HomeDiningLodgingLinksSportsStartimeAbout UsReal EstateFeatured This Week
Pocono MapShopping AroundCalendar of EventsCountry InnsMuseums & GalleriesRound the MountianSpas & Salons


Coming Events
Calendar of Events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

All Phone Numbers are in the 570 Area Code, unless otherwise noted

 

Now thru November 28 Bushkill Falls is Open for 106th Tour Season! Bushkill Falls, “The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is centered on eight roaring waterfalls and features miles of nature trails and picnic areas, plus paddle boats, miniature golf, fishing, exhibits, specialty shops and fun for all ages. The famous Pocono Mountain attraction is located off of Route 209 in Bushkill and it opens to the public every day at 9:00am through November 28. Call Bushkill Falls at (570) 588-6682 or see their website www.visitbushkillfalls.com.  

Now – Celebrate the season with the Summer Special at the Spa at Mountain Laurel in White Haven. For this special promotion, the spa is offering “This Week in the Poconos” readers a discount of 15% Off All Facials & Body Wraps. Just bring in their ad on page 27 of this magazine (or print the spa ad off of our website thisweek.net), then choose from the exciting selections of Facials and Body Wraps. The Spa at Mountain Laurel offers a luxurious menu of spa services, including Sea Salt Soaks, Foot Reflexology sessions, invigorating Vitamin C Facials, uplifting Aroma Wraps, Manicures, Pedicures, a variety of Massage options and much more. Along with your treatments, enjoy the complimentary amenities including steam room, sauna, hot tubs and a day pass to the fitness center and indoor pool. Call the spa with questions or to make a reservation at (570) 443-9SPA (9772); be sure to mention “This Week in the Poconos” when booking or regular prices will apply! The Spa at Mountain Laurel is located in The Mountain Laurel Resort on Route 940 in White Haven, easily found off exit 277 from I-80. You may view the spa’s full brochure of services at www.thespaatmountainlaurel.com. Enjoy!   

Now thru Summer – Adventure Sports in Marshalls Creek offers Delaware River Rafting Trips through the beautiful and wild Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Canoe, kayak and camping trips are also available! Adventure Sports is based on Route 209 in Marshalls Creek, about two miles north of I-80 off exit 309. Call 1-800-487-2628 or (570) 223-0505 for your reservations. Check out their website www.adventuresport.com and see their ad in this magazine for the 15% off coupon!  

Daily Free Brewery Tours and Free Beer Tastings, 12:30pm at Barley Creek Brewing Company, Sullivan Trail and Camelback Road in Tannersville. Reservations are not required and brewery tours are followed by free beer tastings. Group tours are also available by appointment. To find out more about this authentic brewpub & restaurant, call 629-9399 or log on to www.barleycreek.com.   

Now thru November 13 – Horse racing fans enjoy Live Harness Racing every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre. Post time is 6:30pm. Thoroughbred and harness racing from premier US tracks is available year-round in their simulcast facility. Check out Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, featuring over 2,500 slot machines and all your favorite TABLE GAMES including blackjack, poker, craps and roulette all year long! Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is located at 1280 Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre and their phone numbers are 1-888-WIN-IN-PA and (570) 831-2100. Log on to their website www.mohegansunpocono.com.   

Daily – Enjoy the Free Candle Making Demonstrations from 10:00 to 5:00 at the House of Candles, located on Rt. 715 North between Tannersville and Henryville. Watch the fascinating candle making process from start to finish. Visitors may also observe the creation of a custom hand-carved candle in your choice of color! The House of Candles is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00; closed Sundays. Be sure to bring the kids to enjoy the Free Farmyard Petting Zoo! For details, call 629-1953 or visit www.houseofcandles.com. See their ad on page 13 of this magazine (or print from our website thisweek.net) for the coupon good for 10% off most items!  

Now thru November – Enjoy the great conditions, affordable rates and super Mid-Week Golf Specials at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club's twenty-seven championship holes in Lake Harmony. Mondays & Wednesdays buy one greens fee and get the 2nd greens fee for free (cart required - not valid for Twilight or 9 holes); on Tuesdays & Thursdays get four greens fees for only $160 with the Foursome Special. Daily Twilight Rates start at 2:00pm! Split Rock Resort's Golf Club features twenty-seven holes, a complete practice facility, Clubhouse with Golf Shop & Snack Bar, and the Sunset Green Restaurant & Bar with panoramic views. Call the Pro Shop at (570) 722-9901 for your Tee times and information about yearly memberships. Situated on serene Lake Harmony in the Western Pocono Mountains, Split Rock Resort features a variety of accommodations, dining options and recreational amenities including 27 holes of championship golf, indoor/outdoor tennis, a fully equipped fitness center, video arcade, eight-lane bowling alley, three restaurants and the colossal H2Oooohh Indoor Waterpark! Visit the website www.splitrockresort.com for lodging rates and information, or call the resort at 1-800-255-7625 or (570) 722-9111 for reservations.

Now thru October – The Inn at Jim Thorpe on 24 Broadway in Jim Thorpe has announced that they are offering two very special packages: the Romantic Couples Escape and the Girlfriends Spa Getaway. Romance, wine and a massage... What more do you need? The Romantic Couples Escape includes a two night stay, his and her 55-minute Swedish massages, a bottle of wine in your room, two souvenir wine glasses, dinner one night, and buffet breakfast daily. Grab the gals and enjoy a relaxing and fun getaway! The Girlfriends Spa Getaway includes a two night stay, Custom Spa Package, daily breakfast buffet, lunch & dinner on Saturday, a bottle of wine with souvenir wine glasses, plus special discounts at area shops. The Inn at Jim Thorpe is situated in the heart of Jim Thorpe’s National Register Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this grand Victorian inn features comfortable guest rooms and world-class suites, including many with whirlpool and fireplace. For more information about these and other packages, or for your reservations, call The Inn at Jim Thorpe at 1-800-329-2599. Visit online at www.innjt.net.   

Now thru mid-December – Enjoy the Free Pottery Making Demonstrations at Holley Ross Pottery on Route 191 in LaAnna (between Cresco & Newfoundland). Every Monday through Friday at 11:00am, you can see all the steps involved in making beautiful pottery, from mixing the clay to the finished product! Then browse through the creations in the large factory showroom and go for a comfortable stroll to the lake and forest park. Holley Ross Pottery is open every day, Monday – Saturday from 9:30 to 5:30, and Sundays 1:00 until 5:30. Call (570) 676-3248 for more information or visit their website at www.holleyross.com.   

Now thru Summer CamelBeach Mountain Waterpark is Open Daily for the Season at Camelback Ski Area in Tannersville. CamelBeach Waterpark features a total of thirty waterslides (the most waterslides in Pennsylvania!), a wave pool, the Action River, two kids’ play areas, bumper boats, chairlift rides, mini golf and many other exciting activities. Try surfing on the Flow Rider static wave attraction! How about some family fun on The Pharaoh’s Phortress, a four-story, multi-level family play structure that features eight waterslides, a wading lagoon, fountains, spray guns and a 4-story tall, 1,500 gallon water tipping bucket! New for 2010 are the thrilling CBK Mountain Adventures. CBK Mountain Adventures is an adventure park for the adrenaline junkie, with multiple levels of challenging tree-top ropes courses, ziplines, Mountain Segways and much more! It's a jaw-dropping experience! CamelBeach will remain open daily through Monday, September 6, 2010. CamelBeach Mountain Waterpark is a highlight among all the great summer outdoor attractions in the Pocono Mountains. All water rides and pools are heated for guest comfort. CamelBeach is located off I-80 exit 299 in Tannersville. Call (570) 629-1661 or check out www.camelbeach.com for more information!   

Now thru August 31 Pocono Watercolor Associates will host a Members' Art Exhibit at the Clymer Library on Firehouse Road in Pocono Pines. Twenty-seven artists' works will be on hand for free public viewing. For more information about the art exhibit, contact Linford Werkheiser at (570) 629-0089 or email to werkly@verizon.net. For directions or more information, call the library at 646-0826 or log on to www.clymerlibrary.org.    

Now thru September 5 – The Dutot Museum & Gallery on Main Street (Route 611) in Delaware Water Gap presents an Art Exhibition of photographs from around the world by Don Manza and Sherwood Samet. The exhibit will be on display during the museum’s regular hours, Saturdays & Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00pm. The Dutot Museum & Gallery houses rotating fine art exhibits in its first floor gallery, and a museum of local history upstairs. One room is a preserved schoolroom, where visitors can sit at the old desks and watch a slide show on local history; another room overflows with memorabilia of the town’s history. You may call (570) 476-4240 or (570) 421-5809 for further details. www.dutotmuseum.com    

August 26 Karen Wood will give a special demonstration of Wheat Weaving as the Summer Highlights Program for the day at Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm near Stroudsburg. Wheat weaving as a craft is centuries old and was practiced in grain growing countries worldwide. It was a part of harvest rituals used to ensure a fruitful harvest. Early American settlers used wheat weaving as it is used today, for decorative purposes. Highlights are featured from 10:00am until 3:30pm at Quiet Valley in addition to the regular tour. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a restored and working 19th century farm, complete with costumed guides and lots of historic demonstrations. In addition to today’s program, a variety of early American skills are demonstrated daily. This non-profit, educational organization is located 3½ miles south of Stroudsburg off of Business Route 209; follow signs. Call Quiet Valley at (570) 992-6161 or log on to www.quietvalley.org to learn more.  

August 26 – Celebrate Hot Summer Fun at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, where every Thursday through September 2 there's a Party on the Patio from 6:00 to 11:00pm! The big party on the patio of the grandstand features area tribute bands as well as great food, drinks and karaoke (beginning at 10:00pm). The featured band tonight is Queen tribute Almost Queen. The Party on the Patio is free and open to guests 21 or older. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is located at 1280 Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre, featuring over 2,500 slot machines and all your favorite table games including blackjack, poker, craps and roulette! Horse racing fans enjoy Live Harness Racing every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. Post time is 6:30pm.  Call 1-888-WIN-IN-PA or (570) 831-2100, or check out their website at www.mohegansunpocono.com to find out more!   

August 26 – Meet a naturalist at 9:00am at Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park to Hike the Stone and Fourth Run Trails. This fun and interesting 3½-mile hike is rated “easiest.” Wear shoes suitable for walking long distances over uneven terrain and bring plenty of water! For more information, call the Hickory Run State Park office at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.

August 26 - The Gem and Keystone Brewpub in Shawnee-on-Delaware offers another great opportunity to hear jazz in the Poconos, when Jesse Green hosts a Jazz/Fusion Open Jam Session every other Thursday. Join Jesse Green on keyboard & bass with Daniel Gonzalez on drums in The Gem & Keystone's Beer Cellar, and listen to some terrific music from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Musicians, bring your instruments and your chops for this open jam session or just relax and enjoy the music. The Gem and Keystone is located on the grounds of the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware. For more information, call (570) 424-0990 or visit www.gemandkeystone.com.   

August 26“Come Paint with Me” is a free, non-instructional program of on-site outdoor painting & sketching sessions for adult and student artists. Artists will meet today from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, off Route 6 between Hawley and Honesdale. Artists are encouraged to paint outdoors at their own pace with mediums of their choice. Representing many levels of expertise and variations in style and technique, artists are offered the opportunity to network with others, share a common interest, and socialize over lunch break where informal critique is often included. Registration is not necessary to attend “Come Paint with Me” sessions. Artists are expected to meet at the various locations bringing their own materials. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Restrooms will be available. Sessions will be held weather permitting. For directions or more information, call Joan Polishook at (570) 775-6896 or visit www.joanpolishook-art.com. All are welcome to join this free program!   

August 26 – The Wayne County Genealogy Group Meets from 4:30 to 6:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main Street in Honesdale. Beginners and experienced researchers are welcome to attend these informative sessions. For more information, call (570) 253-3240 or (570) 253-5468 or send an email to wchspa@ptd.net. See the Historical Society’s website at www.waynehistorypa.org.  

