Loch News
CELEBRATING 65 YEARS
of family, friends, and FUN
ALWAYS FREE - TAKE ONE
Time flies- 65 years of family, friends, and FUN in the Northern Pocono Mountains
HAWLEY, PA - It’s hard for all of us to believe, but this spring, Woodloch marks its 65th anniversary- time just flies while you’re having fun!
In April of 1958, the Kiesendahl family took a chance on achieving “The American Dream” by purchasing the Lockwood estate after seeing a classified ad in the New York Times. Little did they realize at the time how impactful their venture would be for thousands of families!
Woodloch now stands on over 1,000 acres of Pocono Paradise and welcomes just about 50,000 guests a year. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve simply lost count, it is our goal to make everyone feel as if they are company in our “home!”
Stay tuned for more special events and announcements about this celebration all year long!
Read more about Woodloch’s history in “The American Dream” book!
A CRUMBY RECIPE PG. 4
THE SPORTS SECTION PG. 6
HEY JUDE...Y PG. 7
A NARROW VIEW PG. 8
“SHARING ALL THAT’S GOOD... UP HERE IN THE WOODS”
A Bi-Monthly Periodical Featuring Woodloch, Entertainment & Advice
ICE-COLD
POLAR PLUNGE IS COOLER THAN BEING COOL
HAWLEY, PA - Every March, our staff comes together and plunges into our famous (and incredibly chilly) lake... a great cause!
Since 2014, bold members of our staff have checked boxes off their bucket lists while supporting a good cause... our Crisis Fund’s Polar Plunge! Through obtaining sponsorship donations from family and friends, staff are excused from an afternoon of duty to take “the plunge” into the frigid waters of Lake Teedyuskung. Even though the quick dip might feel like an eternity, it’s paired with laughs aplenty, hot chocolate and a quick escape back into our heated buses.
What started off as just a few of our staff taking on the challenge has grown to dozens of esteemed individuals busting out the swimsuits (and even costumes) and taking “the plunge.” 2023 saw dozens of staff and friends tackle the challenge while raising over $4400 for the Crisis Fund. Our Crisis Fund is 100% employee-managed and takes care of our staff in their most desperate times of need.
Hats off to our very own DJ Luis for being top fundraiser, with over $1400 in donations brought in! Thank you to all of our staff who participated in this year’s event!
BERRY good.
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Lake Life
SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT OUR BELOVED LAKE TEEDYUSKUNG
As vast piles of our snow tube hill slowly melt into nothing but mush, excitement returns to our beach front as we gear up for the next season of fun on our lake!
In no time at all, the shores will be lined with paddleboats, kayaks, sailboats and more, all for our guests’s enjoyment. Here are just a few fun facts that you may not know about our favorite lake:
- Lake Teedyuskung has about 3 miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of about 30 feet.
- It is named after Chief Teedyuskung of the Lenni Lenape tribe, the indigenous peoples of the Northeast.
-The lake is naturally spring-fed and has incredibly clean water. It empties into Little Teedyuskung just outside of The Lodge at
Woodloch, our world-renowned destination spa.
- Over a dozen species of fish call our lake home, with an abundance of sunfish, bass, and catfish.
- Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, otters, deer, bald eagles and even the elusive blue heron!
- Our Tea House dock predates our purchase of the property. It was so lovely, it simply had to stay!
- Woodloch’s most popular wedding ceremony site is at our Inn, with scenic views of the lake in the backdrop.
- For the bold: be sure to try your hand at waterskiing with us this summer- one of our favorite activities since 1958!
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A TASTE OF WOODLOCH THE WORLD-FAMOUS FRENCH CRUMB CAKE
CRUMB INGREDIENTS
1 2/3 cup granulated sugar
4 oz. butter
½ tsp salt
4 tsp. cinnamon powder
DIRECTIONS:
½ c. shortening
½ c. brown sugar
1/3 tsp vanilla
2 ½ c. flour
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
3⁄4 cup milk
CAKE INGREDIENTS
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan and set aside.
