Posted on Mon, May 14, 2012
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"All my favorite people call me Nanna," says Patricia O'Sullivan of Toms River, New Jersey.
The words are emblazoned on her blue jacket, a 75th birthday gift from her grandkids, all 10 of them. She proudly rattles off their names: Casie, Bobby, Collin, Katie, Faith, Brenna, Johnny, Ryan, Annie and Gracie. "Every time I say prayers, I go through the whole list," she says.
"I love her," says the youngest, 2-year-old Gracie. "More than anything," tags on 4-year-old Annie.
The best part about being a grandma? "There are so many good things," Patricia says, such as watching her grandkids discover their individuality, or as Patricia puts it, "finding out what makes each one special."
"Family is next to faith. Faith first and then family," Patricia says. It's all about family time for the O'Sullivan Clan. That is what makes time spent at Woodloch so special. Daughter-in-law Janet O'Sullivan's parents were part of their introduction to Woodloch as were Patricia's parents, Julia and Jack Carroll who came with the Jolly Travelers from Tom's River, New Jersey. Returning for her third visit to the Poconos resort, Patricia says Woodloch Pines has become something of a March tradition. "It's to bring the family together for a good time," she says.
Sipping hot tea and enjoying decadent desserts on check-in day, Patricia and her family were gearing up for a great week ahead. The best part of their stay? "The kids activities," says daughter Eileen Regester.
"Food, food, food," says Patricia, her laughter mingling with others at the table.
Daughter Joanne Sellers says it's the "sports stuff" that's a stand-out for her three kids. "Wiffleball, soccer, basketball, and we might go to the Irish games," she said with full support from her children.
Son Ryan says he's big on Woodloch's arcades; the Army game is his all-time favorite. That, however, is only one of them along with kickball and swimming. In fact, he medaled in at least four Woodloch competitions last year including kickball, wiffleball and soccer.
With plenty of cousins to play with, Joanne says, "They're a team unto themselves in sporting events." The O'Sullivan clan totals 21 strong with 17 family members able to gather at Woodloch this time around.
Amongst the cousins is a trio of "sisters," each 10-years-old and born within one month of the other: Katie - December 27th, Faith - January 7th, and Brenna - January 17th.
Brenna and Katie are all about the bumper cars at Woodloch. Oh yeah, and crushing on Brandon, a member of Woodloch's social staff. Asked what she loves about grandma, Katie mishears the question and answers what she loves about Woodloch. "Better than Disney," she says. Her mom asks the question again, but it's funny how her answer still fits. Nanna rates above Disney World. Everyone laughs.
"She wants me to teach her to slam dunk," Nanna says with a grin. A basketball star in her youth, Patricia was a proud member of the Cathedral High School girls basketball team.
They all think the world of Nanna. There are "too many things and too many ways" to explain why and how much they love her, says daughter Julie Murphy. "They tell me often enough. The hugs tell you," says Patricia. "Family time is priceless," says daughter Joanne. "We're grateful to Nanna for taking us. We are just so grateful that we can all be here and share all these experiences as a family."
Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012
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~Shared by J. Ranner
It first presents itself to the skin; the sun's warm glowing rays sends some Vitamin D coursing through your veins. Next, you smell the succulent scent of the barbeque. Ribs, juicy burgers and charred hot dogs catch your nose, and lure you in like a bass from the lake. And finally, the spirited sounds of the Beach Boys gently catches your eardrum.
Yes, it's FINALLY summertime!
As many of our longtime friends know, and as many of new friends will soon discover, nothing quite marks the season like a good old-fashioned cookout at Woodloch Pines. That has been "The Woodloch Way" for decades! After the feast lies an even more exciting Woodloch tradition: our annual carnival! All of our guests are given 10 tickets to try their hand at some games of skill and chance in order to win the prizes they have dreamed of all their lives (Whoopee cushions? Yep, I'm in!)
Each year to keep things fresh, the Social Department works diligently to re-invent all of our games to fit a new theme. With Apple slowly taking over the world, we found it only appropriate to model this year's games after popular mobile apps! What exactly can you expect to see? I'm not one for spoilers, so I can only give you some hints!
- Certain feathered creatures that aren't particularly happy...
