Joseph Pawlak, Author at Woodloch Resort

You know that warm welcoming feeling you get when you’re amongst family and good friends; that closeness, acceptance, and general feeling of well-being? That’s Woodloch!

Family is the word that comes to mind when talking about this fun-filled, all-inclusive Poconos resort. It’s like my friend Sharon B. says, “Working here for 27 years, I have seen and experienced families enjoying our resort and each other . . . such a wonderful feeling, from the owners to the landscapers, everyone has a ‘happy’ attitude that bounces off the guests.”

“What’s special about Woodloch to me is that we offer many activities like our family Olympics and the Amazing Race that give families of all ages the opportunity to compete with other families while working together to win,” says reservationist Jeremy B.

“What I find endearing and very unique about Woodloch is how our guests look forward to seeing their favorite staff members as if they are family or old friends, mirroring our very own mission statement, to treat every guest as company in our own homes,” Selina T. says.

Working in Woodloch’s reservations department, I am lucky enough to speak with numerous guests each day, from newcomers to frequent visitors who have been coming to Woodloch since it opened its doors back in 1958 — before I was even born!

There are so many wonderful different stories of families capturing priceless moments and memories that last a lifetime. For example, there was the exuberant young man planning to propose to his girlfriend, complete with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Or the woman booking a 60^th anniversary celebration for her parents, both 83-years young, who made me laugh about how much her father loves racing down the snowtube run.

It’s like my friend Sarina B. says, “We all take dozens of vacations in our lifetime, but few, if any, will create the lasting memories of child-like happiness that Woodloch gives you.” That’s the good stuff.

Or how about the poignant story of a young mom who had bravely battled breast cancer, and upon receiving a clean bill of health, thought not of herself but rather surprising her son with a return trip to Woodloch for his birthday. There are no words for that.

Each story is unique. Each story is touching. Each story is Woodloch.

Creating Lifelong Memories in the Poconos

At peak operation, Woodloch employs over one thousand employees. We’d like to introduce you to one of them! Meet Melissa Latsch: Melissa is a human resource assistant and the coordinator for Woodloch’s International Work Program!

When did you first start working at Woodloch, and how exactly did you end up in HR?

I started at the end of August 2005. I just moved up here from New York. I interviewed with Anthony, our Human Resource Director, a couple of days before I moved up here permanently. The interview was for front desk and/or human resources. I found out on my wedding day that I was hired, and I would start in HR when I returned from our honeymoon. I was so excited; I was hoping for human resources!

Melissa in HR in the Pocono Mountains
Approximately how many employees have you seen start working here? (Work at an All-Inclusive Family Resort)

A LOT! I’m guessing over 1,000!

Outside of the office, where do you enjoy spending your “free” time (assuming you have any at all, we know your kids keep you BUSY!)

Ha, that’s a good one! First, I love spending time with my family. Then going out with my friends dancing and shopping of course too!

What is your absolute fondest Woodloch memory?

I would have to say the first week I started working; everyone was so nice and helpful to me. I was nervous moving to a different state and starting a new job, but everyone made me feel so comfortable. I was surprised that JK actually shook my hand and was sincere in welcoming me on-board. Any company I have ever worked for, the CEO never even acknowledged you existed. I have made many friends here, and I hope to make more!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

There are several things, but probably the top two are working with the internationals and helping the employees. I love hearing about all the different cultures, and I try my best to help out staff with any type of issues.

Everyone has at least one “hidden talent.” What is yours?

I used to be dancer, not dirty … ballet, tap and jazz. I went to school for dance from when I was 3 to 16. I LOVED it! I always wanted to be a backup dancer for someone famous or a choreographer.

Make a BOLD prediction for 2012.

I hope this comes true; I hope for everyone to be healthy, happy, and wealthy. I know it’s corny, but being healthy will make you happy and having some wealth won’t do anyone harm ;)!

Pocono activities

One of the first years I actually consciously remember was 1995. Although the year of course featured the world debut of Buzz Lightyear and Cal Ripken Jr. smashing a baseball record, my best memories from that year all stem from the wonderful MUSIC that had been released. This was the first year in my life in which I actually grew an appreciation for the art. Yes, I went “chasing waterfalls” with TLC, only wanted to be with Hootie and the Blowfish, and became a complete “basket case” for Green Day. This was the year that propelled me to being a true music lover.

Over my 14 year tenure at Woodloch, I’ve met many guests who share my passion. The great thing about our resort is that you can put your musical appreciation and palattes to the test in one of our featured “Name That Tune” competetions. In this game, we span many different generations and genres of music to see which team has the best musical chops. Though I could NEVER share any inside information to help your team get a leg up in the contest, I thought I would recommend some resources and helpful techniques for you to get yourself ready:

1. Online Music Services– many of these are free, and offer you a great opportunity to broaden your listening horizon. Recently, a free program called Spotify seems to have taken the web by storm. With limited commercial interruptions, you can listen to literally hundreds of thousands of tracks on demand. Alternatively, internet radio stations like Pandora not only offer free streaming music but can also adjust your playlists based on your personal tastes. And like all great things in life, there’s a mobile app for your iPhones, Blackberries, cherries, grapes and etc. I find both of these sites very good at helping you connect what you hear with a name/band.

2. Publications– although newspapers and magazines are becoming less and less commonplace in this wonderful digital age, they can still keep you up to beat with what’s hot and trendy in the music industry. Publications like SPIN and Rolling Stone are great for stories, but Billboard Magazine gives a statistical rundown on the country’s hottest tracks.

3. Quiz Websites– in my opinion, this is the best way to get yourself ready. Namely, a gaming site named Sporcle features quizzes that will test your mental reflexes and condition you to be able to name that tune in a matter of seconds. There’s a great variety here so I encourage you to practice, practice, practice!

4. Friends– and last but not least, when assembling your team, choose wisely and don’t underestimate people. Play to everyone’s strengths. For instance, while I love classic rock and alternative music, I am completely in the dark on many of todays pop hits. That’s where having a teammate like my 13 year-old-sister would come in handy. A good diverse team is usually a strong one!

And that’s all the tips I’m willing to share with you. Of course, you can always visit THE EDGE for a chance to win hints at the games. So please study up, come on back, and play some “Name That Tune” with us. And impress us with what you’ve learned!

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