|
Ingredients
|
- Put potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker crock. Scatter flour over the potatoes; toss to coat.
- Scatter bacon bits, red onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, ranch dressing mix, parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper over the potatoes.
- Pour water into the slow cooker.
- Cook on Low 7 to 9 hours.
- Pour half-and-half into the soup; cook another 15 minutes.
- Garnish with Cheddar cheese and green onion to serve.
|
|
|
Household Tip:
(Source: all you.com)
January 5, 1919 - German Communists in Berlin led by Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht attempted to take over the government by seizing a number of buildings. Ten days later, they were both assassinated by German soldiers.
January 5, 1925 - Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming became the first female governor inaugurated in the U.S. January 5, 1972 - President Richard Nixon signed a bill approving $5.5 billion over six years to build and test the NASA space shuttle. |
January 5
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.
Pen Argyl Regular Council Meeting - 7:00 P.M. Borough Hall
Bangor Block Watch - Slate Belt Heritage Center (upstairs) 7pm
Knights of Columbus Home Association - Council Home, 7:30-9:30pm
Rescue Fire Co. #1 Auxiliary - meets 7:30 at the fire station.
UMBT Advisory Council - Meets 7:00pm
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
HEALTH....
New Ways to Enjoy Potatoes

Here’s a little inspiration for potato dishes sure to become favorites in 2016:
DIY potato chips: This is a super easy and delicious recipe. Boil a russet potato and a few purple potatoes for 5 minutes, drain, dry and cut into thin slices. Toss the freshly cut slices in one beaten egg white. Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray and evenly space the chips throughout the pan. Bake slices at 400 degrees F for 35 minutes, turning halfway through. Top chips with sea salt or a sprinkle of bleu cheese.
Season with new flavor favorites: Spice up your baked or roasted potatoes with healthy toppings that really raise the bar on nutrition and flavor. Start with a plain, thick and creamy yogurt and a good source of protein. If you’re serious about spice, try adding a tablespoon of Sriracha and orange juice to a half-cup of your yogurt, mix, and add a dollop to your potatoes. Love a Mediterranean flair? Top your taters with Greek yogurt mixed with lemon, garlic, roasted red peppers and oregano.
Wholesome mashed potatoes: Mash your potatoes with a low-fat spread, Greek yogurt or skim milk for that creamy, delicious texture you love, without all the extra calories.
Slim-belly baked potato bar: Families will love a baked potato bar. Top a baked potato with ground turkey, salsa and light sour cream for taco night, or top your potatoes with tomato sauce, turkey pepperoni, Italian blend shredded cheese and other veggies for a pizza-style delight.
Grilled potatoes: Potatoes are the perfect addition to your backyard barbecue menu. Grilling potatoes adds a unique flavor you can’t get from the stove or oven. Create your own spud rub with onion powder, lemon pepper, paprika, sea salt and ground cumin and coat potatoes with a little extra virgin olive oil. Place the potatoes on a grill rack or basket, and within 15 minutes, you’ll have yourself the most spectacular side dish.
Customize a nutritious breakfast hash: Drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and add diced potatoes (fresh, frozen or refrigerated) with bell pepper and onion, cover and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. To serve with soft-cooked eggs, use a spoon and make 4 shallow depressions in the hash and carefully crack an egg into each hollowed-out spot. Cover the pan and cook eggs for 5 minutes, or until the whites are set and yolks are still runny, then serve immediately. Alternatively, scramble four eggs and top your hash. For a final touch, top with hot sauce or a sprinkle of tarragon, salsa or chimichurri sauce.
One medium-sized skin-on potato has just 110 calories and contains 45 percent of your daily value of vitamin C. On its own, a potato contains no fat, no sodium, no cholesterol and has more potassium than a banana. Healthy eating is so much better with foods you love and new ways to enjoy them. For more potato recipes, visit PotatoGoodness.com.
Idaho Man Makes Unusual Calendar

Tired of being ashamed of his back hair, Mike Wolfe, 35, decided to team up with his friend and former graphic designer Tyler Harding to turn his body hair into art by creating a "Calendhair". The calendar features 12 photos of Wolfe sporting different back hair designs, each themed to match their respective month.
The story of Wolfe's back hair exhibition began in 1998 when he was a high schooler in Oregon and noticed hair appearing on his shoulders.
"It was wrestling season and I had just noticed some interesting sprouts coming from my shoulders," the about section of the Calendhair reads. "I proceeded to do a full examination of my back and saw that I was becoming one of those guys that everyone makes fun of...I was growing back hair!"
Ten years later he asked Harding to shave his back for the first time, requesting an American Flag pattern he dubbed "Am-hair-ica the beautiful. This design eventually evolved into the idea for the Calendhair.
"Everybody always makes fun of the guy with back hair. Well now it's my turn to shine right?" Wolfe told KTVB.
According to Wolfe some of the proceeds from the Calendhair sales will go to his church's charity, Gates of hope, which provides funding to an orphanage in Kenya.
Cats are Pets of Choice for Millennials

