Looking for Recent News & Videos? If you are looking for a story or photo that recently appeared in our daily editions of the Town Topics you may find them at the bottom of this page or on our RECENT NEWS page. If you are looking for recent videos you can find them at our YOUTUBE Channel @ Slate Belt Happenings. Planned PennDOT Roadwork Dec 16-22
(Weather May Alter Plans)
![]() East Bangor celebrated the Christmas Season with a tree lighting and a visit of Santa. PHOTO GALLERY Photos Courtesy Brianna Zazulak
Constable Elected Worshipful Master![]() Dean A Constable, of Bangor, has been elected as Worshipful Master of Portland Lodge #311, F&AM, during the Lodge’s annual election meeting held on December 12.
As the elected head of the lodge, he will preside during all of 2020, the lodge’s 164th year of organization. He succeeds Bradley R. Johnson, of Effort, who installed him in office. Constable is a 1991 graduate of Bangor Area High School and a 1995 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. He is currently the Operations Manager of the Easton Line Department of Met-Ed. The son of James and Nancy Constable of Bangor, Dean and his wife Krista are the parents of two sons: Andrew, also a member of Portland Lodge, and Colby. A recipient of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s Master Builder Award, given to outstanding Freemasons during their first year of membership, Constable has furthered his Masonic education by becoming a member of Ezra Royal Arch Chapter #216 in Bethlehem. Outside of Masonry, Constable is an active volunteer fireman with the Liberty Fire Company in Bangor. In his spare time he enjoys boating, hunting and snowmobiling with family and friends. Elected as Senior Warden was Michael R. Jones, of Bangor, with John H. Rigione, of Bangor, being elected as Junior Warden. Walter C. Emery, of Portland, and Stephen M. Ahner, of Bangor, were re-elected as Treasurer and Secretary respectfully. Re-elected as Trustees were: John M. Bach of Mt. Bethel, and Jody C. Pysher and Craig Hughes of Bangor. Carl J. Palmeri, II, of Roseto, was re-elected as Representative to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with Gilbert F. Walter, of Stroudsburg, re-elected as Substitute Representative. Portland Lodge takes an active part in the Slate Belt community, sponsoring the annual Masonic Motorama at the Plainfield Farmers Grove, as well as the Slate Belt Toys for Tots event, held annually at the Plainfield Township Fire Hall. The lodge also continues its tradition of remembering the widows of deceased members with poinsettias each Christmas season. In addition, the lodge presents scholarship awards to graduating seniors at Bangor Area High School. Not surprisingly, Freemasonry has been called “the world’s greatest philanthropy” for its contributions to charitable causes. ![]() The Bangor High School Girls Soccer team held a pancake breakfast recently at the high school. PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Lisa Newberry Belt & Beyond
![]() A craft show was held recently at Tuscarora in Upper Mount Bethel. PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Lisa Newberry Belt and Beyond.
![]() In recognition of National Tax Security Awareness Week, the state Department of Revenue outlined several tips to help protect yourself from identity thieves:
Finally, the IRS or Department of Revenue will never call to demand a tax payment on a gift card. If you are a victim of identity theft or discover a fraudulent Pennsylvania personal income tax return was filed using your identity, please contact the Department of Revenue’s Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit at 717-772-9297 or RA-RVPITFRAUD@pa.gov. For more information on ways to protect yourself, click here. Boulton Christmas Open House.....![]() The Boulton Plantation in Jacobsburg held its annual Christmas Open House Saturday and Sunday. PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Jacqui Hower
Happening Wednesday.....PAHS 'Senior Day' Enjoy a fun-filled “Senior Day” hosted by the officers of the Class of 2022 at Pen Argyl Area High School Wednesday December 18 from 8:30 am TO 12:30 pm .Doors open at 8:15am. They will be serving a continental breakfast, and lunch will be provided for all attendees. Other activities include quoits, tours of the building, technology lessons, musical entertainment and Bingo. This event is open to all senior citizens of the Pen Argyl Area School District. Please RSVP as soon as possible, as space is limited! RSVP by December 13 610-863-1293 Ext. 1. ![]() Trinity Lutheran Church in Bangor held it annual Sunday School Christmas program Sunday evening. Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Regular Slate Belt Events This Week....... Wednesday December 18
Bingo - Bushkill Fire Co. Doors 5pm. Bingo 7pm. Blue Mountain Library - Open 10-12 & 6-8pm Bangor Public Library - Open 1-8 Slate Belt Senior Center - Open 8-4. Blue Valley Farm Show Gym Nite - 6-8pm, Faith Christian School, Roseto. 610-588-6929 Story Time - Preschool children. Blue Mt. Community Library, Pen Argyl, 10:30am Bangor Yard Waste - Dump in container at Bangor Park, 8-2 UMBT Planning Commission - Township Building, 7:30pm Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm Thursday December 19 Blue Mountain Library - Open 10-12 & 6-8pm Bangor Public Library - Open 10-8 Slate Belt Senior Center - Open 8-4. Blue Valley Farm Show Story Time - Preschool children. Blue Mt. Community Library, Pen Argyl, 10:30am Pen Argyl Borough Planning Commission - 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers Forks Kiwanis - Merchants Bank, Breakfast 7:30am Slate Belt Rotary - Scorecard, Wind Gap, 6-7pm Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm Friday December 20 Bingo - Wind Gap Fire Co., 6:45. Blue Mountain Library - Open 10-12 Bangor Public Library - Open 1-5 Slate Belt Senior Center - Open 8-4. Blue Valley Farm Show Knitters of the Round Table - Blue Mt. Comm. Library, 10:30am. 610-863-3029 Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm Saturday December 21 Blue Mountain Library - Open 10-12 Bangor Public Library - Open 10-4 Bangor Yard Waste - Dump in container at Bangor Park, 8-12. Slate Belt YMCA - 8-4 Public Service Announcements PUMP Seeks 'Generous Contributions'![]() The PUMP food pantry is open to qualifying clients every Monday morning from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and again Monday evening 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Prior to receiving food assistance, clients must register and provide proof of residency. Families are permitted to receive food every two weeks.
