september 2020 since 1998 - connections magazine · 2020. 9. 3. · adapted from works by leo...

SEPTEMBER 2020 Since 1998

www.connections-magazine.com | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 1

2 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | www.connections-magazine.com

| CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 3

SEPTEMBER 2020

FEATURESSAFE ENTERTAINING TIPS IN ACOVID-19 WORLDDepending on where you live, restrictions onsocial gatherings may become less strict in thecoming weeks and months. However, manyexperts caution that care should still be exer-cised when groups of people gather.

SCHOOL-NIGHT MEALS THATDELIVER TASTE AT A LOW COSTRegardless of what back to school looks like thisyear, preparing family meals throughout theweek does not have to be a challenge. Shoppingat a store like ALDI can stretch your budget andhelp you make five different meals overfive daysfor about $5 a meal pretax for a family of four.

BIG EDDY FILM FESTIVALThis year, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance willexpand the Big Eddy Film Festival (BEFF) beyondthe movie theater for one-of-a-kind experiences,both outdoors and online.

5 WORDS FROM THE TEAM

12 DISASTER BLASTER

1144 LIVING GREEN

16 MRS. DOGOOD

18 MONEY

20 POCONO SECRETS

22 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS

24 BOOK REVIEW

COLUMNS

6

CONNECT

8

10


president • publisher • editor in chiefdeborah bailey

production managermeica drake

account representativesbarry weiss

editorial correction services kay marks

contributing writers

arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine

michael krupa, Finance

josh sheard, Finance

terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review

la guzda, Pocono Secrets

bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings

pike/wayne conservation partnership, Living Green

disaster blaster, Home Tips

mrs. dogood, Letters

CONNECTIONS

3305 Lake Ariel HighwayHonesdale, PA 18431570.647.0085 • Fax [email protected] • [email protected]

Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors,mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is theproperty of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. Theadvertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in ConnectionsMagazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in anyother place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights toexercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements. © COPYRIGHT 2017 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

Magazine

CONNECTIONSMagazine

In 1997, Rev. Edwin E. Bailey, father of the editor, gave this poem to his daugh-ter 8 days before he had a stroke and 3 weeks before he died. The poem wasadapted from works by Leo Buscaglia. Edwin hand wrote this on a scrap ofpaper and gave it to his daughter, Deborah, saying the words, “Someday you’llunderstand these words and use them. God bless sweetheart.” **These wordswere used in making the decision to purchase Connections Magazine in 2002.

WHAT A DILEMMATo laugh is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk rejection.To place your visions before the

crowd is to risk ridicule.To love is to risk not being loved in return.

**To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow,

love or know GOD.Chained by our own self-assurances, we

are a slave. We have forfeited our freedom.Only the person who dares to take risks and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.

CONNECTIONS COPYRIGHTED 2007

WORDS FROM THE TEAM


”“

– Mahatma Gandhi

M any changes come with September....daysget shorter, weather gets cooler, leavesstart to turn color, and kids head back toschool. Along with all of those changes, we alsochallenge you to be the change you wish to see!Show your kids how to make the best of a crazy sit-uation by going into it with a positive outlook. Nomatter how you really feel about the option youchose for the start of school this year, having a posi-tive outlook will make all the difference for you andyour student.

This month we are really excited to see one staplein our area will still happen, the Big Eddy Film Fes-tival. While some elements will look a little differ-ent, they have come up with a way people can stillenjoy this wonderful festival.

We also have some home remodeling tips, school-night meal ideas, safe entertaining tips, and lotsmore Good Stuff.

Enjoy!

The CM Team570.647.0085 | [email protected]

Be the CHANGE that you wish to see

in the world.

6 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | www.connections-magazine.com6 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | www.connections-magazine.com

After an extended period without socialcontact, it’s only natural to crave someinteraction, and there’s evidence that doingso can be advantageous for your mentalhealth. However, taking precautions to pro-tect your physical health, along with yourguests’, can make for a more enjoyableevent.

Keep it containedLimit your gatherings to a few close

friends or family members so if someonedoes get sick, contact tracing is a simpletask. Keep in mind the number of same-household families you invite is moreimportant than the number of people inthat family. For example, one family of sixthat has already been living in close quar-ters poses a lower risk than three couples

Depending on whereyou live, restrictions on

social gatherings maybecome less strict in

the coming weeks andmonths. However,

many experts cautionthat care should still beexercised when groups

of people gather.