First, let’s make the crumb topping.
Measure the butter, salt, granulated sugar, cinnamon, shortening, brown sugar, and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Mix those ingredients together and then add the flour. Mix until the flour is incorporated. Set the crumb topping aside.
Next let’s make the cake part of the crumb cake.
In a mixing bowl, mix together the butter and sugar. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla to the mixture. Scrape the mixing bowl and mix again until the ingredients are combined. Add the flour and baking soda to the mixing bowl and mix until combined. Scrape the mixing bowl and mix again until the batter is smooth. Spread the batter in an even layer into the 9-inch by 13-inch cake pan.
Cover the top of the batter with approximately 1 inch of crumb, covering the batter evenly. Bake for 40 minutes at 375° F. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Add additional baking time if necessary.
Cool the crumb cake. Dust the top of the cooled crumb cake with powdered sugar Enjoy!
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School Spirit
SCAVENGER HUNT WARM-UP CHALLENGE
School graduation is just around the corner. Let’s celebrate with a little puzzle! Can you identify each university based on their... interesting mascots? Put
Great Escapes!
Deja Vu
You’re needed for a very important rescue mission! Traverse a land of toys, puzzles, lovable monsters and everything in between to save the day!
Wait... didn’t we JUST do this? Time isn’t as simple as it seems! Travel back to the early days of Woodloch and solve a mystery... while travelling through history!
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your mind to the ultimate test with our Escape Rooms! Recommended for ages 10 & up- book online through the app! ANSWER KEY:
1. Sarah Lawrence Gryphons 2. Carnagie Mellon Tartans 3. Wichita State Shockers 4. Ohio Weslyan University Battling Bishops
5. Webster University Gorlocks 6. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 7. Purdue Boilermakers 8. University of California Santa Cruz Banana Slugs
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Critic’s Corner
Our regular review of the classics for a new generation
FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF (1986)
Matthew Broderick, Jennifer Grey
If we aren’t guilty of the offense itself, we’ve certainly at least entertained the notion of a good ol’ game of hooky And with spring in the air, there will be no shortage of days to consider taking a personal day.
Such is the premise of the 1986 John Hughes classic. Burdened by an absolutely beautiful spring day and a bad case of “senioritis,” Ferris (Matthew Broderick) attempts a bit of theater with faking sick and living life to the fullest. Together with his best friend and girlfriend, they set off on a whirlwind adventure limited only by their own devices. Neither Bueller’s sister Jeanie (Jennifer Grey of Dirty Dancing fame) or his principal Ed Rooney buy into the façade and set off in hot pursuit to expose this “fraud.” Can Ferris pull off the perfect crime? It comes down to the wire with no shortage of close calls along the way.
One of the most unique things about this film is Ferris’s 4th wall breakdowns and dialogues with the audience. It’s a bold move for a film but certainly pays off. As a comedy, event the briefest of jokes (i.e. the clarinet scene) hit, and have remained quotable for the past 35 years. There are even a few dramatic moments that tug on the heart strings throughout the movie, as Bueller’s friend Cameron struggles with depression and a rocky relationship with his father. Once again, the film connects where it should, when it should.
This movie is very true to the John Hughes style. With such films as Uncle Buck, Sixteen Candles, and Breakfast Club on his resume, it’s safe to say these teen and family comedies certainly left their mark on the 80’s and in the hearts of filmmakers and audiences alike. The morale of the story is clear- a little bit of me time goes a long way. Take it from Ferris himself: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Critic’s Grade: A
officially PAR TEE TIME!
It’s
Golf is BACK!
HAWLEY, PA - Release the doves, for the time-honored game of golf has returned, and the award-winning golf course at Woodloch Springs is just about ready for this season. The question remains... are you?
If you find yourself working through a little bit of postwinter rust, have no worries. Our team at The Pro Shop have just the remedies you may need to shake it off. Stop in and have our staff make adjustments to your favorite drivers, or spoil yourself with plenty of golf goodies in-stock. Clubs, balls, and all of the latest fashions are stocked on every shelf.
