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Real Estate
Home-Buying Trends for this Year

"Each family lives in their home differently," says Beazer Homes Senior Creative Manager Michael Phillips. "Some buyers prefer a private dining room, while others want an open-concept kitchen with a more casual eating area. Where one buyer might prefer an owner's suite on the main level, others may want all their bedrooms on the upper level."
Although every home buyer's needs are unique, the market is often dictated by common trends. To better understand your own buying preferences and to see if you're aligned with others in the real estate marketplace, take a look at these five home-buying trends.
1. Function over aesthetics. When you think kitchen trends, you probably think of design features like granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. While both these options remain popular and are common in new construction, surveys by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that buyers were extremely interested in functional attributes like new appliances, eat-in layouts, walk-in pantries and double sinks.
2. Living rooms are no longer a must. Given today's diverse home-buying population, the formal living room is becoming less prevalent. "Many buyers would rather use traditional living room square footage in a new way," said Phillips. "We're seeing families using the living room as a home office or choosing to forgo the space altogether in exchange for extra square footage in other areas of the home."
3. New is number one. According to the NAHB, more than half of surveyed buyers want to purchase a new home. It can be a challenge for buyers to find everything they desire in a resale home, and because renovations are often costly and time consuming, it's hard to deny the appeal of purchasing a brand-new home that is move-in ready.
4. Let there be (energy-efficient) light. Home buyers have coveted homes that make good use of natural light for years and that trend is continuing in 2016. In addition to large windows, NAHB research shows homeowners are putting an increased emphasis on the energy savings that accompany the installation of high-performance windows.
5. Make it your own. Personalizing a new home is easier and more affordable than ever before, thanks to offerings like Beazer's Choice Plans, which are flexible floorplans that allow you to personalize the most lived-in spaces in your home at no additional cost. Whether you want a kitchen for entertaining or a breakfast nook for family dining, an office space instead of an extra bedroom, you choose ... and Beazer won't charge you for selecting the best layout for your lifestyle. You can learn more about your options and how to create your own dream home at www.beazer.com/choice-plans.
Start your preparation today
It's never too early to start preparing for shopping for a new home. The more work you do ahead of time, the more time you can spend exploring the market. So start your research now and you'll be moved into the home of your dreams before you know it.
March 4, 1681 - King Charles II of England granted a huge tract of land in the New World to William Penn to settle an outstanding debt. The area later became Pennsylvania.
March 4, 1789 - The first meeting of the new Congress under the new U.S. Constitution took place in New York City. March 4, 1830 - Former President John Quincy Adams returned to Congress as a representative from Massachusetts. He was the first ex-president ever to return to the House and served eight consecutive terms. |
Entertaining
Make the Most of March Madness

* Fill out those bracket(s). The bracket is an essential component of the season and makes following the tournament much more fun. To maximize your enjoyment, fill out a couple of brackets, one with your family and another with your friends at work. Fill one out with teams you think will win and the next with those you want to win. The more brackets you fill out, the more protection you have from those eventual bracket busters. * Stay in the loop. Don't let the limits of your current phone provider keep you from talking about the tournament with friends and family. Total Wireless offers dependable, affordable cell phone service that will help you stay on top of the latest college basketball news. For just $35 a month, Total Wireless gives you unlimited talk and text plus 2.5 gigabytes of data on America's largest and most dependable network, all with no contract required. And families following this year's tournament will love their prepaid, no contract shared family data plans. It's the perfect way to keep up with your teams and chat about the games with your loved ones near and far. Learn more at TotalWireless.com.
* Pick a random buster. At the start of the tournament, get together with your friends and have everyone choose one team seeded 12 or lower that they feel will advance the furthest in this year's tournament. You may also draw these teams randomly. Then cheer on your bracket buster and reward the person who chose the last-standing, low seed with a prize.