Their monthly overhead is $4,000 which is needed to cover rent, electricity etc. To maintain this vital service to the community they are seeking "generous contributions" for additional, much-needed storage space and maintenance. You may contribute by sending checks to PUMP, Box 69, Portland,PA 18351. You may also contribute by going to their website at pumppantry.com and clicking on the DONATE button. Christmas Tree Fundraiser
Please hang an ornament on Blue Mountain Community Library's Christmas Tree in honor of or in memory of a person or pet. The ornaments are $5.00. Your donation will not only help support the library, the ornaments will decorate their tree. They thank you for your support and for decorating their tree. Holiday Shopping at the Book Nook
The BMCL’s Book Nook is your place for one stop shopping for the reader on your Holiday List. It is a room filled with giftable books including Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Children and Young Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction, Large Print and Classics, as well as Puzzles and DVD’s and each month the Library offers a “Book Nook Special.” Book Nook Gift Certificates are also available to purchase for your favorite readers. The Blue Mountain Community Library is located at 216 S. Robinson Ave. in Pen Argyl. Hours are 10-12, Monday thru Saturday mornings and 6-8, Monday thru Thursday evenings. Stop in and check off all the readers on your Holiday List! Call 610-863-3029 for information or visit www.bmcl.org. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bmclpenargyl. Rescue Fire and Santa Gifts
Bangor's Rescue Fire Co. #1 will be delivering gifts again with Santa this year. Please bring a wrapped gift for the person you wish to the fire house any Monday night between 7 and 9 pm. Santa will start deliver presents at 10 am on the 14th and continue till the last gift is delivered. Please attach to the gift the persons name, address and a phone number in case we need to contact someone. The cost is a $10 donation per two gifts and $5 for each additional gift. **snow date is 12/21/2019. Please watch our page for further details. **The home must be in the Borough of Bangor. East Bangor Santa Visits
Santa will once again visit residents of East Bangor this year on Christmas Eve. If you would like to be added to the list, call 610-588-5996. ![]() Home Heating Assistance
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the income limit for an individual is $18,735; for a couple, the limit is $25,365; and for a family of four, it is $38,625. Residents may apply for LIHEAP online or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence. Click here for additional information. Support Group For Vets & First Responders
A new confidential support group for veterans and first responders is available at A Clean Slate on the corner of Broadway and First St. (Rt. 191) in Bangor. The group meets the third Monday of the month from 7pm to 8pm. It is free. A professional counselor will facilitate the group. All are welcome. No sign-up is needed. Call 610-452-9348 for more info. Weona Calendars Available
After many months of hard work, the 100th Anniversary of Weona Park 2020 Calendar is completed. Put together by Walter Cole, former History teacher at Pen Argyl High School and member of the Slate Belt Heritage Center, it features pictures, past and present, of the park and events that took place there, as well as in early Pen Argyl. This Limited-Edition Calendar is now available to purchase at a cost of $15.00, cash or check only. Checks should be made payable to “Pen Argyl Borough”. The Calendar is on display at the Blue Mt. Community Library, 216 S. Robinson Ave., Pen Argyl. To purchase or for more information, call Walt Cole at 610-863-6472. Snowshoes and Hiking Poles Available
Snowshoes and Hiking Poles are available at Jacobsburg Visitor Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth every Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Borrow snowshoe equipment to use on Jacobsburg’s trails this winter! Snowshoes are available for folks of any age or shoe size, including small children. Snowshoes will not be made available during times of insufficient snow cover, usually at least six inches of snow is required. To borrow equipment, you must provide a driver’s license or other form of state issued identification. For more information call 610-746-2801 or email jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. You can check our website for current winter conditions and snow depth: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/WinterReport/Pages/default.aspx You can also view and register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/. If you need an accommodation to participate in a program please contact the park office at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. With at least three days notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. Struggling With Substances?
