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PICTURES WANTED of the interior of G. C. Murphy store in Bangor. Contact Reed Treible 610-588-7386 or basehit3@epix.net

Today's Weather

Today - Rain and snow showers likely, mainly before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Light southwest wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Tonight - Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Christmas Day - Increasing clouds, with a high near 38. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Hazardous Weather Outlook.......

None

Travel Alerts.......

PENNSYLVANIA

Roadwork on PA 33 southbound between Exit: HECKTOWN ROAD and Exit: WILLIAM PENN HIGHWAY. There is a traffic disruption.
Roadwork on PA 33 northbound between Exit: WILLIAM PENN HIGHWAY and Exit: HECKTOWN ROAD. There is a traffic disruption.
Roadwork on US 22 westbound between 1 miles EAST of Exit: FULLERTON AVENUE and Exit: PA 145 NORTH - MACARTHUR RD. There is a traffic disruption
Roadwork on US 22 eastbound between Exit: PA 145 SOUTH - 7TH STREET/MACARTHUR RD and 1 miles WEST of Exit: AIRPORT ROAD SOUTH. There is a traffic disruption.
Roadwork on PA 33 southbound between 1 miles SOUTH of Exit: I-80 EAST/TO US 209 NORTH - STROUDSBURG and SR 209 SH. There is a lane restriction.
Roadwork on PA 33 northbound between 3 miles SOUTH of Exit: SAYLORSBURG and Exit: SAYLORSBURG. There is a lane restriction.
Bridge Repair Interstate 78 West Between: Exit 71 (PA 33) and Exit 67 (PA 412) Nighttime Lane restriction for bridge dam repairs. Expect significant delays and please use caution driving through the work zone. Through traffic may use PA 33 north and US 22 west as an alternate route. Restrictions 07:00 PM To 06:00 AM thu 12/14 Start date: 12/9/18 Est completion date: 1/1/4/19
Church Road Between: Delabole Road and Broadway, Wind Gap. Crack Sealing. Daytime Lane restriction with flagging. Start date: 12/24/18 Est completion date: 12/24/18 Restrictions 09:00 AM To 02:00 PM

NEW JERSEY.

Construction, construction on I-80 westbound between Exit 30 - Howard Blvd (Mount Arlington) and Exit 27 - NJ 183/US 206 (Roxbury Twp) all lanes shift until 11:59 P.M. on December 31, 2018 (exit 27 traffic must use the right lane)

Christmas Eve Services

Many churches in the Slate Belt will hold special Christmas Eve Services. Below is a listing of these churches along with their address and the time(s) of the Christmas Eve Service. Any of them would be happy to have you join them to celebrate Christmas.

Current Listings.......
Ackermanville UMC 1410 Ackermanville Rd., Bangor - Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Bangor Church of the Nazarene, 150 Bunny Trail, East Bangor - 6:00 pm
Bethel Bible Church, Martins Creek, Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Community Presbyterian Church, 1755 S. Delaware Dr., Mt. Bethel 9:30 pm
Cross Road Baptist Church, 2nd St., Bangor Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
East Bangor United Methodist Church, Central Ave., East Bangor Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Faith Alive Community Church, 10 E. Mechanic St., Wind Gap Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Grace Lutheran Sullivan Trail, Belfast - TBA
Mt. Bethel Church, 1270 Belvidere Corner Rd., Mt. Bethel, Candlelight Services 5pm and 10 pm
Mt. Eaton Church, 7277 Mt. Eaton Rd., Saylorsburg, Candlelight Services 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Prince of Peace, 2245 Lake Minsi Dr., Bangor, 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm
Richmond United Methodist Church, 8538 Delaware Drive, Bangor 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Slate Belt Nazareth Baptist Church, Wind Gap, Candlelight Service 6:00 pm
St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 1440 Verona Dr., West Bangor 4:00 pm
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1422 Church Rd., Pen Argyl 1:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 10:15 pm
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 401 Broadway, Bangor Candlelight Services 7 pm and 11pm

