Posted on Wed, Feb 13, 2013
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~Shared by Tammy Compton
Big red hearts hanging in windows signal the upcoming holiday.
For 85-year-old Florence Southerton of Honesdale, the answer is simple. It’s the man who’s faithfully been by her side for the past 60 years, her 91-year-old husband Bernie.
What makes Bernie the perfect Valentine?
“We’ve never had a fight. I know you can’t believe this, but we’ve never had a fight in 60 years. He’s just a good person in every way. I guess it takes two (to fight). And he never fights,” Florence said.
The two met when Bernie came out of the Service. “He was in the Army, a former POW (Prisoner of War),” Florence said. The World War II army veteran spent six months as a prisoner of war.
After the army, Bernie worked as an electrician at the Murray Company in Honesdale. He’s also well known for the 31-years he worked at the Honesdale Post Office delivering mail on his walking route.
Florence and Bernie were wed on July 26, 1952 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Honesdale.
What’s the secret to 60 years of success?
“Faith has a lot to do with it. We’re both of the same faith, and we both practice our faith. And family has a lot to do with it. We have three children. They’re just all very close in relationship,” she said.
Along with their three children, they’re equally blessed with 12 grandchildren.
Asked what she’d like to share – heart to heart – with her Valentine this year, Florence said, “I said it all last winter. ‘I couldn’t live without you.’”
Last winter, Florence suffered with several stress fractures in her back. “I couldn’t move,” she said. On top of that, she was also dealing with shingles. “I couldn’t do anything on my own,” she said. But Bernie was there to help every step of the way.
Prayer also made a big difference, she said. Faith can move mountains. “Every week, we spend an hour at chapel,” she explained. It’s time spent praying “for others, for each other and being in the presence of Jesus Christ,” she said. “We’ve done that for 21 years.”
This Valentine’s Day Bernie is facing pre-op for knee replacement surgery. So, they’ll exchange Valentines and do what they do every day. “We’ll wait on each other, and be with each other, and enjoy each other,” she said.
They’ll also enjoy a special Valentine’s dinner at Woodloch Pines on Wednesday, February 13. It's Woodloch’s Broadway-style theme show “Everything Italian” and mouth-watering menu that has caught their attention.
Wednesday’s theme dinner features the following festive Italian food: wedding soup, caesar salad, parmesan encrusted prime rib, pan seared Jail Island salmon, mediterranean chicken, pappardelle Bolognese, roasted redskin potatoes with garlic & rosemary, broccolini with oven-roasted tomatoes, artichoke & spinach flatbread & Italian bread, and tiramisu for dessert.
“My husband looked at (the flyer) and said, ‘Why don’t we go?’” Florence said.
“And I said, ‘We will,’” Florence replied. “We’ve always enjoyed it. It’s first class."
“In the last five or six years, we’ve gone every year for my birthday in November. We like to be able to see every one of the shows. It’s just something where we can relax and enjoy. Good food, and most of all, everyone in the staff makes you feel special.”
“It’s all about love and family,” says Woodloch Special Events Agent Sharon Bedrosian. Call 1-800-966-3562, option 3 to make dinner reservations. The cost to attend is $29.99 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Posted on Mon, Feb 11, 2013
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Hurricane Sandy claimed the lives of more than 100 people. But the deadly Frankenstorm didn't stop there; she also claimed the lives of countless animals. It is unknown just how many drowned.
Dogs and cats could be seen on rooftops and balancing on debris, struggling to survive a storm they didn't understand. Separated from their families during evacuations, some pets were eventually reunited. But not all stories have happy endings. Living in apartments until their homes can be rebuilt, some families have been forced to surrender their beloved pets.
In the days following the Super Storm, temporary shelters popped up to help the displaced pets. But three months later, the orphaned animals are still waiting and some of the shelters are out of resources and must close their doors.
