The Woodlander

Winter 2016-17

Message from the Board

2

Employee Spotlight

3

Welcome To PWL

4

Rodent Research

4

Security Safety Notice

5

Updated Snow Removal Rules

5

Important Contacts for Seniors

6

When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Roof?

7

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Siding

7

Trash Collection Information

10

Pirates Swim Team News from Summer 2016 Celebrating our 11th year of the Pocono Pirates Swim Team we would like to take a minute to thank our coaches and our parent board for all of their hard work and their commitment to continuing this wonderful program for the kids in our community.

2016 Coaches: Denali Hutzelman, Lexi Brandt, Kyle Ryan and Daniel Ocasio.

2016 Board: Grace Corcoran-President, Lauren Lockwood-Vice President, Ryan CarlozziTreasurer, Lisa Saski- Secretary, Sharon Hartmann-Judge, Efrain Ruiz- 12 and under parent liaison, Elisabete Cruz-13 and over parent liaison.

Our swim team was initiated in the summer of 2005 by parents and swimmers of PWLPOA. Over the years, the program has involved as many as 75 swimmers per summer and has brought home many Championship trophies. The Pirates continue to depend on parent volunteers and

Swim Team News & Photos

8

Halloween Party!

10

Holiday Party!

11

Events at PEEC

12

An Abundance Ritual for the New Year

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Continued on Page 8

SAVE THE DATE! Monthly Board Meeting 3rd Monday of the Month www.thewoodlander.com

Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335

PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Message From The Board Pocono Woodland Lakes Property Owners Association PO Box C 141 Marigold Lane Milford, PA 18337 Office Phone: 570-296-8511 Office Fax: 570-409-8651 Email: PWLPOA@ptd.net

Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm Sunday CLOSED Monday CLOSED Tuesday 10:00am - 6:00pm Wednesday 9:00am - 4:00pm Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Vice Pres: Secretary: Treasurer: Director: Director: Director:

Karen De Maio Joanne Sigl Raymond Liebold Jon Caputo

Herbert Brown Richard Evans William Sommers

Happy New Year! A new year can give us a new attitude full of hope and possibility AND reflect on experiences we have gained over the last year. Although 2016 had its own challenges for us, we are definitely able to see the progress we have made. In 2016, we collected over $104,000 in past dues and welcomed 51 new neighbors. We also opened our community pool earlier this year during Memorial Day weekend to tie in with our community BBQ at the clubhouse and inaugural Flea Market event at the tennis courts. We expanded our evening swimming hours to accommodate our members. Our Recreation Committee worked tirelessly to bring a wide array of children’s events including our very popular Halloween and Holiday Parties. We completed our new boat slip thanks to the Maintenance Department. The list goes on and on.

We expect 2017 to be even better for the Woodlands. We have some major initiatives we are working on including renovating the clubhouse interior, retrofitting our garbage dump areas to make it safer and cost efficient for our residents, and discussion of electronic gate automation for Aspen Gate. In the spring, we will have started a repaving project that will include Aspen Road and other major roads that are in need of repair. Our committees are already gearing up for the New Year. Our HR/Personnel Committee has completed an official Employee Manual for all staff. The Budget Committee is starting pre-budget meetings and discussion to create a FY 2017/2018 budget that will have a minimal effect on our residents. The Bylaws Committee has also worked diligently on updating our current Bylaws and preparing them for vote to our membership. The Recreation Committee is getting ready to start some adult-only parties for our residents in the winter months. In addition, the Nominations Committee is getting ready for the nomination process for those residents in good standing who wish to submit their name for consideration to the Board of Directors. Election ballots will be sent out shortly and results will be determined at the Annual Meeting to be held on Sunday March 26th, 2017.

So we bid 2016 a fond farewell and welcome 2017 ready to spring into action! I would personally like to thank all our Board Members, Employees, Volunteers and Residents who give so tirelessly to this community. To conclude, “without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community”.

