The Relay For Life of the Slate Belt committee is busy planning their 2014 event.

It will be held May 16th and 17th at the Bangor Memorial Park from 4pm to 4pm. To prepare for the carnival-themed weekend, the relay teams are holding the annual Power Of Purple at St. Marys Church in Wind Gap at 7pm on Monday, March 3rd. The public is invited and encouraged to come, to help support and cheer on the teams. All teams will be represented with their fundraisers. Cora Garippa encourages everyone to stop clowning around and sign up for the 2014 Relay For Life of the Slate Belt! Representatives from the American Cancer Society will be present to answer any questions and

concerns. Bob Weber, Chairman of the 2014 Relay, will be there to help teams and survivors register for the event. There will be refreshments served and raffle tickets for many Relay items will be on sale. The committee is looking forward to meeting and greeting many people from the community.

Since 2001, Families First has provided a hand-up to residents in the Pen Argyl Area School District community through numerous free programs and services, most notably Across Ages, a middle school mentoring program, Learning Together, a high school mentoring program, and, of course, the new After-School Tutoring Program, initiated in September of 2008. Families First is entirely supported by grants, donations and fundraising activities, along with in-kind support from the Pen Argyl Area School District. The Families First Slate Belt Idol competition will be held on Friday evening April 25th. If you are 16 years or older, you are invited to attend the open audition on

Wednesday, March 19th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Wind Gap Middle School Auditorium, 1620 Teels Road in Wind Gap. A photo will be taken at the time of your audition. Each contestant must be prepared with a short bio and a song ready to sing acapella. You must be available for the

show date and one rehearsal date, Thursday, April 24nd, at 7pm. The winner will be chosen by the total number of dollar votes by the audience. There will be two rounds, then a winner will be crowned. In addition to the SBI title winners recieve $500 and a recording session. The runner up will receive $250.

There will also be an optional Judges Choice cash prize. The competition is open to Slate Belt area residents including Wind Gap, Pen Argyl and Bangor. It is also open to all Lehigh County, Northampton County and Monroe County residents. Please contact Carol at 610-248-5843 for more information.

On Saturday, February 8th, the Bangor Area High School Theatre Department hosted a pancake breakfast with the cast of Seussical the Musical. Popular Dr. Seuss characters, including the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and many others performed musical numbers for attendees and were available to play games, read to, and take pictures with children of all ages. More than 250 satisfied customers took part in this fundraising venture, and the members of the steering committee and the cast would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the surrounding community

for their generous support. The event was held to raise funds and advertise for the upcoming high school production of Seussical the Musical. The high school performance opens on February 27th and runs until March 1st, with two shows on Saturday. The evening shows begin at 7pm and the Saturday matinee begins at 2pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the box office in the high school theater lobby on weeknights from 2:30pm until 5:15pm. Call the high school office, at 610599-7011 for futher information. The Broadway production features characters

from many of Dr. Seuss works, including Horton Hears a Who, Yertle the Turtle, and Other Stories, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and various other books. Children will be entertained by the familiar faces from the many books and movie adap-

tations. However, adults of all ages will also be blown away by this outstanding production. High school students successfully master deep subject matter, ranging from adoption to plastic surgery. The production teaches the audience the importance of maintain-

ing a positive attitude while taking the characters on a journey of discovery of self-worth. The show contains many emotionally-charged moments that could stimulate the tear ducts of many theater aficionados. Aside from the heartwarming story line, the production features outstanding dance performances, including a full-cast tap number to close the show. The costumes and set transport the audience directly into a Seuss story, making the stage look like the Jungle of Nool and the small planet of Whoville. Thanks to the hard work of director Mr. Butch DiMinco and

choir director Mrs. Rebecca Kranich, the cast and crew have crafted an astonishing show that is sure to entertain. Tickets are available now and can also be purchased at the door.

The Blue Mountain Community Library is collecting nonperishable foods for St. Josephs Food Ministry of Wind Gap now through March 15th. Please bring food donations to the library, located at 216 S. Robinson Ave, Pen Argyl. For more information, visit bmcl.org or call Lisa at 610-863-3029. Blue Valley Farm Show scholarship applications are now available. The scholar-

ships are available to those who are or have been a member of Northampton County 4-H Clubs. Two $500 scholarshipsare available for the 2015 school year. Applications must be received by March 31st. The scholarships will be presented during the annual Blue Valley Farm Show in August. For more infomation, contact Audrey Koehler at 610-498-3389. Kindergarten Registration at Plainfield

Elementary School in Pen Argyl Area School District will be held April 8th through 10th. Appointments are necessary, which are available by phone between the hours of 9am and 3:15pm, begining February 24th. Please note that calls before February 24th will not be accepted. Parents should schedule appointments by contacting the school at 610-746-4436. To be eligible for kindergarten for 2014, the child must be five years old on or before September 1st. Also, a copy of proof of immunization and the childs birth certificate must be presented at the time of regestration for the school to keep on file. The Monroe Animal Leauge is offering a $500 scholarship to any high school senior in Monroe County who is planning to obtain a degree in the field of animal welfare (Humane Officer, Vet. Tech, Veterinarian, Shelter Management). You may obtain an application from any Monroe County high school guidance counseler. All applications must

be submitted no later than April 30th. Please contact, 570-476-8444 with questions. Pennsylvanias Low Income Home Energy Assistance grant program is now accepting applications. LIHEAP provides grants up to $1,000 to help low-income families pay heating bills during the winter months. LIHEAP also offers crisis grants of up to $500 for families who experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage or utility termination. Local residents can apply for LIHEAP grants online at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website, at compass.state.pa.us. For more information, call 1-866-857-7095. Happy Birthday to Denise Baarda who will be celebrating on February 19th. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries and tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013 thepressmail@ gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week of February 6th to February 12th: Adult Fiction: Berenson, Alex The Counterfeit Agent; Bradbury, Ray From The Dust Returned : New York; Cook, Robin Cell; Frank, Dorothea Benton Plantation; Gussin, Patricia Weapon of Choice; Isaacs, Susan Past Perfect; Kellerman, Jonathan Killer; Lansens, Lori The Wifes Tale; Potts, Sharon Someones

Watching; McFadyen, Cody Shadow Man. Adult Non-Fiction: Birmelin, Immanuel My Parakeet; Ireland; 100 Best Appetizer Recipes; Santos, John Phillip The Farthest Home is in a Empire of Fire. Large Print Fiction: Davis, Susan Page Love Finds You in Prince Edward; Jackson, Lisa Twice Kissed. Easy Reader Fiction: Slater, Teddy The Littles and the Big Blizzard. Easy Reader NonFiction: Moffatt, Judith Valentines.

The 2013-14 Colonial League Girls Basketball All-league Team is zs followed: First Team: Trista Cunningham, Northwestern Lehigh; Karlee Krchnavi, Palisades; Jade Farquhar, Palmerton; Meagan Eripret, Salisbury; and Madelene Mcdonald, South-

ern Lehigh. Second Team: Sabrina Mertz, Northwestern Lehigh; Sarah Segan, Northwestern Lehigh; Gabby Altmire, N o t r e Dame Gp; Madison Mummey, Palmerton; and Sara Cinelli, Pen Argyl. Honorable mention goes to Meredith

Colton, Bangor; Chandler Zungolo, Bangor; Josephine Noonan, Palisades; Lindsay Bauer, Salisbury; Kelly Gonoude, Salisbury; Melann Amory, Southern Lehigh; Madison Campbell, Southern Lehigh; and Madison Quinn, Wilson.

