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The Earth Speaks II Art Exhibit
The Earth Speaks II is a juried exhibit in the ARTSPACE Gallery arising from a deepening concern for the environmental crisis currently affecting our planet. Art has always been a powerful vehicle for raising consciousness, and this exhibit will bring to light our growing awareness of a crisis we can no longer ignore.
The Earth Speaks II is a regional open call for work that focuses the attention of the viewing public on the gravity of the issue. Artists from the fol-lowing states are invited to enter: ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, VA, MD, DE, DC. $1100 in awards are available in a variety of mediums including 2-D, 3D, Photography and Printmaking. Students are welcomed and encouraged to enter. The juror for this year's exhibition is Yvonne Love. Further information on Ms. Love can be found by visiting www.yvonnelove.com or www.yvonneloveblog.wordpress.com
Please visit www.poconoarts.org for further information and an application form.
Deadline for entry is January 31, 2016. Show Dates are April 1-20, 2016
The Earth Speaks II is a regional open call for work that focuses the attention of the viewing public on the gravity of the issue. Artists from the fol-lowing states are invited to enter: ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA, VA, MD, DE, DC. $1100 in awards are available in a variety of mediums including 2-D, 3D, Photography and Printmaking. Students are welcomed and encouraged to enter. The juror for this year's exhibition is Yvonne Love. Further information on Ms. Love can be found by visiting www.yvonnelove.com or www.yvonneloveblog.wordpress.com
Please visit www.poconoarts.org for further information and an application form.
Deadline for entry is January 31, 2016. Show Dates are April 1-20, 2016
Household Tip:
Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew. Wipe down the entire refrigerator with this solution, including the drawers and shelves. (Source: hgtv.com)
Should Kids Complete Chores?
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New Year's Day - The most celebrated holiday around the world.
January 1, 1863 - The Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves in the states rebelling against the Union. January 1, 1892 - Ellis Island in New York Harbor opened. Over 20 million new arrivals to America were processed until its closing in 1954. January 1, 1979 - China and the U.S. established diplomatic relations. |
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Health...
Six Ideas for Living Happier in 2016
(BPT) - Saving money and staying fit are traditional New Year’s resolutions, but overly packed schedules and the materialistic focus of modern day life are inspiring a new goal for many people: to live happier in 2016 and beyond.
“To make 2016 the happiest year ever, think about how you rest, eat and move,” says Matt Johnson, health and performance expert and president of On Target Living. “I am a believer that mental health is directly related to physical health. For most of human existence we have viewed the mind — the head — different from the physical body of the neck down. New research is showing they have everything to do with each other. If you want optimal physical health, you need optimal mental health and happiness. When people are happier they tend to improve all aspects of their life.”
Johnson offers six surprisingly simple, yet profoundly effective ways to boost mood and overall happiness in the new year:
1. Make sleep a priority
Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is critical for the body to produce hormones that trigger happiness, explains Johnson.
“I am a big fan of always going to bed with a positive attitude,” he says. “If you go to bed angry, worried or stressed, that tends to come back the next day. Do what you can before bed to reset your mood. Read, take a bath, exercise or talk face-to-face. Try to avoid screen time.”
2. Make more time for family
“Over the last 20 years, family time has vanished. Sporting events, projects, work and technology have swallowed this time,” says Johnson. “As the author of the cookbook Target to Table, I think family face-to-face time is the most important part of a healthy family relationship and happiness.”
Johnson suggests planning family dinner two to three times a week. “When we start to eat dinner as a family in the home, our health and happiness will follow,” he notes.
3. Carve out whitespace
Whitespace is time you dedicate to yourself to refresh, unplug and rejuvenate. This could be making time to do yoga, enjoy a hobby, read, meditate or take a bath.
“People who have hobbies and activities that give them balance tend to be happier,” Johnson says. “If your hobby is texting, checking social media or watching TV, this will set you up for a feeling of emptiness. These things are fine in short periods, but too much will take away what life is giving us.”
4. Achieve work-life balance
With the expanse of the Internet and mobile commuting, workers are now connected more than ever before. But this connectedness can get out of control when answering emails 24/7, so work-life balance is important for overall happiness.
“We all want to be successful, but with anything you need proper balance,” says Johnson. “If you look at professional athletes, the best ones try to find activities outside of their sport that help them stay hungry, engaged and excited. Find things that help you create balance in your life.”
Johnson suggests:
* Don’t check email after 8 p.m.
