“Away in a meadow all covered with snow
The little old groundhog looks for his shadow
The clouds in the sky determine our fate
If winter will leave us all early or late.”
- Don Halley
Now thru mid-March – Eagle Watch! In winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the Pocono Mountains in search of open water, fresh fish, and undisturbed habitat. In addition to these visiting migrants, the region is also proud of a growing, breeding population of resident eagles. Every Saturday & Sunday from January 2 through mid-March, trained volunteers with The Eagle Institute staff popular viewing locations at Lackawaxen and elsewhere around the Delaware River, assisting eagle watchers in spotting these majestic birds. Eagle Institute staffers have spotting scopes, extra binoculars, and helpful information for eagle watchers, and can direct visitors to other viewing locations. From April through September, eagle watching is not encouraged because of the eagles’ sensitivity to human disturbance during this critical time. Please respect these resident eagles and their young! The Eagle Institute Winter Field Office at 176 Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen (at the end of the Roebling Bridge) is open every Friday through Sunday until mid-March. Call the office or drop by to learn where eagles are being sighted, or visit their web page at www.eagleinstitute.org and see the “Eagle Forum” message board. For maps, directions and more information, contact The Eagle Institute at (570) 685-5960 or (845) 557-6162, or email them at eagleinstitute@yahoo.com.
Now thru February 28 – Treat your sweetheart to a day at the spa and enjoy the savings with the Valentine’s Spa Special at The Spa at Mountain Laurel in White Haven. The spa is offering “This Week in the Poconos” readers a sweet treat of 15% Off All Services (except Hair Care) through February 28, 2010. Just bring in their ad on page 24 of this magazine (or print the spa ad off of our website thisweek.net), then choose from a luxurious menu of 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!
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.
Fridays – Buy One Lift Ticket, Get One Free on Fridays (non-holiday weeks) at Tanglwood Ski Area & Winter Park in Tafton! Offer valid for Day or Twilight Sessions. Tanglwood is a family-friendly resort with eight trails served by four lifts, 100% snowmaking, snowtubing, a terrain park, night skiing most evenings, ski school, rentals, a lounge & restaurant, and live entertainment every Saturday night. Tanglwood is located in beautiful Tafton, off of I-84 exit 26 onto Route 390N and follow the signs. For more information, call Tanglwood Ski Area at (570) 226-9780 or go online at www.skitanglwood.com.
February 11 thru 28 – Experience an island adventure carved from nearly 100 tons of crystal clear ice when Sculpted Ice Works and Crystal Cabin Fever present the Caribbean in Ice, a spectacular winter ice display. Each year, the talented ice carvers at Sculpted Ice Works on Route 590 in Lakeville create “Crystal Cabin Fever,” an indoor, interactive ice display for all ages. This year’s theme is “Caribbean!” The ice park features giant ice dolphins, reptiles and birds, a life-sized Ice Grass Hut, a dual-run ice slide, a coral reef display and much more all carved out of ice. Constructed entirely of ice, the Ice Grass Hut welcomes you and your family to walk in, look around and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Live ice carving demonstrations are scheduled daily and other special events are planned. On Saturdays, February 20 & 27, come and watch the nationally-sanctioned Ice Carving Competitions; the chainsaws will buzz as professional carvers compete for cash prizes from noon to 4:00. The detailed sculptures of Crystal Cabin Fever are created using ice blocks harvested in the Sculpted Ice Works plant here in Northeast PA. Sculpted Ice Works and Crystal Cabin Fever are located on Route 590 in Lakeville near Lake Wallenpaupack (mid-way between Hawley and Hamlin). Hours are 11:00 to 6:00 Monday through Saturday and 11:00 to 4:00 on Sundays. Admission is $10 adults, children 3–15 $6. For more information about Crystal Cabin Fever, call Sculpted Ice Works at (570) 226-6246 or visit www.crystalcabinfever.com. Be sure to bring your camera when you visit!
