Dr. Greg Leck recently opened a new veterinary hospital located in Pen Argyl.

He has been practicing for over 26 years and is a longtime Slate Belt resident. Leck Veterinary hospital offers a full array of veterinary services including surgery, vaccines, nutrition, spaying and neutering, dentistry, and full service laboratory tests. Surgeries and consultation with board certified specialists are available on site. House calls are available by appointment. "We are absolutely thrilled to be back in the Slate Belt," says Dr. Leck. "We look forward to many more productive years here and are excited to be renewing acquaintances with old friends and patients, as

By Candy Martin

well as meeting newcomers. All should feel welcome to stop by anytime; we will be happy to show you around." The current hospital building was formerly the home of Slate Belt Printing (now relocated down the street) and was originally the town's railroad freight depot. Extensive use of reclaimed, salvaged, and recycled materials was made in renovating the building; but much of the equipment, such as the anesthesia monitoring unit and digital X-ray, are state of the art. "Old fashioned client care, and cutting edge patient care," Leck notes. Dr. Leck and his staff welcome you and your furry friends to their new facility.

Jarred Randolph was named to the Dean's List at Clarion University of Pennsylvania for the spring semester with a 3.6 grade point average. Jarred is a Business Management major with a minor in Sports Management. He is a 2009 graduate of Bangor High School and the son of Wayne

and Pauline Randolph. Congratulations, Jarred! St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pen Argyl is sponsoring a trip to the Trump Casino in Atlantic City on Thursday, June 14th. The first pick-up will be from the church parking lot leaving at 8:30am. The second pick-up will be at the old St. Joseph Parking lot in Wind Gap

at 8:35am. For more information, call Mary Lou Lohman at 610863-4846 or 610-8444630. We would like to wish Frankie Castano a very Happy Birthday! Frankie will be celebrating on June 12th. The Pen Argyl Alumni Association is sponsoring a bus trip to Annapolis on October 20th and 21st.The trip will include transportation, tickets to the Navy VS. Indiana (homecoming), overnight stay at Embassy Suites, and Sunday at Inner Harbor. Contact Randy at 610-863-4600 (daytime) or 610-5709581. Check penargylalumni.com for all the details. Blue Mountain Community Library patron, Matthew Silvius, will be running a fifty-mile ultramarathon on June 30th to raise money for library circulation software and computer upgrades. His goal is to raise $1,000. If you would like to sponsor Matt, with either a lump sum or a specific amount-permile, please mail a check written out to the library or drop off the money at the library. Receipts are available. The Hinkle Family, a family with a faith based ministry through evangelism and encouragement, will be visiting

and performing at McMichaels United Methodist Church, Rt. 705 and White Church Road, McMichaels on Sunday, August 5th at 9:30am. A free will offering will be taken and free refreshments will be available after the service. All are welcome to attend and the church is handicapped accessible. The Hinkle family have traveled over 23 states the past 10 years and do a wonderful singing and speaking performance. For more information, please call 570-6291136. The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church will host a "Strawberry Festival" on Friday, June 8th, beginning at 4pm. It will be held at the Blaine Reimel Memorial Park on Park Road in East Bangor (rain or shine). Lots of good food and "Jacktown" ice cream will be available. For more information, call 610-588-4453 or visit www.ebumc.org. The Slate Belt Young at Heart Club will be having a picnic at the Wind Gap Park on Thursday, June 21st, at noon. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of 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 during the week May 17 through 23, 2012. Adult fiction: Atkins, Ace, Robert B. Parkers Lullaby; Deutermann, P.T., The last man; Lowell, Elizabeth, Beautiful sacrifice; Pavone, Chris, The expats. Young Adult fiction: Cody, Matthew, Powerless; Gordon, Roderick, Spiral; Haddix, Margaret, Found; Haddix, Margaret, Sabotaged; Haddix, Margaret, Torn; Paulsen, Gary, Woods runner. Junior fiction: Carman, Patrick, Floors; Coville, Bruce, Into the land of the unicorns;

Cronin, Doreen, The trouble with chickens; Cushman, Karen, The midwifes apprentice; Dionne, Erin, Models dont eat chocolate cookies; George, Jessica, Dragon slippers; Gephart, Donna, How to survive middle school; Korman, Gordon, Unsinkable; McGhee, Alison, Snap; Mass, Wendy, Every soul a star; Sherman, M., Emergency ops; Smith, Clete, Aliens on vacation; Smith, Roland, Storm runners; Stephens, John, The emerald atlas; Taylor, Greg, Killer pizza; Weeks, Sarah, As simple as it seems. DVD: Sentimental reflections Spring 2012.

Local Organizations Come Together For Battle of The Bands

The Bangor Area Recreation Committee (BARC) joins efforts with Bangor Area Secondary Schools Parents, Teachers, and Students Association (BASS PTSA) and Bangor Park Board to deliver a community wide event Battle of the Bands. The Battle of the Bands will be hosted at the Bangor Area Middle School on Friday, June 15th at 6pm. Come out for an evening of fun and music! Vote for your favorite band! Tickets are available now. Contact Recreation Coordinators, Jennifer Reese at 484-645-9370 or Jessica D'Amelio at 610-360-8731, or via email to BARCRecre ation@gmail.com for more information, tickets, and registrations. Doors open at 5pm on June 15th! Hope to see you there! Like the BARC on Facebook at www.Face book.com/barcsd.

The Past To The Present Towards The Future

Wilma Messinger is just as happy and excited on this greaduation day as her granddaughter, Emily VanHorn. Wilmas father, Wilmer Miller, represented Lower Mt. Bethel Township in forming the Bangor Area Schools Jointure. He served on the Areas School Board of Education ever since Wilma can remember. He finalized his career serving on Northampton Countys Board of Education. He also taught school in the Lower Mt. Bethel School District. Education was very important to him. Wilma was fortunate to graduate with the first class in the new Bangor Area Senior High School in 1962. A class consisting of 121 students, she not only celebrated her 50th year anniversary, but she also was there for Emilys high school graduation from the same school on June 4th.

