The beautiful car that graces this month’s cover is a 1947 Lincoln Continental coupe restored and owned by Mr. Dick Covey of Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania.

The Ford Motor Company’s ‘Lincoln Marquee’ had weathered the Great Depression, and the Lincoln Continental signaled to the world that they were serious about their desires to compete in the luxury car market.  The Lincoln Continental was the brainchild of Edsel Ford and was executed by Ford’s chief stylist, Bob Gregorie, as an exclusive, luxurious, handcrafted automobile for the status conscious consumer.  The car was introduced in 1940, available in two body styles, a coupe or convertible, just prior to the onset of World War II.  Production of the first Continental took six months.  Most of the design and testing had been completed prior, on the Lincoln Zephyr prototype of 1939.

The design was modern, elegant, and slightly European with a long front hood that gracefully concealed a potent V12 engine. The interiors were lavishly appointed and offered what at the time were considered elegant amenities as standard equipment.  The exteriors possessed little trim or chrome, which was done to keep the car simple, relying on the beauty of its design rather than trying to attract based on eye catching bright pieces.  The rear fenders were covered with skirts over the wheels.  This was stretched to match the rear trunk.  Located in the rear of the vehicle was a covered spare tire.  This was sort of an afterthought; as production came to a close, the designers noticed there was little room for a spare, so they covered it and incorporated it into the vehicle’s trunk. It would become a signature design for the Continental series  After World War II, production of the Lincoln Continental continued, with no changes occurring until 1948.

The early Continental was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art as one of eight automotive ‘works of art’ and by Time magazine as one of the top ten best-designed commercial products.  Only 5421 Lincoln Continentals were built between 1940 thru 1948, all by hand.

Specifications 1947 Lincoln Continental

This 1947 Lincoln Continental is powered by a 292 cubic-inch side valve twelve-cylinder engine capable of producing 125 bph.  There is a three-speed manual transmission equipped with overdrive and four-wheel hydraulic actuated drum brakes.  The elegant body rests comfortably on the 125 inch wheelbase.  The car weights 4,125 lbs and cost $4,662 in 1947 when the average Ford car sold for $1,400.

Engine Location: Front
Drive type: Rear wheel
Production years of service: 1940-1948
Body: Coupe & Convertible
Price: $4,662-$4,745
Engine: V12 cylinders
Horsepower: 125bhp@ 4000 rpm
Torque: 220 ft.lb @200 rpm
0-60: 21.60sec
Wheelbase: 125in
Length: 213.5in
Width: 74in
Length: Wheelbase Ratio 1.71
Ground Clearance: 6.7in
Kerb weight: 4,525lbs
Fuel tank capacity: 19.5 Gal

Our Cover car

Our cover car was built on May 20, 1947, one of only 831 coupes produced that year.  It was totally restored over an eighteen year period by its current owner, Dick Covey.  Dick had doing mechanical work on friends’ and customers’ antique cars for years and knew if he was going to restore an antique car for himself as a “retirement project,” it would have to be rare and valuable.  Dick found the Lincoln Continental Coupe in the corner of a welding shop in Kearney, New Jersey in 1987.  The car had been driven until it would not run any more and parked in the shop for twelve2 years.  After negotiating the purchase of the car, it was towed to Dick’s shop.  Now able to assess the mechanics and body up close (the floors were rotted out, the engine knocked, all the glass was pitted from years of welding shop sparks), Dick knew this was going to take a while!  The engine and transmission were removed, the body was stored in a neighbor’s garage (the doors could close after the front and rear bumpers were removed), and the restoration was started.

Over the next eighteen years, Dick spent hundreds of hours on this meticulous complete restoration: painstakingly disassembling every nut & bolt, searching for parts, fabricating those not available, and restoring all the mechanical, electrical, and body components.  Dick started showing his gorgeous Lincoln in 2000, winning numerous local awards and trophies.  In 2001, the first year the car was shown at the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) Hershey National Car show, the Lincoln was awarded a “1^st Junior “Award for Restoration.”  Since then, Dick’s Lincoln has been recognized as one the best.  The car has been awarded top honors throughout the country at various competitions.  One of the most prestigious, that Dick is most proud of, is the AACA’s ”Grand National  Award” won in 2010.

