Posted by: Nancy Hardy | October 9, 2009

College Sports Recruiting Service

The college recruiting game has changed. Less than 6% of high school athletes will go on to compete on an NCAA college level. What worked a few years ago won’t cut it in today’s competitive playing field. Being the best player on a winning team doesn’t guarantee acceptance at the school you want-much less a scholarship. You have to stand way above the crowd to get noticed. Recently several online recruiting agencies have been created to meet this need, and to spotlight player’s talents and help top coaches and recruiters find them.

The best online college sports recruiting sites are designed with input from coaches and parents across the United States. Many of them offer coaches and recruiters the tools and information they need to find and track promising student athletes, while they provide players and their parents a powerful yet easy-to-use promotional tool.

Players register into an online database and create a profile. There is a Player Profile package to suit practically every sport and budget. Once registered, players can create a profile and update it as often as they like.

Coaches can find players and begin following their sports careers. In some cases, whenever a player adds or updates the information in the profile, the online sports recruiting database will alert coaches who are tracking that player. Coaches can contact players via telephone or email for timely interaction. When choosing an online college sports recruiting service make sure that is it one that is committed to maintaining player’s privacy.

On some online recruiting sites, coaches can also register for access to the player search engine and to receive alerts when players they are tracking update their profiles. In most cases, player and coach registrations are renewed annually.

Perhaps the most important element for parents available on these online college sports recruiting sites is their resources pages. Parents can really save time and money following the guidelines available on these sites. In most case, the resources pages are also free, and can benefit everyone, whether they sign up for an online profile or not. Resources include NCAA eligibility requirements, tips on marketing your athlete for coaches, financial aide resources and tips, lists of organizations that can help athletes, and information for special needs students.

Most sports are represented, and as these sites are up for longer periods of time, with more coaches, recruiters and athletes participating, they become better resources for acquiring that elusive sports scholarship, and matching the perfect athlete with the appropriate school.

Sue McCrossin is a free lance writer working with PowerHouse-CRS.com, an online college sports recruiting website developed by college coaches, athletes and parents. PowerHouse offers resources, NCAA recruiting information and specialized profiles to enable high school athletes to showcase themselves to thousands of college coaches across the USA.

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | September 21, 2009

Planning a BVI Boat Charter

Advance planning is important for a successful and enjoyable trip when arranging a Caribbean charter vacation. Initial planning includes where and when to vacation, and what type of boat would suit your needs. After these choices are made, you need to decide whether to go bareboat or to hire a crew. Logistics including airline travel, hotels and passports need to be planned, as well as meal provisioning for your trip.

Are you planning a romantic trip for a couple, or is a family with children traveling on the BVI boat charter? Perhaps it is several families or a group of friends. The type and size of boat should be chosen based on who is going, and there are many varieties available. You don’t want to be overcrowded on a yacht, so pay attention and adhere to recommended capacity. There are many price points available for a Caribbean charter, and if there is more than one family traveling, splitting the cost can allow for upgrades. For the exotic adventure that it is, a BVI boat charter does not cost as much as you would think.
When planning for your trip, decide if you want a bareboat or crewed charter. If you have sailing experience, a bareboat charter – when you sail the boat yourself – is a possibility if that is something you would enjoy. However; without experience, or if you simply want to relax on your voyage, it is best to hire a captain and crew to sail the boat. If the bareboat option is chosen, there is a screening by the charter company to confirm that you do, in fact, know how to operate the boat safely.

After a boat has been chosen and reserved, additional travel plans must be made. Flight transportation to and from the island must be arranged, as well as possible hotels for before or after the boat charter cruise. It is helpful to use a BVI boat charter company that has stateside booking, and that can help with travel arrangements. Their familiarity with airlines and local hotels can make the job much easier. They are also experienced with customs and passport requirements, and can help with itineraries as well.

Provisioning the boat with meals must be arranged, and customized to your wants and needs. Caribbean charter companies can help with these preparations also. Options are flexible and can include full or partial food and drink provisioning for guests, and the option of having the meals prepared. Experiencing a BVI boat charter is a phenomenal way to vacation, but planning the details ahead of time will assure a trouble free journey.

Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor. “Planning a BVI Boat Charter” notes the many details to plan in advance of a Caribbean charter vacation. Barecat.com is an experienced yacht charter company in the BVI providing stateside booking for all arrangements needed for a trip.
Posted by: Nancy Hardy | September 16, 2009

Fall Fun in the Poconos with a Stay at a Hazleton Inn or Hotel

The Pocono Mountains offer four seasons of fun and activity, but the fall is absolutely spectacular at this special location.  Families, couples, and friends can choose from multiple activities in this well-located vacation spot.  Choose a charming Hazleton Inn or Hotel in this lovely Pennsylvania area for an autumn week or weekend.  The scenery is unforgettable, and the open-air excursions will leave you rejuvenated.

The enjoyment begins at the onset of a scenic drive into the Pocono area toward a Hazleton hotel.  The area is convenient to both New York City area residents and Philadelphia, with its location being halfway between these two major metropolitan areas.  The locale is famous for its beauty in the fall, and the foliage is in rich shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold.  The views can be enjoyed on long walks, bike rides, and even on horseback.  Some ski lifts are in operation during autumn months to observe the magnificent seasonal change from above!

The area offers fall fun for all ages and types of vacations.  Parents can bring their children for a fun family getaway to enjoy outdoor activities like white water rafting, hiking, and biking.  The Poconos have always been known as a couple’s getaway, and it offers solitude and quiet beauty for a romantic time.  Consider a ladies’ weekend that would be fabulous for shopping at flea markets and antique dealers, as well as outdoor activities like tennis and hiking.  A gentlemen’s weekend could include golfing, hunting, and fishing in the great outdoors.  After an active day, relax and stay at a Hazleton hotel with all of the comforts and luxuries available.

There are many Inn and Suites available in Hazleton. They offer full service rooms, suites, catering, and banquet facilities.  It is a beautiful location in the Pocono area for special occasions and business meetings.

Grace Enderlein is a freelance writer and editor.  “Fall Fun in the Poconos with a Stay at a Hazleton Inn or Hotel” notes that the fall is the perfect time of year to spend at the Genetti Inn and Suites.    Genettiinnandsuites.com has information on overnight packages, extended stay options, and event planning for a fall getaway at a Hazleton hotel.

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | September 9, 2009

Advice for Booking Your BVI Bareboat Charters

Wonder what it’s like sailing away on a Caribbean charter? If you have heard other adventurous vacationers telling stories and showing beautiful photos of their BVI Bareboat Charters, don’t be intimidated, it is possible for you to enjoy a Caribbean Charter too. BVI Bareboat Charters can be booked by contacting a helpful and knowledgeable BVI bareboat charter manager with experience and know-how.

Booking BVI Bareboat Charters is not as difficult as you may think. Here are a few pieces of advice for booking your BVI Bareboat Charters. Choose the right Caribbean Charter Company. When you book with a Caribbean charter company that is reputable and has experienced owners, personal service, well-maintained yachts and exceptional value you’re experienced is guaranteed to be easy. An experienced Caribbean charter company has the ability to walk you through all the steps of booking BVI Bareboat Charters. They can anticipate your questions, concerns and all the details you’ll need to know for your first BVI Bareboat Charters so that it is as straightforward as possible.

Now that you have acquired an experienced Caribbean Charter company for your BVI Bareboat Charters, you should make sure you have the right documentation. A Resume of Sailing will be required by your Caribbean Charter Company for BVI Bareboat Charters. But not to worry if you don’t have the required sailing experience yourself, a captain can be hired to sail you into the sunset each evening. You will also need a valid, current passport to enter the BVI for your BVI Bareboat Charters. Also, your provisions need to be arranged. Your experienced Caribbean charter company can recommend a contact to make arrangement for your provisions. They are capable of arranging food, beverages and even toiletries for your entire vacation.

After all your arrangements have been made all that is left to do is pack your sunscreen, your swimsuit and your camera and get ready for a wonderful vacation. The relaxing blue waters of a Caribbean charter are waiting to be experienced. BVI Bareboat Charters are easy to book and come together quickly if you have the right BVI Bareboat Charters company.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. The article “Advice for Booking your BVI Bareboat Charters” suggests advice for booking your first BVI bareboat charters,Barecat Sailing Charters (barecat.com) specializes in a Caribbean charter in the BVI from Manuel Reef Marina in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | August 26, 2009

Enjoy the Hazleton Funfest with a Stay at a Hazleton Hotel

September weather is perfect for enjoying a festival and staying at a Hazleton hotel. Hazleton is located in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, just five miles south of the intersection of Interstates 80 and 81 in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The 31st Annual Funfest Weekend, September 12 & 13, 2009 is two days of free family fun. A stay at a Hazleton hotel will be perfect to enjoy all the activities. The Hazleton Funfest features different themes each year adding to its growing popularity which currently has grown to approximately 100,000 guests. This year’s theme at the Hazleton’s Funfest is “Spotlights the Movies.”

