Mulan Jr.

Musical Coming to Bangor Middle School

Where can you go and see a fire breathing dragon, ghostly ancestors, a bunch of scary Huns all in one night? At the Bangor Area Middle School! MTIs/Disneys Mulan, Jr. will be performed by the BAMS Drama Club on Friday night, March 9th at 7pm and Saturday, March 10th at 1pm in the Bangor Area Middle School Auditorium. Featuring Lauren Steinert as Mulan, Louis Ortiz as Shang, Kris Swanson as Mushu, the Dragon, and Brian Gembarski as Shan-Yu, as well as many other talented students. This ensemble production consists of 80 7th and 8th grade students as cast and crew as well as many high school assistants returning to their roots to pay it forward. This year not only is this an exciting drama production but also cast member Seth Furman is shaving his hair for his character Qian Po on the Friday of the show as a cancer fundraiser for Green Hope, an organization that raises awareness in Ovarian and Breast Cancer with the goal to find a vaccine to cure cancer. Each student and teacher in the school will be asked to donate a dollar to support this cause. Seth will be shaving his hair in front of a school audience prior to

the assembly performance for the school. Auditorium doors open a half hour before show. General Seating on a first come, first available basis. Tickets are $5 per person ages 3 and up and available at the door. There will be refreshments available during intermission. The show lasts about an hour and half.

The Bangor Middle School drama production is directed by Mrs. Denise Crawn with music direction by Mrs. Vicki Doney. Dont miss this wonderful opportunity to step away from modern day and be transported through love, war, and humor back to ancient China with some of your favorite Disney characters!

The Bangor GFWC Scholarship program is accepting applications from Bangor, Pius X, and Faith Christian High School seniors who plan to attend college in the fall. Applications may be

obtained from the school guidance office and the completed applications must be returned by March 15th. This year the club is offering two $500 scholarships to deserving students.

The Friends of the Bangor Public Library are holding a "Brunch with the Artist" event on Saturday, March 10th from 10am to noon at the library. Featured is Rick J. Bryant, a renowned graphic Artist who will display and demonstrate his work some of which include Mega Man and Superman. Free Archie Comics will be distributed (while supplies last). Brunch will be served and admission is free. However, attendees should register by calling the library at 610-588-4136 or by stopping at the library. Richmond United Methodist Church will be holding a Spaghetti Supper on March 10th from 4pm until 7pm at the church on Route 611. For more information, call 610-588-7317. The Slate Belt Area Chapter 4135 of AARP will be holding their monthly meeting on Monday, March 12th, 1:30pm, at the Slate Belt Senior Center in the Blue Valley Farm Show Building. A choral group from Bangor Area High School will be presenting a program, conducted by Mr. Conelly. For more information, call 610863-9292. We would like to wish James Albanese a very Happy Birthday on March 10th. Have a great day, James! The Ladies Auxiliary of the Mt. Bethel Fire Company will be holding their 17th Annual Spring Craft Show in March 24th, from 9am to 3pm at the fire hall on Route 611. Only handcrafted items will be included. There will also be a bake sale, the kitchen will be open, and there is free parking. For more information, call 570-897-5308. Merchants Bank

Walkers, a Slate Belt Relay For Life team, will be hosting a bus trip to Lancaster on Saturday, April 28th. The bus will leave Merchants Bank on Broadway at 8:30am, and includes shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village, Dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord and Farmers Market, and shopping at Shady Maple. For more information, call Tracey Hower or Karen Campanaro at 610-588-0981 or 610-588-9211. On Saturday, June 2nd, there will be a bus trip to see the world premiere of Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Strasburg. The buses will depart from Trinity United Church of Christ in Stone Church at 9:30am and return approximately 9pm. The trip includes a ticket to see Jonah, transportation fees, and dinner at a Pennsylvania Dutch smorgasbord buffet. Contact Tierney Jory for more information at 610-428-4895 or email tjory2@aol.com. The Blue Valley Farm Show has two $500 scholarships for the 2012-2013 school year, available to any student who is or has been a member of the Northampton County 4-H clubs. 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 informaiton, contact Audrey Koehler at 610-498-3389. Congratulations to Cindy Longley, this months winner of the Monthly Customer Appreciation Drawing at Missing Piece in Nazareth. We love hearing from you! Send your information to us at: The PRESS 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013

