Applestock Concert To Benefit Salvation Army

A benefit Concert will be held on September 14th, with proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army of the Slate Belt Food Pantry. Called the first ever Applestock Benefit Concert, it will be held at Apple Blossom Village in Mt. Bethel. Bands scheduled to perform include Peaceful Closure from Nazareth, as well as Double Top, No Reason and Surrender the Booty. Gates open at 1pm and musical acts start at 2pm and will perform constantly until 10pm. The event will also include a 50/50 raffle and a Tricky Tray auction. The Apple Blossom Farmers Market and Ice Cream Shop will be open during the event. Advance tickets are available for purchase at Apple Blossom Village or the Salvation Army, 301 W Main St, Pen Argyl. Vendors interested in a space for the event, or for updated information about the concert, visit the website at Peacefulclosure.net. You can also check out their facebook page and Reverb Nation.

By Maria Cascario Pen Argyl High School has a new principal, David Domchek, who is looking forward to his new position. Domchek obtained his B.A. in Criminal Justice and History from the University of Scranton and his Masters in Education and Principals Certification from Lehigh University. With an eclectic background in the educational field, he has a wealth of experience in all phases of administration and education. Originally, Domchek intended to go into the field of criminal justice to be some type of law enforcement official. His first job was at Glen Mills, and he said I liked working with kids at risk. It was a challenge to get them to learn, because they didnt want to. Learning was a struggle for me. It seemed like I had to work and try harder than everyone else. As an educator, I understand the

challenges students can face and persist in helping them understand how they learn so they can be successful. As an administrator, my initial objective is to look, listen and learn. Im ecstatic to be here at Pen Argyl. Its always wonderful to be in a community thats committed to itself in everything, he continued. Domchek said hes thankful for the efforts of Jason Oakley, Anne Marie Weaver, Robin Pagotto and Mary Kessler who were instrumental in helping him transition. They are absolutely phenomenal. He also said hes appreciative of the help of Tim Egan, Athletic Director, Nathan Roberts, Athletic Trainer, and Eric Sampson. Mr. Domchek already seems very much at home in his new environment and is looking forward to his administration at Pen Argyl High School.

Northampton Community College's Center for International Education is looking for several families to host Danish students for four or 10 weeks starting in October 2013. Host families will receive a $150 stipend per week

for each student. Hosts are required to provide transportation, meals, and suitable lodging for one to two students. For more information please email Monica Samson at msamson @northampton.edu or call 610-332-6442. The Rotary Club of

the Slate Belt will hold its Thursday, September 5th Meeting at The Slate Belt Heritage Center at 30 North First Street at 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited to the meeting. For more information and to register for the event contact Bill Skinner, President at the above contact information or Marc Blau of Slate Belt Heritage Center at blau@ epix.net. Admission is free but registration is recommended. We would like to wish Tony Eckhart a very Happy Birthday! He will be celebrating on August 30th. Have a great day, Tony! Happy Birthday wishes are sent to Dave Constable, who will be celebrating on September 3rd. Have a fantas-

tic day, Dave! The 36th Annual Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) is once again scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day. The festival kicks off on Friday evening, September 6th, and continues with full programs Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th, bringing together world-renowned jazz musicians with exciting up-and-coming talent. For more information about the annual Festival, please visit www.cotajazz.org or call 570-424-2210. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013

thepressnews@enter.net

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week of August 15th to August 21st, 2013. Adult Fiction: Cain, Chelsea Let Me Go; De la Cruz, Melissa Winds of Salem; Kingsbury, Karen Between Sundays; Macomber, Debbie Rose Harbor in Bloom; Nesbo, Jo The Leopard; Nesbo, Jo The Snowman; Palin, Michael The Truth; Reid, Ruth The Promise of an Angel; Robards, Karen The Last Kiss Goodbye; Siddons, Anne Rivers The House Next Door; White, Stephen Line of Fire. Adult Non-Fiction: Aczel, Amir Uranium Wars; Paul, Ron The Revolution; Sass, Erik The Mental Floss History of the United States; Traborrelli, J.

