Dinner and a Show at Woodloch!

Every year I look forward to the new “theme” at Woodloch Resort. The idea of Theme Night is so exciting to not only the guests, but also the employees. The theme always includes fun costumes, delicious desserts at dinner, and best of all - the new family-friendly show. I enjoy the anticipation of walking through the greeting line admiring every staff member in their festive attire; which family member has the flashy costume; what the “horse” in the parade looks like this year or until I find out what Randy is wearing – or more accurately what Randy is NOT wearing. There’s nothing better than the fun atmosphere and excitement I feel in this Pocono family resort!

Dinner and a show at Woodloch is that time when the girls bring out their best dress, men put themselves together with a collared shirt and some nice shoes and the dining room looks like a party for 600. My personal favorite thing about Theme Night is the dinner part of “dinner and a show in the Poconos”. You’ve got a 4 course meal - appetizer, salad, entrée (prime rib, salmon, chicken) and as I said before, the new dessert! - hopefully something chocolaty (fingers crossed). Following dinner is my next favorite part - everyone rushes to the nightclub to find the perfect table for their family and friends to get the best view of the stage, luckily, anywhere in the nightclub is great seating! As everyone gathers, music is being played by The Company to entertain us as we wait for the show to begin.

This year the theme is The Majesty of the British Empire. Now take it from me - I had no idea what that meant going into the show! I was excited because not only is it a new theme - but it’s something I’m not familiar with. To my surprise I was surrounded by some familiar sounds of James Bond, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Ozzy Osbourne, The Beatles and even the Spice Girls - That’s right the SPICE GIRLS! Not only were the dinner costumes entertaining but the theme show offered costumes recognizable to all ages-including Harry Potter and Queen Elizabeth. I also really enjoyed the unique British humor and the different charm it has compared to American comedy.

Needless to say, the Theme Show at Woodloch Resort has yet to disappoint. Even with my lack of knowledge in the material - I found myself laughing and dancing around to the sounds (and humor) of THE BRITISH EMPIRE! Our own Woodloch talent and our Broadway loaners set out to create yet another pleasurable experience, different and entertaining, for adults and children alike – wow, they really nailed it, again!

Woodloch’s Kids Splash Zone = Unending Giggles

As a member of the Woodloch Family Staff, we are afforded many privileges working here.  I could go on and on about what Woodloch does for their staff, but that would take all day.  On Sunday nights in the off-season, staff are welcome to enjoy the facilities, specifically the pool and sports complex.  So that’s what I did last night, went to the pool!

I have a ten month old daughter named Savannah, who just started walking, and on a recent vacation we found out she just loves - I mean LOVES – the water.  Bath, pool, lake, ocean, whatever – as soon as you take her out of the water she cries, she could live in an inner tube in the middle of Lake Wallenpaupack and be perfectly happy.  So my wife and I decided to take our little one to the pool because Woodloch has their new Kids Splash Zone!

The Splash Zone is designed for kids 12 and under, but really it’s more suited for little kids.  Perfect!  We all got changed easily and stepped through the double glass doors into the pool area.  First thing I thought was – how comfortable the 82° felt as we escaped the -2° wind chill outside, but the pool waters felt even better!  We started off nice and easy in the kids wadding pool, it was about 9” deep all around the circular shape.  The ledge around the pool was perfect for sitting and watching the wee ones scamper around.  Ok, good warm-up we thought, lets enter the WOODLOCH SPLASH ZONE!  

The place is really impressive; the super tall (25’) walls are decorated with a beautiful perspective mural of the creatures of the forest, pine trees and rolling hills – very appropriate for the area and really cute and fun for the kids.  My daughter fell in love with the mamma and baby bears.  There are a bunch of little water slides, jets, waterfalls, fountains and even a few water guns.  There’s a little rubber rowboat with whirlpool jets in the seats which was a blast.  The water is about 9” deep or less all around.  All the water toys are made out of a rubber or foam material for safety. 

My little girl found the toy that was just the right size for her; it’s a little otter, sitting on a log and you can slide from his head down to his long fat tail.  He can’t be more than 2’ at most and there’s a little water jet to make it slick.  Savannah was just full of deep belly giggles as she slid down the otter’s tail.  I had to hold her of course, but as soon as we reached the bottom she jumped over and started to crawl back up.  So we’d slide down again and again with her laughter filling this room. 