Karen De Maio, PWLPOA President

PWLPOA COMMUNITY INFORMATION PWLPOA Office PWLPOA Security PWLPOA Maintenance PWLPOA Guard Shack - Aspen Gate

570-296-8511 570-335-3620 570-296-8513 570-686-1396

Pike County Police Pike County Humane Society PA State Police PennDOT Power Outages (Met-Ed) National Poison Control Child Abuse Hotline

570-296-7700 570-296-7654 570-226-5718 570-296-1793 888-544-4877 800-222-1222 800-932-0313

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

RESIDENT INFORMATION FORM

Does the office have your up-to-date contact information? Forms were mailed and also available in the office – please fill out and return to the office.

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

Save the Date: Friday, March 17th

Sip and Paint Party 7-10pm Cost $25.00 Â

Saturday, April 8th

Employee Spotlight

Breakfast with the Bunny

The official publication of the POCONO WOODLAND LAKES PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC.

39 Front Street Port Jervis, New York 12771

P: 845.856.1266 E: woodlander@nikijones.com

Articles appearing in The Woodlander are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or of the Pocono Woodland Lakes Property Owners Association. The publisher and the PWLPOA disclaim any liability for any advertisements published herein, in no way endorse or guarantee these ads and reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Position of advertising in the newspaper is not guaranteed.

Brian has been employed with PWLPOA for 2 1/2 years in the maintenance department. Brian was born and raised in PA and calls the Woodlands his home.

Brian truly enjoys working in the community he lives in. He is involved with the annual fishing contest and our community barbeques as well.

He is one of the employees in maintenance you will see plowing your roads in the winter. In his spare time he enjoys playing video games. Brian is a true asset to the Woodlands!

Join Our Public Safety Team PT public safety officer position available immediately. Must be flexible with scheduling and available to work any tour which may include days, evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Clean background check for both criminal and driving a must.

Experience preferred. Applications available at the clubhouse.

2017 Summer Hiring:

Looking for part time lifeguards and concession stands attendants for the upcoming summer season.

Please contact the office for an application Any questions call 570-296-8511.

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

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Welcome to Pocono Woodland Lakes,Your Home, Our Community!

Located in the North Eastern Pocono Mountains, Pocono Woodland Lakes is only minutes from the upper New York and and Northern New Jersey areas. We can serve as your home, or your home away from home.

We are the beauty of the Delaware River Valley, only 90 minutes’ drive from Manhattan, and will astonish first-time visitors. The lovely valley’s quaintest town is our town, Milford. ​ e are a private community located just W outside of beautiful Historic Milford PA. A great place for kids to grow up, and for family and friends. We invite you to join our community of over 1300 homeowners.

Pocono Woodland Lakes Property Owners Association Inc., was founded in July, 1976, and is incorporated as a Not-ForProfit organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PWLPOA is located in the Township of Dingmans, County of Pike, and PWLPOA consists of 33 miles of roads, and is a family community environment. PWLPOA operates in accordance with its By-Laws, Restrictive Covenants, and Rules and Regulations, and is governed by the elected Board of Directors.

RODENT RESEARCH: Menopausal Mice May Hold Key to Control

BY DONNA DEFRANCO

Breakthrough Researchers outside of the industry discovered a way to make rodents nonreproductive. Now, PMPs may benefit from their efforts as well.

Dr. Loretta Mayer, a researcher studying heart disease in menopausal women in the 1990s, needed a non-reproductive animal model for experimentation. When she began publishing papers about the menopausal mouse she and her team had created, a global group of scientists focused on solving Southeast Asia’s food shortage took note.

They reached out to Mayer with a challenge.

“They said, ‘If you can make a mouse nonreproductive for the purpose of research, surely you can make a rat non-reproductive for the purpose of food security,’” recounts Mayer.

“Rats had been consuming or damaging 20 to 40 percent of the crops that were desperately needed for human consumption. A study in Indonesia revealing that a 50-percent drop in the female rat population would cut rat-induced crop damage by 80 percent convinced us to take our technology in this new direction.”