A Visit from St. Nicholas

Clement Clarke Moore's famous poem, which he named "A Visit From St. Nicholas," was published for the first time on December 23, 1823 by a New York newspaper, the Sentinel. Since then, the poem has been reprinted, translated into innumerable languages and circulated throughout the world.Clement Clarke Moore was born in 1779 to a well-known New York family.
His father, Reverend Benjamin Moore, was president of (what is now) Columbia University and was the Episcopal Bishop of New York. Moore's father also participated in George Washington's first inauguration and gave last rites to Alexander Hamilton after Hamilton was mortally wounded in an 1804 duel with Aaron Burr. Moore himself was an author, a noted Hebrew scholar, spoke five languages, and was an early real-estate owner and developer in Manhattan.
Despite his accomplishments, Clement Clarke Moore is remembered only for "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," which legend says he wrote on Christmas Eve in 1822 during a sleigh ride home from Greenwich Village after buying a turkey for his family. Some say the inspiration for Moore's pot-bellied St. Nicholas was the chubby, bewhiskered Dutchman who drove Moore to Greenwich Village to buy his holiday turkey. Moore never copyrighted his poem, and only claimed as his own over a decade after it was first made public. Moore read the poem to his wife and six children the night he wrote it, and supposedly thought no more about it. But a family friend heard about it and submitted the poem to the Sentinel, a newspaper in upstate New York, which published it anonymously the following Christmas.
Moore's poem immediately caught the attention and imagination of the state, then the nation, and then the world. Finally, in 1844, he included it in a book of his poetry. Moore died in 1863 and is buried in Trinity Cemetery in Washington Heights, New York. Because of his "mere trifle," as he called it, 175 years ago Clement Clarke Moore almost single-handedly defined our now timeless image of Santa Claus.

1885 Club Accepting Nominations
The Bangor Area High School Alumni Association is looking for nominations for induction into the 2019 "1885 Club Hall of Fame." In 1998, the members of the Bangor Area High School Alumni Association began to search for a way to honor graduates who have distinguished themselves through public service, scholarship, and recognition in their chosen fields of work.
Discussions naturally led to creating a Hall of Fame for such individuals. Concerned about possible confusion with the Athletic Hall of Fame, however, the committee began to seek ways to create a different type of recognition with its own unique distinction. From this collaboration, "The 1885 Club" was born. Named in honor of the first year in which a class of students graduated from Bangor High School, this exclusive club honors distinguished alumni and holds these individuals as outstanding examples for others to follow. Through the creation of "The 1885 Club" the Alumni Association underscores and upholds the fact that graduates of Bangor Area High School have been making tremendous contributions to mankind for more than 133 years. We reserve a special category for educators and administrators who have served the Bangor Area School District over its long history.
To nominate someone for either of these awards, please go to the Bangor Area School District web site, bangorslaters.com, click on the Alumni icon (under Quick Links) and then click on the 1885 Club. There you will find a printable form. The form must be filled out completely for your nominee to be considered. Mail the completed form to the address shown or forward it to Carole J. Hontz at Bangor Area High School, 187 Five Points Richmond Road, Bangor, PA 18013-5224. Nominations can also be e mailed to hontzc@bangorsd.org

News Shorts.........

Monday Bingo, Kunkletown Fire Co, 7:00pm
The Civil Air Patrol 807th Braden Squadron meets every Monday Night from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Bangor VFW or Braden Airpark, Easton. Call for meeting location on given night: 610-588-1459 http://cap807.com/
Support for Veterans 1st Monday of every month. Meet with Lt. Col. (Retired) Dominick Nati, a former Army Air Corps pilot, at Rep. Joe Emrick's Nazareth district office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 610) 588-8011 or (610) 746-5090 to make an appointment.
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.
Going out of town? Let SBRPD know that your house will be vacant and they'll do frequent drive-bys.. Safe travels... http://slatebeltpd.com/
The Slate Belt Regional Police Department has a prescription drug “Take-Back “box at their 6292 Sullivan Trail, Nazareth, Pa office (Plainfield Township Municipal Building). Contact information for the SBRPD is: 911 (Emergency), 610-759-8517 (Non-Emergency), 610-759-8523 (Fax) and 1-888-823-4978 FREE (Non-Emergency Toll Free)

