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Science Fact...
Parents Teach Money Habits
January 8, 1918 - Amid the ongoing World War in Europe, President Woodrow Wilson proposed his Fourteen Points, calling for a reduction of arms, self determination for governments, and the creation of a League of Nations.
January 8, 1982 - The American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) Company was broken up as a result of an antitrust suit. Opening the US to telephone competition. Birthday - Elvis Presley (1935-1977) was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. |
January 8
Bingo - Wind Gap Fire Co., 6:45.
Blue Mountain Library - Open 10-12
Bangor Public Library - Open 1-5
Slate Belt Senior Center - Open 8-4. Blue Valley Farm Show
Knitters of the Round Table - Blue Mt. Comm. Library, 10:30am. 610-863-3029
Slate Belt YMCA - Open 5:00am - 9:00pm
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Automotive....
Is Warming Your Engine a Winter Must?

“My car is parked outside and I think it runs better after idling for a while, especially on below-zero mornings,” he says.
Plenty of cold-climate folks share Bailey’s winter car-care philosophy. But advancements in engine technology is reducing the need to idle, even in colder temperatures. According to many auto industry experts, the efficiency of today’s fuel-injected engines makes winter idling nearly unnecessary for most cars. U.S. Department of Energy experts report driving a gas-powered vehicle warms it twice as fast as idling it, and most auto manufacturers recommend starting your car, then driving slowly after only about 30 seconds of idling.
Excessive idling also wastes fuel and adds harmful emissions to the atmosphere. Many states and municipalities have enacted idling restrictions to curb auto emissions and minimize human exposure to carbon monoxide and other noxious exhaust gases.
Instead of warming your car each morning this winter, you’ll be better off taking time now to winterize your vehicle. AAA recommends checking these five key areas:
1. Consider an oil change. “Motor oil is one of the most important fluids in a car, so it’s important to go into winter knowing you’ve got clean, high-quality oil to keep the engine lubricated, even in frigid temperatures,” says Andrew Hamilton, technical services manager for Cenex brand lubricants.
Deciding whether to change your car’s oil type before temperatures plunge depends on the number of miles you drive and the type of motor oil you use. “Traditional mineral-based oils tend to thicken in cold temperatures, which can cause unnecessary engine wear,” says Hamilton. “They also need to be changed more often than newer synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oils. Full synthetic oils, like Cenex Maxtron 5W-30, flow better at low temperatures, for easier cold startups, and they provide longer performance, taking most cars up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.”
Not sure which oil to buy? Hamilton recommends using the online vehicle and equipment lookup tool found at Cenex.com. “Find your vehicle’s make and model, and the tool will give you engine oil recommendations that match its maintenance needs.”
2. Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires maximize traction on wet or icy roads and help protect against wheel damage from potholes.
3. Test your battery. Batteries usually give little notice before dying. Since cold temperatures can reduce power by up to 50 percent, batteries that have been used for three years or more should be tested. Make sure posts and connections are free of corrosion. Remove any corrosion with a solution of baking soda and water, using a small wire brush.
4. Top off antifreeze. Make sure your car’s radiator contains the proper amount of a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. You can check the composition of radiator fluid using an inexpensive tester, available at auto parts stores. Be sure to check the antifreeze label to see if the product you are buying is premixed.
5. Inspect wipers and fluid level. Shorter days and precipitation ranging from snow and ice to sleet and rain pose visibility challenges in winter. Make sure wiper blades are in good condition and replace them if they’re more than a year old. Be sure the windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled with no-freeze washer fluid.
Church Shaped Like a Violin
Opens in China

The Yanbu Church, nicknamed the "violin church" as a result of its design, was officially dedicated this week in Foshan, Guangdong Province.
The seven-story building includes living quarters for preachers and guest rooms for visitors.
The Rev. Yu Qing, an official with the church, was quoted by the China Christian Dailyas saying the church's design is meant to evoke the need for practice, an important part of both musicianship and Christianity.
Winter Tree Trimming

So grab your tools and your gloves because it’s time to get started on your winter tree pruning.
Why is winter tree pruning important?
Think of winter tree pruning as a head start. Pruning trees and shrubs during the dormant cycle ensures they will have a full growing season when spring arrives. In addition to the longer growing season, winter is also a good time to prune because colder temperatures reduce the risk of disease or pests attacking the plant.
Finally, pruning your trees during winter is also an easy way to protect your home from dying or diseased branches that may pose a falling risk. This is especially true in regions where heavy snowfall is common.
What trees or shrubs should you prune during the winter?
There are several species of trees or shrubs that can be pruned during the winter months, but you can categorize them into three easy-to-remember groups:
* Hardwood trees. Pruning hardwood trees in the winter is easy thanks to their lack of foliage. Branches should be cut just above the branch collar — the space where the limb and the tree come together. This area of the tree is rich in anti-microbial chemicals to help the tree heal from the pruning without suffering decay. Clippers can be used to trim smaller branches, but for larger sections or dying plants, use the Husqvarna 450 chainsaw. This all-around powerful saw features the X-Torq engine for lower fuel consumption and emission levels without a drop-off in power. Its auto return stop switch makes it easier to handle, perfect for those spots where you need to make that precise cut.
* Fruit trees. Similar to their hardwood cousin, winter is also a great time to prune fruit trees. Each species of fruit tree has special considerations you must take into account, however, so research your species before pruning. Once you’re finished, your efforts will be rewarded in the spring with larger, more delicious fruit.
* Shrubs and/or trees that flower. Want the best blooms next summer? Prune any tree or shrub that flowers after May 15, late in the winter. To handle those projects efficiently, use the Husqvarna 136LiHD45 hedge trimmer. This trimmer features advanced battery technology for optimal power output, and their one-touch keypad makes it easy to get the job done right without excess battery loss.
When do you start pruning?
Branches that pose a falling risk should be handled immediately, but if you want to maximize the spring growing season, late winter is the time to prune. Start your project with the right tools and you’ll support fuller, healthier plant growth during the spring, giving you another great reason to say goodbye to winter.
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 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
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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 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 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.
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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..
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