Hawley PA

Woodloch Children’s Book Published By Guest

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Fan Fiction! New Children’s Book About Woodloch Published

This goes out to all the young readers out there… Woodloch is very pleased to say we have had a guest write a children’s book all about us! Our friend Therése Palmiotto recently published her book “Creating Memories at Woodloch” in honor of great times she had here through the years… check it out!

THE STORY… BEHIND THE STORY // Therése Palmiotto

The ultimate and most anticipated family vacation for me when I was growing up was our annual Woodloch Father’s Day weekend trip. My mother is one of 11 children, and our annual visits meant that all aunts, uncles & cousins, along with our grandparents would get to spend our happiest time together creating memories at Woodloch. When we started going in the mid 90’s, there were about 50 of us all together. Our family has nearly doubled in size since then, but the bonds we created, the laughter we shared and the medals we won have absolutely influenced my childhood in such a positive way.

Creating Memories At Woodloch is a story that captures that nostalgia and highlights some of the most well-loved elements of a resort-stay. While it is written and verse and appropriate for the youngest of readers, I really wrote it for guests of all ages. Whether someone is visiting for the first time, or if they were a guest 30 years ago, I want to invoke their happy memories and reminisce about their own experiences. The bright colorful cover makes a great coffee table book and perfect souvenir as well!

I wanted to create a book that would celebrate these unique traditions, and am fortunate enough to have an artist in the family to help bring that vision to reality. My father-in-law (Samuel) illustrated the book, which is our second joint publication together. I love how he was able to capture that feeling of parking your car (along with your troubles) after checking-in and having the freedom of letting-go of the outside world for a few days. There is true comfort in being welcomed by the Woodloch staff and being able to eat, play, relax and explore without having to ever get in the car until you leave.

The magic of Woodloch is that the experience changes with you. As a child, there was nothing better than getting that special light-up drink with dinner, and as a teenager I can’t even describe the elation of finally being old enough to attend the ‘grown-up’ show! Now as a mother with my own two children, I cherish watching their excitement when cheering for their favorite horse. During our most recent visit this summer, my husband, children & I happened to be the only 4 on the bumper boats at the time. Although it was a busy summer weekend, we were able to laugh, spin and spray each other in our own private moment.

Much like at Woodloch, where every guest is welcomed as a special visitor, Creating Memories At Woodloch welcomes each reader, serving as a memento of those notable moments and personal sentiments.

Creating Memories at Woodloch is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

MEET THE TEAM: Sloaney

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MEET THE TEAM: Sloaney

Learn a little more about the wonderful folks working on our team! John “Sloaney” Sloane is our Bar Manager- he has worked at Woodloch for over 40 years in our bar and other various departments. Here is just part of his story!

Take us to the beginning- how did you start working at Woodloch?

I heard about Woodloch when I was about 14 years old. My parents had a summer home in Rowland, Pennsylvania and everyone worked at Woodloch that I became friends with. So, I went up there one day and said, “I’m looking for a job.” They rang the bell and JK (John Kiesendahl) came out. He was the dining room manager at the time. He asked me about 4 questions, including “are you able to work weekends” which I said yes, and “…are you available to work tonight?” I checked with my parents (who were in their running Chevy station wagon at the time) and told him I could work- he gave me a t-shirt and I was off to work, and never left. My parents headed to the Cuckoo’s Nest restaurant for the night and picked me up later on.

When I started, I worked in the kitchen and the pantry. In between breakfast and lunch, you’d go out and do some landscaping. They gave me the lawn mower and had me police the grounds for any litter.

I worked in the dining room for a bit, then I was a cocktail waiter and bar back. I liked the bar because it changed every day, you never knew what to get ready for. It was always different and it still is. You never knew where the crowd was going to go. It made the days exciting and they went FAST.

What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is getting everything all set and organized and prepped and ready to go for a big crowd. When everything goes right, hearing positive comments and interacting with guests makes the night go a lot smoother.

