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Stay Current
Pick Up the Poconos Returns for Spring 2026
Celebrate Earth Day by taking time to care for our environment. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is once again inviting volunteers to participate in its region-wide litter pick-up day, which will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (regardless of the weather conditions).
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SEEDS Announces 2026 Sustainability Scholarship
SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) has announced the 2026 SEEDS Sustainability Scholarship, a $1,000 award established in memory of Michael “Jake” Burkhardt, a former SEEDS student intern and passionate advocate for community and environmental stewardship. READ MORE
Greater Honesdale Partnership Hosts Sing-A-Long Brunch Fundraiser to Support America250PA Celebration
The Greater Honesdale Partnership invites the community to turn up the volume for a fun and festive Sing-A-Long Brunch Fundraiser at Runaway Train Brewery. On Sunday April 19, 2026Doors open at 10:00 AM for guests to enjoy a delicious brunch buffet and beverage specials before the entertainment begins. At 11:30 AM, local celebrity DJ Adam Owens will kick off an upbeat sing-a-long featuring the songs everyone knows and loves.
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Pocono Updates
Whether it’s a new public initiative, a road improvement schedule, or updates to local services, this page serves as the community’s dependable source for clear and accurate information.
Pocono Chamber Public Policy Meeting Highlights Housing, Infrastructure, and Regional Development Updates
Stroudsburg, PA – March 6, 2026 – The Pocono Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee convened on Friday, March 6, bringing together federal, state, county, and municipal leaders alongside regional partners to discuss legislative priorities, infrastructure improvements, housing initiatives, and economic development activity impacting Monroe County and the greater Pocono region.Legislative Updates Highlight Funding Opportunities and Policy DiscussionsTyler Day, representing Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s office, shared that the federal Community Project Funding program opened earlier than anticipated, with notices distributed to more than 1,000 stakeholders across the district. Applications were due March 6. Congressman Bresnahan is also monitoring developments surrounding a new federal Farm Bill currently moving through committee, which includes efforts to revive a farm-to-food bank program designed to support local farmers while helping feed communities in need.Senator Rosemary Brown’s office reported that state budget hearings recently concluded, with Senator Brown participating as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In addition to evaluating funding requests and agency budgets, the Senator recently announced support for a temporary moratorium on large-scale data center development while introducing a legislative package aimed at ensuring stronger safeguards for residents and infrastructure as new proposals emerge. Concerns around water usage, energy capacity, zoning protections, and transparency have been central to the discussion.Representative Maureen Madden’s office shared updates from several recent and upcoming initiatives, including a community town hall held last weekend at Northampton Community College’s Pocono Campus that addressed stormwater management, workforce housing, and regional priorities. Representative Madden also recognized local leaders and organizations during a recent Monroe Matters television segment in honor of Women’s History Month. The office will host an unclaimed property assistance event on March 17 and is advancing legislation that would establish dementia training requirements for emergency medical service providers.Representative Tarah Probst’s office also announced plans to host a roundtable discussion on attainable housing at East Stroudsburg High School South later this month. County Leaders Discuss Housing Policy, Assessments, and Community InitiativesMonroe County Commissioners provided updates on ongoing discussions related to housing policy and property assessment challenges. Officials noted interest in potential legislative adjustments that could provide additional flexibility for accessory dwelling units and housing arrangements such as the “Golden Girls Law,” which allows more flexible shared housing arrangements. Commissioners also discussed concerns surrounding the state’s common level ratio and how it is applied equally to residential and commercial properties, sometimes creating valuation imbalances that could lead to the need for reassessment. At the same time, Monroe County continues planning for upcoming America250 community events and exploring expanded re-entry programming within the county correctional system to help reduce recidivism.Municipal Updates Reflect Local Infrastructure and Community InvestmentMunicipal leaders across Monroe County shared updates on projects and community programming underway in their communities. Stroud Township reported preparations for spring operations, including infrastructure improvements, bridge replacement work on Poplar Valley East, and new equipment purchases to support road maintenance efforts, while Glen Brook Golf