Christmas Eve Services

Ackermanville UMC 1410 Ackermanville Rd., Bangor - Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Bangor Church of the Nazarene, 150 Bunny Trail, East Bangor - 6:00 pm
Bethel Bible Church, Martins Creek, Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Community Presbyterian Church, 1755 S. Delaware Dr., Mt. Bethel 9:30 pm
Cross Road Baptist Church, 2nd St., Bangor Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
East Bangor United Methodist Church, Central Ave., East Bangor Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Faith Alive Community Church, 10 E. Mechanic St., Wind Gap Candlelight Service 7:00 pm
Mt. Bethel Church, 1270 Belvidere Corner Rd., Mt. Bethel, Candlelight Services 5pm and 10 pm
Mt. Eaton Church, 7277 Mt. Eaton Rd., Saylorsburg, Candlelight Services 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm
Prince of Peace, 2245 Lake Minsi Dr., Bangor, 6:30 pm and 9:30 pm
Richmond United Methodist Church, 8538 Delaware Drive, Bangor 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Slate Belt Nazareth Baptist Church, Wind Gap, Candlelight Service 6:00 pm
St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 1440 Verona Dr., West Bangor 4:00 pm
St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1422 Church Rd., Pen Argyl 1:30 pm, 7:00 pm and 10:15 pm
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 401 Broadway, Bangor Candlelight Services 7 pm and 11pm

December 24 Regular Events

Bingo - Kunkletown Fire Co. Progressive Jackpot. 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
Bangor School Board Business Meeting - Slater Conference Room , 7:30.
Bangor Borough Council - Workshop, Bee Hive, 7:00pm
Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm

This is our calendar of regularly scheduled events. If you see any info that is incorrect or want to add a regularly scheduled event please send e-mail to sbtopics@rcn.com.

CLICK HERE FOR 45-60 DAY CALENDAR

Heritage Center 2019 Events
January 13 th @ 2:00 PM: “Life of Jean Pinto” by Terry Toth.
February 10 th @ 2:00 PM: “Progress Report on Lake Minsi” by Mike Ortoski’
March 10 th @ 2:00 PM: “Textile Project” by Marc Blau
April 11 th @ 7:00 PM: Spring Opening
May 9 th @ 7;00 PM: “Structural Slate Company” by Kenton Lerch
June 20 th @ 7:00 PM: “Annual Preservation Awards” July 11 th @ 7:00 PM; TBA
August 8 th @ 7:00 PM: TBA
September 12 th @ 7:00 PM: TBA
October 10 th @ 7:00 PM” “Annual Haunted Heritage Show”
November 14 th @ 7:00 PM: “Pearl Harbor Revisited” by Jim Paynter.
December 8th @ 2:00 PM: “The Great Slate Belt Trivia Contest” hosted by Emcee Marc Blau.

Entertainment This Week

December 24
Sarah Street Grill - Monday Night Football 8:30 pm

December 25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 26
Porters' Pub - Traditional Open Irish Jam Session 7:30 pm
Sarah Street Grill - Open Mic Night 9:15 pm

December 27
Deer Head Inn - Jazz Jam with Bill Washer & Friends - 8:00 pm
Porters' Pub - Gene Segal Trio 8:00 pm
Sarah Street Grill - MZ 10:00 pm

Clean Slate Law
Pennsylvanians with low-level offenses on their records who have gone 10 years without a subsequent arrest, prosecution or conviction will have their records automatically sealed under a new law taking effect this month.
Act 56 of 2018 allows records of second and third-degree misdemeanor criminal convictions to be automatically sealed after a 10-year period without subsequent offenses. The law does not apply to violent offenses or those committed with a firearm or other dangerous item; sexual offenses; cruelty to animals; or corruption of minors.
This legislation balances the opportunity for low-level, nonviolent offenders to move forward, while at the same time not shielding the records of violent criminals.
Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation to enact this “clean slate” legislation.