SAFE ENTERTAINING


living in separate houses. Also be mindfulof your guests’ approach to prevention; ifthey’ve been less cautious than your familyor vice versa, there’s room for conflict andanxiety.

Celebrate outdoorsIndoor event spaces naturally have less

circulation, meaning potential airborne par-ticles hang around longer. Planning yourgathering outdoors helps ensure more free-moving fresh air and more space for gueststo spread out and practice social distanc-ing.

Encourage guests to bringtheir own

It may go against all your good hostinginclinations but hosting a bring-your-ownparty eliminates shared food and the risk ofcross-contamination. You can provide dis-posable table service (plates, silverwareand napkins) and single-serve beverages,but skip the cooler everyone reaches into.

Provide ample, well-spacedseating

Encourage guests to keep some distancefrom one another by creating comfy seatingarrangements. You can take it a step fartherby asking guests to bring their own chairsand directing each family to set up itsspace a reasonable distance from the next.

Make cleanliness a priorityCreate stations with hand sanitizer or

wipes. You can also create a makeshift sinkto minimize trips to the restroom indoors.Provide a spray bottle or bucket, soap andpaper towels near the hose for quick clean-ups.

Find more advice for navigating pan-demic life at eLivingtoday.com.

eLivingtoday.comPhoto courtesy of Getty Images


Regardless of what back toschool looks like this year,

preparing family mealsthroughout the week does not have to be a challenge.

Shopping at a store like ALDIcan stretch your budget andhelp you make five different

meals overfive days for about $5 a meal pretax

for a family of four.

Using a mix of kitchen staples youalready may have, along with fresh ingredi-ents, you can make delicious, affordablerecipes for the whole family. Simply selecta protein or main ingredient and exploreversatile ways to build other meals aroundit during the week.

Grilled chicken breasts are ideal for on-

the-go lunches or weekday dinners. Busyparents can get dinner on the table in lessthan 30 minutes with an easy Chicken Cac-ciatore in the pressure cooker or simpleprep-ahead Chicken Enchiladas. These con-venient dishes make it a snap to add vari-ety by substituting chicken with shrimp,beans or vegetables.

Serving organic produce, fresh andfrozen meats, seafood and on-the-go snackscan be easy when you shop at a store likeALDI for the back-to-school season. Plus,you can find foods to fit any dietary stylewithout breaking the bank.

Find more family meal solutions ataldi.us.

Pressure Cooker Chicken CacciatoreRecipe courtesy of “Pinch of Yum” onbehalf of ALDIPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesServings: 6


BACK-TO-SCHOOL


INGREDIENTS:1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or chickenthighsflour 1 pinch salt, plus 2 teaspoons, divided2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 onion, diced16 ounces mushrooms, sliced3 cloves garlic, minced1/2 cup chicken broth1 bell pepper, diced1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes4 tablespoons butterlemonpreferred pasta

Optional:capersparsley, plus additional for toppingParmesan cheese

Dredge chicken in flour and pinch ofsalt. Turn on sauté function on pressurecooker. Add oil; sauté chicken 2-3 minuteson each side. Remove and set aside (chick-en will finish cooking later).

Add onion, mushrooms and garlic.Sauté until softened. Add broth and letsizzle out.

Add chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes andremaining salt to pressure cooker. Cook onhigh pressure 15 minutes. Release pres-sure.

Shred chicken. Stir in butter, capers,parsley and lemon. Serve with preferredpasta and top with additional parsley andParmesan cheese, if desired.

Easy Chicken Enchiladaswith Black BeansRecipe courtesy of “Wellness for the Win”on behalf of ALDIPrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 25 minutesServings: 10

INGREDIENTS:Nonstick cooking spray1 medium onion, chopped

Chicken:1 pound chicken breasts1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder1/4 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon cuminsalt, to tastepepper, to taste

Enchiladas:15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed10 ounces diced tomatoes and greenchilies, drained2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided16 ounces restaurant-style salsa, divided10 whole-wheat tortillas

Optional Toppings:diced avocado plain Greek yogurtcilantro

Preheat oven to 400 F. Spray 9-by-13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray andset aside.

In medium skillet over medium-highheat, cook onion until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and setaside.