Course is expected to open later this month, weather permitting. Pocono Township highlighted several upcoming community events, including a Movie Night at the Park and a community egg hunt in partnership with Monroe County Children and Youth, while also advancing infrastructure initiatives such as the Route 715 Realignment Project, drainage improvements at Laurel Lake, and new adaptive traffic signal technology designed to reduce seasonal congestion. Smithfield Township continues work on zoning updates addressing high-density residential development and data center placement while reviewing new commercial development proposals near the Route 209 and Route 447 corridor. Middle Smithfield Township announced upcoming community events, including its annual Eggstravaganza at Resica Park, and is currently accepting applications for its Revitalize 209 grant program. Regional Partners Share Updates on Economic Development, Housing, and Transportation The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation reported new infrastructure grant applications tied to improvements near Interstate 80 exits 298 and 299 and noted growing interest from companies exploring expansion opportunities in the region. Northeast Pennsylvania was recently recognized for the sixth consecutive year in Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s cup rankings as a top location for business development.Housing and real estate leaders shared February market statistics showing 222 residential sales in Monroe County, down from 305 during the same period last year. While sales declined, housing inventory remains tight with just over 1,100 active listings, and median sales prices held near $295,000, reflecting continued pressure in the regional housing market. Transportation officials from the Monroe County Transportation Authority reported that ten new paratransit vehicles have been delivered and will begin service this month, with five additional fixed-route buses expected to arrive later this spring.Community organizations highlighted new housing stability and workforce initiatives as well. Pocono Mountains United Way announced a new rental assistance program that has already helped several families remain in their homes, while the Community Foundation of Monroe County shared updates on new funding collaborations focused on workforce development, aging services, and community investment.Chamber Advocacy and Upcoming Engagement Opportunities“These conversations help ensure the voice of business remains part of the policy discussions shaping our region,” said Kristine Bush, Chair of the Pocono Chamber Public Policy Committee and Immediate Past Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Chamber also highlighted several upcoming events, including the annual Legislative Luncheon on March 10 at Camelback Resort, a Women in Business event on March 25 at the Fusia Center for the Arts, and the Youth Appreciation Luncheon scheduled for April 17 at Monroe Career & Technical Institute.The Public Policy Committee will meet next on April 10 at 9:00 a.m.About the Pocono Chamber: The Pocono Chamber of Commerce serves as a leading advocate for economic growth in the Pocono Mountains region, supporting organizations of all sizes while fostering collaboration among employers, government officials, and community partners. A proud partner of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, it is part of a network of nearly 5,000 members employing more than 200,000 people, forming the largest chamber organization in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Participate in a Home Air Quality Study
The Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring. Sanofi, and Pocono Mountains United Way are working together to learn more about air quality and health in Pennsylvania.
Am I eligible to participate?
We are currently recruiting homeowners for a study of indoor air quality in homes. It is important that furnace filters be used and have been in place for around 2–3 months. Of those participants, we are looking for 1 home to host air quality sensors for one year.
Why should I participate?
By participating in the furnace filter exchange or hosting a sensor at your home, you can contribute to a community effort to learn more about how local air quality affects health in your area. Participants in the furnace filter exchange also receive a free filter!
What is involved in the furnace filter exchange?
A technician will visit your home during March 25–28 to collect your used air filters and analyze them for air quality. Please do not try to remove the filters yourself. You will be provided with free replacement filters.
What is involved in “hosting” a sensor?
As a host, you will host two high-quality, research-grade sensors, one located outside your home and one placed inside your home. You do not need to worry about installing the sensors or maintaining them. A researcher will install and remove the sensors.
Sensors will be installed by expert technicians and require little to no maintenance. These sensors need access to Wi-Fi and a power outlet.
How long will I host a sensor?
Sensors will remain in place for approximately one year.
What type of data does the sensor collect?
The sensors we are using for this project collect air temperature, humidity, and air quality (PM2.5) data. The sensors log data and transmit it directly to our researchers.
