It's opening game time for the 2009 World Series between the Yankees and Phillies. Television screens across America are tuned in as we bond together to enjoy the great American Pastime that brings us all together - for our great love of Baseball!
What is it about this sport that raises such spirit in all of us?
I can remember growing up, being the youngest and the only girl with four brothers, and a home surrounded by large open fields. Every summer day, the kids in the neighborhood gathered in the field across the road from my house, mitts, bats and balls in hand, and it was our World Series every day. The days just could never be long enough.
And then it was the time of life when I was the one with three little boys who all loved baseball. It was Little League, baseball card collecting, backyard picnics at Grandpa's house for the family game, with Grandpa pitching. Or it was backyard picnics with our neighbors, all bringing a dish for the tables under the wheeping willow or oak trees, and it was always backyard baseball! Those are the memories of life that are so rich with life's true wealth, family, friends, love.
Our All-American pastime can be enjoyed on so many levels.
It's the family sport that can be enjoyed together. Everybody can play, the young, the old, the amateur and the pro. Everyone enjoys watching it; it can be such a relaxing lull, or chill raising when a play is executed with precision - a wonder and an art form of what a human can accomplish on the playing field. That moment of magic!
It's a time when people come together. There's T-Ball, Little League and High School and College sports teams. There's the local neighborhood adult teams, Triple A, and the Big Leagues.
It represents friendship and bonding.
It's given us heroes, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and great legendary teams, like the Yankees; 
Cooperstown and The Baseball Hall of Fame.
It's the best place in the whole world for hot dogs and corn dogs! It's the place where kids like to hang around their idols
and watch batting practice, praying to get an autograph, or to catch a ball.
It's the single one pastime that has more facts and statistics collected to be devoured, compared and scrutinized.
And what's terrific about Northeast PA? We have Yankees Triple A Ball - the Top of the Minor League!
Where a family can still affordably go and where players are accessible to the new young fans - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at PNC Field!
Their 2010 Roster is posted. It's great Yankee baseball - there's Curtis, Kennedy, Corona.
Triple A Baseball brings us great action and sensational and exciting players, who are just a telephone call away from the Majors!
There is Triple A Baseball and minor league teams all over America. They help keep our great American pastime affordable, and are the place where little ones can come and dream, and carry on the legend and spirit of our great sport of American baseball!
The Poconos ~ Where a beautiful home and a lifestyle that are priceless are still within one’s means!
Where friendly people still say, “How do you do!”
We offer it all ~ a precious legacy for you and your family awaits you!
FULL REAL ESTATE SERVICES AND CUSTOM HOME BUILDING
Primary Residence, Vacation Home, Active Adult
Pocono’s Real Estate & Custom Home Building emerges with the World’s 1st Heart-Shaped Tub to a Destination with Four Seasons Appeal ~ a destination well suited for Family Fun, Cultural Offerings, Sports Enthusiasts, Great Corporate Meeting & Conference Centers.
Where a lovely home & a lifestyle that is priceless are still within one’s means!
A Very Long Time Ago, in 1829, the Pocono’s tourist industry was spawned when its first boarding house was established in the Delaware Water Gap. By 1857, a thriving tourist industry had emerged. In the 1900’s, thousands of visitors escaped Philadelphia and New York each year for the lure of cooler high altitudes and enchanting scenic backdrops.
And Long Ago, in 1926, a creek was damned ~ deep blue Lake Wallenpaupak was created by Pennsylvania Power & Light, a 5600-acre lake with 52 miles of uninterrupted shoreline.
And Then, Once Upon A Time, very possibly the Pocono’s first honeymoon resort was developed when, in 1945, a farmhouse in Swiftwater, PA was converted to a comfy boarding house, “The Farm on the Hill,” where travelers could feel cozy, and where “honeymoon couples” first discovered the alluring Poconos.
On slopes high in the sky, where ski lifts could climb, by 1946 Big Boulder Ski Area was developed, PA’s first commercial ski area.
And the number of inviting resorts and exciting destinations grew during World War II as soldiers brought their girlfriends, wives and families, to the Poconos before going overseas.
Having been captivated by the moon glow and starlight of Pocono skies, these soldiers often returned after the war for their honeymoons.
And, Hence, it was out of this charming romantic era and stardust of yesteryear, that the Poconos gained its acclaim as “Honeymoon Capital of the World.”
Things Really Began to Roar, in the late 1950’s and 1960’s, when Interstates 80 & 81 rolled into the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, crisscrossing this 4-County region.
Real estate and custom home building began to take off with vacation homes and primary homes.