Slate Belt Heritage Center Golf Tournament

The Slate Belt Heritage Center will be hosting a golf tournament on Friday, August 17th, at Shawnee Golf Resort. The 4-Man Scramble event will begin at 8am and will conclude with a cook out immediately following the round. Registration on that day will be from 7:15 to 8am. The price includes golf, a cart, and food before and after the event. Prizes include Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Pot of Gold, and a Raffle. For additional information contact, Mark Blau at 1-570-897-5459. Please visit the website at www.slatebelt heritage.com to print out your team entry form or sponsorship form.

Personalized Gifts Have Great Value

world events that happened on the recipients birth date. Personalize a special gift by embroidering or screen printing a birth date, monogram or funny quote on it. Think of an item that reflects the recipients hobby; if he likes to cook, screen print his favorite recipe on an apron; if she enjoys music, embroider a few lines from her favorite song on a throw pillow. Commemorate a particularly memorable photo, your own artwork or any creative design you admire on an ornament, canvas or, better yet, how about a Tervis tumbler? Its simple and fun with the new user-friendly customizing tool on www.tervis.com. For Moms-to-be Create a book or homemade video by asking the children of family and friends, What makes a good mommy? Make or order a patchwork quilt for the baby that stitches together memorable items signifying mom and dads love for each other. Use a piece of the shirt Dad wore on their first date or Moms handkerchief from their wedding. Learn More For more information on customization options that show you have great taste when it comes to insulated drinkware, visit www.tervis.com. For more handmade gift ideas, visit www.craftplace.org.

(NAPSI)For weddings, holidays and birthday parties throughout the year, the huntand pressureit seems, is always on for the perfect, affordable and meaningful gift. As a result, more and more people are getting creative, and for many, this means getting personal. Fortunately, you dont have to be a poetic wordsmith, a skilled craftsman or even a scrapbooking superstar to wrap up a thoughtful gift. Adding a personal touch can help make your gift one that gets remembered. Here are a few suggestions: For Weddings Find out where the couple had their first date (restaurant, bar, theater and so on) and

track down a piece of memorabilia from that location, such as a coaster or menu. Have the memento framed or mounted. Ask the bride and groom separately about the moment they fell in love. Videotape the answers for them. For a fun and functional gift for the wedding party, doublewall insulated tumblers from Tervis can be customized with virtually thousands of designs, including the logo of a college alma mater or a favorite team. Place each recipients name inside his or her tumbler. For Birthdays or Holidays Create a personalized, humorous card referencing notable

The Movie Roseto & Roseto, The Fest Released

The Fest has been released and shipped to the Slate Belt and Toronto! The movie Roseto & Roseto, The Fest was released May 20, 2012 and shipped to the distributor Ken Brewer in Bangor. Copies of the DVD (in a brightly decorated case) should be in select retail* stores in the Slate Belt in just a few days for you to enjoy! Copies of the DVD were also shipped to Mike Caprino in Mississauga, Canada, for distribution through the Roseto Club. A PAL version (English) of The Fest will be released soon in Roseto Valfortore, Foggia, Italia. The movie, filmed in Roseto, PA and in Roseto Valfortore, Italia, clearly features the celebration of the Fest of the Madonna del Carmine (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), and vividly shows how celebration happens today in both communities. Included are the street parties, music, parades, processions, fun and fundraising, and of course, food and fireworks. All of which is part of both celebrations, which honor the Madonna del Carmine (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) as part the Fest. The movie shot from 2005 through 2011, clearly shows the similarities and differences between each celebration. Folks in USA will get to see how the fest is done in Roseto Valfortore, and folks in Italia will see how their Fest has evolved in Roseto, PA during the nearly 120 years since it was brought there by Rosetani immigrants and continued to evolve by their descendants. It is mostly a fun movie and very Festive, with a few serious and respectful scenes, featuring hundreds and hundreds of Rosetani in both countries having a grand time playing themselves so very, very well! Retail locations: In Roseto, PA: Ruggieros Market, 88 Dante St. 610-588-2681; The Centanni store, at the Presbyterian Church basement, and other locations and times; Joe DeFranco and Daughters Catering and Deli, 2173 West Bangor Rd. 610-588-6991. In Bangor: Millers Paint Store 100 Erdman St, 610-588-5895; Owens Monumental 245 S. First St, 610588-3370. In Wind Gap: Roger Bet, 20 Fairview Ave, Wind Gap, PA 610863-6126.

How to Choose the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

(NewsUSA) - So, you are engaged and ready to choose that romantic spot for your first getaway as husband and wife. But where should you go? A lot of couples have difficulty finding the honeymoon destination that is "just right" for them. There are so many things to consider, like the season, accommodations and types of leisure activities available. But actually, making a decision can be simple once you know what you are looking for. The Villa Group - experts in matching clients with their ideal holiday destination - advise couples to consider the following, before they make their choice: 1. In what season are you traveling? Remember that every destination has its own weather pattern. You want to make sure that you choose a place where the weather suits your taste. 2. How many amenities are you getting for your money? Be sure to pick a destination that offers you the romance and relaxation you need after the wedding. How big is the room? Does the destination offer honeymooners special packages? Spas are always great for considering your every need. You could try a mud bath for two or a couple's massage. 3. Are there enough activities to keep you busy? Consider what you would like to do. How about water sports and nightlife? Are there cultural aspects that you can explore? Destinations that offer everything you could want and more include The Villa Group Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. You don't have to go far from home to explore culture, adventure and relaxation all in one place. The Villa Group offers a variety of packages for honeymooners. For instance, Villa del Palmar Flamingos, located in Vallarta Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, has a 2007 Honeymoon Package that features a threenight stay per couple with upgrade to a onebedroom suite. The package, which includes daily breakfast buffet, welcome fruit basket with truffles, moonlight couples massage, insuite flowers, a bottle of sparkling wine and a certificate for a complimentary two-night stay on the first wedding anniversary. For more information, go to VillaGroup.com.

