March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine by Pocono Magazines

Pocono Family The Pocono Mountains' Magazines

M A G A Z I N E

â&#x20AC;˘ March & April 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Complimentary

LEADING SHOT White Dragonfly Photo taken by Dave Sandt

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POCONO MAGAZINES

POCONO MAGAZINES, LLC PUBLISHING Pocono Living Magazine

Pocono Family Magazine

1929 North Fifth Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-424-1000 pmags@ptd.net www.poconomagazines.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR Larry R. Sebring ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE Linda Zak • 484-264-7915 Katie Filicky • 724-493-2563 Linda St.John • 570-856-8155 MAGAZINE DESIGN/WEB Smart Blonde Creative FOOD & WINE EDITOR Linda Zak GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Amanda Belanger Barbara McMahon PHOTOGRAPHY & ART Veronica Murray Andrei Protsouk David Sandt James Smeltz James Chesnik Matt Siptroth Marlana Holsten Barbara Lewis William McKee Nancy Tully Linda Zak Vinzon Lee

Pocono Living Magazine and Pocono Family Magazine, two regional publications filled with articles, features and photography exploring and capturing the real Pocono Mountains living experience. Our publications can be found at many locations throughout the Pocono Mountains region, and are available by subscription.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roseanne Bottone Jamie Bowman Kathy Dubin-Uhler Kimberly Blaker Suzanne McCool Amy Leiser Katie Filicky Deborah Cofer ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Kristen Sebring The information published in this magazine is believed to be accurate, but in some instances, may represent opinion or judgement. The publication’s providers do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall not be held liable for any loss or damage, directly or indirectly, by or from the information. 2016 Pocono Magazines. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

WHAT’S INSID

WHAT’S INSIDE 6 8

HOME

• Beyond Coupons for Family Savings • Tax Saving Musts

PETS

• Year Round Ways to Help

FAMILY

• Children in Weddings

OUTDOOR

• Spring is in the Air

EDUCATION

• Yes! Screen Time Can Be Good

55+ 22

• Maximizing Your Assets

FOOD

• How Fake News Affect Your Food

HEALTH 28

• Nutrient Packed Foods Can Help

TRAVEL 34

• Travel Made Easy

COMMUNITY

• The Pocono Outdoors

PARTING SHOT

• Pocono Sunset

January / February 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 5

Home

Beyond

COUPONS FOR FAMILY SAVINGS

By: Roseanne Bottone

6 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

As the head of a multi-generational household, I am always looking for ways to live within my means and provide a comfortable home for my family. Here are a few of my secrets.

Travel Kayak.com: Planning a family vacation? Try this aggregating search engine for pricing hotels, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. This year they’ve added new features for cruise deals, trains and vacation rentals. I have been traveling for my profession for 16 years and this is my go-to site for all things travel-related. It is so easy to use – even if you’re tech challenged like me.

Jet Anywhere Jet.com is a competitor to Amazon.com. As you add to your cart, the prices drop on your items. You can also earn “Jet Cash” through “Jet Anywhere” by clicking through to more than 600 online stores in their network. For example, you can earn 3.2% back on movie ticket purchases from Fandango; 1.3% from BJs; 20% from Nike; and varying percentages on hotels, car rentals, furniture, electronics shoes, and many other venues. (If you’re traveling and have found the best deal through Kayak, you can click through Jet Anywhere to your airline, hotel chain or car rental agency and get Jet Cash when you book!) I just ordered a gift and $100 of free groceries from Jet.com using my jet cash. There’s nothing better than free!

The Best Deals Stop searching for coupon codes and sales. That’s right! Let “Honey” do it for you! Go to www.joinhoney.com to add the free extension to your browser. A “honey” button will appear when you’re shopping at thousands of sites online. At checkout she’ll ask you if you’d like to save money and let you know if there’s a coupon code (and will apply it for you). She can also tell you if your items are on sale elsewhere. I saved $18 and received two free steaks with Omaha Steaks, and lowered the price of a new vacuum by $39 with deals I didn’t find myself. If you’re shopping on Amazon.com website, Honey will tell you if there’s a different Amazon seller offering a lower price for the same item.

Pay Yourself First EveryDollar.com is free budget software accessible from your computer and phone. It is based on a proven plan that's helped millions of people get out of debt and save money. Create your family budget in 10 minutes. The program will automatically roll over your info to next month’s budget and allow you to make adjustments. If money seems to just “disappear,” tracking your spending is the first step in controlling your finances.

Be sure to create a budget item for savings. Start with whatever you can, even if it’s $10 or $20 per paycheck. Open a no-fee, no-minimum, interest-paying (0.75% APR at this writing) checking and savings account with Capital One 360 online (www.capitalone.com) or by phone at 800-2891992. Then set up a weekly, biweekly or monthly automatic transfer from your current account to begin your savings plan.

Stop the Madness Another way to save money is to curb the fervor for consumerism. I recommend the film “Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things.” ($20 at minimalismfilm.com. I understand the irony in suggesting this purchase. If it’s a subject that intrigues you, it will be a thought-provoking investment that will improve the quality of your life.) The Art of the Simple (theartofsimple.net) is a relatable and realistic simple living blog and podcast. Visit www. livingthelifefantastic.com/ for ten more fantastic resources. Type the word “minimalism” into the search box toward the bottom right of the screen. Shhhh! Let’s keep all this just between us!