Randy The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe; Wallace, Danny Yes Man. Young Adult Fiction: Blakley-Cartwright, Sarah Red Riding Hood; Coben, Harlan Seconds Away; Colfer, Eoin Airman; Hobbs, Valerie The Last Best Days of Summer; Maguire, Gregory What The Dickens : The Story of a Rogue Tooth Fairy; Riggs, Ransom Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. DVDs: Along Came Polly; Evan Almighty; Identity; My Best Friend's Girl; Oceans Eleven; Paycheck; Pitch Black; White Noise; Wicker Park

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Mt. Bethel Fire Company will be holding a yard sale on Saturday September 14th, 2013 from 8a.m. until 2p.m. The yard sale will be held at fire hall. Both inside and outside spaces are available. Vendors: $25.00 will reserve 1 inside table or $40.00 for two tables, tables and chairs are provided for inside vendors. Parking lot spaces are $20.00 per space and you must bring your own tables and chairs. If you have any questions contact Gail Kneebone at (570)-897-6293.

Space rental fees are refundable with a minimum of 2 weeks notice. Please call as soon as you know you can not attend. You may reserve a space by clicking here, filling out the form, and send checks and form back to the Mt. Bethel Ladies Auxiliary, PO box 194, Mt.Bethel, PA 18343. This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. By supporting the vendor you are supporting the Fire Company and they appreciate your support. Thank you and they hope to see you there.

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.(3x) Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands.(3x) Say this Prayer for 3 consecutive days and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you . TJ

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 2445 Minsi Drive, Bangor advises there will be no change in the worship service schedule for the fall. Sunday School will meet at 8:30am. worship service at 9:45am. On the first and third Saturday of the month, worship service will be at 5:30pm. Holy Communion will be served at every service. September 8th is a very special day. At 8:30am., their Sunday School year will kick off with a Rally Day. All ages are welcome for this celebration! At their 9:45 worship service, they will celebrate Youth Sunday as their teenagers plan and lead worship. A volunteer staffed nursery will also be available during Sunday services beginning on September 8th. Hope you can join! The quilters of Prince of Peace will be meeting

every Tuesday at 9am. commencing on September 3rd. This group has provided a substantial number of small quilts and lap covers to local nursing homes and other church affiliated organizations. Prince of Peace will host the program, Gentle Yoga: Managing Stress and Coping with Lifes Transitions, on four consecutive Saturday mornings, October 5th,12th,19th and 26th from 10:0011:30am., presented by Wendy Littner Thomson, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). No prior experience is needed and everyone is welcome. There is a $40 fee for the Series. To be most effective, please plan to attened the four Saturdays. For more information, please contact Cathy Mullen at 610-588-2477.

St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran Church is having their Chili Cook Off on October 12th, noon until 4:00pm, at the church, 1422 Church Road, Plainfield Township. The event will be held rain or shine. They need cooks to see who makes the best chili in the Slate Belt-Nazareth area. Judging will be held at 3pm. To enter your wonderful chili please call Earl Brewer at 610-863-7879. Now

come on you know you make the best chili! There will be crafts, face painting, a pie eating contest, music, food, a bake sale and an old fashion good time.

FHA MORTGAGES Do you think you can't afford a home? Don't sell yourself short. A large percentage of Buyers purchase their homes by using the Federal Housing Administration mortgage program. The program allows Buyers who do not have a lot of money saved to buy a home. The mortgage process can be very difficult, or, flow easily depending on the quality of the Mortgage Company and originator that you are working with. Basic information is: 1. You will need 3 1/2 % of the selling price as a down payment..that is..on a 100,000 home you will need $ 3,500. You can get this money as a gift from a relative. 2. FHA does not use credit scores to evaluate creditworthiness. Don't get me wrong..you have to prove to them that you will pay the loan by showing a reasonable credit history. 3. In addition to the down payment there will be closing costs amounting to approximately 6% of the purchase price. The program allows for the Seller to pay these on your behalf. 4. Since you are not putting 20% down on your new home you will be required to pay "Mortgage Insurance Premium". This aspect is very complicated..call me if you are interested in the details. NEWS FLASH TODAY FHA Rule changes.. .The Good: FHA underwriters are now allowed to consider items that may have affected credit..such as.. If you lost a house as a result of losing employment t and have re-established credit...now the underwriters will be able to consider this

as a major event. There is an avenue to obtaining a loan. Be sure that the "satisfaction piece" has been recorded. That is... when the lender buys back the house at a sheriff sale they must, by law, satisfy the mortgage at the Courthouse. It must have boon off of your record for 1 year for FHA to overlook the occurance. Ot is my understanding that they are now going to be more "understanding" of items that have negatively affected your credit score. The Bad: In the past Underwriters were able to push your back end ratio from the prescribed 43% of income ..sometimes up to 50%. Now this is not going to be allowed. The result is that you may not qualify for as high of a priced home as you would have previously. ..that will also be a result of the rising interest rates. The Theory of this story is... BUY NOW... Interest rates are approximately 4 1/2 % today.. If you would like more detailed info..the names of some very good lenders..or any real estate information feel free to call us at The Great American Real Estate Company, 610-863-6205.