Faith United Presbyterian 18th St. John ELC Announces Events Annual Strawberry Festival
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 N. Westbrook Ave., Pen Argyl, has announced a few of their upcoing events. The church will hold their 3rd annual Fathers Day Covered Dish Breakfast on June 17th at 9am. Come and honor those who are fathers and those who serve as good fatherly role models in your lives. All are welcome. The churchs high school and college graduates will be honored during their regular worship service on June 24th, at 10am. There will be fellowship and refreshments after the service. Vacation Bible School will be held from June 25th through June 29th, 6pm to 8pm. This years theme is Splash Into Gods Exciting World! Registration forms are available by calling the church office at 610863-4332. The church will hold a Quoit Club Gathering on June 10th, with lunch at 11:30am and a tournament beginning at noon. Local area food banks are always in need of the following items: peanut butter, canned soup, hamburger/tuna helper, boxed mac and cheese, canned pasta and cereal. You can drop items off in the plastic bin in the church entryway. On Saturday, June 16th, from 4pm to 8pm, Faith United Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Strawberry Festival. The festival at Faith church is a sure sign that summer is here as this event returns for its 18th year. This year the belt in the Slate Belt will have to

be loosened just a bit after looking at the lineup of home cooked food items available at this years Strawberry Festival. We have an exceptional lineup this year, promised Pat Lambert, coordinator of the event, as the special recipe for Presbyterian barbecue made with either beef or turkey will again be available. And, of course, there are those home-made strawberry pies available for take out on a first come first served basis. So get there early for the best selection. Pat Lambert added, As a real treat

make sure to add fresh whipped cream on the Strawberry pie. Rev. Ruth Ann Christopher said Dont forget about those hand dipped chocolate strawberries as we celebrate our 18th year. Join Faith church on Saturday June 16 and enjoy one of the sure signs that summer is here! Additional information about the event is available on Faith churchs website. For directions to Faith United Presbyterian church festival; visit the churchs website: www.faithupc.net.

Hearing Well Makes Life More Enjoyable

Ensuring that your hearing health is good can make your summer significantly better. According to the Hearing is Living study, 27.6 percent of people agreed that Not being able to hear the sounds of nature can be very stressful in daily life. Travel and Exercise Getting a hearing checkup can benefit more than an enjoyment of natureit can have an impact on a persons overall enjoyment of two other key warmweather activities: travel and exercise. According to the study, people who have addressed their hearing loss enjoy their travels more, have greater flexibility in planning their travels and make more positive experiences during their travels, with 71 percent of respondents reporting they have good experiences when they travel. Also, those with a hearing aid engage in sports more often than those not wearing a hearing instrument. Not only are the benefits of exercise abundant, but 64.6 percent of study respondents said that when hearing loss is no longer an issue, its easier to socialize. Quality of Life Improvement Eighty-three percent said that their general quality of life has improved after addressing their hearing loss problems; also, 54.9 percent of those who have been checked and addressed their hearing loss agree that having a hearing aid makes it easier to do what they want to do in their free time. Among respondents with moderate to severe hearing loss, owners of hearing aids find it easier to relax, are more able to adapt to different situations, feel less bored and have less difficulties concentrating.

Having Your Say On Medicare And Social Security

(NAPSI)Medicare and Social Security are the foundation of retirement security for millions of American workers. But these vital programs face challenges in the coming years, and the next president and Congress could make decisions about them that might affect you. Why are these programs so important? The typical retiree on Medicare and Social Security has an income of only $20,000 and must devote nearly 20 percent of that for outof-pocket health care costs that Medicare doesnt cover. Social Security is currently the principal source of income for nearly twothirds of older American households, and Medicare provides health coverage for nearly all seniors. Many who are not yet retired are struggling with lost pensions and savings, lower home values and higher health care costs. They may not be thinking about Medicare and Social Security today, but it is likely the guaranteed benefits of these programs will be critical to their health and retirement security. Yet for the last year, politicians in Washington have been meeting behind closed doors to discuss changes to Medicare and Social Security, without the input of people who could be affected by their decisions. AARP recently launched Youve Earned a Say, a national conversation to ensure that Americans voices are heard in the discussion through questionnaires, community conversations, town hall meetings, online forums and other events. Youve Earned a Say will provide information about the major proposals that Washington has put on the table, both the pros and cons, without all the political jargon and spin. Americans deserve to have the facts, so they can tell politicians what they think should be done to strengthen these programs. Making sure your voice is heard in Washington may be the best way to protect Medicare and Social Security for generations to come. Most Americans pay into these programs throughout their working lives and have earned the right to be heard. To make your voice heard and learn more about Youve Earned a Say, go to www.earnedasay.org. Or you can call (888) OUR-AARP.

(NAPSI)If youre planning to spend some time enjoying the great outdoors this summer, you may want to get your hearing checked. Warm-weather outdoor activities such as picnics and nature walks are a lot more fun when you can fully experience them- which includes being able to hear what family and friends are saying. According to a recent study by Hear the World, 66.2 percent of

people agreed that hearing at full capacity makes it easier for them to enjoy such activities. Thats why the team behind the Hear The World study encourages people to take a free online hearing test at www.HearTheWorld.co m to ensure their hearing is up to par. Its the season when people are getting out and enjoying warmer nights and longer days, said audiologist Susan Whichard.