August 27 – In a time when we all could use a few more laughs, Fernwood Hotel & Resort in Bushkill has once again scheduled Comedy Nights every Friday night all summer long at Wintergreens Patio Grill. The evenings will be hosted by comedian John Carfi, who has been seen on Comedy Central and Entertainment Tonight and has opened for Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton and Donna Summer. Some of the other Comedy Night headliners will be Jimmy Graham, Rich Ramirez, Sue Kelly, Dennis Ross, Brad Lowery, and David Goldstein. Every Friday at 10:00pm three comedians will be featured with those listed and many others, with a varied lineup to make the show new each week. Carfi's talents as a humorist will be accented by all of the special guests brought in throughout the summer. Wintergreens Patio Grill is located across from Fernwood Hotel & Resort on Route 209 in Bushkill. Comedy Nights are open to the public with general admission seating for adults 21 and over. The cover charge is $10 with a $2 discount to resort guests. Dinner is served at Wintergreens every night beginning at 5:00pm. Come early for dinner out on the patio overlooking the lake, then stay for the show. It will be a great night out that's sure to make you laugh out loud! For more information, call Fernwood at (570) 588-9500 or 1-888-FERNWOOD. www.fernwoodhotel.com   

August 27 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will feature a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $10 tasting fee. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com    

August 27 – Head over to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park for Boulder Field Basics. A National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area, the Hickory Run Boulder Field is the best example of a boulder field in Eastern North America. Meet at the Boulder Field in the State Park at 5:30pm for a brief (15 minute) talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. It really is amazing! Allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534. This fascinating program is free to the public. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

August 27 – The Rhythm Devils featuring Mickey Hart & Bill Kreutzmann are coming to the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg! Mickey and Billy, the drummers from the Grateful Dead, will bring their drum kits, gongs and more to the Sherman for a night filled with music from the Dead and other jams. Over the years, the Rhythm Devils transcended rock & roll drum stereotypes with polyrhythmic explorations of the world of percussion, using an extraordinary variety of instruments and approaches. The 2010 version includes Bill and Mickey, along with Tim Bluhm of the Mother Hips (guitar, vocals), Davy Knowles (guitar, vocals), Sikiru Adepoju (talking drum), and Andy Hess (bass). Together, they take music beyond the horizon to a universe where rhythm is in constant flux and sound has infinite potential. Show time is 8:00pm. The Sherman Theater is located at 524 Main Street in Downtown Stroudsburg. For ticket information, call the Sherman at (570) 420-2808 or buy online at www.shermantheater.com

August 27 - The American Cancer Society is proud to announce the return of their annual Samplings of Summer fundraiser at the Tom Quick Inn in Milford. Samplings of Summer will help raise funds for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Delaware Valley and share the importance of saving lives from cancer. "Samplings of Summer is as much an awareness raiser about the progress against cancer as it is a fundraiser featuring Pennsylvania wines," said Tonyehn Verkitus, Community Income Development Specialist for the American Cancer Society. For more information on the Samplings of Summer, contact Tonyehn at (570) 562-9749. For more information about cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.  

August 27 thru 29 - The Downtown Hawley Partnership is proud to present the 1st Annual Wally Lake Fest, an event that celebrates the Lake Region! This festival features happenings throughout the Lake Region including at the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, all through Downtown Hawley, at the new Lake Wallenpaupack Nature Trail, at area businesses and on the lake. The three-day festival for the whole family will feature live music, kite flying, an Open Market Fair, PPL Dam Tours, a Kayak Learning Center, souvenir photos, a Boat Parade, even Free Sailboat Rides! Also planned are a Bike Tour, a Golf Driving Contest, a Boat Show at the high school, theater performances, an Ice Cream Social, an Art Auction, an Art Extravaganza and much more! For more information about Wally Lake Fest including the complete daily schedule, call (570) 226-2141. You may also call the Downtown Hawley Partnership at (570) 226-4064 or click on www.visithawleypa.com.

August 27 thru 29 – They're celebrating Christmas in August at Silver Arrow Gallery & Gift Shop on Route 611 in Tannersville! In addition to their wonderful gallery and Native American offerings, the Silver Arrow has invited a number of talented local craftsmen and artists to personally come and display their works for the weekend. These include woodworkers Jack Jones and Joe Michonski, potter Jone Bush, painters Edward Fray and Joan Sayer, paper cutter Frank Joest, ceramic artisan Gail Joest, jeweler Helen Kopec, and photographer Pat Transue. Meet the artists and artisans between 11:00am and 4:00pm, learn about their crafts and order your one-of-a-kind custom-made holiday gifts! Silver Arrow Gallery is located in the DePue Plaza on Route 611 in Tannersville. For more information about the big "Christmas in August" event, call the gallery at (570) 619-0461. Visit the website www.silver-arrow-gallery.com to see write-ups and pictures of the various artists' works.    

August 27 thru 29 - America's favorite Broadway musical ANNIE is coming to the stage at Downtown Hazleton's J.J. Ferrara Center. The show, presented by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts, tells the story of little Annie and her quest to find her parents in Depression-era New York. ANNIE won a number of Tony awards including Best Musical, ran on Broadway for nearly six years, and has spawned professional and amateur productions all over the world. Show times are 7:00pm on Friday & Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee at 3:00pm. Bring your appetite as an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet will be available 90 minutes before each performance. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 62+ and students 12 & over, and $8 for children. Buffet & Show Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors & students, and $18 for children. The J.J. Ferrara Center is located at 212 West Broad Street in Downtown Hazleton. For more information or reservations, call (570) 454-5451 or purchase tickets online at www.ptpashows.org.   

August 27 thru 29 - Outdoor World off Route 611 in Scotrun offers visitors the finest in RV camping and modern, cozy vacation cottages. Amenities include fishing, mini-golf, swimming pools, lake, playgrounds, clubhouse, picnic area, recreation center/video arcade, shuffleboard, general store, laundry facility and much more. Outdoor World guests are invited to come out and join the fun during "Magical Mystery Tour" Weekend. Pick up your clue sheet at the Rec. Hall, then watch the Magic Show and see if you can solve the mystery! For more information about RV campsites and cottage rentals, call Outdoor World at (570) 629-0620 or log on to www.1000trails.com.   

August 28 – Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe offers a river experience unlike any other: Moonlight Rafting on the Lehigh! Take off at sundown to explore the nightlife under a summer moon, as glow sticks dance around you like fireflies. Sharpen other senses as light gives way to sound and motion. A friendly guide will accompany you to help navigate through the moon-lit rapids and keep your raft on course. After your journey get cozy by the bonfire, roast some marshmallows, enjoy cheese, crackers, and a glass or two of wine compliments of your hosts. Explore the night and experience the Lehigh River in a whole new way! Cost is $89.95 per person, which includes in-raft river guide, après party (beer, wine, cheese, crackers, marshmallows, etc.), all paddling equipment, wetsuits or paddling jackets if needed, roaring bon fire, and glow necklaces. Private moonlight dates are also available to groups when scheduled in advance. Pocono Whitewater and Skirmish Paintball have been in business since 1976 and are recognized as industry leaders in outdoor recreation and paintball. Pocono Whitewater offers mild to wild whitewater rafting and kayaking trips, family trips, and scenic rail-biking excursions to suit everyone’s needs. Skirmish USA features adrenaline-filled paintball action on 50 playing fields amid 700 acres of top-notch Pocono terrain. For your Moonlight Rafting reservations, call Pocono Whitewater at 1-800-WHITEWATER or click on www.poconowhitewater.com.  

August 28 – Steamtown National Historic Site in nearby Downtown Scranton is offering a Steam Train Excursion to Tobyhanna in the Pocono Mountains. The train will depart the station in Scranton at 11:00am and return at around 3:00pm. The 4-hour round-trip excursion will roll past historic buildings, through a tunnel, along mountain creeks and rivers, past lakes and reservoirs, and through beautiful Pocono Mountain woodlands. The village of Tobyhanna boasts a restored passenger-freight station built in 1908. For those who would like to see the steam train when it arrives in Tobyhanna between 11:45 and 12:00noon, just drive over to the Tobyhanna Train Station located on Route 423; the number there is (570) 894-3338. If you wish to be a passenger on the train, it will leave the Steamtown boarding platform in Scranton at 11:00am, with planned return arrival in Scranton at around 3:00pm. Light refreshments will be available in Tobyhanna. To find Steamtown in Scranton from I-81, use exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway) and follow the signs to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff avenues. For ticket reservations and further details, call (570) 340-5204, (570) 340-5200, or 888-693-9391 or log on to www.nps.gov/stea.    

August 28 – It's not every day that you have the chance to walk across the Lake Wallenpaupack dam and learn about how the lake was created and how it produces clean, renewable energy even today. Lake Wallenpaupack Dam Tours will be offered by PPL Corporation from 10:00am to 3:00pm, beginning at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center on Route 6 near Hawley. Learn about the increase in energy demand since Lake Wallenpaupack began operating as a hydroelectric plant in the 1920's. If you're interested in a tour, meet by the butterfly garden next to the dam; guided tours will run continuously from 10:00 until 3:00. Visitors will be greeted by a PPL escort and guided onto the dam in small groups. For your safety, wear closed-toed shoes. Registration is not required and tours will be conducted rain or shine, unless there is a thunderstorm. The powerhouse will not be part of these tours. For more information, contact PPL at (570) 253-7076 or (570) 251-6196, or send an email to pplpreserves@pplweb.com. Additional details can also be found at the website www.pplpreserves.com.  

August 28 – Round up the kids and head over to Hickory Run State Park for the free Family Scavenger Hunt from 7:00 to 8:00pm! Meet at the park amphitheater by 7:00pm, where you’ll receive a list and be set free to figure out the clues and bring back treasures. The first team back within one hour with all of the items/answers wins a prize! Plan to do some walking. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com

August 28 – The Barrett Township Historical Society is hosting their Annual Chicken Barbecue at the American Legion on Spruce Cabin Road in Cresco. Menu includes barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, broccoli salad, potato salad, baked beans, assorted desserts, beverages and coffee. Take-outs begin at 4:30pm and dinner seating is from 5:00 to 7:00. Cost is $10 adults, $5 kids 3 to 11; under 3 no charge. For more information, contact Maryann Miller at (570) 595-2501.   

August 28 – Join members of the Pocono Outdoor Club for a Hike to the Bruce Lake Natural Area in Promised Land State Park. This will be a moderate 7-mile hike to Egypt Meadow and Bruce Lake, returning on the Brown Trail. Meet at the parking lot on the right off of Route 390 just past the Village of Promised Land. For more information, including hike start time, call hike leader George Singlemann at (570) 421-2968. The Pocono Outdoor Club is a friendly hiking group open to all individuals interested in exploring the trails of the Pocono Mountains. To learn more about the club and its outings in the wilds of the Poconos, contact today’s hike leader or check out www.poconooutdoorclub.org.   

August 28 – Come on down to Bushkill Falls, “The Niagara of Pennsylvania” to listen to some good Blue Grass Music performed by well-known, Pocono-based band The Lost Ramblers. The performance will be held from noon until 4:00pm in the pavilion. Bushkill Falls is centered on eight roaring waterfalls and features miles of nature trails and picnic areas, plus paddle boats, miniature golf, fishing, exhibits, specialty shops and fun for all ages. The famous Pocono Mountain attraction is located off of Route 209 in Bushkill and it opens to the public every day at 9:00am through November 28. Call Bushkill Falls at (570) 588-6682 or see their website www.visitbushkillfalls.com.  

August 28 – The Wayne County Arts Alliance is pleased to host their annual "Table Talk" Public Auction at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center on Route 6 near Hawley. This year local artists have used their talents to create over forty-five wonderfully decorated tables on display. The auction doors open at 6:00pm and the bidding starts at 7:00. Arrive early so you have time to peruse the elaborately painted tables that will be up for auction later in the evening! The WCAA annual auction is a free and fun art event where you're sure to find something that catches your eye. No previous auction experience is necessary! For those who can't attend, phone bidding and absentee bidding are available. What a great way to support the arts and artists of Wayne County! For more information, contact the Wayne County Arts Alliance at (570) 253-6850 or visit www.waynecountyartsalliance.org.   

August 28 – Lacawac Sanctuary, a 545-acre nature preserve on Lake Wallenpaupack, presents "Monarch Marvels" with Ed Wesely at 2:00pm. Since 1996 Ed has rescued Monarch Butterfly eggs and caterpillars from threatened habitats, and reared them in the Butterfly Barn Nature Center near Milanville. With the help of local school children, he's nurtured and released over 4,000 adult Monarchs. Come and learn about the Monarch Butterfly life cycle and help to tag early migrants! Children may sign-out and take home a Monarch Chrysalis to hatch. The cost for this family-friendly event is $5 per person; family fee will not exceed $20. For more information, call the sanctuary at (570) 689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org. The 545-acre Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, research field station and historic site located on Lake Wallenpaupack. It is one of the few sites nationwide that is federally recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary’s programs are open to the public and include environmental, historical and cultural offerings as well as three miles of hiking trails. Membership, directions, programs and other information can be found at their website www.lacawac.org.  