The Bangor Area School District will be offering Gearing Up for Kindergarten this spring. The program will be held at the Washington Elementary School on Wednesdays from March 12th through April 2nd, and the Five Points Elementary School on Thursdays from March 13th through April 3rd, from 6pm to 7:30pm. The Gearing Up for Kindergarten program is intended

for families with a child who is entering kindergarten in the fall of 2014. The classes run for an hour and a half. The program offers parent/child activities, as well as separate child preparation and parent education classes. Parent topics include learning styles/school readiness, temperament, early literacy/math, social emotional development, nurturance and prevention tools, nutri-

tion, safety, and a parents role in school success. Preschool topics include math activities, science exploration, motor development, sensory development and reading/literacy. The program is free of charge, with child care being offered for siblings. Registration forms are available on the Districts website, at the elementary schools or by calling Rosemary Kocher at 610-5882163, ext. 78803#.

Sandy at 484-894-1393 Seussical the Musical: February 27th, 28th, & March 1st. Bangor Area High School, 5 Pts. Richmond Rd., Bangor. FMI & tickets, call 610599-7011. Fun Fridays in February at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos, 940A Ann St. in Stroudsburg. A Poetry Workshop with Jim E. will be held on February 21st at 6pm, and Family Board Game Night on February 28th at 7pm. Donations are accepted. See uupoconos.org for more information. Rescue Fire Co #1 holds 25 Cent Bingo, Saturday March 8th, 1:30pm. Children welcome with an Adult. 1st Street Bangor, games start at 2pm, FMI: 610-9055393 Blood Drive: March 9th, 11am-4pm. Hope UCC, 2nd and Cherry St., Wind Gap. Boomer's Angels Dog Adoption Day: Sunday, March 9th,

Bangor Public Library, is hosting a Get Writing! Get Published! event: Tuesday, February 18th, 6:30pm. Join them for a free talk designed for people who love to write. Presented by the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Sign up at the library circulation desk or by email at bngrpl@ epix.net. Be sure to include your name & contact information in the body of the email. Blue Mountain Garden Club Meeting: February 19th, 7pm. Totts Gap Art Institute. Topic: Care for Houseplants. FMI, call 610588-5764. Tricky Tray to benefit the American Diabetes Association: Friday, February 21st. Slate Belt Indoor Flea Market, 445 American Bangor Rd. Doors open at 4pm; raffle begins at 6pm. still accepting donations! Call Denielle at 704-807-6863 or

11am-2pm., 1310 Blue Valley Drive/Rt 512, Pen Argyl, Meet some of the beautiful loving dogs for adoption! FMI, v i s i t www.BoomersAngels. com, find them on Facebook, or call 570-3504977. Camp Papillon Adoption Day: Sunday, March 9th, 11am-3pm. Route 209, Brodheadsville. Come and meet the dogs, cats and critters for adoption! Why not fill out an online application and get preapproved. Email adopt @camppapillon.org, visit camppapillon.org or call 570-420-0450. Boomer's Angels Dog Adoption Day: Sunday, March 30th. 11am-2pm, Route 209, Brodheadsville. Meet some of the beautiful loving dogsfor adoption. FMI, visit BoomersAngels.com, find them on Facebook, or call 570-350-4977. East Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Featuring Vera Bradley: Sunday, March 30th, 11:30am. Space is limited & booking fast, so please contact them to reserve your ticket. 5354 Nor-Bath Blvd, Northampton. Bingo will start at 1pm. FMI & tickets, call 610-7677140. Ladies Auxiliary of

Mt. Bethel Fire Co. 19th Annual Spring Show: March 29th, 9am-3pm. Fire hall on Route 611 in Mt. Bethel. FMI, call 570-897-5308 or 570-234-6505. Craft & Home Based Vendor Show: April 5th, 9am-3pm. Trinity Lutheran Church, 404 Broadway, Bangor. Free admission and parking. Raffle, door prizes, snacks and lunch available. FMI, call 610588-9211, 610-5889268 or 610-588-9262 The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church is sponsoring a bus trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Strasburg to see MOSES on Thursday, May 1st. The trip includes the bus, show and smorgasbord dinner. For more information, call Jackie Williams Bartosh at 570-9926820, or Chris Ott at 610-588-1429. Having a Community Event? Promote it in The PRESS and make it a Huge Success! Just email your info to thepressmail@gmail.c om with subject PA Community Events

(NAPSI)Computers and Smart Boards are a common staple in todays classrooms, and with programs like bring your own device to school, smartphones and tablets are also seeing increased use in schools. The use of technology both in and out of the classroom has many benefits for students, but it can also take a toll on their eye health and vision if proper precautions arent followed. According to the American Optometric Associations (AOA) 2013 American Eye-Q survey, 85 percent of parents indicate their children use electronic devices up to four hours per day. The survey also indicates that 41 percent of children have their own smartphone or tablet and 32 percent use both e-books and textbooks at school.

Additionally, 66 percent of children use a computer or tablet to do homework or study. With the consistent use of electronic devices both in and out of school, children of all ages can face a number of visual challenges. Frequent, prolonged use of technology can lead to a temporary condition called computer vision syndrome, or CVS. Symptoms may include eyestrain, headaches, fatigue, burning or tired eyes, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain. To rest eyes, students should follow the 20-20-20 ruletake a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away. As the use of electronic devices increases, eye doctors are providing agespecific tips and warning signs for parents and

teachers to be on the lookout for this school year that may indicate an undiagnosed vision problem or CVS: Preschool/Kindergart en Children: Limit tech time to two hours or less and increase screen font size. During this stage, parents should also be aware of physical signs that may flag a potential vision problem, such as: Improper eye alignment or if one or both

eyes turn inward or outward Excessive blinking or eye rubbing when children do near work Difficulty recognizing colors, shapes, letters and numbers. Elementary School Children: Encourage kids to use smartphones only for quick tasks such as texting, and to position devices half an arms length awayslightly below eye level.

Parents should ask children at this age: Do words swim on a screen or in a book? Do they lose their place frequently when reading? Does the child experience frequent headaches during the school week or while performing near work? Are the childs grades high in nonvisual classes and lower in other, more visually focused classes like math or reading? Middle/High School Children: Remind students that computers should be positioned 20 to 28 inches away from their eyes, with the top of the screen at eye level. Background settings on smartphones should be adjusted to keep vision comfortable. To stay involved with childrens vision, parents should ask: How long can my children read before they need to take a

visual break? Does my child perform with a lowered level of comprehension? Does my child experience discomfort or fatigue or have a short attention span? Additional warning signs include: Squinting while reading or watching television Turning or tilting the head or covering an eye Consistently performing below potential or struggling to complete homework Having behavioral problems. The AOA recommends that a childs first eye exam take place at 6 months of age, then at age 3, again before kindergarten and yearly thereafter. To find an optometrist nearby, or for additional information on childrens vision and the importance of eye exams, visit www.aoa.org.

( N A P S I ) Generously stuffing everyones holiday stockings neednt leave you with empty pockets. Fortunately, you can keep track of your finances. By law, consumers are entitled to one free annual report from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. So now could be a good time to get a free copy of your credit report. Knowing how much

outstanding debt you have before you head out to the mall makes sense and a credit report is the best place to get the financial facts, said Stuart K. Pratt, president and CEO of the Consumer Data Industry Association. We encourage consumers to give themselves a gift this holiday season by getting their free credit reports now, he added. Many do just that. The Consumer Finan-

cial Protection Bureau reports that 16 million consumers access their free credit reports annually, through www.annualcreditreport .com.

