winter bliss - Connections Magazine

snowmen
winter bliss
Scu pting the Cryosphere
By Mark T. Bond
t was a raw winter in Central Maine where my son was introduced to the world of snowmen. Walking like a starched
penguin through the freshly fallen flurries in his L.L. Bean snowsuit, he waddled behind dad to the courtyard’s interior. He hadn’t a clue as to what we were about to do, but the expression on his face was magical, beaming with
excitement. He’d watched from his window all morning, the snow falling endlessly from the sky, drifts so steep as to
bury cars and all but hide the moose crossing signs. I can only imagine the enchanted musings as he witnessed his
first snowfall.
I
It’s rather comical how some folks will claim propriety to a certain bit of history; the origin of the snowman is no different. One may say that back in
1814 on a ranch in Montana… Another may claim that in 1732 a Nepal
herdsman…
Considering the Northern Hemisphere has hosted snowy conditions for millennia and the dynamics of the family have endured relatively unchanged
during that same period, I’d like to hypothesize that Frosty got his start like
this:
Grog and Mgog were out hunting and gathering
for their families back at the cave. They came
to a hill, and an argument ensued as to their
respective virilities. Mgog found himself at the
end of Grog’s push and commenced his roll
down the snow-covered hill. While Grog pondered briefly the idea of fashioning a mechanism that would roll as easily as his friend, he
noticed Mgog at the base of the incline, erect
and completely covered in snow.
The nature of man has always been to create
images in honor of thyself, and so, with a series
of apologetic grunts, Grog and Mgog stammered empty-handed towards their clan. In
the field surrounding their caves, these two
leaders set about heaping snow into a pile that
they would then fashion into an effigy of themselves. No sooner had they amassed a life-size
form of packed snow when Uugh and Oyol bellowed from the cave’s interior that dinner was
ready. Rather than giving up a meal of goat
head stew to the kids or invoke their mates’
wrath, they quickly abandoned their project.
Before they did, however, they quickly set
stones for eyes in the makeshift heads of their
creations along with a few sticks for arms.
Found standing in its most basic form the following day, this rudimentary, tri-segmented
snowman was easily reproduced by other members of the clan.
Well, it wasn’t long before the neighboring cave
dwellers, not to be outdone, were spending
more time building snowmen than hunting and
gathering. They found that rather than piling
the snow, it was easier to roll it into an increasingly larger ball and subsequently invented the
wheel, which at that time they called ‘url.’
Snowmen soon became commonplace, and the
practice traveled from settlement to settlement.
At dusk, the silhouettes of all the snowmen
appeared as guardians of that particular clan.
To an enemy clan, at that time of night, there
seemed no viable angle to attack given the
number of men on guard. The snowman
became a symbol of winter strength, prosperity,
and a monument to the souls who had weath-
ered the north winds and snow that howled daily through barren limbs left
dead. The rest, as they say, is History…
Millions of snow squalls later, we find ourselves again, here in Central
Maine, home of the tallest snowman (114 ft.) and snow woman (122 ft.).
With ice twisting its fingers deep in the marrow of my bones and teeth chattering so loud as to chase the wildlife, I pass on to my son, the tradition of
snowman building.
A snow that is on the verge of melting is prime. Fine powders may be suited ideally for skiers and snow boarders, but
to a child with Frosty on his mind, only wetpacking snow will do.
All manner of access o r i e s
have
been found
on snowmen
around much
of the globe:
C o a l
and
stones for eyes
and mouth, carrots
for noses, sticks for
arms, hay for hair, hats,
vests, coats, buttons,
brooms, buckets, shovels, and so much
more. Get creative.
Start with a moderately sized snowball.
Place it on the ground and begin to roll in the
snow, patting and packing along the way. As
this will be your largest section of your snowman, it’s important to roughly gauge where
you’d like to have him grace your yard. It
rather defeats the purpose of the whole
rolling idea if you’re forced to carry your
snowman’s base back across the entire stretch
of your yard..
Once a base has been established and packed
to ensure its strength and integrity to hold the
weight of subsequent segments, gently carve
a generous bowl at the top of the base. This
will allow for your next snowball to roll comfortably and seat firmly atop your base.