(NAPSI)When mosquito season is here, Americans need to be vigilant about protecting themselves and their families. Not only are mosquitoes a terrible nuisance, they can carry West Nile virus, so its essential to do all you can to keep the bloodthirsty biters away. This has proven to be a challenge for many. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults dont use mosquito repellent because they dont like to put chemicals on their skin, according to a new survey conducted online by Harris Interactive. And 80 percent say that they prefer using natural products for themselves and their families, when available. Fortunately, its now possible to beat the bite of the menacing mosquito-gnats and midges, too-with two all-natural, area repellents: the portable Terminix AllClear TableTop Mosquito Repeller and the personal, clipable Terminix AllClear SideKick Mosquito Repeller. Both employ a fanbased diffusion technology to circulate a botanical scent of lemongrass, cinnamon, peppermint and geranium oils thats safe, when used as directed, to protect people outdoors without need-

ing to spray anything on the skin. This all-natural repellent safely and effectively repels up to 95 percent of mosquitoes, and has been proven equal to chemical area repellents. These additional tips from the experts at Universal Pest Solutions will also help to keep mosquitoes away: Regularly empty water from birdbaths, toys, buckets and ceramic pots. Clean out other potential breeding areas such as rain gutters and catch basins. Cut and clear away tall grass and weeds. Add larvicides such

An all-natural botanical solution can safely and effectively repel up to 95 percent of mosquitoes, a rate equal to chemical area repellents. as mosquito dunks (or BTIs) to standing bodies of water. For more informtion, visit allclearmister.com.

The Monroe County Historical Association 5th Annual Olde Time Fun: childrens activities on Saturday, August 31, 11am until 3pm in the backyard of the Stroud Mansion, 900 Main Street, Stroudsburg. This event will coincide with StroudFest in downtown Stroudsburg. Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold an Adoption Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, at Tractor Supply, 2970 Route 940, Pocono Summit.. Safe Haven will have many young dogs available for you to meet

and get to know. For more information about Safe Haven, and to find a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at SafeHaven @epix.com. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. Rotary of the Slate Belt and The Slate Belt Heritage Center will be holding a Networking Mixer at the Heritage Center, 30 N. 1st St., Bangor, on Thursday September 5th. Meeting 6:30pm to 7pm open to the public followed by a mixer

from 7pm to 9pm with tours. Admission is free. Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club monthly meeting, Thursday, September 5, 7:30 p.m. in the Bethlehem Township Community Center, 2900 Farmersville Road, Bethlehem. Program: "Morse Code and Ham Radio in the Movies" - Brad/W3JXQ. Members and interested general public are welcome. Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/qKUJC FMI: www.dlarc.org, KE3AW@ARRL.NET or 610.432.8286. Block Party East Bangor Vol. Fire Co.: Clams, sausage sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs, beer, soda, kiddie games, big 6 wheel, dime toss, Friday Sept 13th 6pm-11pm & Saturday Sept 14th 3pm-11pm; Pig Roast 9/14 4pm-7pm $17.50 includes pork, roll, 2 sides dishes, corn, and 1 beverage For tickets call 610-588-5996 or stop by the fire companies private club, Cake Walk 9/14 @7pm.

Camp Papillon Pet Adoption and Rescue Yard Sale: at Washington Pet Store, Blue Valley Drive, Bangor, on September 14th. They are in need of vendors and crafters. FMI: email darla26@epix.net. Merchants Bank Walkers bus trip to New York: Sept. 15th. Leaving the Merchants Bank, 191 Branch at 9am and departing from New York at 6pm. FMI: contact Karen Campanaro at 610-588-9211 or Tracey Hower at 610-588-0981. Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold an adoption day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, at Tractor Supply, Rte. 209, Brodheadsville. Safe Haven will have many young dogs available for you to meet and get to know. Safe Haven requires a pre-adoption application with references and a home visit prior to adoption. For more information about Safe Haven, and to find a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org .

