Mitchell Zanette, 50 of Pen Argyl passed away last Thursday, in Daytona Florida, at the Daytona International Speedway.

Mitch had been battling cancer for the past 16 months, A few weeks ago he was told he only had a few weeks left to live. He made his final decision that he was going to live whatever life he had left his way. He signed himself out of an Allentown Hospice went to Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, in Pen Argyl, to make his final arrangements and along with his companion Tammy Bloodworth, son Mitchell Anthony, family and friends rented an RV and headed to Daytona, Florida for the Daytona 500. Mitch has been an avid NASCAR fan most

of his life and a huge fan of the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr . He he was a staple at Pocono Raceway. One of the many things Mitch wanted to do was follow the NASCAR circuit tour. He was able to fulfill part of that dream last week. Sadly, he did not make it to the day of the race but was still able to be there at the track for practice runs, had his photo taken with the Sprint Cup girl, went to the beach, grilled with his family and friends and even enjoyed a few Budweiser beers. Mitch will be remembered by many as a loving, and dedicated father, companion, brother and friend. A loyal volunteer of his community as a fire fighter with the Lookout Fire Co. To say the least Mitch's story is one of remarkable strength and courage and an inspiration to so many. Services: Family and friends of Mitchell Zanette plan to meet at noon on Saturday, March 2nd, at Guerro & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 126 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Pen Argyl.

Heavy Hitting, stick twirling, Progressive Rock Drummer, Dennis Stelling of Bangor, has been newly welcomed to the Exodus Cymbal family of Endorsed Artists for 2013. Denniss career all started with a drum set as a gift from his older brother I was hooked from that moment on, playing hours on end. I didnt care that it annoyed the landlord. I loved it! Dennis is a self taught drummer whose raw talent, rock solid meter, unique style, and showmanship has earned him a place as a technically proficient, well respected drummer in his local area of Eastern Pennsylvania. While Denniss major style is progressive rock, he also admits that anything with a solid beat, I enjoy. Dennis has been influenced by many artists and bands. Top on the list is Kevin Sofferra (Howe II, Breaking Benjamin). Others favorites include drummers Mike Portnoy, Neil Peart, Josh Eppard, Gavin Harrison

and Tommy Lee and bands such as Breaking Benjamin, 5 Finger Death Punch, Evans Blue, Hierosonic, and many more. Dennis is no stranger to the stage. He has performed all across the United States and Canada with bands such

as 519, Symbol of Sorrow, and Dr. Jekyll, opening for bands such as Jackyl, Mushroomhead, Gwar, The Black Crows, Fire House, and Wasp. He is also in the process of writing and recording with his new band Abuzement Park as

well as collaborating with long time friend Tom Martini of Distorted Voices. Denniss abilities keep him in high demand. He is usually out playing, or networking with fellow musicians for a chance to lay down more tracks and compilations with various local Independent artists. Otherwise, you can find him in his home studio writing and recording original lyrics and background vocals. He is not only a drummer, but a lyricist. He is constantly capturing musical ideas that just pop into my head. His originals are insightful and moving. They connect you to a feeling, a time, or a memory that is familiar. It is Denniss hope that his music will move people. In the near future, Dennis will be finishing work on the Abuzement Park album, as well as working with various artists around the country on different projects. He is looking forward to touring and endorsing other products that he believes strongly in.

Send your pet photos to The PRESS for our Annual Pet Photo Contest! Photos will be printed weekly. Check out the front page for all the details! The East Bangor Methodist Church will be holding it's monthly pastie sale on Tuesday, March 5th. Pickup at the Church, 136 W. Central Ave. at 3:30pm. Pasties are beef with or without onions and broccoli cheese with or without onions. Call 610-5881745. Join the Slate Belt Relay For Life for the POWER OF PURPLE Meeting on Monday, March 4th at St Mary's Church on 512 in Wind Gap at 7pm. Teams from the 2013 Relay will have tables set up ready to sell fundraisers and

promote any upcoming events. Also availabe will be information needed for starting a team, joining a team, registering survivors and purchasing luminaria. Learn all about the 16th Relay For Life happening on May 18th and 19th at Bangor Park, from 10am to 10am. Contact Rosemarie Murphy, Sr. Community Income Dev. Specialist at 610-9212329 or Karen Campanaro 2013 Chairperson at 610-588-2429 for further information. The Blue Valley Farm Show has two $500 scholarships for the 2013-14 school year available to any student who is or has been a Northampton County 4-H member. Applications must be returned by March 31st. The scholarships will be

presented to the winners during the annual Blue Valley Farm Show in August. For more information, call Audrey Koehler at 610-498-3389. Slater Family Network is offering a $2,000 scholarship for a graduating Bangor High School senior who plans on attending a trade/vocational school or college. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is involved in community service. Applications are available in the High School Guidance Office, Slater Family Network Office, or on the School District website under Parents drop down menu under SFN. Applications are due in the SFN office by Friday, April 12th. If you have any questions call 610-599-7019. Happy Birthday Wishes are sent to Shawn Bartolocci. She will be celebrating a birthday on February 27th. Have a great day, Shawn! We would like to wish