My family has had all of our functions here. I met my wife as a guest. She always dreamed of having a wedding at Woodloch, so we did. Plus, the baptisms of both our children and all kinds of birthday parties. We had get togethers celebrating my mom and dad when they passed. Woodloch has been a part of so many of life’s memories. Plus, meeting both guests and staff I still keep in touch with. It’s like it’s true when they say it’s kind of like having a big family.

Outside of work, what are your favorite activities and hobbies?

I really enjoy the outdoors. After working indoors all the time (with the exception of pouring cookout beers) I enjoy being outside. Around the house, I do all kinds of landscaping things. I build rock walls, I dig flower beds, and then my wife plants stuff in them. And basically, it becomes a deer salad bar.

I also love going out and trying new restaurants, going out to check out new bars and coming up with new ideas. I’m constantly thinking about different things that could possibly be adapted to Woodloch. I also work as a consultant for restaurants, passing along my knowledge with bar layout and the new trends we see. It keeps my mind active!

The annual “Sloaney’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade” has become a bit of a local legend. How did it start?

My dad and I used to go to the big St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan. At the time, he was a teamster, and they used to march in the parade, but most of the time, we just wound up in a social club in Brooklyn with my sisters dancing for coins, and me telling jokes.

When my dad retired, he moved up to the area and became a full-time resident with me. He didn’t feel up to heading to the big parade, so we put him in the back of my pickup truck, and we started at my old house down the road and stopped at Woodloch’s pool and had a drink. Then we stopped at The Inn and had another drink. Then we stopped at the Nightclub for one more before heading home. The first year, it was just me, my wife Donna, and our dog. We called all the people along the lake road and they came out and sat by the end of their driveway. Since then, it’s grown.

It’s a good mixture of guests, staff and the local community. Everybody gets into it. It’s uplifting, especially in March. We all have cabin fever after the winter. We pick a grand marshal every year- either someone from my family or a local celebrity of sorts. We’re up to the 24th year, and I know a lot of people look forward to it!

What’s the most memorable Theme Night you can remember?

I remember the Circus Theme Night (1984). Dining room servers were dressed as clowns, bar staff were dressed as circus “roustabouts,” and there was a big circus caravan with all kinds of characters in the parade.

We made one of our first kid’s drinks that night- a Shirley Temple with a special balloon tied to the straw. The first night, we didn’t anticipate the popularity and ran low on balloons early on. Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry jumped in to blow up more balloons for us to help keep up with demand. I apologized, but Harry was more than happy to help after seeing how well they sold! The Theme Show was memorable as well. There was even a trapeze set up right in the middle of our North Lodge. Lots of great fun with Randy Barnes and the rest of “The Company.”

Let’s grab a drink at the bar – what are the three best beverages you’d recommend?

The first one that comes to mind is our Bloody Mary, which we use our own homemade Bloody Mary mix. We’ve tried using other mixes through the years, but our original Woodloch recipe is just too hard to top.

Wes, one of our bartenders, invented a new drink a few years back. It’s a “Tiddlywink”, with Absolut Raspberry, Malibu rum, lemonade, and cranberry juice. And of course my personal favorite- an ice cold bottle of Miller Lite.

Be sure to say hi to Sloaney on your next Woodloch visit!

MEET THE TEAM: Tess

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MEET THE TEAM: Tess

Learn a little more about the wonderful folks working on our team! Tess is our Operations Manager- she has worked at our Front Desk and with our guests for over 30 years- here is her story!

How did you start working at Woodloch?

I grew up in this area but had never heard of Woodloch. After I started a family in the Philadelphia area, I spent time living and working in other places. I ended up coming back to this area in 1984 because I was raising two young children, and I wanted to be closer to the rest of my family.

I knew someone in the kitchen at that time and they told me the dining room was better than the front desk because the girls at the front desk were “stuck up.” I interviewed with the dining room manager and was told I’d be a good fit for the front desk HA! I started there in December of 1984 and really enjoyed it. As it turns out, the girls were not stuck up. Over the years, I worked in many different departments including the dining room and the bar as well as serving as the purchasing agent here.

What is a typical day like?

There is no typical day, and that’s what I like most about this job. Every day truly is different, and you never know what it’s going to be like. After 38 years, I still never get bored working here. In hospitality, I’m always meeting lots of new people… guests and staff alike!