February 12 – A guided Bald Eagle Field Trip has been organized by the Monroe County Environmental Education Center (MCEEC) near Bartonsville. Environmental Educator Brian Hardiman will lead this field trip to the Poconos’ Upper Delaware River in search of resident and wintering bald eagles. This scenic region provides a beautiful backdrop and excellent opportunities for observing eagles. Join Brian for this fun and educational outing and learn about the dramatic recovery of the bald eagle and other aspects of its life history. Participants will meet at the MCEEC near Bartonsville at 8:30am and return at approximately 5:30pm. The $20 cost to attend includes van transportation. Pre-registration & pre-payment are required and limited. Pack lunch, bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Stops will be made for coffee and snacks. Call (570) 629-3061 to register or visit www.mcconservation.org.
February 12 – “Wild Pennsylvania” by Michael Gadomski will be presented at 6:30pm at Nescopeck State Park, located west of White Haven near Drums. Join this stunning visual tour of some of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful natural places through the lens of Michael Gadomski. Mike is a highly regarded professional photographer based here in the Pocono Mountains. His work has graced magazine covers, calendars, and coffee table books. His newest book, ‘Wild Pennsylvania: A Celebration of Our State’s Natural Beauty’ is the focus of this presentation, which contains over 400 images that will leave you breathless. After the program, Mike will be available for a Q&A session about his work and photography in general. Register for this free program by calling the Nescopeck State Park office at (570) 403-2006. Check out the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.
February 12 thru 15 – All bird-lovers are encouraged to participate in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, a free event sponsored by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Take part in this fun and easy mid-winter activity wherever you are – at home, at a local park or wildlife refuge, in a schoolyard, or out on a walk anytime during daylight hours. Participants in the free event will join tens of thousands of volunteers of all levels of birding experience to count birds in their own backyards, local parks or wildlife refuges. Simply count the number of each species you see during an outing or sitting (for as little as 15 minutes or as long as you wish), then enter your tallies on the easy-to-navigate Great Backyard Bird Count website www.birdcount.org. While enjoying the birds perching on birdfeeders in your yard or out in a local park, you will assist the non-profit Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology in gathering valuable bird population data in this important national survey. To get started, simply log on to the detailed Great Backyard Bird Count website for specific guidelines and lots of birding information. For more information about the GBBC, visit their website www.birdcount.org or contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 or gbbc@cornell.edu. You may contact the Audubon Society with questions at citizenscience@audubon.org or (215) 355-9588, ext. 16. The number at the Northeast PA Audubon Society office in Honesdale is (570) 253-9250.
February 13 – Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with birds that mate for life when you join the Guided Bald Eagle Excursion hosted by The Eagle Institute in Lackawaxen. Join this annual tour aboard a heated bus to popular eagle viewing sites around the Delaware River. Meet at The Eagle Institute Winter Field Office in Lackawaxen for 10:00am departure. The cost is $10 per person on a first come, first served basis. Dress warmly in layers, wear waterproof boots and bring a bag lunch, binoculars and camera! The Eagle Institute Winter Field Office at 176 Scenic Drive in Lackawaxen (at the end of the Roebling Bridge) is open every Friday through Sunday through mid-March. Call the office or drop by to learn where eagles are being sighted, or visit their web page at www.eagleinstitute.org and see the Eagle Forum message board. For maps, directions and more information, contact The Eagle Institute at (570) 685-5960 or (845) 557-6162, or email them at eagleinstitute@yahoo.com.
