December Monthly Observances World Aids Month, Bingo's Birthday Month, National Drunk & Drugged Driving, (3D)

Prevention Month, National Write A Business Plan Month, National Tie Month, Quince and Watermelon Month, Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Month, Spiritual Literacy Month, Tomato and Winter Squash Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Worldwide Food Service Safety Month Warren County Library Headquarters Branch 2 Shotwell Drive Belvidere N.J. 07823 Hobbit Photobooth New date due to snow! How would you look with a Dwarf beard and (faux) axe in hand? Or maybe youve fancied yourself more of a wizened wizard? Come find out at the library's Hobbit Photobooth! On Saturday, January 18 at 11:00am, we'll be using our cool new green screen and professional camera to take pictures. Props

provided but feel free to dress in your finest Middle Earth garb. Naturally, elevenses will be served! For all ages. Please register for the event at warrenlib.org or call (908)-475-6322. Showtime January 7th 6:00pm The weather outside may be frightful, but the action in the Warren County Library Headquarters in White Township on January 7th at 6:00pm will be delightful. Join Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, & Dwayne Johnson for the showing of this PG-13, adventure packed, block buster movie sequel. The library offers a warm cozy seat, an action-packed movie, assorted munchies and the world famous 14 ft screen! Please register at 908-475-6322 or www.warrenlib.org. Walk-ins are always welcome. Blairstown-area residents are invited to learn basic computer skills at Project SelfSufficiency's Main Street location on Thursdays, January 9th -23rd, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Fundamental keyboarding skills and a

brief overview of popular software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook will also be discussed. The agency's computer lab is located in the First Presbyterian Outreach Center at 35 Main Street in Blairstown. For more information, call the Project SelfSufficiency office in Blairstown at 908-3621777, or phone the agency's Newton office at 973-940-3500. Information about the agency's services is also available at www.projectselfsufficiency.org Warren County Library Headquarters Family Movie Night Come join us at the library on January 8th at 6:00 P.M. where we will be showing a film about a dad who is recruited to track down a criminal mastermind in an attempt to save the world. Rated PG. Please call 908-475-6322 or visit www.warrenlib.org to register. The Kelles Pipes and Drums, a group of bagpipers and drummers based in NJ who play to

raise awareness and support breast cancer charities present their first annual 'Surviving and Thriving' donation check to Brenda Jones owner; Pink Hug Wraps of Vincentown, NJ. Brenda sews bright and cheerful kimonos for those undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. The presentation took place on Thursday night December 12th at the Friendly Son's of St Patrick's monthly member meeting in Morris Plains, NJ. 'Like' on Facebook to contact Pink Hug Wraps or The Kelles. The Kelles currently accepts invitations to perform around the area.

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The following is a list of books added to the Warren County Library collection this past week. Duck the Halls, a Robertson Family Christmas: The Robertsons. From Capitol Nashville (Universal).; Foreverly: Billie Joe + Norah. From Reprise; Let Me Off at the Top!: My Classy Life and Other Musings By Ron Burgundy. From Crown Archetype; You Herd Me!: I'll Say It If Nobody Else Will: By Colin Cowherd. From Crown Archetype; Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair By Anne Lamott: From Riverhead Hardcover; Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother's Journey of Hope & Forgiveness By Natasha Stoynoff: From Hay House, Inc.; Provence, 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste By Luke Barr: From Clarkson Potter; Springsteen & I: From Eagle Vision Usa; Fosse By Sam Wasson: From Eamon Dolan/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Jesus: The Human Face of God (ICONS series) By Jay Parini: From New Harvest; Sewing