About the writer...

Roseanne Bottone is a regulatory compliance training instructor, former Peace Corps Volunteer, cancer survivor, grandmother, MBA, and freelance writer. She travels the country teaching business people about environmental and transportation safety regulations, and is a newspaper columnist. She’s a homeowner in East Stroudsburg and lives with her daughter, grandchildren, two cats and a Rottweiler. March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 7

MUSTS FOR YOUR

HOME-BASED

BUSINESS By: Katie Filicky

T he less tax you owe come April, the more money in the

bank. And for the home-based business owner, knowing eligible tax deductions ahead of time and tracking them throughout the year is the secret to owing less.

Yet, of the 23.4 million returns filed by sole proprietors, only 7.6 million people filed a home office deduction for tax year 2011 (the latest year for which these statistics are available from the Internal Revenue Service). That means only about 32 percent of filers claimed a home office deduction. “If you look at it the other way around, 68 percent are not claiming the home office deduction,” Ranelli Williams, the co-founder of ERJ Services, LLC, a tax and accounting service provider, Stroudsburg, said to me over the phone. 8 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

HOME-BASED BUSINESS

Tax-Saving

For eligible renters, this could mean deducting a portion of rent plus a portion of utilities. For homeowners, it could be a percentage of your mortgage, home insurance, and property taxes.

“It could be a significant amount that people are letting go. It is so important to be capturing the space you are using for your home office and making sure you’re tracking those deductions,” said Williams, who is also a certified public accountant and adjunct instructor of accounting and personal finance at Northampton Community College. Another common missed opportunity that Williams sees during tax season is capturing travel expenses, especially for those living in the Pocono Mountains. It can take at least 15 miles of driving to reach the closest grocery store in some areas of the region, which spans over 2,300 square miles. Tracking travel costs to and from networking events, client meetings, and conferences, plus associated admission or entertainment cost, is another must-do for home-based business owners.

Williams recommends using a simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to track travel expenses and to update it weekly. “It’s very important, for I.R.S purposes, to include the date, where to where, what the mileage was, the purpose of the visit,” she said. Another option is to use cash flow management software that includes a tax deduction application to help you record business expenses. What Williams does not recommend is to throw receipts into a box and hand it to the tax preparer at the end of the year.

“It could be a significant amount that people are letting go."

ERJ Services,

LLC

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ph: (570) 269.5324 www.erjservices.com 804 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg

life’s

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It can be more expensive because it takes the tax preparer more time to go through all the receipts and track. Meeting with a certified professional ahead time to establish a tax deduction strategy is a good way to avoid the frustration that comes with last-minute tracking. There are also free resources for small business owners such as SCORE, a nonprofit that connects business owners with experienced mentors to help in areas like taxes and bookkeeping. Whether you pay a tax professional or seek out free resources, Williams has one last bit of advice for the home-based business owner. “We have to know we are not good at everything, she said. “So don’t try to be a one-man shop. Try to seek people with expertise in the areas you don’t have expertise in.”

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About the writer... Katie Filicky is a full time resident in the Poconos. Her writing has appeared in Visit Poconos, Pittsburgh Post -Gazette, Pittsburgh City Paper, Chicago Now, and Carlow University's anthology, Voices in the Attic, Vol. XX. Her manuscript is being submitted for publication. Visit katiefilicky. com for more information.

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March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine ©

| 9

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Pets

YEAR-ROUND WAYS to help

PETS & THEIR FAMILIES IN NEED

Approximately 48 million Americans face food insecurity every day, according to Feeding America, a non-profit organization and network of more than 200 food banks. That means they, and their pets, face uncertain access to a sufficient amount of affordable, healthy food. "People who face food insecurity should not have to sacrifice the unconditional love and companionship pets bring to their lives," says Joann Fuller, U.S. Shelter Engagement Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition. "Most food pantries also accept pet food donations. So when you drop off a bag of dog or cat food, you're helping a family in need take care of their best friend." 10 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

Recognizing the need to provide year-round help for families and pets in need, Hill's has partnered with VCA Charities, the philanthropic arm of VCA Hospitals, to support the organization's Pet Food Pantry program. The program's goal is to provide healthy, nutritious pet food to families that could not otherwise afford it. Created in 2010 in Venice, California, the program and participating pantries have served more than 1.5 million meals to pets in 30 locations across the U.S. and Canada. "Many people feel financially tapped out after the holidays, but helping families and pets in need doesn't have to cost a lot," Fuller says.

Here are

six

simple ways you can help families in need care for their pets in the New Year:

• Have you ever bought a bag or case of pet food your pet

wouldn't eat? Consider donating it to your local food pantry.

• Many pantries provide volunteers with printed paper

bags to use in gathering food donations. Ask your local food pantry for some donation bags and drop them off at homes in your neighborhood. Include a note asking for pet food donations and let your neighbors know when you'll be back to pick up the filled bags and deliver them to the food pantry.

•

PET CREMATORY

Compassionate Care That Lasts Forever Located at Stroudsburg Cemetery on Dreher Avenue 570-420-9599www.CreeksidePet.net / 570-421-4501 www.CreeksidePet.net

Can

field’s Pet &

315 Main St. Str oud

• Shelters for victims of domestic violence may need help with temporary housing for pets of families in transition. Contact your local shelter to see if they have a fostering program that needs volunteers.