Mayer and her partner, Dr. Cheryl Dyer, formed a company, Flagstaff, Ariz.-based SenesTech,

which would be devoted to the development of ContraPest, their rat contraceptive product. They attended conferences to share their progress and discuss the science behind their ongoing studies with colleagues worldwide. That’s when Tom Lamb, chief of Innovation and Technology at the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (NYC MTA), suggested they share the new technology in the United States as well as abroad.

While his primary concern was the rat infestation in the New York subway system, his suggestion led to SenesTech’s earning a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that funded the NYC MTA study. In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted SenesTech registration of ContraPest.

Limited distribution of the product began in late October. Mayer says it will be made available first to the municipalities involved in pilot programs; later it will be available to the private PMP market.

HOW CONTRAPEST WORKS. ContraPest is a liquid contraceptive bait whose active ingredient, 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD), targets the reproductive organs of rats, accelerating the depletion of eggs in females and, in conjunction with another chemical, triptolide, causes

It is more than a place to live ... it’s a lifestyle!

Amenities include: • Multipurpose clubhouse with year round availability • A pristine fully stocked pond • Immaculate pool facility • Security 24/7 - and gatehouse (restricting traffic on Aspen Drive) • Tennis and Basketball Courts • Maintenance - Roads & Snow Plowing • Beautiful 40 Acre Lake Activities are scheduled for our members year round.

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

testicular disruption in males. The rat’s fertility is compromised as soon as the first intake of the bait.

“It took us six years to get the formula just right,” Mayer says. “We were also challenged to get the taste, the sweetness, right. VCD burns like the hottest jalapeño, and triptolide is very bitter. We worked on the palatability for years. We couldn’t be satisfied when our lab rats chose to eat it; we had to make sure it would win a taste test compared with the competition: New York trash.”

Another challenge was determining the form the bait would take. In test after test, rats preferred liquid over solid or semisolid — not surprising given rats need to consume 10 percent of their body weight in liquid every day, says Mayer. The liquid bait is housed in a controlled delivery system designed to prevent non-target animals from feeding. It features inserts that are easy to monitor and switch out when bait levels get low. Once in place, the filled inserts slowly drain into an attached tray, creating a pool of product that emulates a natural puddle, making it attractive to rats.

“ContraPest is not a risk to handlers, nor to nontarget species, and resistance over time is not an issue,” says Mayer. “The label allows management of Norway and roof rat populations in indoor applications plus outdoor applications within a foot of man-made structures. We are working with EPA to expand the label for broader outdoor application over the next year.”

SenesTech is also working on technology adjustments for managing mice, and recently completed work with Texas A&M that showed promising results for feral hogs. Mayer, Dyer and their team also continue to work with scientists in Southeast Asia, aiding in foodsecurity efforts there.

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE TO PWLPOA RESIDENTS During the winter, it is against PWLPOA Rules and Regulations to put any snow onto or across any community road. If someone plows your driveway, you are responsible for their actions.

Damage has been done to our maintenance vehicles as a result of the large mounds of snow pushed out of residents’ driveways and across to the opposite side of the road. There is no on street parking in the community during Winter months. Thank you for your cooperation, and remember that following these rules will allow our maintenance department to clear our roadways more swiftly.

2017 ANNUAL WOODLANDS SURVEY Residents are encouraged to fill out the 2017 Woodlands survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KV6L3JL. Survey will be open until March 8th.

We value your feedback and want to hear from you!

UPDATED SNOW REMOVAL RULES & REGULATIONS

1. Snow Removal a) No snow, in any amount, shall be plowed or deposited by property owners, their contractor, or employee onto any PWLPOA community roads. b) From November thru April there is no parking permitted within ten (10) feet of any PWLPOA community roads. c. Violation assessment for above: First Offense - Written warning Second Offense - $75.00 Third Offense - $150.00

Subsequent Offenses - $300.00 per offense

“Now that we’ve proven rodent population management is not only possible but also humane, sustainable and effective, we can look toward applying our models to other species and situations,” says Mayer. “We are always looking for balance. We’ve tried to create a tool that will help restore balance by reducing out-of-control pest infestations to a more manageable level.”