The Owner & Restorer

Dick Covey retired as the Director of the Hoboken, New Jersey Railroad terminal for New Jersey Transit in 1997 after working forty-three years for the railroad.  Throughout his tenure with the railroad, Dick, during his off hours, worked as a mechanic in various auto repair shops and owned his own gas station and repair shop for a number of years.  He relocated from Belleville, New Jersey to his present home in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania.

Dick is a skilled mechanic, a fountain of knowledge about old cars, and always willing to share his expertise to help those who share his love of cars.  For those fortunate enough to know Dick, all agree he is one of the car hobby’s true gentlemen.

Arnie Milidantri

CLEANING UP YOUR WHEELS
Proper vehicle maintenance goes beyond taking care of your car or truck’s mechanical items.  Your vehicle’s interior and exterior likewise need regular attention to help preserve a like-new look, add longevity inside and out, and boost its resale value at trade-in time.
Read full article here

IT’S A CLASSIC
A quaint, no-frills car show in the lush country reminds antique car enthusiasts what a classic car show is all about.  The Equinunk Historical Society is holding its 13th Annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the residence of Mel Freilich and Karen Raphael on Pine Mill Road in Equinunk.  The event is its biggest fundraiser and puts the small rural town on the map every year.
Read full article here

DON’T MISS THIS CLASSIC EVENT
It may only be the beginning of spring, but it’s never too early to start planning a classic car show in autumn.  The Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 4th Annual Fall Classic Car Show.  The event is one of the Chamber’s yearly fundraisers and will be held on Sunday, October 7, in Hawley’s Bingham Park on Main Avenue.
Read full article here

COASTERS CAR CLUB—HERE THEY COME
Spring is the season of change!  We look forward to the budding of trees, warmer/longer days, and if you’re a car enthusiast, getting your “pride & joy” out for cruising and shows.  One such group of car enthusiasts is the “Coasters Car Club.” They are counting the days!
Read full article here

IT’S TEE TIME
Now that spring has sprung, get to know some of the area’s golf courses.
Read full article here

MONUMENTAL PRESERVATION
A unique monument honoring deceased Wayne County Civil War veterans recently received a much needed facelift thanks to community fundraising efforts, but the work in beautifying this historic relic is far from over.
Read full article here

By Jim Gorzelany 

Proper vehicle maintenance goes beyond taking care of your car or truck’s mechanical items.  Your vehicle’s interior and exterior likewise need regular attention to help preserve a like-new look, add longevity inside and out, and boost its resale value at trade-in time.

Looking good doesn’t necessarily come cheap, however.  A professional detailing job can cost well over $100, and even a simple automated car wash can cost $10 or more, and some can mar your vehicle’s finish in the bargain.

Fortunately, cost-conscious consumers armed with a bucket and garden hose can do the job themselves for a fraction of the cost.  Working our way from the inside out, here’s a look at the best ways to keep your car looking new:

INSIDE:

Door-to-door carpeting. Vacuum and spot-shampoo your vehicle’s carpeting regularly (household rug-cleaning spray-foam usually will do the trick), especially after extended bouts of bad weather, to avoid permanent stains from ground-in mud and road salt.

Seat treatments.  For cloth seats, vacuum regularly using an upholstery attachment, and shampoo when necessary (using a spray-foam upholstery-cleaning product). Use a spray-on fabric-protector to repel dirt and stains.  Treat vinyl upholstery, as well as the dashboard and trim items, with a spray-on product specifically designed for plastic and rubber surfaces.  In addition to restoring a like-new gloss, this will keep such surfaces from drying, fading, or cracking.  If you have leather seats, apply a leather-restoring cream using a clean terrycloth towel to help add longevity to their luster.

Working in windows (and mirrors).  Common household window cleaners work well for most automotive glass surfaces, but a homemade mixture of white vinegar and water is claimed to be best for tinted windows.

OUTSIDE:

Quick-fix chips, nicks.  To prevent rusting, fix small scratches and chips as soon as possible.  Most new-car dealers sell small bottles of touch-up paint to match recent models’ finishes for a few dollars.  Clean the damaged area and apply the paint sparingly with the brush provided. If the chip or scratch has already begun to rust, sand the area lightly and apply a thin coat of primer to any bare metal before painting.  Carefully buff-out surface rust from chrome and other metal surfaces with a household scouring pad and water.