August 28 – Enjoy A Night Out with the Stars at 8:00pm at Nescopeck State Park. Members of the Greater Hazleton Area Astronomical Society will share their knowledge of the night skies through an indoor presentation, followed by an outdoor session complete with telescopes to observe star clusters and whatever else you might find. Indoor session will be held regardless of the weather; the outdoor session is weather dependent. A Night Out with the Stars is offered free to the public and registration is required. To register, call the Nescopeck State Park Office at (570) 403-2006. Check out the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.  

August 28 – All outdoor lovers are invited to attend the informative "Tree Finder" Program at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) near Bartonsville. Learn to use a Tree Finder to identify any tree in the Pocono Mountains then test your new found skill on the trails of Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. This 1½ hour program will begin at 11:00am and will be held both indoors and outdoors. Dress for the weather and for hiking. The $7.50 cost to attend includes the price of your Tree Finder booklet. Pre-registration is required by August 26. To find the MCEEC from Interstate 80 (exit 302 from I-80 West or 302B from I-80 East), go north on Route 611, travel ½ mile to the next traffic light in Bartonsville, and turn left onto Rimrock Drive. Follow Rimrock for 0.4 mile, bear right onto N. Easton-Belmont Pike, go 0.2 mile, then bear right onto Running Valley Road. The Center is 0.7 mile on the left. Call the center at (570) 629-3061 to register or visit www.mcconservation.org.   

August 28Pocono Greyhound Adoption will hold a Greyhound Meet & Greet at Petsmart on Route 611 in Stroudsburg. Retired racing greyhounds and Pocono Greyhound Adoption spokespersons will be available to visit with shoppers and answer questions from noon until 3:00pm. To learn more about this event, or about adopting a greyhound, visit www.poconogreyhound.com or phone (570) 856-0377. 

August 28 & 29 – The 24th annual Pocono State Crafts Festival returns to Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm near Stroudsburg. Co-sponsored by the Pocono Arts Council and the Pocono Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen, the event celebrates the heritage, beauty and quality of Pennsylvania crafts. Approximately 75 craftsmen will travel from all parts of Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, New York and Quebec to attend the festival. Hand-made crafts featured will include pottery, jewelry, metal, toys, stained glass, wood, baskets, paper, leather, folk art, fine art, photography, and art-to-wear. Demonstrations of pottery throwing, of blacksmithing and of wood turning will captivate patrons and bring to life the creative process. All craftsmen will be available to discuss their works and provide the opportunity to purchase unique, high-quality crafts. In addition, visitors will enjoy the beautiful surroundings and history of Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm. The farm buildings, animals and beautiful gardens will be open to give visitors a taste of a by-gone era on a Pennsylvania Dutch farm. Patrons will also enjoy Bluegrass & Gospel music on Saturday and Dixieland music on Sunday. There will be an interactive Children’s Area and festival foods will provide something for everyone. Festival hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday and 10:00 to 5:00 on Sunday, rain or shine. Admission is $6 adults, children 12 and under free. There is ample free parking. Quiet Valley, the location of the Pocono State Craft Festival, is located 3½ miles south of Stroudsburg off of Business Route 209; follow signs. For more information and directions to the Pocono State Craft Festival, call (570) 476-4460 or log on to the show’s website at www.poconocrafts.com. The number at Quiet Valley is (570) 992-6161.  

August 28 & 29 – The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that this is the target date for a Recreational Dam Release Weekend on the Lehigh River, creating breathtaking whitewater conditions. By regulating the Francis Walter Dam near White Haven, the Corps plans to release hundreds of cubic feet per second of additional water into the Lehigh. Rafters, kayakers and other adventurous boaters anxiously await the dam release, and will flock to the river for a chance to ride whitewater. To arrange your Lehigh River rafting adventure, call Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe at 1-800-WHITEWATER or call Whitewater Challengers in White Haven at 1-800-443-8554. Visit www.poconowhitewater.com and www.whitewaterchallengers.com.  

August 29 – Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre celebrates Hot Summer Fun with an incredible star-studded line-up of summer acts. Closing out the concert series tonight are Rock legends Foreigner. Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular Rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums and sold-out concert tours. From "Cold as Ice," "Hot Blooded," "Urgent" and "Jukebox Hero," to "Waiting for a Girl Like You" and the chart topper "I Want to Know What Love Is," Foreigner's thrilling mix of blustery Blues and impeccably-crafted Pop continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans. Tickets for the show are $29.99 reserved seats, $21.99 general admission and can be purchased in-person from the Box Office located in the valet lobby or through all Ticketmaster outlets, including ticketmaster.com and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is located at 1280 Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre, featuring over 2,500 slot machines and all your favorite table games including blackjack, poker, craps and roulette! Horse racing fans enjoy Live Harness Racing every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday. Post time is 6:30pm. Call 1-888-WIN-IN-PA or (570) 831-2100 to find out more, or check out their website at www.mohegansunpocono.com!    

August 29 – The Pocono Lions Club has announced that they will host their Longaberger Basket Gala from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Tobyhanna Elementary Center in Pocono Pines. The fundraiser will feature a number of exquisitely crafted and popular Longaberger Baskets, which will each be raffled off in a drawing. Each unique basket will be filled with merchandise following a theme. Admission is $20 per person, which includes five tickets to be used to enter the drawings for baskets of your choice. Additional tickets may be purchased for $3 each. You may put more than one ticket in the same basket if you so choose and you need not be present to win. Refreshments and door prize tickets will also be available for purchase. Longaberger Basket tickets will be available at the door or may be purchased in advance by calling Al Enoch on his cell phone at (570) 807-6958. The Tobyhanna Elementary Center is located on Old Route 940 in Pocono Pines, near the Clymer Public Library. 2010 is the Pocono Lions Club's 60th Anniversary! Since 1950 the Club's fundraisers have supported charitable causes. All revenues realized from this event will be used to benefit local charities and support groups.  

August 29 – Bushkill Falls, “The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is offering a unique Learn about Wildlife program for the entire family. A naturalist from the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will be there to present a fun and informative discussion about the wildlife of the Pocono Mountains. Exciting demonstrations with Live Birds & Animals will be held in the pavilion at 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Bushkill Falls is centered on eight roaring waterfalls and features miles of nature trails and picnic areas, plus paddle boats, miniature golf, fishing, exhibits, specialty shops and fun for all ages. The famous Pocono Mountain attraction is located off of Route 209 in Bushkill and it opens to the public every day at 9:00am through November 28. Call Bushkill Falls at (570) 588-6682 or see their website www.visitbushkillfalls.com.      

August 29 – Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe invites you to join them for a Big Day Out on the Lehigh River. Bike, hike and raft with Pocono Whitewater all in one big day! It's an awesome adventure for only $89.95 per person! For your reservations, call 1-800-WHITEWATER or visit www.poconowhitewater.com.  

August 29 – The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap concludes its series of outdoor Summer Concerts at the Gazebo with classic folk/rock by Bonnie Childs & the Church of the Mountain Band. The concert will be held from 6:00pm to 7:30pm out on the lawn, so bring a blanket or lawn chair. If rain, the concert will be moved indoors. Refreshments will be available. The church is easy to find along Route 611 (Main Street) in Delaware Water Gap, and the concert is free to the public. For details on the concert, call (570) 992-3934. The number at the church is (570) 476-0345. www.churchofthemountain.org   

August 29 – There will be an Open House at the Bethel One-Room School near Indian Orchard in Berlin Township from 1:00 until 4:00pm today. A special presentation relating to the school and local history will be offered at 2:00pm. To reach the Bethel One-Room School from Route 6 at Indian Orchard, take Route 652 east for one mile. Turn right on Bethel School Road and travel one mile to the schoolhouse on the left. For further details about this free event, call the Wayne County Historical Society at (570) 253-3240. www.waynehistorypa.org   

August 29 – Head over to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park for Boulder Field Basics. A National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area, the Hickory Run Boulder Field is the best example of a boulder field in Eastern North America. Meet at the Boulder Field in the State Park at 1:00pm for a brief (15 minute) talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. It really is amazing! Allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534. This fascinating program is free to the public. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

August 29 – The Blooming Grove Township Volunteer Fire Dept. is hosting an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast at their Main Fire Hall, located on Route 739 in Lords Valley (one mile north of I-84). Breakfast will be served from 8:30am to 1:00pm and the cost is $6. Call (570) 775-7355 to find out more.  

August 31 – Do you have spots on your tomatoes, a bug you can’t identify, or another lawn or garden question you can’t find the answer to? Well you’re in luck, because a Penn State Master Gardener will be at the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford from 10:00am until noon to answer your gardening questions. And it’s free! Bring a sample, if possible, to the office at 514 Broad Street in Milford and speak directly with a Master Gardener. If you are not able to visit with a Master Gardener during this time, call the Extension office at (570) 296-3400 or send an email message to PikeExt@psu.edu with your gardening questions. Visit the website http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 1 – A Public Bog Walk through the fantastic Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 10:00am until 12:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Highlights include viewing plants which may be blooming, like orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the MCEEC near Bartonsville. Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

September 2 – Celebrate Hot Summer Fun at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, where every Thursday through September 2 there's a Party on the Patio from 6:00 to 11:00pm! The big party on the patio of the grandstand features area tribute bands as well as great food, drinks and karaoke (beginning at 10:00pm). The featured band tonight is Fleetwood Mac tribute Fleetwood Macked. The Party on the Patio is free and open to guests 21 or older. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs is located at 1280 Route 315 in Wilkes-Barre, featuring over 2,500 slot machines and all your favorite table games including blackjack, poker, craps and roulette! Horse racing fans enjoy Live Harness Racing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. Post time is 6:30pm.  Call 1-888-WIN-IN-PA or (570) 831-2100, or check out their website at www.mohegansunpocono.com to find out more!   

September 2 – Beltzville State Park is offering a special Guided Kayak Program from 2:00pm to 4:30pm starting at the Preacher’s Camp Boat Launch. Bring your kayak or canoe or borrow one from Beltzville State Park and join guest naturalist Stephanie for a guided paddle on Beltzville Lake, one of the most popular flat-water kayaking locations in the Pocono Mountains! Bring plenty of water and wear shoes and clothing that can get wet! If you bring your own canoe or kayak, it must have a PA State Park Launch Permit or registration from the PAFBC. All participants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD (lifejacket). The group will disembark along the way to stop for a quick picnic dinner (bring your own and maybe some to share). There is a $10 per person usage fee to borrow the park’s kayaks, $5 per person for those with their own equipment. Registration is required for the Guided Kayak Program. To register, call Stephanie at (215) 453-5015. You may call Beltzville State Park at (610) 377-9150 or log on to www.visitpaparks.com.  

September 2 – Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts is proud to present Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds at beautiful Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville. As an iconic 10-time Grammy winner and BET’s recently named “Entertainer of the Year,” Kenny 'Babyface' Edmonds’ growing legacy seems to know no limits. He is a tunesmith, a hit maker, and a producer. He's a recording artist and even a revolutionary label owner. You’ve heard his impeccably crafted songwriting through vocalists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and many others. Now you can hear him belt out the hits during a special performance in the Land of Love! Event-only tickets are available to the general public; resort guests receive free show tickets with their all-inclusive stay. Cove Haven Resort is easy to find on Route 590 in Lakeville. Call 1-866-500-0458 for outside ticket reservations, or find out more at www.cpresorts.com/thisweek.    

September 2“Come Paint with Me” is a free, non-instructional program of on-site outdoor painting & sketching sessions for adult and student artists. Artists will meet today from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the picturesque Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, nestled on the Delaware River in Shawnee-on-Delaware. Meet at the River's Edge Pavilion for today's session. Artists are encouraged to paint outdoors at their own pace with mediums of their choice. Representing many levels of expertise and variations in style and technique, artists are offered the opportunity to network with others, share a common interest, and socialize over lunch break where informal critique is often included. Registration is not necessary to attend “Come Paint with Me” sessions. Artists are expected to meet at the various locations bringing their own materials. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Restrooms will be available. Sessions will be held weather permitting. For directions or more information, call Joan Polishook at (570) 775-6896 or visit www.joanpolishook-art.com. All are welcome to join this free program!   

