Earth Day at Night

As a chilled darkness touched the streets of Stroudsburg, PA, a small group of dedicated individuals traveled upon its sidewalks on Friday April 22nd brought an eternal light to the town. This light was reflected by the candles they held as they were warmed by their flames and the camaraderie they shared. This Special Celebration of Earth Day was organized by a group dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment called, “Heartsphere” and, while the gathering who walked the streets of Stroudsburg were small in number, they were not alone. Several businesses along the town’s main street turned off their lights for an hour in order to express their appreciation for all this planet has given them.

These businesses included The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse, Goombas Pizza, Le Persil Bistro, and Brooklyn Hero‘s Italian Deli. The celebration also included music provided by Holly Avilla whose performance in front of Brooklyn Hero‘s Italian Deli included opportunities for those who attend to sing along and to follow the beat of her selections upon some drums that were provided by Heartsphere. The parents and children who shared the first steps of this gathering were soon joined by passersbys who discovered a joy and understanding which they placed in the sphere of their hearts. Lorraine Fritz of The Cheeky Monkey Coffeehouse came by to bring some Vanilla Lattes to add warmth to the souls who gathered that night. You’ll find more photographs taken during the celebration in the Special Events 2011 Gallery at www.facebook.com/forwardian.dude.

Heartsphere offers ecologically minded individuals Heart-Centered programs which foster and spark deeper awareness, respect, and knowledge leading to living life in a balance reflected through the acknowledgment of our interconnectedness with all life in the immediate and greater environment. You’ll be able to learn more about Heartsphere and all they have to offer by exploring their website at heartsphere.consciousgathering.com or by contacting them at tosunnymorrow@hotmail.com.

A Holly Jolly Castle

The Shoppes at the Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA held a Holiday Open House on Saturday December 18th featuring an opportunity to visit with Santa and join in some Christmas Caroling with Holly Avila of Planet Azul. The experience was a calming one as compared to those associated with larger shopping centers. This allowed shoppers to select their items in a relaxed pace and to chat with the store owners and/or those who created the item they are considering purchasing. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Special Events 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA was originally built in 1906 and became known as a premier resort location throughout its illustrious history. It now offers a variety of shops providing an unique experience in their newly renovated establishment. They include The Tapestry Corner, Scarlet Ice Jewels, Juvenis Body Works, Sherri’s Bag n’ Bubbles. Camp Poconos, Vintage Baubles, Custom Creations, Ze3n Safari, Quench’s Juice and Smoothie Bar, Zoe’s Ice Cream Emporium, and The Olde Buggy Marketplace. A display of the work of Jose Santamaria was presented in the Castle Inn’s new gallery. Please Contact them at 917-861-2257 or explore their website at www.castleinndwg.com for more information.

Zoom Zoom Beep Beep Yeah

The Eastburg Community Alliance held their Crystal Street Cruiser Night on Saturday August 14th all along the Crystal Street area of the town of East Stroudsburg, PA featuring a display of Classic Cars compliments of The Monroe County Cruisers Car Club. Many came out to see the vintage automobiles and marvel at their sleek designs and functional abilities. It was obvious to all how much the owners loved their cars when the evidence of their care became apparent.

Many of the local businesses supported the event by making their merchandise and services available to those who passed by. These included “Memories” which is a store filled with Antiques, Collectables, and Needful Things and the new “Sugar, Sugar” Candy Store filled with all the goodies my Doctor says I’m not allowed to eat. Thank goodness for health care reform so I can get a different doctor. Tee hee. There were also feats of magic provided by Mark Mysterrio and Company delighting passerby’s with balloon animals as they entered and exited East Stroudsburg’s New Candy Mecca. You’ll find more Photographs of the event in The Forwardian Arts Society Special Events 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Eastburg Community Alliance is a group of dedicated business individuals committed to the ideal that community involvement is everyone’s responsibility. The next Crystal Street Cruiser Night will be held on Saturday September 18th beginning at 5pm. Future events include Eastburg's First ever Historic Stop Excursion on Saturday September 4th, A Crystal Street Block Party on Sunday October 10th, and the town’s Annual Christmas Tree lighting in Miller Park on Friday December 3rd. Please Explore The Eastburg Community Alliance Website at www.eastburgalliance.com or Call 570-424-7540 for more information on these events and all they have to offer.

A Castle Becomes a Home

The newly refurbished Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA held a Grand Opening on Saturday July 24th which offered opportunities to enjoy some wonderful food, explore some interesting businesses, experience some soul touching music, and engage in some delightful conversation. The food and conversation were plentiful while Nancy Reed, Vickie Doney, and Val Hawk of 3Spirit performed songs from their varied jazz repertoire.