Here is a list of the new books added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library February 16 through 22, 2012. Adult fiction: Deveraux, Jude, Moonlight in the morning; Palmer, Michael, Oath of office; Rosenfelt, David, Heart of a killer; Rosnay, Tatiana de, The house I loved; Seymour, Gerald, Timebomb. Large Print fiction: Hoag, Tami, Down the

darkest road; Patterson, James, Private: #1 suspect. Adult non-fiction: Anderson, Janice, The life and works of Renoir; Chicken soup for the couples soul; Jacoby, Susan, Never say die; Lewis, Michael, The blind side; Mannering, Douglas, The life and works of Rembrandt; Wright, Clifford, The best stews in the world.

Heres a list of the latest additions to the Blue Mountain Community Library in Pen Argyl. ADULT FICTION: A Promise of Safekeeping - Lisa Dale; Taken Robert Crais; Gideon's Corpse - Douglas Preston; The Rope - Navada Barr; Home Front Kristin Hannah. ADULT NONFICTION: Pride of the Lions - Frank Fitzpatrick; Soul Survivor Bruce Leininger; Unmeasured Strength Lauren Manning; Elizabeth and Hazel - David Margolick.

LARGE PRINT: Private - James Patterson; Catch Me - Lisa Gardner; A Place Called Home - Jo Goodman; The Underside of Joy Sere Halverson. JUVENILE: Jungle Bullies - Steven Kroll; The Kiss Box - Bonnie Verburg; No Two Alike Keith Baker; Dear Hound - Jill Murphy; Kenny and the Dragon Tony DiTerlizzi; Abe Lincoln At Last! - Mary P. Osborne. YOUNG ADULT: You Wish - Mandy Hubbard; The Underdogs - Mike Lupica; Forever Maggie Stiefvater.

GFWC Spring County Meeting Set for March 24

The 2012 Spring County Meeting and Festival of the Arts of the Northampton County Federation of Womans Clubs will be held on Saturday, March 24th at St. John Lutheran Church, 12 North Westbrooke Avenue, Pen Argyl. The GFWC Womans Club of Pen Argyl is hosting the event. The theme for the meeting will be Women Stepping Forward. In support of food Banks, State president Carolyn Selders project, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food bank. Registration and reception will be from 9:30am to 10am. The arts will be accepted for judging and display during registration. They will be viewed during the noon lunch break. First place winners in each category at the county level will go to be judged at the North Eastern District Meeting to be held March 31st at Brookside Country Club, Macungie. Call to order will be at 10am. Carolyn Smith, Northeastern District Director, who is a member of the Bangor Womans Club will speak about district projects. There will also be election and installation of officers for 20122014. Marian A Smith from the Nazareth Womans Club will be completing her two year term. Reservations for the luncheon are being accepted by Jane Ruggiero until March 12th. The Northampton County Federation includes clubs from Bangor, Bethlehem, Saucon Valley, Nazareth and Pen Argyl.

Scotland Road at NCC

In the last decade of the twentieth century, a beautiful young woman in nineteenth-century clothing is found floating on an iceberg in the middle of the North Atlantic. When rescued, she says only one word: Titanic. Northampton Community College (NCC) will present the play Scotland Road, on March 8th at 11am (Preview); March 8th, 9th, and 10th at 7:30pm, at the Lipkin Theatre, located in Kopecek Hall, on the Main Campus.