School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to Make By Andria Lisle: From Storey Publishing, LLC; March Book 1 By John Lewis: From Top Shelf Productions; The Gift of Christmas: In the Spirit of...Christmas (Harlequin Bestselling Author) By Debbie Macomber: From Harlequin; Cozy Knits: 50 Fast & Easy Projects from Top Designers By Tanis Gray: From Interweave; Basher Science: Extreme Physics By Simon Basher. :From Kingfisher; My iPad for Seniors (covers iOS 7 on iPad 2, iPad 3rd and 4th generation and iPad mini) By Gary Rosenzweig: From Que Publishing; Cinderella Ate My Daughter: Dispatches from the Front Lines of the New Girlie-Girl Culture By Peggy Orenstein: From Harper Paperbacks; The Heroes of Olympus, Book Four: The House of Hades By Rick Riordan: From Listening Library (Audio); The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon By Alexander McCall Smith: From Recorded Books, LLC;

United Way of Northern New Jersey is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees, both of whom have shown a passion for community service in their personal and professional lives; Diana Falvo of CCS Fundraising and Kathleen Nelson of Sussex County Community College. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves the five-county region encompassing Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex and Warren

counties. The two new board members further broaden and strengthen the range of expertise reflected on the 20member board, said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO John Franklin. Falvo, of Hoboken, is assistant vice president at the New York Citybased CCS Fundraising, an international consulting firm. She is a fundraising expert who has directed multimillion dollar fundraising campaigns for education, healthcare and social service clients. Prior to CCS, Falvo was managing director of Development at City Year New York, a nonprofit education organization. Nelson, of East

Stroudsburg, Pa., is SCCCs assistant dean of Health Sciences and Auxiliary Education Programs and previously oversaw the community colleges service learning and volunteerism program. She is a 23-year veteran of the higher education world, serving in various administrative roles in community college systems in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, in addition to serving as a consultant for a national higher education policy think tank. We are extremely proud that United Way continues to attract the highest caliber board members who are passionate about serving in their communities and helping all our

residents achieve their greatest potential, Franklin added. For more information about United Way of Northern New Jersey, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.org. About United Way of Northern New Jersey United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve peoples lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform peoples lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 973.993.1160 or visit w w w . U n i t e dWayNNJ.org.

The Annual meeting of the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7pm. The annual meeting is open to the general public and to all members of the Arts and Heritage Council. The meeting will be held at the S C A & H C Gallery/Office, 133 Spring St., Newton, NJ. Refreshments will be served. The purpose of the meeting is to apprise the membership of the activity of the Council, give a yearly treasurers report, elect new board of trustees members, and re-elect trustees whose terms have expired. Also during the

meeting, the re-grantees are notified of their grant amount for 2014. Voting is only open to current members of the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council. Founded in 1971, the Council is a non-profit agency designated by the Freeholders as the official arts and heritage organization for the county. Its mission is to foster and promote the artistic and cultural vitality of Sussex County. Information about current events and future exhibits, and other events in the Sussex County community, can be found on the Councils website www.scahc.org, or by calling 973-383-0027.

Gift a Book! Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch will be accepting new or like new children's books (preschool to teen) through December to distribute as gifts for children in need in the Blairstown area. On December 28 at 1:00 the Warren County Library, located at 2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, presents Winter Holiday Fun with Mad Science! Jack Frost, Frosty the Snowman, and an elf named Eggbert join the Mad Scientist from Mad Science of West New Jersey to bring you a fun-filled winter-themed show perfect for the whole family! Includes audience participation. Sign up at www.warrenlib.org. The Chester Lioness Club will meet at 6:30 PM on Thursday, January 9th, 2014 in the Lamplighter Restaurant, 190 West Main

Street, Chester, N.J. 07930. The Honored Guest this evening will be Nancy Jakubczyk, District Governor of 16E New Jersey. Hope Recreation Fitness Classes Starting January 6, 2014 M, W, F 9:30 to 10:30 varied classes; Friday 10:30-11:30 Zumba T, Th 7:30am-8:30am varied classes; T, Th 7pm-8pm Zumba Please call Ellen at 908-229-3981 or you can contact the Hope Municipal Building for more information or registration forms H o p a t c o n g Womans Club gets cultural lessons from Hawaiian native The Hopatcong Womans Club was treated to an enjoyable and informational talk on the islands of Hawaii by Mahaelani (goes by Gail Small in the US), a native of the island of Oahu, following the November regular meeting at the Senior Center in Hopatcong.

