Bob's Blog

12 Strays of Christmas

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:05:52 -0600

The new Monroe County animal shelter (AWSOM), will present the 12 Strays of Christmas beginning December 14th! WBRE TV 28 will feature a homeless pet each day. The morning weather anchor will shoot live from the shelter and the homeless pets will be aired every Morning and on the 5 - 5:30 news broadcast. There are pets of all sizes and ages, and they are spayed and neutered.

If you would like to volunteer or donate bedding, supplies, or funds for spay and neuter projects, please go visit them at awsomanimals.org. Or, you can even adopt a loving animal and have a friend for life. The AWSOM building is located on Godfrey Ridge Rd in Stroudsburg.

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:54:57 -0600

...but the ski slopes are so delightful! Yes, it's cold here in the Poconos this week. You have to expect it. But it also allows the ski areas to make enough snow to fill their runs and open! This weekend, our area ski resorts open for the winter skiing, snowboarding and tubing season! Camelback Mountain Resort in Tannersville opens tomorrow, Saturday, with 9 trails and 3 lifts! Shawnee Mountain, in Shawnee-on-Delaware, opens tomorrow with 5 trails and 3 or 4 lifts. And Jack Frost opening day is also tomorrow with 4 lifts available. Bundle up and stay warm, but have a great time out there on the slopes! Maybe I'll see you out there!

Breakfast with Santa

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:55:07 -0600

What could possibly be more exciting for little kids than to meet Santa Claus and have breakfast with him?? Take all the kids to Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort between 9 and 11am Saturday for breakfast! Santa will listen to all the wish lists! Make your reservations for this enjoyable morning. Call the Shawnee Inn at 570-424-4000 x1413 today! Christmas in the Poconos...it's such a fun and beautiful time of year!

Holiday Fundraisers

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:49:54 -0600

Starting this Friday, December 11, the Market at Durham Trading in Marshalls Creek is accepting toys and coats to benefit the Toys For Tots program and the Salvation Army Coat Drive. You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy, and gently used coats to donate to these great community fundraisers. The Market at Durham Trading is open Friday - Sunday 9am to 6pm, and this drive lasts through the end of January. So if you get a new jacket for Christmas, please think about donating your old one to the Salvation Army!

Real Estate in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:35:06 -0600

Today, CNNMoney.com reports that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.03%, which is still incredibly low and should be taken advantage of! And now that the government has extended the first time home buyers tax into 2010, AND opened it up so more people can take advantage of it, anyone still thinking about purchasing a home should start looking! In Monroe County, we have over 2,300 residential homes for sale, and 108 of them are foreclosures. Out of the 155 homes sold in October 2009, nearly 20% of them were foreclosures, with an average sales price of $122,194. The overall sales price for homes in the Pocono Mountains in October 2009 was $170,973. If you'd like more information on the Poconos' Real Estate Market, please just give me a call!

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:31:49 -0600

This Sunday, December 6, the Stroudsmoor Country Inn will celebrate the annual tree and mountain lighting! This ceremony has continued to grow every year, and now included many local artists and musicians, displays, petting zoo, pony and carriage rides and more! Festivities begin at 10am Sunday and go through 8pm. For more information on times of all the activities or lodging packages, visit stroudsmoor.com!

Hamilton Township Home For Sale

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:24:26 -0600

Charming Home in Hamilton Township in the Poconos on a Quiet Corner Double Lot! Relax to the Sounds of Nature on the Large Screen Porch with Skyights or Enjoy Dinner on Your Wrap-Around Deck! Sunken Family Room has Brick Fireplace, Kitchen with Tile Floor & Pantry, Master Bedroom has DOUBLE closets! Finished Basement with 2nd Family Room, Whole House Fan, New Roof and Well Pump!

Incredible Value Home in the Poconos!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:46:23 -0600

No This Is Not A Foreclosure or Short Sale! Home is Priced to Sell Fast! Compare! Located on 1st Hole of Great Bear Country Club Golf Course. Stunning Kitchen with Island Cooktop! 2 Story Family Room with Floor to Ceiling Brick Fireplace, 2 Story Entry with Hardwood, Large Master Bedroom wtih Volume Ceilings! Master Bath Has Tile Floors, Full Tile Shower & Whirlpool Tub! Double Staircases, Beautiful Large Lot! For More Information, Please Call Me!

