As promised the management and staff of Woodfield Manor hosted our first annual halloween party on Oct. 31st.  All Woodfield employees and most of our guests dressed in their finest holiday costumes.  All types of imaginative outfits were to be found, from the beautiful to the truely goolish.   The chefs served up some really tasteful buffet items for all to enjoy.   The Manor’s exterior and interior were decorated to suit the occasion, outside  smoke  and strobe lights greeted the arriving party goers, and inside spider webs and other spookish effects were in abundance, to make the creatures of the night feel at home.   Present too was  a tarot card reader  to advise all, who were brave enough to ask, what their future might hold.   If the positive comments by all involved is any indication,  Halloween night at Woodfield Manor will be an annual tradition to cherish.

                                           Joanne Wolfe

     The early part of October has been a beautiful, radiant time of year in the Poconos. The trees surrounding Woodfield have gone from summer greens to brillant yellows, rich reds, and punpkin orange. Deep blue skies and crisp mild temps made it perfect. Our guests were busy riding the highways and byways capturing every colorful moment. To think, in a week or two, and a few rainy days all the color will be gone. But don’t feel sad for us or our guests because we’ll be soon hosting two “new events” at Woodfield Manor in October and November. The end of October, Friday the 31st., will find us celebrating the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, better known as Halloween in our own version of “The Haunted Manor”. Come for a great complimentary buffet and a chance to win for the “best costume”.

     November 6th you’ll find us hosting our first Food and Wine Tasting event in The Manor and I can say for myself, a long awaited event! I’ve seen some of the menu and it looks fantastic. So join us for “some firsts ” for us at Woodfield and watch us grow! 

     Meeting our guests at Woodfield, I think, is the best part of this job. Each one brings something new and challenging to the experience of inn keeping as well as learning about who they are. But it’s even better when the guest is someone you know. My sister, Anne Marie recently spent 5 days here at Woodfield Manor and I had the honor of  playing host to a kind and wonderful person. My oldest sister, she always played an important role in my life and I was excited to make her stay as special as she is.

     There was shopping at The Crossings, a movie at the Casino Theater in Mt. Pocono, a lovely ride along Rt.191 through quiet villages, “a sweet stop” at the artisan bakery “Our Daily Bread” in Mountainhome, a relaxing afternoon at Sky Top, and stops at the family run Callie’s Pretzel and Candy Factories.

    Arriving at the Pretzel factory one afternoon, we had missed the pretzel making demo that morning. Mark, an employee as well as a family member noticed our disappointment and proceeded to give the two of us a demo and talk about “all things pretzel”. The special attention didn’t end there. At the Candy factory we were offered a video to watch on making candy canes while we sampled too much chocolate.

     I learned alot that day about giving that added touch to service. Hopefully I can take what I learned from Callie”s back to Woodfield to make our guests feel “extra sweet”.

  On the evening of Wednesday September 17th. the owners, management, and staff of WoodfieldManor played host to our on site guests at our first Customer Appreciation Night.   The event, held poolside, was meant to show our appreciation for the incredible positive response we have received from our guests not just that particular week, but for all the weeks since Woodfield Manor opened last Febuary.  Owner Tina Dowd presided over the festivities which featured an incredible buffet, planned and presented by Chef Joe Malloy featuring items from our Chophouse Restaurant menu, live music from our regular Monday Happy Hour entertainer Chuck Paul, and travel and merchandise gifts from Sundance Vacations.  Judy Romanelli, New Client Services Manager from Sundance Vacations, did a great job as the emcee for the evening.  One unexpected highlite for the affair occurred when Woodfield guests, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Maness, took the stage and performed a beautiful duet to the delite of all.  

   We at Woodfield Manor, do indeed, want to express our sincere appreciation to all our guests for making this first year so memorable.  It is our pleasure to have you share this very special place with us.