Perhaps a trip on their state-of-the-art golf simulator would bode well for your mental game. Traverse through exotic world-renowend courses, or play a virtual round at our course itself, complete with digital feedback to improve your game.
Of course, there’s nothing quite like being out in the elements themselves. Check in at our driving range, and perfect that drive of yours. Head out to the practice putting greens and push your short game to new heights.
And if you’re really looking to bring your game to the stratusphere, inquire about The Golf Academy. One-onone lessons with our renowned professionals could be the ultimate difference between a good season and an incredible one. Par-tee on!
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ASK THE STAFF
BEHIND THE SCENES OF WORK AT WOODLOCH
How did you start working at Woodloch?
In September of 2004, I got breakfast with a guest that used to work here. I met John Dodson during the meal and he hired me on the spot. It was a little scary the first week because it was different than restaurants. I had to learn “the Woodloch Way” of setting tables. The speed was very exciting- instead of waiting 20 minutes, everyone ordered and had their food within 5!
What is the environment like in the kitchen and dining room?
Things move fast, but there’s a harmony to everything. Everything has its place. You literally yell your order at the end of the line and pick it up as you travel alongside it. There’s a lot of teamwork- we all help each other out. Managers take care of the seating, “pantry” takes care of beverages, your server handles food orders, and our “rovers” supervise the room. We keep the flow going.
What are three pointers you would share with new dining room employees?
Try to memorize your drink orders instead of writing them down. Remember the locations of where to find stuff in the kitchen, like milk, creamers, etc. And memorize your tables. All of those things make the job easier in the long run.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I like to make quilts, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with my family, including my grandkids!
What are your three recommendations from our menu?
The Scandinavian pancakes for breakfast- they’re even good cold! For lunch, I enjoy the grilled chicken & pecan salad with grapes and apple cider vinaigrette. And, of course, prime rib for dinner.
What is your favorite Woodloch “core memory?”
I’ve been known as “the baby whisperer”- kids seem to like me and I’m always able to get them to take “one more bite!” I also knocked a food cart over in an elevator during a party at The Inn. :)
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Judy VOTE HERE
rollin on the riVer
Do you ever find yourself simply yearning for a bit of Americana? Trek just about 15 minutes north of Woodloch and you’ll find just the slice of small town charm you’re looking for!
Nestled on the shores of the tranquil Delaware River lies the village of Narrowsburg, New York. Though only around 400 residents call the town home, do not be fooled- this shire is filled with plenty of action all year long!
Narrowsburg is just about the perfect destination for one seeking an afternoon of exploration. In all honesty, shoppers of all types will find all sorts of treasures nearby! Books, artwork, fashions, fine wines, fresh farmer’s market produce and much much more can be found closeby.
Of course, with all that shopping, one just might get a little hungry! Fortunately, you’re in luck: Narrowsburg has plenty of places to go and grab a bite. Kick the day off with a signature latte and sandwich from “The Tusten Cup.” Grab a slice of delicious wood-fire sourdough pizza from “The
Laundrette.” Check out an innovative and ever-evolving menu at “The Heron,” but don’t forget to leave room for dessert at “B-Line Ice Cream” featuring ice cream sweetened by honey from local hives (seasonaly available).
But perhaps the crown jewel of the town is the beautiful Delaware River. Those looking to enjoy God’s country via kayak, raft or canoe are in luck- the river’s mild current make it the perfect scenic excursion during the warm months. Chartered journeys can be booked through trip outfitters, or adventure out on your own.
Flip the switch to the fall season, and enjoy one of the most beautiful drives in America along “The Hawk’s Nest.” This route traces along NY 97 and offers breathtaking vistas from Narrowsburg to Port Jervis. Don’t forget to pull over for some incredibly iconic fall scenery and once-in-a-lifetime photos!
For more information, visit welcometonarrowsburg.com!
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**Newsletter is perishable and some information may change over time.**
Classic small town charm and just a smidge of adventure await you in Narrowsburg, NY!