Location, location, location.  Always wash and wax your car in a shaded area.  This will both prevent water spotting and keep the wax from drying too quickly and baking onto the car’s surface (sun-hardened wax is especially difficult to remove).

Ragtime.  Be sure to use a soft rag – either terrycloth or flannel – when washing or waxing your vehicle.  Nylon or synthetic towels or paper products are not as absorbent and may scratch the finish.

Take a top-to-bottom approach.  Work your way from the top down, using an acid-free non-abrasive cleaner to wash the vehicle’s exterior; this is available at auto-parts stores and most discount stores.  Avoid using household cleansers or detergents that can remove the protective coating from the car’s surface.  Use a wheel-and-tire cleaning treatment and/or scrub wheels and tires using a stiff bristle brush to remove dirt, grease and disc-brake powder.  Use a treatment made for removing insects and road tar to clean the front grille (take extra care if your grille is made of plastic), behind the wheels and other problem areas.

The rinse cycle.  Spraying from top to bottom, rinse the vehicle by letting an adequate supply of water stream down the finish.  Be sure to spray thoroughly underneath the car and inside the wheel wells to loosen road grime; this is especially important during the winter months in snow-belt areas, when corrosive road salt can accumulate. Allow the car’s surface to dry, raising the hood and trunk to allow the water to run completely from the edges.  Especially if you won’t be waxing the car that day, remove water beads using an absorbent chamois – again, available where auto supplies are sold.

Waxing poetically.  Apply a good coat of wax to the car’s sheet metal, but be sure to choose a wax that’s “right” for your vehicle. For example, if you have an older car, you may want to choose a wax that has a light abrasive to remove minor scratches.  A newer car may require a milder polish made for so-called clear-coat paint finishes. Typically, car wax or cleaner/wax is applied with a clean, damp cellulose sponge with overlapping, circular strokes to a cool finish (to avoid streaks).  Once the wax has dried to a haze, wipe it off with a soft, clean cloth.

Lingering details. Treat tires and exterior rubber or plastic trim with the aforementioned plastic/rubber protectant.  Use a chrome treatment to polish exterior brightwork and aluminum wheels; a household window-cleaner can suffice, but apply it with a rag, to avoid spraying an ammonia-based product onto the freshly waxed paint.

© CTW Features

A quaint, no-frills car show in the lush country reminds antique car enthusiasts what a classic car show is all about.  The Equinunk Historical Society is holding its 13^th Annual Classic Car Show on Saturday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the residence of Mel Freilich and Karen Raphael on Pine Mill Road in Equinunk.  The event is its biggest fundraiser and puts the small rural town on the map every year.

Founded around 1892, Equinunk is located along the Delaware River and is a rustic and relaxing area.  With one general store and a post office, this event always draws a crowd of eager classic car fans who look forward to showcasing their antique vehicles in a beautiful village.

The event was spearheaded by Bob Gosman, who lived to restore old vehicles and would discuss with friends Bob Kramer and Don Kaszner his desire to develop a car show in the heart of the village.  The three men were driving forces behind implementing the show and getting it off the ground and heavily contributed to its success over the years.  The show expanded since its inception in 1999, fast becoming a yearly tradition for people with a passion for classic vehicles.  In its first year, there were initially 25 car entrants and no sponsors.  Recently, the event broke the record with 150 entrants and up to eleven regular sponsors.

There is free admission for entrants and the public and no registration fees are required.  The Historical Society accepts free will donations at the show.  “Raising money for the Historical Society is important, but it’s just as important that the show remains fun and affordable,” said Charlie Bennett of the Historical Society.  “If the entrants and visitors choose to, they could spend the day at our show and not offer a penny.  This, along with the lovely rural setting on a mowed grass field and the Equinunk Creek running along the side of the road, provides a stress free environment that contributes to our success.”

The car show is relatively small compared to others in the area, but its uniqueness caught the eye of a photo journalist from a national car magazine who attended last year.  “He enjoyed our event and told us, ‘Don’t change a thing. This is how car shows used to be before they got too big’,” said Mr. Bennett.