While it is bitterly cold outside here in NJ, members and guests were transported via slideshow and artifacts, to the history, beauty and culture of a much warmer climate. Discussion of the four major islands: Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii (the big island) was followed by a Hawaiian-themed luncheon, and most members wore their best Hawaiian clothing, including some grass skirts and coconuts! At the conclusion, Ms. Small did a traditional Hawaiian hula dance, complete with an explanation and interpretation of every hand and body movement, which was a special treat. Mahaelani can be reached through her Web site www.hawaiianislandl ectures.com. North Warren Wrestling December 27 @ 9:00 am 12:00 pm Varsity away at Kittatinny at 9:00am.

North Warren Boys Basketball December 27 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Varsity away at Belvidere HS December 28 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Varsity TBD Piux X Basketball tournament North Warren Girls Basketball December 28 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Varsity Consolation game 11:00am Championship game 1:00pm Kittatinny Holiday Wrestling Tournament Belvidere vs. Montclair 10:00am Friday, December 27, 2013-check for locations

The Press wishes everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Blairstown, Knowlton & Hope, A & P, Alpine Meats, Animal Mansion, Ash Plumbing, Asian Combat Arts, A-Tech, Auto, Blair Tile, Blair Tire & Auto, Blairstown Chiropractic, Blairstown, Country Florist, Blairstown Municipal Building, Blairstown Eye Associates, Blue Ridge Lumber, Buckwood, Building Specialties, Burgdorff, BuzzWorks, Caffe Nelle Cucine, Cannon Country Real Estate, Columbia Post Office, Custom Colonial, Dale's Market, David Krawski Dentist, DogHouse, Dominick Pizza, Dr. Magalio: Dentist, Ellias Restaurant, Finish Line Auto, First Hope Bank, Fitness Empire, Fountain Mall Laundromat, Frank's Pizza, Fun & Games, Gallery 23, Geo's Pizza, Gourmet Gallery, Grand Rental Station, Hair Company, Hairs 2 You, Historic Blairstown Theatre, Hope Deli, Hope Haircutters, JD Liquors, John Deere, Kozimors Upholstery, Knowlton Municipal Building, Lakeland Bank, Lebduska Accounting, Majestic Cleaners, Marksboro Deli, Mark D. Nelke: DMD, Medical Associate, Mediterranean Diner, Napa, Nature's Harvest, New Beginnings, New HoHo, North Warren Farm & Garden, North Warren Pharmacy, North Warren Truck Repair, Old Stillwater General Store, Physical Therapy, Pizza Express, PJ's, PNC Bank, Post Office (Both Locations), Post Time Pub, Prudential, R. Keiling, Race's Farm Market, Radio Shack, Remax, RunWay Caf, Shell Gas Station, Skyland