Slate Belt Heritage Center Welcomes Guest Speaker Dr. Gary Williams
The Slate Belt Heritage Center will hold their monthly historic presentation on Sunday, March 11th, at 2pm. Speaker for the afternoon will be Dr. Gary Williams. Dr. Williams will be taking on the personna of Joseph Kellow, one of the Cornish founding fathers of the Slate Belt. This event is free and open to the public. The Heritage Center is located at 30 North 1st Street, Bangor. For additional information contact Karen Brewer at 610-588-8615. On April 12th, the Heritage Center returns its' historic presentations to the second Thursday of the month. Speaker will be Angela Herrlinger author of the Heritage Center's latest ethnic publication: Familiglia Fede e' Comunita: Family, Faith and Community. The Italian Experience in Pennsylvanias' Slate Belt. Mrs. Herrlinger will be available for book signings at this time. This event will co-inside with the celebration of Roseto's Centi-Anni but will also include all the Italian communities of the area.

Lunch and Learn with the Professors

Enjoy a stimulating talk and a tasty lunch prepared by Northampton Community Colleges (NCC) gourmet restaurant Hampton Winds at the Colleges popular series, Lunch and Learn with the Professors. Each program features the professors presentation, followed by the hot lunch, in Alumni Hall 130 C-D, and a discussion between the professor and the audience. The programs for spring will be: The United Nations Experiences of a Reluctant Diplomat. Hear Tom Repasch, former senior advisor to the U.S. Representatives to the U.N., share his experiences working for diplomats Madeline Albright, Bill Richardson and John Bolton, and learn how the 65year-old peacemaking organization works. Thursday, March 22, 11am to 2pm, Alumni Hall, Gates Center, NCC Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. South Bethlehem Immigrants: Occupations and Opportunities. Local historian Ken Raniere will tell the stories of the butchers, barkeepers, merchants, and steelworkers who contributed to the growth of the city. Thursday, April 19th, 11am to 2pm, Alumni Hall, Gates Center, NCC Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Lunch and Learns are part of NCCs Prime Time programming, geared to people over 50, but open to adults of of all ages. For more information and to register, call 1877-543-0998.

Free GED Classes Start March 12

Free GED classes at Bangor, Pen Argyl and Nazareth school districts will begin the week of March 12th. Adults who attend classes for a minimum of 50 hours and pass the GED exam will receive an equivalency high school diploma. Classes will meet from 6-8:30 p.m. through May. Meetings will be as follows: Bangor: Class will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the library of DeFranco Elementary School. Pen Argyl: Class will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the library at Pen Argyl Senior High School. Nazareth: Class will meet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the lower level of the Nazareth Senior High School library. Over the past 29 years more than 750 residents of Bangor, Nazareth and Pen Argyl school districts have earned GEDs through the local adult literacy program. Call NCC at 610-8615427 for more information.

Pond and Lake Management Workshop

Ponds and lakes are a common feature of the landscape in Northeastern Pennsylvania providing a source of enjoyment for many residents. Although they occur naturally in this area, many ponds and lakes have been constructed for a variety of purposes. Regardless of its origin or intended use, management of a pond or lake may present the individual landowner or community organization with many complex and difficult management decisions. To assist private pond owners and members of lake-based community organizations with making informed and sound management decisions this workshop will be held at the Monroe County Conservation District office on Running Valley Road in Stroudsburg on Saturday, March 31st, from 9am to 12:30pm. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of lake and pond ecology and management. Topics to be addressed include lake ecology and monitoring, aquatic plant control, restoration of lakes and ponds and wildlife issues. The workshop includes continental breakfast and informational materials. Registration is available on-line at http://guest.cvent.com/d /scqk1z or by calling 1-877-489-1398. Penn State encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, call Penn State Extension, Monroe County at 570424-1984. A Pond and Lake Management Workshop brochure can be found online at www.pike.extension.ps u.edu/ under Program Opportunities. The registration deadline is March 29th.

St. John ELC Announces Easter Egg Hunt

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 N. Westbrook Avenue, Pen Argyl, along with Girl Scout Troop 8959 will be holding an Easter Egg hunt on Sunday, March 31st, at 11am. The event will be held on the lawn at St. John Church, and children of the church, friends, and neighbors are invitied to attend. There will be Easter eggs, crafts, prizes, lots of fun, and more. Bring in bags of wrapped candy for filling plastic eggs anytime in March.