September 3 – Cool cars, hot night! American Graffiti comes to Hawley during the Friday Night Car Cruise from 4:30 to dusk. The Downtown Hawley Partnership (DHP) and the NEPA Coasters Car Club have teamed up to present beautiful classic cars, music and more in Hawley's Bingham Park. The Car Cruise with DJ starts at 4:30, and live rock & roll music by The Man of 1,000 Voices is scheduled from 7:00 to 9:30pm. After you stroll through some of Hawley's inviting shops and eateries, put your blanket or lawn chair down in front the Bingham Park Bandstand for an evening of good music, classic cars and fun. No admission fee; the cruise and entertainment are free! Be sure to bring your lucky rabbit's foot as there will be door prizes and raffles too! Refreshments will be available. To find out more about the Friday Night Car Cruise, call the Downtown Hawley Partnership at (570) 226-4064 or log on to www.visithawleypa.com.   

September 3 – In a time when we all could use a few more laughs, Fernwood Hotel & Resort in Bushkill has once again scheduled Comedy Nights every Friday night all summer long at Wintergreens Patio Grill. The evenings will be hosted by comedian John Carfi, who has been seen on Comedy Central and Entertainment Tonight and has opened for Kenny Rogers, Michael Bolton and Donna Summer. Some of the other Comedy Night headliners will be Jimmy Graham, Rich Ramirez, Sue Kelly, Dennis Ross, Brad Lowery, and David Goldstein. Every Friday at 10:00pm three comedians will be featured with those listed and many others, with a varied lineup to make the show new each week. Carfi's talents as a humorist will be accented by all of the special guests brought in throughout the summer. Wintergreens Patio Grill is located across from Fernwood Hotel & Resort on Route 209 in Bushkill. Comedy Nights are open to the public with general admission seating for adults 21 and over. The cover charge is $10 with a $2 discount to resort guests. Dinner is served at Wintergreens every night beginning at 5:00pm. Come early for dinner out on the patio overlooking the lake, then stay for the show. It will be a great night out that's sure to make you laugh out loud! For more information, call Fernwood at (570) 588-9500 or 1-888-FERNWOOD. www.fernwoodhotel.com   

September 3 – Head over to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park for Boulder Field Basics. A National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area, the Hickory Run Boulder Field is the best example of a boulder field in Eastern North America. Meet at the Boulder Field in the State Park at 6:00pm for a brief (15 minute) talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. It really is amazing! Allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534. This fascinating program is free to the public. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 3 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will feature a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $10 tasting fee. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com    

September 3 thru 5 – You are cordially invited to the PANDORA Bracelet Event at American Candle on Route 611 in Bartonsville. Shoppers who purchase $150 in PANDORA Jewelry will receive a FREE sterling silver PANDORA clasp bracelet - a $55 value! Drop by or call to order! More than just great candles, American Candle is easy to find on Route 611 in Bartonsville via Interstate 80 exit 302. Call (570) 629-3388 or visit www.american-candle.com to find out more.  

September 3 thru 6 - Outdoor World off Route 611 in Scotrun offers visitors the finest in RV camping and modern, cozy vacation cottages. Amenities include fishing, mini-golf, swimming pools, lake, playgrounds, clubhouse, picnic area, recreation center/video arcade, shuffleboard, general store, laundry facility and much more. Outdoor World guests are invited to come out and join all the fun planned for Labor Day Weekend. Make the last weekend of the season super-fun while you enjoy the pleasant aspects of summer - pools, fishing, barbecues and more! There will also be DJ dances on Saturday and Sunday. Don't forget that Scotrun is open all year, so their season never ends! For more information about RV campsites and cottage rentals, call Outdoor World at (570) 629-0620 or log on to www.1000trails.com.  

September 4StroudFest, an annual celebration of community spirit, will be held from 11:00am to 6:00pm on Main Street in charming Downtown Stroudsburg. The festival will include something for everyone, and admission & parking are free. Start the day with a 5k race in the morning, or sit back and enjoy the eclectic mix of music and dance at one of four live music stages. When you get hungry, visit one or more of the two dozen places to eat including specialty food vendors and local restaurants. Spend some time browsing amongst the hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and visit a few of the specialty shops in the Downtown district. Entertainers will be performing all day, and there will be face painting and fun & games for the kids! Bring the whole family and enjoy! To find out more, visit www.stroudfest.com or call Rich at (570) 420-2808.    

September 4 – Attention train lovers of all ages! Take an exciting round-trip "Whistle Stop" Train Excursion from East Stroudsburg or from Cresco to Steamtown National Historic Site in nearby Scranton for Railfest 2010. Historic diesel locomotives, Reading Railroad FP-7s 902 and 903, will power this special "Whistle Stop" excursion. The historic train will board passengers at two stations: Miller Park in East Stroudsburg departing at 9:45am and at Cresco departing at 10:15am on a scenic ride along the historic Pocono Mainline. Once at Steamtown, guests may board free trolley bus shuttles to Scranton's Courthouse Square for food, music and fun at La Festa Italiana before returning to visit the many family-friendly Railfest activities at Steamtown. The excursion will return to Cresco at 5:30pm and to East Stroudsburg at 6:10pm. Tickets are going fast, so make your reservations today! To find Steamtown in Scranton from I-81, use exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway) and follow the signs to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff avenues. For ticket reservations and further details, call (570) 340-5204, (570) 340-5200, or 888-693-9391 or log on to www.nps.gov/stea.  

September 4 – Go for a Hike on the Fossil Trail at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry! Join a relaxing hike through the woods on the fascinating Fossil Trail from 10:00am until noon. The 1.25 mile trail passes a vernal pool that is important for breeding amphibians, and eventually descends into a beautiful mature hardwood ravine. Learn about ancient marine organisms that were living in the area millions of years ago, and look for their fossils! The hike is free and reservations are preferred. PEEC, a non-profit center, is located off Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry within the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The center enhances environmental awareness, knowledge, and appreciation through hands-on experience in a natural outdoor classroom. PEEC provides these unique environmental experiences to individuals, families and groups of all ages. For more information or to register, call PEEC at (570) 828-2319 or log on to www.peec.org.  

September 4 – There will be an Open House at the Old Stone Jail in Honesdale from 10:00am until 1:00pm today. No longer in use, the historic jail was built in 1859 and is located between the Wayne County Courthouse and 10th Street in Honesdale. The squat stone structure housed Wayne County’s miscreants until 1935. Constructed almost entirely of rough stone, its damp, gloomy interior has most often been compared to a dungeon. “Jailer” Dick Kreitner will be on hand to usher visitors into the 9’x12’ cells as he relates the history of the jail, including numerous jailbreaks and some of its more notorious occupants. The Old Stone Jail Open House is free to the public. For additional details, call the Wayne County Historical Society at (570) 253-3240 or visit their very interesting website at www.waynehistorypa.org.  

September 4 – Staff members at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford invite you to join them for “The Pinchot Family and Milford” Downtown Walking Tour at 11:00am. Join this guided stroll through historic Milford and learn how the Pinchot family helped shape the community. Meet at 11:00am on the lawn of the Community House at Broad and Harford streets. Pre-registration is suggested and regular tour fees apply. Grey Towers in Milford is the former home of eminent conservationist and former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot. Today the US Forest Service, which was founded by Pinchot, is the steward of the home, offering public programs, tours, and a conference center for environmental programs. To find Grey Towers from Route 6 near Milford, turn onto Old Owego Turnpike (near the Apple Valley Shops Complex) and travel about ¼ mile to the entrance on the left. For more information or to register, call Grey Towers at (570) 296-9630 or (570) 296-9625. You may also log on to www.fs.fed.us/gt and www.greytowers.org.  

September 4 – Head over to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park for Boulder Field Basics. A National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area, the Hickory Run Boulder Field is the best example of a boulder field in Eastern North America. Meet at the Boulder Field in the State Park at 2:00pm for a brief (15 minute) talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. It really is amazing! Allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534. This fascinating program is free to the public. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 4 – The annual Hoagie Sale & Fill-a-Bag Sale returns to the Promised Land Protestant Community Church from 10:00am until 2:00pm. The church is located on Route 390 in Promised Land, about 3 miles south of I-84. You may call the church office at (570) 676-5151 with questions.   

September 4 & 5 – The aroma of garlic-y goodness will fill the Shawnee Valley over Labor Day weekend when the 16th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival returns to host site Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware! Indulge all of your garlic fantasies at this legendary event, featuring flavorful foods liberally laced with Pocono-grown garlic plus a fantastic variety of entertainment. Presented by the Pocono Garlic Growers Association, this premier food festival and Pocono Mountain tradition offers a sampling of local farms, food vendors, wineries, eateries, crafters and entertainers. The Pocono Garlic Festival attracts as many as 25,000 people annually, and organizers say that this year’s event may be the largest in its history. Over 50 vendors will provide a wide range of foods, from simple to sophisticated and geared towards the “foodie” with discerning taste buds. Local artists and crafters will exhibit a variety of hand crafted garlic-themed creations, from homemade wood items to garlic-themed pottery and paintings. Non-stop live music showcased on three stages, plus educational demonstrations, novelty shows and plenty of children's activities make this a great family event! Hours for the 16th Annual Pocono Garlic Festival are 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission will be charged. Shawnee Mountain and the Pocono Garlic Festival are easy to find on Hollow Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware, just off exit 309 of I-80. Call (570) 421-7231 or log on to www.shawneemt.com for more information. Check out www.poconogarlic.com too!

September 4 & 5 – The US Army Corps of Engineers has announced that this is the target date for a Recreational Dam Release Weekend on the Lehigh River, creating breathtaking whitewater conditions. By regulating the Francis Walter Dam near White Haven, the Corps plans to release hundreds of cubic feet per second of additional water into the Lehigh. Rafters, kayakers and other adventurous boaters anxiously await the dam release, and will flock to the river for a chance to ride whitewater. To arrange your Lehigh River rafting adventure, call Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe at 1-800-WHITEWATER or call Whitewater Challengers in White Haven at 1-800-443-8554. Visit www.poconowhitewater.com and www.whitewaterchallengers.com.  

September 4 thru 6 – The 35th annual La Festa Italiana returns to Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton for Labor Day Weekend! This three-day festival is an end-of-summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Celebrate Italian-style with food, music and culture! More than sixty vendors will offer a wide variety of authentic Italian food and many displays, while continuous live entertainment will be featured. Hours for La Festa Italiana are noon to 11:00pm on Saturday & Sunday and noon to 9:00pm on Monday and admission is FREE. The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10:00am on Sunday, Sept. 5 in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. And don't miss the big Fireworks Display that will be launched at 10:00pm on Sunday night! For festival schedules, directions and other information, log on to www.lafestaitaliana.org or call (570) 348-4921.   

September 5 – Round up the kids and head over to Hickory Run State Park for the free Family Scavenger Hunt from 4:00 to 5:00pm! Meet at the park amphitheater by 4:00pm, where you’ll receive a list and be set free to figure out the clues and bring back treasures. The first team back within one hour with all of the items/answers wins a prize! Plan to do some walking. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 5 – Steamtown National Historic Site in nearby Downtown Scranton has scheduled a special Steam Train Excursion to Moscow in the Pocono Mountains at 1:00pm. This 2½-hour round-trip excursion will roll past historic buildings, through a tunnel, along a mountain stream, past two reservoirs and through beautiful Pocono Mountain woodlands. Travelers may purchase light refreshments at the restored 1904 train station in Moscow. Everyone is welcome to drive over to the station in Moscow to see the steam train when it arrives between 1:30 and 1:45. The train bound for Moscow will depart Scranton at 1:00pm and will return at 3:15 - 3:30pm. To find Steamtown in Scranton from I-81, use exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway) and follow the signs to the main entrance at Lackawanna and Cliff avenues. For ticket reservations and further details, call (570) 340-5204, (570) 340-5200, or 888-693-9391 or log on to www.nps.gov/stea.   