• Seniors who no longer drive may have trouble accessing

regular veterinary care for their pets. Check with your local senior center or county's department of senior services to see if you can volunteer to drive seniors and their pets to veterinary appointments.

m g, PA

Contact your local homeless shelter to find out what they need to help care for the pets of the homeless people in your community. Donating extra blankets and pet sweaters could help keep those pets warm throughout the winter.

Creekside

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• Contact your veterinary clinic or others in your area to see if they have programs in place to provide free or reducedcost medical care to pets in need. You may be able to donate cash or supplies, or simply volunteer your time.

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"When families are struggling with food insecurity, homelessness, financial hardship or transition, they need the unconditional love of their pets more than ever," Fuller says.

"By helping provide for pets, you're also

doing something good for the humans who love them - and that's something you can feel good about all year long."

Courtesy of BrandPoint

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 11

Family

eddings CHILDREN IN

By: Lois Heckman

A wedding is never just about the couple. It is also the joining of families and communities. Even with an elopement, there will now be in-laws, where there were none before. If either or both partners have children, it is vital to include them in this most important occasion.

The ages of the children will determine how much they can participate, but children of any age need to be recognized. Involve them in the preparations for the wedding and consult them on issues from the color scheme, theme, food, to more important decisions.

12 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

But more importantly I believe should be recognized in your ceremony. Here are some ideas that have worked well for weddings I’ve created.

 The role of flower girl, ring bearer, Jr. Bridesmaid or

Jr. Groomsmen are well established, but children can have the additional honor of escorting (or being escorted by) grandparents, or an even more special role – they can walk down the aisle with their parents.

 Sand ceremonies are popular, and for good reason.

The couple and their children pour different colors of sand together symbolizing their individuality and their combined beauty. There is an additional benefit of creating a keepsake of the mixed sands, which can be displayed in your home. The ritual works well for outdoor ceremonies where candles are not practical.

 For younger children, call them forward and have the

officiant speak directly to them about their importance in the family, assuring them of their place in the family. Another twist on this is to create support vows – ask the parents to promise to continue to love and support their children, and the children give their support to the new relationship and any new step-siblings. All of this can be answered with a simple ‘I do.’

 A keepsake family certificate can be created and

signed during or after the ceremony. Frame and display it in your home!

Older children or teens can write or read poetry or

prose, sing or play music during the ceremony. And likewise, the couple can read a special piece to the children.

The family honeymoon is a new trend. There are many places where children have separate or organized activities, so you still get to have private time, but also share a wonderful vacation.

I have had tremendous success incorporating children into the wedding ceremony. Couples have shared how meaningful it was for them, and how appreciative they were to have the love of the entire family expressed on this special day. If you are blending families, I hope you will include the children in the ceremony in a meaningful way.

Lois Heckman is a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® officiating weddings, funerals, memorials and other milestones in the Pocono Mountains. She can be reached through her website: LoisHeckman.com

 Keepsake gifts – a promise ring, or family medallion can be given to children in much the way you exchange wedding rings. This is also a lasting symbol of the commitment you are all making to one another.

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 13

Outdoor

By: Jamie Bowman

14 | Pocono Family Magazine Â© March / April 2017

Photo by Barbara Lewis

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Spring is finally in the air. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and we’re all dying to get outside! The Pocono Mountains are blessed with some of the most beautiful spots Mother Nature has to offer, so why not kick off spring by venturing out into the wild with a hike? You’ll burn a few calories while basking in the warm weather; talk about a win-win!

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First stop, Big Pocono State Park. Located off of Route 715 in Tannersville, Big Pocono sits atop Camelback Mountain. That’s right, Camelback isn’t just for skiers and water park goers; it’s a great place for hiking, too. Head to the top of Big Pocono for breathtaking views and several marked hiking trails. These trails vary in difficulty and some can be steep, so decide which loop best fits your ability level before you begin. On your drive up, stop off at numerous parking lots to explore the trails through State Game Lands. These trails are great for dogs as you’ll probably come across relatively shallow, slow-moving water - a perfect place for your pooch to cool off. Big Pocono State Park opens as soon as conditions permit in the spring and is open from sunrise to sunset.

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For hiking, biking, and more, visit Promised Land State Park on the Pocono Plateau. If you’re looking to get away from the world, Promised Land is the perfect place to escape. With 50 miles of hiking trails, you’ll be running into wildlife, not people. The trails are marked, but it’s best to grab a map from the park office first and pay close attention while you hike. If biking is more your speed, check out the paved road around the lake, or go off-roading and mountain bike through the Delaware State Forest.

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poconomagazines.com 16 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

"All of these amazing places are right in our backyard!"

Even if you’re not a resident of the Poconos, you’re probably familiar with the Delaware Water Gap. Offering over 100 miles of trails, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has trails for beginner to expert hikers. There are many different entrances and areas to explore, so visit the website before planning your hike. If you’re looking for intensity, hop on the Appalachian Trail. As the weather warms up, the Delaware River is a great place to get your paddle on. Access points with mileage information are available online to ensure your adventure goes smoothly. With waterfalls, spectacular views, and yes, even bald eagles, Delaware Water Gap definitely deserves a spot on every bucket list. Can you believe it? All of these amazing places are right in our backyard! Don’t just take my word for it, grab a friend, the kids, or your dog and get out there. Check out each park’s website for tons of information, maps, and more. Remember to wear sunscreen, check for ticks, stay hydrated, and HAVE FUN!