To make chicken: Season chicken breastswith garlic powder, onion powder, chilipowder, cumin and salt and pepper, totaste. Add chicken to same skillet overmedium-high heat. Cook 5-7 minutes oneach side, or until cooked through. Usefork and knife to shred chicken.

To make enchiladas: In large bowl withcooked onion, add shredded chicken,black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiliesand 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese. Usespoon to mix well.

Pour 1 cup salsa on bottom of greasedpan and use spatula to spread evenly.Scoop about 1/2 cup chicken and veggiemixture into each tortilla. Roll tightly andplace seam side down in pan.

Top enchiladas with 3/4 cup salsa andremaining shredded cheese; use spatula tospread evenly.

Cover pan tightly with foil and bake 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven; serve hot.Add avocado, yogurt and cilantro, ifdesired.

(Family Features)


FILM FESTIVAL

2020 LINEUPIn Person September 24 – 26

Online September 24 – October 4in Sullivan County, NY

This year, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliancewill expand the Big Eddy Film Festival (BEFF)beyond the movie theater for one-of-a-kindexperiences, both outdoors and online. Centralthemes of the films being presented includeuntold female stories and the intersection ofpolitics and music. Screenings will take placeat Bethel Woods Center for the Arts TerraceStage, the Big Eddy Film Festival’s onlinestreaming platform, and at a pop-up drive-inoutside Narrowsburg.

WORLD PREMIERES ATBETHEL WOODS

The BEFF opens on Friday, September 25with the world premiere theatrical screeningof JIMMY CARTER ROCK & ROLL PRESI-DENT at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.The film chronicles the relationship thatmusic played in Carter’s early life, his cam-paign for the White House, and his term as the39th President of the United States (1977 -1981). Particularly relevant in this electionyear, director Mary Wharton traces howCarter’s genuine approachability became keyto his political appeal, and allowed him toconnect with voters. His embrace of music,particularly that of Bob Dylan, the AllmanBrothers, and Willie Nelson, helped thepeanut farmer from small-town Georgia reachout across racial and generational divides. Thefilm, which was slated to open the TribecaFilm Festival in April (which was cancelleddue to the coronavirus pandemic), has beenpicked up for distribution by CNN Films.

The festival continues at Bethel Woods onSaturday, September 26 with the world pre-miere theatrical screening of the new dramaGOSSAMER FOLDS, a coming of age story setin 1980s Missouri. Ten-year-old Tate (JacksonRobert Scott, ‘It’) defies his transphobic fatherand develops a strong bond with his transgen-der neighbor Gossamer (Alexandra Grey,"Empire," "Transparent") and her father, aretired English professor who is still process-ing his child's identity. The film's creativeteam includes queer director, Lisa Donato;transgender cinematographer, Ava BenjaminShorr; cisgender producer, Yeardley Smith (the

voice of Lisa Simpson, and an LGBTQ+ ally);and transgender actor, Alexandra Grey. TheAdvocate says "It’s a nuanced exploration ofchildhood, identity, friendship, and familydynamics, especially the formation of foundfamilies. Its characters are multilayered,imperfect, and evolving."

POP-UP DRIVE-IN EVENTGrease is the word on Thursday, September

24!! An exclusive event for BEFF SuperstarPassholders, the Big Eddy will host a film inthe field screening of the musical phenome-non GREASE (1978) starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. It's California 1959;greaser Danny Zuko and wholesome exchangestudent Sandy Olsson are in love. But whenthe summer ends and school begins, things getcomplicated. Pop the tailgate and cozy upunder a blanket, or bring lawn chairs to sitaround a personal campfire in the field. Bringyour own brown bag dinner, or enjoy snacksand beverages from our concession stand.Individual tickets are not available to thisevent.

VIRTUAL FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 4

"For our extended 10-day virtual festival,we've curated a lineup of new documentariesrelevant to today's world that will be availableon our new streaming platform starting Sep-tember 24,” says festival director Tina Span-gler. Cozy up at home for there fascinatingnonfiction stories exploring a spectrum ofwomen's experiences, and then join us onlinefor hosted conversations with the makers.Meet a police chief actively reforming herdepartment, an artist creating tools to demysti-fy the female libido, and the first Mrs. JohnnyCash, whose long overdue story is told by herdaughters.

TICKETS AND PASSESTickets are available to individual films, for

both physical screenings and online films. BigEddy Film Festival Superstar Passes includeadmission to 3 nights of outdoor screenings,plus a panel discussion at Bethel Woods, anda 2020 BEFF sweatshirt. (Note: online screen-ings are not included in the pass).

