|
Red Thread Cafe Hosting Art Night The Red Thread Cafe, a music, art and coffee venue of Hopesprings, is taking their show on the road in January. Red Thread Cafe is collaborating with Bloom Creative Studios to bring an evening of creativity and art to the Slate Belt community.
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to explore, to be more adventurous, to be bolder and more creative then this is an outstanding opportunity to start off 2016. At this event you'll explore your creative side and you'll be able to take home your art project! You can join us at Bloom Creative Studios, 32 Broadway, Bangor, PA from 7 pm – 9 pm on Saturday, January 16th. Refreshments will be available including delicious coffee from Bangor's Baby Harry Coffee Roaster. There is a small charge of $7 to cover the cost of supplies for the art event. So, come in from the cold, invite your friends, make it an evening and enjoy the new downtown Bangor! |
|
|
|
Household Tip...
January 12, 1932 - Hattie W. Caraway, a Democrat from Arkansas, was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill the term of her deceased husband. Later in the year, she became the first woman elected to the Senate.
January 12, 1991 - Congress authorized President George Bush to use military force against Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait. January 12, 1996 - The first joint American-Russian military operation since World War II occurred as Russian troops arrived to aid in peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia. |
January 12
Bingo - Portland Fire Co., 7pm.
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
Preschool Story Time - Bangor Public Library, 10-11am.
Mission of Love Food Pantry & Clothes Closet - N. Main St., Bangor, 10-2
Bangor Exchange Club - Blue Valley Farm Show, 7pm.
Washington Township Recreation Board - Municipal Building, 7pm.
Knights of Columbus Meeting - Council Home, 7:30-9:30pm
Book Discussion - Friends of Bangor Library at Trolley Stations Restaurant 6:45 pm
Bangor Planning Commission - Bee Hive, 7:00pm
Grandparents Village - Bangor Public Library Upstairs, 6:00 - 7:30pm.
Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm
CLICK HERE FOR 45-60 DAY CALENDAR
SCROLL DOWN FOR....
Photo galleries
Recent features
Slate Senior Center Activites
New Books at Libraries
Real-Time Stock Market
Rain Totals
Future Event Info
Interactive Crossword Puzzle
Technology...
Are We Turning a Blind Eye to Blue Light?

However, we use our eyes much differently than prior generations because we now use a number of artificial sources of blue light including digital screens, electronic devices and LED lighting. The evolution in digital screen technology has advanced dramatically over the years, and many of today's electronic devices use LED back-light technology to help enhance screen brightness and clarity. These LEDs emit very strong blue light waves. Because of the widespread use and increasing popularity of these devices, we are now exposed to more sources of blue light for longer periods of time. Studies suggest 60 percent of people spend more than six hours a day in front of a digital device.
The flickering of this artificial blue light creates a glare that can reduce visual contrast, affecting sharpness and clarity. That in turn could contribute to eyestrain, headaches, physical and mental fatigue due to increasing amounts of time sitting in front of a computer screen or other electronic device.
Studies show this high-energy, blue-violet light has been found to cause significant damage to retinal cells, and is a risk factor for the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a deterioration of the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
Our eyes' natural filters do not provide sufficient protection against blue light rays from the sun, let alone the blue light emanating from these devices, or from blue light emitted from fluorescent-light tubes.
Mother Nature arms us with “internal sunglasses” made up of macular pigment. This pigment, which is comprised of zeaxanthin (zee-uh-zan-thin) and lutein at a ratio of 2:1, is found in the center of the macula (fovea). This pigment absorbs harmful blue light that can affect eye health. These “sunglasses” protect the rods and cones needed for central as well as peripheral vision.
However, if this macular pigment isn’t at optimal density, it will allow more blue light to damage these rods and cones, negatively affecting not just what you see, but how you see.
Zeaxanthin and lutein aren’t produced by the body, they must be ingested in order to ensure optimal macular pigment density. Zeaxanthin can be found in foods like corn, wolf berries and peppers. Lutein is found in foods like spinach and kale.
Since the average American diet is scarce in zeaxanthin, supplementing this antioxidant is key. Vitamins for macular health, like those made by EyePromise, can be of big benefit.