The show is open to all makes, models, and years.  The lawn is dotted with a variety of hot rods, classics, and antiques.  Many types of vehicles make an appearance ranging from a re-furbished British double-decker bus to a tiny BMW Isetta.  There are also restored Mack trucks, antique farm tractors, and motorcycles.  Many of the registrants hail from Wayne County and Delaware County in New York, but people travel farther distances as well, including from Binghamton, New York and parts of New Jersey.

There is no judging program at this charming car show, but there is a People’s Choice winner where everyone gets to vote for their favorite car.  In addition, the organizers present two awards to whomever they feel deserves one, and they hand out goody bags to the first 100 entrants.  There are also door prizes, food, and beverage sales, a craft and flea market, book and bake sales.

Committee members dedicate themselves to making each year’s event the best one yet.  Classic car fans enjoy this small, simple car show so much that they usually return each year.  Word of mouth spreads, and the Equinunk Historical Society always welcomes new faces and cars.  “We are still the biggest little car show in Wayne County,” said Mr. Bennett. “We take a lot of pride in our event.”

The Equinunk Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization and is home to the Calder Museum and Calder Corner Shop.  It is a registered Historic Site, and the Society promotes the Museum, as well as the Joel Hill Water-Powered Sawmill.  For more information about the Historical Society and the Car Show, call (570) 224-6722, visit www.equinunkhistory.org or email ehs22@Verizon.net.

It may only be the beginning of spring, but it’s never too early to start planning a classic car show in autumn.  The Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 4^th Annual Fall Classic Car Show.  The event is one of the Chamber’s yearly fundraisers and will be held on Sunday, October 7, in Hawley’s Bingham Park on Main Avenue.

This anticipated classic car show usually features about 300 antique vehicles of all makes and models.  Participants are as local as Hawley, Honesdale, Scranton, and Waymart, but people also drive from Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.  But avid car lovers won’t let distance stop them from traveling to one of these events.  “Last year, the farthest someone drove was from Arizona,” said Debbie Gillette, Executive Director of the Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce.  “These car shows always attract a large following.”

The park is alive with activity as car enthusiasts mingle, swap stories, and share their appreciation for vintage cars and trucks.  “It’s a fun day for everyone, and it brings people together,” said Debbie.  “A lot of families come to the park, and people bring chairs and sit by their cars.”  Music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Ricky Z and Bold Gold Media Group’s Classic Hits 105.3.  Food and beverages will be available, and 50/50 raffle drawings also add to the excitement.

An awards presentation is held at 3:30 p.m. where trophies are given out for each category, including cars and trucks.  The categories are broken down by year: the classic cars and trucks entered date back as early as pre-1930.  In addition, there are other fun categories, such as Camaro, Chevelle, Corvette, Mustang, Best Convertible, Work in Progress, Best Custom, Power Plant, Mayor’s Choice, People’s Choice, and Distance to the Show.  In addition, each registrant receives a T-shirt.  Local businesses and individuals sponsor the trophies and T-shirts.

Vehicle registration on the day of the event is $10 per car and runs from 10 a.m. to noon.  Pre-registration is $6 per car on or before September 29^th.  The event is held rain or shine and opens to the public from noon to 4 p.m.  Admission is $5 per person and children under 12 are free.

Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce is located at 2512 Route 6, Suite 2, Hawley, PA, 18428.  Car show registration forms are available by emailing the Chamber at visit@lakeregioncc.com. For more information, call (570) 226-3191 or visit www.lakeregioncc.com.

Spring is the season of change!  We look forward to the budding of trees, warmer/longer days, and if you’re a car enthusiast, getting your “pride & joy” out for cruising and shows.  One such group of car enthusiasts is the “Coasters Car Club.” They are counting the days!

The goal of the Coasters Car Club, founded in 2005 by Dennis Galamb, is the perpetuation of interest, use, preservation/restoration of automobiles (antique, classic, custom and street-rod), the promotion of sportsmanship, good fellowship among its members, and to help people in need.

The Club starts their Spring of 2012 with a new Executive Board; Dennis Galamb returned as President, Joe Russo as Vice President, and Tony Milidantri as Treasurer, and Arnie Milidantri as Secretary.  Looking to give the opportunity for membership to a broader population, the Club has introduced a new membership category, “Associate Member.”  This category will allow people, who resonate with the club’s goals and are unable to make the commitment to actively participate, to be associated in a non-active capacity (not required to attend meetings or work club events).  Anyone interested in joining as an active or associate member please contact the Club Secretary, Arnie Milidantri, at 698-7719.