February 13 – One of the greatest soul groups of the early ‘70’s, The Spinners will take the stage at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono. Two shows are scheduled in Gypsies Nightclub & Lounge at 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Creating a body of work that defined the lush, seductive sound of Philly soul, The Spinners recorded a number of soul classics including The Rubber Band Man, Then Came You, I’ll Be Around, Could It Be I’m Fallin’ in Love, Mighty Love, and Games People Play. Not only were their singles hits, but their albums consistently went Gold and charted in the Top 20. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and they received a star on the Hollywood “Walk of Fame.” Tickets for the show at Mount Airy are $35. Mount Airy Casino Resort is nestled on Woodland Road in Mount Pocono, via Route 611 or Route 940. Discover a world of action, excitement, entertainment and extraordinary taste all in one panoramic setting, with the Golf Course, the Spa, the Casino, and dining options including two fine dining restaurants, two casual eateries, and the famous buffet. Call the resort at 1-877-MT-AIRY1 (1-877-682-4791) or visit www.mountairycasino.com for your tickets and more information.
February 13 – The PA Fish & Boat Commission is hosting a free Family Ice Fishing Program from 9:00am until noon at Nescopeck State Park, located west of White Haven near Drums. This program is designed for families new to ice fishing and will include instruction on equipment, basic skills, and safety. The program will begin indoors at the park office and end out on Lake Frances, pending ice conditions. If the ice conditions on Lake Frances are suitable, participants will go out on the ice and try fishing with their newly-learned skills. The program is free and fishing licenses will not be required. All equipment and materials will be provided. Children (ages 8 & up) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Be sure to dress appropriately for cold, wet weather, including hat, gloves and boots! Registration is required for the Family Ice Fishing Program. For more information or to register, call the Nescopeck State Park office at (570) 403-2006. More information can also be obtained from the PA Fish & Boat Commission by calling (570) 477-2206. Check out the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.
February 13 – Join members of the Pocono Outdoor Club to Hike or Snowshoe at Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area near Blakeslee. Hike or snowshoe the new Natural Area off Route 115 along Tobyhanna Creek and the falls. This will be a moderate to easy five mile hike starting at 10:00am. From Route 940 at Blakeslee Corners, travel south on Route 115 then turn into the ATBNA parking area on the right, just before the guardrail on Tobyhanna Creek. For precise directions and more information, call hike leaders John & Fran Whipple at (570) 646-7960, cell phones: John (570) 350-2977, Fran (570) 350-2967. 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 leaders or check out www.poconooutdoorclub.org.
February 13 – For a real Valentine’s treat, let Northeast Wilderness Experience (NEWE) and The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley take care of all the details with their Hearts in the Snow package, a guided moonlight snowshoe excursion followed by dinner at The Settlers Inn. First, watch the sunset then head out for a beautiful moonlight hike on the trails of Prompton State Park. Afterwards, warm up by the fire at The Settlers Inn and enjoy a delectable four-course meal with a complementing wine for each course. Participants are asked to meet at Prompton Dam at 3:30. Snowshoe rentals will be available. Bring water for the hike, dress in layers, and wear waterproof boots or snow boots. Reservations are required by February 10 by going to the inn’s website www.thesettlersinn.com to link to NEWE. The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527 with questions.
February 13 – Enjoy a special Valentine’s Dinner Dance with Remember When at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe! The Valentine’s Dinner Dance will feature a wonderful meal, followed by the swinging sounds of Remember When. One of the most popular oldies bands in eastern and central PA, Remember When’s three members have been playing music for a combined total of nearly 70 years. The band has a passion for singing 3-part harmony, and it shows in their accurate representations of the oldies. Their repertoire includes the music of Danny and The Juniors, Dion and The Belmonts, The Jive Five, The Videos and The Skyliners, just to name a few. Valentine’s Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 7:00pm, and dancing with Remember When starts at 7:00. Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased either in person at the Penn’s Peak Ticket Office or by calling the Penn’s Peak Ticket Office at 1-866-605-PEAK. Penn’s Peak and the on-site Roadies Restaurant & Bar are located off Maury Road in Jim Thorpe, just 4 miles from exit 74 of the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike. For more information or your tickets call 1-866-605-PEAK or check out www.pennspeak.com.