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About the writer...

Jamie Bowman is a freelance writer, Penn State graduate, and lifelong resident of the Poconos. A teacher by day and a writer by night, Jamie spends her free time running and cheering for the Nittany Lions on game day.

Stroud Television & Appliances 219 N. 9th Street Stroudsburg, PA

570-421-7700 www.StroudTVandAppliances.com March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ

| 17

Education

e S c re

YES!

n time can be good fo r young kids: Experts agree digital education may help young kids learn.

For years, parents and pediatricians fretted over how much screen time was too much, especially for very young children. Many child health experts advised minimal screen time for elementary-aged kids and none at all for children younger than 2. New research, a revised policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the personal experience of millennial parents who grew up in the digital age, have changed the way parents view screen time for youngsters.

18 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

School Zone Inc.- AnywhereTeacher.com March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ | 19

"Research now shows us that not all screen time is equal,"

says Barbara Peacock, managing director of School Zone Inc., a recognized leader in creating innovative multimedia learning tools to prepare children for a lifelong love of education who recently launched AnywhereTeacher.com, a "Digital Educational Playground" for kids 2-8. "Everyone agrees it's important for children to maintain healthful levels of physical activity, but studies also show educational screen time can be an effective way to supplement children's learning. As the American Academy of Pediatrics recently noted, 'the effects of media use are multi-factorial and depend on the type of media, the type of use, the amount and extent of use, and the characteristics of the individual child." The AAP and other child health experts have long counseled parents against allowing very young children to have much screen time. However, the AAP recently revised its stance, citing "evidence regarding health media use (that) does not support a one-size-fits-all approach" to media use by children. Rather than keeping young children off devices entirely, the AAP now advises parents to develop a Family Media Use Plan that takes into account children's developmental stages, and uses that information to create an appropriate and individual balance for media usage by each child. The AAP encourages parents to establish boundaries for how and when children may use digital devices, ensure they understand the importance of not sharing personal information online, and openly talk with children about media use.

20 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

In revising its recommendation, the AAP looked to a growing body of research that shows digital media use can help facilitate learning. Writing in the Hechinger Report, a highly regarded watchdog media outlet that covers inequality and innovation in education, Lisa Guernsey, director of New America's early education initiative, and Michael H. Levine, founding director of the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, a nonprofit literacy and digital media research organization, explained the shift in thinking. "Literacy rates and toddlers' media use may seem unrelated, but they are inextricably tied," the co-authors noted. "The important connections between media and reading must be brought to light in schools, households, and in the public's imagination ... children at very young ages can gain important skills in literacy and language development if the content on the screen is designed for learning and if they have a parent or educator who talks with them about what they are doing and seeing."

Making media work fo r lear ning

Parental involvement in media use is the key difference between programming that benefits children's educational development, and valueless screen time, research shows. The National Head Start Association recently stressed that "family engagement is integral" to successful learning. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education agreed in a joint policy statement issued in May 2015: "Families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates and nurturers," the statement said, calling family involvement in kids' education "critical" to their long-term success.

Busy tech-savvy parents recognize how easy technology can make it to access high-quality supplemental learning tools for their children, but finding a trusted source of curated content is not always easy. Speaking to her company's newly launched site, Peacock comments, "AnywhereTeacher.com features content that has been developed exclusively by School Zone based on decades of research and broad-based experience working with educators, dating back almost 40 years when our founders, James Hoffman, Ed.D and his wife Joan, MA, recognized the need for at-home learning materials." The subscription-based AnywhereTeacher.com is an easy to navigate site for youngsters that combines the power of video with traditional learning tools such as flash cards, games, interactive worksheets and printable activities. Original episodic programming like Charlie & Company engages children with educational messages in a fun, familiar way.

"Parental involvement in media use is the key difference between programming that benefits children's educational development"

The service, which starts at just $6.99 per month, allows parents to manage their children's activities and view their progress, creating an opportunity to talk about learning goals and improvement. The service is compatible with most devices and you can buy a subscription through iTunes, Google Play or PayPal to gain access from any device. There's no limit on the number of devices families can simultaneously use to access the site. Visit AnywhereTeacher.com to learn more.

Courtesy of BrandPoint

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March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 21

55+

MAXIMIZING YOUR ASSETS

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

MAXIMIZING

YOUR ASSETS IN RETIREMENT

No matter how diligent you may have been about saving for retirement, unexpected life changes and economic realities can negatively impact your retirement budget. Sustained low interest rates have suppressed yields on income from bonds and rising health care expenses have affected retirees of all ages. Many retirees are surprised to learn that one of the most valuable assets in their portfolios may be a life insurance policy that they no longer need.

It's not uncommon for people to outlive their need for life insurance, and if you no longer need the policy or can no longer afford the premiums, you could consider selling the policy through a life settlement. This is a financial transaction in which a policy owner works with a company, such as Coventry Direct, to determine if they qualify to sell their life insurance policy. The policy seller receives an immediate cash payment while the buyer assumes all future premium payments. Most life insurance policy types qualify, even convertible term life policies. Consider this story about a financial advisor who recently retired from a long, successful career. He decided the money he was spending on the rising premiums for his $799,975 life insurance policy could be used to help fund his retirement. After some research, he called Coventry

Direct and was happy to learn he had an option other than just letting the policy lapse. He sold his policy through a life settlement for $25,000, which was more than four times the value he would have received if he surrendered the policy back to the insurance company.