State Police Promotions
Congratulations to Seth J. Kelly and Lucas M Lohrman of Nazareth, both of whom have been promoted to the rank of sergeant with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Sergeant Kelly is assigned to the Bureau of Research and Development, while Sergeant Lohrman is assigned to the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY - December 24

Soviet tanks roll into Afghanistan 1979

On December 24, 1979, the Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, under the pretext of upholding the Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty of 1978.
As midnight approached, the Soviets organized a massive military airlift into Kabul, involving an estimated 280 transport aircraft and three divisions of almost 8,500 men each. Within a few days, the Soviets had secured Kabul, deploying a special assault unit against Tajberg Palace. Elements of the Afghan army loyal to Hafizullah Amin put up a fierce, but brief resistance.
On December 27, Babrak Karmal, exiled leader of the Parcham faction of the Marxist People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA), was installed as Afghanistan’s new head of government. And Soviet ground forces entered Afghanistan from the north.
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Blue and White Gets $8000 Donation from WM
The Blue and White Scholastic Foundation received an $8,000 donation today from Waste Management. The company made the contribution as part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
The Blue & White Scholastic Foundation is a non-profit organization that gives out annual scholarships through their scholarship program.
“Waste Management has a history of supporting education in the Slate Belt. We believe that investing in our youth, is investing in our future. The Blue and White Scholastic Foundation and Waste Management partnership has allowed dozens of students to attend catholic school, who might not have been able to due to budget restrictions. We are proud to support the Blue and White Scholastic Foundation and the students attending Immaculate Conception School,” commented Waste Management’s Community Relations Manager, Adrienne Fors.
Waste Management of Pennsylvania is dedicated to environmental protection, education and supporting the communities where we operate. Since the EITC program was launched, Waste Management has made grants worth over $15,791,307 that have improved the educational opportunities of thousands of public school students and helped thousands of other children and young adults attend private schools.

District Chorus........

Fifteen Bangor Area High School students were selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Chorus. The concerts will be held at Exeter Township High School in Reading on February 8th and 9th. They were among over 900 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. Top row: Abigail Heald, Aimee Bealer, Charles Fassl, Mason Cruz, Joshua Martinez, Andrea Morokutti, Lindsay Hoffer Front row: Heather Heath, Deja Breitfeller, Kristen Stopfer, Michael Spagnola, Hannah Bledsoe, Cathianne McKenna, Brookel Sabella Missing: Abigail Lucas

Eagle Cam......

The Live-streamed Eagle cam from Hanover Pa. is back for its fifth year. Sightings have already been recorded. They are currently in their nest-building phase. Eggs are likely to be laid in mid to late February. Incubation time is about 35 days, meaning the eggs would likely hatch some time in late march. Click on the graphic above to see the nest.

Recent Stories of Slate Belt Interest.......
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FUNDING FOR LAKE MINSI, BEAR SWAMP PARK