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

I love spending time with my kids and grandkids! I also enjoy biking and doing yoga.

What is your favorite part of the job, and why?

My favorite part of the job is watching new staff members start here and see how they grow and develop working in a place where they’re really cared for. At Woodloch, employees are
loved, nurtured, and encouraged to grow. It is wonderful seeing them become happier, stronger, and wiser people. And while it’s bittersweet seeing a team member leave to go to a different department or new job opportunity, we love celebrating in their success and watching them advance on to what is best for them.

The most inspiring part of my job is meeting all of the guests. It’s amazing to hear their stories, whether they’re vacationing to celebrate something wonderful or they’re going through something challenging, and family is healing.

Guests comment time and time again about how amazing our staff is. They genuinely seem to enjoy working here and doing what they do. Our hospitality is authentic, and you don’t find that everywhere. Guests become friends; relationships are built over the years, and you look forward to seeing them.

What are some of the most memorable experiences you’ve had with guests over the years?

One night months after September 11th, I received a call from a guest who wasn’t happy at another local resort, and she wanted to stay at Woodloch with her family instead. I was able to get them a reservation, and I checked them in later that evening. I saw them over the course of the weekend having a great time.

When they checked out, they gave me a small stained glass angel figurine. We used to sell them in the gift shop. They thanked me and told me what an incredibly special trip this was for them. They had three teenage sons and their two-year-old niece with them. As it turned out, their brother in-law had been killed as a first responder in 9/11, and his wife had died of
cancer, leaving the little girl in their care. They were so overwhelmed with emotion that they were able to have such a special vacation that everyone could enjoy as a new family unit.

Another time, four ladies and 12 children appeared hoping to have dinner at The Inn when I was working one night. We were completely sold out and had no room to seat them; at the time, the downstairs level at The Inn was not being used a dining room. However, they really needed a place to eat so I spoke with the kitchen and dining room teams who said that they would prepare pizzas and chicken fingers for the group. We set up a table for them downstairs so that they could enjoy their meal together. I came to find out from one of the
ladies that all of the children had been orphaned after 9/11.

If you had to choose one thing, what’s the best part about working at Woodloch?

The people – hands down! I love my coworkers, the Kiesendahl family, the guests. I feel so fortunate to have worked here all these years and have been exposed to things that I might not have otherwise. I have had the privilege of meeting guests and staff from diverse cultures and backgrounds. I have personally learned and grown so much since I started here 38 years ago.

Be sure to say hi to Tess on your next Woodloch visit!

How To Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

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How To Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick

Come the end of every year, a nagging voice in our heads returns like clockwork to say, “The New Year is about to begin. What should my resolutions be?” And so we are forced into deciding, knowing full well that by the middle of January we’ve abandoned them even though this year was supposed to be different.

But never fear, we’re here to change that! Read on for some of our best tips for following through on your resolutions and setting yourself up for success.

FIVE STEPS TO STICKING TO RESOLUTIONS

BE PRACTICAL– The surest way to feel as though you’ve failed is to start with a goal that’s unattainable in the first place. Are you telling yourself that you’re going to run a marathon in two months when you haven’t been exercising for years? That’s probably not realistic, but with the right time frame and a plan in place, this is certainly doable! Which brings us to our next tip …
PLAN, PLAN, AND PLAN SOME MORE – More often than not, we dive right in without a plan for attaining our goals. Set yourself up for success by being specific about your resolution and then deciding what manageable steps you can take each day, week, month, etc. to achieve it. For example, if you’re looking to be healthier, as so many of us are, start by making small weekly changes such as focusing on eating an extra serving of vegetables each day the first week, drinking eight cups of water a day the second week, aiming to get 1,000 more steps each day the third week, and so on and so forth.
SHARE WITH OTHERS – If you feel comfortable, it can really help to talk about your resolution with friends and loved ones. They will be happy to support and encourage you. Going a step further, you may find even further motivation in buddying up with a friend or family member who shares the same resolution!
TRACK AND REWARD – There’s a great quote, “Sit back and enjoy the journey. Success is found along the way.” When working towards a goal, it is helpful to celebrate each and every step along the way. Going back to the marathon analogy, each week simply focus on running a half mile further; that’s fantastic! Soon those half miles become full miles, then tens of miles, and before you know it, you’ve reached 26.2 miles! And don’t forget to celebrate your milestones on the path. Rewards such as new workout clothes, a massage, a nice dinner out, etc. help keep the motivation going.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF AND KEEP GOING – We are truly our own biggest critics, and being kind to yourself is easier said than done. However, it’s crucial to remember this, especially when you embark upon a new journey. If you have a hard time remembering, it may be helpful to write positive affirmations on post-it notes and place them in areas you see each day, i.e. the bathroom mirror, in your car, on your desk. Do the best you can each day, and take it one day at a time. Setbacks are bound to happen, but every day is a new opportunity to recommit yourself and get back on track.