* Switch it up. As the tournament progresses, teams will play in different stadiums across the country. Follow suit by watching the games in different places throughout the month. Gather with your friends and designate one person to host an event each weekend during the tournament, then gather at that location for the best game of the day. It's a great way to make the tournament inclusive for everyone.
* Food to fit the fun. Want to capture the unique flavor of this year's tournament? Pass aside the traditional game-day food and plan a menu based on the regional tastes of the team's competing in the game. Whether it's the Tex-mex of the southwest or the seafood of the Atlantic coast, adjusting your menu is a fun way to keep it fresh and exciting week after week.
The annual men's basketball tournament is the sporting event you don't want to miss, and by applying the tips above, you'll make this year's edition the best yet. So get off the bench, lace up your shoes and start drawing up a game plan - because no one wants to be left behind when the final buzzer sounds.
Plumber Finds $50,000
Gold Brick in Bathroom

Alif Babul and his employee Dean Materi discovered a one-kilogram gold brick while performing a bathroom renovation in Calgary in mid-February.
The two plumbers discovered the gold brick underneath a pile of rubble and nearly threw it in the trash before realizing what it was.
"I seen a gold shimmery thing on the ground and I thought it was a cooper light fixture," Materi told the Calgary Sun. "But when I went to shovel it up, it seemed kind of heavy. I picked it up and it was a gold brick."
They later found that the brick's value was estimated at nearly $50,000.
While both men were initially excited about the potential windfall, they ultimately decided to return the brick to its owners.
"My wife and I had a long chat about that," Babul told the CBC. "I said to my wife, 'I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but it's the right thing to do."
Babul said he has found valuable items while working before, including a collection of rare "Daredevil" comic books, but said his company's policy at Perfection Plumbing & Gas Ltd. is to turn any items found over to their proper owners.
"We always return what we find," he said.
TRAFFIC ALERTS WEEK OF MARCH 7
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 South
Between PA 191 AND Tatamy will experience delays and lane restriction March 7 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Sullivan Trail (Plainfield Twp)
Between PA 191 AND Oak Street will experience delays and lane restriction March 7 - March 8 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Bushkill Center Road
Between Broad Street AND Bushkill Drive will experience delays and lane restriction March 7 to March 11 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Sullivan Trail (Plainfield Twp)
Between PA 512 AND Oak Street will experience delays and lane restriction March 9 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 191
Between Franklin Hill Road AND 1st Street (Bangor) will experience delays and lane restriction March 10 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Route 191
Between 1st Street (Bangor) AND Monroe County Line will experience delays and lane restriction March 11 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
This Week at Bloom![]() MAR 4, 6:00 PM Paint this rooster on a 14" X 15" piece of wood with artist Anne. It comes with a wire hanger and is painted with acrylic paints. $40 includes 2.5 hours of guided instruction and all your supplies. At Bloom every dollar heals! Please reserve your spot online. Easy Crochet Cowl with Cathy MAR 4, 6:00 PM Learn to crochet this easy cowl! You will learn to read a very simple pattern and you will learn a few basic crochet stitches. You may or may not be able to finish in the allotted time frame, but you will receive instructions on how to finish the project.You will receive 2.5 hours of guided instruction, choice of yarn, pattern, buttons, and crochet hook. Cost of this class is $25, and at Bloom, every dollar heals! Please reserve your spot online so that we can have adequate supplies available. Class size is very limited. Finger Crochet Scarf MAR 5, 1:00 PM Learn to finger crochet and make this gorgeous infinity scarf. You do not need to know how to crochet and this is also great for young girls. It is made with a wool blend yarn and there are lots of colors to choose from. Cathy will show you how to start the project and finish it off. You should be able to take home your completed scarf at the end of the class. $20 includes 2.5 hours of guided instruction and all your materials. Please reserve your spot online as the class is limited