People struggling with substances can now walk in for drug and alcohol assessments at the Clean Slate Bangor, 100 South First Street St, Bangor 610-452-9348 Mondays from 10am - 12pm Many times this is the first step toward treatment and a new life. BYM Meals at First UMC Wind Gap
Come for 100's of pizza crusts, along with peppers, Kind Bars, popcorn, and wheat crackers for the the community. Just come out to any BYM meal on Thursday nights 6-8 pm or even pick up some pantry items after worship on any Sunday 10AM..... First UMC 19 W. West St Wind Gap Pastor John Vidal.....570 426-0645. Help Track Bald Eagle Population![]() The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking for the public’s help to track the state’s growing bald eagle population. After reaching a low of just three nesting bald eagle pairs in the Commonwealth in the early 1980s, officials now estimate there are more than 300 nesting pairs here.
While bald eagles are no longer listed as a threatened species in Pennsylvania, they are still protected by the U.S. Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits taking of the birds, nests or eggs. If you spot a bald eagle nest, please use proper etiquette to avoid disturbing the birds. To review bald eagle nest guidelines, or to report your nest sighting to the game commission, click here. Donations for St. John's Cemetery
Donations for St. John's Cemetery in Bangor are being accepted for maintenance. You can mail them to St. John's Cemetery c/o Carol Hummel, 136 Messinger Street, Bangor, Pa 18013. Property Tax/Rent Rebate program
Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until December 31 to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. The original deadline was June 30. The program benefits people age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, and the disabled 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, and half of Social Security income excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650. Supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners boosts rebates to $975. After June 30, rebates will be distributed as claims are received and processed. Applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process. Eligibility information and forms are available www.rephahn.com, or by contacting her office at 610-746-2100. Eligibility information and forms are also available at www.repemrick.com or by contacting his Slate Belt office at 610-588-8011 or Nazareth office at 610-746-5090. Assistance in filling out the applications is available free of charge. "Weona 100" Requests Pen Argyl Borough requests volunteers, personal stories from Community for “Weona 100.” A joint committee of borough officials and residents are planning a weekend of “Weona 100” festivities and activities on June 19-20, 2020. For more information about the Weona Park 100th Anniversary plans, contact Roberta Cowley at 484-695-2994 or email Weona100@gmail.com. Heritage Center Monthly Schedule 2020: January 12, 2 PM: “History of the Mummers” by Melissa Hough.; February 9, 2PM: “Sheep to Shawl” by Hope Horn.; March 8th @ 2:00 PM: “Leopold Conservation Farming Award” by Richard DiFebo; April 9, 7 PM: Book Reveal, May 14, 7PM; ![]() Waste Management recently contributed $10,000 to the Slate Belt YMCA expansion to a full facility in 2020 which will include a heated indoor pool, gymnasium and preschool childcare wing. (Pictured L-R) Tom Giovanni (Slate Belt YMCA Advisory Board member), WM’s Engineer Ron Myer, YMCA Board Member Dick Smith , YMCA’s Branch Executive Jen DeLong, WM’s Community Relations Manager Adrienne Fors, WM’s District Manager Joe Statile and Area Director of Disposal Operations Scott Perin and YMCA CEO Dave Fagerstrom. ![]() Protection From Melting Snow
Check your property for obstructions. Is there anything that might prevent melting snow from draining? Now's the time to move it out of the way. Clear snow and debris from roof gutters so water can drain away. This can be dangerous, so make an honest assessment of how comfortable you are with home improvement projects before you ascend any ladders. Hire a handyman or contractor if you’re not up to the task. First time hiring someone to help? Read this list of tips for hiring a contractor.