Pocono Dreamin,’ the Arrival of the Sixties and Seventies, and The World’s 1st Heart-Shape Tub was designed in 1963 at the Pocono’s Caesar’s Cove Haven Resort. After being featured in Life Magazine in 1971, the World’s 1st Heart-Shape Tub clearly defined the Honeymoon Capital of the World, reinforced by Caesar’s “Seven Foot Tall Champagne Glass Whirlpool Bath for Two!”
And the Seventies brought about the Pocono International Raceway in Long Pond, PA (now Pocono Racew
ay) with a 2 ½ mile super speedway and first series of Indy Car Races. NASCAR followed in 1972.
And Throughout the Mountains and Valleys of the Poconos, in the 1980’s and 1990’s, this destination continued to evolve with the growth of whitewater rafting, fabulous golf courses (more than 35), antiquing, outlet shopping, country inns and bed & breakfasts.
Delaware Water Gap
With nine Stateparks, the Delaware Water Gap area, the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, the 
Poconos have exploded with soft adventure activities ~ hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
And Upon This Great Land, charming villages and small towns arose ~ beautiful Milford, host to music events and the Black Bear Film Festival; Jim Thorpe with its historic mansions and celebrations, and Honesdale, “Birthplace of the American Railroad,” with boutiques and themed railroad tours.
And Not So Very Long Ago, in Twenty~O~Three, The Mountain Laurel Center for the Performing Arts brought artists of world class caliber to the Poconos. Family fun abounded with the opening of the Great Wolf Lodge in 2005, the Northeast’s largest water park, followed by Split Rock Resort’s indoor “Waterpark H20ooohh!” in 2008.
It All Began So Long Ago,
With Sweethearts & Honeymoons
2400 Square Miles of Wooded Peaks & Valleys
Sparkling Lakes, Rushing Rivers & Delightful Waterfalls,
Now a Four-Season Playground !!!
Today, the Poconos not only offer good times and a fabulous lifestyle, it has remained affordable and easily accessible for commuters with Interstates 80, 81 & 84.
Great for a vacation, honeymoon . . . VACATION HOME or FULL-TIME RESIDENCE ~
Where friendly people still say, “How do you do!”
http://www.PoconoLandAndHomes.com
Full Real Estate Services and Custom Home Building / New Home Construction Services
The Poconos ~ Come and Do the Stars with Us!
A Precious Legacy for you and your loved ones awaits you.
Jack Frost Big Boulder - 18th annual Pocono Blues Festival
WHEN: July 24, 25 & 26, 2009
8 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Jack Frost Big Boulder, Blakeslee, PA
Blues music from beginning to end, featuring two concert-like stages, a huge tent, and something happening on each stage continuously.
No down time from music; 75 vendors, chair-lift rides and plenty of soul food.
Three stages and more than 20 artists - rated one of the top 20 blues festivals in the world.
SCHEDULE:
Friday - Paul Oscher, 8 to 9 p.m.; James Armstrong, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.; and Eddie Turner, 11 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Saturday - Melvin Taylor, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Terry Evans, 12:40 to 1:40 p.m.; The Bonedog Record Review, 1:45 to 3 p.m.; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.; Shemekia Copeland, 4:45 to 6 p.m.; Bernard Allison, 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.; James Cotton Band with Eddy Clearwater, 8 to 9:30 p.m.; Cedric Burnside/Lightnin' Malcolm, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Shemekia Copeland and friends tribute to Johnny Clyde Copeland), 2 to 3 p.m.; Melvin Taylor, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Cedric Burnside/Lightnin' Malcolm, 5 to 6 p.m.; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Terry Evans 8 to 9 p.m.
Sunday - The Pittsburgh Gospel Lights, 12 to 1:15 p.m.; Texas Johnny Brown, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.; Ruthie Foster, 3 to 4:30 p.m.; Lil'Ed & the Blues Imperials, 4:45 to 6:15 p.m.; Buckwheat Zydeco, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Harrison Kennedy & Fruteland Jackson, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; Chris Thomas King, 2 to 3 p.m.; Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Harrison Kennedy & Fruteland Jackson, 5 to 6 p.m.; Chris Thomas King, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women, 8 to 9 p.m.
COST: Adult daily ticket at the gate, $37; child daily ticket at the gate, $11. Friday tickets are no longer available.
INFORMATION: (570) 443-8425
WEB SITE: jfbb.com/events/festivals/blues-festival
The Annual Milford Music Festival
Celebrating live music and featuring emerging and internationally renowned artists performing Jazz, Classical, Blues, Rock and more!
The 2009 Ann St Main-stage schedule:
*Music in The Park* Summer Series Kick-Off (www.milfordmusic.net)
2:00-5:00 performance line-up TBA
In addition to the Main-stage, music is in the air in Milford all weekend long.