Older Americans: Retirees Get Involved

nonprofit organizations. With cuts in funding and the demand for critical services on the rise, volunteers help fill the void by sharing knowledge from their years of professional experience to help those in their community. Volunteering is an excellent way to stay active, stay healthy and make a difference. If you are a recent retiree looking for new opportunities, find out how your skills might benefit community organizations in your area. To get connected with a local organization, contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116.

(NAPSI)Recent retirees are looking to community organizations for meaningful ways to stay active and these organizations are tapping into the retirees' expertise by creating meaningful opportunities for them to contribute.

In addition to traditional roles like delivering meals or providing rides, community organizations are now looking to skilled volunteers for program development, mentoring, leadership coaching, tutoring and providing management assistance for

Home Filters You Probably Didn't Know Should Be Changed

(NewsUSA) - Home cleaning is a catch-all phrase for the general de-clutter and organizational projects that abound when messiness trumps neatness. But in addition to clearing out the garage, don't forget to change those oft-neglected filters that can harm your health if left unclean. "Humidifier filters, for example, are designed to wick the water and make it easier to evaporate in the air to increase humidity. But, if not changed they can become oversaturated and susceptible to mold, mildew, and bacteria growth that can make you sick," says Alex Hertzog, a water specialist with Filters Fast who is certified by the Water Quality Association. Most of us eventually remember to change the obvious filters, like those on our stove vents or the PUR filter on our tap. But what about changing filters you don't even know you have? According to the experts, there are seven filters you probably don't know you should be changing. 1. Microwave filter. The filter traps grease and odors from the air, thus protecting the appliance and also preventing odors from recirculating and affecting the taste and smell of your food. The microwave filter should be replaced every 6-12 months. 2. Showerhead filter. The filter reduces harmful chemicals that can dry out your hair and skin, leading to other negative effects on the body. It should be replaced every 3-6 months. 3. Humidifier. Most people know humidifiers have a filter that should be changed, but what they don't realize is that many humidifiers actually have up to three filters. It's important to change all three filters. 4. Coffee maker filter. A filter is used in most coffee makers, and it should be replaced approximately every 60 brews. "They're designed to remove the disinfection chemicals from tap water. If the filters aren't changed, they cause more exposure to ingesting chlorine," says Hertzog. 5. Furnace filter. To reduce allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander, mold spores and dust mites from leaking into

the air, it should be changed every 3-6 months. 6. Dryer lint filter screen. The lint filter screen should be replaced as needed, if it has build-up or tears in the screen. Changing the filter can prevent fire hazards, extend the

life of your dryer and reduce energy bills. 7. Refrigerator filter. The filter on a fridge keeps ice fresh and cleans the water dispensed from the refrigerator. Get more filter-related advice at www.filtersfast.com.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Redos With Wallpaper

(NewsUSA) A kitchen renovation is almost always a costly and time-consuming undertaking. The thought of ripping out and replacing cabinets, countertops and appliances is enough to stop you in your tracks. But a kitchen redo doesn't have to be an all-ornothing proposition. Nothing enlivens an outdated kitchen more quickly or more easily than wallpaper. A bright, happy pattern like a toss of fruits or vegetables can play on the past with kitschy, retro-inspired style. Or you can modernize with patterns that mimic tile, stone and metal. For more information, visit yorkwall.com.

Facts To Help You Fix Your Deck Is the Air You Breathe at
attach with a galvanized fastener. Be sure to allow for an -inch expansion. Now thats a repair that saves both time and money. And this process can be used on handrails, as well. Save the Stairs Stairs face the same heat and weather abuse that deck boards do, so they can easily become cupped, with the front of the step higher than the remaining surface. This is another job for the multi-tool. There are a couple of options for reworking your existing stair. Using the rasp accessory, work down the high spot at the front of the stair, then follow up with a sanding triangle to smooth the surface. An alternative for addressing high corners is to place a segmented cutting blade flat on the stair and then push it toward the high spot to cut away the excess; sand to smooth the surface. For more details about these projects and additional tips, visit Bosch Power Tools and Accessories at www.bethepro.com and click on the Idea Box. You can also visit www.facebook.com/bet hepro.

Home Healthy?

(NAPSI)It may be easier than you think to do a little fix-up work around the house, especially on that great getaway place-the deck. Decks need TLC, tooparticularly if those boards are exposed and regularly face wind, rain and heat. Construction expert Joe Sainz has a few tips for homeowners who want to do their own deck maintenance correctly and safely using a single tool. Smart Deck Repair Even the best-protected deck boards are susceptible to twisting, rotting or cupping. And usually its that board in the middle of a 30-foot run thats the issue. A pry bar or a

claw hammer can be used to remove the compromised piece, but its easy to injure boards around it. The smart option is to do some strategic cutting. A multi-tool, such as the Bosch Multi-X and its many cutting blades, is well suited for this job. Start by using the tool with a wood-cutting blade to remove a board section between the joists to allow access, then make a quick change to a metalcutting blade and get between the remaining boards to cut the nail. Once the board is removed, measure the opening, cut a new piece of treated lumber and

(NewsUSA) - Between working in offices, studying at school, exercising at the gym and relaxing at home, Americans spend most of their time indoors. But many people don't realize that, in staying indoors, they face more pollution that they would outside. Indoor air can contain viruses, dust mites, formaldehyde, radon, pet dander and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollutants that aggravate allergies. But in understanding four key air quality components, Americans can ensure a healthy, sustainable home. 1. Moisture Control. Too much moisture can lead to mold, while dry air can cause skin and respiratory problems. Controlling humidity

allows the HVAC system to work more efficiently, so homeowners pay less in energy bills. Choose automatic, whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers. For example, Aprilaire's Model 1750 Central Dehumidifier's built-in intelligence provides automatic control for not only whole-home dehumidification, but also for fresh air ventilation, air cycling and air filtration. 2. Ventilation. Without air circulation, allergens, odors, moisture and other pollutants cannot leave the home. 3. Air Filtration. Central air filters permanently remove airborne contaminants. For more information about air quality, visit www.aprilaire.com.