SPEED LIMIT

25

Notice To All Residents We would like to remind you that the speed limit in the community is 25 mph.

This limit is being enforced by Public Safety.

PLEASE BEWARE OF CHILDREN ON OUR ROADWAYS - SAFETY FIRST!

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

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IMPORTANT CONTACTS FOR SENIORS FROM THE PIKE COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING

NOW ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENTS, 2.5% PROCESSING FEE WILL APPLY. PLEASE SEE OFFICE FOR DETAILS. Office will no longer accept cash as payment.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

MEDICARE PLANS AVAILABLE www.medicare.gov Call APPRISE at 800-783-7067 Call Medicare at 800-633-4227 or 877-486-248 (TTY) Or call us at 570-775-5550 for appt. to assist you.

PIKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Hours 7:30am-4:00pm 570-296-3408 or 866-681-4947 DO NOT CALL REGISTRY If you want to stop those nagging calls from solicitors you can place your phone number on the Do Not Call registry by calling 888-382-1222 or go online to www.donotcall.gov SENIOR LAW CENTER Senior Law Center protects the legal rights & interests of seniors in PA through legal services, referral services and advocacy. Call their helpline at 877-727-7529 PIKE COUNTY AREA AGENCY ON AGING Blooming Grove - 570-775-5550 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm Dingmans Center - 570-828-7812 Hours: Tues & Fri 9am-3pm Lackawaxen/Shohola 570-685-7808 Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 9am-2pm Milford - 570-832-1929 Hours: Wed & Fri 1am-3pm

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Roof?

BY CHRIS LAPOINTE

Replacing your roofing is a major project that deserves ample preparation. While many contractors are able to provide replacements all year long, there are often a few times that work better than others.

From working with seasons to understanding your roof’s age limits, here are some of the best times to rip off your old topper.

SPEAKING SEASONALLY

The busiest times for roof replacements are the end of summer and the beginning of fall. This is when homeowners sense that winter is just around the corner, which prompts them to call their roofers. While this is a perfectly good time to schedule maintenance, it can also be one of the busiest and most expensive times. If you

4 Signs You Need To Replace Your Siding

Vinyl is a great material to have on the exterior of a home as it is cost effective, easy to clean, and looks really great. Sometimes, however, this material can get damaged and will need to be replaced.

HIGH HEATING BILLS

If you are noticing a pretty big increase in your utility bills, this could be a sign that your siding is coming loose and is causing your insulation to be less effective. There are natural reasons for a temporary hike in these bills, but a long and sustained increase without a raise in the actual rates likely points to an issue with the exterior of your house.

want to seize a good deal and avoid the rush, plan your replacement project for late spring or early summer.

AGING GRACEFULLY

Sometimes new roofing just can’t wait until the month or season is right. In this case, it’s always wise to invest in a replacement before materials deteriorate past the point of repair. Different roofs have different age limits, so it is important to understand the capacity of yours. If you have conventional asphalt shingles, you should start thinking about a replacement after 15 to 20 years.

If you have a metal roof, you can easily wait 50 years before considering an upgrade. If your roof is already pushing its age expectancy, do not wait until next spring to make a replacement. This can leave your home at serious risk of damage during volatile winter months.

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY

Another great time to talk to your contractor about an upgrade is when efficiency is a concern.

Older roofs and those that have sustained damage can drain energy and force your cooler or heater to work harder.

If you have noticed a spike in your utilities bill, you could benefit greatly from a modern, highefficiency roof.

These are just some of the best times to invest in a total roof replacement. Contact a trusted contractor to learn more about when you should replace your roof.