- Taking a spirited jog through an ancient structure of some sort
- That Joey guy... he sure likes MUSIC :)
And that's all you'll get for now. Our first carnival will boot on Memorial Day Weekend and will run through the summer! And that's just a small part of the great value action-packed vacation that you will experience here! For continual updates on everything fun, be sure to visit Woodloch Edge!
Posted on Mon, May 07, 2012
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We were so eager to share this great email and these beautiful pictures which we received from one of our teen guests . . . proving yet again that Woodloch is where it's at!
Hi my name is Kelly Vino. I'm 14 years old, and I'm from Fairfield, CT. I just vacationed to Woodloch this week (April 16-19) and was able to take some great pictures on the lake at sunset. I also wanted to tell you about the experience I had in Woodloch this year.
I am writing to tell you that my trip this week, and all my other trips to Woodloch, have changed my life. Since coming here for the last 10-12 years of my life, I have learned and gained so much. The hospitality, generosity, and kindness of the staff is truly amazing. I have learned to let go, especially at Woodloch, and take advantage of what is around me. Even though ten years is just a fraction of the amount that other guests have been coming to Woodloch, I have seen a lot change and watched the resort grow. This trip my brother and I were both able to take part in the zip line activity which was really an amazing experience.
The staff at Woodloch are at a whole other level. Even the people who don't seem to get enough credit from the guests, they change and improve the Woodloch experience too. On this trip I was also able to meet a lot of new staff, who really improved my vacation, and I hope they are recognized too. These staff members I have never really met before but are people I ended up seeing a lot throughout my stay. These people are Eric, Hip Hip Jorge, and Brandon. With Hip Hip Jorge, and Eric at the zip line they definitely made the experience a lot of fun and a lot less nerve racking with their great sense of humor. Then with Brandon at so many of the games, he added his humor and fun traits too. I only come up about every couple years, so when I do come it is a really memorable experience, and a time that I am grateful for.
My trips to Woodloch are always life changing and memorable, for me and my family. I used to leave Woodloch crying like my sisters, afraid we would never be back; but now I leave in silence with a tear in my eye, trying not to show my sadness. There are no words to describe the feelings and fun times that I have at Woodloch. I hope you keep the traditions going, and the fun times rolling for a really long time. I hope I am back at Woodloch really soon, because I just left yesterday, and I can't believe that our 2012 trip is already over.
I heard that Eric is leaving soon, so I wish him good luck in his new job at the Shore. I know this email is very long, but there is just so much to say about Woodloch itself, and the people who keep it running. Even the little things like mints in the dining room, and the daily events that go on, every aspect of Woodloch really sticks with you forever. I just want to thank you and the Woodloch family and staff for making each time I come such a life changing and memorable event.
I hope to see you all again soon!
Sincerely,
Kelly Vino
Posted on Thu, May 03, 2012
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First-time guest Liz Goldklang of Long Island, NY shares the details of her recent trip to Woodloch with her family!
We had no idea what to expect when we drove up to Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania for a family vacation over Spring Break. The idea behind the trip was that our kids and their cousins could spend some time together. I wasn't very clear on what we would be doing when we got there, but everyone I mentioned it to raved about their experience.
We checked into the hotel and were handed the itinerary for the day. We noticed that a basketball tournament for my sons age group was just about to start so we headed over to the gymnasium (which was in a separate building but practically attached). Next door was a jungle gym where my daughter jumped right in and made a new friend. After the basketball game, my husband and son headed to the bumper cars, and I stayed with my daughter since I couldn't pry her from her now growing posse. Our family had arrived earlier in the day, and they decided to spend the afternoon at the indoor pool.
We all met up for dinner where you are assigned a table for the duration. It is a bevy of options such as: steak tenderloins, salmon or chicken with tortellini. The children had just as many options from which to choose. The food just keeps on coming . . . appetizers, bread, main course, desserts! After dinner, there was a magic show for the kids and a separate adult Broadway-style show. They had movies playing in another area of the hotel as well.
A new itinerary is available at breakfast, which is another feast! We decided to take the kids for "zombie bowling" where the adults and kids could play together. We all became human pins! We headed over afterward to go to the petting zoo where the kids were hands on with the animals and could go on pony rides. We had lunch at the sports bar on premises. The kids had an Easter egg hunt with tons of candy and prizes. We then decided to go swimming. Are you exhausted yet? We even hit the nightclub with the kids late night where apparently all kids at the hotel were staying up late!