The Emergency Pet Center in Mitchell Field, Uniondale, New York, will close this Sunday, February 17th. Currently, they have 30 dogs and 42 cats in need of adoption.
"There is NO ADOPTION FEE," says Susan Fox of Hicksville, NY. "We desperately need to find homes for these animals. The shelter is scheduled to close this coming Sunday."
Run by the Pet Safe Coalition, Susan says the Emergency Pet Center volunteers are "unsung heroes," people who have selflessly reached out to orphaned animals. She's seen firsthand how much they care. It's there in the smiling eyes of Maxy, a tender-hearted pitbull not more than two or three years old. Maxy is special. She's seen her fair share of shelters.
Susan says she first met the friendly pup at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter where she'd eventually volunteer. As she did from time to time, Susan had stopped by for a friendly visit. That's when she met the gentle Maxy, and the two made a connection, so much so that Maxy whined when it came time for Susan to leave. "She cried for me, and I made her a promise that I'd see her every week," Susan remembers.
Since she already had a dog, she was unable to adopt Maxy, but that didn't stop them from becoming fast friends.
Only one day, when Susan stopped in, Maxy was gone. "A rescue group came and took a group of dogs, and she was among them. I would ask periodically, but nobody knew what happend to her," Susan says.
With a full heart, Susan wished Maxy well and continued to help those that she could.
Until that fateful day when someone said they'd spotted Maxy among the shelter pets taken in following the hurricane. "I don't know how she got there, but she is there," Susan says. " I have been going every weekend, two hours Saturday and Sunday. They have a play area."
Maxy is a changed dog. "If a dog could smile, she is. She's truly happy," Susan says.
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She can't say enough about the goodness of the Emergency Pet Center and how much they care. She's touched by the way they responded to one family's crisis. The son had suffered brain damage after being struck by a car last August. "During the hurricane, 7 feet of water came into the home, working its way up to the second floor staircase. They couldn't get out the window with him because he's disabled. The rest of them they could have fled, but they wouldn't leave without the child. They were terrified that they were going to drown.
"They did get out and were rescued. And the family's cats were taken to emergency shelter, and they're being fostered - all four cats - until they can get their lives together," Susan says.
The Emergency Pet Center is in desperate need of foster families and preferably "furever homes."
"They're trying to find foster families and if they don't, they'll wind up back in shelters," Susan says.
The Emergency Pet Center is located at Mitchell Field, Uniondale, NY, just behind the Children's Museum off of Hempstead Turnpike; they may be reached at 516-272-0017.
Additionally, for more information on pets affected by Hurricane Sandy, please visit the Facebook Page, Hurricane Sandy Lost and Found Pets.
Susan is a longtime guest of Woodloch Pines Resort and has been coming with her family for close to two decades. She thanked Woodloch for putting this blog on our website. "I cannot thank you enough for doing this for me and for the staff and animals at the Emergency Pet Shelter! I am deeply appreciative! Woodloch employees always take that one or actually many steps extra for everything!!"
Posted on Fri, Feb 08, 2013
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~Shared by Cara Stokowski
Though the February Pocono weather is still chilly, make no mistake about it- Cupid is on the loose, and the fires of love (both new and re-kindled) will soon be warming the air! Yes, tale as old as time, Valentine's Day is right around the corner. And undoubtedly, along with the exchange of tons of candy and mounds of flowers, a few golden rings will likely be presented along with the biggest and most important question that one could ever ask... "Will you marry me?"
If that does happen (or already has!) then I extend to you the warmest of CONGRATULATIONS! As a Woodloch Wedding Coordinator, I have the pleasure of working with dozens of couples as they start their new lives together. Along the way, I have noticed a few trends that are setting the wedding world ablaze, and I'd like to share with you with ten of the hottest wedding trends for 2013!
- Mint is the top color choice for 2013! Huge on the runway, this refreshing color is making its way into weddings. Incorporate it into dresses, shoes, jewelry, centerpieces, cake, invitations, décor and more!