Amber Impeciati a very Happy Birthday on March 2nd. Have a wonderful day, Amber! Sara Weist will be celebrating a birthday on March 3rd. Have a fantastic birthday, Sara! We would like to wish Josh Montross a very Happy Birthday on March 4th. Have a great day, Josh! Happy Birthday wishes are sent to Rob Riley, who will be celebrating his birthday on March 5th. Have a wonderful day, Rob! Happy Birthday Wishes are sent to Shirt Williams of Shirts Barber Shop. He will be celebrating on February 27th. Have a fantastic day, Shirt! We would like to wish Brody Santos a very Happy 5th Birthday on February 27th! Have a great day, Brody! We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and other tidbits of information to us at: The PRESS 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week February 14 through 20, 2013. Adult fiction: Benjamin, Melanie, The aviators wife; Collins, Jackie, The power trip; Quick, Matthew, Silver linings playbook. Adult non-fiction: Berry, Wendell, The art of the commonplace; Bruhn, John, The Roseto story; Deen, Bobby, From Mamas table to mine; The kitchen table book; Rubin, Alan, Diabetes for dummies; Shannon, Annie, Betty goes vegan; Smith, Shelley, The fibromyalgia cookbook; Tate, Nicholas, Obamacare survival guide. Young Adult nonfiction: Anniss, Matt, Make a podcast; Anniss,

Matt, Start a band!; Dobrzycki, Michael, The art of drawing dragons; Getha, Patricia, The art of drawing & painting horses; Oxlade, Chris, Gaming technology; Sutherland, Adam, Take great photos! Junior non-fiction: Balfour, Barbara, Thanksgiving; Banting, Erinn, Galapagos Islands; Gish, Melissa, Rhinoceroses; Sparrow, Giles, Earth and the inner planets; Sparrow, Giles , The outer planets; Sparrow, Giles, The sun and stars; Tait, Leia, Cinco de Mayo; Tilli, Laura, Baking; Tilli, Laura, Cakes; Tremaine, Jon, Paper tricks; Tremaine, Jon, Magical illusions; Watson, Galadriel, Amazon rain forest; Yasuda, Anita, Chinese New Year; Yasuda, Anita, Valentines Day.

The Blue Mountain Community Library would like to invite all children, ten and under, with an adult to join in celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Come to the library on Thursday, February 28th at 6:30pm to Read Across America with Mrs. Judy Hahn, a retired Pen Argyl kindergarten teacher and library volunteer. This fun event is for the Young and Young-At Heart. There will be a special guest and gifts for the children. The library is currently collecting canned goods for the Salvation Army Food Bank. Please bring nonperishable food items to the library until March 15th. Thank you to all who have already donated. On February 27th and 28th at 10:30am, Quincy the therapy dog will visit the library during Story Hour. Children are invited to attend with their parents to read to Quincy, the therapy dog owned by board member Nancy Chuss. On the third Tuesday of each month, the Book Discussion Group meets at 6:30pm in the library. The selection for March 19th is The Chaperone, by Laura Moriarty (fiction). All are welcome to attend. The Blue Mountain Community Library is located at 216 S. Robinson Ave. in Pen Argyl. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10am to Noon, and Monday through Thursday, 6pm to 8pm. Call Lisa at 610-8633029 for information or to become a volunteer. For more information, visit the librarys website at www.bmcl.org.

At noon on Tuesday, March 14th, there will be a presentation on Fair Housing at the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce office at 366 Blue Valley Drive, Bangor. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn more about housing discrimination and the fair housing assistance and information we offer.

The presentation will last approximately one hour. North Penn Legal Services, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, provides free civil legal assistance to lowincome families, individuals, and groups in Northeastern Pennsylvania and equal access to justice for all. Services include

individual representation (ranging from document preparation to litigation), information, referral and advice through a telephone helpline, community legal education, and support for those clients who will be taking responsibility for handling some or all aspects of their own problem.

Holocaust survivor Esther Bauer will talk about her imprisonment and persecution in the Theresienstadt and Auschwitz concentration camps on Tuesday, March 5th, from 11am to noon at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township, David A. Reed Community Room, 2nd floor of College Center. At age 18, Bauer and her parents were deported to the Theresienstadt, where her father died. Bauer and her mother were later sent to Auschwitz, where Bauer's mother was murdered. Described as an energetic and life-embracing person, Bauer has received respect and admiration as an exemplar of the human spirit's indestructibility. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call 610-861-5300.