Bring a Breath of Fresh Air Into Your Home

(NewsUSA) - There's nothing quite like a breath of fresh air, yet people spray "fresh air" scent around their homes instead of simply opening a window. Rather than put artificial air fresheners to work in your home, choose natural or organic elements to keep your home smelling sweet and clean. Here are a few ideas: * Out with the bad. In with the good. Remove items like old food and smelly socks as quickly as possible, so they don't have time to stink up the place. Then, bring in the good air. It may seem obvious, but opening the windows allows fresh air flow through your home. * Flower power. Fresh flowers add color, beauty and sweet smells to the home. Whether cut or potted, blossoms and roses create pleasant fragrances. * Baking soda. Store an open box in your refrigerator. Tuck a small bowl of baking soda in bathrooms, closets or storage rooms. Sprinkle it on carpets, wait ten minutes, and then vacuum odors away. * Manage pet odors. Keep your home clean and your pets healthy by using all-natural products. Cat litters, such as World's Best Cat Litter (www.worldsbestcatlitt er.com), use all-natural ingredients like wholekernel corn to control odors and provide easy clean-up. * Stove top fragrance. Forget potpourri. Simmer lemons, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves on the stove to create a warm fragrance that's particularly appealing in winter months. * Lovely lemons. Toss lemons into your garbage disposal to remove unfriendly fragrances from your kitchen. * House plants help. Potted houseplants like ferns, spider plants and lady palms remove volatile organic compounds, which are found in paint and plastics, and carbon dioxide from the air. Plants also release moisture and oxygen. And of course, they add a rich green backdrop for your other possessions. * Essential oils. Tuck lavender-soaked cotton balls into your drawers. Spritz a mix of water and lemon oil throughout your home. Just a few drops of these sweet-smelling oils can be added to organic potpourri or a hot bath to soothe the senses. * Baker's delight. Who doesn't love the sweet smell of cookies baking in the kitchen? As an added bonus, the whole family can enjoy the warm treats when they emerge from the oven.

Red Thread Cafe Presents Hopestock 2012 at Wind Gap Park

Presented by the Red Thread Cafe of Bangor, Hopestock 2012 will take place on June 10th, from 10:30am to 9pm at the Wind Gap Park in Wind Gap. A fun filled music fest for all ages featuring several local and national bands. Beauty and the Beasts, Liz and the Lions, AmeDeus, Illuminera, Forger, Jeremiah Dowling, Kansas Kasey and the Bernadettes, the revolutionary, Armory Infirmary and much, much more! All proceeds from Hopestock 2012 will be supporting the efforts of Pick-a-Pocket's Koshe Project. The Koshe project is an after school program in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia operated by Pick-aPocket, a group of artists, musicians, and photographers based in Hernhutt, Germany. The project works to rescue young women and teen girls from extreme poverty. Admission is free of charge but donations will gladly be accepted. Concessions will be available. So bring your blankets, lawn chairs, sunglasses and a friend. Check out the Red Thread Cafe's Facebook page for more information or Hopestock 2012 page. For more information on the Koshe Project check out the web site at www.pickapocket.net.

Bangor Recreation Plans Movie Under The Stars

The Bangor Recreation Advisory Board will be holding a Movie under the Stars on Saturday, June 16th at the Bangor Memorial Park. Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 will be shown at dusk in the lawn area in front of the pool. The Chihuahuas are back, and still barking in this sequel to the hit comedy that proved dogs have a lot on their minds. When Chloe gives birth to a litter of pups, Papi works hard to adjust to the rigors of parenthood. This movie is rated "G" and is 84 minutes long. It stars George Lopez, Emily Osment and Bridgit Mendler. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Refreshments will be sold by the Recreation Board and all proceeds go towards future events at the park. As a special feature we are asking all those attending to bring a can of dog or cat food to be donated to a local shelter. The Movie showing is free and open to the public. A big Thank you to Frontier Communications for sponsoring this Movie Night. Then on Friday Night, June 29th, there will be a Splashdance at the pool from 7:30pm9:30pm for all teens that will be entering 7th, 8th and 9th grades. Admission is $3.00. Other events being held this summer will be a second Movie Night on August 11th and a Family Luau at the pool (Date to be announced soon). Anyone interested in volunteering for the Board or any of these events can contact bangorparkboard@gma il.com.

How to Add a Magical Touch To Your Child's Bedroom

can layer on top of the coordinating wallpapers or stand on their own. Murals (starting at $149) are 6' x 10' and make a delightful decorating statement as a feature wall design. Versatile wall decals (starting at $12.99) can be repositioned, removed and reused and are great for toy chests, cabinets and headboards as well as walls. Adorable and affordable, they won't break the bank when a new character strikes the child's fancy. Visit www.RoomMates PeelandStick.com to view the Disney collection, order samples or purchase Disney wallpapers, wall decals and murals. The site also offers photos of decorated rooms with instructions on how to get the look.