- Non-white wedding dresses are sweeping the nation!! Not only ivory, but pastels like pink, baby blue, lavender, and mint green are rapidly entering the bridal dress market.
- You are already the belle of the ball, so why not enter your wedding Cinderella style? Make a statement while arriving via horse and carriage ride!
- Get stylish with seating! Stray away from the simple escort cards and get creative with your seating plan. Think outside the box- use old windows, chalkboard paint, shutters, clothlines, at rocks, wine corks/bottles, and more!
- Feathers are back and not going away!!! Feathers have been slowly entering the wedding word in the past year, and this unique trend is growing rapidly! Incorporate brightly colored feathers into centerpieces, or simply skip owers all together and carry beautiful bountiful feather bouquets.
- We all need to take a break from the dance floor sooner or later. Create a lounge corner in your reception room for guests to relax and mingle without leaving the room. You can even use LED or posh-looking furniture to match the look of the wedding!
- Add some grace with a little bit of lace! Soften up any look and add a little bit of class by using lace for your tables, your bouquets and whatever your heart desires!
- Rainbow Weddings! Why choose just one or two colors when there are so many? Incorporate a whole color pallet, and have alternate place settings, various bridesmaids’ colors, and evenmix and match accessories and shoes. Whether you want bright and bold or soft and light, the colors and possibilities are endless!
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Why not add a little convenience and look cute at the same time? Dresses with pockets are every woman’s dream! Pockets are making an appearance in more and more bridesmaid’s dresses and girls everywhere are thrilled.
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MOST IMPORTANTLY- make your day YOU! Why not let your personality shine throughout every element of your wedding? Be bold and make it the day you’ve always dreamed of! Whether you are ready to take the plunge or just mulling over some ideas, we wish you the best of luck!
Posted on Mon, Feb 04, 2013
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~Shared by Tammy Compton
You can’t miss the signs.
Teddy bears hugging big red hearts; stuffed animals inviting you to press their paws to hear a declaration of love. And of course those tiny conversation hearts with their bright colors and popular messages: "Be mine", "Kiss me", "True love", "Hug me", and "Love you."
It’s everywhere. Even in the famous line from the movie “Juno” delivered by Ellen Page’s character Juno MacGuff, where she describes a boy she likes as “the cheese to her macaroni.”
So, who’s the peanut butter to your jelly, the milk to your cookies, or the beans to your burrito?
“As friends we used to 'hang out' in groups, and that's how we initially met. In high school, we traveled together with all our friends. I went to Walton HS (all girls school), and he went to DeWitt Clinton (all boys school) - both schools were in close proximity to each other in the Bronx. He was two years ahead of me...I was a freshman and he was a junior.
“It was not really love at first sight, but the more time we spent together, the more we bonded,” she said.
“I was drawn to him by his constant teasing and shy, but playful ways. Maybe his attraction to me was because we were basically both shy by nature (similar personality at first).
“Since we attended separate schools, our interaction with clubs, etc. didn't apply. But, he did carry my books home from school for me and always managed to escort me home from my part-time jobs. We were 'going steady' then.
“I was 17, Paul 19 when we became ‘a couple,’ and decided to spend our lives together. Basically it was a mutual proposal, and far from the fairy tale ‘getting down on one knee experience.'
“We shopped together for the ring in downtown NYC, and after I picked it out, the ring was on my finger before we left the store. Not very romantic, but tearful for sure; I remember always checking the beautiful sparkler on my finger. We were engaged for 1 year before the wedding. Our parents thought we were too young, but never objected,” she said.
“We were married at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mount Vernon NY, on October 26th in 1963 and our vows were traditional, with a 2-ring ceremony. Our wedding reception was held at the Chateau Pelham in the Bronx for about 125 people. I remember it being a beautiful sunny day. Paul attended community college and became an electrician with Local 3 in NY - retired in 2003. I worked for the City of NY Civil Defense unit after HS, graduated college with a Business degree and retired from a major pharmaceutical company also in 2003,” Rosemarie shared.