February 13 – The sidewalks of downtown Honesdale will be buzzing with activity as the community and businesses join together to celebrate their 2nd annual Mardi Gras on Main! Unlike New Orleans, there will be no big parade with giant floats tying up traffic on Main Street. Rather, over fifty groups of people (krewes) ranging from businesses to non-profit organizations to school groups will be parading the sidewalks of historic Honesdale between 10:00am and 5:00pm. The krewes will create a continuous, eye-catching and fun stream of mini-floats using everything from baby carriages and hospital beds to wagons and wheelbarrows to help celebrate Mardi Gras in Honesdale. Each krewe will be scheduled to depart at a specific time throughout the day to bring continuous activity to Honesdale’s Main Street. Many krewes will be passing out colorful beads to passersby, some with valuable store coupons attached. For more information about Mardi Gras on Main, call Gail at the Greater Honesdale Partnership at (570) 253-5492 or log on to www.visithonesdalepa.com.
February 13 – Join members of the Greater Wyoming Valley Audubon Society for a Snowshoe Hike at Nescopeck State Park at 1:30pm. A limited number of snowshoes will be available to borrow. Nescopeck State Park is located west of White Haven, near Drums. The program is free, however registration is required. To register for the Snowshoe Hike, call hike leader John Jakoby at (570) 474-5884. Call the Nescopeck State Park office at (570) 403-2006 with any questions or for directions. Check out the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.
February 13 - The Jim Thorpe Area Council of the Carbon County 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 Area Council at (570) 325-5810 or visit www.jimthorpe.org.
February 13 & 14 – The Exchange Restaurant at The Inn at Pocono Manor is taking reservations for a lavish Valentine’s Dinner for Two. You and your sweetheart will fall in love with the eclectic American cuisine with a Continental flavor, and selections from a Global wine list. Valentine’s Dinner is $99 for two, including a bottle of champagne, plus tax and gratuity. Seatings are available on Saturday, February 13 and Valentine’s Day Sunday, February 14. The perfect setting for romance, the historic Inn at Pocono Manor is nestled off Route 314 in Pocono Manor, PA, just off of Route 940 east of the I-380 intersection. Call the Inn at (570) 839-7111 ext. 7631 to make a reservation or toll-free 1-800-233-8150. Log on to www.poconomanor.com for details.
February 13 & 14 – It’s Captain Morgan Weekend at Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville! Captain Morgan himself will be in the Thirsty Camel for the weekend, serving up warm rum for the 21-and-over crowd. The Captain will arrive in the Thirsty Camel at around 6:00pm each night. “Get a little Captain in you!” Camelback is located in Tannersville, off I-80 exit 299. Call (570) 629-1661 or visit their website www.skicamelback.com to find out more.
February 13 & 14 – Surprise your sweetie with an intimate and scrumptious Valentine’s Dinner at The Settlers Inn at Bingham Park in Hawley. The Inn is offering a special Valentine’s dinner menu on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as a Valentine’s Brunch from 11:30 to 2:30 on Sunday only. Check out the exquisite menus at their website www.thesettlersinn.com. They book up early for this most romantic of weekends, so call now for your reservations! The Settlers Inn is located at 4 Main Avenue in Hawley, near Lake Wallenpaupack. Call the Inn at (570) 226-2993 or toll-free 1-800-833-8527 for your Valentine’s reservations.
February 13 & 14 – Celebrate the season when the Victorian town of Jim Thorpe hosts its 16th annual WinterFest Weekend, sponsored by the Jim Thorpe Chamber of Commerce. A mix of family activities, special shopping and dining promotions, and Opera House performances mark a weekend of winter fun in an intriguing town full of history and Old-World charm. Ice carvers will ply their trade in the downtown Josiah White Park next to the Jersey Central train station, and also give demonstrations two blocks up the street at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. Meanwhile, back at the park, Civil War re-enactors provide a glimpse into life in the days when Abraham Lincoln was our President. Shops and restaurants will also offer various discounts for everyone’s enjoyment. The chamber will also host a Mug Walk fundraiser, during which, for the price of a $10 Jim Thorpe mug, visitors can look for signs at participating shops and stores that will fill those mugs with something free, including cookies, coffee and other surprises. There will also be live musical performances at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and outdoors along Broadway. For more WinterFest Weekend information or a schedule of events, visit www.jimthorpe.org or call (570) 325-5810.