"existing life insurance policy may be a hidden asset that can be utilized to generate cash."

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If you don't own a life insurance policy or still need your coverage, you may want to evaluate the real estate you own. Think about downsizing to a smaller home or selling other property you no longer need. Many retirees discover that they have significant equity tied up in real estate - equity that could be used to help fund expenses.

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Another useful exercise is reviewing your investments. If your retirement income is failing to produce the amount needed to maintain your lifestyle, you may need to rebalance your portfolio in order to meet your changing needs. If you find your retirement income is insufficient, there are options available to maximize your assets. For many retirees, an existing life insurance policy may be a hidden asset that can be utilized to generate cash. To learn more about life settlements, visit coventrydirect.com/ lifesettlements or call 888-858-9344. Courtesy of Family Features

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 23

Food 24 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

HOW FAKE

NEWS MIGHT

AFFECT YOUR FAVORITE

FOODS

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine Â© | 25

The "certified organic" seal is synonymous with healthy living and clean eating. But what exactly does it mean? And who decides what is or is not certified organic? In the United States, food is certified organic by the United States Department of Agriculture. The seal verifies that a product has been made with 95 percent "certified organic" ingredients and minimally processed. The remaining 5 percent allows for the use of ingredients that are not organic, but have been approved by the USDA because they are safe and eco-friendly, and have no organic alternative.

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www.LittleAngelsCafe.com

901 Main St., Stroudsburg, PA

Carrageenan is made from red seaweed that is sustainably grown and harvested by family farmers in oceans around the world. It is an ingredient in everything from yogurt to infant formula to baked goods, and has been used by home cooks for hundreds of years. The USDA has approved the use of carrageenan in organic foods since 1990. So why are they considering removing it now? Because of a dangerous trend where the loudest voices, no matter how irrational or bullying, drown out reason and sound science. Which is just one reason keeping carrageenan in organic foods should be important to everyone who enjoys healthy, safe food that tastes good, too.

HERE ARE A FEW MORE:

Angels Cafe` &

9am-1pm

These approved additives are reviewed regularly by the USDA, which is currently deciding whether to continue to allow one of them in organics: an essential, natural ingredient called carrageenan.

570-424-8810

26 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

Because you love the taste of your favorite ice cream, yogurt, almond milk, protein shake...

If carrageenan isn't allowed in organic foods, many of our favorite products will be changed. Food companies will have to use other ingredients to replace carrageenan ingredients that are not as natural or safe as red seaweed, and will not produce the same products we know and love.

Because you care what's in your food.

Carrageenan can't be replaced with just one food ingredient, and multiple additives mean longer labels. Carrageenan is GMO-free and made from sustainably harvested seaweed; its replacements are grown from bacteria in a vat or otherwise manmade.

Because babies should be able to eat organic, too!

Carrageenan is the only stabilizing ingredient used in organic liquid infant formula. Removing it means new moms and dads may lose this option for their babies. Organic foods should be affordable and accessible to everyone. For many, eating organic is a luxury they can't always afford. Adding multiple ingredients to replace carrageenan means the cost of a product may increase even more. This isn't just bad for you and your wallet; anything that makes organic products less competitive is harmful to the whole industry.

Because carrageenan is essential to vegetarian, halal and kosher foods.

Because the livelihood of seaweed farmers (and our world) is at risk.

Seaweed is one of the most sustainable crops on the planet, and it's harvested by family farmers in coastal communities around the globe. Growing and harvesting the red seaweed used to make carrageenan requires none of the fertilizers, pesticides or other chemicals used in land-based farming. This fall, the USDA will make its final decision on the future of carrageenan and its use in organic products. For these reasons and more, it is important that the USDA approves carrageenan for use in organics, making sure organic and nutritious food options are available to everyone. Courtesy of BrandPoint

1427 N. 5th St, Stroudsburg, PA

570-421-6193 Open 6am Daily

Est.

Carrageenan is a plant-based ingredient often used to replace animal fats and gelatin. Without carrageenan, some organic products will no longer be able to meet certain dietary restrictions, or the taste of those foods may suffer.

Local’s Favorite for Over 30 Years Homemade Soups & Pies Breakfast Served All Day Reasonable Prices!

1964

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Authentic Italian Cuisine

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March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 27

Health 28 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

AGE 20

of child bone mass acquired by

nutrient packed foods can help

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Healthy Food. Healthy Living.

Most people associate bone density and skeletal concerns with advanced age. However, healthy bones form during childhood with the majority of bone density established before kids reach their 20s. Is it time to shift the focus to the early years rather than the later? Up to 90 percent of peak bone mass is acquired by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. What's more, bone mass peaks by the late 20s for most people, which means at this point bones have reached their maximum strength and density. Bone is a living tissue and childhood is a critical time to focus on bone health and establish good habits that support skeletal wellness throughout life. Some factors effecting bone mass cannot be controlled, such as gender, race and hormones. Nutrition, on the other hand, can be controlled and is one of the best ways to increase your child's bone health while teaching them positive eating habits.