Dear Woodlands Community You are cordially invited to please visit our new community website at www.thewoodlander.com. While there please feel free to browse the pages for news and information.

Please feel free to contact us via the Contact page on the website with your questions, comments, and suggestions.

Sincerely, PWLPOA Board

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPOT Email us for info at: woodlander@nikijones.com

VISIBLE CRACKS OR WARPING

There are a lot of things that can cause cracks, warps, dents, or holes to appear in your siding.

Severe cold, extreme heat, pests and critters, and high winds can all be responsible for such damage. No matter what cause, the damage will need to be replaced.

FADED COLOR

We replace a lot of siding due to faded color.

Fading color is often representative of a lot more than just the loss of aesthetic appeal. When the siding has been exposed to enough sun and wind for its color to fade, the siding slats have usually also lost a great deal of their flexibility and strength. If a faded piece hasn’t cracked yet, it is good to replace it before such damage can occur.

LOOSE OR SHAKING SECTIONS

This is something that we typically see following strong wind events. If you notice rattling and shaking of the siding slats, then it would be a good idea to have us replace or tack the loose pieces down. This will offer a lot more stability, and can lower the cost of your utilities.

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

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Swim Team News (Continued from Page 1)

certified coaches to organize and run this positive program that benefits our children and enhances our community. The Pocono Woodland Pirates swim team participates in the Pocono Mountain Summer Swim League (PMSSL) along with 9 other teams. The goal of the Pirates swim team is for all swimmers to have fun, to improve both their skills and their times, and to develop good sportsmanship, team spirit, and a positive self-image. New swimmers are welcomed and encouraged to join in on the fun! Children must be 5-18 years old and able to swim in the deep end unassisted. They must also reside in the Woodlands or have a relative that is a resident in good standing.

Be on the lookout in May, 2017 for details on our online registration process. If you have any question please email us at pwlpoapirates@gmail.com

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

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Halloween Party!

Trash Collection Information

On Saturday, October 29th, the Recreation Committee pulled off a fantastic Halloween Party for all our children complete with pizza, games, candy corn guessing game, costume contest and a wonderful Trunk or Treat event. Thanks to all who attended and participated!

• Tuesdays 3PM to 9PM • Thursdays 3PM to 9PM • Saturdays 8AM to 12PM • Sundays 10AM to 5PM

Recreation member Lisa Neill and her decorated trunk

ONLY Household Garbage is allowed.

Appliances, construction material, car parts, etc. are not accepted. NO cars will be permitted to dump garbage at the facility without a PWLPOA sticker. NO Walk-in dumping allowed.

MOTOR OIL COLLECTION TANK - For your convenience, there is a tank for accepting used motor oil inside the collection area.

No charge.

Two of our gusts enjoying the Trunk or Treat event

Kids lining up for Trunk or Treat

One of the winners of the Cutest Costume

FLATTEN ALL CARDBOARD BOXES before throwing them into the dumpster!

RECYCLING INFORMATION

ACCEPTABLE ITEMS: White envelopes; computer, fax and copy paper; kraft paper (brown grocery bags); magazines and catalogs; chipboard/box board; white and colored ledger paper; newspaper; notebook paper; paper egg cartons; construction paper; soft covered workbooks; telephone and paperback books; junk mail (incl. envelopes and coupons). Juice boxes; milk cartons; aluminum cans; glass bottles (green, clear, brown); tin and bi-metallic containers (including aerosol cans); aseptic milk/juice cartons; aluminum foil (pie plates, eg.); plastic containers; frozen food cartons.

Some of our guests posing for pictures

Josie our dedicated Face Painter

UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS: No trash, diapers, clothing, styrofoam, bags, caps or lids, food, compost, yard waste.

ONLY members in good standing with valid stickers are permitted to use garbage area.

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

Holiday Party!