Bank, Smitty's, Sophia Nails, Studio 94, Sunrise, Nutrition Center, Sun Velocity, Sunoco, The Auto Shop, The Inn at Millrace Pond, Tile Warehouse, Tractor Supply, Tramontin Harley-Davidson, US Gas, Village Green, Warren County Library, Wells Fargo, Wilbur's Country Store, Wine & Spirits, Woman to Woman Belvidere A & P, Al's Pizza, ACI Truck Stop, Bagel Smith, BelPike Lanes, Belvidere Diner, Belvidere Spa, Clucas Farm, Curves, Dee Doo's, Dr. Amannda Richline, Food Mart, Four Sisters Winery, H&R Block, Hearth Shop, Hickory Mortgage, Little Johns Pizza, Mediterranean Riverside Designs, Riverton Hotel & Restaurant, Rosal Jewelers, Short Stop, Skee's Busy Bee, Skoogy's, Steckel's Shell, Station, Thisilldous, Uncle Buck's Diner, US Gas, Vincent Haircuttery & Plus, Zack's, Zeeks Washington A & P, Bagelsmith, Fliegauff Jewelers, Home Instead Senior Care, Kaffe Kaprys, Lost Ladies, Mediterranean Bistro, MWC Racing, Pride-N-Groom, Quick Check, Rossi, Second Time Around, Shopper Stop, Silver Stars Bagel, Smith Dodge, Stanley's Pizza, Town Market, Washington Diner, Washington Shoe Newton A& G Pizza, Back in Motion, BMW Dealership, Charm, Co. Seat, Dunkin Donuts, Hampton Diner, Ho Hos, HobbyTown, Holiday Inn, Home Furniture, Warehouse, Kathy's Restaurant, Newton News Stand, Optical Center, O'Reilly's, PB&J, Quick Check, Shop Rite, Skylands Sport Shop, Springboard Shoppe, Superior Shower Doors, The Chatter Box, VW-Audi Dealership, Weis Hackettstown A & P, Bachs Home Healthcare, Cozy Corner, Golden Skillet, Hacktettstown Free public Library, Hackettstown Guns & Ammo, Hackettstown Sandwich Shoppe, Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Mama's Pizza/Cafe Baci, O'Neill's Jewelers. Prickley Pear, Quick Check #2, Riverstar Diner, Tranquility General Store, Valley Bagel, Weis, Willow Caf Columbia Ayers, Hunters Lodge, Roses Cafe

Hello fellow readers, Not a single write-in this week but I wont take it personally. No doubt everyone is up to their eyeballs in the fa la la la la of the holidays. So if I may ask my own question about the timing of my 15-year old Christmas cactus which has bloomed well before Thanksgiving the last few years. I researched the characteristics of Schlumbergera which is a small genus of cacti categorized in 2 groups; Truncata and Buckleyi. The Truncata Group has stem segments with pointed teeth, asymmetrical flowers held slightly above horizontal and yellow pollen. They generally flower earlier than members of the Buckleyi Group and are often called

Thanksgiving cactus, Crab cactus or Claw cactus. I had never heard the common name Thanksgiving cactus, had you? The Buckleyi Group has stem segments with rounded, more even teeth and symmetrical flowers with pink pollen that hang down below horizontal. They generally flower later than members of the Truncata Group and hence area more likely to be called Christmas cactus. So I examined my cactus and looked at her personal parts. Despite her Thanksgiving bloom and other characteristics of the early blooming Buckelyi Group, she

has pink pollen a key feature of the Truncata Group. An oddity or is she a Christmas cactus from the land of misfit toys? Well maybe. But the truth is there is much to be thankful for hence flowering in time for Thanksgiving is absolutely perfect. You see my cactus came into my life by way of adoption. The previous parent, that would be the ex, had no idea if she had ever bloomed. Christmas Cacti are a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus and therefore cannot tolerate completely dry soil. It was easy to figure out that the dehydrated plant didnt have enough moisture or nutrients to put energy into flowering. Poor thing was totally neglected rather than nurtured and encouraged to flourish. Thank God for the gift of recovery, forgiveness and the joy of new beginnings. Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)Red wine may be an obvious choice for the winter months, but a rich, fullbodied Chardonnay is a luxurious alternative. Many of usnot to mention our dinner guestsprefer white wine, even when the temperature drops and the wool scarves come out. This season, in the midst of the red wine aisle, were doing an about-face to find the perfect winter white. As Americas most popular white wine, Chardonnay is a natural fit for holiday feasts and winter menus. For a classic selection, look no further than the vineyards of Napa Valley, one of the worlds most prestigious Chardonnay regions. Tucked away, off the beaten path from mainstream Napa, William Hill Estate Winery crafts an elegant, full-bodied Chardonnay from Napa Valleys most celebrated vineyards. A bright spot on an otherwise bleak winter, the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay leaves an indelible impression. We craft this Chardonnay in a classic Napa