to the first 7 paid customers. Kid's Owl with Jess MAR 5, 2:00 PM Bring your kids out to paint this cute owl! They can personalize it by choosing their favorite colors. Imagine this hanging on their bedroom wall! $20 gets you 2 hours of instruction and all your supplies. It is done with acrylics on a 12 X 14 canvas. Age recommendation for this class is 5+. please reserve your spot online Hibiscus With Lorena MAR 5, 6:00 PM Come paint this beautiful hibiscus with artist Lorena. There are 2 variations on this designs and you can choose different colors if you'd like. For $35 you get 2.5 hours of guided instruction and all your supplies. You can save some money and buy 2 tickets for $50 or 4 tickets for $90. Just make that selection in your shopping cart. These offers are limited so first come, first serve. This is painted with acrylics on a 16 X 20 canvas. At Bloom every dollar heals. Class size is limited so you must reserve your spot online or call the studio with your payment information. BHS Class of 1986 Scholarship A memorial scholarship was established in 1997 by the Bangor Area High School Class of 1986 to honor the memory of deceased classmates. It is named in Gary Moffett's honor because he not only served as Class Treasurer, but he also touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know him. They have since dedicated this memorial scholarship to recognize other classmates who have passed in recent years: David Pritchard, Cherry Oyer Klinger, Frank Lisovich, Melissa Fox Niceforo, and Kelly Cory.
A scholarship award of $500.00 will continue to be presented annually to a member of the graduating senior class at Bangor High School who best exemplifies the qualities which Gary embodied -- leadership, friendship, service, character, and scholastic achievement. The recipient is chosen by Gary's wonderful and loving family, and is announced during Commencement. Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship should see the guidance counselor at Bangor High School. 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.
Heritage Center Seeks Volunteers The Slate Belt Heritage Center is looking for volunteers to assist with the "Second Phase" of its "Homefront Project". Phase !! has begun and biographies of each of the letter writers are being researched. Volunteers will meet on Mondays from 9 AM - 12 Noon. For additional information contact the center via email at SBHC@frontier.com or contact Karen Brewer @ 610-588-8615.
SFN Scholarships Available Slater Family Network is sponsoring a $2000.00 scholarship for a 2016 Bangor High School graduate. The applications are now available on the school district website under the Slater Family Network tab, in the HS Guidance Office or the SFN office behind the DeFranco School. Completed applications are due at SFN on April 28.
The family of Denny Strouse is sponsoring a $1000.00 scholarship through Slater Family Network for a 2016 Bangor High School graduate. The applications are now available on the school district website under the Slater Family Network tab, in the HS Guidance Office or the SFN office behind the DeFranco School. Completed applications are due at SFN on April 28. Call the SFN office with any questions at 610-599-7019 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.
Clean Slate Yoga A Clean Slate is offering a 6 week Yoga Class, Tuesdays from 5-6 pm. First Come First Serve. For details call 610-452-9348.
Bangor Womens Club Scholarship Applications The Bangor Womens Club will be accepting applications from senior students at Bangor and Faith Christian High Schools for consideration for their 2016 scholarship. The scholarship amount is $1000. Applications can be obtained from the school Guidance office and the deadline to submit the completed application is April 15, 2016
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. Fishing Rods and Tackle at JacobsburgWhen: Sunday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM in March
Where: Jacobsburg Visitor Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth Borrow fishing poles and tackle to use in Jacobsburg’s creeks! To borrow equipment you must provide a driver’s license or other form of state issued identification. Persons age 16 and older must possess a current fishing license to fish. Adults can help children under 16 fish without a license. Bait is not provided. For more information call 610-746-2801 or email jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. March 5Easter Bunny, Egg Hunt, Craft Show A craft show featuring the Easter Bunny, and an Egg Hunt,will be held from 11am - 3pm at the East Bangor Fire Co.. The Easter Bunny will arrive by fire truck at 12:30 and the egg hunt will start at 1:00pm.