We had a very successful kid’s and tween/teen party on Friday, December 9th from 6-10:30. Over 100 people attended. There was pizza, snacks, crafts, games, a DJ and of course Santa. The Recreation Committee would like to thank the following people for volunteering: Mary Fitch, Christine Allen, Lydia Orabona, Lisa Neil, Jennifer Poirer, Deborah Cendroski, and of course our beautiful decorator Sandy Lannon and our special guest Ralph Caruso.

Youngsters writing a Letter to Santa

Sandy Lannon our official Holiday Decorator against the backdrop of our beautiful Holiday Tree

One of our kiddies posing with Santa

PLACE YOUR AD HERE! Email us for info at: woodlander@nikijones.com

Our official greeters to the party A large crowd fills the room

THERESA ROCCO

Your PMWL Expert and Neighbor for over 30 years

REAL ESTATE TEXT

FRIENDLY

Its easy to sell in PMWL when you love where you live!!!

Direct: 570.872.3524 Off : 570.296.6400 fax : 866.542.8491 TheresaRocco@kw.com

www.PapoconoHomesForSale.com

Serving Milford and all of Pike Country

500 West Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.

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EVENTS AT PEEC Pocono Environmental Education Center Located 538 Emery Rd., Dingmans Ferry 570.828.2319

FEBRUARY ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM!

Saturday, February 11 – 1:00-4:00pm $2 per person Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment.

WINTER ECOLOGY HIKE

Sunday, February 12 – 10:00am-12:00pm Free for members / $5 for non-members Learn how different plants and animals survive the winter. Join us on a hike and experience PEEC in the wintertime. All ages welcome.

BRIDGE THE GAP: INTRO TO

SNOWSHOEING

Sunday, February 12 – 1:00-4:00pm Free Learn the basics of snow shoes and enjoy a winter walk along the McDade Trail. No experience necessary – we provide the equipment and teach you everything you need to know. Register early to reserve a pair of snowshoes & guarantee a spot. Funding for this program is provided by the William Penn Foundation.

“WINTER WONDERLAND” FAMILY NATURE GETAWAY WEEKEND

President’s Day weekend: February 17-20 Adults $225 / 25% off ages 7-10 / 50% off ages 4-6 / free under 3 Bring your friends and family to experience PEEC in the wintertime. Cross country skiing, animal tracking, nature hikes, snow tubing, campfire and more! Price includes three nights of lodging and meals from Friday dinner to Monday lunch. Join us for a wonderful winter weekend! Commuter and day rates available – call for details.

ANIMAL TRACKING

Saturday, February 25 – 1:00-3:00pm $5 Animals leave behind clues that give us glimpses

into their lives. Explore our natural areas for tracks, trails, scat, territory marks, chew marks, and other signs animals leave as they travel through the fields and forests of the Poconos.

MARCH

SUGAR SHACK SCRAMBLE

Saturday, March 4 – 9:00am-12:30pm $15 Join us for a hike through the woods out to the “Two Saps” Sugar Shack and enjoy hot cocoa and pancakes with fresh maple syrup! Sign up for a 9am or 9:30am start time. Spaces limited – this program sold out in 2015 & 2016!

ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM!

Saturday, March 4 – 1:00-4:00pm $2 per person Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: HEALTHY HIKES

Sunday, March 5 – 1:00-3:00pm Free Enjoy a guided hike on a PEEC trail. This program is all about getting outside, exploring nature, and meeting new people. Funding for this program provided by the AllOne Foundation.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTEERING

Sunday, March 12 – 1:00-3:00pm Free Come learn how to use a map & compass on our orienteering course. We’ll show you the basics before you try and find all the points. Space is limited – call early! Funding for this program provided by the AllOne Foundation.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: INTRO TO MINDFULNESS

Saturday, March 18 – 10:30am-12:00pm Free Experience the benefits of Mindfulness. Explore difference techniques to being more present day to day. Find yourself more focused, less stressed, and improve the quality of communication and relationships. We will focus on exercises including mindful eating, visualization and quieting the mind, and the power of being alert through being in nature. Funding for this program provided by the AllOne Foundation.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: LITTLE ECO EXPLORERS: FOXES

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Sunday, March 19 – 10:00-11:30am $5 per child A fun hands-on program for young children!