* Go on a date night or family night
* Exercise at a time that fits your schedule
* Walk during lunch
* Schedule a massage once a month
5. Fuel happiness from within
“I believe we have more behavior and mental health issues than we should, and a big part of this is the lack of proper nutrients,” says Johnson. “The most important nutrient when it comes to brain health and mood is omega-3s.”
America is one of the most deficient countries when it comes to omega-3s, with an estimated 91 percent of people not getting enough. “The way that I encourage people to get omega-3s is Nordic Naturals orange-flavored Arctic Cod Liver Oil — it tastes like an orange oil drop,” Johnson says. “Adding Nordic Naturals cod liver oil to your diet can be a game changer for your mental health.”
6. Embrace gratitude
Thinking of the things you are grateful for can have a dramatic effect on your satisfaction and overall happiness. Do this daily as you wake up or make it a conversation you have with your children right before bed.
“Telling yourself you are grateful for your health, family, friends, job and life gives you that pat on the back we all need,” Johnson says. “I also think we don’t tell people how much we appreciate them until they are gone. I encourage everyone to write a handwritten letter to one person each year who made a huge impact in their life. They may not know or maybe you don’t tell them often enough. My last letter was to my Mom. She is the glue in our family.”
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20 Million Pounds of Ice Makes Castle
EDMONTON, Alberta, (UPI) -- Nearly 20 million pounds of ice were formed into towers and caves in Edmonton, Alberta, for the city's first-ever ice castle attraction. The Edmonton Ice Castle, created by Utah-based company Ice Castles, opened to the public at 3 p.m. Wednesday and 4,000 people bought tickets online to sell out the first day of the attraction.
Kate Steiert, who has worked on the project since construction began in November, said she was pleased with the final product.
"It's like coming to work in a dream, every day," she told the Edmonton Journal.
The ice is embedded with LED lights, which are switched on at night to illuminate the sculpture.
The company has previously constructed castles in Utah, Minnesota and New Hampshire, but the Edmonton castle, made from nearly 20 million pounds of ice and covering more than two acres, is the first of its kind in Canada.
Kate Steiert, who has worked on the project since construction began in November, said she was pleased with the final product.
"It's like coming to work in a dream, every day," she told the Edmonton Journal.
The ice is embedded with LED lights, which are switched on at night to illuminate the sculpture.
The company has previously constructed castles in Utah, Minnesota and New Hampshire, but the Edmonton castle, made from nearly 20 million pounds of ice and covering more than two acres, is the first of its kind in Canada.
TRAFFIC ALERTS WEEK OF JANUARY 4
Richmond Road (Lower Mt. Bethel)
Between Ott Drive and Miller Road will experience delays and single lane restriction 24 hours each day until further notice.
Viaduct (Bangor)
Between South Main St and Route 191 west lane closed into 2016. Follow detour. East lane (Rt 191 to S. Main) is open.
Grand Central Road
Between Delabole Road and Mack Road will be closed to through traffic until further notice.
Route 33
Between BETWEEN: PA 191 AND Tatamy Road will experience delays and lane restriction January 4 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Main St. (Pen Argyl)
Between Main St. and Rt 512 will experience delays and lane restriction January 4,5 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 33 North
Between BETWEEN: PA 248 AND PA 191 will experience delays and lane restriction January 5 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 33 South
Between BETWEEN: PA 248 AND Hecktown Road will experience delays and lane restriction January 6 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 33 South
Between Hecktown Road AND US 22 will experience delays and lane restriction January 7 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Bangor - Pen Argyl
DeFranco Vets Program
Bangor - Pen Argyl FH
Plainfield Craft Show
Wind Gap Christmas
Pen Argyl - Salisbury
Bangor Band Holiday Concert
Pen Argyl - Northern Lehigh
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Bangor - Wilson
Bangor Park Vets
Pen Argyl Honor Society
Rain Gutter Regatta
Bangor Chorus Concert
Bangor - Wilson
Bangor Elks Hoop Shoot
Bangor - Northwestern
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Pen Argyl - Palisades
UMBT Skills & Drills
12 - 24 Concert
Toys for Tots
YMCA Lights
Wind Gap Middle School
Bangor - Saucon Valley
Pen Argyl - Northwestern
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Bandorama
Young At Hearts Vets
Miller House Craft show
Santa At Merchants
Christmas In A Small town
Pen Argyl - Catasauqua
Bangor - Northern Lehigh
Bangor - Warren Hills
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Hearts For Hope
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Garcia Cup
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Bangor Mercantile
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BHS Band GRAMMY
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Ahner Worshipful Master
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Spine Stimulation Therapy
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Wreath Making
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Homefront - Part 1
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WM Donation to Y
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Viet Nam Vets Speak
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Buon Natale
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Recovery Revolution
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Family First Gifts
Night of Light
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BHS Students in District Chorus