The secret to 50 wonderful years?
“Being together for 50 years requires work on both sides. I am very fortunate to have a husband who is devoted, patient, kind and supportive. He is my best friend. We have total respect for one another and work together to achieve our goals. I tend to create and push for excitement, and he compliments my actions with the finishing touches. Very harmonious...,” Rosemarie said.
What have been some of the best moments along life’s journey?
“Our most exciting moments include the birth of our 3 children. First a son, born March 15 1965, and then twin daughters born August 17, 1966. Three little ones, all in diapers, no diaper service and living in an apartment. That was a challenge for both of us, financially, physically and mentally. But we did it, considered ourselves very blessed and wouldn't change a thing! Our children are all married, and we have 6 happy, healthy grandchildren, aged 23 to 7 years old. No great-grandchildren as of yet.
“The purchase of a run-down house on Fawn Lake in Hawley in 1997 was probably our next biggest adventure after raising our family. I remember seeing the house for the first time - Paul wanted to walk away, but he agreed to the purchase because I wanted it. Paul would never admit to his talents, and there's nothing he can't do, so I knew he would make this old house a real home. Together, we created a beautiful second home, which is where we spend most of our time. Having this home is how we've come to know Woodloch and meet wonderful new friends. We shop in the deli, order delicious birthday cakes, have gone to the shows, brought friends to stay at Woodloch and have been to the spa a number of times. If you've been there...you've gotta love Woodlochh.
“We selected Woodloch for our anniversary celebration because we love the atmosphere - it's warm, cozy and elegant. The food is great, and the staff is always willing to go out of their way to please.
“We plan to have 70-75 people celebrate our anniversary with us, some great family and friends from NY and PA; and yes, we do plan to renew our vows. Our love for each other remains solid - especially when your children marry, you find life revolves even more around each other.
“I've said plenty...maybe too much, but you get the drift. A great marriage, wonderful life with awesome family and friends, what more could anyone ask. Our cup runneth over for sure...,” she said.
Happy Anniversary Paul and Rosemarie Ravo :).
Posted on Mon, Jan 28, 2013
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After a great, fun-filled, action-packed vacation, our guests want the Woodloch feelilng to stay with them all year long. Our guests have thought of some unique ways to keep that feeling going.
I recently checked out Jim Stechenfinger who has eight past visits. I presented him with his bill, after he reviewed it he handed me his credit card. As I was about to swipe it, he said to me, "Do you see the picture on my credit card?" I stopped my transaction and took a closer look at his card. Sure enough, it was a picture of Lake Teedyuskung, Woodloch's lake. You could see how happy and proud he was as I passed around his credit card for everyone to see.
Allen Stein from Commack, NY had so much fun with the ring toss game as soon as he got home he put one in his backyard. Now he and his neighbors have regular ring toss competitions. He claims to be the champ. Allison Pollard also loved the ring toss game so much that she begged her mom to put one in her room since she didn't have a tree outside their Madison Avenue apartment. Now Allison and her friend play the ring toss game and relive the great times they had at Woodloch, counting the days until they return.
One of my favorite ways that this multi-generation family keeps the Woodloch feeling alive comes from the O'She family of Marietta, GA. The O'She family are long time guests with 20 + past visits. They come the third week in July every year. Each year, they have tee shirts made up with the O'She family's name on it and a funny team name that they will use for the week while participating in the different competitions. They take winning very seriously; medals mean everything. Since the Woodloch week goes by so fast, they decided to make their own Woodloch tradition.
In early March, the families come from different parts of the country and gather in New Jersey at Mrs. O'She's daughters house for "a wish-we-were-at-Woodloch weekend." All the different families bring their pictures, medals, tee shirts and other Woodloch memorabilia. They make up games and have a "who can make the best Scandinavian pancake" contest. On Saturday night, everyone puts on their summer tee shirts and has a "Woodloch buffet" They have a lot of laughs and many pictures to last them until their "real Woodloch vacation."