Valley style, says Ralf Holdenried, winemaker for William Hill Estate. It makes for a versatile pairing with a wide range of foods, but it also stands on its own as a rich, expressive wine with great depth and character. For the 2012 vintage, Holdenried looked to a handful of select subregions in Napa to create a balanced wine with bright acidity and a luxurious, silky texture. He chose the cooler, rolling hills of Carneros, the southernmost region of Napa, for Chardonnay grapes with lively green apple and lemon flavors. Moving further north, warmer areas like St. Helena added a richer character to this Chardonnay, with ripe tree fruit flavors and heady

notes of baked apple. Layers of caramel, brown spice and toasted oak from barrel aging gave this Chardonnay its decadent palate. An ideal selection for a holiday meal, this Chardonnay complements traditional seasonal fare like turkey, baked ham or roasted goose. And, this wine will be a welcome accompaniment long after the last holiday decoration has been stowed away. Thats because the William Hill Estate 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay offers expressive layers of flavor that match creambased pastas, seasoned pork and rich seafood, like scallops or salmon. To learn more about William Hill Estate and its wines, visit www.williamhillestate.co m or call (888) 909-9463.

Legislation sponsored by Senators Anthony Bucco and Steven Oroho requiring school districts to allow qualified charter, vocational and home-schooled students the chance to participate in district sports programs was advanced today by the Senate Education Committee. Currently, local school districts have varying policies on the matter. Children, regardless of ZIP code or school choice, should have equal opportunities to participate in publicly

funded school athletics, Bucco said. This is a fairness issue that families in my district, Senator Orohos district and others across the state are trying to overcome. This legislation provides a common-sense solution. School sports are an important and transformative part of many students lives, said Oroho (Sussex, Warren, Morris). The valuable life lessons, like the importance of teamwork, sacrifice and dedication, that I learned on my high schools

football field still have an impact to this day and are the same ones I passed on to students as a coach. This bill gives more children, and their parents who pay the same taxes as everyone else, that same opportunity to receive the many benefits of belonging to a team. The Senators bill, S3043, requires school districts to allow students living in the district who receive equivalent education other than at school, as well as those who attend charter or county voca-

tional schools, to participate in the districts sports programs in accordance with the same criteria established for students enrolled in the district. There have been some questions about this bill costing public school districts extra money, Bucco noted. But thats not the case. Under this bill, parents or guardians will be responsible for any special transportation required for their children to participate in district sports. To be eligible students must reside in the

district and meet all sports participation requirements of the district, such as age, physical examinations, and academic requirements. Home-school students must also demonstrate to the board of education they are receiving an academically equivalent education compared to students enrolled in the district. Charter and county vocational school students are only eligible to participate in sports programs not offered by their respective schools.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senators Steven Oroho and Paul Sarlo to facilitate charitable contributions for the development of northern New Jerseys first veterans cemetery was advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. The Senators bipartisan measure, S2639, would give taxpayers the option on their tax return to contribute a portion of their tax refund to support the development and operation of the Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The planned 66acre parcel in Sussex County would be the first veterans cemetery in the northern part of the state. Providing a final resting place near family and friends is the least we can do to honor those that have sacrificed so much to fight to protect the

freedoms we all enjoy, said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren and Morris). This cemetery will be a fitting final tribute to the thousands of North Jersey veterans and a comfort to their families. Hopefully, by adding this option to the tax return more of those with the means to give to this worthy project will do so. "Thousands of veterans live in the state's northern counties, yet our region has no facility available for burials once these brave soldiers pass. The Northern New Jersey Veterans Memorial Cemetery will give our veterans a final resting place in the area that allows family and friends to visit and to honor their loved one," said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen). "By including a method on the state tax forms to contribute to this effort, residents will have the opportunity to

pay tribute to our local heroes and to help to make this project a reality." New Jerseys only state-run cemetery for veterans is the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery in Burlington County, a more than two-hour drive from some northern parts of the state. There are approximately 100,000 veterans living in the states northernmost counties, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. When opened, the veterans cemetery will be the first in the state to be operated as a nonprofit. The Assembly companion to S2639 is A3908 and is sponsored by Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Parker Space along with 13 other Assembly Members.