How will the data be used?
The data will be analyzed to identify key insights which will be shared with community members. Your address, location, and your name will all be kept confidential.
https://www.collaborativeheatmonitoring.org/partners/swiftwater-pa
Am I eligible to participate?
We are currently recruiting homeowners for a study of indoor air quality in homes. It is important that furnace filters be used and have been in place for around 2–3 months. Of those participants, we are looking for 1 home to host air quality sensors for one year.
Why should I participate?
By participating in the furnace filter exchange or hosting a sensor at your home, you can contribute to a community effort to learn more about how local air quality affects health in your area. Participants in the furnace filter exchange also receive a free filter!
What is involved in the furnace filter exchange?
A technician will visit your home during March 25–28 to collect your used air filters and analyze them for air quality. Please do not try to remove the filters yourself. You will be provided with free replacement filters.
What is involved in “hosting” a sensor?
As a host, you will host two high-quality, research-grade sensors, one located outside your home and one placed inside your home. You do not need to worry about installing the sensors or maintaining them. A researcher will install and remove the sensors.
Sensors will be installed by expert technicians and require little to no maintenance. These sensors need access to Wi-Fi and a power outlet.
How long will I host a sensor?
Sensors will remain in place for approximately one year.
What type of data does the sensor collect?
The sensors we are using for this project collect air temperature, humidity, and air quality (PM2.5) data. The sensors log data and transmit it directly to our researchers.
How will the data be used?
The data will be analyzed to identify key insights which will be shared with community members. Your address, location, and your name will all be kept confidential.
https://www.collaborativeheatmonitoring.org/partners/swiftwater-pa
Wayne County
Wayne County and Center for Community Resources (CCR) are excited to announce the anticipated December opening of the Northeast Regional Crisis Stabilization Center at 100 Park Street in Honesdale. The center will provide immediate help to those experiencing an active mental health crisis. There will be skilled behavioral health staff available 24/7, who aim to de‑escalate crises, assess individuals' needs, and provide them with additional referrals.
This new center will significantly enhance crisis intervention services for residents of Wayne County and the surrounding areas. Several programs will be housed within the new building. The walk‑in stabilization center offers a safe, comfortable space for those in crisis to receive prompt assessment, stabilization, and referral to after‑care services. This service is comparable to an “Urgent Care,” but for behavioral health. Individuals of all ages who want help can utilize this service rather than the Emergency Department when in crisis. Emergency Departments across the nation do not have the necessary staff or specific providers needed when someone presents with a mental health crisis, so they are often unassisted for long periods of time, while concurrently impeding emergency service care for others.
Individuals can stay in the walk‑in center for up to 24 hours. If longer treatment and stabilization is needed (for adults, up to 5–7 days), the 8‑bed, 24/7 crisis residential program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals comprised of therapists, nurses, and peer specialists and is located in the same building. Lastly, a state‑of‑the‑art call center is located in the building where staff will answer telephone crisis calls from Wayne County and overflow calls from other counties CCR serves. Mobile crisis services are also available—crisis intervention specialists dispatched by the call center can come to your home or meet you in the community.
As a part of the larger Recovery To Work project, Wayne County successfully gathered state and philanthropic grant funding, as well as a federal appropriation, to purchase and renovate the former women's health building in Honesdale. Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention and Carbon‑Monroe‑Pike Mental Health & Developmental Services partnered to apply for and secure a large grant to cover startup and operation costs. Once fully operational, the crisis center will bring 45 jobs to Wayne County.
CCR has been providing crisis intervention services in Wayne County since 2021 in partnership with Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention. Please stay tuned for an announcement on an opening date for the new center. While we wait for an official opening date, please be assured that 24/7 telephone, mobile, and walk‑in crisis services are available now by calling 1‑833‑55REACH (1‑833‑557‑3224) or texting 63288.