Good News: One Day Without Shoes

(NAPSI)Making a difference for millions of children around the world could be as easy as taking off your shoes. In many developing countries, children walk barefoot for miles every day to get to school and clean water. Shoes protect feet from rough paths, sharp objects, contaminated soil, and the cold and heat. Shoes act as a simple barrier, providing an extra layer of protection against soil-transmitted infections such as podoconiosis, a debilitating disease that affects 4 million people worldwide, and hookworm, a disease that affects 740 million people. Also, many children are not allowed to attend school because shoes are a required part of their uniform. To raise awareness of the millions of children who grow up without shoes, at risk of disease and infection, TOMS is hosting its fifth annual One Day Without Shoes event on April 10. You are encouraged to take part by doing whatever it is you do during that day, without shoes. Go to work, wash your car, play at the parkand when people ask why youre not wearing shoes, tell them. Last year, more than 1 million people went without shoes at events in over 25 countries around the globe. It was on a trip to Argentina that the companys founder, Blake Mycoskie, witnessed the devastating effects of children growing up without shoes. He discovered that having a simple pair of shoes can prevent disease and infection and allow access to education. He created his company on a One for One model; for every pair of shoes purchased, a new pair is given to a child in need. Shoes are given through a network of humanitarian organizations, called Giving Partners, that serve impoverished communities. Each organization provides TOMS shoes to children in need along with pre-existing health, education and community development programs. We believe that a single idea can make a big difference in the world, as well as encourage others to share their ideas about what they believe can change the world, said Mycoskie. By working to change the world, social entrepreneurs such as Mycoskie are also changing the marketplace. Amidst a struggling economy, as consumers are more cautious and selective with their purchasing power, many are turning to companies that give, rather than other brands on the market. The company encourages neighborhoods, classrooms and corporations to take a stand and host a One Day Without Shoes event in their community. To learn more, visit www.onedaywithoutsho es.com/learn-more.

Trinity ELC Announces Sportsmens Dinner and Chili Sale

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 404 Broadway, Bangor, has announced upcoming events. The Annual Sportsmens Harvest Celebration Dinner will be held at the church on Saturday, March 10th, from 6pm to 8:30pm. There will a traditional menu plus specially prepared wild game dishes. Blaine Mengel, Jr., with NBC Sports Network will be the speaker. There will be door prizes and raffles. Proceeds will benefit the churchs food pantry. Tickets may be purchased at the church office or call 610-5047886. The women of Trinity will be selling their homemade chili on Wednesday, March 14th. An order sheet is posted in the Narthex. Pick up the chili in the Fellowship Hall from 4pm to 6pm on the 14th. Call the church office to place your order at 610588-2023.

Pocono Raceway Names New Director of Ticket Operations

Ricky Durst will join the Pocono Raceway management staff as Director of Ticket Operations, Raceway officials announced today. Durst comes to Pocono Raceway after having spent the past three years working in the non-profit sector at Pocono Health System focusing on cause marketing initiatives to benefit the new Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center. Prior to this, Durst worked in the resort and hospitality industry, working most recently for Camelback Ski Area and Camelbeach Water Park managing media and public relations, as well as, new business development programs. I always thought an offer you couldnt refuse was just a legendary line from an iconic movie; to be able to join this renowned organization at this moment in time is a tremendous honor, Durst, a graduate of Middlebury College with a degree in American Civilization, said. The Mattioli family has been the standard of excellence in the Pocono Mountains for generations. This, combined with the excitement of NAS CAR and a progressive commitment to environmental stewardship presents an unrivaled opportunity. The Raceway schedule consists of the Pocono 400, June 8th - 10th and the Pennsylvania 400, August 3rd - 5th.