Contact Safe Haven at SafeHaven@epix.com. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. Basket Bingo East Bangor Vol Fire Co: September 27th 7pm; Doors open at 6pm, Tickets in advance $20. Tickets at the door $25. Call 610-588-5996. Looking for classmates from Bangor Area High School from graduating class of 1974. We are having a gathering on September 21st. For additional information of place, time and cost please call Sue (Melnick) Hartmann at 570 424 6016. If no answer please leave a message and I will return your call. Citizens Fire Co. Basket Bingo featuring Longaberger Baskets: 3922 Main Street, Slatedale, on Saturday, September 28th, doors open at noon, games start at 1pm. Kitchen open. Community Presbyterian Church in Mt. Bethel Craft Bazaar: Saturday, September 28th. To reserve space, call

570-897-6766. Space is limited and will be on a first-come/first-served basis. Knife Show - Easton, PA: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 and 29, Show hours: Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM; Sunday: 9 AM to 3 PM. Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Easton. Families First 11th Annual Race & 1 Mile Fun Walk: Saturday, October 5th, rain or shine. Registration for the race/walk will begin at the Wind Gap Borough Park at 7:45am with the race starting at 9am. To register call Race Chairperson, Phil Giaquinto at 610-746-4436 or via email to giaquinto.phil @penargylsd.org. MediCare Q&A with Licensed Producer Barbara Blyskal of Sterling Insurance: Every Tuesday, 1pm to 3pm at Bangor Public Library, 39 South Main Street, Bangor. FMI, call Barbara at 484-685-3146.

(NAPSI)High blood pressure can greatly increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, but theres good news if you are living with this condition. In addition to medication, there are proactive steps you can take to control your blood pressure and help improve your heart health. Certain populations, such as women and African-Americans, are at greater risk for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. After the age of 65, a higher percentage of women have hypertension as compared to men. Additionally, approximately 40 percent of AfricanAmerican women have high blood pressure. Higher rates of obesity and diabetes, compared to other groups, also put African-Americans at greater risk for high blood pressure and heart disease. Other risk factors, such as family history, advanced age, lack of physical activity and poor dietespecially one that includes too much saltcan also contribute to high blood pressure. Tips For Taking Control Take control of your blood pressure with these six tips from the American Heart Association that are good for your heart and brain: 1. De-stress. Take a break from work and listen to relaxing music or meditate. 2. Fit in physical activity. Regular, moderateto-vigorous physical activity can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol at hearthealthy levels and help you maintain a healthy weight. Walking is a great way to get started, but also consider

jogging, yoga or a cardio class. 3. Eat heart-healthy foods. Healthy foods give you more energy, keep your brain fed and help prevent other health problems. If youve got to eat on the run, choose nutritious snacks. 4. Reduce your sodium intake. Eating too many salty foods can lead to high blood pressure. The average American consumes more than twice the 1,500 milligrams recommended by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. More than 75 percent of the sodium consumed in the U.S. comes from processed and restaurant foods. 5. Limit caffeine. Water is usually the best choice. 6. Dont smoke. Smoking is the No. 1 preventable cause of death. These factors hit home for Tisha DixonWilliams. At 31, she thought she was pretty healthy, despite a junkfood diet. Then one day she felt dizzy and couldnt maintain her balance. I didnt want to accept that something could be wrong, she said. I finally went to the doctor, and when I walked in my blood pressure was 190 over

120. I was a walking stroke. The Brooklyn resident also found out that high blood pressure ran in her family. She now controls her risk by doing something she loves: dancing. Other positive lifestyle changes, such as eating more nutritious foods as well as taking blood pressure medication, have helped her gain control both on and off the dance floor. Taking small steps toward eating healthier and getting more physical activity is a commit-

ment that more people need to adopt, said Jennifer Mieres, M.D., American Heart Association spokesperson and Medical Director, Center for Learning and Innovation, North Shore LIJ Health System in New York. We need to remember that 80 percent of heart disease is preventable, so simple changes can help, she said. For more information, including tools, resources and an online tracker, visit www.heart360.org/You ArethePower.