Vision becomes even more precious as we age, since the loss of independence a very real threat to aging Americans. Reduce your risk of harmful effects of blue light to your vision by increasing the density of your “internal sunglasses.”
Suspect Ordered to Eat 48 Bananas

Police took Ghaware, who was beaten by the witnesses, to the nearby Rajawadi Hospital to treat his minor injuries.
An X-ray taken Thursday morning indicated Ghaware likely had metal in his stomach, so police ordered a second scan Thursday evening after the suspect admitted to swallowing the woman's gold chain.
Ghaware was presented with four dozen bananas and ordered to eat them in an attempt to recover the chain. The tactic was successful and the chain passed through the suspect's system Friday, police said.
Ghaware appeared before a magistrate Friday and was remanded to custody.
The chain's owner decided to keep the item in a plastic bag and took it to a local jeweler to exchange for a new piece untainted by the suspect's digestive tract, police said.
Travel Trend for 2016: Dude Ranches

“More people are visiting dude ranches due to the desire to do something out of the ordinary,” says Colleen Hodson, from The Dude Ranchers' Association. “These aren’t the ranches from ‘City Slickers.’ High-end ranches across the country average 45 guests. You get to know everyone. By the end, you’ll have friendships and memories to last a lifetime, and you will reconnect with your family in a way you never thought possible.”
Travelers enjoy getting a taste of the dude ranch experience blended with a heaping serving of other popular vacation-type activities. Today’s dude ranches cater to a diverse crowd with attractions, services and things to do that travel far beyond the trail.
“Dude ranches are the original Western adventure vacation,” says Colleen Hodson. “Though guest expectations have changed and ranchers have had to change with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart.”
In addition to discovering the beauty of nature and gazing into a crackling fire, here are other top reasons dude ranch vacations are a top trend for 2016:
Indulge the taste buds
Home cooked cuisine that oftentimes features ingredients from the ranch brings new meaning to farm-to-table eating. From family-style meals to gourmet al fresco dining, the food is a central part of the dude ranch experience.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure
You can learn traditional ranching skills like riding a horse, driving cattle and throwing a lasso, but adventures on a dude ranch don’t stop there. Some ranches offer overnight pack trips, rodeos, target shooting, zip lining and white water rafting.
Enjoy exclusive fishing
Casting your line has never been more relaxing than at a dude ranch. The vast acres on these private properties often include secluded rivers and ponds ripe with fish. Forget about battling overcrowded hot spots — the water will be all yours.
Embrace an R&R mindset
While the unique dude ranch activities will keep you busy, there comes a time when cowboys and cowgirls just want a little rest and relaxation. Fortunately, many ranches now offer luxury spa services so you can enjoy a little pampering.
Bond over some friendly competition
Looking for a fun way to connect with your family and other guests? Friendly competition can be found in many forms on dude ranches, from roping contests to talent shows. If lassoing a speeding calf isn’t your forte, you can sing, tap or joke your way to local stardom in a talent show.
There are a lot of dude ranches to choose from and The Dude Ranchers' Association can help you find the perfect one to suit your family’s unique personality. Visit www.duderanch.org or call 866-399-2339 to work with someone directly to find the dude ranch right for you and your family.
TRAFFIC ALERTS WEEK OF JANUARY 11
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: Monroe County Line AND PA 512 will experience delays and lane restriction January 11 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Church Road (Plainfield Twp)
Between BETWEEN: Delabole Road AND Broadway Street will experience delays and lane restriction January 13 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 33
Between BETWEEN: Monroe County Line AND PA 512 will experience delays and lane restriction January 11 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Belfast Road (Bushkill Twp)
Between BETWEEN: Jacobsurg Road AND Henry Road will experience delays and lane restriction January 15 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
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 bloomcreativestudio.com for Special Events during the week Sign-up by going to the Bloom on-line store at mkt.com/bloomcreativestudio and reserve your space for any of these special events or go to our web-site bloomcreativestudio.com/ or Facebook page for even more info and to register.