Art Show To Be Held at Castle Inn in Delaware Water Gap

The Castle Inn located in scenic Delaware Water Gap on Rt. 611 is hosting an artist reception for the Pocono Guild of Artists on March 9th and 10th. The Pocono Guild of Artists is a group of artists with very different disciplines. The common thread is the desire to create! You will find clock makers, acrylic painters, painters on glass, oil painters, primitive painters, purse designers, photographers, metal artists, and jewelry designers and more. Several artists will be represented at the Castle Inn show: Clock maker and photographer, Joe Zacky, glass painter, Darla Stem, jewelry designer and photographer Pat Transue, Conrad Richenbacker, jewelry designer and jewelry designer and painter Nancy Knott. Nancy designs jewelry from copper, clay and vintage optical lenses, a hint of Victorian steampunk. Pat joins the jewelry group with her morphed photographs designed into necklaces. These designs were a result of her natural eye for photography. Blending these two talents make her jewelry one of a kind. Also participating is Darla Stem. Darla has taken painting classes with Jim Smeltz and turned her talented eye to painting beautiful flowers on wine glasses and other glass objects. Conrad Richenbacker is a jewelry designer with a background in architecture, this prospective gives Conrads jewelry a very different look. Joe Zacky adds his many talents to the show with his amazing hand made clocks. Each clock is one of a kind and has a unique finish. Joe teaches metal work classes at Totts Gap Art Institute in Mt. Bethel and is an extraordinary photographer as well. Opening reception will be On March 9th at 2pm. They will be open on Saturday and Sunday, from 1pm to 4pm. The Castle Inn with distinctive shops, professionally - decorated office spaces and a world-class spa, the Inn is once again a destination for both locals and tourists of the area.

PMCs EAC Collects 1,384 Shoes in Shoe Brigade

In the spirit of giving, Pocono Medical Centers (PMCs) Environmental Awareness Council set-up red bins to collect shoes through the TerraCycle Shoe Brigade in December. The goal of the effort was to recycle old shoes through TerraCycle to help raise money for the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center. This also reduces landfills with shoes and reuses new or gently worn shoes by donating them to the needy in our community. To date, the brigade efforts of the council have resulted in over $300 being donated to the Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center.

Annual PMEA Regional Band Festival To Be Held at Bangor High School

The Bangor Area High School will be hosting the annual PMEA Band Festival at the M. Craig Paine Performing Arts Theatre Friday, March 8th at 7:30pm and Saturday, March 9th at 2pm. Tickets are $5 at the door or contact Mr. Hahn at hahner@bangorsd.org. Students from 15 counties in Southeastern PA will be performing under the direction of Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft of Hofstra University. PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 5,000 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The organization includes those engaged in music instruction at all levels, from preschool through college and university, as well as those in the music industry, merchandising and publishing. PMEA promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with The National Association for Music Education.The mission of PMEA is to advance music education by encouraging excellence in the study, teaching and making of music.

To me, its very simple, why would I associate my name with a product I dont believe in? You have to have standards and honesty with yourself when you create music. I would rather pay for a product that I think sounds better or plays better, than get a product for free that I dont belive in. Dennis is hopeful that his schedule will allow him to attend summer NAMM 2013. Denniss ability to adapt to different musical styles sets him apart from other drummers in his area. This ability has caught the attention of international recording artists, drum manufactures, and independent and satellite radio stations. No matter what youre doing, youre going to want to keep an ear out for what comes next from this talented musi-

cian with song titles like Demon, Fake Friend, and Stay. Who knows, the next song that gets stuck in your head may be something he was involved in creating. Exodus Cymbals has developed a strong foothold among Latin American drummers. Now the company has its sights on the U.S. market. Exodus has a unique sound by developing cymbals made from an unorthodox alloy of Bronze 25 (which means 25 percent tin/75 percent copper). This is different from the normal Turkish formula of B20 bronze, which features 20 percent tin. Dennis will be playing with the band, InRuinz, opening for Michael Graves (of The Misfits) on March 22nd, 7pm, at the Stanhope House in Stanhope, NJ. To see where hes playing next, visit Denniss official site, www.abuzementpark.c om.

(NAPSI)In addition to working hard and getting good grades, there is another key to success for young men-registering with the Selective Service. Here are some key things to consider. Q. Are there benefits to registering? A. Yes. Registration keeps the door open to federal college loans and grants, federal jobs and U.S. citizenship for immigrants. Proof of registration is also required for jobs with many states and municipal governments as well as government contractors. Q. When must young men register with the Selective Service? A. All young men, regardless of their immigration status, are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Q. Are there penalties if you fail to register? A. Yes. Men who fail to register face penalties that range from fines to

prison or both. The good news is that registration is convenient. You can now register online, at a post office, by mail or when applying for federal student aid. To learn more, visit www.sss.gov or call (888) 655-1825 toll free.