Repeat this procedure on the second section
to allow for installation of the head segment.
Around the base of Frosty, or whatever you
choose to name your newest family member,
pack snow tightly to prevent tipping.
Much like the weary beach dweller who tires
of sand castles and evolves his craft to higher
forms of sculpture, so, too, has the contemporary northerner expanded on the original
wintery theme. In our region alone, I’ve seen
life-size replicas of wildlife, cars, people, and
miniatures of towns, lighthouses, and castles.
If you choose, with your son or daughter to
create something spectacular, call your local
paper. Chances are they’d be more than
happy to feature your accomplishments.
My sons have crafted their snowscapes in
imaginative ways over the years, taking their
time to carefully carve and shape for a specific purpose. But in the end, there’s nothing
quite like the simplicity of the snowman to
show the world that you were here.
…Hot cocoa with marshmallows, anyone?
[ www.connections-magazine.com ] connections magazine
21
winter bliss
22 connections magazine
winter lights
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winter lights
winter bliss
Be A Kid Again
A Mystical Winter Celebration for Kids of All Ages
estled within the historic and charming village of Milford, a mystical luminescence of a winter’s light will fill the air. The luminescence will take your
breath away as you gaze in wonder. Feelings of the child you once were
will resurface, and those who are children now will delight in its beauty. The Winter
Lights Festival will remind you of a simpler time when the winter season was
appreciated for its crystal clear quality and the crisp and rejuvenating effect.
N
From January 24 through January 31st, the first annual Winter
Lights/Celebration of the Arts will take place in Milford. The town will
be aglow with an unparalleled ice and light art installation, ice skating,
ice dancing, music, film, theatre, and magic. Produced by The Marie
Zimmerman Center for the Arts and the Milford Borough Parks and
Recreation Committee, the week holds unlimited promise for a wonderland of winter fun.
The Ice Theatre of New York sets the scene for a spectacular week
packed full with winter fun activities. At scheduled times on January
24th and January 25th, Long John Silver will read excerpts from Robert
Louis Stevenson’s classic, “Treasure Island.” Also, make sure you don’t
miss out on the snow sculpture contest taking place on the 25th in Ann
Street Park, the horse drawn sleigh rides, and other snow activities!
Part-time Milford resident, Michael Carson, is Executive Director of the
Marie Zimmerman Center and owner of Michael Carson Productions,
Inc. in New York City. A true visionary, Carson developed the concept
for the festival last year and has brought his dream to life. By celebrating
the winter season, the festival hopes to entice tourists and show
Milford’s beauty, even in the cold winter months. Internally lit ice sculptures, designed by local artist, Tom Holmes, will welcome visitors and
local residents from the surrounding areas. The ephemeral sculptures
will line both sides of Broad Street, as well as brighten Ann Street Park.
Special events will be taking place at the Good Shepherd Church during
the evenings from Monday, January 26th through Friday, January 30th.
Each event begins at 7:00 PM and will run approximately an hour. All
evening events have free admission, although festival goers are asked to
submit a food donation for the local food pantry. Some featured events
include a performance by the local high school’s jazz band, a showing of
The Muppets’ Treasure Island and discussion with Fred Buchholz, creator of special effects for several Muppet movies, a performance by a
music and mask puppet theatre - Arm of the Sea, Bond Street Theatre,
and “Magic for a Winter’s Eve” with Mark Mitton.
Additionally, Ann Street Park will be the center for the 100’ x 80’ ice
rink that will be open to all to take pleasure in for daily afternoon and
evening ice-skating sessions. A special Winter Lights logo will be embedded in the ice around the rink. The colorful design will portray a
sparkling and breathtaking array of colors in the ice under the gliding
skaters. Throughout the park and encircling the rink, white nylon
Chinese lanterns internally lit and designed by Holmes will be arranged.
The luminescent and mystical quality of the winter light ice sculptures
and lanterns will be the focus of the Winter Lights Festival.
On Sunday, January 31st, the breathtaking Winter Lights Festival will
conclude with a skating performance by Jordan Hartey, a recent
Delaware Valley High School graduate and national collegiate medalwinning skater. Hartey will skate to music provided by the Delaware
Valley High School Chamber Chorus. After the performance, festival
goers will be given glow sticks and invited to join Hartey on the ice.