September 6 – Almost everyone is familiar with GPS these days. But did you know that you can use it to find buried treasure? Learn all about it during the Intro to Geocaching program being offered from 10:00 to 11:30am at Hickory Run State Park. Meet at the Nature Center to learn the basics of geocaching, which is a global high-tech scavenger hunt. Borrow one of the park's GPS units or bring your own; only bring your GPS if you are already familiar with its operation. This exciting program is free to the public, however registration is required to attend and space is limited. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 6 – Head over to Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park for Boulder Field Basics. A National Natural Landmark and State Park Natural Area, the Hickory Run Boulder Field is the best example of a boulder field in Eastern North America. Meet at the Boulder Field in the State Park at 1:00pm for a brief (15 minute) talk on the history and significance of this geologic wonder. It really is amazing! Allow 20 minutes to drive to Boulder Field from Route 534. This fascinating program is free to the public. For more information, call Hickory Run State Park at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 7 – Do you have spots on your tomatoes, a bug you can’t identify, or another lawn or garden question you can’t find the answer to? Well you’re in luck, because a Penn State Master Gardener will be at the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford from 10:00am until noon to answer your gardening questions. And it’s free! Bring a sample, if possible, to the office at 514 Broad Street in Milford and speak directly with a Master Gardener. If you are not able to visit with a Master Gardener during this time, call the Extension office at (570) 296-3400 or send an email message to PikeExt@psu.edu with your gardening questions. Visit the website http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 8 - The Monroe County Garden Club will Meet at 11:30am at the Hughes Eastern Monroe Public Library, Route 611/North 9th Street in Stroudsburg. The program will be "Exploring the use of Herbs for Health & Wellness" by Kathy Brown, owner of Shooting for the Moon. The Design of the Month is "Green Orchards," symmetrical mass design, rounded form, using green apples and fresh greens and herbs. The Horticulture Exhibit is "Coleus," one stem, named by genus and species for highest scoring! The Monroe County Garden Club is a Federated Club of the Garden Club Federation of PA, District II/III, and a member of National Garden Clubs, Inc. You may call President Caryl Lamoso at (570) 688-9063 or email monroecountygardenclub@yahoo.com with your questions. "Come Grow With Us."  

September 8 – A Public Bog Walk through the fantastic Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 1:00 to 3:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Highlights include viewing plants which may be blooming, like orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the MCEEC near Bartonsville. Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

September 9 - The Gem and Keystone Brewpub in Shawnee-on-Delaware offers another great opportunity to hear jazz in the Poconos, when Jesse Green hosts a Jazz/Fusion Open Jam Session every other Thursday. Join Jesse Green on keyboard & bass with Daniel Gonzalez on drums in The Gem & Keystone's Beer Cellar, and listen to some terrific music from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Musicians, bring your instruments and your chops for this open jam session or just relax and enjoy the music. The Gem and Keystone is located on the grounds of the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware. For more information, call (570) 424-0990 or visit www.gemandkeystone.com.    

September 9“Come Paint with Me” is a free, non-instructional program of on-site outdoor painting & sketching sessions for adult and student artists. Artists will meet today from 10:00am until 3:00pm at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford. Visit the fields, forests and beautiful family gardens at Grey Towers for a day of exploring and painting. Artists are encouraged to paint outdoors at their own pace with mediums of their choice. Representing many levels of expertise and variations in style and technique, artists are offered the opportunity to network with others, share a common interest, and socialize over lunch break where informal critique is often included. Registration is not necessary to attend “Come Paint with Me” sessions. Artists are expected to meet at the various locations bringing their own materials. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Restrooms will be available. For directions or more information, call Joan Polishook at (570) 775-6896 or visit www.joanpolishook-art.com. All are welcome to join this free program!  

September 9 – Meet a naturalist at 9:00am at the Gamewire Trailhead (at Organized Group Tenting Area) in Hickory Run State Park to Hike the Gamewire Trail Loop. This fun 4½-mile loop hike is rated “easiest.” Wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water! For more information, call the Hickory Run State Park office at (570) 443-0400 or log on to the State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.  

September 9 – Hey kids - There will be a Back-to-School Party/Open House today at the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines. Drop by the library any time between 3:30 and 8:00pm for snacks, crafts, games and prizes! Learn about upcoming events and find out what the library has to offer you! The Clymer Library is easy to find on Firehouse Road in Pocono Pines. You may call the library at 646-0826 or visit www.clymerlibrary.org to find out more.  

September 10 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will feature a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $10 tasting fee. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com    

September 10 – Just in time for the fall migration, a Raptor Refresher will be offered at Beltzville State Park. Sit back and relax while guest naturalist Megan Taylor gives a slide-assisted presentation from 6:00 to 7:00pm in the park's Environmental Interpretive Center. Have an on-screen look at the hawks, eagles and more that will be passing by this fall on their migration routes. Learn the tricks of identifying these birds of prey as they fly by. This will be a good introduction for beginners and a nice refresher for veteran raptor watchers. This informative program is free however registration is required to attend. Appropriate for ages 15 & over. To register for the Raptor Refresher, call Beltzville State Park at (610) 377-0045 or register online at www.visitpaparks.com.  

September 10 thru 12 - The Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) has scheduled its 33rd Annual Jazz and Arts Festival in the tiny, scenic borough of Delaware Water Gap (I-80 exit 310). One of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast, this friendly, all-volunteer-staffed festival features nationally and internationally renowned jazz artists rooted in Northeastern Pennsylvania, while also showcasing emerging talent from the region. The festival opens Friday evening with a pair of Main Street events: the opening reception for the “Music Motif Show,” a juried exhibition of music-themed art at the Antoine Dutot Museum & Gallery, and a series of musical performances from 7:30pm to 9:30 at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. On Saturday from noon to 9:00pm and Sunday from 12:30 to 8:30pm, the festival moves outdoors to the Main Stage where jazz lovers will be able to enjoy two full days of music including an eclectic mix of Bebop, Swing, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Big Band Sounds, and Dixieland. Before the ticketed Sunday program is COTA’s original, free Jazz Mass at 10:00am, performed by a full orchestra and 40-voice chorus. Blankets and lawn-chairs are recommended for hillside seating both Saturday and Sunday (attendees will be sheltered under a big tent in case of rain). Food vendors, fine artists and crafters, strolling musicians, and a supervised children’s area will be on-site. No pets permitted. Since 1978, COTA has grown into a major jazz and cultural event, and is now attended by approximately 4,000 fans annually. The festival was the brainstorm of three local residents: the legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Composer Phil Woods; Rick Chamberlain, principal trombonist with the New York City Ballet, and the late local innkeeper Ed Joubert. For ticket information and/or advance tickets, call COTA at (570) 424-2210, or visit www.cotajazz.org.    

September 10 thru 12 - The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association is proud to present their 13th Annual Art Show at the Coolbaugh Township Municipal Complex, located on Route 611 just south of Tobyhanna. Over fifty artists are expected to display their works, most of which will be available for purchase. Judging categories include Acrylics, Crafts and Sculptures, Mixed Media, Oils, Photography, and Watercolors. The artists have all been encouraged to utilize Coolbaugh Township's unique and diversified surroundings for their subject matter. Art Show hours are Friday 1:00 to 4:00pm, Saturday noon to 5:00 and Sunday from noon until 2:00. The Coolbaugh Township Historical Association Museum will also be open for tours all three days. For more information, call Art Show Curator Dan Ferguson at (570) 839-7227 or call the museum at (570) 894-4207. Visit the website www.coolbaughtwp.org/historical.htm.  

September 10 thru 12 - Outdoor World off Route 611 in Scotrun offers visitors the finest in RV camping and modern, cozy vacation cottages. Amenities include fishing, mini-golf, swimming pools, lake, playgrounds, clubhouse, picnic area, recreation center/video arcade, shuffleboard, general store, laundry facility and much more. Outdoor World guests are invited to bring the folks up to the Poconos for Grandparents' Weekend. The whole family can give Grandpa and Grandma a treat while everyone enjoys all the special things offered at Outdoor World. For more information about RV campsites and cottage rentals, call Outdoor World at (570) 629-0620 or log on to www.1000trails.com.  

September 11 – The annual Autumn Arts & Crafts Fair hosted by the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce returns to picturesque Bingham Park in Hawley. Enjoy the talents of all the fine artists and crafters displaying their fine wares. The fair will host over one-hundred vendors who will travel from far and near to offer their unique handcrafted items at this big event. Fair hours are 9:00am until 4:00pm for shoppers and browsers, rain or shine, and admission is FREE! Good food will be available all day. Vendor space may still be available, but remember crafts must be hand-made and not manufactured. For more information about the Autumn Arts & Crafts Fair in Hawley at Lake Wallenpaupack, call the Chamber of Commerce at (570) 226-3191 or visit their website at www.lakeregioncc.com.    

September 11 – Kittatinny Canoes, “The Original Delaware River Outfitter” has announced that today is a special Learn to Kayak Day. Challenge the river one-on-one in Kittatinny’s easy-to-use kayaks. Participants will meet at Kittatinny’s Matamoras, PA base on the Delaware River, where certified instructors will teach novices the essentials of kayaking. The lessons are followed by a guided ten-mile scenic trip down the river from Pond Eddy, NY back to Matamoras. This is a great opportunity for those who were always interested in kayaking, but were apprehensive about trying it. In addition to this special program, Kittatinny offers daily Delaware River trips by canoe, kayak, raft and tube. For your reservations, call 1-800-FLOAT-KC. www.kittatinny.com   

September 11 – The Annual Scandinavian Craft Fair hosted by Sons of Norway - Bernt Balchen Lodge #566 returns to Bohemia (Rowland) from 10:00am to 4:00pm today. The 8th annual craft fair will feature numerous Scandinavian vendors offering rosemaling, needlecrafts, gifts and specialty items. There will also be music, craft demonstrations, a flea market, and ethnic food served at their Nordic Café. The Scandinavian Craft Fair will be held at the Central Volunteer Fire Hall on Westcolang Road in Bohemia (Rowland), off Route 590 near Cuckoo’s Nest Restaurant. To find out more, call Bergit Pinkston at (570) 685-1477.  

September 11 – Go for a morning-long Hike on the Hogback in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) with Brian Hardiman of the Monroe County Environmental Education Center. This two-mile round-trip hike traverses the biologically diverse Hogback Ridge above the Delaware River. This is the last in a series of "discovery" hikes Brian has been leading in the beautiful DWGNRA, a 70,000-acre natural jewel right here in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Meet at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center near Bartonsville at 8:30am and return at approximately 1:00pm; van transportation will be provided. Participants should pack a snack and bring plenty of water. The cost is $15 and pre-registration and pre-payment are required and limited. Join John on this “discovery” to explore one of the DWGNRA’s many diverse and unique habitats. Call the Monroe County Environmental Education Center at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

September 11 – Friends of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area will offer the interesting presentation "Lenape-Delaware Indian Heritage" in the Bushkill Visitor Center, Route 209 in Bushkill (just south of the Bushkill Falls traffic light). The program will be offered free to the public at 7:00pm by John Kraft of Lenape Lifeways. Information about the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and all of its programs can be found at www.nps.gov/dewa or by calling (570) 426-2452. Information about the not-for-profit Friends organization is at www.friendsofdewa.org.  

September 11 – Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe offers a river experience unlike any other: Moonlight Rafting on the Lehigh! Take off at sundown to explore the nightlife under a summer moon, as glow sticks dance around you like fireflies. Sharpen other senses as light gives way to sound and motion. A friendly guide will accompany you to help navigate through the moon-lit rapids and keep your raft on course. After your journey get cozy by the bonfire, roast some marshmallows, enjoy cheese, crackers, and a glass or two of wine compliments of your hosts. Explore the night and experience the Lehigh River in a whole new way! Cost is $89.95 per person, which includes in-raft river guide, après party (beer, wine, cheese, crackers, marshmallows, etc.), all paddling equipment, wetsuits or paddling jackets if needed, roaring bon fire, and glow necklaces. Private moonlight dates are also available to groups when scheduled in advance. Pocono Whitewater and Skirmish Paintball have been in business since 1976 and are recognized as industry leaders in outdoor recreation and paintball. Pocono Whitewater offers mild to wild whitewater rafting and kayaking trips, family trips, and scenic rail-biking excursions to suit everyone’s needs. Skirmish USA features adrenaline-filled paintball action on 50 playing fields amid 700 acres of top-notch Pocono terrain. For your Moonlight Rafting reservations, call Pocono Whitewater at 1-800-WHITEWATER or click on www.poconowhitewater.com.    

September 11 – Promised Land State Park and Varden Conservation Area invite everyone to come out for the first annual Varden Conservation Day. The new event will be held from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the 343-acre Varden Conservation Area, situated along Route 296 in Wayne County. The day will include activities for the entire family such as making homemade ice cream, fiddle music, a history of the Varden area, guided hikes led by experienced naturalists, a fishing contest for kids under 16 and much more! Various other activities are also scheduled throughout the event. Come out and celebrate the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains' Varden Conservation Area! For more information about Varden Conservation Day, call Promised Land State Park at (570) 676-0567 or (570) 676-3428 or check out www.visitpaparks.com.   

