News & Press

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

With the recent disaster caused by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma nearing our shores, we hope you review these hurricane preparedness tips. The North Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. During this time, anyone on the East Coast needs to be prepared to respond to weather threats and emergencies. As made evident by recent events, hurricane preparedness and overall emergency preparedness should not go undervalued.

PREPARE FOR SEVERE WEATHER | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

When severe weather is in the forecast, keep an eye out for tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings. What’s the difference? Here’s what the National Hurricane Center says:

Tropical storm watch: This means tropical storm conditions are possible in a particular area.
Hurricane watch: This means hurricane conditions are possible in a particular area.
A watch is issued 48 hours before a storm is anticipated.
During a storm watch, check to make sure you know evacuation routes, make sure emergency supplies are on hand and pay attention to weather reports and announcements from local officials.
Tropical storm warning: This means tropical storm conditions are expected.
Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions are expected.
A warning is issued 36 hours before a storm is anticipated.
During a storm warning, prepare for the storm and listen for evacuation instructions.

MAKE A PLAN | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Put together a plan by discussing these 4 questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.

How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is my shelter plan?
What is my evacuation route?
What is my family/household communication plan?

MAKE AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

It’s very important to be prepared with an emergency evacuation kit in case of a storm or any other widespread emergency. Make sure your kit has the following items:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Perscription medications
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

PREPARE YOUR PROPERTY | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
Fill your car’s gas tank.
Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. Ask us for a quote.

CONSIDER HOUSEHOLD NEEDS | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Consider specific needs in your household. As you prepare, customize your plans and supplies to fit your family’s daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss how people within your network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or other important responsibilities. Keep in mind the following factors as you develop your plans: As you prepare, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities.

Different ages of members of your household
Responsibilities for assisting others
Locations frequented
Dietary needs
Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
Languages spoken
Cultural and religious considerations
Pets or service animals
Households with school-aged children

FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN | Hurricane Preparedness Tips

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use them as a guide to create your own.

1. Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Review all Hurricane Preparedness Tips Above & Practice your plan with your family/household

This article is an updated version of our 2016 post.

Please reach out to us anytime with claims, questions or concerns: amskier@amskier.com | (570) 226-4571

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SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS IDENTIFIED AS A UNIVERSAL CONCERN

TWN: CAMP SEASON 2015 – SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPERS IDENTIFIED AS A UNIVERSAL CONCERN

Norman E. Friedman, M. Ed., Executive Director, AMSkier Partners
Originally Published on SKI-Way, Oct 1, 2014

It’s no secret the number of camp aged youngsters (no age exempt) with identified clinical issues has been increasing. Camps “suffer” from issues that the public or private schools typically do not experience. Misguided parents, who certainly mean well, often take their youngsters off carefully prescribed medications in the summer with or without consultation from physicians. Commonly labeled as “medication vacations” the effects can be unimaginable.

In addition, camps are plagued with family secrets related to these and other concerns with parental hopes that the camp experience, certainly less stressful than the academic pressures on their youngsters, will make the difference. True, camp is designed to be less stressful, but kids are kids and their behaviors toward each other do not necessarily change. How about all the new youngsters from many new locations and the obvious expected and predicted interactions campers will experience? It’s a no-win situation both for the special needs campers as well as for those not necessarily with the same problems.

The Solution:

Adults sending their youngsters to your camp need to be informed of your experiences trying to manage campers who display serious behavioral issues. These issues include violent verbal or physical outbursts, eating disorders, cutting, inappropriate sexual comments, facial and body tics, withdrawn behaviors and the inability to relate to other campers, to mention a few. In addition, campers arriving each day from homes that may be in chaos based on family problems, serious illnesses of parents, recent deaths or hospitalizations may very well display behaviors unexpected to staff caring for them. Affected campers will most often come to camp preoccupied with these issues.