(NAPSI)If you ever feel your finances are too stretched to save for retirement, there could be good news for you. The Savers Credita little-known tax credit made available by the IRS to lowto moderate-income workers-could make saving for retirement more affordable than you think. It may reduce your federal income taxes when you save for retirement through a qualified retirement plan or an individual retirement account (IRA). The Savers Credit is fantastic because it offers many workers an added incentive to save for their future retirement, while potentially lowering their tax bill today, said Catherine Collinson, president of the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies. Heres how it works: 1. Check Your Eligibility: Depending on your filing status and income level, you may

qualify for a nonrefundable credit of up to $1,000 (or $2,000 if filing jointly) on your federal income taxes for that year when you contribute to a 401(k), 403(b) or similar retirement plan, or an IRA. Single filers with an AGI of up to $29,500 in 2013 or $30,000 in 2014 are eligible. For the head of a household, the AGI limit is $44,250 in 2013 or $45,000 in 2014. For those who are married and file a joint return, the AGI limit is $59,000 in 2013 or $60,000 in 2014. You must be 18 years or older by January 1 and cannot be a fulltime student or be claimed as a dependent on another persons tax return. If you fit within these parameters, the Savers Credit may be for you. 2. Save for Retirement: If your employer offers a retirement plan, make sure you enroll. If you are already enrolled in

your employers retirement plan, you may qualify for the credit. In general, for every dollar you contribute to a qualified retirement plan or IRA, up to the lesser of the limits permitted by an employer-sponsored plan or the IRS, you defer that amount from your current overall taxable income on your federal tax returns. 3. File Your Tax Return and Claim the Credit. When you prepare your federal tax returns, you then claim your Savers Credit by subtracting this tax credit from your federal income taxes owed. Most workers who are eligible to claim the Savers Credit are also eligible to take advantage of IRS Free File program for taxpayers with an AGI of $58,000 or less. Fourteen commercial software companies make their tax preparation software available for free through the

Free File program at www.irs.gov/uac/FreeF i l e : - D o - Yo u r - Federal-Taxes-for-Free. If you are using tax preparation software, including those offered through IRS Free File program at www.irs.gov, use Form 1040, Form 1040A or Form 1040NR. If your software has an interview process, be sure to answer questions about the Savers Credit, Retirement Savings Contributions Credit and/or Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions. If you are preparing your tax returns manually, complete Form 8880, the Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions, to determine the exact credit rate and amount. Then transfer the amount to the designated line on Form 1040, Form 1040A or Form 1040NR; or, if you are using a professional tax preparer, be sure to ask about the Savers Credit. Please note that the Savers Credit is not available with Form 1040EZ. The 14th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey found that just 23 percent of American workers with an annual household income of less than $50,000 are aware that the credit exists. Dont overlook Uncle Sams Savers Credit; it may help you pay less in your current federal income taxes while saving for retirement. For more details on the Savers Credit, visit the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies at www.transamericacent er.org or www.irs.gov. The Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies is a division of the Transamerica InstituteSM, a nonprofit, private foundation.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for women who are concerned about the condition of their skin during pregnancy. It only takes a few simple steps to prevent dryness and stretch marks through those nine months. For starters, diet is crucial. Fruits and veggies that are rich in antioxidants, such as berries, broccoli and tomatoes, can help to prevent skin from becoming too dry. Hydration is important both inside and out. In addition to drinking enough water, maintaining skins hydration with a moisturizer is also key. Thats because many women come to find that hormonal changes deprive their skin of essential oils during pregnancy, which can lead to dry, flaky skin and contribute to stretch marks. A favorite moisturizer amongst women during pregnancy has been Bio-Oil, a product proven to reduce those concerns. The winner of 135 skin care awards since its global launch in 2002, it is designed to create a thin, nongreasy, protective layer over the skin to prevent dryness and guard against moisture loss, while allowing the skin to breathe and maintain its normal physiology. Made from a combination of plant extractssuch as lavender oil and chamomile oil-as well as vitamins A and E, Bio-Oil also contains PurCellin Oil. This ingredient changes the formulations overall consistency, making it lighter and nongreasy. It also makes it easier for nutrients to be absorbed into the skin. To reduce the appear-

ance of stretch marks, the manufacturer recommends applying the oil twice daily for a minimum of three months. For maximum benefit, the product should be massaged in a circular motion until fully absorbed. During pregnancy, applying Bio-Oil from the start of the second trimester to areas that are prone to stretch markssuch as the abdomen, breasts, lower back, hips, buttocks and thighsis also recommended. Many of my patients are concerned about forming stretch marks during their pregnancy and are always looking for safe and effective solutions. I recommend Bio-Oil because not only does it help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it minimizes scars, hydrates skin and evens out skin tone, said Dr. Shari Brasner, OB-GYN. Bio-Oil has been tested to be a nonirritant product for those with sensitive skin, contains no preservatives and is nonallergenic. Its available at national drugstore chains nationwide. To learn more about the product or to find where it can be purchased, visit www.bio-oilusa.com.

Hello fellow readers, Mr. Wooly Bear Caterpillar sure predicted this winter spot-on! Jane from Bangor, PA asked if our single digits and snow cover will help reduce bugs. Wouldnt that be a well-deserved outcome after all of this! Brrrrr! They say invasive insects may be more susceptible to death due to freezing depending on where they originated. But native insects are resilient little buggers that have adapted amazing coping skills. Many are able to withstand temperatures well below zero! Some insects survive by migrating to warmer regions or by waiting out the winter using warming techniques combined with sheltering by entering houses, often hidden from view, and burrowing into the soil. Others tolerate freezing temperatures by producing an antifreeze-like substance to stop ice from forming in their cells and then enter into diapause, a type

of hibernation. What about the tick population? asked Tom from Newton. Unfortunately snow cover helps insulate insects that live in the ground or under leaf litter, keeping temperatures stable and protecting them from predators. It is winters with little snow and freezing and thawing temps that can impact insect population, causing soil to heave, making for easy pickings by birds. Warmer variable winter temperatures can also awaken insects from diapause, triggering them to become active, which uses up their fat reserves and may cause starvation. The good news is steady cold winters are good for honey bees, our important pollinators, who survive by staying in the hive, eating stored honey and fanning their wings to stay warm. If the winter weather gets warm enough, they look for flowers wasting energy, causing them to eat more. And if they deplete their winter supply, the colony will starve. We long for an early spring. But in fact, when mild weather causes overwintering insects to emerge ahead of schedule, their numbers can increase quickly, making them a detriment to tender young plants. Have patience; spring will come, hopefully with a few less invasive little buggers. Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

NAPSI)The next time youre looking for creative ways to enhance some of your kids go-to favorites, consider this: Snacking now accounts for more than half of all eating occasions in the U.S. Parents are increasingly challenged to create quick bites that give kids the energy and nutrition they need. The good news is that you dont have to reinvent the wheel. With fresh mango, its easy to transform kitchen staples into snack time adventures. Mango is available year-round and its versatility makes it an excellent addition to your familys meal plan. Its packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals and all for just 100 calories per cup. Stacking nutrient-rich mango and berries with dessert items such as brownies and marshmallows on a kebab can make for fun treats for kids to prepare. Mango popsicles are another popular go-to treat. Just puree fresh-cut mango in a blender or food

processor, pour into ice cube trays, insert a Popsicle stick and freeze. When selecting a mango, dont judge the fruit by its color. Instead, squeeze it gently to find a ripe mango that gives slightly like a peach or avocado. Store your ripe mangos for up to a week in the refrigerator until youre ready to whip up your favorite snack or keep slices and cubes frozen for up to six months in an airtight container. Just like adults, kids eat with their eyes first, so it can be fun to turn a traditional personal-size pizza into a Lion Pizza with mango and red bell pepper slices for the mane. The sweet and slightly tangy mango is a good substitute for tomato, making it a natural complement to Italian-style dishes. You can even pair this Lion Pizza with a viewing of Disneys The J u n g l e Bookavailable for the first time on Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital HD on February

11and youre likely to create a roaring good time that your kids wont forget. Now that youre in the party mood, think about an adventure-filled, five-night vacation for your family. You can like Mango Board on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ma ngoboard and enter the Jungle Jetsetter Giveaway for your chance to win a Funjet Vacations family getaway to Punta Cana with all-inclusive accommodations at the RIU Palace Punta Cana courtesy of Funjet Vacations. Lion Pizza 4 servings Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 8 Minutes 4 whole-wheat pitas 1 cup low-sodium pizza sauce cup shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese cup shredded lowfat cheddar cheese 8 pepperoni slices 8 black olive slices 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, cut into thin strips 1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into thin strips

4 mushroom slices Preheat oven to 350 F. Spread cup pizza sauce on one side of each pita. Sprinkle cup mozzarella cheese in the center of each pita. Sprinkle cup cheddar cheese around the outer edge of each pita. Place two pepperoni slices in the middle of each pita and top with two olive slices to make the lions eyes. Alternate mango and red pepper strips around the edge of each pita, creating the lions mane. Add a mushroom slice in the center of each pizza for the lions nose. Place the pitas on a large baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Serve warm.