Medicare And Medicare Supplement Insurance: Simple Steps To Help

(NAPSI)When retirement starts knocking on your door, make sure you have a plan in place before you open ityou especially need to plan when it comes to your health care. For people approaching retirement, the cost of health care tends to be a weighty concern. The high cost of health care makes some sort of coverage a necessity. Millions of Americans age 65 and older rely on Medicare to provide that coverage. However, even with Medicare, theres a potential for high out-of-pocket costs. Thats why many Medicare enrollees will also choose a Medicare supplement insurance policy, according to Mutual of Omahas Dan Kresha. Medicare supplement insurance is designed to work hand in hand with Medicare coverage, covering expenses not paid for by Medicare, including deductibles and co-insurance, Kresha explained. It offers some predictability in health care costs, which is often a plus for those concerned with making their retirement savings last. The best time to purchase a Medicare supplement insurance policy is during your open enrollment period, which lasts for six months beginning on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During the open enrollment period, an insurance company cannot deny you coverage or place restrictions on your coverage due to your health. Choosing the right Medicare supplement plan can often be overwhelming. Kresha offers some tips to help individuals considering Medicare supplement insurance: Understand Medicare. Find out what it does and does not cover. A good resource is medicare.gov. Choose a plan with the best fit. Determine which Medicare supplement plan best meets your needs based on your health and financial situation. Select the best company. Check the reputation of the company, its financial stability and the level of service offered. Finally, Kresha advises, dont underestimate the value that an insurance representative can offer in your planning. Look for an agent willing to answer your questions and help you understand and determine your needs. For more information, visit www.mutualof omaha.com.

Proton Therapy Offers Precision Treatment

(NAPSI)Prostate cancer is the secondleading cause of cancer death in men in the U.S., but if detected early, it has a five-year survival rate of nearly 99 percent. While surgery and radiation therapy may have similar outcomes for early-stage prostate cancer, radiation therapy is the primary option for locally advanced prostate cancer and can also be used for localized prostate cancer. When deciding on a treatment route, the best option is the one that most effectively treats the tumor and spares surrounding healthy tissue and organs, which reduces the risk of side effects. All of this can be accomplished with proton therapy, a treatment option available at the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center. Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses a beam of protons to deliver radiation directly to the tumor, destroying cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. It is because of the precision of proton radiation and its ability to reduce the risk of short- and long-term side effects that Arkansas resident Terry Lavy decided to come to Houston, Texas to undergo proton therapy treatment at MD Anderson. For more information about the MD Anderson Proton Therapy Center, visit www.MDAnderson Proton.com or call (866) 632-4PTC (4782).

MCHA Holds 20th Annual Victorian Tea and Luncheon

The Monroe County Historical Association will present the 20th Annual Victorian Tea and Luncheon on Sunday, April 29th, at the Chateau Resort and Conference Center, Tannersville. A social hour will begin at 1pm with seating at 1:45pm. The luncheon will begin at 2pm. The guest speaker, Victoriana Lady Lisa, will present the afternoons topic, Titanic Memories, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the R.M.S. Titanic. The Victorian Tea is an open seating event and tables will be reserved for groups of 10 only. For more, call 570421-7703, email mcha@ptd.net or visit monroehistorical.org.

Pocono Garden Club Plans Meeting

The Pocono Garden Club will hold its next meeting Tuesday March 13th at 1pm at the Monroe County Environmental Center, Kettle Creek. The monthly design is titled "Think Green" - A right angle design using any type of fresh green foliage. The Horticulture entry is a forced branch (forsythia, quince, cherry). One stem sized in proportion to a clear container. The Houseplant entry is an Orchid and/or blooming cactus and /or succulent. All exhibits should be submitted one half hour prior to the 1pm meeting. Everyone interested in gardening is welcome. For more information please contact club President Joyce Love at 570-629-0574 or email her at lovemj@ptd.net.