In addition to crisis services, an array of mental health services are available here in Wayne County. For information and/or referral to services, please contact Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention at 570‑253‑9200. You can also visit us online at: waynecountypa.gov/155/Behavioral-and-Developmental-Programs
This new center will significantly enhance crisis intervention services for residents of Wayne County and the surrounding areas. Several programs will be housed within the new building. The walk‑in stabilization center offers a safe, comfortable space for those in crisis to receive prompt assessment, stabilization, and referral to after‑care services. This service is comparable to an “Urgent Care,” but for behavioral health. Individuals of all ages who want help can utilize this service rather than the Emergency Department when in crisis. Emergency Departments across the nation do not have the necessary staff or specific providers needed when someone presents with a mental health crisis, so they are often unassisted for long periods of time, while concurrently impeding emergency service care for others.
Individuals can stay in the walk‑in center for up to 24 hours. If longer treatment and stabilization is needed (for adults, up to 5–7 days), the 8‑bed, 24/7 crisis residential program is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals comprised of therapists, nurses, and peer specialists and is located in the same building. Lastly, a state‑of‑the‑art call center is located in the building where staff will answer telephone crisis calls from Wayne County and overflow calls from other counties CCR serves. Mobile crisis services are also available—crisis intervention specialists dispatched by the call center can come to your home or meet you in the community.
As a part of the larger Recovery To Work project, Wayne County successfully gathered state and philanthropic grant funding, as well as a federal appropriation, to purchase and renovate the former women's health building in Honesdale. Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention and Carbon‑Monroe‑Pike Mental Health & Developmental Services partnered to apply for and secure a large grant to cover startup and operation costs. Once fully operational, the crisis center will bring 45 jobs to Wayne County.
CCR has been providing crisis intervention services in Wayne County since 2021 in partnership with Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention. Please stay tuned for an announcement on an opening date for the new center. While we wait for an official opening date, please be assured that 24/7 telephone, mobile, and walk‑in crisis services are available now by calling 1‑833‑55REACH (1‑833‑557‑3224) or texting 63288.
In addition to crisis services, an array of mental health services are available here in Wayne County. For information and/or referral to services, please contact Wayne County Office of Behavioral & Developmental Programs & Early Intervention at 570‑253‑9200. You can also visit us online at: waynecountypa.gov/155/Behavioral-and-Developmental-Programs
St. Luke’s Joins National Study on New Shoulder Replacement Technology
NEWS RELEASE
St. Luke’s is the only health care system in the Lehigh Valley chosen for this innovative research.
St. Luke’s University Health Network has been selected as the only health care system in the Lehigh Valley, and one of just a few nationwide, to take part in a major clinical trial studying a new shoulder replacement design called the INHANCE™ Shoulder System by DePuy Synthes.
This research will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the INHANCE Shoulder System, which uses a stemless design instead of the traditional metal stem placed inside the arm bone. By removing the stem, the procedure may help preserve more natural bone and reduce bone loss, which could be important for patients who might need another surgery in the future.
The study is for patients who need a reverse total shoulder replacement because of a gross rotator cuff deficiency and severe pain and loss of function caused by conditions like osteoarthritis. These issues can make everyday activities difficult and greatly affect quality of life. Participation in the study is a decision made together by the patient and surgeon.
Dr. Gregory Carolan, an orthopedic surgeon with St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care, performed the first procedure in the Lehigh Valley at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital at the West End Campus. DePuy Synthes invited Dr. Carolan to join the study because of his national reputation and extensive experience with complex shoulder surgeries.
“We are excited to be part of this important research,” said Dr. Carolan. “The stemless design could be a big step forward in shoulder replacement because it preserves more of the patient’s natural bone, which is especially important for long-term results.”
St. Luke’s participation in this study highlights its commitment to bringing advanced orthopedic care to the region.