(NAPSI)You can save yourself some time, space and effort this holiday season and make entertaining carefree with the help of a few organizing tips aimed at different areas of your home. You can make a great first impression the moment visitors come into your home with an organized entryway. Use colors and textures to add personal style to your organization solution. The experts at EasyClosets, an online provider of custom organization solutions, suggest exploring the many color options available, including popular neutrals with gray values, true browns and gray browns. Detailed textured finishes with natural characteristics of real wood can add sophisticated flair and make any room feel more inviting. Store off-season

items out of sight to create a clean and tidy appearance. Custom cabinets provide hidden storage while shoe shelves, pull-out baskets, racks and drawers can be added to keep everyday essentials organized. Provide a convenient place to sit or to store items as you enter or leave your home. A built-in bench becomes a landing pad to slip shoes on and off or to place backpacks or groceries temporarily. It also doubles as a nice place to relax with a good book. Your kitchen is the center of holiday preparations and likely the heart of your home all year. An organized pantry that blends beautifully with your home can save you valuable time when youre entertaining or just serving everyday family meals. Here are hints on how to do it:

Keep the ingredients and equipment you use most often at eye level on open shelves, while less frequently used items or breakables can be kept higher up. Simplify meal prep by keeping spices at the ready in their own special slide-out rack that tucks away neatly when its not needed. Use vertical dividers to separate trays, cutting boards, platters and pans, placing them within arms reach. Keep linens, utensils, serving tools and party supplies neatly organized and accessible in cabinets and fully extending drawers. Keep your family room organized for holiday entertaining with a media center personalized to fit your home decor and lifestyle. Organize your media components behind doors or on open shelves while keeping controls handy in fully extending

drawers. Keep your room looking uncluttered and clean with a built-in cable management system. EasyClosets media centers include extra space behind and beneath the drawers to hold cables, power strips and a wireless router. You dont have to settle for standard sizes and limited colors. You can choose the style, color and even the size to customize a media center for your exact space and flat-screen TV. Theres a plethora of configuration options, so you can have a personalized approach to designing a media center that is uniquely your own. Best of all, it will be made to order without the wait: Orders placed by 6:00 p.m. ET ship the next business day. For further tips and organizing ideas, go to www.EasyClosets.com or call (800) 910-0129.

(NAPSI)Fall and winter months can bring busy schedules and seasonal illnesses that make it difficult to manage high blood pressure (HBP). The good news is there are simple, practical steps you can take to manage the condition yearround and enhance your health. By managing your blood pressure, you can lower your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, peripheral artery disease and kidney disease. Here are 10 tips from the American Heart Association to assist you in maintaining a healthy blood pressure level. 1. Stay informed. Its estimated that nearly 20 percent of those with HBP are unaware of their condition. This symptomless disease could leave you with substantial health problems. If you dont know if you have it, see a health care professional to be tested. 2. Take your prescriptions. If you are on prescription medication for high blood pressure, take it regularly and consult your health care provider before taking any over-thecounter medications

or supplements. Use a labeled pillbox to help you keep track of your medicines during the busy fall and winter months. 3. Eat a healthy diet. Aim to eat a diet thats rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrain and high-fiber foods, and fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and reduce sugar and sodium. If your holiday meal traditions arent as healthy as youd like, modify ingredients or add a healthy new dish to the menu. 4. Get 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Exercise not only helps control your blood pressure, it also helps you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and manage stress. When the temperature drops, find safe, indoor places to exercise. 5. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, a little weight loss can result in a lot of health gains. Even a small weight loss10 poundscan help to reduce blood pressure. 6. Avoid sudden exertion. People who are outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow

or snowdrifts can strain a persons heart. 7. Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking cigarettes increases blood pressure, decreases exercise tolerance and increases the tendency for blood to clot. Make quitting a resolution for the holidaysand stick with it! 8. Stay well. Some illnesses, like influenza, pose added risks for people with heart disease. Wash your hands regularly, and make sure your doctor knows about any medicines or supplements youre taking in order to make the best treatment decisions.

Patients with heart disease should receive the flu vaccine. 9. Read labels on cold medicines. Winter colds may have you reaching for remedies at the drugstore. You should always read the labels on over-thecounter (OTC) medications, especially if you have blood pressure greater than 120/80 mmHg. People with high blood pressure should be aware that decongestants may raise blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of some prescribed blood pressure medications. Check the sodium content, too. Some

OTC medicines contain more than 1,500 mga whole days allowance. 10. If you drink, limit alcohol. Men should limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day and women to one drink per day. Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Your doctor may advise you to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Visit www.heart .org/HBP. Merck Consumer Care, maker of Coricidin HBP, is a sponsor of the American Heart Associations High Blood Pressure website.

(NAPSI)An effort to reunite families may offer hope to refugees and help to resolve a 37- year-old conflict in the western Sahara Desert. Since 1976, a separatist group called the Polisario Front has held tens of thousands of Sahrawis hostage in refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria. Sahrawi is the name given to the people who live in the western part of the Sahara Desert. These individuals are forced to remain in these camps because of what many see as the Polisarios unwillingness to negotiate a compromise with Morocco to end whats become

known as the Western Sahara conflict. In 2007, Morocco proposed a compromise autonomy solution to the conflict in the Western Sahara, which is supported by the U.S. and the U.N. Security Council. It is also seen by the majority of the international community as a serious and credible proposal to finally resolve the conflict. However, the Polisario Front consistently rejects it. While Morocco warmly welcomes Sahrawis who return home, the Polisario denies refugees their right to leave the camps to return to Morocco and it strictly limits access from outside. The United Nations

High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is mandated to protect the rights of refugees and work to return them to their home countries if they so desire, initiated a program in 2004 to try to provide some relief for this sad situation. With the cooperation of Morocco, Mauritania and Algeria, UNHCR began to arrange family visits that allow a small number of Sahrawis each year to spend five days with long-lost family members. A U.N.chartered plane flies Sahrawis living in Morocco to the Polisario camps and returns to Morocco with family members who have been stuck in the camps.

Since the Family Visit program began, thousands of refugees have participated in it and an increasing number have refused to return once they reach Morocco. But many more remain on waiting lists for the chance to be reunited with their loved ones. While the UNHCR program has brought temporary relief to some of these families, many in Morocco and elsewhere believe the situation will not be fully remedied until the Polisario Front allows Sahrawi refugees the freedom they are entitled to under international lawto leave the camps and return to their homes once and for all.

(NAPSI)These days, many drivers are finding ways to keep their vehicles on the road longer. Having an odometer that reads 100,000 miles or more need not mean the vehicle is on its last legs. It may just mean you should stick to a regular maintenance schedule and take advantage of automotive products that help extend the life of the vehicle. Use the right gas. Unless your manufacturers manual says the vehicle requires a high-octane gasoline, it will probably run with no problems on regular unleaded. Your money is better spent on maintenance than at the pump. Cut down warm-ups and eliminate excessive idling. Older cars may need to warm up briefly, but letting it idle for a long time before you put it in drive is not better. In fact, a vehicle just sitting there can suffer stress on the components and burns fuel less efficiently. Get motor oil designed for high mileage. If there are over 75,000 miles on the odometer, consider a formula designed for

high-mileage engines, such as Royal Purples HMX oil. In addition to proprietary additive technology, it contains additives to reduce internal wear and condition engine seals. Its a common misconception about vehicles with high mileage that you should not use synthetic motor oil because it will remove deposits and restrict oil flow. In fact, one of the benefits of using highmileage synthetic oil such as HMX is that the detergents in the additives in the product clean out the deposits in the engine. Maintaining cleanliness will promote

the longevity of the engine. TLC. If your vehicle needs repairs, address them as needed. Dont let them go until you find yourself stranded. These steps can ensure youll be able to enjoy your vehicle longer.