Hazleton hotel Funfest Weekend is made up of many different activities of interest to all ages and tastes. There’s free entertainment at four venues, a classic car show, a huge craft show featuring all handmade items, a street fair, and the great Funfest Parade, featuring giant helium balloons. Funfest also has a special section just for kids, senior activities, and a night for teen activities. There’s the very popular Hot Wings Contest, and the great Funfest Chili Cook-off. And fireworks! When you come to Funfest, you pay NO admission and parking is free! Enjoy Funfest’s first night and then relax and rejuvenate back at your Hazleton hotel until the next day’s festivities begin.

At your Hazleton hotel enjoy all the amenities it has to offer. Take advantage of your Hazleton hotel as a place to kick back and just relax. You can also use your Hazleton hotel as a central location to take a few days to see the sites of the beautiful Pocono Mountains. The Pocono Mountains is famous for its natural scenic beauty, 150 lakes including Lake Wallenpaupack, and the quaint, historical towns in the four county area. So while enjoying Hazleton’s Funfest, take the time to enjoy your stay at your Hazleton hotel and also explore the beauty of the Poconos.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. The article “Enjoy the Hazleton Funfest with a Stay at a Hazleton Hotel” suggests spending the night at a Hazleton hotel. Genetti Inn and Suites is a Hazleton hotel and Inn that is conveniently located to downtown Hazleton. For more information see www.genettiinnandsuites.com.

You can enjoy the Pocono’s vast opportunities of summertime fun by staying at an Inn in Hazleton

This summer when traveling in beautiful North Eastern Pennsylvania stay at an Inn in Hazleton. Hazleton is located in the southwest gateway and foothills of the Pocono Mountains. An Inn in Hazleton is a great place to enjoy the Pocono’s vast opportunities of summertime fun. Hazleton’s Inn is a perfect spot to stay while discovering the area’s natural beauty and attractions and events.

Hundreds of events take place in the Pocono Mountain area every summer that are accessible from your Inn in Hazleton. While staying at an Inn in Hazleton enjoy the Pocono’s summertime attractions and events that are in driving distance. Music or ethnic festivals, holiday celebrations, whitewater rafting days, and NASCAR are some of the exciting events that make the Poconos so popular. Here are a few suggestions:

Whitewater Rafting in Jim Thorpe:
Pocono Whitewater Rafting, Biking, Kayaking, and Paintball. Rafting trips and rail-trail biking through the Lehigh Gorge.

Golf:
Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret! Golf the Pocono Mountains. Whether golf is an obsession, merely your favorite sport, or a pleasant pastime to enjoy in the company of friends, the Pocono Mountains is an ideal place for a golf getaway. Check with your Hazleton Inn for nearly golf.

Paintball Games & Fields:

Fast Paced, Exciting Skirmish Paintball Games & Fields! 50 Award Winning Paintball Fields on over 700 acres of top-notch terrain, including two castles! Plus paintball guns, equipment and more. Located a short drive from your Inn in Hazleton.

Pocono Raceway:
Known as the Tricky Triangle or the Bermuda Triangle is a superspeedway located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania at Long Pond. It is the site of two annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races held just weeks apart in June and August. Check with your Inn in Hazleton for availability.

Summertime in the Pocono Mountains is so much fun. Stay in at an Inn in Hazelton and enjoy the outdoor pool and excellent dining. At night, your Hazleton Inn will provide you with wonderful restful evenings. The location of your Hazleton Inn will allow you to take beautiful drives while enjoying the Pocono Mountains and beautiful Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. “Summertime Fun in the Poconos with a Stay at an Inn in Hazleton” highlights attractions and events in the Pocono Mountains that can be enjoyed while staying at an Inn in Hazelton. Best Western Genetti Inn & Suites is the ideal Inn to stay overnight while in Hazleton.