Media Contact:
Sam Kennedy, Corporate Communications Director, 484-526-4134, samuel.kennedy@sluhn.org About St. Luke’sFounded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network with annual net revenue of more than $4.5 billion. With 23,000+ employees at 16 hospital campuses and 350+ outpatient sites, it is the Lehigh Valley’s biggest employer.The Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.Dedicated to advancing medical education, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania. In partnership with Temple University, the Network established the Lehigh Valley’s first and only four-year medical school. It also operates the nation’s oldest continuously operated School of Nursing, established in 1884, and 50+ fully accredited graduate medical educational programs with 500+ residents and fellows.In 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized St. Luke’s ahead of nationally renowned Mayo Clinic and Houston Methodist as the nation’s three highest performing health systems for quality, safety and patient experience – affirming St. Luke’s status as a leader among the largest and best-known health care providers in the country. St. Luke’s has been named a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. It is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. In 2025, the Network earned straight A’s from Leapfrog across all of its acute care hospitals. It has earned 100 Top Hospital designations from Premier 11 years in a row, including in 2021 when its flagship University Hospital was identified as THE #1 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. Utilizing the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system for both inpatient and outpatient services, the Network is a multi-year recipient of the Most Wired award recognizing the breadth of SLUHN’s information technology applications such as telehealth, online scheduling and online pricing information.
St. Luke’s is the only health care system in the Lehigh Valley chosen for this innovative research.
St. Luke’s University Health Network has been selected as the only health care system in the Lehigh Valley, and one of just a few nationwide, to take part in a major clinical trial studying a new shoulder replacement design called the INHANCE™ Shoulder System by DePuy Synthes.
This research will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the INHANCE Shoulder System, which uses a stemless design instead of the traditional metal stem placed inside the arm bone. By removing the stem, the procedure may help preserve more natural bone and reduce bone loss, which could be important for patients who might need another surgery in the future.
The study is for patients who need a reverse total shoulder replacement because of a gross rotator cuff deficiency and severe pain and loss of function caused by conditions like osteoarthritis. These issues can make everyday activities difficult and greatly affect quality of life. Participation in the study is a decision made together by the patient and surgeon.
Dr. Gregory Carolan, an orthopedic surgeon with St. Luke’s Orthopedic Care, performed the first procedure in the Lehigh Valley at St. Luke’s Orthopedic Hospital at the West End Campus. DePuy Synthes invited Dr. Carolan to join the study because of his national reputation and extensive experience with complex shoulder surgeries.
“We are excited to be part of this important research,” said Dr. Carolan. “The stemless design could be a big step forward in shoulder replacement because it preserves more of the patient’s natural bone, which is especially important for long-term results.”
St. Luke’s participation in this study highlights its commitment to bringing advanced orthopedic care to the region.
Media Contact:
Sam Kennedy, Corporate Communications Director, 484-526-4134, samuel.kennedy@sluhn.org About St. Luke’sFounded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network with annual net revenue of more than $4.5 billion. With 23,000+ employees at 16 hospital campuses and 350+ outpatient sites, it is the Lehigh Valley’s biggest employer.The Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.Dedicated to advancing medical education, St. Luke’s is the preeminent teaching hospital in central-eastern Pennsylvania. In partnership with Temple University, the Network established the Lehigh Valley’s first and only four-year medical school. It also operates the nation’s oldest continuously operated School of Nursing, established in 1884, and 50+ fully accredited graduate medical educational programs with 500+ residents and fellows.In 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized St. Luke’s ahead of nationally renowned Mayo Clinic and Houston Methodist as the nation’s three highest performing health systems for quality, safety and patient experience – affirming St. Luke’s status as a leader among the largest and best-known health care providers in the country. St. Luke’s has been named a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. It is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. In 2025, the Network earned straight A’s from Leapfrog across all of its acute care hospitals. It has earned 100 Top Hospital designations from Premier 11 years in a row, including in 2021 when its flagship University Hospital was identified as THE #1 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. Utilizing the Epic electronic medical record (EMR) system for both inpatient and outpatient services, the Network is a multi-year recipient of the Most Wired award recognizing the breadth of SLUHN’s information technology applications such as telehealth, online scheduling and online pricing information.