Blairstown Recreation is offering a variety of Winter Workout programs to help participants get fit and stay fit, in a fun way. Pilates will provide a fresh and sensational workout for all fitness abilities. It will significantly transform the way your body looks, feels, and performs. Winter morning classes are Tuesday and Thursday, January 7 through March 27 from 9:1510:15 am at the Evangelical Free Church of Blairstown. Pilate evening classes begin on Tuesday, January 7 through March 11 from 5:15-6:15 at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. Zumba classes offer a spicy workout that combines high energy with motivating music that creates an effective fitness system that's fun

and fast. Zumba classes are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, starting January 7 through March 27 at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. Zumba Toning targets body sculpting exercises using Toning Sticks to enhance the workout and tone all target zones, including arms, abs, and thighs. Zumba Toning classes are on Thursday evenings from 5:15 - 6:00 pm, starting January 9 through March 13 at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. Toning sticks are required for participation. Yoga class explores the principles of alignment in classical yoga postures and flowing movements called Vinyasas. Yoga is great for building strength and flexibility. Yoga

winter session starts January 6 through March 10, on Monday and Wednesday, from 5:45-6:45 pm at Catherine Dickson Hofman Library. Fees are based on different packages that are available. There is a small additional fee for non-residents. Registration is accepted at the Recreation Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am 1:00 pm or mail in or drop off box located outside the municipal building. For further information contact the Recreation Office at 908-362-6663 ext. 232 or visit the website at www.blairstown-nj.org and click on Recreation.

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission marked the completion of a 6,800-square-foot maintenance garage expansion project at the agencys Delaware Water Gap/I-80 Toll Bridge linking Monroe

County, PA and Warren County, N.J. The expanded garage enhances the agencys ability to respond to winter storms and other emergencies. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Commission representatives, local officials and Pocono Mountain

region business leaders. The event took on the 60th anniversary of the bridges opening, which occurred December 16, 1953. Photo by Ken Schurman/VIP Studioes/ Mt. Pocono; provided courtesy of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission

Most think reform is supposed to promote general welfare. It didnt mean millions of hard working Americans would be thrown off their individual medical insurance plans. Not only did this government take away medical insurance plans selected and paid for by private individuals, it mandated citizens enroll in one of three or four government sanctioned healthcare plans at much much higher cost for less coverage. One does not expect a president to dictate to the private sector. Obama is a destructive extremely dangerous force in America. Consequences of Obamacare are just starting to be felt. Its only going to get worse in 2015, when the Employer Mandate expires, which requires employers of 50 or more employees to provide medical insurance that complies with Obamacare guidelines at an affordable price to those working 30 hours or more. Obama delayed implementation of the Employer Mandate until January 1, 2015. That is when an estimated 107million more Americans will loose coverage obtained

through employment, or pay three times or more their current premium for less coverage. Oprah cried when Obama was elected in 2008. Now, everyone is crying as medical insurance premiums triple, and deductibles quadruple. Nothing about this so-called law is good for people or our country. Premiums are going through the roof, people are loosing their doctors and insurance, many suffer from cancer and other serious life-threatening diseases, individual deductibles start at $5000.00 and up, making Obamacare essentially selfinsurance. Social security and Medicare benefits are being cut. Will seniors be able to access their healthcare? Top flight hospitals, like Sloan Kettering, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic, are not in the Obamacare network. Best hospitals and doctors are no longer available to the average person, unless paid for out of pocket, where they were accessible under the old plans that were taken away. Apparently, the only way to control cost is to exclude top-notch hospitals and doctors.

