Renée (Renee) Hoover - Poconos, Pike, Wayne, Monroe Co

To think, it all began in the “roaring twenties” with Prohibition and bootlegging from our neighboring Appalachia mountains region – drivers running bootleg whiskey in their fast, little vehicles being apprehended by the cops. It didn’t stop with the end of Prohibition and evolved to “runnin’ Shine” in the thirties to evade the tax revenuers.

These fellas who were runnin' moonshine, with their beefed up cars, started to run and race for profit - a popular form of entertainment in the rural South - lightened and reinforced cars that were especially modified for racing.

Today, 75 million fans strong – its NASCAR!

And where are two of the biggest NASCAR events?

You got it! Right here in the Poconos!

POCONOS 500 - June 7th, 2009

PENNSYLVANIA 500 POCONOS - August 2, 2009

Chicken Fried Steak, Bottled Beer and NASCAR Racing

http://www.poconoraceway.com/

Pictures from poconoraceway.com:

THE GOOD TIMES KEEP ROLLIN' ALONG IN THE BEAUTIFUL POCONOS!

FOUR SEASONS OF ENDLESS FUN - WE HAVE IT ALL!

Come and visit - You may just want to stay forever.

http://www.PoconoLandAndHomes.com

Serving beautiful Milford, PA and Pike County and Wayne County, PA

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Nothing like the Blues and Blue Grass to personify our American lifestyle!

THE HONESDALE ROOTS & RHYTHM MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

COMING JUNE 20TH, 2009

Frequent Performer - Lil' Ed Williams from the Chicago Blues Scene

Above, Lil Ed Williams Performing at the Honesdale Roots & Rhythm Festival

Below, some of Lil Ed for your listening pleasure!

18th Annual Pocono Blues Festival

3 Days - 3 Stages - 20 National Recording Artists

July 24th - July 27th, 2009

http://www.jfbb.com/events/festivals/blues-festival

Above, James Cotton, Buckwheat Zydecoal Band, Melvin Jackson

For a sampling of what's to come, Melvin Taylor:

WIND GAP BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

MOUNTAIN VIEW PARK, WIND GAP, PA

JUNE 11, 12, 13, 14 2009

The fabulous KATE LEE!!

For a real joy, listen to Kate sing:

http://www.kateleemusic.com/

The fabulous HARTMANS!

Listen to the Hartmans; you will love this:

http://www.reporterherald.com/webextra/slideshows/Hartmans/home/index.html

Music in the Poconos ain't perfect, but it's darn close!

There are just so many ways to have fun in the Poconos, PA!

http://www.poconolandandhomes.com/

Photos from Festival websites and sites of Individual Performers.

I Love the Night Life! (For Your Listening Pleasure)

MILFORD, PA HAS A LOT MORE GOING ON THAN JUST HUGGIN' TREES & KISSIN' ROCKS!

Over the years, Milford has become attractive to many performing artists because of its proximity to NYC (about 70 miles to the GW Bridge). It's lure is both leisure living and an old Victorian village nestled in the mountains of Pike County, PA. As a result, the night life has become very appealing because of the diverse talent who have taken up residence in our beautiful area situated on the Delaware River. Art and music thrive in the Village. One of the major night spots is The Water Wheel Cafe and, more recently opened, the Bar Louis at the Hotel Fauchere. Another venue offering live music is The Apple Valley. A yearly music event to launch our Summer season is the Milford Music Festival. In years past it has headlined such names as New Riders of the Purple Sage. It's a three day event that showcases all different styles and types of music, either at the park or at participating sponsors throughout the Village. We also are reknowned for the Black Bear Film Festival in the Fall of the year. If you are a lover of blues, jazz, rock, you name it, or of contemporary art, Milford, PA is the place for you! Here is some of the great talent one can find in our Milford area -

The Bobby Kyle Band

The Scott Weiss Band Milford Music Festival 2008

Robert Kopec Jazz Quartet

John Curtin

Gypsy Jazz Quartet

(Gypsy Jazz specializing in Reinhardt & Grappelli style!)