Other guests have told me that they have coffee mugs they won at Woodloch and use them in the morning; this starts their day with a smile. John Martinez enlarges pictures of his Woodloch vacation and puts them in his office. When he is stressed, he takes a moment and reflects on the precious memories he has had with his family.
Just last weekend, I saw an elderly gentlemen sleeping in a chair in our lobby. Around his cane were the different color activity bracelets that we use during our busy times. I'm sure he has a lot of stories to go with those bracelets.
Keeping the memories of family vacations is so important. They get us through those long days when we can't be with our family as much as we'd like to be. They keep the family jokes going. It's almost like you have your own secret language among your family and the friends that you vacation with.
My family vacations in Maine every year, and we have wonderful memories. Every year while on vacation we go to Stonewall kitchen, a specialty food store. I buy jams, sauces, and toppings for brochette. Every now and then when we need a little pick me up, I'll take something out and make a meal with it. While we have our meal, we reminisce about our vacation.
Another way we relive our vacation is through our sea glass. Sea glass is glass that is made smooth by the pounding of the sea. Every year as soon as we get to our cottage, we head to the beach to see who can find the first piece of sea glass. We put the sea glass we find in a special jar. When we get home, we add it to the rest of our collection.
We tease each other about who found the first piece last year and who will find the first piece this year. I know I'm going to get the first piece this year!
What are some of the ways you keep your family vacation going?
Posted on Mon, Jan 21, 2013
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~Shared by Tammy Compton
Allergies are pretty common. Dust, mold, medications, pollen, pet dander, and food are just some of the guilty culprits. Launching our immune system into all-out attack mode, allergies can cause all kinds of problems, some of them life-threatening.
According to the website About.com, the most common food allergies stem from only eight different food sources: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, fish and wheat. And Woodloch Pines does everything they can to accommodate all of them. As to what the most prevalent allergies are that the all-inclusive Poconos resort sees, Dining Room Manager Jamie Benjamin says, "Nut allergies are the most common, and then I would say gluten."
Gluten sensitivity and cases of Celiac Disease seem to be on the rise. Sources say more than 3 million people in the United States suffer from Celiac Disease (or about 1 in 133) and that many go undiagnosed. Online source Localhealth.com says, "Wheat intolerance is the hallmark of celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine and disturbs the body’s ability to absorb nutrients . . . The damage to the intestine that occurs with this condition is due to an immune reaction against gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye. After the small intestine has been damaged, it cannot efficiently absorb nutrients and malnutrition is the result."
Allergies and dietary restrictions can make dining out downright tough, but Woodloch Pines Resort readily rises to the challenge. So, whether you are gluten intolerant or are living with Celiac Disease, Woodloch can accommodate with gluten-free dishes. They're even offering up a gluten-free Thanksgiving, featuring gluten-free stuffing and gravy.
According to Woodloch's website, "Woodloch's Culinary Arts division is committed to offering options to accommodate our guests who require lifestyle dining options, as well as specific requests from those with food allergies or intolerances. Advance notice is strongly recommended and required in some instances. Woodloch will use reasonable efforts to prevent the introduction of the allergen of concern into the food through close attention during our sourcing, preparation and handling processes.
However, it is ultimately always up to the guest to use his or her individual discretion to make an informed choice regarding whether to order any particular items. Woodloch cannot guarantee that allergens may not have been introduced during another stage of the food chain/service process, even inadvertently by us. Woodloch can accommodate most food allergies and food intolerances, such as gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs. We can also prepare options that meet the needs of our vegetarian patrons. Please contact our Special Diet extension, 570-685-8215, extension #6709 (SPEC) after you have completed your reservation. You may also email us at 'specialdietsATwoodlochDOTcom'."