(NAPSI)The next time you need a snowblower, ice auger, generator or other gaspowered equipment, you can feel secure that it will be ready to start up at a moments notice if you consider this: To make sure their engines start easily, even after being idle for months, professionals rely on a special fuel additive: Star brites Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment. Its unique formula means a more complete burn for easy, smoke-free starts, maximum power and improved fuel economy, even in ethanol-blended fuel, which can degrade and form gums in only 30 days. The proprietary blend of enzymes breaks apart and disperses gums and other solids throughout

the fuel, keeping carburetors and fuel injectors fully functional and clean. Star brites Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment is also a powerful fuel stabilizer, keeping stored fuel fresh for up to two years. Learn more at www.startron.com or (800) 327-8583.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for those looking for ways to keep kids entertained after school or on the weekend. Do-it-yourself craft activities remain an excellent way to promote creative thinking even outside of the classroom. From designing a custom comic page to learning how to make 3-D paper art, theres now a website that provides free tools and activities designed to inspire kids of all ages to create their very own

masterpieces. Its called the Canon Crafting Corner. By engaging in projects such as these, children can continue to think critically and creatively outside of the classroom. With the PIXMA Comix Facebook App, kids can design and print a customized comic page with their very own photos and video. Theyll be inspired to tell a story with the easy-to-use application. After uploading still images from a video file,

or up to six photos, a variety of fun effects can be added to give each story a unique flair. With filters and the ability to add text and speech bubbles, your child will become an accomplished storyteller while demonstrating creative thinking. Your child can even take his or her creativity a step further and use the app as a template for event invites, T-shirts or to frame the comic page for a memorable gift. Its possible to turn existing photos into homemade accessories with help from expert crafters Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman of the blog A Beautiful Mess. They provide easy-to-follow, stepby-step instructions that illustrate how to create personalized crafts by using your own images, basic craft materials and high-quality photo printers. Kids can enjoy expanding their creativity while working on projects including, photo-covered playing cards or a simple photo-covered journal, both of which are personal and truly one of a kind. Kids can create animals, automobiles, board games and other

projects with the easyto-use 3-D paper crafts that bring objects to life. With hundreds of options available online at various levels of difficulty, kids of all ages will enjoy building their very own creations. Simply print out the patterns and easy-tofollow assembly instructions to begin crafting. In just a few steps, construct a rabbit or a crownor for a more advanced project, try making an elasticpowered stegosaurus or a pair of dancing dolls. With scrapbook templates, photo frames and more available for free download, its possible to make preserving memories an easy, family-fun activity. Simply choose from one of several themed pages and paste in your own photos to enhance scrapbooking activities. For example, kids can frame their photos by selecting a Frame Factory photo border on the Canon U.S.A. Facebook page to give their images even more personality. For more information on these fun crafting platforms or to get crafting, visit www.usa.canon.com/cra fting.

(NAPSI)If you are looking for affordable ways to get more energy-boosting protein in your diet, you may want to try peanuts and peanut butter. With 7 grams per serving, peanuts have more protein than any nut. Coupled with their more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients, peanuts are considered by many food experts to be a superfood capable of providing lasting energy. Thats why they can be a smart addition to your diet any time of the day. Peanuts and peanut butter are also affordable sources of protein and convenientyou can take a pack with you or stir peanut butter in a smoothie or your oatmeal. Value And Versatility A growing number of families are finding that peanuts and peanut butterwith their nutrition and flavor-

offer both value and versatility. For some, that means adding them to dinner recipes, such as a stirfry dish. Others consider them essential ingredients in salad dressings. Still others will spread or sprinkle on toast for a quick breakfast, put in soups and stews or baked goods and, of course, enjoy with jelly in a classic sandwich. Peanut Parfait Ingredients: 1 cup of lemon or vanilla yogurt (nonfat or low fat) 1 cup of your favorite fruits (e.g., blueberries, strawberries) 4 teaspoons of peanuts Preparation: Slice fruit into bitesize pieces. Measure cup of yogurt into the bottom of cup. Top with two tablespoons of fruit and one teaspoon of peanuts. Continue layering until you reach the top of your cup.

(NAPSI)As we age, most of us come to depend on prescription drugs to help us live healthier, longer lives. But the very medications that we count on for better health could also land us in the hospital. Drug mishaps are especially common among older Americans, who generally take more medications to treat chronic conditions. Fortunately, with a little bit of caution, many incidents can be prevented. Matthew Gibbs, Pharm. D., chief pharmacy executive for pharmacy services at WellPoint, one of the nations largest insurers, which serves hundreds of thousands of Medicare members through its affiliated Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug and Medicare Supplement Plans, offers the following tips for playing it safe with prescription drugs. Know Your Drugs.

Know everything you can about each drug you take, including its name, color, shape, dosage, side effects, what it treats, when and how to take it, and how to store it. Maintain a checklist that you can carry with you on a trip or in an emergency. If you dont understand something, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Sometimes, it is helpful to take a friend to the doctor so you dont miss anything. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, such as those offered through WellPoints affiliates, your insurer may have a pharmacist review your drugs with you at no extra cost. Beware of Interactions. Interactions are most likely to occur after your drugs have changed, following a doctor appointment or hospital visit. When youre prescribed a new drug, make sure the doctor knows about your existing medications, including over-the-counter supplements, which also can cause interactions. Some drugs may affect your balance, so keep your home clear of potential fall hazards. Be aware that certain foods may cause adverse reactions.

If you think youre having a bad interaction, call the doctor immediately. Follow Instructions. Taking different medicines isnt easy. Establish a routine by taking your medication at the same time every day. An inexpensive pillbox may help you stay organized. Never increase, decrease or stop a dosage without talking to your doctor. If swallowing is difficult, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a liquid alternative or to crush your tablets (if allowable, but dont do it yourself). Get Help If You Need It. Please dont risk your health because of concerns about cost. Medicare Prescription Drug Plans cover the cost of most drugs, including low-cost generic options, although premiums may apply. Additionally, there are a number of programs to help with prescription drug costs. Social Security, for example, may offer extra help, depending on your income. Contact your local office for details. And WellPoint helps sponsor the National Council on Agings BenefitsCheckUp, which connects people with help for medicine, rent,

utilities and meals. For details, visit www.benefitscheckup.or g/wellpoint. Finally, never take someone elses medicine for any reason. Your doctor has prescribed your medi-

cine for a reason, Gibbs said. By working closely with your physician and your pharmacist, taking the correct dosage at the right time, and educating yourself about possible side effects, you should be

able to get that benefit while heading off any problems. WellPoint affiliates offer Medicare Prescription Drug Plans in all 50 states. In many states, plans are sold under the UniCare brand.