Largest Natural and Organic Product Selection in the Poconos.

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March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 29

Nutrition ideas to boost bone health Studies show an increase in childhood bone fractures over the past four decades. Experts agree adequate levels of vitamin D and calcium decrease the risk of developing fractures by supporting bone strength. During the winter months, many children are not getting enough vitamin D an essential vitamin needed for the body to absorb calcium - so it's an important concern with decreased daylight hours.

Milk

is an obvious source of vitamin D and calcium, but for kids with lactose sensitivities or those who don't like drinking milk, there are other options. In fact, there are many foods that are a good source of both vitamin D and calcium.

Eggs

Eggland's Best eggs come from hens fed an all-vegetarian diet consisting of healthy grains, canola oil and supplements like alfalfa and vitamin E. As a result, each EB egg has five times more vitamin D, plus three times more vitamin B12, two times more omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E and 38 percent more lutein compared to ordinary eggs.

Kale

Just one cup of kale has 10 percent of your daily calcium and 133 percent of both your vitamin A and vitamin C needs for the day. If you struggle to get your kids to eat veggies, simply blend kale in a fruit smoothie, make kale chips by baking with garlic and olive oil, or mix cooked kale into spaghetti sauce or an egg frittata mixture to make it a seamless addition.

Figs

Five medium fresh figs have around 90 milligrams of calcium and other bone-healthy nutrients like potassium and magnesium, according to WebMD. Dried figs are a good option also, plus are a great natural sweetener for bakery items like cookies. A half cup of dried figs have 120 milligrams of calcium.

Almond Butter

Want a bone-boosting alternative to peanut butter for your little one's toast and PB&Js? Try almond butter! In addition to being a good source of protein, two tablespoons contains an estimated 112 milligrams of calcium and 240 milligrams of potassium.

Tofu

Soft enough that even tots can safely eat it, tofu is considered by some to be a modern superfood. Packed with nutrients, calcium-enriched tofu contains more than 400 milligrams of calcium. Cut into small pieces, saute and add to your kids' favorite dishes such as macaroni and cheese or scrambled eggs.

"Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient when it comes to good bone health, but it's also difficult to get the necessary amount through food," said Tammy Lakatos, a registered dietitian. "That's why we love Eggland's Best eggs - they have five times more Vitamin D than ordinary eggs, plus, they're easy to integrate into your diet, whether in omelets, salads, wraps, casseroles or desserts."

Want a bone-healthy recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy? Try out this recipe and find more meal inspiration at www.egglandsbest.com.

30 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

Courtesy of BrandPoint

u’lloveeverymile

798 North Ninth Street • Stroudsburg, PA 18360 t 800.406.4050

E RTLE C A R S .CO M

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine © | 31

Compton's

Open 6 AM Daily

Pancake House

Recipe

HOME OF THE DOUBLE “TRIPLE PLAY”

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Easy Pizza with Sauteed Greens, Garlic & Eggs

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Ingredients: • 4 Eggland's Best Eggs (large) • 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided • 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 10 ounces baby spinach, about 10 cups • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

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Famous for Our Homemade Ring Bologna & Kielbasi. Fully Stocked Deli with Everyday Reasonable Prices!! Phone: 570-420-9764 | M-F 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm 1411-B Chipperfield Dr, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 32 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

• 1 (16-ounce) bag refrigerated pizza dough • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese • 1 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella • 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions: Preheat the oven to 450 F. Coat a large round baking or pizza pan with cooking spray. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add the garlic and cook until starting to brown, about 1 1/2-2 minutes. Add the spinach, tossing with kitchen tongs, and cook until wilted, 3 minutes; season with the salt and pepper. Transfer to a sieve or colander set over a bowl and let drain 5 minutes; discard liquid. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15inch circle and transfer to the prepared pan. Spread the ricotta evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Top evenly with the spinach then sprinkle with the mozzarella and Romano cheeses. Bake until the crust is lightly browned, 20-22 minutes. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and cook until the whites are just set, about 3 minutes. With a spatula, gently flip the eggs over and cook 30 seconds longer. Top the pizza with the eggs. Cut through the eggs into 8 slices.

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Ken’s Auto Service Center Quality Repair

With a Price That’s Fair Rte. 447 & Brushy Mt. Rd., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

570-424-2258 www.kensautoservicecenter.net Oil Change

Maintenance

State Inspections Tune Ups

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Travel

Travel Made Easy:

Is Your Tech Ready?

34 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

SERVING THE POCONOS SINCE 1986

POCONO MOTION BODY SHOP COLLISION SPECIALISTS We’ll have you back on the road, looking good, in no time.