(NewsUSA) - From the tiniest of tots to tweens and teenagers, a child's bedroom is a reflection of their identity. Kids often have strong opinions about their likes and dislikes when it comes to their rooms, which can pose decorating challenges for parents: one year, the little one is all about Winnie the Pooh; next Buzz Lightyear may capture his imagination. It's hard for parents to keep up, let alone create an environment that reflects their children's taste -- and do so within a budget. A solution can be found in a new collection of wallpapers, murals, borders and wall decals from Disney, the company that has brought beloved characters to life for generations. Best of all, this particular collection was created like building blocks that both capture the magic of the Disney Universe, and allow favorite characters to be added and subtracted according to a child's changing whims. The foundation of the collection is wallpaper, since nothing creates an environment more quickly and affordably than covering all four walls. Designed to remain relevant as the child grows, the wallpaper patterns feature enduring classic stripes, scrolls and geometric shapes in a range of soft pastels and rich, saturated colors. Certain patterns, such as a whimsical Mickey Mouse silhouette, are subtle and sophisticated interpretations of iconic

Disney motifs that also work well in other rooms of the house. Disney characters make wonderfully grand appearances on murals, borders and peel-andstick wall decals. Borders and wall decals

Free Bluegrass Performance Helps Raise Funds For Veterans

Silver Arrow Gallery on route 611 in Tannersville will hold a free Bluegrass performance by Homespun Bluegrass on Saturday, June 23 from 1p.m. to 2p.m.. Peg Elia,lead singer and leader of Homespun Bluegrass with the help of husband Skip and her fine musicians give ''The Heart of Bluegrass' to their audiences. Homespun Bluegrass is traditional bluegrass music. Pegs vocals are reminiscent of a bygone era as she conveys heartfelt emotion in her art. The performance is part of a weekend long sale to raise funds for the Therapeutic Sensory Garden at the Veterans hospital in Wilkes Barre. Bluegrass music is a form of American roots music. It was inspired by a mix of Scottish, Irish, and English musical traditions and adapted by the settlers. The music has developed over the years from Ballads to incorporating some forms of jazz. The traditional instruments are acoustic stringed instruments such as the fiddle, fivestring banjo, guitar, mandolin, string bass and harmonica. Peg is both a singer and composer of music and has written the song Grandmas Prayer for her Marine grandson. Silver Arrow Gallery will offer Veterans, with ID, and active members of the military a 15% discount on all purchases on June 23rd and 24th. This is their second fundraiser to help the Therapeutic Sensory Garden at the Veterans Hospital. This garden provides year round sensory stimulation for residents at the home. It is a protected area that is handicapped accessible providing outdoor relaxation and physical activity for these men and women who gave so much to protect our freedom. For more information call the gallery at 570-619-0461 or visit their website at www.silverarrowgallery .com.

The Blue Mountain community Library would like to express its sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the Bites for Books fundraiser held on May 10th at Detzis Tavern in Wind Gap. We were able to raise $500.00 through the support of the community and the generous donation from Detzis. The library exists solely on donations, both from private individuals and businesses in the area, as

well as the municipalities it serves, and is a free resource to all residents in the Pen Argyl Area School District. Please consider making a donation or becoming a volunteer. For information, please call Lisa

at 610-863-3029. Running to Success, another fundraiser currently ongoing at the library, is for the purchase of new circulation software and computer upgrades. Mathew Silvius, patron and husband of board

member and volunteer Jill Silvius, will be running a fifty mile ultramarathon on June 30. Anyone wishing to sponsor Matt with a one time donation or a specific amount per mile, may stop in at the library or send a check to the library at 216 S. Robinson Ave. in Pen Argyl, PA, 18072. The library will begin the Summer Reading Program for the Wind Gap Middle School on June 11th. All students are required to read three books and do a writing assignment on one of them. Students must have a library card to borrow books from the library. The books will be located on the first floor of the library in the Reference Alcove and will be available until August 18th. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10am to Noon, and M onday through Thursday, 6pm to 8pm. Check out www.bmcl.org.

What All Grillers Should Have In Their Toolkit

Meat thermometer: Take the guesswork out of grilling with a digital thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked properly. The Digital Pocket Thermometer comes with a clip to attach easily to your pocket. Take Your Grilling Game up a Notch with These Accessories: Rib and roast holder: Save space on your grill with a dual-design rib and roast holder. Webers Original Rib and Roast Holder can handle up to five racks of ribs. Flip it over and use the roast holder for whole chickens, turkeys or roasts. Try Championship Spareribs with Sweet Apple Barbecue Sauce from the new cookbook Webers SmokeA Guide to Smoke Cooking for Everyone and Any Grill; visit weber.com/smoke. Pizza stone: To make sure pizza is cooked through without burning the crust, a pizza stone made from cordierite, such as the Gourmet Barbecue System Pizza Stone with Carry Rack, can help make family pizza night something special. Fish baskets: Grilling delicate fish can be a little intimidating. With a fish basket, you can ensure that flaky fish wont fall through the grates. For more information, visit www.weber.com.

This dual-design rib rack and poultry roaster features a large-capacity rib rack on one side. Flip it over and use the poultry roaster to grill a whole chicken or a roast. (NAPSI)While most grillers are armed with tongs and a spatula, many are looking to up their game by experimenting with accessories designed to add more versatility to the grill, such as pizza stones, fish baskets and rib racks. The new Weber GrillWatch Survey shows that Americans are spending more than five hours a week grilling. As people are grilling more frequently, as well as year-round, the demand for accessories has skyrocketed. Here are a few of the accessories designed to bring your grilling game to a whole new level. Must-Have Grilling Accessories: Chimney starter: Consider a five-quart chimney starter, like Webers Rapidfire Chimney Starter, that holds approximately 80 to 100 charcoal briquettes. Chimney starters eliminate the need to use lighter fluid, which is costly. Long-handled tongs: To prevent your hands from getting too close to the fire, a pair of tongs, such as Stainless Steel Chefs Tongs, which measure more than 12 inches from end to tip, are a must for the grillers toolbox.

