Sarah Shoemaker, Public Health Planner with the Warren County Health Department, has been named the Chair of Warren Countys Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of Prevention Connections through the Family Guidance Center of Warren County, NJ.Prevention Connections,

through the efforts of the staff and volunteer members of the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, work diligently with the assistance of community agencies, law enforcement and school personnel to address youth-related concerns, increase community awareness, provide drug and alcohol education and create a safer school and community envi-ronment for youth in the region.The coalition does an enor-

mous job of connecting with the community, Shoemaker said. There are a lot of concerns about drugs and alcohol use among our youth and this group is front and center trying to make a differ-ence. I may be the Chair, but in reality its a group effort.Born and raised in Warren

County, and a graduate of North Warren Regional High School, Shoemaker com-pleted her MPH in Epidemi-ology at George Mason University and began work-ing for the Health Depart-ment in December of 2013. She joined the Coalition in January 2014 and has been an active member from the start. Currently, Shoemaker has

spearheaded a Coalition project to push for better data collection among youth county-wide.We are currently pursuing

a project to distribute the PRIDE survey, which assesses drug, alcohol,

tobacco use and perception, as well as violence and com-munity involved among high school students, Shoemaker said.With the Health Depart-

ment, she recently completed the Warren County Commu-nity Health Assessment and Improvement Plan.Sarahs scope of knowl-

edge, particularly in the area of data collection, makes her a perfect leader for us, said Coalition Coordinator MaryJo Harris. "We know there are problems, and big ones, so its essential that we have a Chair who knows the lay of the land. In Sarah, we have that person."The Coalition is a program

of the Family Guidance Center under the direction of Prevention Connections. For more information on preven-tion programs offered through Prevention Connec-tions or to learn more about the Coalition and how you can help, contact MaryJo Harris or Diane Bonelli at 908-223-1985. Funding for the program is made avail-able through the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services and the Drug Free Communities Support grant.

The 140th Anniversary Committee of Bangors incorporation will be hold-ing their next tour on Octo-ber 17th. The tour will begin at Dukes Sporting Goods on Broadway at 11am, and will continue to the Bank of America, Millers Paint Store and Miller House. There will be a discussion on how the buildings link to the railroad, as well as a brief talk on the murals painted by Bob Doney that decorate the walls. Light refreshments will be served at the Bank of America.Richmond United Meth-

odist Church, located at 8538 Delaware Drive in Bangor, will be installing a new pastor to their church on October 18th during the 9:30am worship service. Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto, District Superintendent of the North-east District, Eastern Penn-sylvania Conference of the UMC will install pastor Ed

Van Arsdale as pastor of the church.The Salvation Army,

located at 301 West Main Street in Pen Argyl, will be accepting Christmas appli-cations October 20th through 23rd from 9am to 3pm, and November 9th and 10th from 9am to 3pm, and 5pm to 8pm. All appli-cants will need to have their current driver's license/state ID, proof of address, and proof of age for children 12 and under.The Chandler Estates are

looking for vendors for their fall celebration on October 24th from 9am to 4pm. For more information, call Tina at 610-863-3503 or email Tina@chandler estate.com.The Pen Argyl Alumni

Association is sponsoring a trip to Deck the Halls at the American Music Theater on November 28th.The trip includes dinner, show and all tax and gratu-ities. For more information or tickets, call Bill Ruggiero at

610-863-6297.Hope UCC is in need of

neck tie donations for My Brothers Keepers to tie together sleeping bags made for the homeless. Donations can be dropped off at Hope UCC in Wind Gap.Slate Belt Health and

Rehabilitation is looking for volunteers. If you enjoy talking, singing, dancing, exercising, reading, and more, and would like to share your gifts with the residents, stop by 701 Slate Belt Boule-vard in Bangor for an appli-cation or call 610-588-6161. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.St. Johns Cemetery is

seeking donations to help with the upkeep of the cem-etery, roadways and monu-ments. They are also explor-ing the idea of adding a Com-munity Columbarium near the mosoleum. Donations can be sent to Carol Hummel c/o St. Johns Cemetery, 136 Messinger Street, Bangor, PA 18013.

Project Self-Sufficiency will be sponsoring a free seminar about legal issues related to the elderly on October 14th, from 2pm to 4pm at the agencys campus, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Registra-tion is required. To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.Religious Education

classes at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sussex County have begun. Children ages three through 12 will participate in a program called Sing to the Power, which includes lessons and activi-ties that help children explore ways they can use their different forms of personal power to effect positive change in the world. The classes are held every Sunday from 10:30am to noon in the fellowship hall, located at One West Nelson Street in Newton. For further information, call 570-828-2732 or visit www. UUNewtonNJ.org.Free exercise classes will

be held for adults at town hall in Johnsonburg.

Classes are an hour long on Monday and Wednesday at 10am, and Saturday at 9am; or Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 4:45pm. For more information, visit www. frelinghuysennj.us/aerobics.htm, call Cathy at 908-852-7426, or email cathy@cathy baobean.com.Blairstown Recreation is

offering fall workout sessions of Zumba, PiYo, Pilates and Yoga for adults and teens. Zumba will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm now through December 10th at Blair Academy Dance Studio. PiYo is offered on Fridays, now through November 20th from 8:30am to 9:15am at the Evangelical Free Church of Blairstown. Pilates will be held Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:15am to 10:15am at the Evangelical Free Church now through November 19th, and Yoga will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 6:50pm at Catherine Dickson Hofman Library. For more information, visit www.blairstown-nj.org.The Warren County Com-

munity Singers are looking for new members. The singers are a non-audition group. Rehearsals are Tues-days, 7:30pm to 9:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, located at 40 Church Street in Washington. Singers present two concerts a year: a holiday concert in December and Spring Fest of Song in early May. All voice parts are welcome. Mens voices are especially needed. For more information, call Jane at 908-399-4771.Public Notice: In accor-

dance with the Adequate Notice provision of the Open Public Meetings Act, please be advised that the 2015 meeting schedule for the Warren County Mental Health Board is as follows: October 20th, November 17th and December 15th at 5pm. Meetings will be held in rooms 123A and B at Warren County Community College, located at 475 Rt. 57 in Washington.Public Notice: In accor-

dance with the Adequate Notice provision of the Open Public Meetings Act,

and friends.