There is no better way to end the festival than with a swirl of color and
sound. This mystical festival in the heart of a quaint village will make
you feel as though you stepped back through time.
Concluding each general ice skating session, skaters will lap the rink
waving glow sticks. The twinkling and illuminated atmosphere will add
to that already present in the rink. Even after the weeklong celebrations,
the ice skating rink will remain open to the general public to enjoy
throughout February and March. As long as the weather cooperates, the
rink is sure to be a noteworthy attraction throughout the winter months
for visitors and local residents alike.
The official opening of the Winter Lights Festival will commence with
an unsurpassed parade on January 24th. The parade will be made up of
local residents playing music with homemade instruments developed by
Holmes. After gathering on the library lawn at Broad and Harford Streets,
the marching will begin on the east sidewalk of Broad Street and will
conclude at the enclosed east side of Catherine Street by the Hotel
Fauchére. Following the parade, there will be a short original musical
performance by the marchers. The night activities continue with the
Lighting of the Sculptures and the official opening of the ice rink with a
performance by the Ice Theatre of New York. The skating performance is
sure to be one of the highlights of the festival. “It’s telling stories on ice,”
explained Carson.
IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER:
If there is inclement weather during the skating sessions or any of the
snow events such as the sculpture contest, festival goers can come back
the following day or whenever the weather breaks. If there is bad
weather during the opening with the Ice Theatre on the 24th, there will
not be anything rescheduled for that as the Ice Theatre will be out of the
country the following day. If there is inclement weather for the closing
ceremonies on the 31st at 5 P.M., people will be invited into the Good
Shepherd Church where there will be a short concert by members of the
Delaware Valley High School Chamber Choir.
Please visit www.winterlightsfest.com for
additional information and updates on the
Winter Lights Festival.
[ www.connections-magazine.com ] connections magazine
23
winter bliss
ice skating
An Old-Fashioned,
Fun Winter
Pastime
By Allison Mowatt
ce skating is an exhilarating and inexpensive
activity that is an excellent source of exercise and
entertainment for people of all ages and a great
way to spend time as a family. Ice skating brings
to mind cold winter afternoons spent outdoors gliding along a frozen surface, bundled up in mittens,
a hat, and a scarf and anticipating a mug of
steaming hot cocoa once inside.
I
Almost anyone can ice skate— all it takes is a little practice, patience,
balance, and the ability to not take it too seriously but to have fun with
it. Ice skating can be enjoyed anywhere in the world—-people who
live in colder climates are able to skate outdoors on frozen lakes,
ponds, rivers, and streams, and people who live among warmer temperatures can benefit from indoor skating rinks.
Ice skating is traveling on ice with skates, which are boots with narrow
and sometimes parabolic blade-like devices molded into them. Ice
skates are made so people can glide across the ice by balancing on steel
runners fixed to the bottom of boots specifically designed for skating.
Three of the most common types of ice skates are figure skates, hockey
skates, and speed skates.
The earliest evidence that ice skates existed was when a pair of skates
made from animal bones was found at the bottom of a lake in
Switzerland. It was discovered that the skates dated back to about
3,000 years before the birth of Christ. Ice skating became popular as far
back as 1,000 years ago when people living in Scandinavia, the
Netherlands, and Scotland skated across frozen canals and waterways
by lacing flattened animal bones to their footwear with leather straps,
which enabled them to glide across iced over rivers and lakes.
It wasn’t until the steel blades with sharpened edges were introduced
that the ice skating we are familiar with today was performed. These
sharpened edges allowed skaters to cut into the ice rather than to just
glide on top of it. Adding edges to skates made of steel was said to be
invented by the Dutch in the 13th or 14th century. In the 1600s, traveling on ice skates between villages was a useful and popular means of
transportation for the Dutch and was a convenient way to get across
frozen lakes during the winter. It is said that ice skating was brought to
the United States by Scottish immigrants in the 1700s, and Americans
have happily enjoyed it ever since.