Join us for a story, craft, and activity focusing on foxes. Call for details. Funding for this program is provided by the AllOne Foundation.

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM!

Sunday, March 19 – 1:00-4:00pm $2 per person Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment.

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: HEALTHY HIKES

Saturday, March 25 – 1:00-3:00pm Free Enjoy a guided hike on a PEEC trail. This program is all about getting outside, exploring nature, and meeting new people. Funding for this program provided by the AllOne Foundation.

WOODCOCK WALK

Saturday, March 25 – 6:30-8:00pm Free Join us for a walk to see the mysterious woodcock and its spectacular springtime mating display.

Bring a flashlight for better searching! Ages 10+ please.

APRIL

BOY SCOUT BADGE FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 1 – 9:30am-4:00pm $25 Full Day Attention all Bears, Webelos and Boy Scouts! Join us for a fun day of badge work! Bears will work on the Bear Necessities adventure (pre-req 5 and 9). Webelos will work on Webelos Walkabout adventure. Boy Scouts will work towards the Wilderness Survival badge (pre-req #5, bring survival kit; scouts will need to spend a night in debris shelter). Scouts must be supervised at all times by a parent or troop leader. Payment is required at registration. Space is limited - call early!

on Outdoor Adventurer badge. Juniors will focus on the Flowers legacy badge and Gardener badge.

Cadettes will work towards the Trailblazing badge.

Seniors will work on the Adventurer badge. Scouts must be supervised at all times by a parent or troop leader. Payment is required at registration.

Space is limited - call early!

FARM TO TABLE DINNER

Saturday, April 8 – 6:00-8:00pm $25 Welcome the coming of spring with PEEC’s 1st Farm to Table Dinner. This dinner features local produce perfect for the season! Bring your friends & family to enjoy this cozy evening.

SALAMANDERS, FROGS AND MORE!

Sunday, April 9 – 10:00am-12:00pm $5 per person Amphibians are stirring in the woods! Join us as we explore nearby breeding pools for salamanders, frogs, and egg masses. We’ll provide nets and collection bins for gentle, up-close study. Wear boots and clothes that can get a little muddy or wet.

ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM!

Sunday, April 9 – 1:00-4:00pm $2 per person Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment.

BRIDGE THE GAP: POND EXPLORERS

Saturday, April 15 – 10:00am-12:00pm Free Join us as we explore the ponds with nets! We’ll collect fish, macro-invertebrates, amphibians,

and anything else we find in collection bins for up-close study. Wear boots and plan on getting a little wet and muddy! Funding for this program provided by the William Penn Foundation.

POCONO KNIT CAMP

April 20-23 $70 per day / Call for commuter rates Stretch your knitting skills to make cabled fingerless mitts, and knit or crochet a beaded bracelet. Pre-ordered kits are available or use your own materials. Includes lodging and meals!

NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL BEADING

Saturday, April 22 – 10:00am-12:00pm $20 Learn to identify different stones such as jasper, geodes, agate, or turquoise and the process used to color enhance the stones. Instructions will also be given on how to create a bracelet & earrings, or a necklace to take home!

ECOZONE DISCOVERY ROOM!

Saturday, April 22 – 1:00-4:00pm $2 per person Climb into a bald eagle’s nest, crawl into a bat cave, explore a beaver lodge, and dig in a fossil pit! Explore this indoor discovery room and enjoy hands-on exhibits on natural history, sustainability and the local environment.

SPRING PEEPER SEARCH

Saturday, April 22 – 8:00-9:00pm Free These tiny tree frogs have thawed out and are active again in our forested wetlands. Listen to the impressive choir made by these vocal amphibians as we carefully catch, study, and release them.

Bring a flashlight for better searching!

BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Sunday, April 2 – 9:00am-4:00pm $35 Grab your camera and join us for a tour of the historic buildings in the Park. This is the perfect time of year to shoot black and white photos. Pack a lunch and dress warm. Call to reserve a seat in the van – Maximum of 18 spaces.

GEOLOGY HIKE

Sunday, April 2 – 1:00-3:00pm Free for members / $5 for non-members Join Paul Kovalski, aka, Dr. Dinosaur, for a program based on the geology of the area. We’ll take a short hike and talk about rocks, fossils, glacial deposits, and what makes our park unique.

GIRL SCOUT BADGE FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 8 – 9:30am-4:00pm $25 full day for Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes / $5 for Senior Attention all Girl Scouts! Come to PEEC for a fun day of hands-on badge work. Brownies will work

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PLACE YOUR AD HERE! Email us for info at: woodlander@nikijones.com

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THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

An Abundance Ritual for the New Year.

A good idea when you start a new year, or new adventure or new step forward is to observe some rituals that will attract abundance in your daily life for you and your family and friends. These rituals are usually done within the first 2 months of the year but I feel they can be implemented any time you want to clear out stagnant areas in your life.

The word ritual, from an Indo-European root means “to fit together”. In this case we are joining the metaphysical with our ordinary physical world in order to give ourselves a “fresh start”.

There is always the overrated “I want to lose weight” this year, not overated because it’s a bad idea, but overrated because we often say it without a plan of action. Every goal needs a step by step process to make it fit into our busy lives or we will just simply fail after a brief period of time with half hearted attempts. Before you make the resolution, write down all of the steps that can help you make it happen.

Put this list where you can see it every day. Place an inspirational image with this list that can help you visualize the successful outcome of your desire.

Just as important as setting up a plan of action for the things you want to do to achieve your goals, is setting up a plan that helps you release the negative things that are holding you back.

For every positive step forward, you might find a negative influence in your life that you just need to get rid of. A great way to let go of the negativity in your life is to think about each thing that is making you feel unsuccessful, unloved, at fault, unhealthy, things that you have done to others that you need to forgive yourself for, anger issues, or things others have done to you, etc and to write each thing on a small slip of paper. When you are done with this list of items, place the slips of paper in a glass bowl or on a dish. Light a candle and sit quietly for a minute telling yourself, “I will let go of everything I have written, it will not torment me anymore,” then burn all of the paper slips one by one. Watch the smoke rise and see it as all of those things that you have kept hidden away that bothered you and kept you from moving forward. You might have to do this ritual several times to make sure you have gotten to everything buried deep within.

When I first tried this, I thought it would be a pretty short list, but the more I thought, the longer the list became and from earlier and earlier in my life. It seems i had been holding on to perceived insults, injustices, hurts for far longer than I ever would have guessed.

The odd thing is, when we perform this type of ritual, we are telling our brain that it is true, that these things are no longer able to affect us negatively. The same goes for when we our envisioning a positive outcome to our efforts. If we believe and act like we have already achieved the results we want, our brain believes it and helps us with the rest of the journey.

Just my thoughts on staying positive and successful for the coming year.

Your neighbor in the Woodlands

Custom Pet Portraits

Perfect way to immortalize your favorite companion or honor one that has passed on. They all deserve a place in our gallery of best friends. A digital fine art portrait of your pet is a unique gift. More than one pet can be included in portrait.

Easy to Order 1. Email me a clear photo of your pet with full head in the picture.

Include comments or special requests.

2.

I will send you an email with your pet portrait in progress for your comments

3. Finished pet portrait is printed on fine art paper & matted ready for framing.

Original photo Finished portrait

11x14 archival fine art print in 16 x20 mat.

Price for first pet is $75, add $25 for each additional pet in portrait. See more examples at: dana-dreamart.com Call 570.561.2053 or email me at dbree007@mac.com

THE WOODLANDER • WINTER 2016-17

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List and Sell your home with us!

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