The wonderful thing was that even though we were checking out, the hotel doesn't kick you out. People will spend the entire day into the night before leaving because there is so much to do! Since we had great weather, we all took a boat ride and then headed over to the go karts, bumper boats and batting cages. There were other activities such as arts and crafts, goofy golf and a bocce board contest!
There's this feeling of nostalgia of those days in the Catskills or of being a camper. With so many activities to keep your family busy the entire day, there isn't a chance your children will have a bored moment! I never expected to like Woodloch Pines as much as I did. Ok, let's be honest no one was more surprised that I loved it than my own husband! We were already planning our next visit before we left!
Posted on Mon, Apr 30, 2012
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~Shared by J. Ranner
Perhaps the best thing about being a child is the fact that your life and career goals are wide open. You can literally be ANYTHING! Your imagination leads you to believe that being a princess or a Jedi knight aren't fantasies but career options (I, for one, longed to be Batman). Then somewhere along the line reality sets in, and most of us give up on these occupational dreams, which is a bummer.
Yet this cloud of reality has a silver lining, and it can be found right here in Hawley. At Woodloch Pines Resort, it's perfectly acceptable (and some might say encouraged) to revert to your inner eight-year-old. Woodloch's newest activity, our Paintball Adventures, appeals to the soldier, cowboys, and cops and robbers within all of us!
Though we have offered target shooting with paintball guns for years at our Shooting Barn, 2012 marks the first time that we will be offering outdoor competitive play. Situated amidst a scenic Pocono backdrop on our upper athletic field are obstacles that provide plenty of cover against enemy fire, yet a team needs to aggressively advance if they have any desire to win one of our three types of games.
- In our SPEEDBALL competition, your team starts at one end of our field and your opponents begin at the opposite. Players must attempt to cross to the opposing team's base without getting shot.
- The classic CAPTURE THE FLAG event has players infiltrating enemy territory to secure their flag, and bring it back across the line to your home base.
- And last but not least, SURVIVOR (or ELIMINATION) is an all-out battle until the end. The last player standing takes the win for their team!
All games will be arranged so that players of different sizes, strengths and athletic abilities can play competitively!
Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, this event will be offered as both a tournament for the coveted Woodloch gold medal, or as a private competition for an additional fee. This newest adventure has been something guests have been asking about for years, and we are just as excited as you are to finally be able to offer this! Behind all of the adrenaline-fueled fun are elements of teamwork, strategy and communication, which also makes this activity a great team-building opportunity!
So get your G.I. Joe collection out of storage, dust off your old cowboy hat, and throw on your ghillie suit because The Great Battle of Hawley will be lasting all summer long!
Posted on Fri, Apr 27, 2012
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How did your path in life lead you to becoming the heart and soul of the Woodloch IT Department?
After I was hired at Woodloch in 1997 to be an Assistant Golf Professional, I was asked to assist in the IT Department in winter months because I have a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from DeSales University. As the years went by, I became more and more involved in projects to the point where I had to make a choice between committing to the golf operation or to IT. I took the IT route, and it all grew from there.
When you're not working on a computer of some sort, how do you enjoy spending your leisure time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and family. I still play
as much golf as time permits and bowl in the Tuesday night league at Wallenpaupack Lanes.
There is an exquisite portrait of Cosmo Kramer in your office. What is your favorite episode of Seinfeld, and with which character do you most closely associate?I can't say that I have one particular episode in mind, but what I can say is that it sure seems like a lot of situations and conversations the Seinfeld cast had over the years relate directly to real life situations. I think I closely associate with Jerry more than other charcters simply because I can find humor in a lot of situations.
In no particular order, what are your five favorite movies?
Caddyshack, Usual Suspects, Tin Cup, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Happy Gilmore.
What do you enjoy most about working at Woodloch?
I enjoy the every day challenges technology brings and being able to develop solutions to fit them. I also enjoy working with everyone else at Woodloch. It really is a great place to work.
You are quite the bowler. What kind of advice would you give to someone looking to improve their game?
My best advice is to learn the proper footwork to the approach in order to release the ball in a better position and allow for you to hit your target on the lane.
Posted on Mon, Apr 23, 2012
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~Shared by Tammy Compton
It's not every day one gets to celebrate a century.