September 11 – Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford will host an Outdoor Concert at 5:30pm. Connect with nature as you listen to classical music in the comfort of the covered outdoor terrace. Admission is $10 per person; for tickets or more concert information call (845) 856-1023 or go to www.portjervisarts.org. Grey Towers is the former home of eminent conservationist and former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot. Today the US Forest Service, which was founded by Pinchot, is the steward of the home, offering public programs, tours, and a conference center for environmental programs. To find Grey Towers from Route 6 near Milford, turn onto Old Owego Turnpike (near the Apple Valley Shops Complex) and travel about ¼ mile to the entrance on the left. For more information, call Grey Towers at (570) 296-9630 or (570) 296-9625. You may also log on to www.fs.fed.us/gt and www.greytowers.org.  

September 11 - The Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce and the Jim Thorpe Artists Music Series (JTAMS) proudly present Second Saturdays, a monthly celebration of Jim Thorpe’s growing arts community. Second Saturdays feature extended hours for each of the many galleries and studios in town, along with many other shops and establishments. Also featured will be an Art Walk. The celebration runs from noon until 9:00pm. Live Concerts sponsored by JTAMS are held at the Mauch Chunk Opera House on 14 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe concurrent with Second Saturdays. Find out more when you log on to www.jimthorpeartists.org or www.jtams.net or call (570) 325-0249. To learn more about this and other exciting Jim Thorpe events, call the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce at (570) 325-5810 or visit www.jimthorpe.org.   

September 11 – Do you have a question about trees? Do you want to learn more about the trees growing in the forests of Northeast PA? Take a Woods Walk with a DCNR Forester from 2:00 until 4:00pm at Lacawac Sanctuary, a 545-acre nature preserve on Lake Wallenpaupack. Go for a walk through the woods with PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources Service Forester John J. Maza to learn about tree identification, invasive and native forest pests, how to determine if your trees are healthy, and to learn about the services provided by the Bureau of Forestry. The cost to attend is $5 per person and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call the sanctuary at (570) 689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org. The 545-acre Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, research field station and historic site located on Lake Wallenpaupack. It is one of the few sites nationwide that is federally recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary’s programs are open to the public and include environmental, historical and cultural offerings as well as three miles of hiking trails. Membership, directions, programs and other information can be found at their website www.lacawac.org.  

September 11 – Members of the Pocono Outdoor Club invite you to join them to Hike the Big Pocono, Dry Gap, SGL 38 Loop (4 B/C 11) beginning near Tannersville. Be prepared for a fast-paced, cardio hike of 11 miles over lots of rocks and steep terrain. Hikers should expect to be screened, due to pace, terrain and distance of the hike. Register early with hike leader Rhoda Eisman as this hike fills up fast. Rhoda is AMC certified and this hike is co-sponsored by the AMC. Registration is required; no initial contacts after 9:00am on September 10. Bring plenty of water and wear proper footwear! For hike start time and to register, contact Rhoda by email (preferred) at rse640@hotmail.com or phone (610) 659-2726. The Pocono Outdoor Club is a friendly hiking group open to all individuals interested in exploring the trails of the Pocono Mountains. To learn more about the club and its outings in the wilds of the Poconos, contact today’s hike leader or check out www.poconooutdoorclub.org.   

September 11 – Downtown Milford comes alive during Art after Dark, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. The evening will be filled with multiple art openings, live music, fine food, shopping and events at downtown galleries, specialty shops and fine restaurants. Explore historic Milford on the Delaware River, where PA, NY and NJ meet. For information, contact the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 296-8700 or visit www.pikechamber.com.    

September 11 & 12 - The Wayne County Builders Association (WCBA) has announced that they will host their big Home and Garden Festival at Ladore Lodge Camp Retreat & Conference Center, 287 Owego Turnpike in Waymart. The event, which benefits the non-profit WCBA, marks an exciting expansion of the association's annual home expo into a vibrant festival for the whole family. Everyone will enjoy this spectacular festival complete with food, a farmers' market, children's activities, seminars and demonstrations, power tool displays and much more. Other fun activities include a silent auction, pontoon boat rides, the popular LEGO Competition, and appearances by the WCBA mascot "Wayne" the Builder! Hours for the Home and Garden Festival are Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 10:00 to 5:00. Admission is $5 in advance or $7 at the gate. For advance tickets or more information, call the WCBA at (570) 226-4941 or visit www.waynecountybuilders.com.   

September 12 – There will be a Heartwood Creek Artist Signing Event at American Candle on Route 611 in Bartonsville. Come see artist Jim Shore and have your favorite Heartwood Creek pieces signed! Don't miss this opportunity to meet Mr. Shore and see the 2010 Christmas Heartwood Creek collection by Enesco. Make plans to attend this event from 1:00 to 4:00pm in the Collectible Room at American Candle. More than just great candles, American Candle is easy to find on Route 611 in Bartonsville via Interstate 80 exit 302. Call (570) 629-3388 or visit www.american-candle.com to find out more about the Heartwood Creek Artist Signing Event.   

September 12 – A culturally diverse experience for all members of the family, the Rhythms of Nature Festival is coming to the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry! Enjoy local food, produce, arts & crafts and music during this day-long festival. Stay for dinner and enjoy an eclectic mix of food and music as musicians from the festival jam into the night. Admission to the festival is free from 10:00am to 5:00pm; admission will be charged from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. PEEC, a non-profit center, is located off Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry within the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The center enhances environmental awareness, knowledge, and appreciation through hands-on experience in a natural outdoor classroom. PEEC provides these unique environmental experiences to individuals, families and groups of all ages. For more information or to register, call PEEC at (570) 828-2319 or log on to www.peec.org.  

September 12 – The Faith Lutheran Church of Blakeslee invites one and all to their Free Summer Community Concert, featuring the talented Frank Curtis and his guitar. The concert will begin at 7:00pm in the comfort of the church’s Sanctuary. The public is cordially invited to attend. Faith Lutheran Church is located on Route 940, one mile east of Blakeslee and about six miles west of Pocono Pines. You may call the church office at (570) 646-0309 with questions.   

September 12 Bike, Wine & Dine on Broadway with Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe. Enjoy a guided bike trip on the Switchback Railway, lunch at Molly Maguires Pub & Steakhouse, wine tasting at Big Creek Vineyard, then an open afternoon for shopping, museums, etc. Only $59.95 per person! For your reservations, call 1-800-WHITEWATER or visit www.poconowhitewater.com

September 12 – Join members of the Pocono Outdoor Club for a Lollipop Hike on the Thunder Swamp Trail System in the Delaware State Forest north of Marshalls Creek. Trek from the Old Bushkill Road parking lot to Painter Swamp and return partly on a different trail for a hike of over 5 miles. This will be a moderately-paced hike covering a variety of terrain, including hills and flats, soft paths and rocky paths in dry and wet conditions. Wear the right shoes and bring plenty of water. Meet at the Mr. Z's Supermarket parking lot in Marshalls Creek at 9:00am for carpooling, or meet in the State Forest parking lot off of Old Bushkill Road approximately 1.5 miles from Route 402 at 9:30am. For more information, call hike leader Roy Kleinle at (570) 421-8982. The Pocono Outdoor Club is a friendly hiking group open to all individuals interested in exploring the trails of the Pocono Mountains. To learn more about the club and its outings in the wilds of the Poconos, contact today’s hike leader or check out www.poconooutdoorclub.org.   

September 12 - The Wayne-Pike Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Harvest Moon Gala beginning at 5:00pm at the Inn at Woodloch Pines in Hawley. A wonderful five-course meal, live entertainment and thousands of dollars in raffle prizes will make this an event you won't want to miss! Tickets are $55 per person and can be obtained by calling (570) 253-2310 or (570) 296-5229.   

September 12 – A free Family Fishing Program is being offered at 1:00pm at Nescopeck State Park. This fun and educational program is designed for families with little or no fishing experience. Families will learn basic fishing skills and then have the opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together. The first half of the program is instructional. Learn about fishing safety and manners, how to cast your line, how to tie knots, basic fishing tackle, rules and regulations, etc. The second half of the program will provide your family with the opportunity to fish together. The fishing license requirement is waived for participants in this special program. The Family Fishing Program is free, but registration is required to attend. To register, call the Nescopeck State Park Office at (570) 403-2006. Check out the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.  

September 12 Traditional Earth Skills - Fall will be offered from 1:30 to 3:30pm at PPL Corporation’s Martins Creek Environmental Preserve on the shores of the Delaware River in Bangor. This series of four programs is designed to help promote the understanding that every day is Earth Day.  How did the Pocono Mountains' native people live in harmony with the Earth? What can we learn from them as our culture struggles to understand sustainability with the environment? Step back in time with Mike Dennis of Traditional Earth Skills of North America to explore the day-to-day activities of the native Lenape people through the seasons. During today's wilderness skills workshop, attendees will explore how Native Americans prepared for winter. It was a time of gathering crops from fields and drying fish, meat, fruits and vegetables for winter. It was also a time of tracking, searching for signs and pursuing game animals. Plan to spend the afternoon outdoors practicing fire by friction, cordage making and atlatl throwing. This free program will be a real treat for any outdoors enthusiast. The program will begin at 1:30 at the Lower Mount Bethel Welcome Center, 7701 Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway in Bangor (adjacent to Riverton Bridge). To register for this free program or for more information, call PPL at (570) 253-7076 or send an email to pplpreserves@pplweb.com. You can also find directions at the website www.pplpreserves.com. The Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, in conjunction with PPL’s Martins Creek and Lower Mount Bethel Energy power plants, offers 215 acres of woodland and meadows for hiking and exploring.  

September 12 – The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry will host a "Sunday for Singles" Hike from 10:00am until noon. Meeting people and enjoying nature are what these monthly hikes are all about. It will be a casual trek along PEEC's easy to moderate trails to learn about the flora and fauna you'll discover along the way. If you're over 18 and love nature, this walk is a great way to meet new people and learn about the natural world. Registration is required for this free program. PEEC, a non-profit center, is located off Route 209 in Dingmans Ferry within the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The center enhances environmental awareness, knowledge, and appreciation through hands-on experience in a natural outdoor classroom. PEEC provides these unique environmental experiences to individuals, families and groups of all ages. For more information or to register, call PEEC at (570) 828-2319 or log on to www.peec.org.  

September 14 – Do you have spots on your tomatoes, a bug you can’t identify, or another lawn or garden question you can’t find the answer to? Well you’re in luck, because a Penn State Master Gardener will be at the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford from 10:00am until noon to answer your gardening questions. And it’s free! Bring a sample, if possible, to the office at 514 Broad Street in Milford and speak directly with a Master Gardener. If you are not able to visit with a Master Gardener during this time, call the Extension office at (570) 296-3400 or send an email message to PikeExt@psu.edu with your gardening questions. Visit the website http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 14 thru November 2 – It’s Fall Foliage Season, the most colorful time of year to be in the Pocono Mountains! Since the Poconos cover such a large area, there are three distinct zones in which the colors reach their peak at different times. In the Northern Zone (Wayne County and parts of Pike County), the colors are at their brightest between October 1 and 14. In the Central Zone (Monroe County and lower Pike County), the best time to see the colors is in mid-October. Head towards the Southern Zone (Carbon County) between October 19 and 31 to catch the latest peak display of the season. Thanks to the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, leaf watchers can call the 24-Hour Pocono Mountains Fall Foliage Hotline at (570) 421-5565 to find out exactly when and where to see the colors at their peak throughout the four county Pocono Mountains region. This is the perfect time for a quiet walk along a mountain trail, a scenic country drive or an exhilarating fall foliage air tour!   

September 15 Papa Roach is set to hit the stage at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg for a night of pulse-pounding nu-metal! Since their song "Last Resort" catapulted them to stardom 10 years ago, Papa Roach has sold over 10 million records and become an alternative rock radio staple. Show time is 7:00pm. The Sherman Theater is located at 524 Main Street in Downtown Stroudsburg. For ticket information, call the Sherman at (570) 420-2808 or buy online at www.shermantheater.com

September 15 Murder, Mayhem and Sundry Misadventures in Wayne County will be presented at 7:00pm at Lacawac Sanctuary, a 545-acre nature preserve on Lake Wallenpaupack. Learn true accounts of various crimes, accidents and assorted misadventures that took place in the 19th and very early 20th centuries. Accidents took place because safety laws that we take for granted today did not exist at the time, and because items routinely used in the home, such as kerosene lamps, posed a daily threat. Methods for detecting crime were primitive, so many husbands died of 'indigestion' and women died from a 'fall down the stairs.' Common illnesses were also often fatal; even a cut or blister could lead to blood poisoning and death. Also included are some funny, true accounts of rascals, domestic disputes and neighborhood feuds. This social commentary on life in the "good old days" of Wayne County will be presented by Ann O'Hara of the Wayne County Historical Society and research librarian Gloria McCullough who compiled these interesting Wayne County news clippings into a book by the same name. Refreshments will be served. The cost to attend is $5 and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call the sanctuary at (570) 689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org. The 545-acre Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, research field station and historic site located on Lake Wallenpaupack. It is one of the few sites nationwide that is federally recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary’s programs are open to the public and include environmental, historical and cultural offerings as well as three miles of hiking trails. Membership, directions, programs and other information can be found at their website www.lacawac.org.  