Obamacare hurts the people its suppose to help. If this president or a family member gets cancer, hell get the best care because he can afford it. He blocked us from the best centers by making them unaffordable to average people. Only the rich now can go there. He blocked us average people. Even though over 66% of citizens want Obamacare repealed, Democrat and Republican politicians alike, who are suppose to represent the will of the people, and say they do, contrary to fact, dont. This is much more than a malfunctioning website and exchanges and its not about caring for the poor. We already had that safety net: charity care paid for by taxpayers. Anyone who went to a hospital for medical care received it. The status quo was working. The truth is Obamacare is the biggest assault on individual liberty in this countrys history. It is mother of all redistribution of wealth schemes disguised as healthcare. Americans

will pay three to four times more for their insurance policy so other people can get insurance they did not want until it was free. Millenials, a term used to refer to a part of population born between 1980 and 2000, have learned big intrusive government mandated health insurance is not for them. 96% of young adults do not suffer from chronic illnesses, so they can buy health insurance cheaply. The provision young adults up to age 26 can stay on their parents plan is not helpful, since many parents have had their policies cancelled. Obamacare needs revenue from young healthy adults paying high insurance premiums to subsidize cost of medical care for an older sicker population. Reality is, they cant. Many moved back with parents , saddled with college loans because there are no jobs. Millenials suffer from a 16% unemployment rate. It is a scam whether anyone will get quality healthcare and Obama could not care less.

What is ultimately going on is the first stage of the Progressive Dream: More, and more, and more, and more power centralized in the federal government, specifically the executive branch. Obama wants government to have power over our bodies, our lives, what we do, how we behave. Government will decide what tests, treatments, drugs are best for what, not you and your doctor. Why is Obamacare still here if two thirds people dont want it? Why does the American public have to abide by a law from which Obama, his cabinet, all of Congress, and the Supreme Court are exempt, but hard working people get hit again. Dont American

people get to say, I dont want this.? We the People are at war with government. The genie is out of the bottle. If people go along with Obamacare, and sign up or pay penalties, we are no longer a free people. We dont have to be president. This is about hard-working people defending themselves. It is about fighting for the heart and soul of America. Remember the cause for which so many fought and died. We the People dont need Congress to defund or repeal Obamacare. We the People can and must defund it ourselves by not buying it. Its that simple. Elizabeth Allen Comments welcomed: Elizabethallen683@g mail.com

(NAPSI)Feeling spent during the holiday season? Its no wonder. According to a Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, Americans spend about 42 hours buying, wrapping and returning gifts, as well as partying and traveling to visit family and friends. So while youre searching for batteries that arent included with that must-have toy, make plans to recharge your own batteries with Movies on Demand on cablethe affordable and easily accessible entertainment that digital cable customers already have in their homes. With just a click of the remote control, an exhausted parent can search the Movies on Demand menu and instantly access an array of films for the whole family. In fact, many movies are available the same day as the DVD and years before legal subscription streaming services. Customers can even jump-start the decision making for the evenings entertainment while standing in line by browsing the latest On Demand

movies at www.rentmoviesonde mand.com or www.facebook.com/m ovieson demand. Some of the holiday highlights include: Kiddie CapersYoungsters will enjoy the escapades of Rex, a bachelor King Penguin, on his journey from awkward adolescent to accomplished adult in this family tale of love, adventure and triumph, in The Penguin King. Family FavoritesLike potato chips, one is never enough when it comes to family favorites. Catch up with your most beloved characters and their latest antics with popular sequels, including The Smurfs 2, Despicable Me 2 and Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. Action-PackedOlder kids can get their thrills from iconic characters such as Hugh Jackmans The Wolverine and The Lone Ranger featuring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp. Lily Collins and Jonathan Rhys Meyers bring star power to the fantasy action--

adventure The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Parental EscapesAfter the kids are tucked in, parents can escape with an On Demand movie night and save the cost of a sitter. A variety of movie genres are available, such as an awardwinning documentary by Charles de Lauzirika, whose dramatic debut Crave examines the price to be paid when a dark imagination starts to leak into reality. Penelope Cruz stars as a mother who finds her memories of a tragic romance stirred during a trip to Sarajevo in the romantic drama Twice Born, and an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Tommy Lee Jones in The Family, where a notorious Mafia clan is relocated to France under the Witness Protection Program and fitting in becomes a challenge. Perhaps 42 hours of shopping will be less daunting when moms, dads and kids know they can relax and reenergize with great movies throughout the holidays-right at home On Demand.