Then consider talking with an insurance professional like an Erie Insurance Agent. He or she can tell you about affordable coverage options for water damage. ![]() Attention dog owners! As you look to license your dog for the 2020 calendar year, watch out for a fraudulent website selling licenses online.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued the warning after identifying www.padoglicense.online as selling fake Pennsylvania dog licenses and even paying search engines to appear at the top of search results pages for common terms, like “Pennsylvania dog license” or “renew PA dog license.” If you’d like to purchase a license online, type www.licenseyourdogpa.pa.gov directly into your browser’s address bar. You may also purchase your license from the county treasurer. Each county treasurer has a different process, and while most offer an online option, some do not and require a paper form to be dropped off or mailed. For more information about the state’s Dog Law and licensing requirements, click here. ![]() Bangor Area High School held it winter chorus concert Wednesday in the Craig Paine Theater. PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Lisa Newberry
![]() A wide assortment of characters attended the Toys for Tots program Saturday afternoon. PHOTO GALLERY Photo Lisa Newberry Belt and Beyond
BAHS Students Going to District Chorus![]() Twenty-four Bangor Area High School students were accepted into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Chorus. They were among over 700 students who auditioned from schools in the counties of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Schuylkill. Of that, 200 were selected to create the District 10 Chorus. Bangor students will represent more than 10% of this chorus. The students will be traveling to Boyertown Area High School to participate in the festival January 15-17. While there, they will work under the direction of Dr. Peggy Dettwiler, Professor of Music at Mansfield University. The students will also audition for the Region V Chorus. One-half of the District 10 participants will move onto the Region V level. (Pictured above L-R) First row: Nikita Mendellsohn, Kristen Stopfer, Sophia Villano, Michael Spagnola, Brookel Sabella, Gracie Caiazzo, Andrew Spagnola Second Row: Cathianne McKenna, Clara Oxford, Ryan Gambale, Marino Bubba, Nikolas Hendershot, Andrea Morokutti, Mandy Voorhees Third Row: Heather Heath, Hannah Almanzar, Evan Finkbeiner, Joshua Lopez, Aaron Hartzell, Noelle Schwartz Fourth Row: Mason Cruz, Jesse Geiger, CJ Fassl Not Pictured: Deja Breitfeller ![]() These "Friends of the Bangor Library" volunteered their time to serve breakfast with Santa Saturday morning at the Bee Hive. PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photos Larry Cory
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December 18 PAHS 'Senior Day' Enjoy a fun-filled “Senior Day” hosted by the officers of the Class of 2022 at Pen Argyl Area High School Wednesday December 18 from 8:30 am TO 12:30 pm .Doors open at 8:15am. They will be serving a continental breakfast, and lunch will be provided for all attendees. Other activities include quoits, tours of the building, technology lessons, musical entertainment and Bingo. This event is open to all senior citizens of the Pen Argyl Area School District. Please RSVP as soon as possible, as space is limited! RSVP by December 13 610-863-1293 Ext. 1 January 1 First Day Hikes Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at 10:00am to 11:30am or 1:00pm to 2:30pm at Jacobsburg. Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2020! Join educator Lauren Forster for one of two 2-mile hikes. We will explore the old growth forest of Henrys Woods and the fields of the Homestead Trail. The hikes will leave at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM from the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Registration is required as spaces are limited. You can also view and register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner An All You Can Eat Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner will be held at Belfast Wesley United Methodist Church 607 School Rd Nazareth. Wednesday January 1st, 2020 from 1:00PM-4:00PM Cost is Adult- $10.00 Child 3yr-10yr- $5.00 Under 3 Free. Please call Tom for more information 610-751-4400 January 4 Slate Belt Y Open House Come to the Slate Belt Branch of the Greater Valley YMCA from 8 AM - 4 PM on Saturday, January 4 for their Open House! Try out free Y programming, meet