February 20 – PPL Corporation’s Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, located on the shores of the Delaware River in Bangor, will present Tap the Sap, a special program all about maple syrup. The free program will be held from 1:30 to 3:00pm at the Lower Mount Bethel Township Welcome Center, 7701 Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway in Bangor (adjacent to Riverton Bridge). Join PPL’s Fred Gast to have a look at maple sugaring from the times of the Native Americans until now, and learn of its importance in history. Did you know that during the mid 1800’s, the kind of sugar you had on your table revealed your political views? Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree without its leaves, and then follow the steps in sugaring from the tree to the table. 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.
February 20 – Calling all freestyle skiers and boarders: Tanglwood Ski Area & Winter Park in Tafton is hosting their “T-Wood Winter Series” Rail Jam & Big Air Competitions! The Big Air Qualifiers will be held today, with registration beginning at 9:30am and an 11:00am start time. Entry fee is $10 plus a valid lift ticket. Each competitor will be given two runs. Gear and cash prizes will be awarded to all finalists who make it to the podium. Qualifying competitors will be invited back on Saturday, February 27 to compete in the Finals. All competitors under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian with them when they register to compete. Tanglwood is a family-friendly resort with eight trails served by four lifts, 100% snowmaking, snowtubing, a terrain park, night skiing most evenings, ski school, rentals, a lounge & restaurant, and entertainment every Saturday night. The ski resort is located in beautiful Tafton, off of I-84 exit 26 onto Route 390N and follow the signs. For more information about the “T-Wood Winter Series” Rail Jam & Big Air Competitions, call Tanglwood Ski Area at (570) 226-9780 or go online at www.skitanglwood.com.
February 20 – Join members of the Pocono Outdoor Club to Hike the McDade Trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This will be an easy six mile hike along the Delaware River to Tern Farm and back. Meet for the hike at the Smithfield Beach parking area; just follow River Road past Shawnee Village to Smithfield Beach. For hike start time and more information, call hike leader Rosemary Huebner at (570) 588-3201. 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.
February 20 – A hands-on Sculpture Workshop with Line Bruntse is being offered to the public at no charge at East Stroudsburg University. The intensive workshop will be held from 9:00am to 4:30pm in the university’s Fine & Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets in East Stroudsburg. The workshop is open to art educators, students and the general public at no charge, however reservations are necessary. To make your reservations, call (570) 422-3813. For more information on this and other cultural events open to the public at East Stroudsburg University, call the Fine & Performing Arts Center’s Events Line at (570) 422-3483 or log on to www.esu.edu.
February 21 – Die-hard golfers are invited to play in the annual Ice Tee Golf Tournament today atop frozen Lake Wallenpaupack! Presented by the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce, the tournament will take place on the lake in front of Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant, Route 507 in Tafton (two miles east of Hawley). Ice conditions permitting, two challenging 9-hole courses will be created, complete with tree-lined fairways, water traps, obstacles and roughs! An alternate location will be selected if the ice is unsafe. The tournament will be held from 9:00am until 2:00pm; golfers without a reserved tee time may play on an “as available” basis. Golfers should bring a putter and two other clubs; colored balls will be provided at registration. Golfers may also participate in the “Closest to Wally” Driving Contest and other activities held in conjunction with the tournament. An awards ceremony will take place at Ehrhardt’s at 3:00pm. There will be prizes, giveaways and lots of fun for golfers, non-golfers and spectators! “Green” Fees are $15 per person in advance or $20 on the day of the event. For more Ice Tee Golf Tournament information and your tee times, call the Hawley-Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce at (570) 226-3191. Visit on the internet at www.hawleywallenpaupackcc.com.