Wagner Tire & Auto Service Serves The Slate Belt

Written by the Wagner family

Wagner Tire & Auto Service has been serving the Slate Belt area continuously since established in 1943 by our grandfather Floyd E. Wagner and our father Floyd M. Wagner. Around 1970 the family business became 3rd generation by being operated by Randy, Terry, and Mitchell Wagner. After Randy passed away in 2001, Mitchell and Terry,

who have a combined total of 70 years auto repair experience, became the current owners. Located at 508 Locke Heights Road Bangor, since 1964. Easy to find just south of East Bangor. From Rt.512 in East Bangor turn on So. Broad St. Go 8/10th mile (So. Broad becomes Locke Heights Rd.) we are on the right just past a stop sign. Our facility has 4 service bays equipped with lifts of various styles to provide efficient and proper examination of your vehicle. To ensure uninterrupted service we have back up equipment such as 2 tire changing machines, 2 wheel balancers, 2 air compressors, etc. in case of an equipment failure. Wagner Tire & Auto has recently upgraded our wheel alignment equipment, to the highly accurate RAV-2200 - 8 sensor 4-wheel aligner. This equipment enables us to adjust your car to precise settings for excellent handling and long tire life. The accuracy of this aligner (in contrast to the notoriously inaccurate target type aligners found at many other shops) represents a significantly higher investment on our part in order to provide a precise alignment on your car or truck. But, equipment is helpless without the right technician. We have been performing alignment service since the early 1960s. Talk to our alignment specialist, Mitchell, who is certified in alignment and suspension and has 30 yrs. experi-

ence. Your technician team at Wagner Tire & Auto includes Mitchell, Terry, and Al Heckman. All three are Auto Service Excellence (ASE) certified. The categories include: engine repair, suspension & steering, alignment, brakes, electrical and electronics systems, engine performance & advanced engine performance. We are also certified for PA. Emission and Safety Inspections. In addition Terry is a certified emission repair technician with ASE L-1 advanced engine performance diagnostic accreditation. Terry and Mitchell have been ASE certified for over 25 yrs. To complete the team we have Terrys wife, Karen, as office manager and bookkeeper. We recently added Scott Bellis as customer service manager. Scott will take your calls to help you make arrangements for your repairs, diagnostics, etc. If you need to speak with Terry or Mitch, just ask Scott and he will get us to the phone. Scott and Al have both had their own automotive businesses in the past. Since then both have been technicians, each with over 20 yrs. experience. We stay updated to solve your engine and computer drivability concerns. Our diagnostic scanners, data base lab scope, evaporative emissions tester and leak detection equipment assist us in finding the cause of your check engine and service engine soon light troubles. We enroll in training classes to learn about the new systems and problems in todays vehicles. By subscribing to 3 separate on line technical information services, we have your vehicle specifications and info at our finger tips. These tech services also provide a huge library of known fixes to assist us in diagnosing your auto. No guess work means we target the true cause of your concern and you save $$$$!

To serve your tire needs we are connected by computer to no less than 5 tire warehouses. With the click of a button we know the available inventory and can quote you a low price, usually for next day delivery, on almost any tire. If you have a newer model vehicle and like to abide by the manufacturers recommended scheduled maintenance, we are qualified to perform those services. We provide a print out, duplicating your service manual, for each service preformed. These print outs will document the vehicle maintenance in the event of any manufactures warranty concern. Our charge for maintenance service is usually much less than what you may have been paying. Call us or stop in and we will explain why. At Wagner Tire & Auto we view the PA. Safety Inspection process as a valuable assessment of the safety condition of your vehicle. We make every effort to pass your vehicle for inspection, avoiding unnecessary repairs, if it meets the minimum PA safety requirements. Because we understand the strain the current economy imposes on car care budgets, we will make you aware of repair needs that can be postponed and give you our opinion as to when to attend to them so you can budget your car repairs. We accept all major credit cards for your convenience. We would like to thank all our customers, friends and neighbors for supporting our business over the years. We would be proud to take care of your vehicle. Call for an appointment for service now, or just stop in to check out our operation. Well be glad to show you around. Were HAPPY repairing cars and selling tires, but our main goal is to have HAPPY and SAFE friends and customers. Give us a call at 610588-1852.