Since the club’s inception, it has raised and donated $40,000 to local charities, including the Wayne County Children’s Christmas Bureau, Packages from Home (phone cards for the soldiers), the Gino J Merli Veterans Center, the Lake Ariel and Hamlin Fire & Rescue Departments.  The Club has set a $6,000 target for 2012 charitable contributions and is planning a Spaghetti Dinner and Flea Market as their two major fundraising activities for the year.

The Club’s current planned events for 2012 are:

• May
• 4                  Bingham Park                         Hawley, PA
• 16            Jesse’s Coffee Cup             Rte 590 Lake Ariel, PA
• June
• 1            Bingham Park                         Hawley, PA
• 9            Locklin’s NAPA            Rte 590 Hamlin Corners, Lake Ariel PA
• 13            Charcoal Chucks            Rte 191 Lake Ariel, PA
• 20            Ron’s Diner                        Rte 590 Hamlin, PA

• July
• 6            Bingham Park                         Hawley, PA
• 19            Shelly’s Restaurant            Rte 590 Hamlin, PA
• 28            *Coasters Flea Mkt.            Laurel Park, Avoy Rd. Lake Ariel, PA

* Flea Market Info Contact George or Carol Birdshall at 689-7278

• August
• 3             Bingham Park                         Hawley, PA
• 15            Charcoal Chucks            Rte 191 Lake Ariel, PA
• 18            Locklin’s NAPA            Rte 590 Hamlin Corners, Lake Ariel PA
• 22            Ron’s Diner                        Rte 590 Hamlin, PA
• September
• 7            Bingham Park                         Hawley, PA

All cruises/shows start a 6 p.m.  Listen for the 50’s music: stop by, reminisce, dream, and enjoy the camaraderie of a unique group of car people!

By Allison Mowatt

LVCC Golf Course
Hemlock Farms, PA

Located in the northeast region of the Pocono Mountains, less than two hours from New York City and just two and a half hours from Philadelphia, Lords Valley Country Club is a not-for-profit, member owned, fully equipped and serviced country club offering full amenities to its members and their guests.  These amenities include ten Har-tru tennis courts, a 40’x120’ heated swimming pool, boat docks with sailboats, canoes and kayaks, which are available to members, three separate dining facilities and party rooms ranging from casual to gourmet, and the crown jewel – a magnificent Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary golf course.

The pride and joy of the club is the scenic Blue tee (professional rating) par 72 course.  It is 6,414 yards long with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope rating of 129.  The course offers many challenges, but it is easily playable for golfers of all levels.  The signature seventh hole is the 503 yard par 5, a 6,500 square foot left to right sloping green with a breathtaking view from the hilltop Blue and White tees.  The most enticing feature of the golf course is that it is perpetually interesting with the vistas changing with the seasons.  With its unparalleled maintenance, its challenging layout, the beauty of its course with varying hills, specimen trees, and waterfront holes and fairways, it is always a great place to play, whether it’s your first time or your 1000th.

Every September, the club hosts the annual Pocono PGA Professional Golf series ProAm tournament.  The club’s present course record was made at this event in 2001 by PGA Tour professional, Jim Booros, who shot a 7 under par 65.  In addition to this event and the hosting of many charitable events, the club also recently hosted a Pennsylvania Amateur regional qualifying round.

Although LVCC is a private, members only club, its availability to non-members can be obtained under limited circumstances and times by having a PGA member phone the pro-shop on the non-member’s behalf.  The club also enjoys reciprocity with several other regional area golf clubs.

The club is located within the grounds of the private, gated Hemlock Farms Comm-unity, but it is independent of the community, and members are not required to live within Hemlock Farms.  In addition to the golf course, there is a free driving range, a putting green, and a practice green specifically designated for chipping and pitching.

In addition to Eugene Yanovitch, Director of Golf, who has been in that position for the past forty-three years, there is another Class A PGA teaching professional, as well as two apprentices, all offering private lessons.  The teaching programs are extensive and diversified, including enhanced individual video swing analysis and approximately forty free clinics for all members and their children.  There are member children’s clinics every Wednesday during the summer, and the club reaches out to the community by offering free clinics to non-member children twice a year.