Lamont McClure and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce the awarding of $275,000 in grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR).
“The future of Northampton County is green,” says Lamont McClure. “It is important that we act now to preserve our open spaces and natural land. These grants will help ensure that our parks will be around for future generations to enjoy.”
One grant, for $75,000, will be used to prepare a Greenway and Stewardship Plan for Minsi Lake Park, Bear Swamp Park and Tott’s Gap Corridor. All three sites are located in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
The other grant, for $200,000, will be used for improvements to Minsi Lake Park. In March 2018, Northampton County Council released $500,000 as matching funds for grants from DCNR and other organizations. Combined with state funds of $4,000,000, the money will be used for dam structure improvements and rejuvenation of the surrounding park lands.
Minsi Lake is one of only two public lakes in Northampton County. It was built by the PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) in 1970 for public recreation, and consists of a 117-acre lake maintained by PFCB, and 194 acres of surrounding parkland which is leased by the County.
When completed, improvements to the site will include a fishing pier, kayak launch, hiking trails, picnic areas and restrooms. In-lake habitats for fish and turtles are also being constructed with donations raised by Friends of Minsi Lake (FOML), a 501c3 organization. After the PA Department of Environmental Protection deemed the dam structurally deficient, the lake was drained in the spring of 2017 with over 5,000 pounds of fish relocated elsewhere. The dam project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2019 with a new spillway which can better withstand a maximum flood event. Lake Minsi’s east shore is currently open to the public for hiking, birdwatching and other recreational activities

WNV Positive Tests Up 500%

Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), has released the final counts for their surveys of West Nile Virus (WNV). With the wet weather, 2018 was one of the worst years to date for mosquitoes carrying the virus.
A sampling of Northampton County mosquito pools turned up 83 positive results compared to only 18 reported in 2016. “We take any threat to public health seriously,” says County Executive Lamont McClure. “Northampton County is committed to preventing the transmission of West Nile Virus to humans..."
Across Pennsylvania in 2018, there were 115 human cases of WNV recorded, with 8 deaths. The DEP reported a total of 107 avian (bird) cases and 108 veterinary cases of the virus. No human, avian or veterinary cases of WNV were reported in Northampton County. WNV was first detected in the U.S. in 1999 and affects birds, humans, horses and other mammals.
In humans, 80% of the cases are show no symptoms and 20% involve non-neuroinvasive illness. Less than 1% of cases result in conditions such as encephalitis which can cause paralysis and even death. There were nationwide epidemics of the virus in 2003 and 2012.
Adult mosquito surveys are conducted from May through October, testing them for mosquito-borne diseases. Field Techs focus first on standing water, where mosquitoes lay their eggs, taking samples to test for the presence of the virus. Spraying does not take place until an action threshold, a high enough percentage of positive mosquitoes indicating a threat of humans, is reached. This August, high numbers of positives were detected in the Lehigh Valley so spraying began in hot spots.
Homeowners should drain any source of standing water on their property, including turning over buckets and pools and tossing unnecessary items and trash. Toys, pots, cans, tire swings and plugged gutters make for excellent mosquito breeding habitats. Mosquitoes can breed in as small a space as a soda bottle cap.

Santa's Coming to Upper Mt. Bethel Twsp.

It's Getting Chilli

Ticket proceeds from Bangor Trust Brewing's "It's Getting " Chilli festival for charity were donated to Liberty Fire Company in Bangor. Liberty members above included Mike Pinto, Scott Sylvester RIT Captain, (front row), Pete Scarfaro Liberty Treasurer, Leo Bongiorno Co-Owner Bangor Trust, Traci McGinty Co-Owner Bangor Trust, Matt Pinto 2nd Lt Liberty, Jeff Altorfer.

Awards For "It's Getting Chilli"
Bangor Trust Brewing hosted it's first annual "It's Getting Chili" Festival and Competition for charity on Sunday, November 11, 2018. Members of the Historical Bangor Business Association participated and the Broadway Pub hosted competitors and coordinated in marketing efforts for the community event.
Ticket proceeds were donated to Bangor's Liberty Fire Department. More than 18 professional and amateur chili vendors from all over the Lehigh Valley and Slate Belt participated to win in 4 categories. Awards were given for the following:
"People's Choice Overall Winner" which was a tie awarded to both Little Creek Bar B Cue for their 3-Bean Brisket Chili and Grace on Broadway with their Lava Chili, "Mayor's Choice" which was won by Rendell Hoagland with his Smoked Sausage & Beef chili, "Most Unusual" captured by Little Creek Bar-B-Cue, and "Spiciest" won by Liberty Fire Company with their 5 Alarm Chili. Prizes for winners included gift cards to area businesses, prizes and bragging rights!
Nearly 100 participants enjoyed the beautiful weather, strolled Broadway tasting chili and voting at Bangor Trust Brewing, Broadway Pub, Grace on Broadway and Pies to Die For Cafe.