A Healthier Burger
(NAPSI)Grilling is a rite of passage during warmer months, with hamburgers arguably being Americans favorite food to grill. However, hamburgers are often high in calories and fat. How do you make this American staple healthier? Try seafood, which is low in fat and calories and filled with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Because of seafoods many benefits, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends people should eat at least 8 ounces a week. Substituting seafood, such as tuna, for the protein a recipe calls for is an easy way to make any meal healthier. Try this great-tasting and healthy hamburger alternative. For more healthy seafood recipes, visit www.Chickenof theSea.com. Cajun Tuna Burgers 2 (12-oz) cans Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water, drained 1 cup breadcrumbs 2 eggs, beaten cup each: diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper and green onions cup Cajun seasoning 1 tsp hot pepper sauce 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns In a bowl, combine tuna, breadcrumbs and eggs. Add the next 5 ingredients and mix. Divide and shape tuna mixture into 6 patties. On a grill, cook tuna burgers using a grillfriendly pan until browned and heated through. Or, use a nonstick skillet on the stove. Place each burger on a bun and top with vegetables.

Shrimp Packs A Protein Punch

(NAPSI)If youre looking for a tasty way to power up on protein and incorporate a healthy serving of omega-3s into your diet, consider delicious, nutritious shrimp. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encourage everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, to eat seafood at least twice each week for heart and brain benefits. Studies have shown eating seafood twice a week can reduce the risk for the top cause of death among both women and menheart diseaseby more than 30 percent, said Jennifer McGuire, MS, RD, National Fisheries Institute. Shrimp is already the nations favorite seafood because of its great taste, mild and slightly sweet flavor. This incredibly versatile protein can be served piping hot or refreshingly cold and incorporated into a variety of cuisines from Mediterranean to Mexican. With a price per pound that rivals cuts of beef, chicken and pork, and at only 83 calories per 3 ounces, shrimp is a smart choice for dishes such as BBQ Shrimp Quesadillas, which are a natural for a weekday dinner on the go or a special occasion celebration. Learn more about the health benefits of shrimp and find more easy, delicious recipes on Facebook at Eat Shrimp.
BBQ Shrimp Quesadillas 8 ounces cooked shrimp, diced 1 orange bell pepper, roasted or grilled and finely diced cup fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed cup reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons all-natural barbecue sauce 4 10-inch flour tortillas 2 teaspoons canola oil Combine the shrimp, bell pepper, corn kernels, cheese and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Divide the mixture evenly and spread over half of each tortilla. Fold over, press down gently and set aside. Heat 1 teaspoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add two of the tortillas and cook until the tortillas become crisp and golden on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip the tortillas and cook an additional 2 minutes. Repeat with the remaining oil and tortillas. Cut into quarters and serve.

Chicken BBQ at Christ Lutheran

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 703 S. Delaware Dr. (Route 611), Mt. Bethel (Stone Church) will hold a Chicken Bar-b-cue on Sunday, June 10th, from 12:30pm to 5pm. The event will be dine in or take out. The meal includes a delicious bar-b-cue half of chicken, roll/biscuit, spiced cabbage, ice cream, brownie and beverage. For additional information or directions to the dinner, please call Evelyn at 610-588-7047 or Blanche at 570-8976612.

Dogs, cats and pocket pets such as rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, etc.

are all welcome at Leck Veterinary Hospital. Complimentary puppy and preschool classes are now forming for petite puppies, puppies, and large breed dogs. Class size is limited and certain conditions

do apply. Please call for more information and to register. Dr. Leck and his staff look forward to seeing you and your pets. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm and hours by appointment at the convenience of the client. Leck Veterinary Hospital is located at 115 West Pennsylvania Avenue (Route 512), in Pen Argyl. The phone number is 610-863-3111.

Car Care: Green Your Vehicle Routine

the tires on every Americans car were properly inflated. Optimal tire pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owners manual. Tires that are not properly inflated add rolling resistance that makes the engine work harder to move the vehicle. All this increases fuel costs as much as 3 to 5 cents per gallon and increases the risk of engine damage. 5. Gas Caps and Fillup-Check your vehicles gas cap. Approximately 17 percent of vehicles on the road have loose, damaged or missing gas caps, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Topping off your gas tank when filling up your car can also release harmful vapors into the environment. Vehicle owners who do their own maintenance should remember to recycle or properly dispose of fluids and other vehicle components, including used motor oil, tires and batteries, advises Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. The Car Care Council is the source of information for the Be Car Care Aware consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. More information about environmental awareness is included in the popular digital Car Care Guide that can be easily accessed through the councils website at www.carcare.org/carcare-guide. For further facts on saving energy and money with proper car care, visit www.carcare.org.

Basic vehicle maintenance helps protect the environment and your own economy. (NAPSI)For more mize unnecessary miles green in your wallet by combining errands. as well as a greener 2. Get a Tune-upenvironment, save Regular tune-ups and money and energy with maintenance and having basic vehicle mainteclean air filters will help nance. Here are five your car pollute less and ways you can do so: burn less gas. With a 1. Drive Greenproper tune-up, you can Recognize that how you save 4 percent on the drive has a lot to do with cost of gas and up to 40 fuel economy. Avoid percent by replacing a sudden starts and stops faulty oxygen sensor. and go the speed limit. Simply changing the Jerky and aggressive cars air filter can driving decreases your improve efficiency by miles per gallon and 10 percent. increases wear and tear 3. Lighten the Loadon your vehicle. MiniGet the junk out of the trunk and the stuff out of your car, with the exception of emergency items such as a spare tire, flares and a first-aid kit. Extra items weigh the vehicle down and cause an increase in gas usage. 4. Tire ChecksAccording to the Car Care Council, around 2 billion gallons of gas a year could be saved if

Choose The Right Seat For Children In Cars

for their children and properly secure them every time they get behind the wheel. Working with the Ad Council as part of an ongoing campaign to ensure child car safety, NHTSA unveiled new PSAs that will air on television, radio, online and in outdoor advertising nationwide. The Right Seat effort aims to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing children ages 12 and under in the right car restraint (rearfacing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for their age and size. Targeting parents and caregivers who think their children are already using the right car seats, the key message of the PSAs is Parents who really know it all, know for sure their child is in the right car seat. The proper use of a child seat is the most effective way to keep a child safe in a moving vehicle, said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. Parents and caregivers should always use a child seat and, based on NHTSAs updated guidelines, should keep their children in their current seats for as long as possible before moving them up to the next type of seat. Coinciding with the release of the new PSAs, NHTSA also launched Parents Central, a new onestop-shop website with tools and resources for keeping children safe in and around cars. For more than 25 years, the Ad Council and NHTSA have worked together on consumer safety PSA campaigns. Previous campaigns targeted individual stages of child passenger safety; i.e., the LATCH system, booster seats and seat belts. For more information, visit www.Safer Car.gov/TheRightSeat. Brought to you by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What Are You Paying Too Much For?