East Bangor UMC Invites All To Free Baked Chicken Dinner

Prince of Peace ELC, 2445 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor, is looking forward to a busy schedule this month. Daylight savings time takes over on March 10th. On March 20th, they are looking forward to Spring. Every Wednesday through the Lenten season, there is a Lenten Service held from 6pm to 7pm. Participants are asked to bring a sandwich to eat with soup and dessert that will be provided. Following the casual meal, they will continue with Bible Study, prayer practice, conversation and fellowship. On Palm Sunday, March 24th, worship service and Holy Communion at 9:45am will include the Procession of the Palms. Sunday School will be held at 8:30am. An Eater Egg Hunt for Sunday School will be held following worship services. Maundy Thursday, March 28th, and Good Friday, March 29th, worship services and Holy Communion will be held at 7pm. Easter Sunday, March 31st, the Easter Vigil will be held at 6am, and festival Worship and Holy Communion at 9:45am. An Easter breakfast is traditionally held following the 6am service. Please sign up in the Narthex if you plan to attend. Prince of Peace is once again offering a babysitting class. Chris Trigg, a Red Cross Instructor, will conduct this class on Saturday, April 13th, from 9am to 3pm. The cost will include a book and a certificate upon completion. The minimum age is 11, and students need to bring a doll and a lunch to class. For more information, or to register, call Holly Blakeslee at 610-8634821 after 3pm, before Monday, April 8th. The Worship service is held the first and third Saturday of each month at 5:30pm and Sundays at 9:45am with Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. Sunday School is held every Sunday at 8:30am. The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church welcomes you to a FREE Baked Chicken Dinner with dessert on Sunday, March 3rd, from 4pm to 6pm. Free baked goods are also available. The Manna Ministry distributes free baked goods and health & beauty items every Sunday from 11am to 1pm. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, PA. For questions, call 610-588-4453 or visit www.ebumc.org.

(NAPSI)If you're like most Americans, you've lost something valuable because of clutter, according to a recent Harris Interactive survey. The most common thing lost? Important documents and bills. So that you don't have to deal with such difficulties, here are 10 tips to help you get organized: Tip 10: Start small when starting to declutter. Pick one area or room and sort through your stuff. Purge items no longer used and assign the keepers a place. Tip 9: Keep things orderly. Create zones

for certain activities or categories and store all related items in that zone. Tip 8: Have a young family? Make it a game with your kids to get organized. Create a treasure hunt and you may rediscover items once thought to be lost. Tip 7: Organization needs consistency. Talk to your significant other or roommate about maintaining a united front on keeping things organized. Tip 6: Enlist help for larger organization efforts. Invite friends over to help clear out clutter; pay them with pizza and cold drinks for their work. Tip 5: Donate duplicate or unwanted items to a charity that can then use your extras to support those in need. Tip 4: Pick your battles. Start with what is manageable, like a closet, and work your way toward larger projects, such as the basement or garage. Tip 3: Create routines. Make it a habit to tackle a new area of the home every month. Tip 2: Put it away now. Done using something? Instead of letting things pile up, put them away immediately. You can have plenty of places to put stuff when you get storage units, shelving and organization kits from Gladiator GarageWorks. View them all at www.gladiatorgaragewo rks.com. Tip 1: Enjoy the spoils of victory. Cleaning and organizing is a daunting but rewarding task. Enjoy your accomplishment.

Monroe County Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 11:30 a.m.. The MCGC will meet at the Hughes Eastern Monroe Public Library, North Ninth Street, Stroudsburg. Anyone interested in gardening is welcome to attend. The guest speaker is Kay Johns of Point Phillip Perennials. The topic is Add

Pizazz To Your Perennial Garden. The design tournament of the month is Shamrocks and Leprechauns, an alfresco buffet table design. The horticulture competition is a potted herb, six inch maximum size. For more information, please contact Club President, Arlene Deskus, at 570-4200283, or email her at adeskus@ptd.net.

(NAPSI)Edible gardening will continue to be a popular trend this year, according to a recent survey by the Garden Writers Association. More than 41 million U.S. households grew a vegetable garden last year and 37 percent plan to do more edible gardening in 2010. (Only 1 percent planned to plant less this year.) A combination of factors is driving the trend: The desire to consume locally grown foods and save money as well as Gen X and Y consumers embracing the idea of selfsufficiency. Add the year-old White House vegetable garden to the mix and seed companies tapping into reserves to keep up with demand and you've got a gardening boom. "In this economy, everyone is looking for a way to make their money go farther," says Bayer Advanced Garden Expert Lance Walheim, author of "Vegetable Gardening." "Growing your own

healthy vegetables in your garden is a great way to reduce your grocery bill while creating a nutritious supply of food from your own backyard." Here are a few tips on making the most of your backyard vegetable garden: Choose your veggies: Do your homework on seed, plant and variety options, and involve your family in the selection. Pick a sunny spot for your garden: Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun each day. The area you choose should drain well, but will still benefit from the addition of lots of organic matter, so you have the best growing conditions. Mark your rows: Use string to mark off the individual rows of vegetables you'll plant and make plans for irrigation. Remember that rows running east to west will get the best sun exposure. Add mulch and fertilize: Mulch your rows to keep weeds from popping up and fertilize regularly. Protect against pests and diseases: The new Bayer Advanced Natria Insecticidal Soap protects your vegetable garden against pests. Visit www.Bayer Advanced.com for more information and how-to videos.