The fully stocked golf pro shop was the game house of the former estate owner and has maintained its unique and historic character.  The club’s policy is to offer golf merchandise to the members at ten percent above cost.  The shop represents the Callaway Golf Company and offers a full range of its products in our Calloway fitting cart.  It also has one of the largest selections of Demo equipment in the Pocono Mountains.

For information call the Lords Valley Country Club office at 570-775-7335 or the pro shop at 570-775-6013 or check out the website at LordsValleyCountryClub.org.

LVCC is a private, not-for-profit club, and all memberships are subject to approval by the LVCC Membership Committee and Board.

Buck Hill Golf Club
Mountainhome, PA

Buck Hill Golf Club is rich with reminders of the early days of golfing.  Unlike many of today’s courses, the 27 holes that comprise the Red, White, and Blue courses were not laid out to maximize homesites, but rather to take advantage of the natural terrain and to showcase the panoramic vistas. They are not measured by GPS, but by their classic subtleties, their masterful defense of par, and the memories they sear.

In 1888, golf fever took the United States by storm, and by 1910, there were 150,000 golfers nationwide.  So perhaps it is not too surprising that just six years after the community of Buck Hill Falls was first organized, in 1901, its first nine-hole golf course was built.

At first, there was nothing on site but the course itself.  Within a year, a small golf house was constructed, and the following year it was improved by the addition of plumbing, a small kitchen, and some lockers. The game’s popularity grew so swiftly that in the early days improvements and enlargements were called for every few years.

A fieldstone shelter was erected in 1910, high on a hill with a glorious view of the surrounding mountains. It still stands today, providing a welcome haven from the occasional shower.

By 1911, the ladies had joined the fun, playing the game in their high-necked blouses and ground-sweeping skirts. They held a fair to raise funds for the building of a chimney (still used as the clubhouse fireplace) and sold homemade cakes and candies to pay for the serving of afternoon tea and other refreshments for the men after the weekend tournaments.

A golf professional from Scotland, David Guthrie, was engaged in 1909.  He remained as the Buck Hill Falls pro through the 1940 season.  In 1915, the size of the course was doubled and soon earned a reputation as the best golf course in the Pocono area.

Perhaps the greatest and longest-lasting change took place in 1922 with the hiring of legendary links designer, Donald Ross – known for the challenging slope of his greens, his classic mounding around bunkers and greens, and his use of vistas marked by tall trees and meandering waterways.

Open to the public, Buck Hill Golf Club’s facility includes a clubhouse, full-service restaurant, driving range, putting green, PGA professional instructors, pro shop, locker facilities, and is available for daily play and tournaments. It is located just off Rte. 390 in Mountainhome, PA.

Contact:  Tom O’Malley, PGA, Director of Golf – 570-595-7730. www.buckhillgolf.com

Red Maples Golf Course
South Canaan, PA

A beautiful golf course amid serene farmland in South Canaan gives golfers a place to play the game with ease and relaxation.

Red Maples Golf Course is a nine hole regulation length public course located on 2322 Easton Turnpike near Waymart.  Robert Pozza created and constructed the course in 1964.  A year later, it officially welcomed the public to play on its greens.  Since it opened for business, Red Maples stayed in the Pozza family and is now run by Robert’s brother, Angelo, and Angelo’s nephew, David.

Red Maples is a smaller course designed for people of all skill levels.  Situated on thirty-five acres of rolling greens, it is an ideal course for walking without any sand traps and is a preferred course for people either learning the game for the first time or who just want to play a leisurely game.  In addition, it’s also a fun course offering enough of a challenge for serious golfers who prefer the competiveness of the sport.  From the longest tees, it features 2,400 yards of golf for a par of thirty-three.

Over the years, Red Maples held on to its charm and kept its unique characteristics.  It’s known among people who play the sport as one of the best kept golf courses around.  The Pozzas improved the course by lengthening some of the holes and adding more landscaping.  The moderate course is surrounded by vibrant flowers, many red maples trees for which the course is named, and an eight acre pond.