The Fire Co. will be selling food and holding a small silent auction. Park in the rear of the fire com.. Vendor tables are available by calling 610-588-5996. Cave Quest FunShop At a Cave Quest FunShop, discover time-saving and budget-stretching tips from Group's VBS veterans from 8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday March 5 at Ackermanville United Methodist at 1410 Ackermanville Rd Meet and mingle with other VBS Groupies in your area. This hands-on training gives practical pointers on all thing VBS-including fundraising, volunteer recuiting, decorating, and family follow-up. Get an energizing jump start to your VBS season, and...have fun! Bring your Vacation Bible School Team!
Register Today! -Giveaways! -Exclusive FunShop Gift! Advance Registration: $20 per person up to one week prior to the VBS FunShop event date-registration after that is $28 per person. Register online: group.com/vbsfunshop Project Child Hosting Dance Event Project Child is hosting its tenth annual Have a Heart for Children dinner dance on Saturday, March 5th at the Hotel Bethlehem. Proceeds will benefit initiatives designed to reduce child abuse in the Lehigh Valley. The event begins at 5:30 P.M and is a lovely evening of mixing, mingling and dancing to the music of the Philadelphia Funk Authority. Project Child is a program of Valley Youth House. It has been operating since 1991 with the mission of preventing child abuse and neglect in the Lehigh Valley and the surrounding region. This mission is accomplished through the provision of educational resources for parents and professionals; the dissemination of information about the seriousness of child abuse and strategies for its prevention. Alternatives to physical violence are promoted along with parenting skills.
As a community coalition, Project Child is comprised of individuals and agencies engaged in striving to protect the rights of children to live free of abuse and neglect in an environment which fosters positive self-development. Whether you are in the mood to enjoy the ambience of the historic hotel or dance to live music, you will be coming together to join the effort to protect our community’s children from abuse and neglect. Dinner and Raffle Prizes are part of the evening. The cost is $75.00. For info go to www.projectchildlv.org or call Amy Brenfleck at 610-954-9561, ext. 334. March 6Free Meatloaf DinnerTh East Bangor Community Church welcomes you to a FREE Meatloaf Dinner with desserts on Sunday, March 6th, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, PA. Questions? call 610-588-4453 or visit http://ebumc.org/. Safe Haven Meet and Greet Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold a dog Meet & Greet from 11 -3 on Sunday, March 6 at Ace Hardware, Rt 209, Brodheadsville (next to Dunkleberger's).
Safe Haven will have many young 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. "Saving one dog won't change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever." 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. Sweetheart Dinner Benefit Sweetheart Dinner to benefit our Feed My Starving Children MobilePack will be held Saturday, March 6 at Grace Church in Pen Argyl 404 E Mountain Ave, Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania.
Individuals are welcome too! They will have an Italian buffet, Not-So-Newlywed Game and renewal of vows for those who are interested. Child care available. Cost is $25 per couple, $12.50 for individuals. Call or email for reservations/tickets: 610-863-4811, graceumc@worshipatgrace.org. Snow date is April 2. Over 6000 children die of hunger/malnutrition each day. Come and help us feed the starving children of the world. March 7Preschool Open House On Monday, March 7th from 6-7:30pm the Slate Belt YMCA will be hosting an open house for parents interested in the new nursery school and preschool programs that will be offered in the fall. Parents, students, friends, and family are all invited to see the classroom and meet the teachers.
March 8Free Amateur Radio Classes What is amateur radio, and what do you do with it?