The Monroe County Historical Association will host the 5th Annual Olde Time Fun childrens activities on Saturday, August 31st, from 11am until 3pm in the backyard of the Stroud Mansion, 900 Main Street, Stroudsburg. This event will coincide with StroudFest in downtown Stroudsburg. The Monroe County Historical Association will also hold an Open House with free tours of the historic 1795 Stroud Mansion in conjunction with the Olde Time Fun event. Various kid-friendly activity stations featuring historic games, demonstrations and crafts for children will be located throughout the backyard. Dressed in period attire, members of the

142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Civil War reenactment group will be available to discuss Monroe County Civil War veterans and showcase what life was like for local soldiers during the War. Adding to the festivities of the afternoon, local musical ensemble The Wayfarers and Company will perform songs and tunes using a guitar, hammered and lap dulcimers, fiddle, flute, mandolin, harp and a banjo. In the event of inclement weather, Olde Time Fun will be moved to the second floor of the Stroud Mansion. Please note the second floor is not handicap accessible. Children must be supervised at all times. The Olde Time Fun is free and open to the

public. Donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, please contact the Monroe County Historical Association at (570) 421-7703 or visit the website at monroe historical.org. The Monroe County Historical Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and preserving Monroe Countys rich history.

St. Lukes is sponsoring a number of 5K run/ walk and fitness activities in late August, September and October. The walk/ runs each have a specific purpose, from honoring trauma patients to raising funds for mens cancer and local childrens programs or for increasing fitness and improving health in the community. Choose a run/walk that works for you and your family and get involved! The mileage of the walks/runs count towards the Get Your Tail on the Trail program and the 165 Mile Challenge. (tailonthetrail.org) St. Lukes 8th Annual Run With the Heroes 5K Run / Walk, Honors the St. Lukes trauma patient heroes and caregivers, 7:30 am on Saturday, September 14, 2013 100 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth, PA 18064 7:30 am check-in 8:30 am run / walk begins- rain or shine. To register: sluhn.org/traumaheroes St. Lukes Blue Ribbon 5K Race & Family Fun Walk Proceeds benefit Mens Health Initiatives through St. Lukes Cancer Center 7:30 am on Sunday, September 29, 2013 Race / Walk begins on

the trail in the Gardens at St. Lukes Hospital Anderson Campus 1872 Riverside Circle, Easton, PA 18045 7:30 am sign-in 8:30 am 5K Race Family Fun Walk begins at completion of race. $25 5k registration fee (awards for top three male and top three female runners) $15 Walk registration fee (no fee for children under 12) Walk and run registrations include t-shirt on race-day Registration closes Wed, Sept 4. Information and registration for Blue Ribbon 5k Race and Family Fun Walk: http://www. sluhn.org/blueribbon5k St. Lukes Miners Campus Cares for Kids 5K and Kids Fun Run / Walk Proceeds benefit St. Lukes Miners Community Health programs (HealthStar vans, literacy programs, smoking cessation programs, etc) 9 am on Saturday, September 14, 2013 (rain or shine) Lansford Pool is the starting point, loops around the St. Lukes Miners Hospital 111 E Bertsch St, Lansford, PA, 18232 5K Run & Walk - $20 pre-registration each, $25 day of event Kids Fun Run - $5 (kids 12 and under) Registration for St. Lukes Miners Campus

Cares for Kids events: www.sluhn.org/caresfor kids. St. Lukes Monster Mash and 5K Dash Proceeds benefit the Upper Perkiomen YMCA 9 am on Saturday, October 5 St. Lukes Upper Perkiomen Outpatient Center 2793 Gerryville Pike, Pennsburg, PA 18073 Early Registration $20 per person or $50 per family Race day registration: $25 per person or $55 per family (registration includes t-shirt) Registration for St. Lukes Quakertown Harvest Fest and Monster Mash: www.sluhn.org/harvestf est. Get Your Tail on the Trail (Walk, bike, run you choose the activity!) 9 am on August 24 Bethlehem Sand Island 10 am on September 28 Easton access D&L Trail off of Hope Road in Bethlehem Twp. 10 am on October 26 Phillipsburg, NJ Access Trail at Hugh Moore Park in Easton No cost. Register for walks at 1-866STLUKES (1-866-7858537) More information about the program, 165 mile challenge and how to log your miles may be found at www.tailon thetrail.org.

