Did you ever know someone who could bring a ray of sunshine to your day just by walking into a room?  Hopefully we all have a special friend with that ability.  We at Woodfield Manor are blessed to have that friend in the person of Jane Niering.  Jane first came into our collective lives as a salesperson for Moritz Embroidery, the organization responsible for our staff uniforms and promotional wear.  But after successfully completing her occupational duties, Jane became something much more special to us all.  You see, Jane is one of those rays of sunshine that brighten the world surrounding her.  It’s a natural gift for her, no pretenses or false airs, just Jane being herself.  As a long time resident of the Pocono Mountain region her knowledge of the area, it’s people and environs, has been an invaluable source of information to those of us new to this beautiful place.  Being a woman of boundless positive energy, Jane has given of herself to many worthwhile endeavers.  Her local school board, library, and church organizations have all benefited from her bountiful “sunshine”.  However, with all her various activities, we at Woodfield Manor are blessed with her presence often during the busy week.  Whether it”s at our Monday night Happy Hour in the Manor Bar, or dinner in the Chophouse Restaurant with her husband Harry or some of her many friends, Jane is always here for us.

     It is often said that good things come in small packages.  Our small package of sunshine is Jane Niering.  Stop by Woodfield Manor, maybe some of that “sunshine” will brighten your day too.

     Recently I had the pleasure of attending a summer event sponsored by the Barrett Friendly Library called “Art In Our Backyard“, an annual show and sale of local and regional artists. There were 26 artists exhibiting works in watercolor, acrylic, fine jewelry, folk dolls, pottery, photography, and mixed media. The Barrett Elementary Center was filled with brillant color,strong images and dramatic styles. I had the opportunity to speak with some of the artists and I found all eager to share a view or an experience as well as the “state of their muse”.

     A first time artist to the show, Margaret Benson, showcased lovely yet practical pottery pieces such as fruit bowls which are pierced to allow air circulation to keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer. As William Morris said, “art should be practical as well as beautiful”. Good job Margaret!

     Nany Wallace Bergo, a abstract watercolor and collage artist created evocative images using paper, paint and found objects. For her art was a procees that involved a kind of magic. Most of the artists were inspired by nature but their use of color, line, and texture were unique.

     I’d recommend to guests staying at Woodfield the first week of August to take the “art walk” in Mountainhome. You’ll see the magic.