Ice skating is popular as a recreational activity and as a competitive
sport, such as figure skating and speed skating. Not only is ice skating
fun, there are also many health benefits involved. It can help you lose
weight, increase endurance, tone the muscles, enhance mental fitness,
and it can provide you with a great cardiovascular workout. In addition, the physical exertion and exhilarating effect of ice skating can
decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned skater, some important factors to keep in mind before you strap on those skates include learning
and remembering the basic techniques, having the proper equipment
and clothing, understanding safety issues, and most importantly...having fun! Spend time on the ice this winter and just enjoy yourself. If
you fall down—that’s okay. Pick yourself up and try again. Happy
skating!
Some information for this article was borrowed from www.clearleadinc.com and www.collegesportsscholarships.com.
24 connections magazine
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Places to Ice Skate in Northeastern
Pennsylvania:
The Ice Box of Northeast PA, Scranton and Pittston- The Ice Box Sports
Complex in Scranton is a state of the art facility that houses one roller rink
and one ice rink across from the Scranton High School. The complex has
something for everyone with a variety of programs, leagues, birthday party
packages, and classes.
The Ice Box Skating Complex in Pittston is a state of the art twin rink facility.
The complex hosts the area’s widest variety of skating related programs. Both complexes in Scranton and Pittston offer recreational ice and roller skating that is open to
the public and host a variety of different skating related programs throughout the year.
Visit www.nepaicebox.com for more information or call the Scranton facility at (570)
963-1020 or Pittston’s at (570) 883-1100.
Skylands Ice World in Stockholm, New Jersey- This indoor skating rink
located in Sussex County is open all year long. Public skating sessions are
one of the main attractions at Skylands Ice World. The facility also offers
figure skating and ice skating lessons and is available for birthday parties,
holiday parties, and corporate events. Call (973) 697-1600 for more information.
Lackawanna Stadium on Ice, Montage Mountain Road, Moosic- Experts and
beginners are welcome to join in the fun on the ice at this large rink on the
field of Lackawanna County Stadium. Montage Mountain is the place to be
in Northeast Pennsylvania during the frigid season with its numerous
restaurants, shopping opportunities, and winter recreational offerings. Call
(570) 963-6441 for more information about the rink.
Winter Lights Festival, Milford- Ann Street Park will be the center for the 100’
x 80’ ice rink that will be open to all to take pleasure in for FREE daily afternoon and evening ice-skating sessions January thru March, weather permitting. For more information visit www.winterlightsfest.com.
Ice Skating Safety Tips:
1. Determine the thickness of the ice. It
is never consistent on lakes and ponds.
2. Try to skate in areas that have been
approved or posted for skating.
3. Never skate alone—always have at
least one other person with you in case of
an emergency.
4. Wear enough layers to be comfortable
in case you get too cold or too hot.
5. Don’t skate after dark.
6. Stay away from cracks, slushy areas,
and darker areas that are a warning sign
of thinner ice.
7. Learn how to fall.
8. Learn how to stop.
[ www.connections-magazine.com ] connections magazine
25
winter bliss
26 connections magazine
ski big bear
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ski big bear
F
or those of you who eagerly anticipate the winter season
each year and look forward to racing down the ski slopes,
look no farther than Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our area
has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, and winter
in Northeastern Pennsylvania is an especially popular season
because there is an abundance of ski resorts where people can
enjoy their favorite winter sport, whether it be skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, or cross country skiing. This winter is
shaping up to be one of the best yet with perfect temperatures
for snowmaking conditions unlike winters past where it felt
like springtime in January, which had a negative impact on ski
resorts.
One resort in particular is taking advantage of the favorable wintry conditions.
Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in
Lackawaxen opened its doors for the
season at the end of November, making
it the earliest opening the resort has
seen in its thirty-five years of operation.
This was made possible because of the
new snowmaking technology, a dedicated staff of snowmakers, and of course,
Mother Nature herself, who smiled
down on winter sport lovers who enjoy
the blustery wind, chilly temperatures,
and fluffy snow.
Ski Big Bear is a small ski area located
near the Delaware River and just across
the border from New York State. Ski Big
Bear caters to families and is a great
place for first time skiers and snowboarders to visit. Even though the
resort doesn’t offer cross country skiing,
there are four cross country ski trails
located in the Masthope Mountain
Community near Ski Big Bear for those
who enjoy the sport. Ski Big Bear also
has a terrain park for snowboarders, a
snow tubing area, and a snow sports
school for private ski and snowboard
lessons. The resort also features the
Mountain Top Village, complete with a
country store, skier services building,
and a beautiful lodge with a variety of
food and beverages for people looking
to take a break from the frigid weather.
