The third and final piece of the much anticipated bypass through Marshalls Creek is expected to begin in the spring of 2010 with an estimated completion date of fall of 2012, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Although costly, this bypass should alleviate the traffic build-up on Route 209 through Marshalls Creek. Sure, you're going to have to deal with some construction traffic while this is being completed, but in the long run, we'll have a better traffic flow.  So slow down while you're going through the construction zones and drive safely!

Remember Bo Bice, the long-haired rocker who made it into the finals on American Idol a couple years ago? He's coming back to the Sherman Theater on Main Street in Stroudsburg on January 15th! Bo Bice came smashing into stardom on the 4th season of American Idol, and created a huge fan club! Also, a very talented local musician will be opening for Bo Bice! Christian Porter, who has played many local venues here in the Poconos, will impress you! If you haven't heard Christian play yet, and if you're ready for some more Bo Bice, go to shermantheater.com and get your tickets now!

Still deciding what to do on Thanksgiving? Don't want to cook? Some of our area restaurants here in the Poconos offer a Thanksgiving feast, which allows to you sit, relax and not worry about cooking & clean-up! Shawnee Inn, for example, not only is hosting Thanksgiving, but are also offering 2 and 3 night stay packages over the holiday, including hayrides, campfires and tickets to see An O. Henry Christmas at Shawnee Playhouse!  They are serving the Thanksgiving meal from 12pm - 4pm, with a delicious buffet menu.  For more information, you can visit them at shawneeinn.com.

Drive down Main Street in Stroudsburg this time of year when it's dark, and you get the beautiful sight of all the trees wrapped with white lights. And don't you know, soon enough, the wreaths will be hung on the street lamps and the tree in Courthouse Square will be lit, too! Yes, even though we're having some mild weather, it may not quite feel like the holdiays yet, but they sure are here! Thanksgiving is right around the corner - just a week from tomorrow! Take a ride to Stroudsburg and enjoy the views and excitement of the holidays in the Poconos!!

Good news for those who were on the fence about buying your first home! The first time homebuyer's credit was extended into spring of 2010!  It has a few small changes, but it is still an $8000 credit. The credit is extended until April 30, 2010, and as long as you have it under contract by that date, you have until July 1, 2010 to close.  Also, the income limits increased, so if you are single, the limit increased to $125,000 and if married, the limit increased to $225,000.  Need more information, have questions, or want to start looking? Call me at 570-421-2890 x4884! We still have over 2,400 homes for sale in Monroe County, with a deep range of price, including foreclosures!

Everyday at 12:30 pm, Barley Creek in Tannersville offers free tours of their working brewery for all ages, and tasting for those 21 and over.  It's a great experience in the Pocono Mountains original brew pub.  Hang out and enjoy lunch from their menu, like the Firehouse Chili (which is perfect this time of year) British Pub Style Shepherd's Pie, or some Slow Cooked Pot Roast!  And if you wait just a little longer, you can hit Camelback Mountain for some skiing or snowboarding!

The Pocono Family YMCA, located on Main Street in Stroudsburg, has opened a new Pilates and Spin Studio! It offers classes to members and non-members and is right across the street from their parking lot on Williams St. 

Pilates is a great work out for people of all levels.  Seeing and feeling results in your body keeps you coming back for more. There are four pilates reformer machines for classes or one-on-one training.  Spin class uses stationary bikes and burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time, giving you an intense workout.

For a class schedule and information, call the YMCA at 570-421-2525.

Our local ski areas are holding job fairs to hire for the up-coming season! Managers from most, if not all, departments will be there.

Camelback Ski area is having theirs tonight, 11/10, from 4-8pm in the Pennsylvania Room. Call 570-629-1661 if you need additional information.

Shawnee Mountain's job fair is this Saturday 11/14, from 9am to 3pm at the base lodge. They'll be filling between 500 & 600 winter jobs! For more information, call 570-421-7231.

Blue Mountain Ski Area is accepting applications for positions as tubing park attendants or ski instructors. For more information, call (610) 826-7700.

Jack Frost/Big Boulder Ski Areas is accepting applications for a variety of winter positions. For more information, call (570) 443-8425. You can also print an application form from their website, www.jfbb.com.

I know it's still fall, but ski season is right around the corner here in the Poconos! It's NOVEMBER already, and Shawnee Mountain reports that weather permitting, they will being making snow mid-November with a target date to open of November 27! That's only 3 WEEKS AWAY! Camelback Mountain Resort is reporting that they will be open for the winter season on December 4, but may adjust to an earlier day weather permitting.  Get your skis and snowboards waxed and sharpened, bundle up and get ready to go! Both Shawnee and Camelback Mountains can be easily found nestled in the Pocono Mountains! Shawnee Mountain is located in the Village of Shawnee, and Camelback is in Tannersville. 

Another great way our community here in the Pocono Mountains is coming together! Rose Schoch, owner of Schoch Harley Davidson/Buell in Snydersville, has written a book to raise funds for the rebuilding of the Blakeslee Farm that was destroyed in a tornado this past summer. But it's not just an ordinary book! It's part cookbook (with some home-grown recipes), with pieces about our area written by guest writers and historians. It runs 125 pages and sells for $19.95, with all the proceeds going to the Blakeslees, less printing costs.  This book can be found at Schoch Harley Davidson in Snydersville, or on-line at harleyclothes.com.  Enjoy reading about our great Pocono area!