For more details, visit BigEddyFilmFest.comor call DVAA 845-252-7576.

Last Minute Home Remodeling

IdeasEven though Summer is coming to an end,

that doesn’t mean that there isn’t still time tocomplete a home project or two. Don’t letthose home remodeling projects sit on yourto-do list for another year when you can get

them out of the way now!{ }

Provided by Disaster Blaster


In fact, here are somehome remodeling projects that you

can complete over asingle weekend.

Paint a roomHas your current wall color become

boring? Painting a room is a greatproject that can change the look of anentire space and give you a big bangfor your buck. Choosing a lightercolor can even brighten a space ANDmake it seem larger.

Powerwash the exteriorOver time, the exterior of your house

picks up dirt and grime, particularly ifyour home is on a wooded lot. Power-washing the exterior of your home canmake a huge difference and breathenew life into your exterior.

Clean the guttersClogged gutters can cause serious

problems, from water intrusion whenit rains to ice dams in the winter.While an oft-overlooked home project,cleaning out your gutters now can pre-vent a lot of these problems in thefuture. For high or difficult to accessgutters, you may need to contact a pro-fessional.

Replace vinyl flooringLaying down vinyl flooring is a rela-

tively simple project that can update abathroom or kitchen. Whether you’reusing peel-and-stick tiles or sheetvinyl, you can lay the new flooringright over the existing vinyl floor.

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME


This dramatically reduces the stepsnecessary to prep the floor surface andallows you to finish the project quick-er.

Edge sidewalks and walkways

Proper edging reduces maintenanceby preventing grass and weeds fromencroaching on paths and walkways.This ensures that walkways look neatand tidy throughout the year.

Replace weatherstrippingon doors and windows

Air gaps around windows and doorslet the air conditioning out in thesummer and the heat out in the win-ter. While this may seem like a minorissue, the additional heating and airconditioning costs caused by theseefficiency losses can be significant. Infact, proper weatherstripping oftenpays for itself pretty quickly!

These are just a few of the projectsthat you can still complete this year.There is still PLENTY of time to checka few home remodeling projects offyour to-do list. What are you going totackle?

About Disaster BlasterDisaster Blaster is an indoor envi-ronmental firm serving the North-eastern PA Area. We have beenproviding our local area with

unparalleled water damage mitigation, basementwaterproofing, mold remediation, asbestos abatement,radon mitigation, and fire / smoke restoration servicesfor decades, and are proud to have been named TheWorld’s Greatest Indoor Environmental Firm. For moreabout Disaster Blaster, as well as more helpful tips,please visit our website at: www.disasterblaster.com or

call our office at (570) 963-1123.

By Olga Trushina

The top 20 sustainability policies ofrural communities include communityrecycling, trails, energy audits, support forlocal markets, and much more. Does thissound familiar? It should, because this isall happening right here. You can experi-ence the sustainability yourself, travelingthrough NEPA.

Let us first visit the Lacawac Sanctuary.Located on the shore of Lake Wallenpau-pack and made up of 510 acres of forest,wetlands, and a pristine glacial lake, youwill have miles of beautiful hiking trails todevour. After the hike, drop in at the Visi-tor Center where you can learn about thesolar array that provides nearly 90% of theelectricity used in the building.

Hungry? Among small-town sustainabili-ty efforts, Here & Now Brewing Companystands out. Housed in a 160-year-old build-ing, it was renovated into a bustling barand restaurant, preserving many of itsarchitectural qualities and upgrading to themost energy efficient equipment available.Compared to the last tenant, Here & Now

When we think of sustainablecommunities in America

we think of urban areas that owe their achievement to

development pressures,abundant talent, and available

investment. Rural towns, onthe other hand, don’t have

these same means. But thisreality doesn’t always

discourage rural residentsfrom improvements. Now,thanks to less bureaucracyand more agility, it can be

easier to achieve sustainabilitygoals in small-town America.

Northeastern Pennsylvania(NEPA) is a perfect

example of this.


A

SustainableTour of NEPA

pays 60% less in energy costs and is atreasured place for tourists and residentsalike. When visiting, ask to see their hugekombucha scoby that has been growing ina giant jar for years.