Can you imagine what it’s like to plan teenage parties these days? From what I have seen, teenagers aren’t the easiest to please. Why not have teenage parties at a place that’s bursting with enough activity to please everyone. Teenage parties are great at the bowling alley! If you haven’t been to a bowling alley lately, you’ll be surprised what it they to offer for teenage parties.
Bowling is always great for a group of teenagers and especially for teenage parties! Most bowling alleys have automatic scoring lanes that are easy to operate and a great value for teenage parties. Teenage parties can be arranged to include bowling, shoes, game tokens and meals. Bowling alleys can be open late or even 24 hours so you have plenty of options for the right time. Often special nights offer Laser Light Show bowling or Rock and Roll bowling which are high energy nights. Lights and music are the perfect combination for teenage parties!
Teenage parties also need private party rooms. Check with for your local bowling alley to see if they have private party rooms. Often there are catering services that would be available for teenage parties or any party event. Menus can we tailored to the likes of teenagers. That’s a perfect option for teenage parties with teenage appetites.
Take a break between bowling,. Turn teenage parties loose in the game room. They can test their skills at the latest and hottest interactive games and game tables. Game rooms always have enough of activities to please a crowd. Enough to keep teenage parties busy for some time!
No more headaches planning teenage parties. Try planning teenage parties at a bowling alley. Bowling, game room and eating is the perfect agenda for teenage parties anywhere.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. “Take the Headache out of Teenage Parties! Try Bowling!” gives ideas for planning teenage parties at a bowling alley. Facenda-Whitaker Lanes is your choice for teenage parties. Facenda-Whitaker Lanes has 50 Brunswick bowling lanes, Game Galaxy, Steppy’s, bowling leagues, banquet hall and meeting rooms.

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | June 23, 2009

Relax with a Bareboat Sailing Charter to a Caribbean Island

It’s time to experience the vacation of a lifetime on board a bareboat sailing charter in the Caribbean. The world’s best vacation secret! A bareboat sailing charter is unlike any cruise, resort or beach front hotel. It’s all of the best wrapped into one. You choose the destinations, the beaches and the itinerary. On your bareboat sailing charter, you’re the captain.

Understanding a Bareboat Sailing Charter

“Bareboating” refers to a chartering a yacht that you sail yourself, though you can also hire a captain to help you sail it. A bareboat sailing charter yacht size is from 30 to 50 feet in length and you can charter a conventional single hulled yacht (monohull), a catamaran or a powerboat. A sailing charter is far more popular, and common, than powerboats.

A bareboat sailing charter comes equipped with everything needed to operate them from kitchen utensils to towels, sheets and bedding. Almost all bareboat sailing charter companies in the Caribbean provide you with a dinghy with outboard at no charge. In other areas this may be an optional extra. The essentials like initial fuel and water are included. Meal provisions must be purchased on your own unless you have made prior arrangements. Your bareboat sailing charter company will be happy to assist you with provision arrangements through local suppliers.

Understanding Bareboat Sailing Charter Requirements and Booking a Sailing Charter

When you rent a car, you must produce a valid drivers license. While you do not need a license or certificate for a sailing charter most bareboats in the Caribbean or USA, you do need to show a considerable amount of skill and experience in order to be allowed to operate the yacht by yourself. The bareboat sailing charter company will require you to fill out a “sailing resume” when booking and it must be approved prior to finalizing the arrangements.

Unless you know someone who owns a boat, it is strongly recommended that you work with a reputable bareboat sailing charter company rather than an individual when chartering a yacht for your vacation. Dealing with a stranger you have never met and chartering a boat you have never seen can be somewhat risky, particularly when you will be asked for payment in advance! One of the best ways to book a sailing charter and find a reputable sailing charter company is finding out by word of mouth from a friend that that done it and recommended the company.
Once your arrangements are made for your bareboat sailing charter vacation, let the relaxing begin. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the beautiful islands of the Caribbean on your own terms.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. The article “Relax with a Bareboat Sailing Charter to a Caribbean island” explains bareboat sailing charters. Barecat Sailing Charters (barecat.com) specializes in yacht charters in the BVI from Manuel Reef Marina in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | June 3, 2009

Inn in Hazleton: Stay Overnight in Hazleton

Hazleton is located in Luzerne County along Interstate 80 and Interstate 81. This beautiful area is the southwest gateway and foothills to the Pocono Mountain Region in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Hazleton is the perfect place to stay overnight at an Inn and explore the area. From your Inn in Hazleton you can relax, relive history and marvel at the area’s natural beauty.

Your Hazleton Inn will allow you to stop and relax. Whether you are just passing through or staying a few nights you’ll be able to use your overnight stay at a Hazleton Inn to take a relaxing break. Take advantage of guest laundry facilities and outdoor heated pool while at your Hazleton Inn. Relaxation at its best!