Hints For Homeowners: Top Ten Battery Basics

(NAPSI)If your home is like most, you have some 26 different battery operated devicesfrom flashlights to smoke detectors to cordless phones, around the house. To keep things running smoothly, homeowners should include testing those devices and replacing the batteries with fresh ones and discarding properly of old batteries, according to Interstate Batteries Gale Kimbrough, also known as Mr. Battery. Here is a good spring checklist to make the most of your batteryoperated devices. 1. Smoke Alarm Test: Test smoke alarms once a month and change the batteries at least twice a year. Ensure theres at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your house, particularly in or near sleeping areas. Its also time to replace the batteries if the detector emits a warning sound, such as chirping or beeping. 2. Flashlights For Emergencies: Make sure flashlights with fresh batteries are stored in multiple places in the house and car. 3. Charge Batteries After Storage: A battery will eventually lose its charge if unused. Check to see if your stored batteries need recharging. 4. Keep the Batteries Clean: Clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. 5. Dont Mix Batteries: Dont mix old batteries with new ones to prevent the potential safety hazard that can come from the battery leaking or rupturing and possibly injuring someone or damaging the device. 6. Organize Batteries: Consider getting a battery organizer with varying battery sizes to accommodate a wide range of household devices. 7. Weather Preparedness: A power outage is a bad time to realize you need new batteries in your portable batterypowered radio. 8. Prep Your Camera: A digital camera can quickly drain the life out of an alkaline battery. 9. Recycle Batteries. 10. Test Your Car Battery: Have your auto battery checked to make sure it is fully charged. For store locations and further information, visit interstatebatteries.com.

Buying Short Sale or Bank Owned Properties (REO's)

Last week we told you about Short Sales. So, what is the difference between buying these type properties and traditional sales? The beginning is the same. Select a Realtor to show these properties to you. Make your offer in the same manner with both. This is where the difference begins. With traditional sales, you will be negotiating with the Seller - through your Realtors. With an REO or Short Sale, the offers must be approved by several parties including the investors, lien holders and mortgage insurers. While the Sellers will sign the paperwork in a short sale, the decision is not theirs. Keep in mind that the "Sellers" have priced these properties aggressively - they want to sell. However, their goal is to maximize the price for the property. There is no emotion or need on their part as opposed to the traditional seller. It is almost always best to make your best offer upfront to avoid losing the property to another buyer. (You'll still be getting a deal). So, in order to make your offer acceptable at the time of making the offer you will have to include a pre-approval letter from a lender for financing. Some REO companies, Bank of America for one, demand that you obtain a pre-approval from their company. You don't have to finance through them, but they will not even acknowledge your offer unless you

are pre[approved by them. If you are offering cash, you'll have to include proof of funds. Since these properties are sold AS - IS, you should always insist on a professional home inspection. Home Inspectors, like anyone else have varying degrees of ability. Make sure you chose one who can accurately advise you of the strengths and shortcomings of the property. Many of the REO's offer a free Title Insurance Policy if you use their closer. This could be the single biggest mistake you could make. Some liens on the property might not be uncovered until the closing process begins. It is always best to hire an Attorney who is versed in real estate to handle the search, settlement, and Title Insurance. In the event a problem arises an Attorney can represent your interests. Abstract companies can perform searches and write Title Insurance policies but cannot legally represent you. Feel free to call us with any further questions on this topic or to buy or sell your property at The Great American Real Estate Company, 610-8636205.

By State Representative Joe Emrick, 137th Legislative District

Your Voice Counts

I am well acquainted with the streets throughout the Slate Belt area, having driven them many times while traveling to and from school in my younger years. Unfortunately, one specific stretch of road from days past has been brought to my attention in recent weeks for very different reasons. The Route 512/Main Street bridge over Brush Meadow Creek is being replaced, and the detour includes Ridge Road. Due to the increased volume of traffic, this road had been plagued

by extremely dangerous ruts and potholes. Thanks to Grace Industries, this situation has been dramatically improved, as we have focused on the safety of motorists and residents alike. I appreciate their timeliness and the cooperation of PennDOT in dealing with a very unpleasant situation. The 137th Legislative District is made up of nearly 73,000 people in 13 municipalities. While I know the district well, having grown up here, it is difficult to keep up with every situation without having some assistance. Ridge Road falling into disrepair was brought to my

attention by a number of constituents. We as legislators deal with many different issues, both at the state and local level. Because of that, we must keep lines of communication open, and rely heavily on constituents to bring things to our attention. I appreciate those of you who stepped forward to speak out about Ridge Road, as do the many commuters who are being detoured daily onto the road. Please know that my door is always open in both my Mt. Bethel and Nazareth offices to serve you, and my staff and I thank you for being involved in the legislative process.

The Bangor Area Middle School Drama Club will be presenting Disneys The Little Mermaid, Jr. on Friday, March 8th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

and Saturday, March 9th at 1pm (doors open at 12:30pm). In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to

leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that shes the girl with the enchanting voice. Adapted from Disneys 2008 Broadway production, Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "Shes in Love," and the Oscarwinning "Under the Sea." All tickets are available at the door and are general seating. Be sure to arrive early to ensure seating. Come out for a night of fun and support local youth!

Therese McCoy of Upper Mt. Bethel Township has won her 3rd Preliminary Champion Irish Dance Competition. She has now achieved the title of Open Champion which elevates her to the highest level of Competitive Irish dance. She danced circles around the competition in Purchase, NY recently, winning the Under 13 Preliminary Champion Competition. Therese out danced competitors from NY, NJ, CT and PA to claim this title. Therese has danced with the McElligott School of Irish Dance in Stroudsburg, PA for over 4 years.