The photograph of North Warren Regional High Schools homecoming king and queen was taken by Bob Halberstadt of The PRESS, not Dale Young of The PRESS. We apologize for the error.

Adult Fiction: Barry, Brunonia: The Map Of True Places; Ellis, Leanna: Plain Fear Forsaken; Eugenides, Jeffrey: The Marriage Plot; Garwood, Haley: Ashes Of Britannia; The Forgotten Queen; Swords Across The Thames; Leigh, Melinda: Minutes To Kill; Truong, Monique: Bitter In The Mouth.Adult Non Fiction:

Crumpton, Henry: The Art Of Intelligence; Hughes, Kara: Myths And Mysteries Of Pennsylvania.Young Adult Fiction:

Meyer, Stephenie: New Moon; Tolkien, J.R.R: The Fellowship Of The Ring, Being The First Part Of The Lord Of The Rings.Junior Non Fiction:

Schuetz, Kari: Dr. Seuss.Easy Reader Non Fiction:

Dils, Tracey: Around The

Moon 1,2,3: A Space Count-ing Book; Falling Leaves 1,2,3: An Autumn Counting Book; Under The Sea 1,2,3 An Ocean Counting Book; Meister, Cari: Brown Bears; Peacocks; Schuh, Mari: Anteaters; Camels.Easy Non Fiction: Heos,

Bridget: Do You Really Want A Guinea Pig?; So You Want To Grow A Pizza?; So You Want To Grow A Salad?Dvds: David Copperfield

And Oliver Twist; Psycho; Santa Fe Trail/the Outlaw; The Time Travelers Wife.Fiction Audio Books:

Coben, Harlan: Stay Close; Higgins, Jack: The Thousand Faces Of Night; Hunter, Stephen: Havana; Silva, Daniel: Prince Of Fire. Non Fiction Audio Books:

Tyson, Ann: American Spar-tan The Promise

Beginning this fall, mem-bers of the Blair Academy and Blairstown communities will have a new forum in which to exchange ideas and explore shared interests: the Town/Gown Academy. Sessions devoted to a wide variety of thought-provoking topics will be held on Wednesdays at 7pm, at the Outreach Center of the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown, located at 35 Main Street in Blairstown, NJ. Adults and teens from Blair Academy and the surrounding area are welcome to attend, free of charge, to participate in conversation and commu-nity.Longtime Blair theatre

director and English teacher Craig Evans is the creator and facilitator of the Town/Gown Academy, which he described as pre-sentation with participation. Each session will provide

the opportunity to learn about something youre interested in and talk about it or try it out with others who share your interest, Craig said. Its going to be a great way for folks from the School and the surrounding community to really get to know one another and create terrific connections.A three-session acting

workshop was launched for Town/Gown programming earlier this year. Mr. Evans, a community theatre veteran

and producer of more than 60 plays during his Blair career, will facilitate the workshop, which will give both rookie and polished actors the opportunity to explore the craft of acting. Town/Gowns second

program, scheduled for October 14th, 21st and 28th, will focus on public speak-ing, offering three easy-to-learn techniques to help participants become more relaxed and confident speak-ers. Former Blair faculty member Steven Kampmann, who has earned extensive theatre, movie and television credits during his career as an actor, writer and director, promises an enjoyable expe-rience designed to help you

become the public speaker you were always meant to be.Town/Gown Academy is

jointly sponsored by Blair Academy and the Outreach Center of the First Presbyte-rian Church of Blairstown. Future sessions may include explorations of subjects such as art and religion, but Mr. Evans noted that partici-pants, both teens and adults, are welcome to contribute their ideas and expertise. We extend an open invita-tion to everyone in the com-munity to join us, he said.To register for Town/Gown

Academy programs or for additional information, please email Mr. Evans at evansc@blair.edu.

Bangor Elks Halloween Parade: October 15th, 7pm. Theme: Wild Wild West. Late registration will be held at the Bee Hive Comm. Center on October 15th, 5pm. FMI, call 610-588-1195 or 610-588-3183.

Outdoor Craft & Flea Market: October 17th, 8am-2pm. St. Johns Lutheran Church, 12 N. Westbrook Ave., Pen Argyl. FMI, call Janet at 610-863-5997.

Bangor VFW Flea Market: October 17th, 8am. Rt. 191. Food & beverages avail. FMI or to reserve a space, call 908-319-3731.

Portland Family Fun Day & Yard Sale: October 17th. Yard Sale: 8am-2pm; Family Fun: 11am-4pm.

Delaware Ave., Rt. 611. FMI, call 570-897-0559 or email portland boroughpa@gmail.com.

Free GED Classes: Begin October 19th & 20th, 6pm-8:30pm. Pen Argyl High School Library, 501 W. Laurel Ave., Pen Argyl; DeFranco Elementary Library, Rt. 512 & Five Pts. Richmond Rd., Bangor; & Nazareth High School Library, 501 E. Center St., Nazareth. FMI, call 610-861-5421.

American Legion Aux. Coach Bingo: October 24th, 11am. Bangor VFW, 202 Veterans Rd., Bangor. FMI, call Laura at 570-897-6442.

Comunales Italian Market Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting: October 24th, 11am-5pm. 1 Mt. Bethel Plaza, 2165 Mt. Bethel Hwy, Mt Bethel.