Amateur radio is a fun hobby where you can talk with people across town or all over the world, even with astronauts in space, without telephone wires, cell phones or the Internet. It provides helpful communication service in emergencies, public service and community events. Amateur radio operators come from all walks of life, from all ages, men and women, students and retirees, factory workers and doctors, and all in between. We all have one thing in common: ham radio. We can tinker and experiment and build things. We can help with communications at parades and other community events. We send health and welfare messages in times of disaster; sometimes we are the only communications available. We can compete in radio contests, and we can have casual conversations with other hams worldwide. To do all this you need a license and a radio. Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club will offer a series of 9 Tuesday evening free classes, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning March 8 at the Northampton County Gracedale Complex, Nazareth, We will help anyone interested in earning their entry-level FCC amateur radio license. We also will offer a separate series of classes to upgrade to the General License on the same dates. For answers to questions, more information, or to register for the free classes, please phone 610.432.8286 or email ke3aw@ARRL.NET. The Delaware-Lehigh Amateur Radio Club, Inc. is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit charitable organization. March 10Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet to Read at NCC![]() Tracy K. Smith
Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith will read from her work on Thursday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m., in the Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, Bethlehem Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township, and on March 10 at 3:30 p.m. at Room 108, Pocono Hall, the NCC Monroe Campus, 2411 Route 715, Tannersville.
In 2012 Smith won the Pulitzer Prize for her 2011 poetry collection, Life on Mars. Born in Massachusetts, Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree in fine arts degree from Columbia University. She was a Stegner Fellow at Stanford University from 1997-1999. In addition to Life on Mars, Smith is the author of two other poetry collections: The Body’s Question, which won the Cave Canem Prize, and Duende, recipient of the James Laughlin Award and the Essence Literary Award. In 2014, she was awarded to the Academy of American Poets Fellowship. Her book Ordinary Light: A Memoir was named to the National Book Awards Longlist for Nonfiction in 2015. Smith teaches creative writing at Princeton University. NCC’s annual poetry day is held in memory of Len Roberts, poet and NCC professor, who passed away in 2007. He was the author of numerous collections of poetry and the recipient of many literary and teaching awards. He was a Fulbright scholar. The Len Roberts Poetry Day is free and open to the public. For more information call 610-861-5300 or 570-369-1800. Mohegan Sun Trip St Elizabeth of Hungary parish is sponsoring a trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkesbarre on Thursday, March 10th. Further trips to the Mohegan Sun are also April 14th and May 12th. June, July, August, and September will be trips to the casinos in Atlantic City.
There are two pick up locations, the first one is at St. Elizabeth parking lot, leaving by 9:00am; the second stop is at the old St. Joseph parking lot, leaving by 9:05am. For more information, please call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 10-844-4630" Slate Belt Photography Club Monthly Meeting Slate Belt Photography Club Monthly Meeting is scheduled for March 10 from 7:00 to 8:00pm. Meeting is to be held at "Pies to Die For" in Bangor, PA (Old Steckels store).
Meeting will be about "Off Camera Flash" and we will take Portraits for Membership ID Cards. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Slatebeltphotographers/.6. March 11Women's History and ConservationMira Lloyd Dock: A Beautiful Crusade
Friday, March 11, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Come celebrate Women’s History Month with the Pennsylvania Conservation Heritage Project, the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, and the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation. We salute a nearly-forgotten leader in the field of forestry and botany—Mira Lloyd Dock—with a screening of a new and dynamic 30-minute documentary about her contributions. A panel discussion on forestry and parks today and women in conservation featuring Joe Frassetta District Forester in the William Penn State Forest and Rob Neitz Park Manager for Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. March 12Slater Family Network Silent Auction The Slater Family Network’s 10th Annual Silent Auction is scheduled for Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Five Points Elementary School on the Bangor Area School District Campus. The profit from this event will benefit local families in need. The event begins at 10am for browsing and placement of tickets. The tickets will be pulled at 12noon. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
There are over 80 themed baskets and premium items such as gift cards, 50” Flat Screen TV, DVD player, 2 bikes, Vera Bradley Bags, Coach Handbags, Fire Tablet and much more! Family admission is $12 which includes 26 tickets. Tickets for the premium prizes will be available for a separate purchase. Please join us for some family fun! Please call the Slater Family Network office at 610-599-7019 for information. Chicken & Waffle Dinner An Oven Fried Chicken & Waffle Dinner Family Style/All You Can Eat will held from 4-7pm Saturday, March 12 at Hope United Church of Christ, Second Street, Wind Gap. The cost is Adults $10.00, Youth (ages 6-12) $5.00 and Children 5 and under eat FREE! If you have any questions, please call me at 610-759-1066
Junior Girl Scouts Spaghetti Dinner Junior Girl Scout Troop 887 will be hosting its 2nd annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 12th at the Blue Valley Farm Show Complex from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Join these girls as they raise money for their summer trip to Lancaster.
