating FacilityGrants Available

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is seeking applications for its next round of Boating Facility Grants to help communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.

The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. Eligible applicants include townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments, as well as nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies and watershed associations. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.

Funding requests require a 50% match. The deadline for applications is Dec. 30.

Fall Driving Tips

Fall has arrived, and that means motorists should be on the lookout for seasonal hazards.

Wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas particularly difficult. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways.

Other fall hazards for motorists can be fog and sun glare. When driving in fog, motorists should use low-beam headlights since the high-beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. Additionally, headlights will enhance the visibility of your vehicle and are required by law when wipers are in use.

Sun glare can be most problematic during sunrise and sunset, which coincide with morning and evening rush hours. The intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown. Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from their sun visors and keeping the inside of their vehicle’s windshield clean.

Also, morning frost and icy spots on the road can also cause problems as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their vehicles’ windows of frost before travel.

Farm operations of all sizes are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National