When it first opened, it was one of the only golf courses around and got a lot of business.  Before long, other courses started cropping up in the area and the competition grew.  But Red Maples always held on to what made it special.  “The prices are reasonable and comparable with other nine hole courses,” said Angelo. Interestingly enough, when the course opened forty-eight years ago, it only cost fifty cents to play nine holes, and now it costs ten dollars.  “The price only went up twenty cents every year,” said Angelo.

Red Maples is open seven days a week.  It features a clubhouse with light snacks and club and cart rentals.  The clubhouse is available for parties and other special occasions. For more information, call (570) 937-4543.

Skytop Lodge Golf Course
Canadensis, PA

Situated on a sprawling 5,500 acres on top of a mountain near the quaint village of Canadensis and surrounded by trees, a glistening lake, and numerous hiking trails, the majestic stone Skytop Lodge is one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier family friendly resorts.

One of Skytop’s greatest attractions is nature itself.   It is a four season resort perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors offering an abundance of recreational activities all year long.  In the spring and summer, families enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, nature watching, and golfing.

The Lodge was built during the Great Depression in 1927 and the golf course, a year later.  The 18-hole championship golf course is one of Skytop’s more popular offerings, featuring 6,656 yards of golf measured from the longest tees for a par of 72.

Designed by Robert White, who was the first President of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) and the preeminent mountain golf course designer during that time, Skytop’s course features Mr. White’s trademark of small greens, bunkers to the right and left and tapering from front to back.

The course has a rating of 72.0 and a slope rating of 133, which distinguishes it as a challenging course since an average course usually has a rating of 117.  “The small greens are what make it more of a difficult course to score on,” said Skytop’s Director of Golf and Head Professional, Brian Boyle.  “It puts a premium on a golfer’s chipping and putting.”

About twelve years ago, two of the weaker holes were taken out, and two stronger ones were put in their place, one of which was cut right out of the woods.  In addition, a driving range and a PGA recognized golf school were established during this time.  Now the course also features a junior golf school and offers private lessons.

The golf course offers limited play to the public, and advanced tee times are required.  While the golf course is a public course, it is utilized mainly by the resort’s guests.   It originally started out as a private golf course when it opened, and only members and lodge guests were permitted to play.  It eventually became a public course about ten years ago.

Situated on the course is a beautiful inn, which was built about twelve years ago and overlooks the emerald green golf course and the serene Skytop Lake.   The inn is comprised of ten suites on the upper level and ten suites on the lower level, an inviting restaurant and bar with gorgeous views, a charming deli, locker rooms, and a golf pro shop.  The golf course is open through Thanksgiving.  For more information, call the pro shop at (570) 595-8910.

A unique monument honoring deceased Wayne County Civil War veterans recently received a much needed facelift thanks to community fundraising efforts, but the work in beautifying this historic relic is far from over.

Last fall, Vic Gavin, former Exhibits Specialist for the Monuments Preservation Branch of the Gettysburg National Military Park, came to Honesdale’s Central Park to clean and restore the patina of the Civil War monument and plaques situated near the fountain.

Leadership Wayne’s Steve Clark contacted him for his expertise and was fortunate to have Mr. Gavin agree to do the restoration.  The class, which is sponsored every other year through the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, spearheads a new project that will enhance Wayne County and raises funds or volunteers for it.  “It’s an indescribable experience,” said Leadership Wayne member, Orley White.  “It’s a way to learn about Wayne County’s infrastructure and the interconnections between the various sectors of our community from the local arts to local government.”  The group brainstormed ideas and looked to the life-sized bronze figure of the Civil War infantry man.  It stands on a granite pedestal with copper plaques engraved depicting the names and units of Wayne County’s soldiers who perished in the conflict.  The class decided to raise money to refresh this significant part of Wayne County’s past since it had oxidized and the metal had eroded.  In addition, the group also hoped to raise enough funds to get the cast iron fencing which surrounds the monument replaced and to be able to pay for the monument’s continued maintenance.  The class has raised approximately $14,500, $8,400 of which was just enough to get the monument itself cleaned and preserved.  Another $1,000 went for re-pointing the granite base.