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 JANUARY 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 12Bloom Bangor Open House Planned
|
Jacobsburg Park Offering Winter Bird Count On Saturday, January 16th from 8am - 4pm, join Jacobsburg Park Educators as they spend the day birding at Jacobsburg and other places in the Bushkill Creek Watershed. They will count birds and look for oddball species that may have wandered into the area. Participants should dress for the weather and bring binoculars and a lunch.
Registration is required. You can register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/. Primer Workshop Event Social workers, therapists, nurses, substance abuse counselors, corrections/law enforcement and champions of trauma work all are invited to A Two Bladed Sword: Domestic Violence & Societal Implications (3CEU’s). The workshop will be held from 9am-12pm on January 16th at Slate Belt Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Keynote speaker is Jennifer Grube, author of “Whispers of Inspiration”. To register visit the jennifergrube.com/event
Fur Trappers Live Bid Auction District 10 Trappers of Pennsylvania will host a Live Bid Fur Auction @ Belfast-Edelman Sportsman Association, 474 sportsman club Rd. Nazareth, January 16,2016.
Doors open at 8am. Auction begins at 9am. $5 refundable registration fee, 4% commission. Furtaker license and PTA membership required. Contact Bob Counterman 610-759-9203 Fur Auction @ Belfast-Edelman Sportsman Association, 474 sportsman club Rd. Nazareth, PA 18064. |
January 17
Safe Haven Adoption Day
Safe Haven will have many adorable dogs available for you to meet and get to know. Safe Haven requires a pre-adoption application with references and a home visit prior to adoption.
Safe Haven Pet Rescue is a small group of dedicated volunteers from the West End of the Poconos who save highly adoptable dogs from high kill and overcrowded shelters and finds them loving homes. Shelter killing is the number one cause of dog deaths and Safe Haven has saved more than 800 lives so far.
Safe Haven Rescue needs volunteers to help with adoption days, fundraising, transporting dogs to vets and groomers and fostering homeless dogs until they find their forever homes. Help save homeless dogs.
For more information about Safe Haven, and to find a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at SafeHaven@epix.net. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook.
January 21
Blau speaking to Young at Heart
January 23
History of Snowshoeing and Hike at Jacobsburg Park On Saturday, January 23rd from 10-11:30am learn how to snowshoe while learning the history of these helpful winter tools. If there isn't any snow they will focus on using trekking poles and hike in 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 can register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/. Snowshoeing for Scouts Scouts are invited to join Jacobsburg Park Educators on Saturday, January 23rd from 1-2:30pm. Scouts will learn how to prepare for being outdoors in winter as well as how to use snowshoes. They will go for a hike in snowshoes, stopping along the way to talk about outdoor scenarios and how to prepare for them. If there isn't any snow they will hike in 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 can view and register for community programs online at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/. Snow Ball Dinner and DanceThe Families First annual Snow Ball Dinner and Dance will be held January 23 from 6:00pm to midnight at the Weona Park recreation center. Entertainment with DJ Frank Franzo with Karaoke. Dinner by Tom Donohue of Pen Argyl Pizza. BYOB, casual dress, door prizes, basket raffles.
Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. To purchase tickets call Frank Jones at 610-863-9095 ext 1308 or e-mail jones.frank@penargylsd.org. You can also contact Spring Shank at Pen Argyl High School, Kate Marstellar Wind Gap Middle School or Kelly Thomas Plainfield Elementary. |
January 25
NCC to Offer RN and LPN Review Course
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 28
Slate Belt Visioning Session
January 29
Columcille's Annual Women's Retreat Weekend
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 30
Eagle Watching Along the Delaware
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/.
February 13
Roseto Legion Cavatelli Dinner
March 12
Young at Art - Expo of Art Camps
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.
|
Ask The Doc........
Technology can be wonderful!

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
Blue Valley Farm Show Complex
700 American Bangor Road
Bangor, ph 610-588-1224
Hours: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
JANUARY SCHEDULE
Looking for volunteers - to help plan/set up for parties & special events
Pool Tables are available every morning and Tuesday and Friday afternoons
Craft& Chat - Tuesdays 9:00 am.
Zumba Gold W/janis - Tuesdays 10:00 am.
Brush Away with Senior Artists - Wednesdays 8:00-11:00 am.