Troop 887, a group made up of 13 local young ladies, have just finished selling their girl scout cookies and are moving on to their next fundraiser. The girls won’t be cutting any corners. With some help, they will be serving their own homemade sauce made by the girls themselves. A fresh salad, bread, dessert and drinks are also included with each meal. Volunteers from the Blue Valley Farm show will be assisting the girls by dishing up the meals, as the girls anxiously serve their guests. A bake sale will also be available during the dinner. The girls are raising funds for a trip to Lancaster, where they will visit the Sight and Sound theatre, enjoy a home-cooked meal made by an Amish family, visit an operating Amish farm, and other exciting activities. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 Adult or $5 children. (Under is free) You can get more information on the girls’ facebook page www.facebook.com/GSTroop887 Wildlife Benefits of a Prescribed BurnSaturday, March 12, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Fire is bad, right? Not always. By purposely setting regulated fires, called prescribed burns, you can improve wildlife habitat. Prescribed burning enhances native plant communities and therefore improves biodiversity. Join us for this talk about this habitat enhancement method and the plans to use it here at Jacobsburg. After the talk we will go out and listen for American Woodcocks, a species that benefits from prescribed burns. Registration is required. Breakfast With The Easter Bunny The Provisional Rotary Club of the Slate Belt will be holding its 4th Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sat. March 12th at The Scorecard 130 N. Broadway in Wind Gap. The event is from 9 AM to 11AM. There will a tricky tray, 50/50 and other surprises. Come join the fun!
Tickets are $8.00 for Adults. Children under 10 are Free! Tickets are available at The Scorecard, from any Rotary Member or contacting Bill Skinner 570-350-7609 ORskinww@epix.net Money raised will be used for the 3rd Annual Dictionary Project. Rotary of the Slate Belt purchases dictionaries and distributes them to all 3rd Graders in all Slate Belt Schools. Over 800 Dictionaries have been distributed in the last 2 years. Rotary Club of the Slate Belt is a Provisional Club of the West End Rotary and is looking for new members to join and help us Charter our Club. Our meetings are every Thursday from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Scorecard Restaurant in Wind Gap, PA. Be a part of helping our Local Slate Belt Communities with a variety of projects. Come and learn how you can get involved and give back to others. See you next Thursday! For more information contact Bill Skinner at skinww@epix.net or 570-350-7609. Easter Egg Hunt in the Trunk A Family Fun Event! Please join the Slate Belt YMCA Staff and Volunteers for an "Egg-citing" Easter Event. We are mixing up the traditional Egg Hunt by hosting a community event similar to the popular and successful Trunk or Treat event that we held in the fall. Hunt in the Trunk will be held in the back lot of the Slate Belt Y on March 12 from 4:00-5:30pm or when we run out of candy and eggs. If you are interested in participating by decorating the trunk of your car and handing out treat filled eggs please register at the Welcome Desk. To find out ways you can help with the event stop by the Y or call 610-881-4470. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date on the "Egg-cellent" Event!
Silent Auction to Benefit Slater Family Network Saturday, March 12th at Five Points Elementary School, Slater Family Network will be hosting a Silent Auction. All proceeds aid local families in need through Slater Family Network. Browsing begins at 10am-12pm, auction begins at 12pm. Family admission and 26 tickets for $12. Premium item tickets available, food and beverage will be available for purchase. Over eighty themed baskets.
March 13Slate Belt Heritage Center Event Sunday, March 13, 2 PM - "Origins of St. David's Welsh Society" - Presented by former Bangor High School Superintendent and current Superintendent of Easton Area High School, John Reinhart.