https://www.willyweather.com/pa/northampton-county/pen-argyl.html

ALLERGIES TODAY: POLLEN DONE FOR THE SEASON

Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, weather forecast

See More Info at....
slatebeltweather.com

MTD 5.08 YTD: 78.14 Normal: 3.57

See More Info at....
slatebeltweather.com

Send Your News To Us

December 24

Christmas Eve Services
Richmond United Methodist Church, 8538 Delaware Drive, Bangor, Monday, December 24, 2018
4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Join us for "The Christmas Comedian FREE". For more information, call Pastor Ed Van Arsdale at 610-588-7317.

Candlelight Service of Carols
The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church will have a Christmas Eve "Candlelight Service of Carols" beginning at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, Pa. For more info, call 610-588-4453, or visit www.ebumc.org.

Christmas Eve Service
St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 1440 Verona Dr. West Bangor, is having service on Christmas Eve at 4:00 pm.

January 1

New Year’s Day Dinner
Belfast Wesley United Methodist Church, 607 School Rd,Nazareth, Pa. will hold an All You Can Eat Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner on Tuesday, January 1st , 2019 from 1:00PM-4:00PM.  Adult- $10.00 Child 3yr-10yr- $5.00, Under 3 Free.  Please call Tom for.   more information 610-751-4400

First Day Hikes at Jacobsburg EEC
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 10:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 2:30pm.  Get out and get hiking on the first day of 2019! Join educator Rick Wiltraut for one of two 2-mile interpretive hikes at Jacobsburg. 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 parking lot at 400 Belfast Road. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring a water bottle. Registration is not required.

January 3

Amateur Radio Club Meeting
The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club will hold its monthly meeting Thursday, January 3, 7:30 pm in the Bethlehem Township Community Center, 2900 Farmersville Road, Bethlehem. Program: "3-D Printing and Amateur Radio." Presenter: George/N3SQD. Members and others interested always are invited. Directions: https://tinyurl.com/y852acvn .FMI: www.dlarc.org, KE3AW@ARRLnet , 610.432.8286.

January 11

Family Night: Fish Printing at Jacobsburg
Friday, January 11 at 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Learn the Japanese art of Gyotaku or fish printing. We’ll use paint and model fish to make prints of various Pennsylvania species. We will also study their anatomy and habitat needs to create accurate paintings of fish in the wild. Paper will be provided, but you are welcome to bring a bandana or t-shirt to print on. It is recommended that you wear old clothes or a smock. Registration is required. You can 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.
You can 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.

January 12

Winter Bird Walk
Hosted by Waste Management's Grand Central Environmental Education Center. Like birds? Like photography? Join Jacobsburg State Park's Rick Wiltraut and WM's Adrienne Fors Saturday, January 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm for a winter bird walk around the landfill property. Guests will meet at the education center (891 Grand Central Road Pen Argyl) Bring cameras, binoculars and dress for the weather. Any cancellations, will be posted on the event page. All ages welcome. Please contact Adrienne at afors1@wm.com with any questions

January 13

The Life of Jean Pinto
On Sunday, January 13th at 2:00 PM Terry Toth will present "The Life of Jean Pinto" at the Slate Belt Heritage Center. This program replaces "History of the Mummers" which will be presented at a later date.

January 16

Annual Winter Bird Count
Saturday, January 16 at 8:00am to 4:00 pm. Join us as we spend the day counting birds at Jacobsburg and other places within a 5-mile radius of the Visitor Center. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars, warm beverages, and a lunch. Van transportation available for all day participants. Participants must drive their own vehicle if they have to leave early. Registration is required. You can 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.