February 21 – The base of Shawnee Mountain Ski Area in Shawnee-on-Delaware will come alive with a festive carnival atmosphere for skiers, snowboarders, snowtubers and spectators during Shawnee Winter Carnival Day. Sponsored by Shawnee Mountain, Coca-Cola and Budweiser Beer, Winter Carnival will include fun activities open to all. The day will feature demonstrations, vendors, ice sculpting, an outdoor barbecue, giveaways, product sampling, entertainment, an après ski party and more! Add carnival fun to a great day of skiing, snowboarding or snowtubing. Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is located off I-80 exit 309 in Shawnee-on-Delaware; follow signs on Route 209 to Hollow Road. To find out more about Winter Carnival Day, call Shawnee Mountain at (570) 421-7231 or log on to www.shawneemt.com.
February 21 – Members of the Pocono Outdoor Club invite you to join them on a Hike into the Bruce Lake Natural Area. Be prepared to hike, ski or snowshoe 6 miles to Egypt Meadows Lake and Bruce Lake and back. Dress for winter conditions and bring water and food! Meet at 10:00am at the Bruce Lake trailhead parking lot on Route 390, just north of the Village of Promised Land. For more information about this hike, 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.
February 22 - 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.
February 23 – An enlightening Park Information Meeting for all visitors, neighbors and partners of the Hickory Run State Park Complex will begin at 7:00pm at Nescopeck State Park’s Musto Environmental Education Center, located west of White Haven near Drums. The meeting will allow those interested to meet some of the staff and be updated on the following topics: operational goals and challenges for the upcoming year, project priorities, program offerings, resource management issues, and Department of Conservation & Natural Resources initiatives. An interactive experience will be sought, with public input encouraged. Call the Nescopeck State Park office at (570) 403-2006 for directions to the Musto E.E. Center, or log on to the Pennsylvania State Parks website www.visitpaparks.com.
February 23 – Blue Planet will play tonight as part of the Free Winter Concert Series at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort in Shawnee-on-Delaware. An Appalachian/Aztec Soul band, Blue Planet will perform at 7:00pm by the fireplace in the lobby of The Shawnee Inn. The free concert is family friendly and appropriate for all ages. Enjoy Shawnee’s gift to the community! The Shawnee Inn is located on River Road in Shawnee-on-Delaware. Call the resort at (570) 424-4000 or toll-free 1-800-SHAWNEE for more information. www.shawneeinn.com
February 24 – From love stories to comedies and every musical genre in between, Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono presents its 2010 Matinee Theater Series, with musical revues to headline Gypsies Nightclub & Lounge. All shows contain original scripts and live music, featuring everything from classic show tunes to standard favorites and even modern pop. Journeys: A Valentine Story will go on stage today with a 2:30pm show time. This romantic comedy will take its audience on a journey of love thanks to such classics as “Unforgettable,” “The Rose” and “To Where You Are,” as the Queen of Hearts takes a journey to find her Cupid. Tickets for the show are $20 and are available by calling 1-877-532-0340. Mount Airy Casino Resort is nestled on Woodland Road in Mount Pocono, via Route 611 or Route 940. Discover a world of action, excitement, entertainment and extraordinary taste all in one panoramic setting, with the Casino, the Spa, the Golf Course, and dining options including two fine dining restaurants, two casual eateries, and the famous buffet. To find out more, call the resort at 1-877-MT-AIRY1 (1-877-682-4791) or visit www.mountairycasino.com.
February 24 – Sponsored by Captain Morgan, race number six in the Wednesday Night Race League will be held tonight at Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville. All skiers and snowboarders are invited to compete. Camelback is located in Tannersville, off I-80 exit 299. Call (570) 629-1661 or visit their website www.skicamelback.com for registration information.