September 15 – A Public Bog Walk through the fantastic Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 1:00 to 3:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Highlights include viewing plants which may be blooming, like orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the MCEEC near Bartonsville. Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

September 16“Come Paint with Me” is a free, non-instructional program of on-site outdoor painting & sketching sessions for adult and student artists. Artists will meet today from 10:00am until 3:00pm at The Inn at Lackawaxen in Lackawaxen with lawn and deck views of the Delaware River and the Roebling Bridge, or at the beach area near the Zane Grey Museum. Artists are encouraged to paint outdoors at their own pace with mediums of their choice. Representing many levels of expertise and variations in style and technique, artists are offered the opportunity to network with others, share a common interest, and socialize over lunch break where informal critique is often included. Registration is not necessary to attend “Come Paint with Me” sessions. Artists are expected to meet at the various locations bringing their own materials. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Restrooms will be available. Sessions will be held weather permitting. For directions or more information, call Joan Polishook at (570) 775-6896 or visit www.joanpolishook-art.com. All are welcome to join this free program!   

September 17 – The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley will feature a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick with resident Sommelier and wine professional Leslie Chappell-Britt. Every Friday at 5:00pm Leslie leads participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $10 tasting fee. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn with Wine Chat questions at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com    

September 17 - The Retired Law Enforcement Officers Breakfast Club will meet at 10:00am at Dale's Coffee Bar Restaurant, 91 Route 611 in Bartonsville. The group is open to all Law Enforcement retirees in the Pocono Mountains area and is welcoming new members. For more information, contact Angela Tullo with your questions at (570) 213-2882 or atullo@troopersfund.org.  

September 17 thru 19 - Outdoor World off Route 611 in Scotrun offers visitors the finest in RV camping and modern, cozy vacation cottages. Amenities include fishing, mini-golf, swimming pools, lake, playgrounds, clubhouse, picnic area, recreation center/video arcade, shuffleboard, general store, laundry facility and much more. Outdoor World guests are invited to come out and join the fun during Super Heroes Weekend. Enjoy the movie marathon and see if you're up to some of the "Super Heroes Challenges." For more information about RV campsites and cottage rentals, call Outdoor World at (570) 629-0620 or log on to www.1000trails.com.   

September 18 – Today is Apple Butter-Making Day at scenic Bushkill Falls in Bushkill! Watch and help in the making of delicious homemade apple butter in a 50-gallon copper pot that needs to be continuously stirred; visitors are welcome to try their hand at stirring the pot! The batch will be ready for pouring and sale sometime in mid-afternoon. Be sure to buy some to take home! There will also be Bluegrass music by The Lost Ramblers from noon until 4:00pm, and Wildlife Demonstrations with live birds & animals at 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Rain date for Apple Butter-Making Day is Sunday, September 19. Bushkill Falls is centered on eight roaring waterfalls and features miles of nature trails and picnic areas, plus paddle boats, miniature golf, fishing, exhibits, specialty shops and more. The famous Pocono Mountain attraction is located off of Route 209 in Bushkill and it opens to the public every day at 9:00am through November 28. Call Bushkill Falls at (570) 588-6682 or see their website www.visitbushkillfalls.com.    

September 18 – Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe invites you to join them for a Big Day Out on the Lehigh River. Bike, hike and raft with Pocono Whitewater all in one big day! It's an awesome adventure for only $89.95 per person! For your reservations, call 1-800-WHITEWATER or visit www.poconowhitewater.com

September 18 - The 2nd Annual Energy Fair hosted by State Representative Mario Scavello will be held from 9:00am until 2:00pm at Pocono Mountain East High School cafeteria in Swiftwater. Learn how to save energy and save your money with alternative energy systems, State and Federal Agency programs, planning an energy budget, help from community organizations, and making your home more energy efficient. Hear presentations on solar and geothermal energy sources, greening your business, and home improvements to make that will reduce your energy bills. For more information about the 2nd Annual Energy Fair, contact Rep. Scavello's office in Mount Pocono at (570) 839-0313 or log on to www.marioscavello.com.    

September 18 - Calling all art lovers! Art Squared, an Outdoor Art Show presented by the non-profit Pocono Arts Council, will again be held on Courthouse Square in Downtown Stroudsburg. This will be the second of four Art Squared shows that will take place this summer and into the fall. You'll find fabulous local art, along with the artists who created it, at Courthouse Square on North 7th Street from 10:00am until 4:00pm. All participants are members of the Pocono Arts Council and will be selling their original artwork and fine crafts. Come, take a stroll downtown and meet the artists as they display and sell their handmade art. The Pocono Arts Council is the local arts organization serving the Pocono Mountains region. For more information about the Art Squared shows, call the council at (570) 476-4460 or visit www.poconoarts.org.   

September 18 & 19 – Starting to think about early Holiday shopping? If so, plan on attending the 67th Annual Waverly Antiques Show & Sale to be held at the Waverly Community House in Waverly. The Show & Sale will bring over twenty-five quality antiques dealers offering a wide variety of antiques to “The Comm” from 10:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, and 11:00 until 4:00 on Sunday. Among the treasures waiting to be discovered will be fine furniture and collectibles, exquisite jewelry, prints, silver, linens, and other fine antiques and “almost antiques.” Bring your antiques for appraisals by Dave Crowther of Appletree Antiques. There will also be an English Tea Garden and a wonderful catered Gourmet Luncheon. Admission to the 67th Annual Waverly Antiques Show & Sale is $5 per person. The Waverly Community House is located at 1115 N. Abington Road in Waverly. For more information or directions, call the office at (570) 586-8191 or visit www.waverlycomm.org.  

September 19 - St. Mary of the Mount Roman Catholic Church in Mount Pocono has announced that they will hold their First Annual Oktoberfest on the grounds of the Msgr. McHugh School on Route 390 in Cresco. Local artists, crafters and vendors will display and sell their wares on the school grounds from 2:00 until 7:00pm. This one-day extravaganza will feature arts and crafts vendors, a roast pig meal, beer, games and entertainment as well as other types of food, drink and dessert. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information about Oktoberfest, including vendor applications, call the church office at (570) 839-2537.  

September 19 – Monroe County Habitat for Humanity will observe its 13th annual Day of Prayer with a Sacred Choir Concert “Raise the Roof.” The concert will begin at 7:00pm at Saint Paul Lutheran Church on Fish Hill Road in Tannersville. The program, directed by Bob Riday, will feature anthems by five church choirs: Mountainhome United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Stroudsburg, Salem St. Paul Lutheran in Kresgeville, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Gilbert, and host church St. Paul Lutheran Church, Tannersville. The concert will conclude with all five choirs combining for anthems. There will also be congregational singing and a verbal presentation about Habitat for Humanity. There is no admission charge, but an offering will be received to support the work of the local Habitat affiliate in building decent affordable houses in the county in partnership with needy families. The public is cordially invited to attend this sacred concert at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tannersville and to enjoy the refreshments to follow. For directions or other information, call St. Paul Lutheran Church at (570) 629-1992. You may also call Habitat for Humanity at (570) 476-9846. Visit on the net at www.habitat.org

September 19 - To celebrate their 30th year, the farmers of the Monroe Farmers' Market will host their first-ever Harvest Celebration Dinner with the aid of the farmer-friendly Gem and Keystone Brewpub in Shawnee-on-Delaware. The dinner will take place at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort's River Sanctuary beginning at 3:00pm. Each farmer and purveyor of the Farmers' Market will contribute locally grown and produced items to be used in the feast. The dinner is being prepared by Chef Dan Rothman of the Gem and Keystone, where he specializes in using fresh in-season ingredients. Tickets are $40 per person and may be purchased at the Gem and Keystone, and at the Monroe Farmers' Market Information Booth on Saturdays. The Gem and Keystone Brewpub is located on the grounds of the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware and their website is www.gemandkeystone.com. For tickets or more information about the Harvest Celebration Dinner, call the Gem and Keystone Brewpub at (570) 424-0990. The Monroe Farmers' Market runs on Saturdays from 8:00am until noon through the end of October, and is located on Ann Street near the Ribbon Factory in Stroudsburg.  

September 19 – A special Sunday Bog Walk through the Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 1:00 to 3:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. This end of summer walk will highlight the last few flowers of the year. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Native plants to observe and enjoy include orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the bog parking lot by 1:00pm. Pre-registration is required by Friday, September 17 and the cost to attend is $5. To find the bog from Route 611 in Tannersville, turn onto Cherry Lane Road at the light at the Tannersville Inn. The parking lot is on your right, 1.9 miles from Route 611. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org     

September 20 - The public is invited to attend the Pike County Conservation District Board of Directors Meeting, to be held at 9:00am at the Conservation District Education Building on Route 402 in Blooming Grove. No fee or registration is required. You may call the Pike County Conservation District office in Hawley at 226-8220 or send an email to pikecd@pikepa.org. Visit the website www.pikeconservation.org to find out more.  

September 21 – Do you have spots on your tomatoes, a bug you can’t identify, or another lawn or garden question you can’t find the answer to? Well you’re in luck, because a Penn State Master Gardener will be at the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford from 10:00am until noon to answer your gardening questions. And it’s free! Bring a sample, if possible, to the office at 514 Broad Street in Milford and speak directly with a Master Gardener. If you are not able to visit with a Master Gardener during this time, call the Extension office at (570) 296-3400 or send an email message to PikeExt@psu.edu with your gardening questions. Visit the website http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 22 – Today is the First Day of Autumn. Enjoy it in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania!  

September 22 – Celebrate the start of fall with an Autumnal Equinox Paddle at 6:00pm at Lacawac Sanctuary, a 545-acre nature preserve on Lake Wallenpaupack. On this 1½ to 2-hour guided program participants will tour the 52-acre Lake Lacawac, a pristine glacial lake born 13,000 years ago when a glacier scooped a crater in the red Catskill sandstone. The lake is part of Lacawac Sanctuary, which embraces some 545 acres of mixed hemlock-hardwood forest. Because of its purity, Lake Lacawac was designated a National Natural Landmark. On this autumn paddle, participants will learn about plants and animals that live in the lake and its environs. Attendees will share and provide the manpower in canoes or small rowboats and life preservers will be provided. Swimmers only, ages 8 and up! The cost to attend is $10 and registration is required. To register, call the sanctuary at (570) 689-9494 or email info@lacawac.org. The 545-acre Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit nature preserve, research field station and historic site located on Lake Wallenpaupack. It is one of the few sites nationwide that is federally recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The sanctuary’s programs are open to the public and include environmental, historical and cultural offerings as well as three miles of hiking trails. Membership, directions, programs and other information can be found at their website www.lacawac.org.  

September 22 – A Public Bog Walk through the fantastic Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 1:00 to 3:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Highlights include viewing plants which may be blooming, like orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the MCEEC near Bartonsville. Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

September 23“Come Paint with Me” is a free, non-instructional program of on-site outdoor painting & sketching sessions for adult and student artists. Artists will meet today from 10:00am until 3:00pm at the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills, off Route 6 between Hawley and Honesdale. Artists are encouraged to paint outdoors at their own pace with mediums of their choice. Representing many levels of expertise and variations in style and technique, artists are offered the opportunity to network with others, share a common interest, and socialize over lunch break where informal critique is often included. Registration is not necessary to attend “Come Paint with Me” sessions. Artists are expected to meet at the various locations bringing their own materials. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch. Restrooms will be available. Sessions will be held weather permitting. For directions or more information, call Joan Polishook at (570) 775-6896 or visit www.joanpolishook-art.com. All are welcome to join this free program!   