Parents need to understand that you take full responsibility for the care and safety of children sent to you. But in all fairness you need essential information to do this as close to perfection as possible. Information may be provided on websites and in applications and parent handbooks. Our AMSkier “Camp-Whatever-Letter” helps parents understand exactly how you define your Culture of Safety as your intentional community and how you establish your mission. The key to success is usually accomplished by advanced information sent to camp families.

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Not A College Town – A Camp Town

Most of us born and raised in Northeast Pennsylvania know we have a large number of summer camps in our region, but do we really know their huge impact? Often, the only time camp is noticed is when the grocery stores are chock-full of young people. What goes on past the gated grounds and rustic camps signs simply remains a mystery to many local residents.

As America’s largest insurer of summer camps, at AMSkier we’re lucky to be close to the magic of camp, while also being local. Since we’re part of both worlds, we think it’s only fitting of us to share some of summer camp culture with others.

The Wayne County camps surrounding us all have a passion for sending home a “better and more-prepared child” at the end of summer. A summer camp experience can help a child feel more successful, can help them make new friends and gain new skills. Summer camp can encourage children to get along better with others and help them understand what they’re good at.

Our local Wayne County camps emphasize values and independence and each is focused on developing these characteristics in their own unique way. Ask a child who went to summer camp about their experience, and they’re likely to say it is life-changing. Children spend their day being physically active and unplugged from technology, making lifelong friends, experiencing independence and taking part in activities otherwise largely unavailable to them. Camp is a truly tangible experience. Camp encourages children to utilize all their senses and is a communal environment where kids learn to love living by the sound of a bugle call.

Often, one of the quintessential and most iconic activities of the entire camp experience is Color War. After a few days of unity and togetherness, camps are divided into separate teams where campers compete in activities all around camp – from basketball, boating and soccer to trivia contests, rope burn and apache relay. The beginning of Color War is marked by a moment called “Breakout,” where a theatrical display of events result in a surprise announcement of the team colors. Campers are usually buzzing as Breakout gets closer, always guessing what day, hour and minute it will take place. Usually, this happens in the last couple weeks of camp and Color War marks the beginning of the end: it’s sad but exciting and thrilling, and is truly the pinnacle of the summer!

In Wayne County, we can be proud not only of the countless childhood memories and life lessons being made in our mountains, forests and lakes, but also the positive effect these summer camps have on our local economy. The average camp has been a mainstay of the Pocono economy for 66 years, and most are among the most successful and well-established camps in the country. There are 32 summer camps within a 30-mile radius in Wayne County alone.

These camps, though they consume relatively little in the way of services, are an extraordinarily large and important part of the tax base for all localities where they are situated. In fact, local taxes paid to school districts, counties and municipalities averaged $101,306 per camp ($66,233 to schools, $23,073 to counties and $12,000 to municipalities).

Towns are often so proud of their local universities. In Northeast Pennsylvania, we embrace ourselves as a camp region, with pride in the value summer camps bring to the children they serve and our local economy.

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Home Improvements for Summer

Summer is a great time to make changes and additions to your home. Making an addition to your home, no matter how large or small, can be a welcomed change to your house and increase its value. If you’ve been hoping to make some changes or additions, here are a few ideas to help you get started.

Greenery

Add trees and low maintenance plants like shrubbery to your lawn for curb appeal. Adding mulch or wood chips around your plants will also make them look tidy and prevent weeds from growing. According to SmartMoney.com, hedges alone raise property values by 3.6 percent. Looking for a more unique set up? If you have the room, why not start growing your own vegetables? Vegetables such as, tomatoes and peppers don’t require much room to grow, plus you can fertilize them with compost from old food scraps.

Relaxation & Recreation

With the kids out of school and guests at your house, it’s great to have a spot for sport, recreation, and relaxation. Consider building a basketball court or a tennis court for your guests and kids. A playground would be warmly received by your children. Simpler projects, such as a sandbox or slide are great for children and can keep them occupied for hours. Your guests would also enjoy a nice recreational spot and simple sports activities, so install a badminton net or build a horseshoe pit.