She competes in PA, NJ, NY, CT and MD at Feis competitions. She has also competed at 2011 and 2012 Regional Championships in Philadelphia. Therese also performs in Irish Dance shows at festivals and parties. She truly loves dance and the joy shows in her face when she performs. Now that she has achieved this milestone goal she will focus on even higher accomplishments! She is now qualified to compete in the 2013 North American National Competition being held in Anaheim, CA on July 5th, 2013. The World Championships of Irish Dance are in her sights!

By Sarah Loren

Bangors very own Little Creek Bar-B-Cue Co. will be heading to Alabama next week for the very first barbecue competition of the season. Shortly after, the husband and wife team will make their way to Mississippi. Rich and Kim Green, owners of the southern-style barbecue restaurant located at 1004 Washington Blvd., are no strangers to the world of competition. And they have the awards to prove it. On March 8th and 9th,

Rich and Kim will be taking part in the BBQ Championship and Hog Wild Festival in Mobile, AL (bbqmobile.net). From there they will head to Tupelo, MS for the Dont Be Cruel BBQ Duel on March 15th and 16th (tupelobbq duel.com). Unfortunately for us, this means the awardwinning restaurant will be closed from March 7th through 20th, but hopefully it results in a win for the Greens. At the end of 2012, Little Creek Bar-B-Cue Co. placed among the

very best barbecue teams across the nation. Out of 7,993 teams, Little Creek ranked 328th in ribs, crushing more than 95 percent of KCBS competitors. The other rankings for Little Creek were also impressive. The team placed 1,058th in brisket, 1,151st in pork and 2,195th in chicken, resulting in an overall ranking of 1,115. Facing off against almost 8,000 teams and ranking just over 1,000 is nothing short of outstanding. Some stand-out competitions for Little Creek last year were Pork in the Park in Salisbury, Maryland, where they earned bragging rights for Reserve Champion in whole hog; the Brick Street BBQ competition in Marietta, Ohio, where they placed 4th in ribs and 9th in brisket; and the New Holland Summerfest in New Holland, PA, where the team was named Grand Champion in whole hog, along with placing 2nd in ribs and 3rd in chefs choice. Lucky for the Slate Belt, the award-winning Little Creek Bar-B-Cue Co. is conveniently located on Rt. 191 in Bangor. They are now taking orders for double smoked hams for Easter, so dont forget to place yours by March 28th and bring home something delicious from a place thats known throughout the country. Little Creek is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sunday from noon to 6pm. They are now serving Lenten specials on Fridays through Easter, and they also have wings available on Fridays and Saturdays. And dont forget, Little Creek also provides pig roasts and catering services for any occasion of any size. For more information about Little Creek BarB-Cue Co., visit www.littlecreekbarbcue. com, where you can view event photos, the restaurants full menu and more. To place an order, call 610-5883831. For more information about the Kansas City Barbeque Society, visit www.kcbs.com.

(NAPSI)Even though todays mom is on-the-go, she still seeks ready-to-grab snacks that are better nutrition choices for her family. Snacks can be quick and good for your family with a few simple switches, says Tara Gidus, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N, the Diet Diva from the nationally syndicated, Daily Buzz and author of Pregnancy Cooking & Nutrition for Dummies. Tara suggests trying these three simple switches: #1: Switch snack chips for homemade trail mix. You dont have to hike to enjoy a trail mix, remarks Tara. By mixing your own blend, you can give your family more nutrients than a snack chip would provide. Tara says that many families enjoy dried fruit, unsalted nuts and even a few dark chocolate bits. Tara says that, Moms can feel good about the nutrients from the dried fruit and healthier fats found in the nuts! #2: Switch from prepackaged to prepared. Preparing healthy snacks can be just as convenient as prepackaged ones, notes

Tara. Tara suggests chopping veggies and leaving them in graband-go baggies in the fridge, keeping string cheese and low fat yogurts on-hand, and preparing peanut butter and whole grain crackers to take on the road. #3: Switch from butter to Country Crock. To save on saturated fat, I suggest that moms cook, bake, spread and top with a soft spread, says Tara. Country Crock has 70 percent less saturated fat than butter, no partially hydrogenated oilsso 0 grams trans fat per servingand no cholesterol.* Tara recommends trying this recipe for On-the-Go Bars from Countrycrock.com. On-The-Go Bars cup Country Crock Spread

1 bag (10 oz.) marshmallows tsp. ground cinnamon 6 cups toasted o-shaped whole grain oat cereal 1 bag (7 oz.) dried mixed fruit bits Line 13 X 9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then spray with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In 4-quart saucepan, melt Country Crock Spread over medium heat and marshmallows and cinnamon, stirring occasionally, 4 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted. Quickly stir in cereal and fruit. With spatula sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, evenly spread cereal mixture into prepared pan; cool 30 minutes. To serve, cut into 24 bars.