January 21

Indoor Carnival
The Blue Mountain Community Library will be celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with an Indoor Carnival for children ages three to eight years old on Monday, January 21 12:30-2:00 PM. There will be Storytime, Crafts, Activities and Prizes. Join the fun!
We will acknowledge Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message of service and giving. Our volunteers will be volunteering their time to SERVE our community.
If you are able, please bring a non-perishable item which will be GIVEN to the food pantry at Bender’s Church.
We are OPEN 10 AM-12PM and 6-8 PM on that day as well.

January 26

Introduction to Snowshoeing at Jacobsburg
Saturday, January 26, at 9:30am to 11:30am. Learn how to use snowshoes and trekking poles to explore Jacobsburg’s trails in the winter. You may bring your own equipment or borrow ours. We will also learn how to prepare ourselves for outdoor excursions in the winter time. If we don’t get any snow we’ll hike in our boots with the trekking poles. The hike will be about two miles. Bring water and a snack. Wear waterproof boots and dress for the weather. Registration is required. You will be asked to specify your weight range when registering; this is to determine what size snowshoe you will need.
You can 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.

Snowshoeing for Scouts at Jacobsburg
Saturday, January 26, at 1:00pm to 3:00pm Scouts will learn how to prepare for being outdoors in winter as well as how to use snowshoes. We’ll go for a hike in snowshoes, stopping along the way to talk about winter outdoor scenarios and how to prepare for them. If we don’t get any snow we’ll hike in our boots. The hike will be about two miles. Bring water and a snack. Wear waterproof boots and dress for the weather. Registration is required. You will be asked to specify your weight range when registering; this is to determine what size snowshoe you will need.
You can 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.

February 1

Family Night: Raccoon Nation at Jacobsburg
Friday, February 1, at 6:30pm to 8:00pm . Join us for a movie and craft night. We will be screening "Raccoon Nation" from the PBS Nature series. This film investigates whether the increasing complexity of our urban/suburban habitat is advancing the brain development of our raccoon neighbors. Registration is required.
You can 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.

February 9

Winter Plant Hike
Saturday, February 9 at 10:00am to 12:00pm. Join us as we take a walk through the woods and fields of Jacobsburg in search of winter plants that provide food for birds and other animals as well as a few that can be used in a survival situation. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. If we have snow we will hike in snowshoes! Registration is required.
You can 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.

Winter Tracking
Saturday, February 9 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Could you tell if a bobcat was in the area? An owl? Join us as we walk through Jacobsburg in search of animal tracks and signs. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable hiking shoes. If we have snow we will walk in snowshoes! Registration is required.
You can 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.

February 16

Comedy Night Fundraiser
A Comedy Night fundraiser benefiting Slater Family Network will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 5 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Bangor.
They hope that you'll join them for an evening of family-friendly comedy on Saturday, February 16th at 5:00 pm (doors open at 4:00). This is a fundraiser hosted by First United Methodist Church that benefits the Slater Family Network - 100% of ticket sales will go directly to Slater Family Network. Each ticket holder will be entered into our door prize drawing. Light snacks and beverages will also be available. Seating is limited. For tickets please call the church office at 610-588-4673. Tickets are $15.

February 23

Birding at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area
Saturday, February 23 at 10:00am to 4:00pm. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is one of the premier birding spots in eastern Pennsylvania. Join us for this birding tour of Middle Creek as we enjoy the sights and sounds of Snow Geese, Tundra Swans, and other waterfowl. Cackling Gees and the rare Ross’s Goose have been located among the Snow Geese flocks during previous trips. Bald Eagles and sometimes Golden Eagles have been seen. Please dress for the weather and bring a lunch and binoculars. This is a great opportunity for photographers. Meet at the Middle Creek Visitor Center at 10:00AM. Leaders will stay until dusk to look for Short-eared Owls and listen for American Woodcocks for those who are interested. Registration is required.
You can 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.