the directors, take a tour, and get a feel for the Y community! Bring a friend and stop by the Y; it's free and open to the public. Plus, there's giveaways too! You belong at the Y. Bangor Elks Hoop Shoot The Bangor Elks Lodge #1106 has announced that the annual Hoop Shoot free throw contest will be held on Saturday January 4, 2020 at the Washington Elementary gymnasium. There are two divisions-girls and boys and the age groups are 8 and 9, 10 and 11, and 12 and 13. Age is determined as of April 1, 2020. It is open to students from the following schools-Bangor, Pen Argyl, Faith Christian, NDGP, Easton, and Wilson. The contest will start at 1 PM with registration at Noon. Any questions please contact Glenn Miller at 610-703-0070. January 9 - 11 Book Nook Sale Mark your calendar Blue Mountain Community Library's Semi-Annual Book Nook Sale Thursday, January 9, 2020 10:00 AM – Noon and 6:00 – 8:00 PM; Friday, January 10, 2020 10:00 AM - Noon; and Saturday, January 11, 2020 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. ALL prices are slashed in half ! The Book Nook is located on the second floor of the library. January 11 Library Hosting Paul Walsh Come meet local author Paul Walsh, the Artistic Director of Literary Arts of Lehigh Valley Charter Arts High School of the Arts, Bethlehem at the Bangor Library on January 11, 2020 from noon to 1:00 PM. He will have his new hit book Lemonade! Your attendance/ support is appreciated! The book can be ordered online at Barnes & Noble or at the library during his event. Feel free to read the book ahead of time and ask questions during the appearance! To Order Online: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lemonade-paul-walsh/1131528837. New Year's Brunch The third annual New Year's Brunch Hosted by Sistah Chat Radio and Get Seen in the Poconos is set for Saturday, January 11, 2020 from 12 PM – 2 PM at Cinder Inn 91 Mill Creek Rd, East Stroudsburg. Come for a fun filled brunch at their favorite place! Enjoy their new all season patio with them. Tickets include your meal, a adult beverage (bloody mary or mimosa) and a swag bag! They will also be awarding their 2nd Annual Woman of the Year - Founder' s Award. Join them as they celebrate the winner and the New Year! January 18 Live Bid Fur Auction Pennsylvania Trappers Association District 10 Live Bid Fur Auction at Stockertown Rod & Gun Club (205 Le Fevre Rd. Stockertown, PA 18083), January 18th, 2020. Doors open at 8am, auction starts at 9am. PTA membership and furtaker's license required. Contact: Bob Counterman 610-759-9203. U.S. Constitution's Meaning On Saturday, January 18 at Bangor Library from noon to 1:00 pm, Upper Mount Bethel Township Supervisor, John H. Bermingham will present a program for youth in grades 5 to 8. The program is called "What the United States Constitution Means Today". Vertical Divider
Slate Belt Senior Center
Blue Valley Farm Show Complex Bangor, PA. 610-588-1224 8:00 AM-3:30 PM Slate Belt Senior Center Blue Valley Farm Show Complex Bangor, Pa., Phone 610-588-1224 Hours: 8:00 AM-3:30 PM Meals are served at 11:30 and must be reserved by 10:00 AM one day prior Cancellations must be done as soon as possible. DECEMBER 2019
Darts, Tuesdays, 10:00 AM Quoits, Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 AM Tai Chi, Tuesdays, 12:15 PM Painting, Wednesdays, 8:00-11:00 AM Exercise with Darla, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 AM Poker, Thursdays, 9:00 AM DECEMBER EVENTS Trivia Game, Friday, December 6, 12:15 PM Cookie making for sing along, Monday December 9, 10:00 AM Christmas Carols, Hot Chocolate, Thursday, December 12, 12:15 PM Baseball, Friday, December 13, 10:100 AM Discussion group, "What makes you Happy?", Friday, December 13, 12:15 PM Discussion group, "How do you see yourself in the New Year, Monday, December 16, 10:00 AM Memory Cafe', Tuesday, December 17, 2:00-3:30 PM Christmas Karaoke, Monday, December 23, 12:15 PM Deja' the Therapy Dog, Tuesday, December 24, 10:00 AM Center will close AT 12:30 PM, Tuesday, December 24 CENTER CLOSED--HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Council Meeting, Thursday, December 26, 9:00 AM Events Meeting, Thursday, December 26, 1:00 PM Mexican Trains, Thursday, December 26, 12:15 PM Miss Julies Dance School, Friday, December 27, 10:30-11:00 AM Create an action plan for the new year, Friday, December 27, 12:15 PM Center will close at 12:30, Monday and Tuesday, December 30 & 31 Bangor Public Library
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