Washington Elemetnary Raises $3,150 For Pennies For Patients

Beatriz Tumielewicz in fourth grade. The entire student body reported to the playground to watch this exciting event! In less than 15 minutes both teachers were covered in silly string! It was a great way to end the 100th day of school! The third day of the campaign was designated as Nickel Day. The students could bring in all their nickels for their classroom box. On Thursday, February 9th, all students had the opportunity to pay a dollar to be included in a raffle to win a stuffed animal at the end of the day. The lucky winners of that contest were Brianna Ratzman and Lukas Davis! Friday, February 10th was Dime Day. Bringing in all of their dimes was the objective of the day to add to the classroom box. On the day before Valentines Day, pink hearts went on sale for $1.00. Students were able to write a note on them for the Leukemia poster children. The hearts were then displayed on a bulletin board for others to see and read. At the end of the campaign, the hearts were sent to the Lukemia society to be shared with the affected children to raise their spirits. Quarter Day was next up on the agenda and students were asked to quarters for their classroom box. Then it was Dime Day, as the students were filling their classroom boxes. On Thursday, February 16th the children had another opportunity to win a stuffed animal by paying $1.00 to be included in another raffle. Those winners were: Katelyn Morehouse, Kevin Schroeder, Makenna Gill, and Megan Engle. Friday, February 17th was the final day of the campaign. It was the day all children were asked to return their penny boxes from home. It was also time to count up the change donated by over 60 staff members and 545 students as well as the change donated by First Northern Bank & Trust. The grand total collected at school was $3,150! Raising money turned in to a bit of a contest at Washington Elementary. Mrs. Mignosis second grade class and Miss Hunters third grade class were the two classes that raised the most money. Each class was treated to a pizza party for their efforts. They were also able to have their picture taken in front of the entire student body taken with the giant check payable to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for $3,150. Mrs. Dylnickis campaign was a success thanks to the staff anc children at Washington Elementary.

Mrs. Mignosi's 2nd grade class and Miss Hunter's 3rd grade class presenting the check.
Not only does the Washington Elementary school nurse apply Band-Aids, hand out ice, and take temperatures, she also involves the students in caring for those less fortunate than themselves. Mrs. Pat Dylnicki, RN, has again put together a very successful campaign entitled, Pennies for Patients. This two week campaign began on Monday, February 7th to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society who provide support and guidance to patients and the health professionals who care for them. This year for the first time, Mrs. Dylnicki was successful in getting a partnership with First Northern Bank & Trust (formerly First National Bank of Palmerton). There were boxes available in the lobby of the bank as well as next to each tellers window where families and friends of the community could drop their change or a check to help with the cause. Each student received a paper outlining events for the upcoming weeks. Each classroom teacher received collection boxes. During the two week period at school paper pennies were available for sale. Students and staff were able to buy blue pennies for $1.00, pink pennies for $5.00, or white pennies for $10. On the second day of the campaign, it was the 100th day of school. The students were encouraged to bring in 100 pennies or they could bring them in dollar form to buy a chance to be chosen as the student from their grade to cover Miss Sommer, the PE teacher and Mr. Villiano, the custodian with silly string. The lucky winners of that contest were: Lucas Harding and Ryan McGowen in kindergarten, Ella Schwartz and Rachel Kiss in first grade, Cacey Baker and Lukas Davis in second grade, Emma Rambo and Alexxa Guzman in third grade, and Madelin Minner and