The Himalayan Institute, a pioneer ofintegrative health services, offers a forgot-ten apple orchard that continues to endowdelicious fruit in the fall. In terms of sus-tainability, the Institute partners with localbusinesses and organizations to achieve itszero-waste goals. To top this, the largestcommercial solar thermal system in WayneCounty is installed here and provides 70%of the Institute’s hot water needs.

And while you’re nearby, try out theHawley Farmer’s Market for seasonal pro-duce from local, eco-minded farms andbusinesses. Describing the amazing ven-dors in NEPA deserves a post of its own, sopop in at the market and meet them all inperson! The market runs Fridays 2-5pmthrough October 2020, in the Hawley Park.

As you discover sustainable NEPA, itwill be difficult to leave and many do endup staying for good. So beware and enjoyyour travels!

Olga Trushina is the Executive Directorof SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylva-nia, whose mission is developing localrenewable energy infrastructure andpromoting energy efficiency and sus-tainable living in our region. For moreinformation or to sign up for the e-

newsletter, visit: www.SeedsGroup.net. And follow@SEEDSofNEPA on Facebook, Instagram and Youtubefor updates!


Sustainable Communities

“That’s my grandmother. She worked for avery wealthy family in South Hampton. Ithink of her often. The family loved her butsometimes the town’s people were cruel.

Grandma told me that on one of her daysoff she went into the little village to buy foodfor her dinner. The butcher shop was used byall the large houses to purchase their meat.She saw two thick pork chops which shethought would be lovely for dinner. Thebutcher asked her if they were for her or forthe family that owned the large house. Whenshe told him that they were for her he said hewould keep them for one of the wealthy fami-lies who were his good customers. This hap-pened to her when she was in her forties butyet she told me about it when she was in hersixties. It hurt her for decades.”

The butcher’s story weighs on me. I thoughtof Emily’s grandmother and how she remem-bered a hurtful and insensitive moment formuch of her adult life. Now Emily also feelsher grandmother’s pain. And me. I don’tdoubt the butcher’s right to choose his cus-tomers but his act was unkind and cast long-dark shadows over several generations.

Goodness, on the other hand, is a powerfullight that erases those dark shadows causedby unkindness. Its brilliance sustains life andis itself a nutrient for the performance ofmore good deeds. Kindness has a long shelflife.

I began to wonder if the butcher was alsohurt by doing what he did. I have learned thata person’s insensitivity becomes dense gravityin them which doesn’t allow altruism, kind-ness or love to escape. The butcher bears thatburden which affects him and the peoplearound him.

Amen.

Dear Editor,When Mrs. Emily Stonebridge recently

invited me to her house for tea I was delight-ed. I see her regularly at Sunday Church serv-ices but the last time we had a personal visitwas around the time she went to England.

It was several years ago after her 48 yearmarriage ended with the death of her husbandthat she took her first trip away from Halo,PA. She had never been more than 25 milesaway from our bucolic farming village whenshe decided to go to London.

Emily had a moral dilemma before her trip.She had been raised in another religion whichtaught her that her body was for the sole pur-pose of having children. One could not touchone’s own body nor could one engage in bodypleasure. She never did have children becauseher husband had low sperm motility.

Her dilemma was that on her trip she want-ed to use a female urinary director called EZPee which allowed her to pee standing up.She was afraid of getting germs sitting on for-eign toilets. But it meant that by using it shehad to touch her body and that was herdilemma. She whispered in a tiny voice “AmI sinning using my FUD?” She called herfemale urinary director her FUD. I told herthat it was not a sin and I emphatically urgedher to use it. My ministry is dedicated toinspiring my congregation to overcome thefear of living and the fear of dying. I wantedher to overcome her fear of living.

Yesterday Emily welcomed me into hercozy living room. There were pink roses onchintz everywhere. The bright fabric was onher pillowed sofa and her overstuffed chairs.Her home was immaculate. Cleanliness washer mantra.

I loved her beautifully carved mantel whichshe told me was carved by Evan Jones aparishioner. I went to it and looked at all thebeautiful framed photographs that were dis-played on top of it. I picked up an elaboratesilver frame and noticed silver polish in itsfloral crevices. Emily had been cleaning. Theold-brownish picture in it was of a womanwearing a maid’s uniform standing in front ofa large mansion.