By Beth Miller (NAPSI)Cursive is back in the spotlight. For the 2013 school year, learning to read and write in cursive may be an optional part of elementary school education in many U.S. public schools. The controversy about cursive lessons in modern classroom curricula is about more than reading grandmas cookie recipes and signing credit card receipts, as many might think. The Back to Basics Law, signed this June in North Carolina, maintains that cursive fluency improves fine motor skills and lights up the creative parts of the brain more than typing does. And a recent College Board study showed that students who write their SAT essays in cursive score higher than peers who print them. However, most educators in the U.S. have sentenced cursive to a dismal fate. While it seems the debate is settled with the rollout of the Common Core Standards in 45 states, are curriculum designers making a mistake in eliminating it

from classroom instruction? Despite the poor prognosis handed down for cursive instruction by educators, American adults and children feel strongly about its demise, with passions often flaring on both sides of the issue. Read any article on the subject online, and marvel at the sheer number of reader comments both in support of children learning to read and write in cursive and those who see it as antiquated and useless in the 21st century. For those in favor of its continued instruction, familiar questions often arise: How will kids read historical documents? What next...will schools stop teaching spelling because of computer spell-check programs? Beyond those oft-cited concerns, are there greater long-term implications on a generation that grows up not knowing how to read or write in cursive? Will cursive illiteracy harm them in the job market? What impression will cursive-fluent adults have on other adults who do not know

cursive? According to a recent survey conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of USA Gold pencils, almost 90 percent of Americans feel it is still necessary to practice reading and writing in cursive. And nearly eight in 10 adults and close to seven in 10 children believe cursive writing should be taught in schools, as it will always be necessary. When asked whether they feel that cursive writing is a skill that all workers, no matter their occupation, should know, 70 percent of U.S. adults agreed it is a skill that workers should possess. Additionally, more than half of all women in hiring positions indicated that cursive should be an essential skill for a job candidate. Before we tell students to put their #2 pencils down for good, there are more questions to ask. Theres the worry among some parents about the variances between the quality of education available at public schools and private schools. Will cursive continue to be taught in independent

schools, thereby widening the knowledge gap among socioeconomic groups? Will more affluent parents find ways to teach cursive at home or seek out programs that offer it to their children in hopes of giving them a leg up in a competitive job market down the road? Hope is not lost for cursive loyalists. Since its instruction isnt expressly prohibited in the Common Core, public school teachers may choose to continue offering cursive lessons in their classrooms. And now that weve had a chance to hear from American adults and kids in support of keeping cursive in the classroom, teachers may begin to pencil it back into their lesson plans this school year and for years to come. Visit Target and Walmart stores or Amazon.com to purchase USA Gold #2 pencils for your students this school year. And join the conversation at www.facebook.com/wri tedudes or on Twitter @thewritedudes.
Ms. Miller is a communications executive in the San Francisco Bay Area.

(NAPSI)When buying a used car, its important to look for problems that arent apparent to the naked eye. You might think of damage or fraud, but this includes any finan-

cial issues as well. For starters, make sure any unpaid liens have been resolved before buying the car. A lien is a legal right to the vehicle by a third party to ensure the repayment of a debt or

other financial obligation. If you buy a vehicle with a lien on its title, you become legally obligated to pay off the debts. The lien also prevents you from registering the car until the lien is paid off. One way to help protect yourself is to get a Carfax Vehicle History Report. It can contain a wide variety of information reported on the vehicle, such as title information, accident history and odometer readings, as well as financial issues, such as liens against the car. Visit carfax.com to get a Carfax Report and learn more.

The Eastburg Community Alliance's Dansbury Depot Committee, is seeking vendors, and exhibitors for its annual Fall Festival. The Fall Foliage Train Excursion on October 12th. Festivities will take place in East Stroudsburg from 11am.- 4:30pm, in

Miller Park near the Historic Dansbury Depot. They are delighted to announce that a train from Steamtown will be coming. It will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg with Abraham Lincoln, several Civil War gener-

als, their wives, and a military band on board. Theyre seeking artists, crafts persons, as well as non-profit organizations and members of our local farming community. To join in this event and offer goods, and/or activities that celebrate Autumn in the Poconos. Categories include, but are not limited to, seasonal produce, home canning, home-baked goods (pies, fudge, candy apples etc.) arts, crafts, needlework, ceramics, pottery, wood works, seasonal decorations, and items. They are also seeking vendors of train related goods and items that celebrate their local railroad history here in East Stroudsburg. Any non-profit, or charitable organizations that wish to promote their work at this event. There will be organize games, and family-focused activities for the community are welcome to attend. Vendor participation costs $25. A 501c3 non-profit organization, will pay their fee unless they are only dispensing information. Any funds raised will benefit the Historic Dansbury Depot Preservation Project. Booth Space is 10x 10. Application and fee required by October 8th. Please contact Sonya Cole at scole@ptd.net for a vendor application. For event information, please contact Sonya at 570-424-5633.