Christmas Trees from the Poconos!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:13:10 -0600

If you're looking for your Christmas tree, two great places to look are volunteer fire companies in the Poconos; Jackson & Stroud Township Fire Departments. To raise money for the firefighters, they are selling locally grown trees for the holidays, ranging in price from $30 to $130. It's a great idea to purchase your tree AND support your local volunteer firefighters at the same time! Jackson Township firefighters are selling the trees on Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 8pm at their fire station on Route 715 in Reeders. Stroud Township is selling them Fridays 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 11am to 9pm at the fire station off Route 611 by the Stroud Mall.

Recently Remodeled Home

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:17:16 -0600

Another Great Home For Sale! You Don't Want To Miss This Opportunity in Indian Mountain Lakes! Nights in the Poconos Can Get Chilly...Experience the Warmth of a Coal Stove This Winter in Beautiful Remodeled Home! Solid Oak Floor & Ceramic Tile on Upper Level, Living Room with Cathedral Ceiling & Wood Stove, Dining Room has Sliders to Large Deck Overlooking Flat Yard, Kitchen with Granite Counters, New Appliances & Beautiful Cabinets! Family Room on Lower Level has Wet Bar & Sliders to Stone Patio! See the Pictures Below and Call Me if You'd Like to Set Up an Appointment to View this Home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:03:15 -0600

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving tomorrow! And find some great bargains if you go hunting the "After Thanksgiving Day Sales" on Friday! If you need to get out of the house and do something besides eat turkey leftovers on Friday night, come down to Courthouse Square in downtown Stroudsburg, where the annual Tree-Lighting will be held!

A Thanksgiving in the Casino

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:57:53 -0600

Mount Airy Casino & Resort is another place in the Poconos that is hosting Thanksgiving, for those of you who don't want to stay home, or don't want to do the cooking and clean-up! The three restaurants in the casino will each have their own Thanksgiving menu to share...and show off! red Steakhouse will carve your personal turkey tableside, Le Sorelle Cucina has a traditional Italian menu as well as some additional delicous-sounding entrees, and The Buffet will have Virginia baked ham and maple glazed fresh roast turkey at their carving station. For more information about the menu, times or prices, you can visit them at mountairycasino.com!

Marshalls Creek Bypass

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:53:57 -0600

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!

Another American Idol Coming to Stroudsburg!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:51:21 -0600

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!

Thanksgiving in the Poconos

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:59:56 -0600

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.

Main Street Lights

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:25:13 -0600

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!!

Extended Tax Credit

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:50:53 -0600

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!

Free Brewery Tours

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:13:46 -0600

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!

Pocono Family YMCA Pilates and Spin Studio

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:21:28 -0600

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.

Job Fair for Ski Resorts

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:15:33 -0600

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.

Ski Season Already?!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:02:58 -0600

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.

Blakeslee Farm Fundraiser

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:13:20 -0600

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!

New Grocery Store in Town!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:53:29 -0600

A big day in Bartonsville today! At 8am, the new Giant grocery stored opened their doors! Located where the old truck stop was, it is prime location, nestled near Routes 80, 611 & 33. It looks like a large store as I drive by! There is also a new Red Lobster located in the same complex, which should be opening soon. The Giant hired 240 full and part time employees! More good news for the Poconos!

An American Idol Coming to the Poconos!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:15:55 -0600

Remember last season's American Idol? It was the "Battle of the Davids", and David Archuleta was the very young runner up. David will be giving the Poconos a Christmas concert at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on December 18 at 7:30pm! For only $30, you can enjoy the "Christmas From the Heart Tour" and get into the Christmas spirit! For more information, go to shermantheater.com!

Turn Your Clocks Back!

Bob Kelly (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:24 -0500

Daylight Savings Time comes to an end this weekend! "Spring Ahead and Fall Back" is the saying. Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour after you've celebrated Halloween on Saturday night (ok, officially, turn them back at 2am on Sunday)! Although there are a few places that don't participate in daylight savings time, we sure do here in the Poconos! I didn't realize there was so much information and history about daylight savings time! If you're interested, or just have a few minutes to spare, check out webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/nodes.html and read about it!