We all had such a great experience in Woodloch’s Splash Zone, it really entertained my little baby girl.  She used so much energy and had so much fun (as did we) she was fast asleep before we got back home (6 minutes away…). 

Marianne Williamson Inspires Local Audience at Woodloch Resort

Inspirational speaker and four-time NY Times best-selling author Marianne Williamson held her first public speaking event promoting her new book, A Course In Weight Loss-21 Spiritual Lessons For Surrendering Your Weight Forever, last Saturday, Nov. 6^th at Woodloch Pines Resort.

That’s right- Held at Woodloch Pines in Hawley, Pennsylvania!

As I arrived to work on that cool fall afternoon, I observed a sign that read “PARKING FOR MARIANNE WILLIAMSON EVENT”.

I had never heard of Marianne Williamson.

After parking in the lot reserved for Woodloch Staff members, I headed towards the Heritage Club to begin my work shift.

As I entered the theatre, to my surprise, there were nearly 400 people seated, listening intently to what this woman was saying. I asked the person nearest to me, “who is this?”

I was informed that Marianne had been a popular guest on Oprah, Larry King, Charlie Rose, and Good Morning America. How did I not know who this person was?

As I stood there for a few minutes listening to her talk, I noticed how captivated the audience appeared. Mostly middle aged women, but men scattered throughout, it was as if they were hanging on to here every word. They looked inspired and moved.

Shortly after I had arrived, she concluded after speaking for nearly 2 hours. She then fielded questions from several women who were visibly filled with emotion from her words of encouragement and hope.

My immediate reaction was that I had just missed something spectacular. This room was filled with men and women, who, I assume the majority of which, were struggling with some type of food addiction; not only compulsive eaters, but anyone who views food as their enemy. And my assumption was that those that weren’t battling a food addiction were struggling with some other type of addiction.

I think we all know someone we love that battles the demons of addiction on a daily basis. The lack of self-worth, self –confidence, and self-respect that we addicts possess, can leave us in a state of extreme loneliness and isolation, and we sometimes feel as though there is no way out. So we turn to that thing that does not judge us; that which is always there for us. Whether it be food, alcohol, a drug, or any other object of addiction.

Marianne reminded the people in that room on Saturday, that though our biggest fear is inadequacy, that there is a way out and there truly is hope. Conquering any of our addictions is a spiritual quest and a life-long process. It takes hard work and discipline. She also encouraged us that our best days are ahead of us, and we can learn to love ourselves again.

Though I did not know of Marianne Williamson before last week, I was inspired to purchase her book and say “hello” to her afterwards. I have since learned that she is actively campaigning supporting legislation to establish a U.S Dept. of Peace. She also founded Project Angel Food in 1989 which serves food daily in the Los Angeles area to thousands of home bound people with aids. Marianne is a true humanitarian and an inspiration to many. It was an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to listen to her, even for a short time.

I hope that Woodloch is encouraged to hold similar events in the future. 

Lyrics to Empire State of Mind- Woodloch Style

You wanted it- HERE IT IS!

Monday Night Show- 80's vs Today- 

Lyrics to Empire State of Mind- Woodloch Style

Yeah I’m up in Woodloch
Drove in from the island
Sit next to the window
Eating food forever
I’m here with my family
And since we made it here
We can make it anywhere
We won gold at double dare
I used to golf at Bethpage
All of my golfing buddies said I should just go
Pack my things
We could go to woodloch springs
They took me to the prime spot
Where you’ll see a happy face
Running through the woods like mad cuz I’m in an Amazing Race
Cruising down Welcome Lake
Stop at the Country Inn
Put on your bathing suit
Swim in Teedyusking
Lay out in the back lawn
Kids in the swimming pool
Catch a quick nap so we can
Go play Name that Tune
Again, its time to dine
JK has a crazy tie
Standing in the dining room
Giving us a high five
Family is decked out
I could sing like I’m from glee
Tell by my gratitude that I’m most Definitely at Woodloch…

Verse 2
 
Catch me at the Night-club betting on my Horse again
Where 5 is Alive! Can he can come back? Yeah, I know he can
You should see my grandma, she ain’t in the rooma
She went out the lobby to play bocce there with Boomer
Welcome to the melting pot
Where we’re serving mom and pops        
Here we got our motto
Its Tradition of Excellance
JK, BK, PK, and a Brad
Four generations strong and we’re still going we don’t mean to brag
Eight hundred people, out there and they’re playing
On the waterslide, volleyball, or waterskiing
Then I’m goin inside, you can’t stop the games
You playing with joey the kid I’m playing with Randy
Here’s to Chuck Russel
And Uncle Harry
Honor those who’ve gone, rest in peace Aunt Mary
The staff and our company, we’re one big family
Come back to our home
And enjoy our hospitality.