(NAPSI)Families that spend more time in nature may see some surprising benefits. Research has shown that children who play outside in nature have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others. Not every child gets these advantages, however. The Problem: Studies show that all too many children dont spend much time outdoors, even those

among the more than 245 million Americans who live within 100 miles of a national forest or grassland. If children do spend time outdoors, it is typically spent participating in activities such as biking, walking, listening to music or using electronic devices. Nature-based activities, such as birdwatching, hiking, camping and fishing, are not as common. As a result, children are not developing a relationship with or appreciation for nature. Some Encour-

agement: To help, the U.S. Forest Service and the Ad Council launched a public service advertising (PSA) effort, Discover The Forest, to encourage families to reconnect with nature. Originally launched in 2009, the campaign has new work this year, created pro bono by Burrell Communications, specifically targeting African American parents. For urban-dwelling families, nature can seem even farther away, but the truth is that most

Americans live within 90 minutes of a forest or parkand it is worth the trip. The forest is a unique environment where children can flex their imagination muscles through exploration and discovery, and as any parent

knows, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing their childrens eyes light up when they discover something new. The campaign website, www.DiscoverTheFore st.org, features interactive games, a list of

facebook.com/discoverthefor est and adcouncil.org.

activity ideas and a convenient forest locator, powered by NatureFind and Google Maps, which lets users find the closest forest or park. To learn more, visit

Rotary of the Slate Belt Hosting Mixer with Slate Belt Heritage Center
The Rotary Club of the Slate Belt will hold its Thursday September 5th Meeting at The Slate Belt Heritage Center at 30 North First Street at 6:30 PM. Everyone is invited to the meeting. Following the meeting at 7:00 PM there will be a Networking Mixer until 9:00 PM. During the mixer there will be tours of the newly designed Center. It has a great collection of historical artifacts of the Slate Belt. Come network with other members of our communities and see this magnificent tribute to the history of our area. Mario Scavello State Representative and candidate for the new Senate Seat that will encompass the Slate Belt will be attending the event. For more information and to register for the event contact Bill Skinner, President at the above contact information or Marc Blau of Slate Belt Heritage Center at blau@epix.net. Admission is free but registration is recommended. If you would like to know how you could become involved with Rotary Club of the Slate Belt please join us at our meeting to learn how you can help give back to our local communities.. We meet every Thursday Night from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at The Scorecard Restaurant in Wind Gap. Rotary of the Slate Belt is a satellite club of West End Rotary.

Witnesses: Local Road Repairs and Building Projects Go Undone in Pennsylvania Due to Prevailing Wage Law
Pennsylvanias prevailing wage laws costs jobs, taxes and economic development according to municipal officials who testified before the House Labor and Industry Committee Thursday in State College. Rep. Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland), who presided over the meeting, said reform of the Prevailing Wage Law is needed for the benefit of taxpayers. Prevailing wage prevents local governments from funding necessary projects, said Bloom. Under prevailing wage, Pennsylvanias municipalities and school districts just cant afford to complete projects or dont do them at all. Those who testified included township managers, supervisors, a county commissioner and union officials. The hearing was held at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College, the first in a series on the topic of Prevailing Wage Law reforms. Additional hearings are slated for Stroud Township, Monroe County, on Aug. 29; Williamsport, Lycoming County, on Sept. 10; and Johnstown, Cambria County, on Sept. 16. Pennsylvanias Prevailing Wage Law requires municipalities and school districts to pay the prevailing minimum wage to those individuals working on public construction projects. The Prevailing Wage Act does not specify how the prevailing minimum wage in a locality is to be determined, and the act leaves much discretion to the secretary of labor and industry as to how to set the wage. Currently, the secretary of labor and industry is opting to use the area union wage rates as the prevailing wage rate that is to be paid on public projects. It is argued by Prevailing Wage Act reform proponents that union wage rates are more comparable to wage rates paid in larger cities, and often do not reflect rural areas.