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P&S GARAGE Servicing the Poconos since 1975

Scott Dreisbach owner

570-223-8874

Photo courtesy of Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

9080 Franklin Hill Road East Stroudsburg, Pa www.psgaragepa.com

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CHOOSE DREHER BECAUSE WE CARE! BUSINESS & PERSONAL INSURANCE Theodore G. Butz, CPCU 551 Main Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570-421-6141

www.DreherInsurance.com 36 | Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ March / April 2017

These tips will ensure you can savor the sweet moments and avoid potential hiccups! Drive smarter. Hitting the road? Apps like Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation guide, offer immediate information and alternate routes that save time when everyone is heading out of town. Other apps, like GasBuddy, compare pricing for nearby gas stations so you can fuel up economically, making the drive convenient and worry-free. Beat boredom en route. Even in the air, there are ways to keep the family entertained. Inflight internet services, like Gogo, allow for texting and surfing the web, so kids can keep up with their Candy Crush game and mom and dad can hop online to research travel activities. And if you are a T-Mobile customer, you get a free hour of Wi-Fi on every domestic flight! Take connectivity to the next level by plugging into a portable charger to ensure all your devices are fully charged for the duration of your flight and after you land. Find your travel Zen. Ever been on a long train ride with an unhappy baby or snoring fellow rider? Drown out unwelcome disruptions by turning up the volume, and streaming unlimited music from services like Spotify, Apple Music and Pandora with Music Freedom from T-Mobile.

pro tip:

Noise-cancelling headphones help too! Seek out a comfortable pair designed to fit the unique contour of your ears – they are ideal for lengthy trips.

Customized treatment plans based on your individual lifestyle!

Make the most of travel downtime. Dealing with a delay or adjusting to a different time zone? Use the unplanned time to catch up on your favorite shows. You can stream services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube on your phone with T-Mobile’s Binge On and not only will you get through the series cliffhanger, none of your streaming will count against your high-speed data!

BucciVision.com 1-877-DR-BUCCI

Short Hills Custom

Stay connected even when abroad. Google’s 2016 travel trends show that 85 percent of leisure travelers decide on activities to do from their mobile phone after they’ve arrived at their travel destination. You can avoid roaming charges while you wander out of the country with services like Simple Global from T-Mobile. It provides unlimited data and texting in more than 140 countries around the globe.

Has come to the Poconos

For the 50 percent of Americans who regularly travel to Mexico or Canada, a travel offering that spans an entire continent, like Mobile Without Borders, will be welcome news. It ensures you can text and post photos of guacamole and poutine all day with no (data) consequences.

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Be the all-star family photographer. Essential for capturing photos throughout the journey, selfie sticks are this year’s unexpected travel necessity. Various types– compact, waterproof and Bluetooth enabled are available at a range of prices. Whether you are headed on a morning hike or trying a new cuisine, you’ll capture memories the family will love for years to come.

Bill Long 973-699-6824

Courtesy of StatePoint

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Community

THE POCONO OUTDOORS

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! www.peec.org

Public Maple Sugaring Day Saturday, March 4th

The 40th Public Maple Sugaring Day will feature a tour of the Sugarbush including stops to learn about Native American and early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, our evaporator process, and methods of identifying and tapping a maple tree. After the tour, everyone will get a chance to taste some of our syrup on freshly made pancakes! The event runs from 10am - 3pm and is located at the Meesing Sugarbush outside of Marshall’s Creek. Cost: $6/adult and $4/children under 12; all members of the EE Center and all tree sponsors attend FREE of charge. For more information visit our website at mcconservation.org.

Ecozone Discovery Room! Photo taken by Barbara Lewis

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. www.peec.org

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. www.peec.org

Middle Creek Birding Field Trip Tuesday, March 7th

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a major stop-over for tremendous numbers of Snow Geese—their huge flocks in flight sometimes create a “blizzard” of birds. Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this trip to observe this stunning spectacle of nature. In addition, a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and other birds should be seen. Meet at the EE Center at 8:30 am and return 6 pm. Cost: $30/non-member, $24/EE Center member, and includes bus transportation. Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress for the weather. Pre-registration required by and payment is required by February 28th and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip. For more information visit our website at mcconservation.org.

Maple Sugaring Programs for Scouts Saturday, March 11

A special day in the Maple Sugarbush for scout groups is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2017. Programs can be scheduled between 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and are open to any level of scouts and their families. The day will feature a tour of the Sugarbush including stops to learn about Native American and early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, our evaporator process and methods of identifying and tapping a maple tree. After the tour, everyone will get a chance to taste some of our syrup on freshly made pancakes. Cost: $5/adult, $3/scouts and children under 12. Cost: $6/adult, $4/scouts and children under 12. Visit www.mcconservation.org for information.

585 Main Street Stroudsburg PA 570-421-7950 dunkelbergers.com

the

Dressing Room pretty clothing Iridium Cut Loose Pacificotton Uru Comfy USA Bryn Walker Flax Latico Bernie Mev Oh My Gauze! + more 114 Washington St. East Stroudsburg, PA 570-420-0994 T-F: 10a-5p Sat: 10a-4p Su-M: closed

www.TheDressingRoomPA.com

target species are not revealed until the day of the Active Adventures: trip. Pre-trip scouting and local reports will determine Introduction to Orienteering where we go to see the best avian goodies. Meet at the 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. www.peec.org

Introduction to Fly Fishing Saturday, March 18th

The workshop will run from 9 am to 12 Noon. Equipment, casting, strategy, fly-tying, basic trout stream macro-invertebrate entomology, and local fishing areas will be covered and demonstrated. A film, slide program, and raffles are included with admission. Cost: $8/non-members, $5/EE Center members and children under 12. Pre-registration is required by Friday, March 17th. For more information visit our website at mcconservation.org.

EE Center at 8:30 am and return 5:30 pm. Cost: $28/ non-member, $22/ EE Center member, and includes bus transportation, plenty of birds, and a good time! Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress for the weather. Pre-registration and payment is required by March 17th and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip. For more information visit our website at mcconservation.org.