April Fifth at Woodloch Pines proved to be a very special day indeed for one native New Yorker. Brooklyn-born Ann Robinson, who now hails from Greenwood Village, Colorado, traveled almost 2,000 miles with her family to reach her favorite destination. It took two planes, five hours in the air and another hour by car just to get here. However, daughters Ellen and Chris say Woodloch is a magical place for their mom.
“When my sister asked my mom where would she like to spend her 100th birthday, my mom immediately said 'Woodloch,'" says Chris.
"(That) any of us would rather come here than do a cruise or anything else is a huge testimonial for the place,” Ellen says.
"I think the place just feels like home to all of us,” says granddaughter, Kirsten. “We've all grown up here. We've all been going here since we were little kids. For me, at least, it's my favorite thing because it just feels right.”
"She was here the first year it opened," says Ellen, referring to the year 1958. Introduced to Woodloch by the secretary at their church, the Methodist Church in Baldwin, Long Island, there would be many return visits.
With a twinkle in her eyes and a ready smile, Ann shares a few of her favorite Woodloch memories.
"There are so many," Ann says. "There were six girls, and they used to do a beautiful rendition, dancing. And Uncle Harry (Woodloch's founder) used to be a wonderful entertainer."
The very first time they were here Ann recalls how John Kiesendahl, now CEO, carried their luggage to their room; he was all of about 11. “The whole place was always just wonderful. The food, the hospitality, the area itself is so beautiful," she says.
Ann and her late husband, Elliott Robinson, made many great memories here. Married 60 glorious years, they were blessed with two wonderful daughters and three glorious grandchildren: Susie, Kirsten, and David.
Ann loves the color yellow, can't resist gardenias, and enjoys a good biography on her favorite Hollywood Stars, like Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn. There is a wealth of knowledge behind her kind blue eyes, having lived through two World Wars, the first when she was little more than a toddler. However, she does not dwell upon those memories. She remembers happier times, care-free moments aboard open street cars, summer rides on the trolley, and dancing. She smiles as she talks about herself and her husband and their square-dancing days, how they attended weekly dances, and sometimes traveled to neighboring states for competitions.
The girls describe their mom as selfless, always putting others first. "Growing up, it was always what was most important for us," Ellen says. "She just did everything for us, making sure our needs were met. She made sure we always got together. She was very big on family. One of our favorite stories that my husband tells all the time is when we go there for holidays.”
"She would make a special vegetable for every one of us," says Ellen's husband Ray, completing his wife's sentence.
Ellen loved brussels sprouts. "I don't think Chris liked brussells sprouts; I know I didn't," Ann laughs. It was corn that topped Chris's list.
"I think Chris liked most vegetables," her mom says. Granddaughters Kirsten and Susie are another story. While Kirsten has never met a vegetable she actually liked, Susie tries to change the subject to include cranberries.
All agree Ann was a phenomenal cook who made everything, including her "to die for" peach pie. Her pancakes were also legendary, Susie says.
"My mom always was, is, a perfectionist," says Chris. Mom's favorite saying? "If you're going to do something, do it right."
She's a person who truly cares. "Every card that you get from her, whether it's a birthday card or a Christmas card or whatever, she has underlined special things on the card," Ray says.
Chris goes on to say her mom is very spiritual, always encouraging her children and grandchildren to admire God's pallette and take the time to admire the natural beauty around them. That's what they do at Woodloch, enjoy the serene setting and each other.
Ellen says, "She's like five years younger here. I've watched her demeanor, and she's perkier and doesn't want to take naps and just wants to participate in everything. And I thought, wouldn't it be magical if I could move her here for five years. And let her live here.”
"Woodloch is very energizing. I think it's energizing for all of us, but especially for mom," says Chris. "It's a unique energy here."
“She was meant to be here,” Ellen says.
Posted on Wed, Apr 18, 2012
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~Shared by J. Ranner
Sometimes I wonder where the past 20 years of my life has gone. It seems like just yesterday, my life was filled with running through the woods, playing freeze tag on the playground, and of course, pretending that I was a ninja turtle with my best friends. Ahh, to be young.
Aside from running around from dawn to dusk and imagining that I was some kind of superhero, I will always remember fond times with Highlights for Children Magazine. Growing up, the publication was simply everywhere: school libraries, at the house, and even at dentist offices- any place where a child needed a quick release from reality. Any time I needed a quick fix of stories, games, or craft ideas, Highlights was always within my grasp! And the most impressive aspect of all this? This product of imagination and wonder was, and still is, produced in my own small hometown of Honesdale, PA, the next town over from Woodloch! It really IS a small world after all!