Haunted Hayride: October 24th, 7-9pm. Blooming Grove Vol. Firehouse, 484 Rt. 739, Lords Valley (Hawley), FMI, call 570-775-7355.

St. Peters UCC Vera Brad-ley Purse Bingo: October 24th, 11:30am. FMI, call Sheila at 610-837-1533.

Brunch w/ the Author Karen Shoemaker Katchur: October 24th, 10am. Bangor Public Library. Registration req'd. FMI, call 610-588-4136.

Community Presbyterian Church Fall Festival: Octo-ber 24th, 11am-3pm. Rain date: October 25th. 1755 S. Delaware Ave., Mt. Bethel. FMI, email community presby@gmail.com or call 570-897-6766.

Pius X High School Athlete Recognition Dinner: Octo-ber 24th, noon. Location TBA. Honoring Phil Stam-baugh, Jeff, Joe & John Detzi, Anthony & Mike Casciano, Charley Angelini, Brad Decker, Alex Christoff, Steve Zegalia, Mike Corvino, Ralph LoPardo, Nick Martucci, Eric Rath, Don D'Iorio, Anthony Gruppo, Richard Dick Smith & Rob Goffredo. FMI, call Joe at 484-597-9007.

Boomer's Angels Boo at the Zoo: October 25th, 10am-4pm. 5150 Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville. FMI, email boomersangels @gmail.com, visit boomers angels.com, find them on

Facebook, or call 570-350-4977.

Pastie Sale: October 27th, 11am-1pm. Christ Lutheran Church, 703 S. Delaware Dr., Mt. Bethel. Call Chrissy at 610-588-0809 to order.

Bangor Women's Club Fall Card Party: October 29th, 11:30am. FMI, call Ellen Prudenti at 570-897-5787.

Rummage & Bake Sale: October 30th, 8am-4pm & October 31st, 8am-2pm. St. Johns Lutheran Church, 12 N. Westbrook Ave., Pen Argyl. FMI, call Dawn at 610-863-7498

East Allen Twp. Vol. Fire Dept. Bingo: November 1st, 11:30am. 5354 Nor-Bath Blvd., Northampton. FMI, call 610-767-7140.

Oldies Dance: November 7th, 6pm-10pm. Bangor Elks, 120 Broadway, Bangor. FMI, contact Sharon at 610-390-6692 or email sharond @tottsgap.org.

Inaugural Harold Klump Sr. Memorial Tournament: November 14th, 1pm. Door prizes, raffle & bake sale. Register by November 11th. FMI or to register, call 610- 258-0221.

East Bangor UMCC Gertrude Hawk Fund-raiser: Order by November 15th. FMI, call Diane at 610-588-2397.Pen Argyl Alumni Assoc. Bus Trip: November 28th. American Music Theater

Youth Center Little Tykes Soccer: Now-October 31st. The Youth Center, 16 Hamp-ton Rd., Glen Gardner. FMI, call 908-537-4594 or visit www.the youthcenter.net.

Free Employment Readi-ness Training: October 22nd, 10am. NORWESCAP Career & Life Transitions Center for Women. Regitsra-tion reqd. FMI, call 908-835-2624.

Casino Night to Benefit Father John's Animal House: October 16th, 6pm-10pm. 88 Lawrence Rd., Lafayette Twp. FMI or tickets, call the shelter at 973-300-5909 or visit www. fatherjohnsanimalhouse.org.

3rd Annual Swayze Mill Park Car Show: October 18th, 11am-3pm. 100 Swayze Mill Rd., Hope.

11th Hour Rescue Fest: October 18th, 4pm-9:30pm. 45 Main St., Stanhope. FMI, call 973-347-7777. To purchase tickets now, visit: goo.gl/b3duhn.

France at a Glance: Mon-days, October 19th-November 23rd, 3:15pm-4:30pm. Blairstown Elemen-tary School Library. Classes are for boys & girls, grades 1st-3rd. FMI, visit www. blairstown-nj.org.Blairstown Seniors Trip:

November 20th. Sign up by October 22nd at Town Hall at 1pm. FMI, Call Mickey at 908-362-8919.

Rummage Sale: October 23rd, 9am-4pm & October 24th, 9am-noon. Franklin Twp. Vol. Fire Dept. Aux., 37 Second St., New Village. FMI or to donate, call 908-689-3677.

Rummage Sale: October 23rd, 9am-4pm. Yellow Frame Church, Rt. 94 & One Yellow Frame Rd., Fredon. FMI, call 973-383-5364 or 973-383-9840.

Warren Co. Community Singers Cabaret Caf: October 24th, 7:30pm. Grace Lutheran Church, Roseberry St., Phillipsburg. Tickets avail. at the door.

Horror, Hounds & Hallow-een Dog Walk of the Dead III: October 25th, 11am-3pm. Waterloo Village, Byram. FMI, email Anthony at deaddogwalk@gmx.com.

North Warren Democratic Club Meeting: October 28th, 7pm. Catherine Dick-son Hofman Library, Lam-bert Rd., Blairstown. FMI, contact Fred Cook at 908-362-6808 or email to fpchistory@yahoo.com.

Free Holiday Bazaar for Caregivers: November 8th, 2pm-3pm. The Manor/ Belvidere Firehouse, 689 Water St., Belvidere. FMI, call Robin at 973-993-1160 ext. 305, or email Robin. Ennis@UnitedWay NNJ.org.

Christmas Show in Lancaster. FMI, call Bill at 610-863-6297.