                           Joanne Wolfe, Mgr., Woodfield manor

     As the wheel of the year turns we find ourselves facing another beautiful season in the Poconos and a wonderful opportunity to experience nature at her most striking. But there is definitely a change in pace, mood, and the landscape during the autumn months we all crave. A little  romance and roaming is what we need.

     It feels like it’s time to slow down and really appreciate the natural wonders of this region that belong to all of us. There are scenic drives with sweeping mountain views, waterfalls and numerous lakes reflecting brillant foliage. Along the way there are antique and art galleries to take in, fairs and festivals to attend and locally grown produce and wine to enjoy. For me this time of year is the best that nature has to offer. The “Projected Color Peak” for Monroe Co. is Oct 17th.

     So start your itinerary planning now for the next “fleeting weeks” so you don’t miss one “fall fun” moment.

   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.

     One of my favorite ways to take a short break from the responsibilities of co-management of the newest resort in the Poconos is my weekly visit to the library. Not just any library, though. I have the pleasure of visiting the newly built Barrett Friendly Library in the lovely village of Mountainhome. I know when you think of vacations, one might not put visiting a library on their “Top Ten Things To Do” list. But if you’re like me and worry more about losing your library card than your driver’s licence you’ll understand.

     It’s only a 10 minute drive from Woodfield Manor and this is one beautiful building done in the truly American style of Craftsman. The designers incorporated handcrafted wood, glass, and metalwork that is both simple and elegant. The staff is helpful and friendly and the space is warm and welcoming. Just like Woodfield! So if you’re looking for a special respite from a busy day in the Poconos, stop in and visit The Barrett Friendly Library. I think you’ll find the name says it all.

 We at Woodfield Manor have welcomed visitors from all of the east coast, mid-west, and south-east since opening our doors in Febuary of this year.  So far the farthest traveled guests have been from Wisconsin.  Until this last weekend,  on  Saturday we were treated by the arrival of two cousins Carol, and Judy from Houston Texas.   As soon as they opened their mouths, you knew they weren’t from around here, that Texas drawl was unmistakable and very welcome to our ears.  These two young ladies were the hit of the night at Woodfield happy hour on Monday night in the Manor Bar.  When our entertainer, Chuck Paul, passed out his song list of some 414 songs, they were agast that “The Yellow Rose of Texas” wasn’t to be found.  And they let him know about it in no uncertain terms.  As the evening wore on the rest of our guests really warmed to these two southwestern charmers.  I don’t think they paid for a drink the rest of the night.  The remainder of the week they kept us on our toes with their quick wit and bubbly personalities,  making more friends as the days passed.

    Well our Yellow Roses have left us now, vacation over, to return to the flatlands of Texas.  We would like them to know that the mountains of Pennsylvania will welcome them back any time.  Girls, the Poconos are magnificent in the Autumn of the year.  Just a hint!

   Summer is offically here.  The Summer solstice was celebrated last Friday, June 20th.  One of the more dramatic aspects of the warmer weather is the occasional thunderstorm.  Most people are not to fond of the result when a cold front collides with in place warm air, however there are those of us who enjoy the “fireworks”.   On Sunday, storm lovers were treated to one of natures’  more violent displays.  The skies blackened,  the winds rose, heavy downpours of rain preceeded hail stones the size of peas, distant rumbles of thunder became loud crashes, and then it happened.   A bolt of lightning struck one of Woodfields’ stately Pine trees.  The top of the tree took the initial brunt of the electrical shock, but as the energy traveled toward the ground, strips of bark three feet in length flew from the trunk.  In a split second, the heat generated by the strike had heated the water in the tree to a vapor, and the expanding steam caused the skin of the tree to burst. 

     Now the tree lovers among us must  wait to see if this beautiful conifer will survive its’ encounter with  Summer’s fury.   Our landscaper, Chris Lipfert, informs us the next three weeks will tell the story.  Most he says will not live, the damage done internaly will eventually show as  needles turn brown and fall to the ground, signaling the trees’ demise.   Perhaps our magnificent pine  will prove to be the exception.  We can only watch and hope.

Woodfield Manor: Keith Wolfe