March 16Lehigh Valley Horse Council Will Meet The Lehigh Valley Horse Council will meet Wednesday, March 16th at 7:00 PM at the new City View Diner, 1831 MacArthur Road, Whitehall. The topic for the evening will be Equine Biosecurity: How to protect your horse and your farm from disease.
The speaker will be Tera Ramig, DVM, All Points Equine (LVHC is not responsible for the cost of meals. beverages, etc.) FMI: 610-704-4130, 610-837-7294 March 17Young At Heart Club Meeting The Slate Belt Young at Heart Club will be meeting on March 17th at 1:00pm at the St. Elizabeth Church Hall. We will be having a special St. Patrick's Day program. Please invite your friends to come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun, food and socialization. A reminder, this club is open to all seniors, 55 years and up, regardless of race, religion, etc. Also, mark your calendars, we will be sponsoring a trip to Philadelphia in June and to Sight & Sound to see Sampson the end of October. This trips are open to the public, regardless of age,and also include students. For more information, please call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610-844-4630
March 18Free Ratatouille Showing The Wind Gap Film Club will present Ratatouille 6:00pm March 18 at Emmy Lou's Ice Cream Cafe, 492 East Main Street, Pen Argyl. This is a free event.
MBA Annual Basket Raffle On March 18th the MBA will be hosting their annual Basket Raffle. Doors will open to everyone at 4:30pm. Tickets will be available at the door, tickets will $5.00 per sheet. Each basket will be valued at $25 or more. We will have a large ticket item table that will require BLUE tickets that will be sold for $1.00 each or 7 for $5.00.
They also will be having 50/50 for cash prizes. The snack stand will be open for light refreshments. Please be sure to bring your own chair as seating will be limited. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT THE MUSIC DEPARTMENTS FOR WGMS AND PLAINFIELD ELEMENTARY. March 19Egg Hunt for Relay for Life A community egg hunt will held Saturday March 19 at 3:00pm at East Bangor Park to benefit The Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
All money raised will go to benefit the American Cancer Society. They will have a few age groups with a small gift for each child and a few hidden surprise eggs. Also plan to have a bake sale and a table of team's handmade treasures to purchase. They are having this in the afternoon so it does not interfere with earlier ones.. Portland Community Easter Egg Enjoy another fun filled community event Saturday, March 19th. Portland Lodge No. 311 & Portland Events Committee will be hosting the Annual Portland Community Easter Egg hunt at 1pm The Easter Chick & Bunny will arrive on Margaret, the Pink Fire Truck, driven by the Guardians of the Pink Ribbon and be escorted by Portland Police Dept. They will arrive at 1pm. The egg Hunt will begin after the Easter Bunny and Chick arrive. Field opens at 12:30pm The egg hunt is for children 0-10 years and will be held rain or shine..
Forks Township Egg Hunt Join Forks Township Parks and Recreation Saturday, March 19 at 1 PM at Forks Township Parks and Recreation 500 Zucksville Rd, Easton, Pennsylvania and the Easter Bunny for their Annual Egg Hunt. Age categories include 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10. Prizes will be awarded at each age level.
The egg hunt is at the Forks Township Amphitheater. Cost per child is $2.00. March 20Tricky Tray for Caryssa Tricky Tray for Caryssa! will be held Sunday March 20 at East Bangor Vol. Fire Co. Haunted School House.