By Jennifer LivelyWhen you are pregnant, it is

important that you watch what you put into your body. Consumption of illegal drugs is not safe for the unborn baby or for the mother. Stud-ies have shown that consumption of illegal drugs during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, low birth weight, premature labor, placental abruption, fetal death, and even maternal death. Any substance that crosses the placenta to your baby can affect how your

baby grows and develops. The use of marijuana, cocaine and alcohol in the first trimester can increase the chance of miscarriage or slowed mental development, as well as low birth weight. Drugs like heroin, PCP and LSD can become addictive to the fetus and require medical de-toxing upon birth.If you would like more

information, see the friendly staff at a Clean Slate, located at 100 S. Main Street in Bangor, PA, or call 610-452-9348.

By State Rep. Marcia Hahn - 138th Legislative DistrictOn Wednesday, October

7th, I joined a bipartisan majority of my House colleagues in defeating Gov. Tom Wolfs attempt to raise taxes by $3.8 billion over two years. In pursuing what would have been the largest tax increase in Pennsylvania history, the governor proposed increasing the Personal Income Tax (PIT) from 3.07 percent to 3.57 percent and imposing an estimated 14 per cent total severance tax when factor-ing in the existing impact fee.Gov. Tom Wolf ran on a

platform that included significant property tax

relief. While I do not agree with all of his proposals, this was one I could support. Unfortunately, what I was asked to consider today did not include the dollar-for-dollar relief for which my constituents have asked. Id prefer passage of House Bill 504, legislation I support which received votes from both sides of the aisle and all corners of the state.Im also opposed to this

amendments reliance on the Pennsylvania taxpayer to foot the bill. A Personal Income Tax hike of this magnitude is a significant blow to the same middle-class families the governor said he would support.Finally, I could not vote for

a severance tax that was once billed to produce $1 billion but in fact will gener-ate significantly less. Going from an impact fee that benefits the entire state, even Northampton County, to the

largest energy tax in the country is a step I was not willing to take. Questions about this or any

legislative issue should be directed to my district office at 610-746-2100.

Lisa Masi, a resident of Green Township, NJ and a longtime teacher and Leader-ship Team member at Ridge and Valley Charter School in Blairstown, NJ, has been accepted into the first ever Education for Sustainability Leadership Academy at Shel-burne Farms. Shelburne is an i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y - k n o w n nonprofit organization educating for a sustainable future. The home campus is a 1,400-acre working farm, forest, and National Historic Landmark in Shelburne, Vermont. Masi was just one of 14

educational leaders from around the country to be chosen. Participants include classroom teachers, sustain-ability coordinators, educa-tion program directors, and principals. The EFS Leader-ship Academy meets five times throughout the course of the year and brings

together Shelburne Farms staff with experts in the field of education, systems-thinking and leadership, to

support the participants in developing a peer network committed to ecological integrity, economic vitality,

and social justice. Over the first two days of convening, the group shared their experi-ences in education for sustainability and began shaping their vision for how to make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities, centered around the schools and orga-nizations in which they work.Masi, who has been with

Ridge and Valley Charter School since its inception and is a founding member of the school, has dedicated her life to educating students about sustainability by connecting them to the natural world. On a typical school day she can be found tapping maple trees with kindergarteners while weaving in science and math lessons, taking educational class trips to the local Com-munity Supported Garden, as well as integrating the study of monarch butterflies with

language arts lessons, biology exploration and art projects. She is beloved by students and parents alike.Masi reflects, Being a part

of the EFS Leadership Acad-emy has given me the oppor-tunity to work with leaders in the field of Educating for Sustainability. The wealth of information and experience in the group is supporting my own efforts, at Ridge and Valley Charter School and beyond, to inspire and support sustainability work. To learn more about this

program or other profes-sional learning programs at Shelburne Farms, visit www.shelburnefarms.org. To learn more about Ridge

and Valley Charter School visit www.ridgeand valley.org or attend a school open house and tour by calling 908-362-1114. Ridge and Valley Charter

School is a tuition-free public

school of choice open to any New Jersey child from kindergarten to 8th grade, with a mission of ecological literacy and sustainability. Class groups average 15 to 17 students. Students pursue integrated learning activities, frequently outdoors on the 16-acre campus that includes a sports field, meadows, wetlands, greenhouse, outdoor vegetable gardens and solar panels, or on field experiences to local and regional sites.Ridge and Valley Charter

School is guided by the Core Content Standards and oper-ates under the authority and supervision of the New Jersey Department of Educa-tion. The educational program integrates tradi-tional academic subjects into a range of project-based learning experiencesoften geared to a students specific interest.

Ciao Amici,Every year the U.S. Presi-

dent signs an executive order designating the month of October as National Italian American Heritage Month. Coincid-ing with the festivities surrounding Columbus Day, the proclamation is in recognition of the many

achievements, contribu-tions, and success of Ameri-cans of Italian descent as well as Italians in America. I would like to pass along this poem by Angelo Bian-chi which captures many things you may not know about Italian Americans. I am an Italian-American.

My roots are deep in an ancient soil, drenched by the Mediterranean sun, and watered by pure streams from snow capped moun-tains. I am enriched by thou-

sands of years of culture. My hands are those of the mason, the artist, the man of the soil. My thoughts have been

recounted in the annals of Rome, the poetry of Virgil, the creations of Dante, and the philosophy of Benedetto Croce. I am an Italian-American,

and from my ancient world,

I first spanned the seas to the New World. I am Cristoforo Colombo. I am Giovanne Caboto

known in American History as John Cabot, discoverer of the mainland of North America. I am Amerigo Vespucci,

who gave my name to the New World, America. First to sail on the Great

Lakes in 1679, founder of the territory that became the State of Illinois, colonizer of Louisiana and Arkansas, I am Enrico Tonti. I am Filippo Mazzei

friend of Thomas Jefferson, and my thesis on the equal-ity of man was written into the Bill of Rights. I am William Paca, signer

of the Declaration of Inde-pendence. I am an Italian-American;