Please include the names of the individuals with a special request, dates of stay, phone numbers and allergens. If you have multiple allergies, please contact us before you finalize your trip to discuss your dietary needs, as we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet your requests. Please note that we do not have separate kitchens to prepare allergen-free items nor separate dining areas for guests with allergies to dine."
Special Diet items: Woodloch Pines Resort
(Items are subject to change without notice based on product availability)
We try to have the following items available on a regular basis. We do need to know at least a meal in advance if you would like any of the following items so our kitchen can prepare them safely. Advance notice is required, especially for large groups that will need any of the below items.
Breakfast Items:
Cherrybrook Kitchens pancake mix: free of gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts (no soy ingredients listed)
Pamela’s Pancake Mix: free of gluten (CONTAINS ALMONDS & MILK)
Vans Waffles-gluten free and vegan
Udi’s Bagels – gluten free, dairy free (CONTAINS EGGS)
Gluten Free Rice Chex Cereal (no advance notice is needed)
Lunch & Dinner Items:
Amy’s Soups-all gluten free and vegan:
Lentil Light in Sodium, Curried Lentil, or Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable
Chunky Vegetable or French Country Vegetable, or Fire Roasted Southwestern Vegetable
Split Pea
Tinkyada Brown Rice Spaghetti: ingredients are: brown rice, rice bran and water
Schar Penne Pasta: ingredients are: corn flour, rice flour, pea protein, mon- and diglycerides
Harvestland Chicken Breast Chunks, Gluten free
Udi’s White Sandwich Bread – gluten free, dairy free (CONTAINS EGGS)
Udi’s Hamburger Buns-gluten free, dairy free (CONTAINS EGGS)
**(Occasionally we have other brands of gluten free breads or rolls available)**
Dessert Items:
French Meadow Brownies-gluten free, lactose free, peanut free (CONTAINS EGGS; POSSIBLY SOY)
Purely Decadent Made with Coconut Milk Vanilla Bean- (CONTAINS COCONUT)
Purely Decadent Cookie Dough- (CONTAINS COCONUT & SOY)
Luigi’s and/or Philly Swirl Italian Ices
Tofutti Cuties Ice cream sandwiches- (CONTAINS SOY & WHEAT)
Misc. Items
Silk Original Soy Milk (Red Box)
Rice Dream Original Enriched Rice Milk
Smart Balance – vegan
Pure Maple Syrup
Posted on Mon, Jan 14, 2013
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~Shared by J. Ranner
Anyone living on the Atlantic seaboard can expect snow during the winter season, but exactly how much is the million-dollar question! The Pocono region generally sees an average of about 55 inches of powder per year with the occasional blizzard spiking that total every so often.
But what happens when Mother Nature doesn't cooperate? It was a relatively quiet winter in downtown Hawley, PA in early 2012. With some of our busiest guest counts of the year, all of whom were expecting a "winter wonderland," what ever could we do?
The answer: WE MAKE IT SNOW! That's right, since 1991, Woodloch has been manufacturing piles and piles of artificial snow to keep our guests happy all season long. Once temperatures consistently reach 20 degrees and below, we fire up our snow guns and magically transform a blank canvas of grass into a towering mountain of white. Woodloch sculpts their own snow tube runs!
We get a lot of questions on our snow-making operation so we thought we'd give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on the magic!
- Woodloch has three "snow guns" similar to those found at ski resorts. At peak operation, they transform 60 to 70 gallons of water into snow per minute!
- With ideal conditions, i.e. very low temperatures and humidity, the guns can make more than enough snow to fill four triaxle dumptrucks in eight hours!
- Our "Snow Cat," which resembles a bulldozer and a tank, is used by our staff to craft our tube runs. It is also used throughout the season for one to two hours a day grooming our runs.
- On average, we need about 10 solid nights of snowmaking to have enough powder to manufacture our tube runs. In total, it takes us about two weeks to manufacture and sculpt our tube runs!