Sharing the Woodloch Way- Thank you Emma

Taking Advantage of Sunny Weather

Yesterday, May 25, 2010, Mike Mreczko from ESPN in Lehigh Valley and Chuck Seese from WSBG- Pocono Mountains Radio enjoyed the sunny weather while joining John Pillar, PGA Golf Pro & Golf Director for the Country Club at Woodloch Springs in an exhilarating round of golf.

A Guest's Fondest Memory of Woodloch...

Woodloch is a place where my family retreats to spend quality time together.  Our Woodloch trips are synonymous with good times and relaxation.  We have shared so much laughter together and made so many great memories over the past 13 years of traveling up to Woodloch, so it is hard to pick just one memory to write about.

I usually travel up to Woodloch with my boyfriend and my parents.  For years, I had constantly raved about how wonderful this resort is and how much fun I have when I go up there.  My friends would always say, “Wow, that sounds like fun!” but I never felt like they truly understood what Woodloch is all about.  In November of 2009, my good friend Samantha was able to take the trip up to Hawley with us to experience Woodloch.  She was really anticipating the trip; we were both having very rough semesters at school and were in dire need of some fun. 

Samantha fell in love with Woodloch the moment we arrived.  She remarked about how beautiful the whole resort was and about how many activities were scheduled.  My boyfriend Adam and I kept saying, “We gotta go on the haunted hayride!”  We had been on the haunted hayride a few years back and had so much fun.  Samantha was excited about the hayride.  “I love scary stuff!” she said.  Eric, one of the bartenders, was kind enough to call and make a 7:30 hayride reservation for my family. 

After much anticipation, 7:30 finally arrived.  When we arrived at the main lodge, my mother said, “I’m going to get a cup of coffee and relax in the lobby.”  Samantha was confused.  “Mrs. Elliott, why aren’t you coming on the hayride?” she asked.  My mother explained that she doesn’t like scary rides and that she would prefer to relax in the warmth of the lobby. 

Samantha, Adam, my father and I waited by the nightclub along with the rest of the hay riders.  When our group was finally called, we hopped onto the bus and started the journey to the hayride.  Samantha kept saying, “Oh my gosh, I’m really scared.”  I said, “Are you kidding me?  It’s a lot of fun.  Just keep in mind that this whole thing is done by the Woodloch staff.  They are not going to hurt you.”  We finally arrived at the beginning of the hayride and sat in the truck.  After a friendly “Boo!” and safety talk from Joey, we were on our way.  Samantha said, “This doesn’t seem so bad.”  Well…she spoke too soon.

As soon as we got into the thick of the woods, someone jumped out of the bushes and Samantha screamed at the top of her lungs.  She threw herself into the middle of the truck and kept screaming.  Of course, this only egged on the people who were working the hayride.  I grabbed Samantha and pulled her back up onto her seat.  Adam, my father and I were laughing hysterically.  It was so funny to see a 21-year-old girl ridiculously scared, while there were older children on the ride who were laughing and enjoying themselves.  Needless to say, she was scared out of her mind for the rest of the ride.  Every time someone even moved, Samantha would scream.  About halfway through, she said, “Mr. Elliott, can I hold your hand?  I can’t take this anymore!”  She held my father’s hand for the duration of the ride.  My father, Adam and I laughed the entire time.  Of course, we had a nice story to tell my mother when we got back to the lodge.  My mother defended Samantha, saying, “Well, at least she went!  It’s okay Samantha, I would’ve been crying if I were you.”  My father, Adam and I just laughed at her for the rest of the night.

The haunted hayride is one of Adam’s, my father’s and my favorite seasonal activities at Woodloch.  I’m not sure Samantha can say the same!