Your centrally located Inn in Hazleton can be used as a home base to many historical attractions. Hazleton is located in the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Eckley Miners Village, the Lattimer Massacre, and the Stockton Mine Disaster are just a few of the historical sites in Hazleton. Hazleton is also located a short drive to Eagles Mere Historic Village, a beautiful Historic Victorian era village, Nescopeck State Park and the Briggs Farm Concerts.

While staying at the Inn in Hazleton you can get back to nature by enjoying the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails. Trail users will experience many types of wildlife along the trail including deer, grouse, turkey and fox, to name a few, as well as spectacular scenery, unique environmental areas, rare vegetation, scars of past mining and ongoing strip mining. The Hazleton Community Park also has picnic tables and nature trails to explore. The park is located on 167 acres and recreation includes fishing, tennis, nature and health facility trails. The park is also open in the winter for ice fishing.

Staying overnight at an Inn in Hazleton gives you the opportunity to relax, explore history and enjoy the natural surroundings. Stay for a night or enjoy your visit for a few days. It will be worth it!

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor. “Stay Overnight in Hazleton” comments that while staying at an Inn in Hazleton you can relax, relive history and marvel at the area’s natural beauty. Best Western Genetti Inn & Suites is the ideal Inn to stay overnight while in Hazleton.

Posted by: Nancy Hardy | May 29, 2009

20 Top Wedding Dance Songs & Ideas

Your music makes your moments. Work with your Wedding Dance Band to choose the wedding dance songs, and the memories you want to have forever.

The first dance is reserved for the bride and groom, and this music is “their” song (first choice of the wedding dance songs). There is also a choice for the father/daughter wedding dance songs, the wedding dance songs for mother and son (mother and groom), and a wedding dance songs for both sets of parents (with the bride and groom dancing with their new in-laws before reuniting). The last dance, like the first, belongs to the bride and groom alone. The music is usually the one used for the first dance, but choices for the last wedding dance songs of the night may be chosen. For your reference, listed below are the Top 10 Newest Wedding Dance songs and the Top 10 Most Requested Wedding Dance Songs.

Top 10 Newest Wedding Dance Songs

  1. Lucky” by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
  2. Who will like it: The bride and groom and the rest of the lovebirds.
  3. When to play it: For the first wedding dance song.
  4. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay Top
  5. Who will like it: Everyone.
  6. When to play it: During the cocktail hour or between dinner courses.
  7. “Good Time” by Alan Jackson
  8. Who will like it: The country-music lovers.
  9. When to play it: Right after dinner.
  10. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson
  11. Who will like it: The romantics and nostalgics.
  12. When to play it: The cake cutting.
  13. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyonce
  14. Who will like it: All the single ladies.
  15. When to play it: The bouquet toss.
  16. “Beautiful” by Akon
  17. Who will like it: Couples and hip-hop enthusiasts.
  18. When to play it: As one of the first slow songs after dinner.
  19. “So What” by Pink
  20. Who will like it: All the single guests.
  21. When to play it: Following a slow song to get everyone back out on the dance floor.
  22. “Just Dance” by Lady GaGa
  23. Who will like it: Your guests who like to dance.
  24. When to play it: Once the elderly guests have left and it’s time to get the party started.
  25. “Green Light” by John Legend
  26. Who will like it: Couples and any singles who may have paired up at the end of the night.
  27. When to play it: Toward the end of the evening.
  28. “When the Night Comes” by Dan Auerbach
  29. Who will like it: All the couples.
  30. When to play it: As the last slow song at the end of the night.

Top 10 Most Requested Wedding Dance Songs

  1. “Nothing Compares To You” by Sinead O’Connor
  2. “Close To You” Maxi Priest
  3. “Power of Love”. Jennifer Rush
  4. “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley
  5. “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley
  6. “Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel
  7. “When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating
  8. “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
  9. “You Made Me Love You” by Al Jolson
  10. “How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gee

Whatever your age or taste, you’re sure to make the memories last with music. Remember, the first place to start is to ask your Wedding Dance Band to help you with a list of their wedding dance songs. Use resources like this to become familiar with wedding dance songs and work together to have a list of music. If you are prepared and coordinated with your band, you’ll be making happy music for the rest of your life.

Linda Dunkelberger is a freelance writer and editor working for Brandywine Valley Talent. The article “20 Top Wedding Dance Songs & Ideas” gives a list and ideas for choosing wedding dance songs. Brandywine Valley Talent is Philadelphia’s Premier Entertainment Company for Dance Bands, Wedding Bands, Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Bands, Corporate, Gala and Social Premier Philadelphia Entertainment.

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