- Water for the runs is supplied to us by both Lake Teedyuskung and our private water tower.
- The snow will typically stay with us through the winter season as long as temperatures aren't unseasonably warm. The last of it is pushed in the lake around the start of April. If it wasn't, the massive quantities would linger on the beachfront until about May!
If you haven't yet had the chance to see these mechanical marvels in action, you have the perfect opportunity right now! Round up your friends and family, and grab a snow tube ... I'll race you to the bottom! We can't wait to see you this winter!!
Posted on Thu, Jan 10, 2013
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~Shared by J. Ranner
"Every picture tells a story..."
Even if you can't find a way to enjoy the raspy yet soulful crooning of Rod Stewart, I think you'd be hard-pressed to disagree with that statement. Words, while sometimes delightful to the ears, can only do so much to express things. In my truly humble opinion, abstract ideas such as love, happiness, family, friendship, etc. are best understood and shared through pictures . . . and even more thoroughly through moving pictures.
It's hard to put the concept of Woodloch into words. Our veteran guests already know it. New guests will soon know it. And pending guests need to know it. It is said time and time again: you need to experience it to fully understand what we're all about. We've known this for some time and have made multiple attempts over the years to convey our product into an accurate visual presentation. Yet no matter how "nice" or "clean" our videos were, there was still something missing.
During the summer of 2012, Woodloch Pines teamed up with Endless Echo Productions on a bold endeavor - really telling the story of Woodloch as it was. Videographer and producer Chris King says, "Endless Echo is a team of writers, film-makers, animators, all story-tellers that take that awesome business of yours, your product, your story, and shine a light on what truly makes it unique. Using video, animation, etc., we build an emotional path for customers that leads straight to your door."
After researching our "product," King sat down with our Commander-in-Chief, John Kiesendahl, for a candid interview. And I do mean CANDID. The story of Woodloch involved a lot more hardship than I ever thought there was. The Kiesendahl family had to pull it together and bond in order for the resort to flourish.
And of course, what would a video production be without seeing our guests in their natural element? So largely unbeknownst to them, Chris took his camera and headed out to capture what Woodloch is really all about. Smiling. Laughing. Hugging. And completely forgetting your stresses and troubles. EXACTLY what we are going for when you first walk through the doors of our main lobby.
As an employee of well over a decade, to me this was the first production that really captured the essence of our business. And many around me agreed to that point. So it was very easy for me to jump in to action in assisting with the second piece that Endless Echo was tasked with. On an exceptionally sunny and warm October afternoon, King set out to film a wedding taking place at the Inn at Woodloch, but probably not in the sense that you'd imagine.
The real premise of our video was to show what happens "behind the scenes" at a Woodloch Wedding. Rooms must be decorated. Candles must be lit. Centerpieces ... centered. And above all, wedding catastrophies must be averted at all costs. Luckily, our staff is well-trained and battle-tested, making sure each wedding goes off without a hitch. And this dedication was what we captured for our second feature.
While we are a resort and a business, there's a very human nature to the hospitality industry (as long as you're doing it right!). So to see Cara Stokowski, one of our event coordinators, genuinely care that a groomsman's suit needs tidying, is not in the least bit out of character. Little things like that all add up; and in the end, the little things end up being the really big things.
I personally enjoyed hanging out and "assisting" with the wedding video, but to say that anything that the film captured surprised me would be a stretch. I know this business pretty well, but these clips have been the most honest, open, and accurate representations of our business ever produced (outside of our guests' home videos, of course!).
Again, words are words. Take them or leave them; believe them or don't. I think you will find that some things absolutely need to be experienced. But I will leave you with something that comes pretty close to it anyways.
Enjoy :)
The Story of Woodloch Pines - Uniting Our Family; Uniting Your Family. from Woodloch Pines on Vimeo.
Woodloch Weddings from Woodloch Pines on Vimeo.