Eric Langberg & Bluestone

(Blues)

Mad Dog (Moyer) & The Blues Night Out Band

(Drivin' Harmonica Blues)

Zydecoal (Cajun Mardi Gras style band)

One of the Reasons We Live in Pike County, PA!

This is a true story, told to me by a dear friend.

Sometime during the early 1970's, my friend made a decision to raise his family in Pike County, Pa. The event that triggered his decision was based upon a Thanksgiving Eve snowstorm. Over the years, he relates, he had great affection for the area purely based upon its natural beauty. The events that follow convinced him of the community of real friends that exists in this area.

He had left his home in Woodridge, NJ to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with family in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Before he could be warned about this major snow event, he was well on his way and committed even though the heavy snows had started. The closest familiar place to seek refuge was the Milford, PA area. By the time he had made it halfway to his destination, the roads were a disaster.

Interstate 84 ended at the Route 6 exit. Continuing along, he struggled with the roads. He finally arrived at the home of Hannalore and Deiter Boehmer, friends and business associates. They welcomed him with open arms and were concerned with the many vehicles stranded on Route 6, between Milford and Hawley.

After being notified by the State Police all roads were being closed except for emergency traffic, the Boehmers decided they needed to do something about the dire situation at hand concerning families and children who had no refuge except for their vehicles in the middle of this major snowstorm. By telephone, they were aware people and businesses were opening their doors to as many of the stranded holiday travelers as possible, but not all could make it to the shelters.

Deiter then proceeded to make ready and available his two snowmobiles to assist the emergency any way he could be of service. Hannalore broke out her huge soup pots and began to empty their house of all things that were edible and could be added to the giant soup pots. Alices Wonderland, a local outdoor gear business located directly across the road from the Boehmer residence, contributed various and sundries items that would be useful to stranded families. They gathered as much milk and cereal that was available and made it ready for delivery.

Snowmobile suits on, and machines warmed up, Deiter and Hannalore continued into the wee hours of the morning, returning many times with their soup kettles and milk urns to distribute the food, milk and other necessary items they had accumulated to make the stranded families as comfortable as possible.

These were very early days in Pike County. Our economy was vacation home oriented and at its early stages. Not many people chose to live on a permanent basis in this area. The resources were meager, but people donated whatever they could at great personal expense to help the stranded people on Route 6. My friend later found out those people who were wise enough not to continue on their journey, found refuge and accommodation in Milford, PA. The Tom Quick opened their doors to all stranded travelers and gratuitously fed all until the food ran out. The local grocery store opened its doors and emptied its shelves. The Milford Firehouse became an emergency shelter and was packed to capacity. It was not only open to men, women and children, but also all their pets.

It was a total community commitment to assist strangers in their time of need . . . the most profound being Deiter and Hannalore, on snowmobiles, with soup pots in hand.

http://www.poconolandandhomes.com/

"A BEAUTIFUL POCONO CHRISTMAS STORY"

One of the greatest gifts I have ever received as a mother was to witness the deed of my youngest son and his wife this past Christmas. Richard and Emily amazed me with their sensitivity and generosity - in my mind, personifying the true meaning of Christmas.

While discussing with each other what each would like for Christmas, they decided to make their Christmas gifts to each other in the way of gifts to our local struggling animal shelter. Their scheme was not a small one. They began by inviting all of their friends and relatives to participate with donations of old blankets, toys and any useful items for the care of animals. They offered to collect and warehouse the donations on their own. The call was heard, and the donations piled in.

They then decided to set aside a certain amount of money, which was considerable, and went on a shopping spree at our local Sam's Club and pet store. The list was long ~ toys, medicines, cleaning supplies, shampoos, conditioners, dry food supplies, wet food supplies, vitamins, chews, grooming aids, and many more varied and sundries items.

There living room was full; a large portion of their basement was filled. Twenty loads to the truck, and they were off on Christmas Eve to deliver their red sled full of goodies. I hope your hearts will be as warmed as mine.

Still Loading . . .

Not quite finished yet . . .

Special people on a special day . . .

He says, "When does it end?"

The kitties are exuberant!

The dogs are surprised and thankful . . .

And thank you Rich and Em for making a Mother's heart proud and joyful!

http://www.bestfriends.org/

http://www.poconolandandhomes.com /