Close to half of 1,000 survey respondents in the millennial age range (18 to 34) say they own cats, and many believe their cat is similar to themselves. Many millennials consider themselves independent, yet social. Fifty-seven percent of millennial cat owners say their cat is as important in their lives as their friends, two in five consider their cat to be their new “best friend” and nearly 50 percent say they tell their cat secrets no one else knows.
According to the Pet Food Institute the U.S. pet cat population is more than 73 million – or two million more than the U.S. pet dog population.
Perhaps it’s true what Sigmund Freud once said, “Time spent with cats is never wasted.”
More than 80 percent of millennial cat owners agree one of the main reasons they own a cat is their cat fits in well with their current lifestyle, perhaps because two-thirds of their cats stay entirely indoors.
“People like cats because they are great pets – they provide comfort to their owners and with appropriate socialization they can be warm and friendly,” said Purina behaviorist Sandra Lyn. “In addition, they don’t need to be taken on walks or for bathroom breaks and they’re generally happy doing their own thing, though they do like attention and cuddling.”
Pet ownership may also fill a companionship gap left as millennials get married and have children later than baby boomers did, according to a Wakefield Research study.
“The relationship between pets and people is continuing to evolve,” noted Lyn. “Through research and personal experience, the bond between pets and people can be viewed as an important part of improving quality of life.”
It’s unclear whether the preponderance of cat videos (and the popularity of “celebrity cats” such as Grumpy Cat) in digital media has affected the political correctness of being attached to one’s cat, but nearly three in five millennial cat owners surveyed by Purina consider themselves as “cat ladies” or “cat men.”
Many also see their pets as a form of social currency through which they can share photos and stories on digital media, according to the Wakefield Research study.
In fact, two in five millennial cat owners talk about their pets on social media, three in five have watched cat videos and half have shared cat memes.
In general, those identifying as cat people are 11 percent more apt to have an “open” personality than dog people, meaning they tend to be curious, creative, artistic and more apt to be non-traditional thinkers, says research by WebMD. Further, Purina found 88 percent of millennial cat owners consider themselves similar to their cats. Forty percent describe their lifestyle as independent, and 72 percent see themselves as friendly – with 46 percent motivated to own cats because they’re also friendly.
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
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 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 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 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/. 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. 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 |
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 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/.
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
Bloom, Amy: a Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You;
Brosnan, Meredith: Mr. Dynamite;
Campbell, Bebe: What You Owe Me
David, Susan Page: Pieces of the Past; Dodge, Vera: Muslin Mystery; Hawthorne, Nathaniel: the Scarlet Letter; Hyde, Catherine: Worthy;
Lee, Harper: to Kill a Mockingbird;
Michaels, Fern: Perfect Match;
Peters, Elizabeth He Shall Thunder in the Sky
Putnam, Cara: Timeless Treasures;
Roberts, Nora: Red Lily; California Dreams
Wilson, Susan: the Dog Who Saved Me.
Adult non Fiction
Bowker, John Westerdale: God a Brief History;
Jackson, Laura: the Light Between Us
Kast, Marlise Elizabeth: Fodors Costa Rica 2015
Palin, Sarah: Good Tidings and Great Joy
Perino, Dana: and the Good News Is
Sherrill, John: the Hiding Place; Tee, Susanna: Fish and Seafood Bible.
Large Print Fiction
Bagshawe, Tilly: Sidney Sheldons Angel of the Dark
Coulter, Catherine: the Final Cut
Ellison, J.t.: Edge of Black
Gardner, Lisa: Catch Me
Staub, Wendy Corsi: Dying Breath.
Young Adult Fiction
Noel, Alyson: Evermore
Wells, H.g.: the War of the Worlds.
Junior Fiction
Alcott, Louisa May: Little Women;
Osborne, Mary Pope: My Secret War;
Stevenson, Robert Louis: Treasure Island.
Junior non Fiction
Hindley, Judy: the Usborne Time Traveler.
Dvds
Good Day for It; the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Macgyver Season 1; 2; 3; Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader; the Silver Chair..
|
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 |