Active Adventures: Little Eco Explorers: Foxes 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. www.peec.org

Ecozone Discovery Room!

Sunday, March 19 – 1:00-4:00pm Active Adventures: $2 per person 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. www. peec.org

Mystery Birding Field Trip Friday, March 24th

Join Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman on this popular birding adventure where the destinations and 40 | Pocono Family Magazine © March / April 2017

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. www.peec.org

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. www.peec.org

Woodcock Walk Geology Hike 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. www. peec.org

Annual Members and Friends Dinner at Trout Lake Friday, March 31st

Please mark your calendars for our Annual Members and Friends of Conservation Dinner to be held at Trout Lake Retreat. Invitations will be mailed to all members in February, or you can call us at 570-6293061 to receive more information or visit our website at mcconservation.org.

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. www.peec.org

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 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! www.peec.org

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 (prereq #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! www.peec. org

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. www.peec.org

Salamanders, Frogs and More! Black & White Sunday, April 9 – 10:00am-12:00pm Photography Tour $5 per person 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. www.peec.org

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. www.peec.org

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. www.peec.org

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! www.peec.org

Spring Peeper Search Ecozone Discovery Room! Saturday, April 22 – 8:00-9:00pm

2017 Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 22 Bridge the Gap: Pond Explorers On Saturday, April 22 from 10am – 3pm organizations, 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. www.peec.org

businesses and local agencies throughout Monroe County have organized a county-wide event to celebrate the conservation successes of the past 20+ years in Monroe County. A schedule of events for the day includes: Musical Entertainment will feature Mike Pilgermeyer and Katie Rubino. There will be children’s activities, Give and Take Day sponsored by Close the Loop, Electronics recycling and tire amnesty sponsored by The Waste Management Authority, and exhibits highlighting local environmental business, organizations and agencies. It’s a day you won’t want to miss!

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! www.peec.org

For more information about Earth Day, visit www.mcearthday.org or call Darryl at Monroe County Conservation District at (570) 629-3061, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information visit our website at mcconservation.org.

Active Adventures: Naturally Beautiful Beading Saturday, April 22 – 10:00am-12:00pm Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk $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! www.peec.org

Sunday, April 23 – 10:00am-12:00pm Free Nature provides food & natural remedies for us in the form of many plants. Join us on a hike focused on wild edible & medicinal plants. No collecting will be done in the Park. Funding for this program provided by the AllOne Foundation. www.peec.org

Bridge the Gap: Bike the McDade Voice of Business Since 1910 Sunday, April 23 – 1:00-4:00pm Free Join us for a bike ride along the McDade Trail! We will provide all equipment and transportation. Please bring a water bottle and lunch, and wear sturdy footwear. We will have extra water and snacks available. Registration begins March 23rd – Maximum of 25 spaces. Funding for this program provided by the William Penn Foundation. www.peec.org

556 Main Street Stroudsburg, PA 18360 570.421.4433

www.GreaterPoconoChamber.com

Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 29 – 10:00am-4:00pm $5 per car Help us celebrate the Earth! There will be handson learning stations, interpretive hikes, conservation exhibits, crafts, food, music, and much more! Preregistration is NOT required. www.peec.org

Tweets and Sweets Sunday, April 30 – 9:00-11:00am $5 Interested in learning more about birds? Join us for a hike that focuses on bird ID and their unique natural history. We’ll be having breakfast snacks & beverages before we head out. We provide binoculars and field guides. www.peec.org

Located in Eagle Valley Mall, East Stroudsburg (at the intersection of Rtes. 447 & 209) Behind PNC Bank

PARTING SHOT Pocono Sunset Photo taken by Maritza McFaline

March / April 2017 Pocono Family Magazine ÂŠ | 45

Having difficulty finding your copy of

Pocono Living M A G A Z I N E

Barrett Paradise Friendly Library Cresco, PA 570-595-7171 www.barrettlibrary.org

Pocono Mountain Public Library Tobyhanna, PA 570-894-8860 www.poconomountpl.org

Clymer Library Pocono Pines, PA 570-646-0826 www.clymerlibrary.org

Western Pocono Community Library Brodheadsville, PA 570-992-7934 www.wpcl.lib.pa.us

Eastern Monroe Public Library Branches Hughes Library (main branch) Stroudsburg, PA 570-421-0800 www.monroepl.org Pocono Township Branch Tannersville, PA 570-629-5858 Smithfield Branch Marshalls Creek, PA 570-223-1881 Bookmobile 570-421-0880 x49

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Your life is here. Your access to great care is too.

You’re the reason we’ve brought our resources together. Pocono Medical Center is now Lehigh Valley Hospital –Pocono, the region’s only full-service hospital. You asked for greater access to advanced medicine. And we’ve been listening. You told us you want to stay close to home and avoid unnecessary travel while still being able to benefit from high-quality health care. And that is what we are bringing to life. We’ll combine the resources and capabilities of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) with the exceptional mother-baby care, heart care, ER and trauma care, neuro and stroke care, and more, already available at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono. So for you the Poconos community, we can deliver the same care that’s been nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report — right here, where you live and work. LVHN is always listening and finding new ways to optimize your health. And we’re driven to provide patient-centered care at every stage of your life. is now a part of