1 Tbsp. oil 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces 1 can (14 oz.) chicken broth 1/4 cup flour 1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas and carrots1cup all-purpose baking mix 1/4 cup Sour Cream 1/4 cup milk 2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley HEAT oil in large deep skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 4 min. or until no longer pink. Transfer to bowl. ADD broth gradually to flour in small bowl, whisking constantly until blended. Add to skillet; cook and stir on medium heat 2 minutes or until thickened.

Add cream cheese spread; cook and stir 3 minutes or until melted. Remove from heat; stir in chicken and vegetables. STIR baking mix, sour cream and milk just until baking mix is moistened. Spoon into 6 mounds over mixture in skillet; cook on

medium-high heat 2 minutes. Cover skillet; cook on low heat 15 minutes or until chicken is done and toothpick inserted in dumplings comes out clean. TOP with Parmesan and parsley.

& RESTAURANT
(Formerly Pulcinnis)

Tuesday Night Pasta Night

All You Can Eat Spaghetti $7.95
includes garlic bread. Dine In Only.

Meatless Dishes for Lent 6618 S. Delaware Dr., (Rt. 611) Martins Creek, PA 18063 610-252-3232 610-252-3338 BYOB
Open Monday through Saturday, 10:30am-10pm; Closed Sundays

Try Our Homemade Vegetable Lasagna

(NAPSI)An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Research shows an aspirin a day may do the same. How often have you heard about chewing an aspirin if you feel the symptoms of a heart attack? If its that critical to get the medication to your system, isnt it as important to know you are taking a safe dose? Good newsthere is a simple blood test that is available to aid your doctor in assessing response to aspirin. For many Americans, a baby aspirin is prescribed 81 mg for ongoing preventative care postcardiac procedure or even as a precautionary way to help prevent stroke. In fact, the USPSTF (United States Preventive Services Task Force) encourages aspirin intake for men aged 4579 years to help prevent myocardial infarctions (also known as heart attacks) and women aged 5579 years because of a potential benefit of stroke prevention. Always check with your physician before embarking on an aspirin regimen. Since its known there are potential side effects with aspirin use, particularly stomach upset due to potential bleeding risks, you will want to be sure you are getting the optimal effect with the lowest dose possible. The VerifyNow System is a product that tests for aspirinproviding the physician information on platelet reactivity. Aspirin and drugs like clopidogrel (the generic form of the branded drug Plavix) are anti-platelet medications designed to prevent the blood cells

from sticking together. The medications can help prevent a clot, which can lead to a more serious cardiovascular event. Studies show that up to one in three patients platelets do not respond appropriately. Only your physician can check to see how your platelets are reacting and make decisions about your care. As with other medications, some people often wonder if their medications are having the desired effect. Stop wondering, and start asking about a chance to see how your platelets are responding. The next time you visit your doctor, and you are asked for a blood sample to measure your level of cholesterol, or the technician measures your blood pressure, you might want to ask about the VerifyNow Aspirin Test as well. Like those other routine measurements, this test is also available nationwide in hospitals and doctors offices. Your health care provider wants to provide the best protection possible to you or a loved one and so anyone on anti-platelet therapy should be tested. To find a physician who can offer the easy-toadminister VerifyNow Tests, contact the company at www.accu metrics.com/request.

(NAPSI)For optimal health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults get a minimum of two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week. In addition, musclestrengthening activities should be conducted two or more days a week. Exercise can help prevent many physical problems and chronic conditions that come with aging, including weight gain, back pain and heart disease. Plus, it keeps the mind sharp and can help you feel happier, improving symptoms of depression and even dementia. To gain these benefits, however, you need to find a fitness program that provides the physical results desired and is

enjoyable, too, so youll stick to it. Thats where the nations leading exercise program for older adults comes in. Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program offers physical and group activities in a comprehensive program that provides full access to a health club, senior fitness classes, online resources, and social experiences. SilverSneakers incorporates a number of interactive and educational events into our programs because improving overall wellbeing includes focusing on both physical and emotional well-being, said certified personal trainer Sims McMahon. These events help to

create a sense of community and increase the feeling of belonging many of our members hoped to find when joining the program. Research shows that participants enrolled in SilverSneakers for two years have fewer hospital admissions and significantly lower overall health care costs. Before you begin any exercise program, McMahon has the following tips: 1. See your doctor, especially if you have a chronic condition. 2. Start slowly. Begin by walking, say, for 10 minutes or so a day. As you gain energy and your body builds stamina, increase your activity levels and make it more challenging. 3. Stay motivated. Have realistic shortterm goals you can easily meet. 4. Dont be intimidated. Remember that everyone had to walk in the door for the first time. Dont let the thought of starting hold you back. You can do it. To make it all easier, Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is available in 11,000 fitness centers nationwide. Its free in most cases because its

covered through many Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and group retiree plans. The classes are taught by credentialed instructors and focus on older adult-specific programming. An online program provides a number of resources, including healthy-living articles and recipes. Members can also get exercise and nutrition plans and expert advice. To find out more information, including nearby locations, visit www.silversneakers.co m/info or call (888) 423-4632.