I financed the Northwest Expedition of George Rogers Clark and accompa-

nied him through the lands that would become Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. I am Colonel Francesco

Vigo. I mapped the Pacific from

Mexico to Alaska and to the Philippines, I am Alessan-dro Malaspina. I am Giacomo Belinimi,

discoverer of the source of the Mississippi River in 1823. I created the Dome of the

United States Capitol. They call me the Michelangelo of America. I am Constantino Brumidi. In 1904, I founded in San

Francisco, the Bank of Italy now known as the Bank of America, the largest finan-cial institution in the world, I am A.P. Giannini. I am Enrico Fermi, father

of nuclear science in America. I am Steve Geppi,

founder of Diamond Comics, the largest distribu-torship of comics on the planet. I am the first enlisted man

to earn the Medal of Honor in World War II; I am John Basilone of New Jersey. I am an Italian-American. I am the million strong

who served in Americas armies and the tens of thou-sands whose names are enshrined in military cem-eteries from Guadalcanal to the Rhine. I am the steel maker in

Pittsburgh, the grower in the Imperial Valley of Califor-nia, the textile designer in Manhattan, the movie maker in Hollywood, the homemaker and the bread-winner in over 10,000 com-munities. I am an American without

stint or reservation, loving this land as only one who understands history, its

agonies and its triumphs can love and serve it. Will not be told that my

contribution is any less nor my role not as worthy as that of any other American. I will stand in support of

this nations freedom and protect against all foes. My heritage has dedicated

me to this nation. I am proud of my heritage, and I shall remain worthy of it. I am an Italian-American.Con cordiali saluti,JoeGrowing up in the

Butcher Shop, is available at the shop or on our web page. To receive menu specials and our newsletter, join our mailing list at JDeFrancoAndDaughters.com, click on mailing list and enter your email. Send your Roseto stories, recipes and comments to portipasto @epix. net or call 610-588-6991. J. DeFranco and Daughters

is located at 2173 W. Bangor Rd. in Bangor, PA. Store hours are 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, with catering available anytime or by appointment.

The Red Thread Cafe, located at 301 Market Street in Bangor, PA, an art, music and coffee venue, announces the start of its 2015-2016 season.Kicking off the season is

the hip-hop, indie pop sensation from Nashville, Tennessee, Spoken Nerd. The show will take place on October 17th; doors open at 7pm. The show is family friendly and affordable for all. Suggested donations are $3 for students, $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Refreshments will be available for purchase at the show. Never heard of Spoken

Nerd? Spoken Nerd pres-ents a delicious blend of hip-hop, indie pop, rap and lyrical rhymes. His fantas-tical blend was born in the hills of TN and have been

tested over the span of five studio albums and cross country tours. His works display a mixture of satire, comedy, rhymes and social commentary, wrapped up in iconic beats. He has toured throughout the country with artists such as Listener, John Reuben and many others. Every show is a candid family affair not to be missed as he leads his audience on a journey through his unique imagina-tion. Each show is special as he takes suggestions from the audience for his free-style rap songs.Opening for Spoken Nerd

is the local band sensation,

Without A Mike. You've heard them at Musikfest in Bethlehem and at the annual Halloween parade in Bangor. They offer a fresh and often amusing take on the pop hits of the 80s, 90s and today.Future events for The Red

Thread Cafe include Emily Barnes, singer /songwriter (November 21st); Christmas craft/gift bazaar and karaoke (December 19th); and Mys-tery Dinner Theater (February 13th). For more information on upcoming events at The Red Thread Cafe, visit their page on Facebook.

(NewsUSA) - Tying the knot isn't what it used to be. The wedding industry is as profit-able as primetime football, celebrities compete for the shortest, most gimmicky marriages (72 days or less?) and the exotic appeal of a romantic getaway has led to the widespread popularity of destination weddings.One in every 10 weddings

features an exotic locale, or at least a location neither the bride nor groom calls home. While there's no absolute explanation as to why destina-tion weddings have started a bridal takeover, the hefty price of typical weddings is reason enough for many -- especially if Daddy isn't footing the bill."If done correctly, destina-

tion weddings can be a cheaper alternative for every-one. Guests don't have to buy expensive gifts, just a ticket. All the money spent on the wedding party, venues, refreshments, cake, reception and decor is significantly reduced if not cut altogether,"explains Nini Pardo, wedding planner at Stay in Costa Rica, an accom-modations and rental manage-

ment company.The author of "Destination

Weddings for Dummies," Susan Breslow Sardone, says the traditional American wedding costs an average of $28,082, whereas destination weddings average around $20,600.

"Some of the cost difference is definitely a result of resorts and hotels capitalizing on the trend. Many now offer the full wedding package with wedding planners, musi-cians, photographers, etc. We employ full-time wedding coordinators, like myself, to

craft intimate weddings at our Los Suenos Resort," Pardo adds. "We've found it really appealing to budget-conscious brides."Budget-conscious brides

have become a trend as well, according to Patricia MacAr-thur, executive director of WeddingStar.com -- a go-to authority on all things wedding-related. MacArthur says more brides are trimming expenses by taking the DIY route for guest favors and some decorative elements.For tropical weddings espe-

cially, many of the cheaper, DIY options are more easily packed into suitcases. For instance, colorful fabric is being used to replace flowers and native delicacies are replacing towering cakes.An extra tip from the

experts, when considering the perfect setting to make your vows and possibly trash the dress: look at locations that are one flight away from you and most of your guests. Direct flights tend to be cheaper and less hassle. To learn more about saying "I do" in Costa Rica, visit stayincostarica.com.