February 25 – Tonight is Health Services Night at Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in Lackawaxen. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is inviting all health services employees and their families to receive $15 Lift Tickets and $15 Rentals from 4:00pm to 9:00pm. Show your Employee ID to receive this special Health Services Night discount. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain is a semi-private family facility in the Northern Poconos, located just four miles off of Route 590 in Lackawaxen. The ski area offers 18 trails with 100% snowmaking, a Terrain Park, and night skiing. For a current snow conditions report and hours of operation, call (570) 685-1400 or log on to their website www.ski-bigbear.com. Closed Tuesdays.
February 25 – The Wayne County Genealogy Group Meets at 4:30pm at the Wayne County Public Library, 1406 Main Street in Honesdale. Beginners and experienced researchers are welcome to attend these informative sessions. For more information, call (570) 253-5468 or send an email to wchspa@ptd.net. See the Historical Society’s website at www.waynehistorypa.org.
February 25 – The Wayne County Public Library in Honesdale invites you to an Introduction to Poetry, an ongoing program that meets the last Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The series is facilitated by Rita Dibble and Christine San Jose. Explore the world of poetry. Listen to poetry being read aloud, read poetry of your own, and join in on the discussion. The library is located at 1406 Main Street in Honesdale. Drop by or call 253-1220 to sign up!
February 26 & 27 – Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts has announced that Todd Oliver & Friends – Dogs Gone Wild Tour is coming to Paradise Stream Resort in Mount Pocono on Friday and Cove Haven Resort in Lakeville on Saturday! Have you ever met a talking dog, a real talking dog? Get ready, because when comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver takes the stage you’ll meet three of them: Irving, Lucy and Elvis. These little dogs are making crowds across the country howl for more. When they get behind the microphone they turn everyday canine experiences into knockout comedy! Here’s what audiences are saying: “I’ve never laughed so hard in my life, amazing!” “Incredibly funny!” “A great act!” Recent television appearances include Late Show with David Letterman, The Late Show with Craig Ferguson, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the Today Show. Todd Oliver’s humor is situational and contemporary, resulting in a clean universal comedy that makes you feel good and leaves you wondering, “How do those funny dogs talk?” Event-only tickets are available for $10 per person; Dinner & Show tickets are $105 per couple at Paradise Stream and $175 per couple at Cove Haven. Paradise Stream Resort is nestled along Route 940 in Mount Pocono and Cove Haven Resort is easy to find on Route 590 in Lakeville. For show times and outside ticket reservations, call 1-866-500-0458 or find out more at www.cpresorts.com/thisweek.
February 27 – Herman’s Hermits are coming to Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono! Herman, also known as Peter Noone, and his famous Hermits have scheduled a pair of performances in Mount Airy’s Gypsies Nightclub & Lounge at 6:00pm and 9:00pm. At the age of 15, Noone achieved international fame as “Herman,” lead singer of the legendary 1960’s Brit-pop band Herman’s Hermits. To date, the band has sold over 60 million albums and continues to tour. Their classics include “Hold On,” “I’m Into Something Good,” “I’m Henry VIII I Am,” “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “Baby, Baby, Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat?” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.” Tickets for the show at Mount Airy are $35. Mount Airy Casino Resort is nestled on Woodland Road in Mount Pocono, via Route 611 or Route 940. Discover a world of action, excitement, entertainment and extraordinary taste all in one panoramic setting, with the Casino, the Spa, the Golf Course, and dining options including two fine dining restaurants, two casual eateries, and the famous buffet. For your tickets and more information, call the resort at 1-877-MT-AIRY1 (1-877-682-4791) or visit www.mountairycasino.com.
February 27 – A fun-filled day for kids of all ages, the annual Winter Carnival returns to Tanglwood Ski Area & Winter Park in Tafton! Lots of fun activities are planned, including a tug of war, a scavenger hunt, cardboard sled races, face painting and much, much more! Tanglwood is a family-friendly resort with eight trails served by four lifts, 100% snowmaking, snowtubing, a terrain park, night skiing most evenings, ski school, rentals, a lounge & restaurant, and entertainment every Saturday night. The ski resort is located in beautiful Tafton, off of I-84 exit 26 onto Route 390N and follow the signs. For more information about the Winter Carnival, call Tanglwood Ski Area at (570) 226-9780 or go online at www.skitanglwood.com.