Fences

Are you looking to add more fencing for privacy at your home? You have an abundance of options, depending on your budget and aesthetic. Popular choices include wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, aluminum, and cedar. There are pros and cons to each variety, of course. If you already have fencing, consider getting an upgrade. Chain-link fencing can become warped and rusted over time, while wooden fencing can become faded, chipped, and damaged from seasonal weather. There’s no reason to replace the whole fence if only a part of it is damaged, fresh paint and tidying up around it can give your yard a whole new look.

Alternatively, hedges and bushes can function in the same way as fences, but hold more aesthetic appeal. Hedges and bushes can be a great alternative if you’re willing to put in the extra work and landscaping.

Driveway Beautification

Similar to fencing, driveways can also become cracked and damaged due to seasonal weather and the summer season is the best time to repair it. Whether you use an asphalt company or know how to do it yourself, make sure to plan around the time it takes for the new coat to seal and dry. This way your driveway won’t have damage while it dries.

Basement Updates

Many basements remain unfinished and under-furnished, leaving the potential for the space untapped. Finishing a basement will increase the size of your home, allowing you to add a bedroom or two, a bathroom or recreation space. Basements can provide a cool place to be in the summer and add a nice spot to store excess items you may not have room for. Add some new carpeting, furnish the walls and add lights to create a whole new environment in your basement space. While you’re updating the basement space, it’s also a good time to check for any mildew, foundation cracks, or leaks that may have occurred over a period of time. Make sure to report anything you see to your insurance agent before it gets worse.

In fact, always remember to report anything you see or expand on in your home. You don’t want to be deep in debt because your current policy can’t cover the additional value.

We hope you make a lot of progress this summer with your home and have a strong sense of accomplishment. Make sure to contact your insurance agent and let them know about the improvements in case of an accident! It’s important that all the hard work on your house is properly covered.

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Skier plans new venue for Harmony Presents

Find the original article on the News Eagle website. The following is the original article published in the News Eagle by Katie Collins.

By Katie Collins / News Eagle Reporter / Follow Katie @Neaglereporter

Posted Jun 26, 2017 at 4:19 PM

HAWLEY – Over the course of six years, Harmony Presents has brought performers from near and afar to the Boiler Room of the Hawley Silk Mill. With just one show left in the Boiler Room, Harmony Presents will eventually have a new home, less than a mile away.

Tucked away at an undeveloped area of land not visible from Rt. 6, Harmony Presents will bring performances to a new home. The entertainment stage for lesser known artists was created when Henry Skier of AMSkier Insurance, wanted to bring performance to the modern-day Hawley Silk Mill.

Jill Carletti Merrill, managing director of Harmony Presents said the entertainment “feeds a lot of peoples’ heart and souls” as a “cultural experience” is offered in the small town of Hawley. Since the bands aren’t mainstream, they offer listeners a “totally unique experience.” An additional aspect is that people are able to meet others and get to know the artists and with the new location, Carletti Merrill said that “same vibe” will happen.

Skier created the Wildflower Music Festival at Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary in White Mills. He said he had no idea what was to come, when he requested the Boiler Room to be used for something when the Silk Mill was remodeled. It was because of Carletti Merrill however, that he largely credits Harmony Presents’ success.

Initially, trying to make the Boiler Room attractive, Carletti Merrill would decorate the room with papier-mâché to look “festive” with lamps and such decorations she said. Eventually, the patio was added which added an element to the setting.

Acoustical tent?

The Boiler Room, Skier said wasn’t meant to be the forever home of Harmony Presents, so there could be performances in “other venues.” Now, Skier in seeking a zoning variance to construct something on 14 acres of land he owns not far from The Dime Bank Lake Region Center on Rt. 6. As of yet, the only known definite of the location, is the parking. Other than that, whether it is more than an “acoustical tent” that is a year-round scene hasn’t been decided. But, it is known that with its location in the woods, road noise won’t be heard. Carletti Merrill called the location a “cool spot.” The change and plans, Skier said is “exciting.”