Now in its 16th year, The National Education Associations (NEA) Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness movement asking every child in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of beloved childrens author Dr. Seuss. NEAs

Read Across America program also supports NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children with the resources and activities they need to keep reading fun throughout the year. The theme for 2013 is Grab your Hat and Read with the Cat. Make sure you are ready to celebrate the joy of reading with your students and children on Saturday, March 2nd this years official Read Across America Day. Go to nea.org/read across to find a wide variety of information including how to create a reading event, activity ideas, downloadable

information for parents, your states activity/contact information, and even take the pledge to participate this year! Items and materials are updated frequently, so please check back often. Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat because he was worried that children were not learning to read. Rudolf Fleschs Why Johnny Cant Read and what you can do about it (1955), and John Herseys Why Do Students Bog Down on the First R? (Life, 1954) both said that boring primers like Dick and Jane were a major

cause of children failing to read. Hersey even suggested that Seuss write a better primer. William Spaulding, whom Seuss had worked with during World War II and who was then the director of Houghton Mifflins education division, challenged him to Write me a story that first-graders cant put down! To find fun ideas on celebrating Read Across America at home with your children, including a printable certificate, games, activities, books suggestions and more, visit the website, www.seussville.org.

(NAPSI)Board games are on a roll again. Thats the word from experts who say this style of family and individual fun is hot once again and among the latest trends in games. Extremely portable, with no batteries or assembly required, board games emphasize imagination and strategy on the part of the player. Plus, theyre affordable and hold the attention of children and parents alike. Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (aka Dr. Toy), highly recommends board games as an antidote to tech overload. She suggests taking out games, playing as a family, putting the game and some popcorn on the table, and having fun together with plenty of

laughter and conversation. These are times children remember best, she said. Games help children learn to follow instructions, plan strategy and handle playful competition. Some of the latest developments in board games are coming from Griddly Games, Inc. and Heartland Consumer Products. In the case of Heartland, it has introduced a new game thats designed to combine the best of both card games and dice games. Called Square Shooters, the game comes with nine specially designed dice printed with a full deck of 52 cards plus two jokersevery playing-card face from a standard deck of cards. The game is a fast-

action matching game: Flip a card that assigns a playing-card hand, then you have three rolls of the dice to try to match the hand. The dice are patented so they can be used to achieve hands ranging from four of a kind to royal flush. According to the games makers, its more like a game set than just one game. They say that with seven extra games included in the instructions, the play opportunities are practically endless. Players can use the game to create a dice version of almost any card game, including Rummy, Poker, 21 and many more games. Another recent addition to the world of board games (this one from Griddly Games) is Wise Alec.

This is a multi awardwinning family game that different ages can play together. It combines trivia, tongue twisters, good manners, clever choices and a little luck in an effort to find the wise alec. This company also makes Oversight, a four-in-a-row strategy game that requires players to see every possible move to win. Play your piece or slide an entire row or column of the game board. Youll need a lot of insight to see your way to a win at Oversight. In addition to offering family fun thats portable, entertaining and often educational, board games are thought by many to offer excellent value. To learn more, visit squareshooters.com and griddlygames.com.

(NAPSI)Sooner or later, all car batteries have to be replaced. The good news is that by taking a few simple maintenance steps, you can avoid the cost and hassle of getting stranded with a dead battery. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, can allow too high of a charging rate, leading to

slow death for a battery. Colder temperatures can also be a problem, increasing the thickness of the engine oil, making the engine harder to turn over and the battery work harder. This makes

for harder starting. To help you get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following: Have your battery testedand replaced if necessaryin the fall and spring. This reduces the chance a dead battery will leave you stranded on the side of the road. Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.

Always replace a battery with one thats rated at least as high as the one originally specified. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow. The Car Care Council is a national nonprofit organization providing information for the Be Car Care Aware consumer education campaign that promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

(NAPSI)Drivers and passengers generally assume the airbags in a car will work properly. However, when it comes to used vehicles, that may not be the case. The federal government recently announced that up to 250,000 counterfeit airbags may have been used to replace deployed units. These faulty airbags may explode or

not deploy at all in the event of a collision. To protect yourself when buying a used car, here are a few tips: Turn on the ignition. The airbag indicator light should appear momentarily and then go out. If the indicator light remains on or flashes, this may indicate a problem with the airbag system. Get the Carfax

Vehicle History Report. The report may include salvage or junk titles, accident indicators such as frame damage or airbag deployments, and repair details. Another way to help check for faulty airbags is to get a professional inspection by a mechanic or airbag specialist. To learn more, visit www.carfax.com

(NAPSI)Recently, a number of extreme storms and hurricanes left thousands of cars in the surrounding areas damaged by floodwaters. Unfortunately, its common for many of these flood-damaged cars to end up back on the road every year. But by doing a little homework, you can avoid buying a car that is rotting from the inside

out. To help, here are some tips: Check the trunk, glove compartment and below the seats for signs of water damage, such as mud or rust. Flex the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack. Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew. Ask to see a vehicle

history report. For example, Carfax Reports can reveal many hidden problems, including if a vehicle has reported flood damage. To learn more, visit www.carfax.com.