Afternoon with the Arts - Thursdays 12:15 pm
Happy New Year - (Center Will Be Closed) January 1, 2016
Poker - Thursday, January 7, 12:15 pm.
Card Club - Friday, January 8, 12:15-3:00 pm
Aarp Meeting - Monday, January 11, 1:30 pm.
Dance Performance - Wednesday, January 13, 3:00-4:00 pm
Baseball - Thurs January 14, 10 am.
Cooking Demonstration - Friday, January 15, 1:30 pm.
Closed - Monday, January 18
The Blues - Wednesday January 20, 10:00 am.
Poker - Thursday, January 21, 12:15 pm
Bunco - Fri. January 22, 10:00 am.
Winter Pictionary - Friday, January 22, 12:15 pm
The Blues - Wednesday, January 27, 10:00 am.
Farkle - Thurs January 28, 12:15 pm.
Start of Baby Face - (For Information See Joan Shafer) Friday, January 29
Comedy Open Mic - Friday, January 29, 12:15 pm
New Books at
Blue Mt. Community Library
Cross Justice, James Patterson
Precious Gifts, Danielle Steel
White Collar Girl, Renee Rosen
The Promise, Robert Crais
The Idea of Love, Patti C. Henry
Guilty, David Baldacci
Along the Infinite Sea, Beatriz Williams
The Japanese Lover, Isabel Allende
Winter Stroll, Elin Hilderbrand
The Crossing, Michael Connelly
Crimson Shore, Douglas Preston
All The Stars in the Heavens, Adriana Trigiani
Tricky Twenty-Two, Janet Evanovich
Eight Hundred Grapes, Laura Dave
Corrupted, Lisa Scottoline
New Adult Large Print:
A Knights Bridge Christmas, Carla Neggers
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Mitch Albom
All Dressed in White, Mary Higgins Clark
The Golem of Paris, Jonathan Kellerman
The Devil Wins, Robert Parker
Heartsong Cottage, Emily March
Stars of Fortune, Nora Roberts
Dashing Through the Snow, Debbie Macomber
The Mistletoe Inn, Richard Paul Evans
Christmas Bells, Jennifer Chiaver
When Secrets Strike, Marta Perry
New Adult Non-Fiction:
Troublemaker, Leah Remini
If I Can't Have You, Greg Olsen
Better, Amy Robac
The Stranger She Loved, Shanna Hogan
New Books at
Bangor Public Library
Alkemade, Kim Van: Orphan #8
Cornwell, Patricia Daniels: Depraved Heart
Fluke, Joanne: Blueberry Muffin Murder, Red Velvet Cupcake Murder, Strawberry Shortcake Murder
Miller, Linda Lael: Mckettricks Luck
Rosenberg, Joel: The First Hostage
Sanders, Ben: American Blood
Trussoni, Danielle: Angelology
Adult non Fiction
Franklin, Jonathan: 438 Days an Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea
Simon, Carly: Boys in the Trees
Wilson, Rainn: The Bassoon King My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy.
Large Print Fiction
Demille, Nelson: the Panther
Evanovich, Janet: Notorious Nineteen
Quick, Amanda: Crystal Gardens
Robb, J.D.: Celebrity in Death
Roberts, Nora: The Witness.
Young Adult Fiction
Armentrout, Jennifer: Oblivion
Bronte, Charlotte: Jane Eyre
Lee, Harper: To Kill a Mockingbird
Meyer, Marissa: Winter
Paolini, Christopher: Inheritance or the Vault of Souls.
Junior non Fiction
Chrisp, Peter: Explore Titantic.
Easy Fiction
Barnett, Mac: The Terrible Two
Friedman, Laurie: Thanksgiving Rules
Martin, Bill: Chicka Chicka 1,2,3
Morrissey, Dean: The Christmas Ship.
Easy non Fiction
Arlon, Penelope: Puppies and Kittens
St. George, Judith: Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln.
Dvds
Castle the Complete First Season
The Complete Second Season
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Inside Out.
|
17 - .00
18 - .00 19 - .00 20 - .00 21 - .00 22 - .00 23 - .00 24 - .00 25 - .00 26 - .00 27 - .00 28 - .00 29 - .00 30 - .00 31- . 00 |