Delco Collage

 The Philly POPS performs their Christmas show. Credit Bachrach Photo. With twinkling lights, classic Christmas carols and even a visit from Santa, you were swept up in the holiday spirit watching “A Philly Pops Christmas Spectacular Sounds of the Season” last weekend at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Maestro Michael Krajewski conducted the sensational show featuring over 300 musicians and singers, including the 65-piece Pops orchestra, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare, organist Peter Richard Conte, the Philly POPS Festival Chorus, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir. The Pops sounded exquisite as they performed amongst the twinkling trees on the stage and sparkling lighted snowflakes above. Pops member Matt Gallagher especially stood out as he played “Ding Dong Merrily on High” on the piccolo trumpet. It’s always a special treat to hear The Philadelphia Boys Choir, especially during “We Need a

By Amy A. Winnemore With the scent of gingerbread in the air and twinkling lights shining brightly on the trees, Congress Hall’s grand lawn has been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. All this month, there’s an abundance of holiday activities for all ages at this historic resort in Cape May, N.J. The oldest seaside hotel in the country is also wrapping up its bicentennial celebration with its annual Winter Wonderland festivities including Brunch with Santa, “It’s a Wonderful Life” and more. Guests will be awed as they stroll into the Victorian hotel and gaze at the beautiful Christmas trees and the giant candy canes lining the hallways.  “We do Christmas on steroids,” says Curtis Bashaw, laughing as he describes the abundance of holiday cheer at Congress Hall. Bashaw, whose grandfather, preacher Carl McIntire, once owned the hotel, is co-founder and co-managing partner of Cape Advisors and Cape Resorts Group which operates Congress Hall. For more than a decade, the year-

The idea of waiting is long lines and paying high admission fees sure doesn’t feel like a vacation. But one special pass lets you visit many of New York City’s most famous sites at a discount, and usually while skipping the ticket lines. The New York CityPASS allows visitors to experience more of the Big Apple, while saving on admission costs. Tourists can choose from nine of most popular attractions in New York City. The first three attractions include the Empire State Building Experience, the American Museum of Natural History and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The next six options are choices between either the Top of the Rock Observation Deck or the Guggenheim Museum. A second choice between the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island or a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. And finally a third choice between the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The Pass is valid for use on nine consecutive days allowing you to visit each attraction once per coupon.

Since Stephen Colbert began his reign last September as successor to David Letterman at the Ed Sullivan Theater, I have been trying to get tickets. About 80 people in front of us at 2 p.m.      I had seen a few Letterman tapings, 1993, 1995 and 1998, and that was so long ago that you were actually mailed printed tickets.  Now it's all online, and the free  tickets  are released usually a month in advance.  There seem to be more tickets available now, (ours were for Jan. 11) probably because the thought of standing in the cold for hours will mean only the die hard fans would be interested.      Now, this is going to be an all day type of event.  Taking the Bolt Bus from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia was definitely the way to go.  The bus was on time, only $9 each way & two hours later we were in NYC.  Kevin & I decided to get lunch (at the usually great, but terrible this time John's Pizzeria) & then head over to the Ed Sullivan Theater, 1697 Broadway.  

Wile, a White Isabella Siberian, takes a break after his last sled run. Photos by Kevin J. Henley. By Amy A. Winnemore awinnemore@gmail.com With their ears at attention, I slowly lift my foot off the break and quickly balance on my sled’s two runners/skis as a team of eight Siberian and Alaskan huskies race down the snow-covered trail. About a two-hour drive from the Delaware Valley is the historic Inn at Pocono Manor. All the snow this winter has only added to the outdoor entertainment at the Inn, which features ice skating, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, sleigh and horseback rides as well as the Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours. While many might think dog sledding only happens at the Iditarod in Alaska, if there’s at least 4-6-inches of snow on the ground and it’s colder than 40 degrees, then these dogs are ready to run. Sled dogs have long been known for their work ethic. About 150 sled dogs and 20 mushers took part in the 1925 Great Race of Mercy, where the