By Tresa EricksonWhen the wedding invita-

tions start going out, one of the first things that comes to mind for guests are gifts. What should they get the bride and groom? What does the couple need? To solve the problem, many couples set up a registry at various businesses, which lists gifts on their wish list. Tradition-ally, these gifts are for the couples home, such as dishes, linens and small appliances. For the couple that wants to give back, these gifts can be charitable dona-tions of some sort.While some couples do set

up a registry and ask for tangible gifts for the home, others choose to go a differ-ent route and ask guests to make a charitable donation in lieu of a tangible gift. When Prince William and Kate Middleton got married

in April 2011, for example, the couple selected some of their favorite charities and requested guests to make a donation to one of them instead of purchasing them a tangible gift.Couples today are getting

married later in life, often in their late 20s and early 30s, and many live together beforehand. As a result, they already have the dishes, linens, small appliances and other items needed to set up a home. In some cases, they may even be combining households and have more than enough. Rather than end up with a houseful of items they dont need, it just makes more sense to give to those who are truly in need.There are many ways

couples can go about chari-table gifting. They can select some of their favorite chari-ties and request donations to

them in lieu of gifts, either through word of mouth, a formal announcement or a website. They can set up a charity registry, which will allow guests to make a secure online donation to the organizations of the couples choice. The couple can even specify a dollar amount. They can set up a charitable gift registry, which will allow guests to purchase an actual gift for them with a portion of the proceeds donated to charities of the couples choice. This option works really well for couples vying for a more traditional wedding. Depending upon the size of the wedding and their preferences, couples may even be able to set up both a charity registry and a charitable gift registry.For couples that cannot

bear the thought of asking guests to make a monetary donation of any kind, there are other ways to give back. They can donate any unused food from their reception to food banks. They can make a charitable donation in guests names in lieu of wed-ding favors. This option is growing in popularity and there are many websites that now offer charitable wed-ding favors.Whether a big wedding or

small, exchanging vows in front of loved ones can be magical. You can add to the magic by giving back. Explore the possibilities!

Have you ever heard the song, Chapel of Love? The Dixie Cups recorded the chart-topper written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector in 1964. There have been numerous covers of the song, and it has been included in many soundtracks. The song tells of a couple about to get married in a wedding chapel. There are hundreds of wedding chapels around the United States, some that even go by the name of the Chapel of Love.Probably the best-known

Chapel of Love is located in the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Over 5,000 people have gotten married in the chapel since it opened in 1994. The chapel offers onsite wedding pack-ages as well as weddings to go. For further information, check out www.chapeloflove.com.There is also a Chapel of

Love in Las Vegas, along with hundreds of other wed-ding chapels. For brides and grooms looking to get married in a wedding chapel, Las Vegas is THE

place to be. One of the most famous wedding chapels in Las Vegas is the Little White Chapel. Over 800,000 people have gotten married in the chapel since it opened in 1951, including Paul Newman and Joanne Wood-ward, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and Natalie Maines and Adrian Pasdar. The chapel also features a unique drive-through marriage option. For further information, check out www.alittlewhitechapel.com.The Graceland Wedding

Chapel and the Chapel of the Bells are two other well-known wedding chapels in Las Vegas. The Graceland Wedding Chapel offers traditional wedding pack-ages as well as Elvis-themed wedding packages and has hosted the weddings of hundreds of couples over the years, including Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife, Trish, and Jon Bon Jovi and his wife, Dorothea. For further information, check out www.gracelandchapel.com. The Chapel of the Bells also offers a number of wedding

packages and has hosted the weddings of hundreds of couples over the years, including Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa. For further information, check out chapelofthebellslasvegas.com.Couples looking for some-

thing a little homier and farther east will appreciate the wedding chapels of Tennessee. There are several in and around the Smokey Mountains, including the Smokey Ridge Wedding Chapel, the Wedding Bell Chapel in Pigeon Forge and the Chalet Mountain Wed-ding Chapel in Gatlinburg. Dollywood also has a wed-ding chapel. All offer a number of affordable wed-ding packages.Wedding chapels offer

great weddings at great prices. The services and amenities are many and range from dressing rooms and photography to flowers and food. For couples inter-ested in a wedding without all of the hassle, a chapel wedding might be ideal. Take a look if youre inter-ested.

By Ann BareShe said YES! The next

question is, Whens the Big Day?When it comes to picking

the date for a wedding, many factors could be considered. Some choices might include: The anniversary date of

when the couple met The parents or grandpar-

ents wedding date (a great way to honor their marriage!) Date when the desired

reception site is available The least expensive night

(anything but Saturday) The least expensive month

(January, March and Decem-ber are usually open.) On or near a favorite

holiday (A Fourth of July early afternoon celebration allows for a full day of festivities.) In a preferred season

(Chance of snow? Will the cake melt?) When the families will be

available to come A date pulled from a hat

(for the very indecisive)Sometimes a date is just

obvious. July 7, 2007 was the pick of a record number of coupleswho can forget that anniversary? Those couples who considered seven to be a lucky number found them-selves in Las Vegas, hoping to increase their chances of a long-lasting marriage. Others who regarded seven signifi-cant due to religious or cultural beliefs (seven days of creation, Seven Wonders

of the ancient world, seven deadly sins, seven last words of Christ, Seven Seas, seven levels of heaven, 007, etc.) found the date to be a good choice for their wedding alsoand even more so since it fell on a Saturday.In selecting a date, couples

should consider avoiding Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend since many families use those particular three-day weekends for family holidays. A Super Bowl Sunday date would probably find many men feeling a headache come on, prevent-ing their attendance at a non-family members nuptials. September 11, April Fools Day and Halloween, as well as cultural or religious holidays celebrated by family members, could also be risky dates to attempt a gathering.Of course, if the marriage

date is limited to only a few attendees, any date goes. However, if a date is selected for a memorable reason, it might be interesting to include that information in the program to give the guests a glimpse into a bit more personal side of the couple.A wedding day is obviously

more than a dateits a whole day of celebration. However, anything to make that day even more memo-rable will make the anniver-sary date easy to rememberand both husband and wife will win with that!