Posted on Thu, Jan 03, 2013
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~Shared by Kathy Van Horn
When you go on vacations, do you have certain rituals or things that your family always does?
Like many of our Woodloch guests, I have certain traditions when my family goes on vacation. Over the years, guests have shared some of their rituals with me.
A month before vacation, the Baker family makes a large calendar with their three children. On their calendar they put their favorite things they like to do while at Woodloch, such as arts & crafts, go carts, bounce bowling, etc. Then each night before bed they cross off the day, and count how many days till they leave.The Flemming family gives their son some quarters with his allowance so that he can save for the game room. He starts right after he leaves Woodloch and continues until he packs for Woodloch.
Samantha Jones makes a habit of packing at least three days in advance using multiple checklists. Through the years and over many vacations, she has refined and finessed her packing skills to an expert level. "Forget a camera once, and you learn a lesson. With four children, though, there always seems to be something I forget! This little ritual of mine covers me about 98% of the time."
The Hennigan family makes a game (and now a tradition) of the trip itself. While they are driving from their home in West Virginia, they play the time honored "Yellow Car" game: during their almost 8-hour drive, the family scans the horizon for yellow cars. The person to first identify the car is awarded a point, and the winner is treated to a lakeside cocktail upon arrival.
Todd Applebaum of Bethesda, Maryland repeats the same tradition every year as he gets into his Cadillac for the long haul to Woodloch . . . napping all the way. "I never was one for travel," says Todd. "Luckily, the Mrs. takes good care of me. I recline the seat, rest my eyes and the next thing I know I'm home in Hawley, rested and ready for my summer vacation." And sure enough, Todd takes another nap on the way back to Maryland, this time from "total (but worthwhile) exhaustion."
We have many groups who take their family Christmas card picture at Woodloch. Some take it by our fisher boy in front of the main lobby and compare how big their children have gotten from the year before, while others take it by the fireplace. Traditions are important; they are part of who we are.
Take my family for example:
About a month before we go to Maine, we take out our stuffed lobster toy and hide it somewhere in our house. The person who finds it gets to hide it next. It's very exciting and gets our whole family ready to go away.
We stop at the same restaurant on the way to Maine. We also go to the same flee market every year.
It's good to have traditions and rituals with your family. It builds memories for all family members. It's nice when you reflect back and say, "remember when?," or "that day was so much fun", or "I can't wait until we do that again."
Does your family have any interesting travel traditions? We would love to hear all about them!
Posted on Fri, Dec 28, 2012
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~Shared by J. Dee
Earlier this week, to the dismay of some and delight of many, Woodloch Pines Resort guests and staff were greeted by snow! The first significant amount we've gotten this winter, this is a definite reminder of the inevitable: the winter season is upon us.
While snow and wintery conditions are not new given the resort's location in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, people often wonder what happens after they get "snowed in" at Woodloch after a storm. The answer, quite simply, is: fun!
Whether it's snowtubing, Winter Olympics, ice skating, or a breathtaking ride in the go carts, the fun doesn't stop no matter what Mother Nature is doing outside. Guests can experience activities that are open year-round, as well as seasonal ones that become available as soon as the weather turns colder. Woodloch is an ideal winter destination due to the sheer number of things to do at the Poconos resort.
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Behind the scenes, the Woodloch Landscaping Department ensures that all guests can take part in these activities in the safest environment possible. As soon as a snow storm hits, these tireless individuals are outside on the Pines property clearing the bus route and main walkways -- all before breakfast. "Getting the main roads and walkways are the first priority," says Tim Mohn, Landscaping Supervisor. "Afterwards, the side roads, parking lots, and nature trail take second priority." Overall, it takes ten people about six or seven hours to get Woodloch back into perfect, pre-storm shape. Because of this, navigating the resort grounds is no problem due to the care taken to make sure everything is passable. Even the snowtube runs are groomed daily!
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So to recap: Do not fear the snow; come play in it at Woodloch!