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Louise Williams
Little Corner Cafe
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Baby Harry Coffee
Hearts of Hope
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This Week at Bloom
Normal Open Studio Hours unless noted are:
Tuesday's from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Wednesday's from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday's from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturday's from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Stop by and spend some time being creative. Studio fee is $8.00 during open hours. Check their Website for Special Events during the week Please sign-up by going to the Bloom on-line store at mkt.com/bloomcreativestudio and reserve your space for any of these special events. CLICK HERE FOR BLOOM'S DECEMBER CALENDAR Snowshoes and Hiking Poles Available at JacobsburgWhen: January, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM-2:30 PM
Where: Jacobsburg Visitor Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth 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 five 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 their website at jacobsburgsp@pa.gov for current winter conditions and snow depth. Portland Girl Scout Troop Looking for New Members The Portland Girl Scout Troop is looking for any interested girls in grades 4th thru 8th that would like to join their troop. The troop members are Juniors and Cadets. If you have a daughter that is younger than 4th grade you may contact the troop leader for more information. Meetings are held at the Portland Borough Hall located at 206 Division Street. Please contact the troop leader Pam at 484-764-2046 or pamelabossert88@gmail.com for more information.
Stay At Home Moms Group If you are a stay at home mom in the Slate Belt Area and are looking for events to socialize and build friendships for yourself and your child/children you may be interested in joining this group of moms. The meetings will be held at various local spots and during school hours. For more information go to, www.meetup.com and search for Slate Belt Stay At Home Moms.
Weona Park Yoga Yoga at the Community Center- Mondays and Thursdays, 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. $10 per session.
Musical Instrument Collection Drive The BAHS Alumni Association is running a drive to collect used musical instruments to be donated to Bangor’s elementary band program. The instruments will be used as loaners for students who cannot afford to buy or rent them. We will take them regardless of their condition. If you have a musical instrument that is gathering dust, and you want to make a difference in a child’s life, call 610-588-5198. We will pick them up or tell you where you can drop them off. Let’s keep the music coming!
Your donations may be tax deductible. Visit slateralums.com for more information. County Dog Licenses The Northampton County Treasurer’s Office is informing all dog owners that 2016 annual dog licenses are now available online, by mail or in-person to county residents. Licenses must be renewed each year by Jan. 1 no matter when you purchased your previous year’s dog license. Licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of each year.
You may choose to apply for your 2016 dog license online at www.padoglicense.com There is a $2 service fee per license online. Your dog’s license will be mailed to you by the County Treasurer’s office within two to four business days. Licenses are also available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the County Treasurer’s office. If applying by mail, send a completed dog application with the proper fee and signed by the dog owner with a check made payable to County of Northampton, 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042. Further information about 2016 Dog Licenses can be found online at www.northamptoncounty.org or by calling the Treasurer’s office at 610-829-6186. Property Tax Relief If you live in the Bangor Area, Easton Area or Nazareth Area School District, you may be eligible for property tax relief under a program run by the individual school district. For more information, please visit , RepEmrick.com, and go to “Property Tax Relief” on the left navigation bar.
January 1
January 7
January 8Fish Printing at Jacobsburg Park On January 8th, 6:30-7:30 pm, learn the Japanese art of Gyotaku or fish printing. The group will use paint and model fish to make prints of various Pennsylvania species. You 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/. January 9
January 11New Community Health Worker Certificate at NCC Northampton Community College (NCC) will hold free information sessions on its new certificate program, Community Health Worker, and its nurse aide program in January. Attendance at one of the sessions is mandatory for enrollment in the programs.
Bridging the Workforce Gap: Lehigh Valley Workforce and Economic Strategy identifies “Health Care & Social Assistance” as a notable sector of job growth in 2016 and beyond. The report documents a significant demand for direct care providers, including community health workers, nurse aides and other health care workers. The sessions will be held: Monday, January 11, and Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at the Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem. Tuesday, January 19 and Thursday, January 21, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the NCC Monroe Campus, 2411 Route 715 in Tannersville. For more information call 610-332-6585. January 15Library Book Nook Sale Are you looking for a gift idea for a booklover or want to add to your book collection? On Friday, Jan. 15 and Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10:00 am -12:00 pm, the Blue Mountain Community Library is having a Semi-Annual Book Nook Sale in the Book Nook, located on the 2nd floor of the library. Snow dates will be Jan 22 and 23. All items will be half-price for those two days.