(NewsUSA) - The 99 percent has watched gas prices follow a perpetual climb that has left consumers wallowing at the pump. By the beginning of April, the national average was $3.92. Though it's since fallen about 18 cents for most regions, the west coast is still staring at billboards offering $4.37 a gallon. Fuel isn't the only cost crippling middle-class Americans. While the consumer price index (CPI) may be relatively unchanged on a seasonally adjusted basis, the Wall Street Journal says core inflation is rising -- and the Federal Reserve can't ignore that for long. Core inflation, an estimate excluding food and energy costs, rose in April for the eighth time in the past 11 months. The increase in core inflation can be pinned on the typical products and services, which are primarily the ones we can't live without. "CPI numbers report annual spikes in the usual suspects: rent, used cars, air fares and medical services. As higher and higher prices meet stagnant income levels, Americans lose their purchasing power," says Joe Kalfa, founder of All Our Power (AOP). AOP is a growing social movement seeking to create the world's largest group purchasing organization with free membership. Group purchasing gives individuals a platform to negotiate with megacorporations, and AOP wants to put purchasing power back into consumer hands. To learn more about your purchasing power, visit www.allour power.com.

(NAPSI)U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced the launch of a series of new public service announcements (PSAs) released in partnership with the Ad Council that promote child car safety among parents of children ages newborn to 12. According to the Department of Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 12 years old. From 2006 to 2010, 4,028 children ages 12 and younger were killed in crashes and another estimated 660,000 children were injured in crashes involving a passenger vehicle. However, NHTSA reports that child restraints in the vehicle saved the lives of an estimated 9,611 children ages 4 and younger from 1975 to

2010. While safety is our top priority for everyone on our roadways, were calling on parents to do everything they can to protect our most vulnerable passengers, said Secretary LaHood. These new public service announcements will encourage parents to choose the right seat

Dear Editor, A Reader From The Desert Yes, you read correctTHE PRESS has reached a reader in the desert, Arizona to be exact. Our charity organization, F.A.C.E.S. Faith, Accountability, Community, Education and Services has gained a call from a gentleman in Arizona who spotted a worthy cause in the article in the 5/30 page 27 article on our Fight To End Child Abuse. We were happy to offer our new advocate and desert reader information on our cause. In addition, we wanted to share this experience with you and the community while thanking THE PRESS for its journalism and support. Weve been able to reach one more person about our passion and are hopeful to see an anonymous supporter in the near future! Regards, Lisa Catino-Thomas, F.A.C.E.S. Volunteer Extraordinaire

Quiet Valleys Summer Garden Party and Summer Tour Opening

On Saturday, June 16th, Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm will open for their Summer Tour Season starting with their fifth annual Summer Garden Party. Visitors coming to the farm for the historic tour will have a chance to involve themselves in a variety of gardenrelated activities. Learn about a typical Pennsylvania German kitchen garden and how to care for it, sit down with a gardener for a question and answer session, get help with garden plans, container gardens or tips on helpful techniques. Gary Oiler, horticulturist and agricultural educator, will be speaking on the traditional Three Sisters method of garden planting. This event is sponsored in part by a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Project Stream grant. This years Summer Garden Party will include your old favorites of a stroll through the garden, garden lore and samplings of yummy things made with fresh herbs and vegetables. There will also be new adventures at the party such as Zucchini - Friend or Foe, Herbs- Good for What Ails You and Herbs Are For Baking, Too. Included in the day is a childrens area called Growing and Sowing and at the outdoor brick bake oven herb breads will be baked and samples shared. A Garden Tea Party will be taking place during the day at 11:30 and 2:00. Ages ten and up can enjoy a country tea with fresh baked cookies, breads and cake, along with tea sandwiches, herbal teas and lemonade. Miss Proper Manners will share her views on correct tea party etiquette. Reservations are required. Tea Party attendees receive a discounted admission to the Historic Tour and Summer Garden Party. Artist Joan Raushi will be offering a Watercolor Workshop for beginning to intermediate students from 10:30 to 1:00. Pre-registration is required. This is a wonderful and fun learning experience in a casual setting. Visit quietvalley.org for more information.

What Memorial Day Means To Local Students

Nickolas Reto was one of six essay winners for the "What Memorial Day means to me" essay contest. Nick is a 6th grade student at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Roseto. The contest was open to local schools, and out of hundreds of essays, only six were chosen. Nick and the other winners read their essays at the Memorial Day celebration. They were given certificates in recognition of winning the American Legion Essay contest, and a medal. It was presented by MartocciCapobianco American Legion Post #750. ing the fallen soldiers who fought in all the wars America has been involved with over the years. We cant imagine the battles they go through for us to be free. We should be thankful that they risk their lives for us. There are only two people in this world who would lay down their life for you, Jesus Christ and an American soldier. They are the best people we have. They are strong, honorable and brave. They do their job and we should do our job by remembering that freedom is not free. That is what Memorial Day means to me.

This is Nicks Essay: What Memorial Day

Means To Me- Memorial Day is about honor-