12 side-stage venues will host performances by artists of many musical genres through Saturday and into Sunday.
Look for the complete schedule at the Festival information tent in Ann Street Park.
Children's activities too!
Schedule and Logo from http://www.milfordmusic.org
Pennsylvania - The First Home for the Salvation Army in the U.S. The Salvation Army came to the United States in 1880 when Commissioner George Railton and seven women workers from England formed a branch. We are all familiar with the Salvation Army and, more than likely, all of us image the bell ringers and Salvation Army money kettles featured in shopping malls across the country at Christmas time.
Its beginnings go back to 1865, and William Booth, a Methodist minister, and his wife, Catherine, founded what is now an international organization, in Great Britain around 1880. William, known as the "General," preached to the poor, and Catherine, the "Mother of the Salvation Army" spoke to the wealthy to gain monetary support for their missionary work. They had a simple approach: "the three ‘S's' - administering to the "down and outs" with, first, soup; second, soap; and finally, salvation. 
Their movement grew to a Church, and its mission is to bring Christian salvation to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. It has a quasi-military structure. Today, its outreach extends throughout the entire world - it can be found in our small towns as well as in third world nations with its missionary outreach.
The Standard of the Salvation Army is its flag. Other emblems are The Crest, The Red Shield, The Uniform and The Salute. At some instances, The Salute is accompanied with a shout of "hallelujah."
NORMA JEAN
HALLELUJAH ! - NORMA JEAN was born into a Salvation Army family in Pennsylvania, her father a Minister in the Church of the Salvation Army. She grew up in the typical lifestyle of many Salvation Army families, attending camps in the Summer, traveling the world and living in remote regions doing missionary work with her family, participating in the great music events of their church, living a faith filled life dedicated to service.
I've learned about Norma Jean indirectly through her very best girlhood friend, Sharon, who also grew up in the Salvation Army and whose father is also a Minister in the Church. They were fun loving and filled with the "devil" so to speak, when it came to having a good time. Summer camps were filled with pranks and adventures. Many sleepovers were shared between them; they grew up double dating and even loving some of the same guys.
Norma Jean was diagnosed with cancer when she was 17. She went on and made a career in the Salvation Army and rose to the rank of Captain. She married her high school sweetheart and had 3 children. She battled cancer until she was just shy of being 40, at which time she succumbed. Her funeral was conducted at the Manhattan Temple, a Celebration of Life, at which a thousand or more attended. The 40-piece staff band played. She was bald, as she wished to be shown, with a smile on her glorious face.
Why do I bring you her story? Norma Jean lived life to its fullest. In spite of battling cancer for more than half her life, she always viewed her life as the glass that is "half full" rather than "half empty." She proclaimed that she lived more of life in her shortened stay than most do who live a long life. She was grateful for the great life she had. She was joyful, devout, spiritual and full of unbreakable faith. She was dedicated to the mission of the Salvation Army - a true Soldier Angel.
I've included a song here Norma Jean would have loved and that is all about how Norma Jean lived her life, though sick - full of fun and full of life. Please, the next time you pass one of those kettles, please pause and think of this story of Norma Jean, and all the other good soldiers out there who so much need our support. The Salvation Army and Norma Jean - two beautiful things!
Norma Jean - Amazing Grace!
She'll be square-dancin', toe-tappin'
She'll be kickin' up her heels to the Cotton-Eyed Joe
Music and laughter, gonna raise the rafters
A little boot-slidin' across the floor
Do a little hand-holdin', hay-rollin'
Strollin' with her honey by her side
Dixie cups and paper plates
Fiddle tunes and Amazin' Grace
Hallelujah gonna raise the barn tonight!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE WITH YOUR HEART AND TO GIVE GENEROUSLY:
Free clip art: http://www.sacollectables.com/graphics.html
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RGB Custom Builders - Poconos Most Award Winning Builder! Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Carbon Counties. 1st in nation to achieve Emerald, NAHB's highest status in Green home building! Realtor Midlantic Realty
Pocono Land And Homes Welcomes You!
Your Destination for Real Estate and Custom Home Building Services in the Poconos!
FULL REAL ESTATE SERVICES:
REALTOR, MIDLANTIC REALTY, MILFORD, PA:
Land · Residential Real Estate · Commercial Real Estate
My Goal is Helping You Achieve Your Goal ~ My Focus is "Servicing" my Customers
My Biggest Reward is Having Successfully Guided my Happy Customers to Home Ownership!
