Paradise Falls Lutheran Association
Community Events - 2022
Each year, our members and friends return excitedly to PFLA in part for the sense of community fostered over the decades and the chance to be together again at the Beach, the Center, Social Hall and the Falls. This year, especially, that anticipation of summer grew and has culminated in our 100th Anniversary Celebration! Enjoy!
Community Events Archives
August
As July slid into August, anniversary events continued unabated.
Pauline "Polly" Werkheiser has been visiting Paradise Falls since she was 3 years old. She tells her story in the 100th Anniversary Book that all members received and may be read online in the Members' section Library on PFLA.org. A luncheon was held in her honor.
The PF Talent Show and Men’s Fashion Show were big hits once again. PF is blessed with many talented members and friends.
Special congratulations to Cooper, 7, who won the fashion show! Way to go, Coop!
PF hikers braved temps in the 90s and made it nearly four miles along the Lake, Hill Boundary, Hill, and Pine Grove trails, and the Hoover Spur, finally ending at the Falls.
Thirteen cottages were showcased in the 2022 Cottage Tour, and the PF golf tourney drew almost 20 golfers to the links.
The 100th Anniversary Dinner on August 20 drew more than 200 members, former members and friends of Paradise Falls, with guests coming from around the country and as far away as Ontario, Canada!
We all enjoyed an excellent meal catered by Cook’s Corner and a memorable performance by Whiskey Logic.
We also enjoyed a visit from the Pocono Wildlife Rehab and Education Center Animal Ambassadors. The nonprofit group has provided humane, professional care for injured and orphaned native wildlife in the Poconos for over 40 years.
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July 16-31
Paradise Falls, along with much of the country, settled into a serious hot spell -- several days in a row of 90-plus degree days with little rain left the dam dry and the lake running low. But there was still enough to keep kids (of all ages) happy.
Lots of anniversary events continued to keep us busy and in celebration mode as a community.
Some of our cottages boast gardens that are beautiful, inspiring and functional, as they attract butterflies and bees. The garden tour was a huge success! Thank you Environmental Committee!
The Dinos returned to play their '60s and '70s cover songs on a warm and lovely July night accompanied by a delicious BBQ spread. We ate and drank and danced and sang, celebrating the summer and PFLA.
And that groovy vibe continued the next morning with a "Far-out Sunday Service."
That weekend was action-packed -- for the first time (ever?) -- PFLA was host to a car show that was educational as well as entertaining.
July 1-15
We were promised a busy anniversary season, and that promise was more than fulfilled in just the first two weeks!
The Fourth of July duck races and beach olympics were just the beginning. You want sports? What kind? Pretty much anything you can dream up: kickball, pickleball, tennis, basketball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, archery, volleyball, cornhole and more.
Thanks to Bill for planning and running this year's Sports Week ... the new sports courts and the beach got quite a workout!
Stream snorkeling, anyone? An environmental educator from the Monroe County Conservation District led our creek snorkeling adventure on July 7.
An intrepid group of curious children and adults turned out to learn about the creatures that live in our stream and how to be responsible stewards of PFLA’s land and waterways. Thanks, Ann, for coordinating this new experience.
Meanwhile, back at the beach, s'mores never tasted as sweet as the night we gathered for vespers and dessert as the sun set on another lovely July day. Thanks to Pastor Bo for leading us in song and prayer.
And a few days later ... the taco bar from Moe's brought us back together for a Mexican feast. Olé!
Pre-Season 2022
Springtime at PF can be just as busy, and as much fun, as the summer season when even the prep work becomes a community event.
This year saw trees being planted, the grounds being spruced up, invasive weeds being pulled and the lake/stream being stocked.
We even gathered (for the second year) to raise money through our CROP Walk. And then we relaxed and celebrated with the annual Cy & I Breakfast, opening day at the Tea Room and for some, a little fly-fishing.
We worshiped together on the Beach and in Social Hall, and we celebrated the life of a dear friend, longtime member Paul Fancher, whose paintings of PFLA were displayed in the Tea Room.
Opening Anniversary Weekend
Opening Weekend events are traditional and familiar: Board meeting followed by the annual members' meeting when new Board members are elected; the evening picnic, which this year brought out more than 100 hungry members and friends. We all went home stuffed with homemade treats and burgers and dogs grilled by Bill & crew.