MRS. DOGOOD

THE PORK CHOPS

The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGoodSenior PastorExecutive DirectorPresidentChairmanChoir Master (part-time)The First Church of God’s Love

By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood

RReeccoovveerryyO n June 8, 2020, the National Bureau ofEconomic Research (NBER), whichhas official responsibility for deter-mining U.S. business cycles, announced thatFebruary 2020 marked the end of an expansionthat began in 2009 and the beginning of arecession.1 This was no great surprise consid-ering widespread business closures due to thecoronavirus pandemic and the resulting spikein unemployment, but it was an unusuallyquick official announcement.

The NBER defines a recession as "a declinein economic activity that lasts more than a fewmonths," so it typically takes from six monthsto a year to determine when a recession start-ed. In this case, the NBER's Business CycleDating Committee concluded that "theunprecedented magnitude of the decline inemployment and production, and its broadreach across the entire economy," warrants thedesignation of a recession, "even if it turns outto be briefer than earlier contractions."2

Another common definition of a recession istwo or more quarters of negative growth ingross domestic product (GDP), and it's clearthat the current situation will meet that test.The U.S. economy shrank at an annual rate of5% in the first quarter of 2020 — a significantbut deceptively small decline, because theeconomy was strong during the first part of thequarter.3

The first official estimate for the secondquarter will not be available until July 30, butthe Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta keeps arunning estimate that is updated based onincoming economic data. As of July 9, theAtlanta Fed estimated that GDP would drop ata 35.5% annual rate in the second quarter.4 Bycomparison, the largest quarterly drop since

World War II was 10% in the first quarter of1958, followed by 8.4% in the fourth quarter of2008.5

Most economists believe that GDP will turnupward in the third quarter as businesses con-tinue to open.6 But with the extreme decline inbusiness activity during the first half of 2020,it will take sustained growth to return theeconomy to its pre-recession level. In its Juneeconomic projections, the Federal ReserveOpen Market Committee projected a 6.5%annual drop in GDP for 2020, followed by5.0% growth in 2021 and 3.5% growth in2022.7 The simple math of these projectionssuggests the economy may not return to its2019 level until 2022.

By the lettersEconomists traditionally view economic

recessions and recoveries as having a shape,named after the letter it resembles.

V-shaped — a rapid fall followed by a quickrebound to previous levels. The 1990-91 reces-sion, which lasted only eight months and wasfollowed by strong economic growth, was V-shaped. This type of recovery would requirecontrol of COVID-19 through testing and treat-ment, a quick ramp-up of business activity,and a return to pre-recession spending habitsby consumers.8-9

U-shaped — an extended recession beforethe economy returns to previous levels. TheGreat Recession, which lasted 18 months fol-lowed by a slow recovery, was U-shaped. IfCOVID-19 takes longer to control and the econ-omy does not bounce back as expected in thethird quarter, the current recession could beprolonged.10-11


Money

TThhee SShhaappee ooff EEccoonnoommiicc

W-shaped — a "double-dip" recession inwhich a quick recovery begins but drops backsharply before beginning again. The U.S. econ-omy experienced a W-shaped recession in1980-82, when a second oil crisis and highinflation triggered a brief recession, followedby a quick recovery and another recessionsparked by overly aggressive anti-inflationpolicies by the Federal Reserve. This type ofrecession could occur if a second wave ofCOVID-19 forces businesses to shut downagain later in the year, just as the economy isrecovering.12-13

L-shaped — a steep drop followed by a longperiod of high unemployment and low eco-nomic output. The Great Depression, whichlasted 43 months with four straight years ofnegative GDP growth, was L-shaped. This isunlikely in the current environment, consider-ing the strength of the U.S. economy beforeCOVID-19 and the unprecedented economicsupport from the Federal Reserve.14-15

A swooshIn the July Economic Forecasting Survey by

The Wall Street Journal, which polls morethan 60 U.S. economists each month, 13.0% ofrespondents thought the recovery would be V-shaped, 11.1% expected it to be W-shaped,5.5% indicated it would be U-shaped, andnone thought it would be L-shaped.16

The vast majority — 70.4% — believed therecovery would take a "Nike swoosh" shape,which suggests a sharp drop followed by along, slow recovery.17 This view factors in thepossibility that businesses may be slow torehire, and consumers could be slow toresume pre-recession spending patterns. It alsoconsiders that some businesses may be impact-ed longer than others. Airlines do not expectto return to pre-COVID passenger activity until2022, and movie theaters, beauty salons, sport-ing events, and other high-contact businesses

may struggle until a vaccine is developed.18Adding to the prognosis for a slow recovery

is the fact that the rest of the world is alsofighting the pandemic, including many coun-tries where growth was already more sluggishthan in the United States. And if the virusresurges in the fall or early 2021, the recoverymay turn jagged with significant setbacksalong the way.19

While the general consensus suggests thatthe duration of the actual recession may bebrief, it is much too early to know the trueshape of the recovery. However, the economywill recover, as it has in even more challeng-ing situations. All of these projections indicatethat a key factor in determining the shape ofrecovery will be control of COVID-19. Beyondthat, the underlying question is whether thevirus has fundamentally changed the U.S. andglobal economies.