By Dr. Paul Kengor

I learned only yesterday that Shirley Temple, the iconic child actress, died last week at age 85. Reports on her death were easy to miss. I went through my usual scan of various websites and saw nothing. I fortunately caught a buried Shirley Temple, R.I.P. by a writer at a political website. I was dismayed by the sparse reaction to the loss of this woman who lived a great American life. Had Shirley Temple died 50 years ago, or even 30 years ago, the country would have stopped. People everywhere would have paused to give Temple her due. It would have been the lead in every newspaper. But not today. Our

culture is too obsessed with Miley Cyrus and gay marriage to give proper recognition to a woman who was one of the most acclaimed, respected, and even cherished Americans, a household name to children and adults alike. When I caught the news of Temples death, I groaned. I braced myself to tell my two young daughters. Theyve watched Shirley Temple movies for years. To them, shes a contemporary, another innocent little girl. When I informed my 11-year-old daughter, she frowned and said, Oh, thats terrible. She was about to cry when I quickly explained that Shirley was 85 and had lived an extraordinary life. There

was no reason to be sad. For years, as my daughters and wife and I watched Temples old movies, particularly on the superb Turner Classic Movies channel, wed check her date of birth, do the math, and realize that Shirley probably would be with us a while longer. That while has finally closed. I never met Shirley Temple, but a good friend of mine who died in August knew her. Bill Clark, who was Ronald Reagans close friend and crucial adviser in taking down the Soviet Union, met Temple at the height of her popularity, when both were children. Clarks grandfather was a literal sheriff, cowboy, and California trailblazer, known throughout the Los Angeles area. Some Hollywood publicity folks contacted the senior Clark around 1936 for a local promotion. The promotion featured fouryear-old little Bill pinning a badge on Shirley Temples vest as she was officially deputized by Marshal Clark. Bill Clark always fondly recalled that moment, captured in a photo that he kept framed and that we put in his biography. He would later have pictures with the likes of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher and Pope John Paul II, but here was one photo he kept close to heart.

Fifty years later, Clark and Temple served together again, this time in the State Department, where Clark alas held the higher rank: he, as second in command; she, as foreign affairs officer. Temples old Hollywood friend, fellow Republican, and political ally, Ronald Reagan, had appointed her. She became an ambassador. But Shirley Temple was, of course, known for film rather than politics. I cannot do justice to that storied career here, but indulge me as I share one of my favorite Shirley Temple movies. In the 1934 classic, Bright Eyes, Shirley played a five-year-old who lost her father in an airplane crash and then lost her mother. She is comforted by loving people who would do anything for her, includ-

ing her godfather, who is identified as just that. The godfather behaves like a true godfather. The movie includes constant, natural references to faith, never shying from words like God, Heaven, and even Jesusverboten in Hollywood today. Todays sneering secular audiences would reflexively dismiss the film as Norman Rockwell-ish. To the contrary, the movie is hardly sugar-coated. Just when your heart is broken from the death of sweet Shirleys dad, her mom is killed by a car while carrying a cake for Shirley on Christmas day. That doesnt remind me of any Norman Rockwell portrait Ive seen. What such cynics really mean is that the film isnt sufficiently

depraved for modern tastes. Shirley doesnt pole dance or twerk. She doesnt do a darling little strip tease for the boys while singing Good Ship, Lollipop. The references to God are not in vain or in the form of enlightening blasphemy. And the movie has a happy, not miserable, ending. Come to think of it, maybe this isnt a movie for modern audiences! For 80 years, Shirley Temples bright eyes brightened the big screen. They reflected what was good and decent in this country. She embodied what made America great, and she brightened our lives in the process. See more at http://www.visionandv alues.org/2014/02/shirl ey-temples-america/

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently launched its annual live, 24-hour-a-day webcast of a nesting pair of peregrine falcons who live on a ledge of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. The falcons typically renew their pair-bond around Valentine's Day. Three high-definition (HD) cameras will chronicle the falcons activities while streaming the footage live on the internet to viewers around the world. Around the time the first egg is laid, an additional HD camera will be set up for an intimate view into the nest. Year after year, the Falcon Cam is one of the most popular

features on our website, DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. Its a great tool to get Pennsylvanians engaged in the environment. In recent weeks, a male peregrine has challenged the resident male, who has been at the ledge since 2005. Despite that, the resident male has defended the ledge, and will soon begin to mate with the female, who has been at the ledge since 2012. Breeding activity typically takes place this time of year, so territorial battles can be fierce. In the 14 years falcons have been nesting at the building, the nest has produced 52 eggs and 44 hatchlings. Of these, 34 falcons survived14 males

and 19 females. The gender of one of the nestlings who hatched in 2008 could not be determined. That bird was the runt of the clutch, or set of offspring. Last year, the female

falcon laid a clutch of four eggs and all four hatched. The first egg of the 2014 breeding season should be laid around mid-March. The eggs should begin to hatch around midApril and the young

falcons, also called eyases, will begin to take their first flights, or fledge, in earlyJune. While their numbers are increasing, the Pennsylvania Game Commission still lists

peregrine falcons as an endangered species at the state level. Nationally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bird from its list of endangered and threatened species in 1999. The birds population in Pennsylvania has increased since the early 1990s as a direct result of conservation efforts like this one. According to the Game Commission, there are now 40 pairs of peregrine falcons nesting at various locations across the state. For more information, to sign up to receive the Falcon Wire e-newsletter or to watch the falcons live, visit www.dep .state.pa.us and click on the Falcon Cam button.

Cabinet is a band with roots firmly planted in the Appalachian tradition. They wear their influences like badges, honoring the canon of roots, bluegrass, country and folk, weaving these sounds into a patchwork Americana quilt. But this music isnt romanticizing or rehashing the past. Cabinet makes its mark on today. The steady aim of their harmonies soars straight onto target each time, the soaring vocals giving voice to the story of each song. Their music takes the long way home, treating its listeners like passengers on a ride through scenic back roads. Their live shows are inclusive, celebratory and community-building. Everyone will want to get on the wagon with Cabinet. Members Pappy Biondo (banjo, vocals), JP Biondo (mandolin, vocals), Mickey Coviello (acoustic guitar, vocals), Dylan Skursky (electric bass, double bass), Todd Kopec (fiddle, vocals) and Jami Novak (drums, percussion), all live and love music, and their polished sound belies their young age. Cabinet is a band that has outgrown any "regional favorite" tag and has progressed to a broader fanbase, all while retaining their signature sound. Not only did the band put together their very own celebration of music and art this past spring with The Old Farmers Ball Music Festival in

Scranton, Pennsylvania, but plans are in the works to do it again in 2014. Continuing in the "named after a Cabinet song" tradition, this year's festival is going with the new name Susquehanna Breakdown Music Festival. Taking the name from a track on the bands most recent album, a nearby river and a noisy, energetic American country dance, 2014s fest promises to be even bigger and better than the last, adding a second stage, family friendly camping and much more. Cabinet has also played many great

venues and festivals across the land. Cabinet has shared the stage with Yonder Mountain String Band, Allman Brothers, Pokey LaFarge, Yarn, Delta Rae, Zac Brown, Infamous String Dusters, Railroad Earth, Rusted Root, Hoots and Hellmouth, Blackberry Smoke, Hot Buttered Rum, Cornmeal, Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams, Hackensaw Boys, 7 Walkers, New Riders of the Purple Sage and many, many more. The bands latest offering, This is Cabinet - Set II, a seven song effort six originals and a cover of The

Byrds Mr. Spaceman was recorded in March of 2013 at Stage One in Fairfield, Connecticut, and Club Metronome in Burlington, Vermont. The set is diverse yet cohesive, ranging from the melancholy of Caroline, which unfolds into a purposeful jam, to the modern Americana rock of Heavy Rain, which closes the album. Along the way, we have the ambling Doors, the upbeat and fun Poor Mans Blues -- which would not

sound out of place at an Old And In The Way show -- the snaky, reggae-tinged The Dove and the instrumental Susquehanna Breakdown, another Cabinet contribution to the tried-and-true bluegrass tradition. The groups take on Mr. Spaceman is relatively faithful, but with some Cabinet flair, and offers a glimpse into the bands myriad influences. By now, Cabinets ability to get a festival crowd dancing and rip tasty instrumental breakdowns is a given. With Set II, the band displays its continuing development not only as players, but as songwriters who know how to get to the point and have some fun going down that road.