First Time Home Buyers: The Housing Tips to Breeze Through Spring Cleaning (NewsUSA) - Spring now available online. Market's Key Players heralds a season of fresh For the ultimate in
(NewsUSA) - Firsttime homebuyers, more than any other demographic, stand to benefit the most in today's real estate market. In fact, a recent survey commissioned by Move.com reveals that 23 percent of adults plan to purchase a home in the next five years and that more than half of them (53.5 percent) will be first-time homebuyers. Consider that every time a renter buys a home, they make possible a chain reaction of transactions worth many times more than the actual value of the home they purchase. Because first-time homebuyers aren't selling properties, they don't put new homes on the market when they buy. As a result, firsttime homebuyers reduce real estate inventories and allow existing owners to trade-up or relocate. The growing number of first-time homebuyers suggests that conditions are finally attracting buyers back despite the critical picture in the overall economy. In the past, high prices and large down payments made buying a home for the first-time difficult. The right mix of attractive listing prices, tax credits, improved financing and a wide choice of properties seems to be attracting the first-time buyer. For first-time homebuyers looking to be players in today's real estate market, Move.com offers the following tips: Research Your Market. All real estate is localized and the key to a successful purchase is to know the market. In fact, the real estate market is so localized that prices among similar homes vary greatly even between neighboring towns. - Make a list of what you want. Let your realtor know your criteria in order to find homes that meet your needs. You can go to Realtor.com to view homes that fit your specifications. This will give you an idea of what is possible in your price range and in the location you prefer. - Get pre-approved. Although not a final loan commitment, a pre-approval letter can be shown to listing brokers when you are bidding on a home. It demonstrates your financial strength and shows that you have the ability to go through with a purchase. Lenders can be found in the finance section of Realtor.com. - Make a decision. Once you find the best home that fits your needs, take action. Homebuyers often hesitate, and this could mean you miss the best home that meets your needs. If you have chosen a good mortgage broker and a sharp realtor, you should have the facts to make the right decision. starts and growth -- and what better way to start anew than with a little spring cleaning? Taking the time to get organized can make all the difference -- and it can make the most cluttered closets and dirtiest corners a breeze to clean. With the right tools in hand, organizing any messy space becomes a mangeable task. You can save time and money by getting cleaning supplies, like dusters, sponges and automated air fresheners, at places like Dollar General. Still don't know where to start? Try these spring-cleaning tips: *Cover the basics. Take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Some must-haves are mops, brooms, sponges, paper towels, trash bags, disinfectant wipes and bathroom- specific supplies. Make a list of what you need so you can get it all in one shopping trip. Many basic and speciality cleaning products are convenience, shop online at dollargeneral.com. *Tackle the clutter in steps. Spring cleaning can be daunting, so take small steps and approach spaces one at a time. Strive to find everything a permanent home. Create "donate" and "trash" piles for items you no longer use or need. *Use organizing tools. Over-the-door mesh shoe racks are great for storing all kinds of winter accessories -hats, gloves, scarves and coats. Get some sturdy hooks for purses, backpacks and other accessories, and relish the feeling of a clean closet. *Revitalize your laundry room. Put a stop to the mountain of dirty clothes that grows every week by getting each family member a laun-

dry basket. If clothing doesn't make it into their bin, it's not getting washed. Keep your laundry room stocked with detergent, bleach and stain remover. *Store items in plastic storage containers. Some winter items will be used until the early days of summer, others won't make an appearance until next year. A variety of belongings can be stored in plastic containers to keep them out of the way.

Miscellaneous Store Fixtures and Office Supplies for Sale. Call 610-863-6272 for more Queen Pillow Top information. (3/3) Mattress Set: New, $150. Very comfortable, For Sale: Entertainment could help with delivery. Unit--Cherry wood, 3 Call 570-213-7731. (5/10) piece, built in lights, plugs, glass shelves, fits 32 TV, Desk Chair: 22 x 40, lots of room for equiptwo drawers; gray cloth ment: $350. Coffee Table, chair, very good condi- End Table--glass, wrought tion, Asking $25 each or iron & faux stone: $75. $40 for both. Call 484- Call 908-496-8003. (4/5) 547-8650. (5/5) Moving Sale: Sears Downsizing - Yard Sale Upright Freezer; Varow Prices: pool table and Upright Piano/Bench; light, furniture, antiques, Large Lite Color Armoire; tvs, small refrigerator, Wooden Rocker; Canopy aquariums, electronics, Twin Bed with matching tools, skis, neon bar sign, Dresser; 6 ft. Dresser, with too much to list. All TV Armoire and two indoors. Call for appoint- matching end tables; and ment: 610-588-0713. more! Call 570-760-9884. (5/5) (2/5)