The Castle Inn was originally built in 1906 and became known as a premier resort location throughout its illustrious history. In fact, The Celebration of the Arts held their first concert on the step of one of the resort’s buildings. Even though a fire destroyed the building, the festival is still being presented on the site with a stage built upon its foundations. However, the Castle Inn itself ceased doing business and became dormant throughout the years.

That is, until Theresa and Frank Paccione purchased the property five years ago and began plans to revitalize it. These plans including a painstaking determination to preserve the Castle Inn’s original charm which can be seen throughout the structure. Every aspect of the building was researched so the tiling and colors matched its splendorous past including the ice cream parlor which is now “Zoe’s Ice Cream Emporium.”

However, while the original structure served as a place for those visiting the Pocono Area to enjoy a home away from home, this incarnation serves as a home to businesses seeking residence in a building reflecting a town filled with culture and history. One of these businesses include The Tapestry Corner, Juvenis Body Works, JS Advanced Skin Care and Spa, Piano n Tigues, Scarlet and Jewels, and “Ourhouse” which is a home and leisure magazine serving a readership residing in the PA, NY, and NJ areas.

Among these shoppes, The Tapestry Corner and several others have an interesting history of its own. It’s original site was located on the corner of 8th and Main St. in Stroudsburg, PA and housed severa of the businesses now located at The castle Inn. It was also the site of The Forwardian Arts Society and Pocono Jazz and Poetry’s first ArtSmash of the Poconos. However, it was later damaged by a neighboring fire and ceased operations. It can be considered providence that this particular business found a new home at a site which was dormant for so many years when a devastating fire in a neighboring building caused it to cease operations so long ago. It makes me go hmmmm You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Special Events 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Castle Inn is located in Delaware Water Gap, PA and offers a variety of shoppes and some really good ice cream. They also plan to host a variety of events such as Artist Receptions, Concerts, and Spoken Word Performances as they develop their relationship with the community. If the Grand Opening is any indication, this will prove to be a very easy for Theresa and Frank to do as this castle is a keep. Please Call The Castle Inn at 917-861-2257 for information on all it has to offer including rental space for your business adventures.

A Gathering of Pocono Artists

The Pocono Arts Council held an Art Town Meeting at The Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA on Wednesday January 20th to provide an opportunity for many art lovers to share their views and concerns about the arts in the area . The meeting well attended was led by Richard Spezzella who is president of The Pocono Arts Council. Executive Director Laura L. Goss and staff member Tassy Gilbert (who helps many with their grant applications) were also on hand to help facilitate the meeting. Those representing the many art related groups in the area included Pat Transue of The Pocono Mountain Arts Council, JoAnn Stratakos of Mudworks Pottery, Myke Maldonado and Sherley Escribano from The Dreamland Creations, Shane Izykowski and Steve Parker of The Stroudsburg Social Show on the Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company, Richard Berkowitz of The Sherman Theatre, Jazz musician Mark Hamza, Singer/Vocalist Sheila Stratton, Stephanie French of The East Stroudsburg University Theater Department, Amy Cramer of The Shawnee Playhouse, Ainslie Heilich of The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio, Debbie Burke of Pocono Jazz and Poetry, Darlene Farris LaBar of The East Stroudsburg University Art Department, and Clavaertis Miller of The Miller Fine Arts Gallery.

Although the meeting provided ample opportunity for those attending to learn what The Pocono Arts Council has and will have to offer the creative community, there was much discussion on how the organization is perceived by those artists not associated with it. They mostly consist of the younger non conventional artists who seek to stretch the boundaries of what is and is not acceptable to the general public. It was expressed they feel unwelcome by the “established” artistic community the Arts Council often showcases in its endeavors.

There was much discussion on this topic and there seemed to be a consensus it bears further exploration as to how these individuals can participate in the larger artistic community the Pocono Arts Council represents. It was agreed that there will be another Art Town Meeting in the Spring to explore this and other topics more fully. Please contact The Pocono Arts Council at 570-476-4460 for more information. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Pocono Arts Council 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

Websites of those mentioned in this article are The Pocono Arts Council at www.poconoarts.org, The Artspace Gallery at www.artspacegallery.net, The Pocono Mountain Arts Council at www.poconomac.com, Mudworks Pottery at www.mudworkspa.com, Myke Maldonado at www.myspace.com/tatmyke, Sherley Escribano at www.myspace.com/Sherley_tattoo_girl Dreamland Creations at www.dreamlandcreations.net, Shane Izykowski at www.myspace.com/shaneizykowski, The Stroudsburg Social at www.stroudsocial.com, The Pocono Internet Broadcasting Company at www.pibco1.com, The Sherman Theatre at www.theshermantheatre.com, Jazz musician Mark Hamza at www.markhamza.com, Singer/Vocalist Sheila Stratton at www.sheilamarkproductions.com, Amy Cramer of The Shawnee Playhouse at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com, The Vintage Karma Tattoo Studio at www.myspace.com/vintagekarmatattoos, Pocono Jazz and Poetry at www.poconojazzandpoetry.com, The East Stroudsburg University Art and Theater Departments at www.esu.edu, The Miller Fine Arts Gallery at www.millersfineartsgallery.com.