This information, developed by an independent thirdparty, has been obtained from sources considered tobe reliable, but Raymond James Financial Services,Inc. does not guarantee that the foregoing material isaccurate or complete. This information is not a com-plete summary or statement of all available data nec-

essary for making an investment decision and does not constitutea recommendation. The information contained in this reportdoes not purport to be a complete description of the securities,markets, or developments referred to in this material. This infor-mation is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sellany security referred to herein. Investments mentioned may notbe suitable for all investors. The material is general in nature.Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Ray-mond James Financial Services, Inc. does not provide advice ontax, legal or mortgage issues. These matters should be discussedwith the appropriate professional. Content prepared by Broad-

ridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.

1-2, 8, 10, 12, 14) National Bureau of EconomicResearch, June 20203, 5, 15) U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, June 20204) Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, July 9, 20206, 16-17) The Wall Street Journal Economic ForecastingSurvey, July 20207) Federal Reserve, June 10, 20209, 11, 13) Forbes Advisor, June 8, 202018-19) The Wall Street Journal, May 11, 2020


By the summer of1864, whileuniontroops wereadvancingdeeply intoGeorgia,northernprisons wereoverflowingwith confederateprisoners. The Erierailroad was enlisted to helpmove prisoners from Point Lookout Mary-land to Elmira, New York. On July 15 1864,locomotive engine 171 pulling 17 passengerand freight cars carrying 833 confederate sol-diers and 128 union guards moved along at20 miles per hour. Engine 11 was classifiedas “an extra” indicating it ran behind ascheduled train; a common way to moveadditional cars with minimum paperwork.The scheduled train, West 23, displayedwarning flags to indicate another train wasfollowing. However, engine 171 was delayedleaving Jersey City while locating several

missing prisoners andagain while waiting

for a draw-bridge, it

arrived atPort Jervis 4hoursbehind

West 23.Mean-

while a coal trainheading toward Lack-

awaxen for the spur connec-tion to Honesdale requested permission toproceed. The station telegraph operator, Dou-glas “Duff” Kent seeing that West 23 hadpassed, cleared the coal freight to continueand their fate was sealed. Around 2:45 thetrains collided at King and Fillers Cut. Manyof the wounded were taken to the ShoholaGlen Hotel (now Rohmans Bar & Grill) formedical attention. There were so many man-gled bodies that the confederate dead wereburied alongside the wreck in a communalgrave. The union soldiers were given indi-vidual coffins. The final tally was 787 con-


Train Wreck

By LA GuzdaTTrraaiinn WWrreecckkof the Civil War

The Great Shohola

federate soldiers delivered to Elmira. OnJune 11, 1911 the confederate dead were dis-interred and brought to Elmira’s WoodlawnCemetery in another common grave. Theirnames inscribed on two bronze plaquesaffixed to a single stone monument. Namesof union dead face north while the confeder-ates face south.

A complete satisfactory account of thosekilled is inconclusive. Estimates range from60-72 not including the two Johnson’s fromNorth Carolina who died from injuries andare buried in the churchyard at Barryville.There are 5 unaccounted prisoners who aresaid to have escaped. Legend has it thatthere were many local residents opposed orjust tired of the war and that they helped tokeep the prisoners hid from authorities.They are reported to have integrated them-selves to the community easily since the warended shortly thereafter.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecretsVisit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.comfor past articles.



Outdoor Ramblings

L ots of things are in high demand this year because of the pandemic.At one point or another there has been a run on toilet paper, handsanitizer, gardening and canning supplies, and yes…kayaks!Whether box store boats or specialty shop pirogue, personally poweredwatercraft are the hot topic.