This year, Ski Big Bear is bigger and better than ever. With combined efforts
from the Masthope Mountain
Community and the Recreation
Management Corp, a $3 million expansion plan is being implemented so the
community and the customers can enjoy
a state of the art facility. According to
Ronald Schmalze, President of
Recreation Management Corp and operator of Ski Big Bear, the resort has experienced tremendous growth over the last
five years due to continued investment
in the mountain and experienced man-
agement. Because of this, Ski Big Bear
has been able to tackle the challenge of
the unseasonably warm temperatures
over the last of couple years and
always remained open thanks to ongoing business plans with the community
and reinvesting profits back into the
mountain.
Some new additions included in the
expansion plan are the installation of
an additional Magic Carpet lift on the
beginner hill, which is ideal for learning to ski or snowboard, and expansion
of the snowmaking plant to include
new low energy snowguns, as well as
increased water pumping capacity and
expanded electrical capacity. In addition, the plans include a new double
chairlift, expanded rental shop, development of the learning center, expansion of the terrain park, a new website,
and additional parking facilities, to
name a few.
If you haven’t experienced skiing,
boarding, or tubing at Ski Big Bear,
then this is the year to visit the mountain in Masthope. If you have, come
back and see the new additions the
resort has to offer. It is sure to be a fun
and memorable time for the entire family. Call Ski Big Bear at (570) 685-1400
or visit www.ski-bigbear.com for more
information about the resort and its
winter activities.
SKI BIG BEAR STATISTICS:
Base elevation- 600 feet
Summit elevation- 1,250 feet
Vertical drop- 650 feet
Longest run- 7,000 feet
Skiable area- 26 acres
Chairlifts- 5 (3 doubles, 2 magic carpets)
Night skiing-Open for night skiing
some days during the week
Trails-18 (6 beginner, 5 intermediate
and 7 advanced)
winter bliss
There are many other local ski
resorts throughout our area...
here are a few others.
Tanglwood Ski Area- Yes, they are open again! This
ski area located near Tafton off Route 390 has been in
operation since 1963. Over the years, the ski area has
gone through many changes and is now being managed by
Beth and Michael Redmond. The resort offers skiing and
snowboarding on nine runs and a terrain park, and a snowtubing facility. The main lodge has been completely refurbished,
and the rental shop features increased inventory in skis and
snowboards, including more ski selections for children as
young as five. In addition, the ski area has acquired new
equipment for snow grooming. The 360 foot long tube run is
open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There is a 415 vertical
drop and 2,600 foot runs, two of which are served by double
chairlift. Tanglwood Ski Area offers first time ski packages,
snow sports school, and Tangl-Tots, which is a skiing program
for children five to eight years old. Call (570) 226-SNOW
(7669) for more information.
Sno Mountain Ski Resort- This resort in Scranton on
Montage Mountain Road has so much to offer for winter lovers, including skiing, a terrain park for snowboarding, tubing, a Zip Rider, a twenty-two foot Halfpipe for
extreme skiers, a 1,000 foot vertical drop, and the Sno Grill
Restaurant and Bar for dining. In addition, there are snowboard and ski lessons offered for adults and children, season
long programs, season passes, rentals, and a nursery facility
for small children who are too young to participate in the winter activities. Sno Mountain is also home to Sno Cove, a new
waterpark facility open through the summer that features
water slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and bumper boats. Call
1-800-GOT SNOW for more information about Sno Mountain.
Shawnee Mountain Ski Area- Now in its thirty-fourth
ski season, this ski area, located on Hollow Road in
Shawnee on the Delaware, offers skiers and snowboarders many thrills and chills, including a a snowtubing park, 700
foot vertical drop, two terrain parks, and over 20 slopes and
trails. In addition, the ski area offers a new beginner’s area and
learning center, more ski and snowboard rentals, new high
tech fan snow guns, updated terrain park, and additional environmental initiatives. Call (570) 421-7231 for more information.