Cabinet formed in 2006, bringing together players from various musical and personal backgrounds. Some of the members were barely old enough to drink legally, but their thirst for older music was unquenchable. Whether its rustic "American Beauty"-era Grateful Dead or oldtimey bluegrass, Cabinet has digested it all. But that is not to say that Cabinet recreates older styles. No, this is music that might have its roots in the past, but it is current and vibrant, with a sense of celebrating the now. The Historic Blairstown Theatre on Main St. in Blairstown, New Jersey will host Cabinet on Saturday, March 8th. For more information, visit www.thehbt.com.

Recently, 21 state attorneys general, many from the Midwest, filed a friend of the court brief in a federal appeals court seeking to derail the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort. While that is absurd, it is also a tribute to the decades of work that has led to the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. We now have in place pollution limits which, if achieved, will restore local rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. We also have state-specific plans and a transparent and accountable process to achieve them. This process, developed with years of collaboration between the states and federal government, is working and demonstrates that when citizens, governments at all levels and businesses work together we can restore water quality. This friend of the court brief is just the latest salvo in the war against the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint. It began with a lawsuit brought by the American Farm Bureau Federation, its bigagriculture allies like The Fertilizer Institute, the National Pork Producers Council and the National Corn Growers Association that sought to end Bay restoration efforts. In their original legal challenge, they claimed the EPA overreached its authority; that efforts were not based on sound science; and that there were not sufficient opportunities for public comment.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others sided with the EPA, and in a 98-page opinion, federal Judge Sylvia Rambo decidedly rejected the arguments of those opposing clean water. She called the collaborative process between the states and federal government used to develop the pollution reduction plan an example of the cooperative federalism? that the Clean Water Act intended. The American Farm Bureau has appealed Judge Rambos decision. The appeal is now in front of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit in Philadelphia and makes similar claims of EPA overreach, but the amicus brief from the 21 states provides a telling view of their motivations. The brief says that if this [cleanup] is left to stand, other watersheds, including the Mississippi River Basin (which spans 31 states from Canada to the Gulf Coast), could be next. The lead attorney on the brief is Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who has the strong support of agriculture interests in Kansas. A 2010 press release on his campaign website announcing his endorsement by the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) contains this quote: "KLA has worked closely with Derek Schmidt on many issues directly impacting agriculture during his tenure as a state senator.

Schmidt has the background and commitment to be the state's chief legal advocate as Kansas agriculture faces unprecedented attacks on many fronts, including burdensome federal environmental regulations governing water and air," said Todd Allen, chairman of KLA's Political Action Committee (KLA PAC). The appeal and the friend of the court brief clearly are not about water quality in this regions rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay. They are driven by the fear that if we succeed here it will be a demonstration to the nation that other waterways can also be cleaned. To legally challenge the cleanup in the Chesapeake because it ultimately may result in the cleanup of other waterways defies common sense. Here in the Chesapeake Bay region we are making progress. Pollution reduction efforts are making a difference and the dead zone is shrinking. These efforts also create jobs that support local economies. Pollution reduction will also reduce the risks to human health. There is still a long road and a lot of work ahead. Yet unlike elsewhere in the country, we have a Blueprint that shows us what must be done to leave the legacy of clean water for our children and grandchildren. Let your elected officials know thats important to you. By Kim Coble

The Slater Family Networks 8th Annual Silent Auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, at Five Points Elementary School on the Bangor Area School District Campus. The profit from this event will benefit local families in need. The event begins at 10am for browsing and placement of tickets. The tickets will be pulled at 12pm. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. There are over 80 themed baskets and premium items such as gift cards, Flat Screen TV, tower of Market Day meats, BluRay

player, bikes, Vera Bradley Bags, Coach Handbags and much more! Tickets for the premium prizes will be available for a separate purchase. Please join us for

some family fun! Please call the Slater Family Network office at 610599-7019 for information. If you would like to donate a prize, basket or gift certificate please give us a call.

By Andrew Staub

The battle over the socalled paycheck protection legislation has gone local in Pennsylvania. About two weeks after hundreds of union workers flooded the state Capitol in Harrisburg to protest two bills that would force publicsector labor unions to collect their own dues, commissioners in Berks County approved a resolution supporting the state legislation. Berks County Chairman Commissioner Christian Leinbach, a Republican, also serves as president of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and hopes to see the organization throw its support behind the legislation with a resolution of its own. There are other counties that are looking at it actively, said Leinbach, who indicated hes reached out to several county leaders. Deduction Battle Goes Local: Some Pennsylvania counties have waded into the fray over the paycheck protection legislation that's divided state lawmakers. Deduction Battle Goes Local: Some Pennsylvania counties have waded into the fray over the paycheck protection legislation thats divided state lawmakers.

Lehigh County commissioners went a step farther than Berks County. In late January, they requested their county executive negotiate an end the governments responsibility of collecting union dues. It prevents the government from sort of stepping out of the shadows and picking the pocket of the person who worked so hard to earn that pay, Lehigh County Commissioner Scott Ott, a Republican, said last month. The local moves build on the debate over the proposed legislation that flared up in late January after closed-door talks among lawmakers leaked out. Labor unions quickly coalesced against the legislation, describing it as an attempt to silence labor unions and the working class. About the same time, the right-leaning think tank, the Commonwealth Foundation, began touting paycheck protection as a goodgovernment reform that would prevent public resources from being used to collect money that unions could use for political purposes. State Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, and state Sen. John Eichelberger, R-Blair the prime sponsors of

paycheck protection bills in their respective chambers first stated their case during a Jan. 27 news conference. The next day, representatives from organized labor all across Pennsylvania piled into buses to converge upon the Capitol to blast the proposals and lobby lawmakers. David Fillman, executive director of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 13, said it looks as if local government employers are jumping on a topic of the day that hasnt been a longstanding issue. Were hoping this is a flash-in-the-pan kind of thing, but we have to deal with it, Fillman said. Right now, unions can negotiate the deduction of dues into contracts with their public employers. The government then deducts the funds for the unions. Cutler and Eichelbergers legislation aims to end that practice and have unions collect the money themselves. Rick Bloomingdale, president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, said hes surprised that county officials want state lawmakers to eliminate one of their bargaining chips before they sit down at the

negotiating table. I thought those local government guys were supposed to be for small government and local government control? Bloomingdale said. Union leaders have pointed to deductions that go to the United Way or insurance companies and say deeppocketed conservatives from outside Pennsylvania want to cripple organized labor similar to what happened in Wisconsin when that state curbed collective bargaining rights. While the Philadelphia City Council already has condemned the legislation, supporters argue the bills wont fracture the relationship between unions and their members. Leinbach said union leaders simply fear being held accountable by the rank-and-file members, who would have to cut their own dues check to their respective labor groups. Our employees deserve better. They deserve the right to question their union from time to time, Leinbach said. If Im not happy with what Im getting for the money, maybe you need to come get it. So far, the legislation remains in committee. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, chairman of the House

State Government Committee, said Cutlers bill would pass that hurdle. Despite that, Metcalfe said he doesnt want to move the legislation forward until he works with sponsors and leadership to guarantee it will go to a vote. Once we have the green light, were ready to move it, Metcalfe said. Fillman hasnt heard whether the legislation will move, but said the union hasnt let down its guard. Even if the state doesnt take action this year, unions might have to take on the issue at the local level. The previous time at the bargaining table, Berks County dropped plans to end the payroll deductions only in deference to asking unions for a pay freeze, Leinbach said. Now

hes ready to take the issue to the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, which could put forth a resolution supporting the legislation. While a contingent is aggressively supporting paycheck protection, it remains to be seen whether a resolution would pass through the entire association, Leinbach said. At the end of the day, the results are what they are, he said, adding he didnt want to speculate on whether any Democrat would support the resolution. If a majority supports it, great. If they dont, its the voice of the counties. Andrew Staub is a reporter for PA Independent and can be reached at Andrew@ PAIndependent.com. F o l l o w @PAIndependent on Twitter for more.