INFORMATION ABOUT CURRENT FEDERAL HOUSING HOME BUYER TAX CREDITS
NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FEATURING
RGB CUSTOM BUILDERS:
Custom Home Building · Quick Delivery Homes · Home Improvement
Pocono’s Most Award Winning “Custom Home” Builder
RGB Custom Builders
Once Upon a Time ~ I grew up in a family construction business enveloping all phases of construction and custom home building, which formed the beginning of my background in new home construction.
I have 18 working years of legal background, certified in Paralegal Studies and with a specialty in Real Estate procedures. I am a member of the National Association of Realtors, licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, and a member of the Pike Wayne Association of Realtors.
With a strong knowledge base of all the communities and developments of Pike County and Monroe County, PA, and the communities in the Lake Wallenpaupak area of Wayne County, PA, I have additionally developed a solid background in land and judging its suitability for new home construction requirements.
The Importance of Selecting a Home Site with the Expertise of a Realtor Experienced in New Home Construction Cannot be Overemphasized!
Procuring a home site with the expertise of a Builder’s Representative who is knowledgeable regarding Federal Regulations (EPA), State and Local Laws, and all the various community building regulations, that govern land use and its development as a future home site, as well as understanding construction requirements and building codes, will help you to select land that is both build-able and suitable for your custom home building project. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of insuring that your hard earned dollars are spent on property that is build-able and suitable for your new home construction project!
~ From Modest to Luxurious ~
Custom Home Building Designed and Affordably Built with Special Attention to Detail, Graceful Elegance and Style!
· Your Primary Home · First-time Homebuyer · “Young at Heart” Retiree
· Second or Vacation Home in the Poconos - Dacha
· Universal Design Concepts & Aging in Place
· Green Home Building ~ Living in Harmony with Nature
· Energy Efficiency for even greater savings / Energy Star / Geo-thermal heating and cooling
· Very Competitive Value Pricing
RGB Custom Builders - 1st in the United States to achieve the coveted National Association of Home Builders "Emerald" Certification for its custom Green Home model - the very highest certification possible!!
RGB Custom Builders has incorporated Energy Star features and Green building techonologies for many years in new home construction as a matter of course to build it better and best for its clientele. RGB is not a "Johnny-come-lately" to Green building, and because this builder is not a novice, or newcomer, to building it Green, he has tried and tested the technologies and mastered Green building products. Many ample testimonials gladly provided by his clientele tell the story of the workmanship and quality of care of RGB Custom Builders.
Being the recipient of the most builder awards given by the Pocono Builders Association is further testimonial to the achievements of RGB Custom Builders.
Contact me to inquire about our current promotion programs
I love living in the Poconos! Come and visit our sensational area and experience the wonderful lifestyle we offer in the Poconos, in the land where magic still happens! It is affordable living at its very best!
FOUR SEASONS OF ENDLESS FUN!
Come for a visit, and catch the magic! You may decide to spend a lifetime.
Poconos' Golf & Golfing Packages Poconos' Outdoor Adventures
Poconos' Snow Sports & Winter Recreation Poconos' Water Recreation & Boating
Poconos' Spas Poconos' Entertainment & Spectator Sports
Poconos' Family Fun Poconos' Shopping, Antiques, Galleries, Flea Markets
Poconos' Tours & Sightseeing Poconos' Fishing
Poconos' Agritoursim, Farms/Markets, Orchards, Wineries Poconos' History, Culture & Museums, Galleries
About the Pocono Mountains Loads of Great Visitor's Information
We do have such magic!
AND . . .
A sampling of scenes and vistas in our area . . .
Natural beauty, quality of life, affordable, an easy commute to New York State, northern New Jersey and New York City, yet worlds apart! Come and own a piece of this magnificent area, where a lovely home and a lifestyle that is "priceless" are still within your means.
Whether your primary home or vacation home, I would like to help you acquire your real estate land and home needs in keystone Pike County, Monroe County and Wayne County, the hub of New York, New Jersey and the beautiful Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Home ownership in the Gateway to the Poconos - in every way, your very best investment!
Our days are filled with nature's beauty and charmed by our distinctive and unique historic villages and towns. The Pocono Mountains area and Pike County, Wayne County and Monroe County, offer a wealth of pleasurable pastimes. Be it theatre, a jazz club or angling in a stream, here you will discover an abundance of wonderful activities. Enjoy the historic Village of Milford, nestled in a valley beneath pine and hemlock covered hills, brimming with little shops and restaurants. Visit the many streams and waterfalls, the lakes and scenic Delaware River and "The Bushkill."
Our schools have made top grades in academic excellence and high standards. There are youth programs to fit every young person's needs.
Pike, Wayne and Monroe Counties, PA are the places where you can affordably find the space and good times to reconnect with the people and values most important in your life.
Where friendly people still say, "How do you do!"
We offer it all ~ a precious legacy for you and your family awaits you!
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