By Tresa EricksonOf all the elements involved

in the planning of a wedding, the selection of the bridal gown can be one of the most time consuming. The search for the perfect dress usually gets underway soon after the engagement has been announced and continues for weeks and sometimes months afterward. If you have recently gotten engaged, here are some tips to help you with the search.Start early: The sooner you

start looking for a wedding dress, the better chance you will have of finding just the right one and the accessories to go with it. You will also have plenty of time for altera-tions. And should you choose not to buy a gown off the rack

and customer order one instead, you wont have to worry about it not arriving in time.Be open: Dont pick the

dress. Let it pick you. Go ahead and page through all of those bridal magazines. The more you know about whats out there, the better idea youll have of what you want. But dont limit your shopping to any one style, color or designer. Just because a particular style of dress looks good on the page does not mean it will look good on you at the store. You want a gown that not only appeals to your tastes but flatters your figure.Bring a guide: Find a trusted

friend or family member willing to go shopping with you and help you decide. You

need someone who can give you an honest opinion of each dress you try on, good or bad. Choose someone who will tell you what they think, not what you want to hear.Shop around: Take several

days to check out the selec-tion at various bridal shops and try on as many styles as possible. Ask if you can take photos of the gowns that really interest you. If not, bring a notebook so that you can jot down the name of the gowns you like best and where to find them. Dont trust your memory to keep track of what you like and where to find it.Keep at it: Continue your

search until you find the perfect gown, and when you do, stop! Purchase the dress

right then and there and turn your attention to the other tasks on your to-do list. Dont continue to shop on the off chance you will find some-thing better. Chances are you wont, and when you return to the store to purchase the dress of your dreams, some-one else may have already beat you to it.Shopping for a gown can

take a lot of time. While some brides come upon the dress of their dreams within the first few hours of shopping, most dont. Prepare for the task to take a while and enjoy!

By Tresa EricksonOne of the first decisions

newly engaged couples may need to make regarding their wedding is where to have it. For some, the answer is clear: anyplace but their home. For others, the wrestling begins. Should they have their wed-ding at home or someplace else? If you are among them, here are some factors to consider.Budget: Depending upon

the number of guests invited, having your wedding at home may be less or more costly. The longer your guest list, the more items you may have to rent from tables and chairs to a catering kitchen and tents to lights and port-a-potties. You may also need a cleanup crew for before and after the event as well as a landscaping crew if you are having your wedding outdoors. You may have to hire a valet parking service and purchase a generator to provide the extra power needed for the event. All of this can really add up.Space: The more wedding

guests you invite, the larger space you will need for your

wedding. If you are having your wedding outdoors, this may not be an issue, unless you have a very small yard. If you are having your wed-ding indoors, on the other hand, you will need to ensure you have enough space for your guests to move around and mingle. Squeezing 50 people into your 10x10 foot living room could result in some leaving.Location: Not every home

is located in an idyllic setting. Some are near noisy highways or airports. Some are situated in really busy urban environments, and others, in remote regions. Make sure the home where you intend to get married is located in an area your guests can find and will feel comfortable mingling in. Theres nothing like the shrill of an ambulance or a

round of gunfire to scare off guests.Safety: Accidents are

always a possibility no matter where you may have your wedding. Depending upon the setup of your home, you may have to take extra care to avoid them. If you have invited several seniors, you may need to remove or tack down area rugs, install handrails in your bathroom and so forth. If you have invited several young children, you may need to drain or gate off water features, install safety covers on your outlets and so forth. You should check with your vendors to make sure they have adequate coverage as well as with your own insur-ance agent. You may need to purchase an additional policy for your wedding.Other Considerations: Even

if your home meets the space, location and safety require-ments, you may still encoun-ter some hurdles. Some officiants will not preside over weddings that do not take place on their churchs grounds. Will yours? Some cities require permits for large events like weddings. Does yours? Some neighbors are very particular about what goes on near their homes and will put up a great fuss. Will yours? The poten-tial for damage and bad weather can also be factors. The more people traipsing in and around your home, the more likely things will get broke. Are you prepared for this? If you are having your wedding outside and the weather turns sour, can you move everything inside?Determining whether to

have a wedding at home is not a decision to take lightly. While home weddings are becoming popular, not every home is equipped for such an event. Make sure yours is. If not, consider having your wedding at another home that is, perhaps that of a friend or relative.

(NAPSI)For outdoor power equipment to work better for less cost and effort later in the year, you need to properly maintain and store it now. Here are 13 tips that can help.Storage Suggestions:1. Set up a safe work zone.

Identify a safe location with plenty of work space thats out of the way of children and pets. Work only in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources, sparks or flames.2. Collect your outdoor

power equipment. This might include a lawn mower, generator, string trimmer, chain saw, edger, power washer, blower, chipper, splitter or any other tool that uses a small engine to do outdoor work.3. Make sure the equipment

is turned off. Before servic-ing or repairing any outdoor power equipment, discon-nect the spark plug and battery cables.4. Protect yourself. Wear

safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris.5. Inspect the equipment.

Make sure safety guards are not disabled or missing.

Check for loose belts or missing or damaged guards. Check and tighten all screws and nuts.6. Clean the equipment.