Since 1946, Highlights has been a prime force in nurturing young minds and encouraging creativity in children. 66 years and over 1 billion copies later, that tradition continues and has branched out to multiple publications for different age demographics, as well as a strong web presence. The magazine has even crossed international boundaries and is now available in China!
On top of releasing material that has been strengthening minds, the organization has established The Highlights Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing writers and illustrators in the field of children's and young adult literature. They offer a variety of workshops for guidance in novel work, picture books, magazine writing, and more. Their faculty is comprised of today’s best children’s book authors, illustrators, editors, and agents. A great opportunity for budding writers to expand their creative horizons lies just a short scamper down the road from one of America's favorite family vacation destinations!
Like Woodloch, Highlights knows the value of spending time together as a family; both organizations offer the perfect opportunities to make great memories with your loved ones! When you read an article or complete a puzzle with your child, or bond with your kids on a paddleboat ride around Lake Teedyuskung, you're not simply whiling away the hours. You're capturing the moment, seizing a stitch in time. And no matter how "small" that second may be, in the end those are the ones that really matter.
:)
Posted on Fri, Apr 13, 2012
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~Shared by J. Ranner
The robins are nesting, the trees are all budding, and the grass is green as can be. Indeed, the 2012 "Winter That Never Was" in Northeastern Pennsylvania has shifted into early Spring Fever! All of our guests have been enjoying our climbing wall, Segways, and yes- even boat rides! Lake Teedyuskung, the beautiful body of water of which Woodloch shares its shores, is teeming with activity!
Lake Teedyuskung has been an essential part of Woodloch Pines since we opened doors way back in 1958. The lake has about three miles of shoreline and has a maximum depth of about 20 feet. The water is clean as can be; it is fed through multiple springs. It carries a brown tint due to the presence of tannic acid, which is a natural substance given off by the evergreen trees that populate the shoreline (this substance is also used to tan hides or stain wood!). The lake is rich in both beauty and history.
Most importantly, because the water is so pure, aquatic life around the lake is quite prolific! Many varieties of pan fish (perch, blue gills, sunfish), large mouth bass, catfish, walleye pike and pickerel all call Teedyuskung "home." Dennis Neenan, our favorite bartender, has been fishing in the lake since the early 70's. He once caught a large mouth bass that weighed about 11 pounds, which is MASSIVE for a bass. "I took measurements and released the fish. I release everything I catch. This lake is full of very healthy fish," says Dennis.
Anglers looking for the best locations to bond with nature need to look no further than Woodloch's very own fishing docks, located near some of the deepest waters of the lake. If you will soon be joining us, grab a pole and your lures, and bask in the relaxing ambience of Lake Teedyuskung!
Posted on Tue, Apr 10, 2012
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~Shared by Amy Newcomer
When my bridesmaids came to me and asked where I wanted to have my Bachelorette Party various places came to mind… and honestly, Woodloch was not one of them. The first things that come to mind about Woodloch were family friendly entertainment and activities – and let’s be honest, a Bachelorette Party is typically not a family friendly event!
THEN as the planning process continued, I decided that all I really wanted to do was spend a day at the spa. Planning a wedding is stressful and I wanted a relaxing massage. Let me say that again – I NEEDED a relaxing massage!
As I only planned to do this once, I wanted to make sure it was the best. As we researched places to go, it turned out that one of the best destination spas in the world (yes that’s right, WORLD) was located right here at Woodloch.
The Lodge at Woodloch is a AAA Four Diamond property and has received accolades from Conde Nast Traveler as “#8 Resort in the US” and “World’s Best” and from Travel + Leisure as “#6 Destination Spa in the World.” It certainly was well equipped to handle me and my group of friends.
I cannot say enough about our experience and how wonderful the service was – we had lunch at the TREE Restaurant in the private Chef’s Kitchen and then were whisked away to the Spa have our treatments. I opted for the 50 minute Swedish Massage and it was spaaaamazing! We also spent quality time soaking in pool and under the Hydromassage Waterfalls!
So whether you are looking for a place for a Bachelorette Party or hoping to steal a few hours to yourself on your next family vacation – I strongly encourage you to indulge yourself at The Lodge at Woodloch!!!