Camelback Moutain Resort- This ski resort located in
Tannersville in the heart of the Poconos offers 33 trails
total that are all lighted for night skiing, a vertical drop
of 800 feet, 13 lifts, a Halfpipe, terrain park, and tubing park.
The resort is also known for the Camelbeach Waterpark, which
is a popular destination in the summertime. Call (570) 6291661 for more details.
Elk Mountain Ski Resort- Since the late 1950s, this ski
resort in Union Dale has offered quality and consistency for skiers and snowboarders. There are 27 ski trails
and a wide variety of terrain, including long “cruisers” or
challenging steeps with or without the bumps. Some new
improvements include new grooming machines, snow guns,
and additional Norway and White Spruce trees. With a 1000’
vertical drop, the ski resort features group skiing, ski school,
and various ski and racing programs. Call (570) 679-4400 for
more information.
[ www.connections-magazine.com ] connections magazine
27
winter bliss
snowmobiling
Fun Between Your Legs
By Mark T. Bond
T
o frolic; to frolic in the
snow. ‘Aye, there’s the
rub…’ ‘For what dreams
may come…’
Without ever crossing state lines, there are
hundreds of miles of trails, right here in
NEPA: Promised Land, Delaware and
Lackawanna State Forests, and Northeast PA
Sno Trails in Northern Wayne County, to name
a few.
The ascent leaves you breathless. Whispers
mew and gasp at the nape of your neck.
Flanked by century old hemlock, hidden from
the eyes and angst of humanity, the quiescence
is breached only by the rush of wind, bird
song, and the animal sounds within.
Rumbling consumes the stillness; rhythms tug
at loins; thighs embrace their mount seeking
purchase during the ride to come, and a plunge
into world’s unexplored elicits screams.
With a wink, Rich challenges, “Name one
sport that gets you closer to your girlfriend
faster.” Who was I to argue? Introductions
were made to their children, Max “Mad Max”
and Sarah. Riding and racing since they were
four; not only have these youngsters been winning trophies for years in various Northeast
racing circuits, they remain dedicated to their
academics and do very well in school.
While Sarah has retired from the racing in
pursuit of dancing and soccer, “Mad Max” is
just starting his seventh year in the national
racing scene. As he laments the eventual
snow melt and spring, Max, too, can be found
on the award-winning Wildcats’ soccer team.
Such is the nature of snowmobiling.
Of course, there are those enthusiasts who
enjoy a more leisurely path in the company of
others and along docile trails. That’s part of
the beauty of the sport; it’s accommodating to
almost anyone.
Being a disciple of snow does not require sixpack abs, marathon endurance, or a specific
body type. Climbing onto a sled, however, is
very addictive. Experiencing the surge and
thrust of power between your legs and the
boundless miles of snowscape you’re able to
traverse, a simple walk in the woods may not
“do it” for you anymore.
Making the decision to hop on a sled is as
easy as making a call to one of the many local
snowmobile dealers.
There you will find
all the answers
with respect to
safety gear, pric-
Rich and Jen Burrier of
Newfoundland fell in love on
snowmobiles, and they’ve
been plowing through
snow in America’s
Northeast for years.
28 connections magazine
[ www.connections-magazine.com ]
ing, suspensions, power plants, CCs fuel injection, torque, and psi. You may even find
answers to questions that you never realized
you had:
Do I need insurance? Do my kids or I need a
safety course? How much do sleds cost?
What’s the best sled for me? And, where can I
ride?
Now not everyone will possess the mischievous expression or desire of Mr. Burrier as he
ponders the state of everything mechanical
and commences to tweak the highest possible
performance from a machine. Another wink.
There are those of us who delight simply in
nature’s snowy mantle and the gentle slopes it
offers. While I wouldn’t trust Rich alone with
my riding mower and a set of tools, I agree
with his wisdom, that anyone taking to the
wild on a sled should have the ability to troubleshoot the basics whilst away from civilization. Your dealer can help you there as well.
So you’ve got the promise of hurricaning
through wintery squalls on a sunny day or
idling under a darkened sky with billions of
stars throwing kisses from the farthest reaches
of the universe; take your pick.
Either one will get you off the couch while
you wait for the tulips to sprout.