No doubt that the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers are excellent attrac-tions but paddling them takes some logistical preparation. If you just wantto hit the water without a lot of planning, Pike County’s lakes offer a superbalternative. In addition to the mighty Wallenpaupack, ten other bodies ofwater afford amicable launching via either DCNR or PA Fish and Boatlaunches while a handful of others require a little effort to reach.

All of the following have vehicle accessible launches and restrict boats toelectric motors only making them ideal for paddlers:• White Deer Lake: 48 acres• Greeley Lake: 60 acres• Shohola Lake: 1137 acres• Lower Lake: 173 acres• Promised Land Lake: 422 acres• Lily Pond: 12 acres• Lake Minisink: 35 acres• Little Mud Pond: 21 acres

Fairview Lake is 192 acres and has a good launch but does allow for big-ger motorboats, still though it is a good place to paddle. After a long recon-struction project, the water at Pecks Pond is back too. While all 315 acresmight not be accessible, its launch is open.

Adventure seekers can also try their hand at these remote lakes, some easierto reach than others. Paddling only and launch areas are not provided:• Bruce Lake: 56 acres, 2.5 mile portage over open woods road. Suggest acart.• Egypt Meadow Lake: 48 acres, 0.5 mile portage. Can use to access BruceLake or Balsam Swamp.• Painter Swamp: 5 acres, 0.5 miles portage.• Stairway Lake: 13 acres: 2.6 mile uphill portage over difficult trail. Con-sider an inflatable raft.

Information on all the above can be found on the PA Fish and Boat,Delaware State Forest, and Pike Outdoors websites. With good paddingweather usually through mid-October, Pike County has a lot to offer every-one from novices to experts. Enjoy the last days of summer and the earlyautumn as well on the water!

Pike Paddling

Outdoor Ramblings

By Bill Deaton | [email protected]

Prime


Book Review

Ever since the youngest brother was born,the oldest brother shared a bedroom withhim in the house in east St. Paul. Therewere four bedrooms, four children and twoparents, so there had to be sharing – untilthe parents asked the oldest brother if he'dlike to have his sister's room. He'd have herbed. He would have her dresser and hercloset.

But he would never have her back. Wouldhe miss his sister forever?

Is "The SharedRoom" a book forchildren?

You may wonderthat after you'veread it throughonce – and youshould, to gauge itsappropriateness foryour child beforeyou present it. It's alovely story, but it'salso deeply, unbear-ably sad.

While the artworkby Xee Reiter maysoften things a bit,author Kao KaliaYang's tale startswith silence andends like a grey tat-tered shawl drapedover every page.This profoundmourning leaves aheaviness over thestory that stays wellbeyond the finalpage, and you'll feelit in your chest.

And yet, if youcan withstand the pall, there's a sliver ofhope inside this book and a reminder thatlife goes on. It also serves to tell a child thatit's best to come to terms with death but thatnever forgetting is okay, too.

Again, read this book through once beforeyou give it to your 8-to-12-year-old. "TheShared Room" may prove to be too much,too early, too overwhelming – or it maychange your child's grieving.

SOMETIMES, THINGSCHANGE IN A MINUTE.

You look, and it's one way. You lookagain, it's different, and you didn't even seethe change happening. You might not like itbut that never matters. As in the new pic-ture book "The Shared Room" by Kao KaliaYang, illustrations by Xee Reiter, that'swhen it's best just to take a deep breath, rollyour shoulders, and move on.

If it were any other winter day in Min-nesota, it might'vebeen nice. It waswarm enough for thesnow to melt andyou could almost seethat spring was com-ing. But inside thehouse in east St.Paul, there wereshadows across adark fireplace andquiet floors. Therewas light in thehouse, but no sun-shine.

Pictures hung onthe wall but it washard to look at thembecause theyreminded the familyinside the house thatone of them wasmissing. It had beenseven months sincethe girl with theshiny brown hairand big toothy smile,the happy little girlin a framed picture,had walked into alake, misstepped, and accidentallydrowned.

Nobody had seen it happen and nobodyin the family could forget. The mother andthe father couldn't even bear to take thesheets off the girl's bed and for sevenmonths, they visited her room and criedonce, twice, three times a day. The housewas quiet, except when someone wouldplay a video of the girl on their phone, andeveryone watched.

But then, something shifted.

“The Shared Room”

By Kao Kalia YangIllustrations by Xee Reiter

Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer

september 2020 since 1998 - connections magazine · 2020. 9. 3. · adapted from works by leo...

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