Please come and purchase gently used Books, CDs, DVDs and Puzzles. The library is located at 216 S. Robinson Ave. in Pen Argyl. Hours are M-Sa, 10:00 am to Noon, and M-Th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Call Lisa at 610-863-3029 for information or visit the website is www.bmcl.org. January 16
January 23
January 25NCC to Offer RN and LPN Review Course Northampton Community College (NCC) will offer review classes for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) starting in January. Participants will review basic nursing knowledge and learn about recent technological advances. The course includes a skills lab and lectures and will be especially helpful for graduates preparing for the NCLEX (National Council Licensing Examination).
Classes will be held on Mondays, January 25 through May 2, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third Street, Bethlehem. Skills labs will be held on Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and February 21 and 22. The fee for the RN review is $900 plus $50 materials fee. For the LPN review, the fee is $700 plus $50 materials fee. To register, visit www.northampton.edu/LifeLearn. For more information, call 610-332-6585 or e-mail healthcare@northampton.edu. January 29Columcille's Annual Women's Retreat Weekend The Columcille will be hosting their Annual Women's Retreat at the Kirkridge Farmhouse from January 29th - January 31st.
Keeping with tradition, the Women of Columcille invite you to come celebrate and honor their beloved Brighid, Goddess of Fire and Water. It is also that time of year when life slowly begins to flow and move underneath. It is the return of 'Light', the beginning of Spring also known as Imbolc 'flowing of ewe's milk' when it was all agrarian society. Celebrate and prepare for the return of 'Light' once again through ceremony, song, ritual and camaraderie of all your Sisters or just take 'me' time, walk the land, meditate and reflect! You must registration by January 24th. For full information on the retreat and registration information please visit www.columcille.org January 30Eagle Watching Along the DelawareWhen: Saturday, January 30, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
The upper Delaware River is one of the best places in the east to observe wintering Bald Eagles. Join us for this trip as we venture up along the river in the scenic Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area from Arrow Island to Milford in search of these magnificent birds. Golden Eagles have also been observed on these trips in the past. This is a great opportunity for photographers. Please dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a lunch. There will be a stop for snacks and hot beverages along the way. Registration is required. Limited van transportation is available for first time participants. You can view and register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/. March 12Young at Art - Expo of Art Camps On Saturday, March 12, 2016, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council will present Young at Art, an expo of arts camps and schools, to assist parents with selecting the appropriate summer class for their child. This inaugural event will be held at Penn State Lehigh Valley, from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and feature thirty exhibitors who offer lessons in the performing, literary, media and visual arts. Free admission to the expo is provided to the public.
Families with children (ages four to eighteen years old) will enjoy meeting the various exhibitors and learning about the artistic opportunities for their aspiring creatives. The day’s festivities will showcase an arts demonstration, performance or activity every 25-minutes so children will have a chance “to try on what kind of artist” they want to be this summer.
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Ask The Doc........ Technology can be wonderful!
by Dr. Gary Williams, DMD
garywilliamsdmd.com I know sometimes new technologies can be frustrating and leave us questioning whether “progress” is worth the hassle. But, that is not the case with intra-oral digital scanners. We have been using our digital scanner at Family Dental Care now for 3 months, and the results are amazing. Sure, it’s pretty “cool” technology, and it has been totally comfortable for patients. No gagging going on! And the turn around time is much shorter. All of these are pluses, but here is the real benefit… the accuracy and fit of what we are making. I can comfortably predict a great fit of your new crowns, splints, Invisalign aligners, retainers, and anything else we scan for. That makes it worthwhile. It’s one thing to restore your mouth to health, but I want, you want, and you deserve to rest assured that what is placed in your mouth is the best possible fit known to dentistry. Digital scanning is here to stay at Family Dental Care. Feel free to ask us about our scanner. Garywilliamsdmd.com.  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. DECEMBER SCHEDULE Morning Stretch 9:15 Daily Walking Club 9:30 A.M. Daily-weather permitting Craft & Chat, Tuesdays, 9:00 A.M. Zumba Gold, Tuesdays, 10:00 A.M. Brush Away with Senior Artists, Wednesdays 8:00-11:00 A.M. Pool Tables are available every morning & Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons COUNCIL OFFICERS MEETING Thursday December 31, 9:00 A.M New Books at
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