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Slate Belt Senior Center

Slate Belt Senior Center
Blue Valley Farm Show Complex
700 American Bangor Road
Bangor, ph 610-588-1224

Hours: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
For Meal Reservations please call by 10:00 one day before the meal. Cancellations ASAP.

 DECEMBER

Pool Tables available every morning & Tuesday Thursday & Friday afternoons
Computers, Library, cards, puzzles available on a daily basis.
Poker, Tuesdays, 9:30 AM
Tai Chi, Tuesdays, 12:15 PM
Morning with the arts, Wednesdays, 8:00-11:00 AM
Exercise, Wednesdays, 10:00 AM
Zumba, Thursdays, 10:00 AM

SPECIAL DEC. EVENTS

CHRISTMAS PARTY (Pre-registration required) MUSIC WITH BILL REESE Friday, December 21
MERRY CHRISTMAS, December 25 CENTER CLOSED
Officers Council Meeting, Thursday, December 27, 9:00 AM
Events Meeting, Thursday, December 27, 1:00 PM
Celebrate the Year in review, Friday, December 28
New Years Bingo, December 31, 12:15 PM

Bangor Library New Books
December 20

Adult Fiction
An Amish Christmas Gift: Three Stories
Blue Skies by Catherine Anderson
The Perfect Ghost by Linda Barnes
It’s Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
Moon glow by Michael Chabon
Pandemic by Robin Cook
The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Bitter Orange by Claire Fuller
Dark Rites by Heather Graham
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene
The Comedians by Graham Greene
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
The Quiet American by Graham Greene
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Weavers Daughter by Sarah Ladd
The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet by Reif Larsen
The Corner of Holly and Ivy by Debbie Mason
An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
I Don’t Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson
Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains
Death Is Not Enough by Karen Rose
Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane by JoAnn Ross
Come With Me by Helen Schulman
Vengeful by V.E. Schwab
This One is Mine by Maria Semple
Homespun Suspicions by Olivia Newport
Starlight on Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs
Adult Non Fiction
Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Jane Sherron DeHart
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
A Spy Among Friends by Ben Macintyre
The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary by Rick Steves
Spanish Phrase Book & Dictionary by Rick Steves
Junior Fiction
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
The Wild Things by Dave Eggers
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris
Seeing Red by Sarah Mlynowski
Middle School : Dogs Best Friends by James Patterson
Middle School: Just My Rotten Luck by James Patterson
The Downward Spiral by Ridley Pearson
The Final Step by Ridley Pearson
Large Print Fiction
Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
When We Were Young by Karen Kingsbury
Hazards of Time Travel by Joyce Carol Oates
Damaged by Lisa Scottoline
Desperate Measures by Stuart Woods
Young Adult Fiction
Puddin’ by Julie Murphy
Sadie by Courtney Summers
Junior Non Fiction
Let’s Have a Tea Party by Emilie Barnes
I Am Sacagawea by Grace Norwich
Easy Fiction
Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes
Three Bite Rule by Anne Lamb
Drawn Together by Minh Li
Rocking Horse Christmas by Mary Pope Osborne
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Blue Mt. Library New Books

Adult Fiction:
Texas Ranger, by James Patterson
Believe Me, by JP Delaney
Shelter In Place, by Nora Roberts
The Other Woman, by Sadie Jones
In His Father's Footsteps, by Danielle Steel
A Double Life, By Flynn Berry
Paradox, by Catherine Coulter
The Late Bloomer's Club, by Louise Miller
How it Happened, by Michael Koryta
Rush, by Lisa Patton
The Hellfire Club, by Jake Tapper
In Her Bones, by Kate Moretti
Not Her Daughter, by Rea Frey
In the Shadow of Alabama, by Judy Reene Singer
How Hard Can It Be?, by Allison Pearson
A Curve in the Road, by Julianne MacLean

Adult Non-fiction:
Educated, by Tara Westover
The Recovering, by Leslie Jamison
The Restless Wave, by John McCain
My Own Words, by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
American Pharoah, by Joe Drape