Remove any accumulated grass, leaves and dirt. Use a soft rag or cloth to clean away grime and dirt.7. Drain the fuel. Many

fuels today contain ethanol, which absorbs water and may phase separate, causing operating problems later. If there is fuel in the tank, remove what remains. Run the engine until it stops to use up all the fuel. Get more information on safe fueling a t www.LookBeforeYouPump.com.8. Store leftover fuel prop-

erly. Gasoline should be stored no more than 30 days unless its treated with a fuel stabilizer. Use a sealed container approved for fuel storage. Always keep fuel out of the reach of children and away from heat sources or flames.9. Lubricate, sharpen and

charge as needed. Check the oil levels and blade condi-tions. Change the oil if necessary. Sharpen lawn mower blades. Inspect the

spark plug, replace it and add clean engine oil. Check the air filter and clean or replace as needed. If equipment has a removable battery, take it out and store it in a warm spot. If you have a battery charger, charge the battery before storing it.10. Service equipment. If

you are not comfortable performing some of these tasks or think that your equipment needs additional servicing, take it to a dealer or repair shop.11. Identify and clear a safe

storage space. An indoor storage area will protect equipment from the elements. Your storage area should be cool and dry, and equipment should be out of the reach of children and

pets. Store equipment away from pool chemicals, clean-ers or fertilizersanything that could cause corrosion from spills.12. Properly store supplies.

Using approved storage containers for lawn care or yard supplies will help avoid spills. Leftover materials should be stored in sealed containers, so pests are not drawn to them. Keep containers out of the reach of children and pets.13. Locate your cold

weather power equipment. Check your snow shovels, snowblowers or throwers, ice scrapers, ice melt or rock salt. If you are low on supplies, stock up. Keep this equipment and supplies in an accessible location so theyll be handy when the first snowflakes fall.Equipment that is well

maintained will last longer and save you money in the long run. Maintaining, winterizing and storing outdoor power equipment properly means that when spring arrives, your equip-ment will be ready, said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade asso-ciation representing power equipment, small engine, and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers.For further facts and safety

tips, go to www.opei.org

Hello, fellow readers! When I was a girl, my sister

dared me to rub a leaf all over me. Even then I was a plant person and always up to a challenge of I dare you. The leaf was in a grouping of three and I picked one and dutifully painted myself with it. I bet you know where this is going. It turns out I'm allergic to

poison ivy, as are about 80 percent of us, some more than others. My reaction was awful (big surprise), causing my eyes to swell shut. Its true that most people will have a greater reaction with repeated or extreme exposure. Whats the bright red vine I

have growing up my tree? Poison ivy? asked Josephine of Andover, NJ. It could be, as poison ivy does turn a glorious bright red in fall. Virginia creeper, Parthenocis-sus quinquefolia, is often mistaken for poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), but has five leaflets; poison ivy has three. Come fall, Virginia creeper has dark purple berries, while poison ivys are greyish white. Virginia creeper berries

contain oxalic acid, which is moderately toxic to humans and other mammals, but provides a food source for birds. The sap of the plant has needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate. If the leaves are crushed they can prick skin, causing irritation and

blisters to some, so wear gloves when handling.Its the urushiol oil contained

in all parts of the poison ivy plant (leaves, stems, roots, flowers and berries) that causes the reaction when touched by people. But poison ivy is commonly munched by many animals, such as deer and bear, and the berries are enjoyed by birds.Both vines are frequently

seen covering trees or shrubs and they can kill them by shading their ability to photo-synthesize. But before you wrestle them down, best to ID what you are tackling. You may have heard rhymes to help identify poison ivy: Leaflets three; let it be, Hairy vine, no friend of mine and Berries white, run in fright.Urushiol oil can remain

active for years so handling dead leaves or vines can still cause a bad reaction. And the oil can transfer to tools or pet fur, then to you. Even if you think you arent allergic, a whopping exposure such as cutting up a downed tree wrapped in a dead poison ivy vine may cause a bad reaction. Isnt that right, Curt? If its hairy you better ask Mary.Garden Dilemmas? askmarystone.comWarning: If poison ivy is

burned and the smoke inhaled, the rash can appear on the lining of the lungs and cause extreme pain and possibly a fatal respiratory complication. Tips: While Virginia creeper grows rampant in the wild it is also used as an ornamental plant. It can quickly cover walls keeping a building cooler by shading the surface and its fall color is a show stopper. Though it adheres to the

surface by disks rather than penetrating roots, it does not harm the masonry. But, as with Boston ivy, ripping the plant from the wall can damage the surface. If you kill the plant first by cutting the vine at the root, the adhesive pads will eventually deterio-rate and release their grip.

Portland Borough, PA invites you to attend the 40th Portland Family Fun Day which will be held on Octo-ber 17th from 11am to 4pm, featuring games, food, enter-tainment, and fun for the entire family. The event will be held downtown in the Park and Walk along Dela-ware Avenue in Portland.

Rain date for the event will be October 18th. Portland Family Fun Day will be filled with live music, the pumpkin patch (pumpkin painting), kids games, tie dyeing, vendors, arts and crafts, Horses 4 Hope pony rides, funnel cakes, walking tacos, and more.In honor of October being

fire safety month, there will be a fire safety house from Pen Argyl Fire Co. with Portland Hook and Ladder on display, and Portlands original borough hall and jail, the pokey, will be open for a walk back in time. There will also be a bake sale to benefit the Port-land Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1.There will be a town-wide

yard sale from 8am to 2pm the morning of the event. Come see the mayor at the park and walk to pick-up your map. They are still in need of

vendors for the event. Vendor applications can be found at www.portland

boroughpa.com under com-munity events. The fee to set up is $10. Participation is encouraged as well as an invitation to come and meet and greet your neighbors or meet some new friends! All proceeds from town events go to future events, supplies and advertising for the commu-nity.For more information on

upcoming events such as trick or treating schedule and tree lighting visit the Portland Facebook page. If you would like more information on Portland Family Fun Day or would like to become a vendor, call 570-897-0559 or email portlandborough pa@gmail.com.