By Allison Mowatt

February is one of the coldest months of the year, and it’s also the middle of winter when cabin fever usually sets in.  When there’s not much going on and it’s cold outside, the warmth of the indoors is tempting, but it’s fun to get outside and explore areas you may not consider otherwise once the calendar fills up again.

Our area is full of businesses housed in historic buildings, many dating back to the early 1800s.  A large number of them are steeped with chilling tales of spirits, strange occurrences, and other unexplainable phenomena.  Whether or not you believe in the supernatural or otherworldly, taking a drive and visiting these places makes for an interesting and chilling way to spend a cold afternoon.

So brave the winter chill and explore some of these still operating structures and prepare to feel the chills outside and indoors!

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BORN LOCALLY AT WAYNE MEMORIAL IN 1932

On February 29, the Riker triplets will turn 80—or is that 20? This year, 2012, is a leap year, the 20th since Jean, Jane, and Joan Riker were born at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale on February 29, 1932. According to many resources, including Wikipedia, the Riker girls are “the oldest set of living triplets born in a leap year to date.”

“Do I feel lucky? Oh yes!” says Jane Riker Heaton from her current home in  Squaw Valley, Califor-nia, “My kids are so proud of it.  My s

isters and I feel so great to be alive and in good health.”

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By Allison Mowatt

Whether you like to drink it, eat it, smell it, wear it, or bake with it, chocolate is a delicious ingredient loved by everyone in some form or another.  It is celebrated any time of the year and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

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By Allison Mowatt

Volunteers play a vital role in making communities stronger and a better place to live.  Many organizations, charities, events, and committees often seek volunteers to help out in one capacity or another.  “If you want to feel good, volunteer,” said Lisa Sellman, a professional dog trainer, owner of a pet care business, community activist, lifelong volunteer and author. “There are few ways to feel as good about yourself as volunteering.”

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