Since its start, getting entertainers to come to Hawley has become easier, as Carletti Merrill has made contacts and now, Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform in Scranton for the Pocono Environmental Education Center in October. This show, will be Harmony’s largest yet. Since its start, there have been about 500 shows, sometimes with repeat performers and many repeat listeners as well as many regulars.

In My Wildest Dreams

In a new location, Carletti Merrill said the plan is for more concerts that will “benefit other causes.” The blend of music and performance, she believes gives a “special quality to an area.” An additional idea is that Harmony Presents will aid other organizations that may not get the attention they deserve. Giving that warranted attention, Carletti Merrill likes.

With the new location, Harmony Presents which is also a production company will become more then performances, as Skier has plans for In My Wildest Dreams, which features people who, in their wildest dreams could not have imaged they would accomplish the feats they eventually did. See inmywildestdreams.org for more information.

As for time, Carletti Merrill said they are looking at something happening this year, once approval is received for the variance. While waiting, however, they are seeking out tents and assistance from contacts Skier has with an architect to figure how they can make things come together. The location, Skier said is “beautiful” and “begs to have something on it.”

Where her heart lies

Having performers “not yet known” is where Carletti Merrill said her “heart lies” because she enjoys the “discovery aspect” of finding new entertainers who offer new music. As well as introducing the performers to other people. Despite the performers not being mainstream, Skier noted that the shows are not “amateur” since they are “professional and dedicated.”

Before they perform at Harmony, Carletti Merrill views the professional videos, reads their biographies and checks their photos. She generally finds them as they are touring the northeast. Harmony Presents has become a place that performers like she said, because people are there to listen to the music.

Skier credits Carletti Merrill’s “skill” for making Harmony Presents into a success. To attract new performers and have an audience grow, more room is needed and the hope now, is that the venue will give Harmony a “chance to grow” as he owns the land around the planned location.

Pretty limited

While the Boiler Room was great, the reality is that it is “pretty limited” Skier said, and it doesn’t have a “look” he wants because if sitting in the back of the room, people are basically looking at others’ heads. Details like the stage aren’t quite what Skier would like and the sound system isn’t what it could be, because it is a small room. As a fan of music, Skier likes music to be loud. If the structure is no more than a tent, the “look” has to be something special, Skier said. He hopes though, that the architect can create something special because winter is a concern. The interior, he wants to be changeable since all events may not be musical.

With Harmony Presents, Carletti Merrill believes the limited space in the Boiler Room fit best for the musical performances. Now with a new location, there are possibilities for theatrical performances while being different than the Ritz Theatre. Harmony, Skier said is about “pleasing the community and making Hawley a better place.”

People for the most part, aren’t aware of what the future has in store for Harmony Presents, not that there’s a surprise, but the end of the Boiler Room is happening now because Settler’s Hospitality plans to use it for other occasions.

Fantastic music

Last month, Linda Vose was at the Boiler Room with her husband Tom where they listened to Les Poules à Colin from Quebec. Linda said the experience was “awesome” because being in the Boiler Room offered a “cozy nice environment” with “fantastic music.” Linda has been to several shows, and she has found many of the musicians to be good. The live music, she believes “releases serotonin” and makes her happy. The last performance Gold Magnolias, Linda called “freaking awesome” and they will have people dancing on tables while dancing with the audience.

Harmony Presents, has led Tom to seek out more live performances because there are many good local musicians that are “incredible” he said. Live music is different, as people sing, clap their hands, laugh and tap their feet.
As a musician herself, Carletti Merrill believes music and art are important as she also likes the idea of making a difference and building relationships, so through Harmony Presents, she said it has felt “meaningful to provide something like this beautiful experience.”

Despite the many shows over the years, only four bands have persuaded the entire audience to get up and dance, one band being The Gold Magnolias who will be the last performance in the Boiler Room July 21.

For more information about Harmony Presents visit https://harmonypresents.com/.

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