A group of 113 talented high school musicians from throughout Eastern Pennsylvania is headed to Easton for the 2014 PMEA Northeast Region Orchestra Festival, on February 26th through 28th. Easton Area High School is pleased to host the PA Music Educators Associations three-day festival, which ends with a concert in the Easton Area Middle School auditorium, 1010 Echo Trail, Easton (Forks Township), on Friday, February 28th. The 7:30pm. concert is open to the public Participating students will rehearse at the high school throughout the three days, and stay with area families for two nights. The PMEA Region Orchestra Festival offers the best young musicians an opportunity to play a challenging repertoire with their peers, said EAHS Instrumental Music Director Carole Lutte, who is Host Director for the festival. Were honored to open our schools and homes to them, and proud to offer Easton area residents a chance to hear their performance, she added. The musicians are the top players from the District 9 and District 10 orchestra festivals held in January, and they are

drawn from a 12-county region that stretches from the commonwealths northern border with New York to the Reading area. The leading musicians from the six regional festivals will join the All-State Orchestra performing at the PMEA annual conference in Hershey in late March. Concert selections include Wagners Rienzi overture; Serenade For Strings by Edward Elgar; Prelude for Orchestraby Noah Klauss; and Tschaikowskys Symphony No. 6. Guest conductor is Gary White, who is in demand throughout the tri-state area as an experienced conductor, clinician, adjudicator and instrumentalist. Among his many credits, since 1999 he has served as Music Director and Conductor of Philadelphia Sinfonia Association, where he has inspired and shaped one of the Delaware Valleys finest youth orchestras.

By Andrew Campanella

(NAPSI)If you or someone you know is looking for a new school for a child for the 2014 2015 school year, now is the time to begin researching your options. From January 26 to February 1, millions of Americans will participate in National School Choice Week, which shines a spotlight on effective education options for children. The Week, which features more than 5,500 events across all 50 states, is an excellent time for

parents to begin looking at the options available to them. While choosing a new school for your son or daughter is an intensely personal experience, here are a few ideas for starting the school selection process. 1) Start right now. Seats in great schools are already filling up for next year. Ask yourself what matters most to you in a school. Is it academics, school safety, an educational theme, a specific style of instruction, the qualifications of teachers, the size of classes, or other factors? 2) Research your options. Make a list of the choices you have. Some states let parents send their children to schools in different districts. Some have charter and magnet schools. You may be able to get a scholarship to send your children to a private or faith-based school. In addition, there are full-time, online schools in many states. 3) Visit the schools youre considering with

your children. While there, ask lots of questions. Talk to principals and teachers and make sure that youre comfortable with the answers you receive. Consider sitting in on classes, too. 4) Talk to other parentsand to your children. Before making your decision, ask parents of other students who attend your target schools about their experiences. Ask your children about their impressions and their concerns. The more research

you do, the better choices you can make. Remember: You know your child best, and you are truly in the best positionbetter than anyone elseto decide what type of school your child should attend. You can learn more at www.schoolchoicewee k.com. *Note: Mr. Campanella is president of National School Choice Week, an independent public awareness campaign that shines a spotlight on effective education options for children.*

(NAPSI)Investors can sometimes overlook signs that indicate an offer really is too good to be true. This can leave them vulnerable to fraud and financial predators. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is the federal government agency that regulates the commodity and security futures, commodity options, swaps, and retail foreign currency exchange markets. It also works to protect the public from fraud, manipulation, and abusive practices in the highly volatile, complex and risky commodity futures and options markets. To help, it offers the following top five tips on how to spot fraud. Much of this

material was developed from research conducted by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. Whats the rush? Investors should be cautious any time they are pressured or rushed into making a decision about an investment opportunity. Is the offer described as being good for only a limited time or in a limited quantity? Are you being led to believe you are part of a special group being notified? Take time to evaluate the offer and dont allow yourself to be rushed into making any financial decision. Most legitimate offers will be there tomorrow. Favors are rarely free. When the person on the other end of the trade offers to do a small favor for you in return for a big favor, it may be a ploy to distract you from the business at hand. Its best to stay focused on the opportunity, not to look for bargains. Beware of the Phantom Riches tactic. This is when a con artist dangles the prospect of unrealistic

wealth, enticing you with something you want but cant have. Consumers should consider whether the salesperson is dangling incredible returns or guarantees. Its important to remember that all investments carry some risk. Selling credibility. This is when the con artist tries to build credibility by appearing successful, claiming affiliation with a reputable organization or touting a special credential or experience. A seller may have a corner office, framed diplomas or certificates and wear an expensive suit, but appearances really can be deceiving. Check out the sellers actual qualifications. Watch out for thirdparty endorsements. When someone talks about a lot of people you know investing in the opportunity and that you shouldnt be left out, its probably a good idea to keep your hand on your wallet and your wallet in your pocket until you learn more. To learn more, visit www.cftc.gov/consum erprotection.

Last month, Brynn and Kaylee Holland celebrated a special Saturday by winning in their respective age group at the Northeast District Hoop Shoot held at Athens Area High School. Brynn won the eight and nine girls category, while Kaylee captured the 10 and 11 girls division. They will travel on Friday, March 7th to compete in the Pennsylvania State Elks Hoop

Shoot contest at State College. The contest will be held on Saturday, March 8th. Good luck to Brynn and Kaylee at states.

The Department of Environmental Protection invites middle school teachers, administrators and building managers to a Wednesday, March 6 training workshop in WilkesBarre, Luzerne County on the Keystone Energy Education Program (KEEP) to teach and track energy efficiency in school buildings and homes. The workshop will be from 8:30am to 4pm. at the Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Centers GIS Lab on the 4th floor at Wilkes University, 84

West South St. Please register by February 26th, registration is free. KEEP is geared to teachers of grades four through eight, administrators and building maintenance managers. Workshop participants will learn about and explore energy issues, including fundamentals and impacts, electricity generation, transportation fuels, careers, energy conservation, student teams and school building energy benchmarking through presentations, tours and handson activities.

Participants will have the opportunity to integrate high level, standards-based energy education into their formal curriculum. This could include lesson plans, curricular modules and ongoing benchmarking through EPAs Energy Star Portfolio Manager, resulting in energy efficiency assessments leading to improvements that reduce energy consumption. The workshops are based on Pennsylvanias Academic Standards and Assessment Anchors for

Environment and Ecology, Science and Technology and Engineering Education. Participating teachers will receive background information, standards-based curricular materials and energy conservation material kits. Participating teachers will be eligible for seven Act 48 credit hours. Space is limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Register by contacting the KEEP Coordinator Susan Gove at 412-431-1010 or at sgove@gove.org. frequent breaks and stay hydrated, use an appropriate shovel for your height and ability and use proper lifting technique. Dont twist and throw the snow over your shoulder, if you use a snowblower, remember to protect your eyes and ears with safety glasses and earplugs, especially with gas-powered models, Never put your hand inside the machine. If it jams, turn it off and remove the jam with a solid object, do not leave the device unattended when it is turned on. Further facts are at shrinershospitalsforchil dren.org.

scarves tucked in. Fight Frostbite: Be aware of the potential for frostbite, which can be associated with hypothermia and require emergency medical care. Children can be at a greater risk because they lose heat from their skin more rapidly. The areas most prone to frostbite are the nose, ears, hands, feet, face and head. Appropriate clothing can help reduce the risk of frostbite. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 16,000

people are treated in emergency rooms annually for injuries sustained while removing snow manually; more than 6,000 while using a snowblower. Remove twigs, rocks and toys or other items from your driveway and sidewalks before the snow starts, check with your physician and be sure you are healthy enough for strenuous activity, Dress appropriately, including a head covering, mittens or gloves, socks and slipresistant shoes., Clear snow early and often and pace yourself; take