The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council presents a call to artists for the upcoming exhibit Artists Choice. Artists may enter works of art related to this theme in any medium if they are members. Nonmembers who become members before the show can also enter their art. Join us in an exhibit that lets the artist decide! This is a creative individuals

favorite theme. A theme without borders. One that gives each artist the freedom to choose work that doesnt fit into any particular category, subject or medium. This exhibit allows the artists the opportunity to show work that defines who they are as an artist. We welcome all artists to wow us with their free choices! The Exhibit will run from January 11 to February 1, 2014.

Opening reception will be held on Saturday January 11 from 4 to 6 pm. Artists may drop off their work at the Councils office on Sunday January 5, 12 to 3 pm and Tuesday, January 7, 9 am to 3 pm. The SCAHC gallery/office is located at 133 Spring Street, Newton, NJ, 937-3830027. Prospectus and member enrollment can be found at the SCAHC website at scahc.org, or at the Councils office.

(NAPSI)Dont forget your best friends this holiday season. Even those with four legs deserve a special present under the tree. Fortunately, according to DIY expert Brit Morin, you can spoil your pets without spoiling your budget. Every December, Morin combines her crafting skills and creativity to make homemade gifts for her adopted dog, Hoover. This year, shes teaming up with PetSmart Charities to share her tips on how to pamper your pets. Im excited to team up with PetSmart Charities to teach pet parents creative projects to do for their pets this holiday season, said Morin, founder of Brit

+ Co. Having pets myself, I love giving ideas on how to show adopted pets how special they are in simple and affordable ways. Five Holiday DIY Ideas For Pet Lovers 1. DIY Pet Pillows: Turn Fidos photo into a decorative pillow for your home-all you need is iron-on transfer paper, fabric and a sewing machine. If youre not up for the sewing task, you can iron the photo onto an existing pillow or pillowcase to spruce up his bed or crate. 2. Paw Print Stamps: You can turn your pets paw print into art by stamping his or her print on a poster or wrapping paper. Turn a plain pattern into a

masterpiece sure to please any pet lover on your holiday gift list. 3. DIY Photo Ornaments: Make your pet the star of your tree this holiday. Start with a clear ornament and print out a card-stock photo of your pet to include. Adorn with confetti for a festive touch. 4. Homemade Holiday Treats: Every dog

or cat deserves a yummy treat, and you can bake some with love. A delicious recipe for Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treat is at www.brit.co/pumpkinpeanut-butter-dog-treats/. They even make a great stocking stuffer. 5. Etched Glass Treat Jars: Make a personalized gift your cat or dog will love by etching his or her name onto a clear treat jar full of his favorite goodies. You can see the full projects at www.petsmartcharities .org/holiday-happy-home. How Else Can You Help Give Homeless Pets A Happy Home? Adopting: If youre ready to love and care for a pet, you can help save a life. Pet adoption opens up space at local shelters, allowing room for more pets to

come in and stay longer, giving them a better chance of finding a home. If youre considering adoption, PetSmart Charities adoptable pets locator can help you find your perfect match nearby. Visit www.petsmart charities.org/adopt--apet to learn more. Donating: Donations to PetSmart Charities help support lifesaving adoption, spay/neuter and emergency relief programs. For the 10th year in a row, PetSmart Charities earned four stars from Charity

Navigator (the highest rating) and remains in the top 1 percent of all charities ranked. A donation can make an easy and meaningful gift for yourself, a fellow pet lover, a relative or someone special who has it all. Just $25 saves a pets life by subsidizing vaccinations that the pet receives while waiting to be adopted. To make a donation that may be tax deductible, visit www.petsmartcharities .org/how-to-help/donate.