February 27 – Do you love wildlife and want to find out how to draw animals? PPL Corporation’s Martins Creek Environmental Preserve, located on the shores of the Delaware River in Bangor, will present an Introduction to Wildlife Drawing from 1:30 to 3:00pm at the Lower Mount Bethel Township Welcome Center, 7701 Martins Creek-Belvidere Highway in Bangor (adjacent to Riverton Bridge). Join presenter Marco Hernandez to learn the basic skills needed to draw wildlife by using mounted specimens. Marco will share his experience as a professional artist who worked for many years for the American Museum of Natural History as an exhibit designer and fabricator. This program is free to the public and all materials will be provided. Seating is limited and registration is required by emailing to pplpreserves@pplweb.com. For more information, call PPL at (570) 253-7076 or log on to 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.
February 27 – Join members of the Pocono Outdoor Club to Hike along Toms Creek in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. This will be a fun six mile hike along the creek to the area around Whitaker Pond and Stuckey Pond. Take Route 209 north of Bushkill to 5 mile marker. Turn onto Egypt Mills Road (see Little Egypt sign) to parking area. For hike start time and more information, call hike leader Bob Huebner at (570) 588-3201. 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.
February 27 – Conversations about white-tailed deer in the Pocono Mountains have become about as common as discussions about the weather. Learn the facts when the Pennsylvania Game Commission presents a Deer Management Open House from 10:00am to 4:00pm at PPL Corporation’s Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center (WELC) on Route 6 near Hawley. Interact with Game Commission staff including deer biologists, State Game Land managers, and foresters to learn more about the need for deer management in Pennsylvania. There will be a variety of interactive displays staffed by agency personnel addressing topics such as deer necessities, identifying good habitat for deer, telemetry studies and much more. For more information about the agency’s deer management program, including all of the brochures being distributed at the Open House, visit the PA Game Commission’s website www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on “White Tailed Deer” in the center of the homepage. For more information and directions you may also call PPL at (570) 253-7076 or email pplpreserves@pplweb.com. Check out the website www.pplpreserves.com.
February 27 & 28 – Go on a Cross Country Skiing Trek at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry from noon until 3:00pm on Saturday or Sunday and check out PEEC’s gorgeous trails in the winter. If you don’t know how to cross-country ski, no problem! If there’s snow, skis and beginner instruction will be provided for an easy outing to enjoy the woods in winter. Spend the afternoon skiing through snow covered forests and trails, enjoying the beautiful scenery found in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The cost to attend is $25 adults/$15 kids and ski equipment will be provided. If there isn’t enough snow to ski, join PEEC staff on a Free Winter Hike. Registration is required for the Cross Country Skiing Trek. 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.
February 28 – The USASA Mid-Atlantic Snowboard Series returns to Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville for the tenth season! All boarders are invited to sign up and compete in three Halfpipe events in the Oak Grove Halfpipe today. Registration is from 8:00 to 9:00am and the action starts at 10:00. For registration details log on to www.snowboardseries.com. Camelback is located in Tannersville, off I-80 exit 299. Call (570) 629-1661 or visit their website www.skicamelback.com.
February 28 – The public is invited to join a free Moonrise Walk from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingmans Ferry. Join this short walk to watch the full moon rise in one of the center’s pristine natural areas. Be sure to dress for the weather! The program is free, however registration is required. 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.
February 28 – Members of the Pocono Outdoor Club invite you to join them on a Hike along the Appalachian Trail at Lake Lenape. Hike to the first lookout area and back for a total of about 3 miles. Turn off Route 611 at the Deer Head Inn for this hike. For hike start time and exact directions, call hike leader Sue Pendergast at (570) 242-0519. 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.
Editor’s Note: This information in part or whole has been previously published online and or in print by This Week in the Pocono’s magazine
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