A Holy Day at Kirkridge

The Kirkridge Retreat Center* in Bangor, PA celebrated the holidays on Sunday December 7th with an evening filled with music, fellowship, and a delicious turkey Potluck Dinner. The evening began with some comedy provided by Young Peter and continued with a wonderful selection of holiday tunes performed by Maria. A special reading of a classic children book was done by Mary Ellen before the gathering of friends adjourned into the dining area where everyone was met with a feast beyond imagination.

The dinner conversation was as varied as the selection of culinary treats the participants brought to the celebration. The menu included philosophy, enlightenment, and a great deal of affection for the friends made throughout the years along with those discovered that night. As warming as the feast was, it did not surpass the warming sensations Kirkridge* has for the souls of those who gather there. Among those who shared their spirit with others were Don and Alice Murray*, Nancy Scheirer*, and Jean Richardson* of Kirkridge* along with Arline M. Smeltz* and Mark Litchy*.

Please Explore The Kirkridge Retreat Center* Website for more information about the center and upcoming programs. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society A Holy Day at Kirkridge Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

Honoring the Arts

The East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* of PA Society for the Arts* awarded Scholarships on Thursday December 4th in The ESU* Madelon Powers Gallery located in the Campus’ Fine and Performing Arts Center which is currently exhibiting the works of Prof. Maharu Lane* in a show entitled, “Painting on the Trail of the Hudson River School.” A variety of delicious treats enhanced the conversation among those who came to support ESU* and its dedication to the arts. The ceremonies began with some opening remarks by Dean Peter Hawkes of The ESU* Arts and Sciences Department and was soon followed by the awarding of the scholarships to students who have demonstrated not only an enormous talent in their creative disciplines but in their academic endeavors as well.

Prof. Maharu Lane* briefly introduced Adrienne Katz* before presenting her with The ESU Society for the Arts* Scholarship for her achievements in the Visual Arts, Prof. Elizabeth Gibbons* briefly introduced Jenna Lancaster* before presenting her with The ESU Society for the Arts* Scholarship for her achievements in the art of Dance, Prof. Betsy Buzzelli-Clark* briefly introduced David Lennox before presenting him with The ESU Society for the Arts* Scholarship for his achievements in Music, and Professors Stephanie French* and Margaret Ball briefly introduced Christi Barlane* before presenting her with The ESU Society for the Arts* Scholarship for her achievements in the Theatrical Arts.

Those among the supporters of these talented students were Arline M. Smeltz*, David Ausum*, Erma Duricko of the ESU* Theatre Department, and Darlene Farris LaBar of The ESU* Art Department. Please contact ESU* at 570-422-3483 for more information regarding Society for the Arts* and how you can participate. You’ll find numeerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Honoring the Arts Gallery at myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Jacob Stroud Corporation in Stroudsburg, PA presented their 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade representing numerous business and cultural organizations on Sunday March 30th. Many attended the parade to enjoy the spectacle and to support their friends who participated. Maria Gerena*, Richard Berkowitz*, and Cheryl Yost* were among those marching while Arline M. Smeltz were among those along the side walks. You’ll find more photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Parade 08 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.

St. Patrick’s Parade 03-25-07

Many of Our Good Friends were on hand to experience the joy of watching and participating in Stroudsburg’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday March 25th. Warm weather greeted the crowd and the participants serving as a welcomed contrast to the wintry conditions which caused the date of the event to be postponed from the previous weekend. Our Good Friends at The Sherman Theatre, The Gallagher School of Dance, Rep. John Siptroth, and many more shared their love of the Irish and the Celtic traditions as part of the parade while Our Good Friends Fran Henry and many more others expresses similar sentiments by encouraging the participants with their presence. There were so many people there I’m sure I’m not mentioning you all. So, if I neglect doing so, please let me know and I’ll share your recollection of this wonderful event. You’ll find numerous photographs at The Forwardian Arts Society Parades 07 Gallery at 360.yahoo.com/pauladam.