September 23 - The Gem and Keystone Brewpub in Shawnee-on-Delaware offers another great opportunity to hear jazz in the Poconos, when Jesse Green hosts a Jazz/Fusion Open Jam Session every other Thursday. Join Jesse Green on keyboard & bass with Daniel Gonzalez on drums in The Gem & Keystone's Beer Cellar, and listen to some terrific music from 7:00 to 10:00pm. Musicians, bring your instruments and your chops for this open jam session or just relax and enjoy the music. The Gem and Keystone is located on the grounds of the historic Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort, River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware. For more information, call (570) 424-0990 or visit www.gemandkeystone.com.   

September 23 – The Wayne County Genealogy Group Meets from 4:30 to 6:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main Street in Honesdale. Beginners and experienced researchers are welcome to attend these informative sessions. For more information, call (570) 253-3240 or (570) 253-5468 or send an email to wchspa@ptd.net. See the Historical Society’s website at www.waynehistorypa.org.  

September 24 – Join Sommelier Leslie Chappell-Britt for Parallel 45 - The Pacific Northwest, part of the Wine Dinner Series at The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley. Some of the greatest wines in the world come from the 45th Parallel, and not just from Burgundy. Enjoy this tour into the best vineyards of Oregon and Washington. Gathering begins at 7:00pm; dinner will be served at 7:30. Before dinner, join Leslie for a Wine Chat with the Wine Chick. At 5:00pm Leslie will lead participants through the intriguing and not-so-mysterious world of wine with tastings, workshops and discussions. This will be an informal, unassuming and entertaining hour to kick off your weekend! There is a $10 tasting fee. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Wine Dinner reservations are strongly suggested and limited. Call the Inn at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527. www.thesettlersinn.com   

September 24 – Go for a Full Moon Bog Walk through the Tannersville Cranberry Bog with a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC). Join a naturalist from 7:00 to 9:30pm to explore the bog under the light of a full moon. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Native plants to observe and enjoy include orchids, cranberries, pitcher plants, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla, sundew and others. Meet for this walk at the bog parking lot by 7:00pm and be sure to bring a flashlight! Registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. To find the bog from Route 611 in Tannersville, turn onto Cherry Lane Road at the light at the Tannersville Inn. The parking lot is on your right, 1.9 miles from Route 611. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org     

September 24 thru 26 - Outdoor World off Route 611 in Scotrun offers visitors the finest in RV camping and modern, cozy vacation cottages. Amenities include fishing, mini-golf, swimming pools, lake, playgrounds, clubhouse, picnic area, recreation center/video arcade, shuffleboard, general store, laundry facility and much more. Outdoor World guests are invited to come out and join the fun during Wagons Ho Weekend! Enjoy the professional rodeo at Shawnee Mountain or go horseback riding at one of several nearby stables. Try your hand at Outdoor World Scotrun's version of "calf roping." For more information about RV campsites and cottage rentals, call Outdoor World at (570) 629-0620 or log on to www.1000trails.com.   

September 25 - In conjunction with National Public Lands Day, the completion of the 32-mile Joseph M. McDade Trail will be realized in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Stretching from Hialeah Picnic Area to Milford Beach, this trail will provide visitors with a graded path for leisurely walks, bike rides, jogs, or cross-country skiing along the river and through forests and fields. The National Park Service invites you to join them for the official Dedication of the Joseph M. McDade Trail during a ceremony beginning at 10:00am at the Bushkill Access off Route 209 in Bushkill. More information is available on the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website, www.nps.gov/dewa. For further information is also available by calling Park Headquarters (570) 426-2452.  

September 25 Bike, Wine & Dine on Broadway with Pocono Whitewater in Jim Thorpe. Enjoy a guided bike trip on the Switchback Railway, lunch at Molly Maguires Pub & Steakhouse, wine tasting at Big Creek Vineyard, then an open afternoon for shopping, museums, etc. Only $59.95 per person! For your reservations, call 1-800-WHITEWATER or visit www.poconowhitewater.com

September 25 – Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford invites the public to a free Ice Cream Social from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Celebrate the Pinchot gift of Grey Towers to the American public with a re-creation of Gov. Gifford Pinchot's popular ice cream socials. Visitors may also tour the mansion for free from 10:00am to 4:00pm as part of Fee Free National Public Lands Day. Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to view the video of President John F. Kennedy's 1963 dedication of Grey Towers. Grey Towers is the former home of eminent conservationist and former Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot. Today the US Forest Service, which was founded by Pinchot, is the steward of the home, offering public programs, tours, and a conference center for environmental programs. To find Grey Towers from Route 6 near Milford, turn onto Old Owego Turnpike (near the Apple Valley Shops Complex) and travel about ¼ mile to the entrance on the left. For more information, call Grey Towers at (570) 296-9630 or (570) 296-9625. You may also log on to www.fs.fed.us/gt and www.greytowers.org.  

September 25 – A Fall Gardening Workshop hosted by Penn State Master Gardeners will be held from 9:00am until noon at the Pike County Conservation District building, Route 402 in Hawley. The workshop will include three sessions: "Labyrinths," "Get Ready for a Beautiful Spring with Fall Bulbs" and "Pollinator Friendly Gardening." The cost to attend is $10 and pre-registration with payment is required by September 20. Call the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford at (570) 296-3400 or send an email to PikeExt@psu.edu for more information or download a program brochure at http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 25 & 26 – The 14th annual Shawnee Mountain PRCA Rodeo and Chili Cook-Off returns to Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware! It's a rip-roarin' real live rodeo in the Poconos! Experience the thrill of professional cowboys competing in fully sanctioned PRCA events including Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Calf Roping, Team Roping and Bull Dogging! Professional cowgirls will also be competing in Barrel Racing. Live country music, line dancing and craft and food vendors add to the weekend festivities. The gates open at 11:30am on Saturday & Sunday and the Rodeo action starts at 2:00pm. Slopeside seating will be available to all spectators, so bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the events! Come early on Saturday for the 4th annual Chili Cook-Off and sample some of the Poconos' finest chili recipes! Shawnee Mountain Ski Area and the PRCA Rodeo & Chili Cook-Off are easy to find on Hollow Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware, just off I-80 exit 309. Call (570) 421-7231 for more information or log on to www.shawneemt.com.  

September 25 & 26 – The Howetown Farm Show will take place from 10:00am until 5:00pm along Route 196 in Sterling (south of Hamlin). Admission is free to this fun and educational show about early farm life. See live demonstrations of antique farm equipment including a mule-powered treadmill operating a threshing machine, plus antique hit & miss engines, a corn sheller, a rock crusher, a shingle mill, steam engines and much more. Watch the production of home-made ice cream and enjoy a free sample. Observe the ladies spinning, quilting and weaving or go for a horse-drawn hay ride. Admission and parking are free. Food will be available for purchase. To find out more about the Howetown Farm Show, call (570) 595-0452. 

September 26 – From your TV screen to the stage, Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts is proud to present the "Last Comic Standing" Live Tour at beautiful Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville. Here's a casting call for couples who love comedy! Help give a warm welcome to a new crew of "Last Comic Standing" contestants during their tour stop in the Land of Love. After watching them this summer on NBC television, see the finalists in person on stage at Cove Haven Resort. This Sunday evening laugh fest is sure to start your week off with a smile. Event-only tickets are available to the general public; resort guests receive free show tickets with their all-inclusive stay. Cove Haven Resort is easy to find on Route 590 in Lakeville. Call 1-866-500-0458 for outside ticket reservations, or find out more at www.cpresorts.com/thisweek.   

September 26 – The Cresco Station Museum in Cresco invites everyone to come enjoy a fun afternoon of music by Uncle Pete Tawney. The performance will be held from 2:00 until 4:00pm, with free admission to the public. In conjunction with the musical program, the museum will also host an Ice Cream Social and an Art Show. The Cresco Station Museum is located on Sand Spring Road off Route 390 in Cresco (at the old Cresco Railroad Depot) and is administered by the Barrett Township Historical Society. For further details you may call the museum at (570) 595-6157 or call Mickey at (570) 595-2501.   

September 28 – Do you have spots on your tomatoes, a bug you can’t identify, or another lawn or garden question you can’t find the answer to? Well you’re in luck, because a Penn State Master Gardener will be at the Penn State Pike County Cooperative Extension office in Milford from 10:00am until noon to answer your gardening questions. And it’s free! Bring a sample, if possible, to the office at 514 Broad Street in Milford and speak directly with a Master Gardener. If you are not able to visit with a Master Gardener during this time, call the Extension office at (570) 296-3400 or send an email message to PikeExt@psu.edu with your gardening questions. Visit the website http://pike.extension.psu.edu.   

September 29 – A Public Bog Walk through the fantastic Tannersville Cranberry Bog will be led by a naturalist from the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) from 1:00 to 3:30pm. The bog is special as it is a northern boreal bog, which is very unique for this part of the country. Protected by The Nature Conservancy, the Tannersville bog is a National Natural Landmark. Signs of life will be everywhere as the group ventures into this unique wetland habitat, which includes many orchids and insect-eating plants! Access to the interior of the bog is substantial along a 1650’ “floating” boardwalk, making for spectacular photo opportunities. Highlights include viewing plants which may be blooming, like orchids, cranberries, sheep laurel, marsh marigold, bog rosemary, bog laurel, wild calla and others. Meet for this walk at the MCEEC near Bartonsville. Pre-registration is required and the cost to attend is $5. Call the MCEEC at (570) 629-3061 to register. www.mcconservation.org   

October 1 - Reservations Close Today for the annual John Gouse Memorial Golf Outing sponsored by the Pike County Builders Association and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. The Captain and Crew Scramble will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at Woodloch Springs Golf Resort in Hawley. For questions or tee times, call the Pike County Builders Association at (570) 296-5589 or call the Pike County Chamber of Commerce at (570) 296-8700. Visit on the web at www.pikecountybuilders.com and www.pikechamber.com.      

1st & 3rd Thursday – each month, the Pocono Mountain Seniors Group Meets at the Pocono Summit Fire House in Pocono Summit. Interested? Call 839-8172.

1st & 3rd Thursday – each month, residents and business owners in Mt. Pocono and surrounding communities are invited to attend the Meetings of the Mt. Pocono Association at 9:00am at the Municipal Building (Rt. 611) in Mount Pocono. You may call 839-8030 for more information.

3rd Monday – Each month, the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association Meets at 7:00pm at the Association Museum in the Municipal Center on 5550 Memorial Boulevard in Tobyhanna. Call the Museum at 894-4207. Visitors are welcome!

Every Saturday BINGO, 6:30pm at the Promised Land firehouse off Route 390 in Promised Land.

4th Sunday of every month - Historians of Sterling Township Meeting, 2:00pm in the Sterling United Methodist Church Sunday School Room. Anyone interested in becoming a member may call 676-3206. All are welcome.

3rd Thursday of every month - The Pocono Mountain Chapter of the National Rail Historical Society Meets at the Tannersville Learning Center. Visitors are welcome! For more information, call 421-6947.

2nd & 4th Monday of every month - Exchange Club of the Pocono Mountains Meeting at Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg. New members are welcomed at any time. For additional information about the group, please call Carol Hutson, secretary, at 223-0848.

4th Monday of every month - Meeting of the Pocono Mountain Women's Club, 7:30pm at Tobyhanna Elementary Center in Pocono Pines. Interested in joining? Call the Membership Chairperson at 646-3954. Meetings held every month except Dec. and June.

Sundays - Coffee Hour at the Zion United Church of Christ, 14 N. 8th Street, Stroudsburg at 10:00am.

1st Sunday of every month - Breakfast at the Coolbaugh Fire Company Building, Laurel Drive (off Rt. 611) in Tobyhanna from 8:00 until noon.

1st Sunday of every month - Breakfast at American Legion Post 413, Old Rt. 940 at Pocono Lake from 8:00 until noon.


31 issues published annually with a total controlled complimentary distribution of more than 279,000 copies through resorts, hotels, motels, cottage colonies, information centers and travel bureaus, places of interest, realtors and developers. Individually Mailed Copy to your address: $60.00 annually (one copy each of 31 issues), payable in advance (check or money order), to cover postage and handling costs. Single copy: $2.50.

Editorial and Publication Office
P.O. Box 8, Pocono Pines, PA 18350
570/646-2121• 570/355-5800
Fax: 570/646-4528
e-mail: contact-us@thisweek.net
www.thisweek.net


© Copyright 2010

Reproduction of any artwork, maps, editorial material or copy prepared by "This Week in the Poconos" is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorized in writing by the Publisher.

All schedules subject to change.

This site designed and hosted by
JENAGRAPHICS