The call for this project brought Mr. Gavin to Honesdale for the first time.  “The monument hadn’t been treated since it was erected about one hundred years ago, which isn’t unusual for monuments in parks,” said Mr. Gavin.  Although the bronze figure hadn’t been cleaned in over a century, restoring it was a success and only took Mr. Gavin about four days . He began by washing the residue off and then blasting the monument with about sixty-five pounds of walnut shells.  “This is similar to sandblasting and will remove the oxidation without removing the metal.”  Then, he washed it again and gave it a special wax treatment.  In order to do this, Mr. Gavin heated the metal on the monument to about 170 degrees so the wax flowed smoothly and wouldn’t clump.  He gave the monument two coats of hot wax and then hand buffed and polished it.  “It’s a good idea to wax a metal monument every four to six years.  Continued maintenance on monuments eliminates other tasks such as blasting it with walnut shells.”

The monument was in rough condition but generally only suffered the prolonged damaging  effects of the weather.  Luckily, it hadn’t been vandalized at all, probably because of the fence surrounding it.  The fence, which is of Civil War vintage, is past the point of repair, as the cast iron is rusted, thin, and broken.  It is even held together with baling wiring in some places.  The fence is in desperate need of a facelift so it can continue protecting this beautiful monument and look as nice as the monument does.  According to Mr. Gavin, restoration is more involved since the fence will require re-casting, which is costly and time consuming.  The group hopes to raise additional funds to meet the $13,600 needed to replace the fence and have funds left over for the monument’s continued maintenance.  The projected fundraising limit will pay for the fabrication, painting, and installation of a wrought iron fence of an appropriate design.

In the past, fundraising efforts included operating food booths at area events, sending letters seeking donations, personally appealing to local businesses and individuals for donations, and utilizing the press to generate awareness.  Leadership Wayne has received generous donations from several of the local businesses and many individuals.  In addition, they are applying for a grant, but every donation counts.  The class hopes to have the project completed this fall and have a re-dedication ceremony in the park.

In order to make a donation, checks can be made payable to WCCC-Leadership Wayne, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Leadership Wayne, 32 Commercial Street, Honesdale, PA, 18431.

All of us here at Connections Magazine would like to wish you a Happy Spring!

For Great Events & Festivals in the Area

Visit the New Greater Honesdale Partnership website!
http://www.visithonesdalepa.com

Mark your Calendar

2012 Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Music & Arts Festival June 16th, 2012!

See the New Roots & Rhythm Website & be sure to “Like” it on Facebook!

http://www.honesdalerootsandrhythm.com

An award-winning artist in her own right, Lucille Norella has been Connection Magazine’s Artscene Director since May 2003. Driven by her passion for art, Lucille finds pleasure meeting new local artists and helping them to show their artwork through the Connection’s Artscene Gallery.

As the Artscene Coordinator, Lucille has met many artists who continue to inspire her with their artwork. She explains, “My best resources are the connections I make through the artists; they all have unique stories to tell. Many have so much talent but minimize how very gifted they are. It gives me a lot of gratification to help encourage and possibly recommend them as a Cover Artist.” Born and raised in Carbondale, PA, Lucille graduated high school from St. Rose in Carbondale. She then continued with her education and received a degree from Wayne Commercial Business School in Honesdale.

In 1971, Lucille and her family packed their things and settled in Waymart, PA. With her husband of forty years, Chip, the couple still enjoys the community and culture the area has to offer. Lucille loves to spend time with her family and often visits her daughter, Lynne, son-in-law Paul, and her twin grandchildren, Irina and Charlie, in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.

For many years, Lucille worked in the business world, including a position as Supervisor for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Company. Yet, her fascination and zeal have always been for the arts. Lucille believes, “Nature is always creating for us flowers of infinite beauty.” Lucille spends her time working in her garden and finds her source of inspiration in the flower beds that grace her land. Her original fine artwork is created from the flowers hand-picked from her own cherished garden. Specially preserved to retain their rich color and striking detail, the flowers are arranged and framed to eternalize the beauty of living flowers. Artwork by Lucille Norella is exhibited at various art galleries, juried art shows, corporate exhibits, and private collections. Her work has been honored in numerous publications, including:

• 2007 Cover Artist, “The Wildflower Music Festival” Program • April 2005, Cover Artist, “Connections Magazine” • Summer 2004, Cover Artist, “Galleries, Gourmets and Theaters” • April 2003, Cover Artist, “Connections Magazine”
To see learn more about Lucille and to see samples of her collection, please visit www.artbynorella.50megs.com.