GO FOR IT

There you have it… just a few suggestions from our team that will hopefully guide you to achieving your goals for the upcoming year. Every January (and really, every day) offers the opportunity for a clean slate- so we encourage you to go for it! A beautiful new year awaits, and we are here to cheer you on!

Woodloch Play Days

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Woodloch introduces company “Play Days”

Woodloch has always had a goal of making guests feel “as if they are company in our own home.” So it’s only fitting that our staff feels at home as well! They are proud to announce their “Woodloch Play Days” initiative, so employees can enjoy that hospitality themselves.

The program allows Woodloch Resort, Woodloch Springs and The Lodge at Woodloch workers to enjoy a day of fun and / or relaxation at the resort with up to 4 loved ones in company- we are a family resort, after all!

In addition to enjoying quarterly Play Days, Woodloch plans to incorporate morale nights, pick-up sporting events, and even our famous Haunted Walks and Festival of Lights into the program.

“Creating strong bonds between our Woodloch Family has always been one of the factor’s that allows us to provide such a unique and special experience,” says Brad Kiesendahl, President. “This program allows staff and family members to enjoy a day on the Woodloch Pines property to have fun- in addition, it gives you first-hand experience of the impact our hospitality provides for our guests.”

We’re always hiring! For more on career opportunities and benefits with Woodloch, please visit woodloch.com/jobs!

Wineries in the Poconos near Woodloch

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Wineries in the Poconos near Woodloch

Woodloch is well-known as a family resort, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun for adults here. We have several activities that are exclusively for adults so everyone can have the best Woodloch vacation! So, if you are a fan of wine, we have you covered. We offer wine tasting with our resident sommelier, along with paint and sip classes. And if that isn’t enough wine, you can check out the wineries in the Poconos near Woodloch.

Woodloch Wine Tasting

Woodloch offers special activities at an additional fee for adults to enjoy during vacation. The wine tasting class is led by our resident sommelier, who will teach you how to appreciate wine to its fullest potential. Combine your love of art and wine with our paint and sip activity at our resort. Your instructor will guide you as you create seasonal artwork with a glass of vino on the side.

Three Hammers Winery

You will find Three Hammers Winery in Hawley, just a few minutes’ drive down the road from our resort. This winery specializes in a hands-on approach with wines that reflect the distinct character of the Poconos region. During the winter months, you can continue to enjoy wine outside with their heated snow globes or fire barrels. We recommend trying the pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, or Primitivo wines.

If you are interested in the wine tasting experience, it’s a good idea to book a reservation ahead of time. The tasting includes four seasonally inspired wines in your choice of sweet or dry.

Antler Ridge Winery

Drive half an hour from Woodloch to Honesdale and visit Anter Ridge Winery. All of the wines are made from grapes grown throughout Pennsylvania, and they are committed to only using the best fruit possible. The winery is located in a picturesque country setting with surrounding views of the Pocono mountains. Their menu features award-winning dry, sweet, semi-sweet, and fruit wines. Pair your drink with a tasty appetizer for a great afternoon at the winery.

A Weekend of Wine at Woodloch

These are just a few of the wineries in the Poconos you can visit during your Woodloch vacation. Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting right at the resort or make the drive to Three Hammers or Antler Ridge. Whether you prefer dry red wines or sweet rosé, there is wine waiting to be discovered in the Poconos.