Caryssa is 26 years old. She has severe mental disabilities, cerebral palsy, unsteady gait, she is non verbal and requires full time care. Please help us keep her living at home by adding a room to our home that gives her safety and room to grow and learn. Volunteers and Donations are still needed. Share our event and help get the word out! If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Horn Giamoni. We will add more details as time gets closer, but doors are opening at 1PM! March 22Tuesday TrailsMarch 22, 5:30-7:00 PM
Get moving after work with a brisk hike a Jacobsburg. These guided hikes are 2-2.5 miles over uneven terrain. Hikers should always bring water and sturdy boots or shoes. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Meet by the flagpole at the Visitor Center at 400 Belfast Road. Registration is not required. Join the email reminder list by contacting 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. March 24Bangor Cheerleader Fund Raiser A Bangor Cheerleader Fund Raiser will be held Thursday, March 24 at 5 PM at the Dozen Family Restaurant & Inn 415 Johnsonville Rd, Bangor, Pennsylvania 18013
Please come out for a bite to eat and help support the Bangor Cheerleaders March 25Reptiles and AmphibiansFriday, March 25, 6:00-9:00 PM
Join us as we learn about the reptiles and amphibians that occur in the Lehigh Valley. We will discuss the difference between reptiles and amphibians, identification and biology of local species, and the current status of some of these creatures. After the talk, there will be a walk in search of frogs and salamanders. Participants should dress for the weather, wear footwear that can get wet and bring a flashlight. Registration is required. March 26Easter Bunny Coming by Helicopter The Easter Bunny arrives in a helicopter at Tolino Vineyards 280 Mt Pleasant Rd, Bangor, at noon Saturday, March 26 and will be available for pictures until 2pm.
An egg hunt will be held outside at 1pm. In the case of severe rain, this event will be cancelled. Tickets available over the phone or in person at the winery. You can also purchase them online. Tickets Available: www.tolinovineyards.com. March 31Wine Tasting/Art Benefit Join Franklin Hill Wineries March 31 from 6 PM - 8 PM at their Tannersville store to sip on a glass of your favorite FHV wine while your explore your creative side.
Bloom, an art studio in Bangor, will guide you in painting a pair spring themed wine glasses (art to be posted asap) All art supplies will be provided and wine by the glass will be available for purchase. Most of the proceeds will be donated to Bloom which provides free housing, counseling and guidance to women in need. April 1East Bangor Basket Bingo East Bangor Volunteer Fire Company will hold a Basket Bingo 7:00pm, April 1 at the Fire Co on Route 512 in East Bangor. For Tickets call 610-588-5996
April 2Spring Brunch With the Author The Friends of the Bangor Public Library will host their Spring "Brunch With the Author" on Saturday April 2nd at 10:00 AM featuring local author Vikki Romano. Ms. Romano will feature her latest release "Edge of Darkness', a science fiction thriller and first book in a trilogy. She will have that book available for purchase and signing that day. Book #2 will be released fall of 2016. Ms. Romano also publishes under the pen name Victoria Oliveri where she writes historical fiction. She will also have two books of a four book series available: "Earl of my Heart" and "Love in the Stars".
Ms. Romano was born in the Pittsburgh area and now lives in Bangor in a historical Victorian home suited to her line of work. The event is free but registration at the library is required for attendance. The library is located at 39 South Main Street, Bangor, PA. For additional information and to register please call the library @ 610-588-4136. April 8Blue Mt Library Silent Auction You are invited to participate in the Blue Mountain Community Library’s Second Antiques Appraisal and Silent Auction Event 5:30-8:00 PM Friday, April 8 at Slate Belt Nazareth Baptist Church 1620 Church Road Pen Argyl.
All money raised benefits the Blue Mountain Community Library. Antique appraisals by licensed auctioneers: Lori Biechy, Lori Biechy Auctions; Christian Answini, Saucon Valley Auction Co. Les Beyerand Auctioneer/AppraiserGinny Beyer, Appraiser. Silent auction of a variety of gift cards and items donated by area businesses. For auction participation, cash and checks will be accepted. Barbecue, hotdogs, and other food available for purchase This year, admission is FREE to participate in the auctions! Cost to bring one item for appraisal and participate in the auctions: $10. Cost to bring two items for appraisal and participate in the auctions: $15 A limited number of tickets to bring items for appraisal are available for purchase at the library while supplies last). These tickets must be purchased in advance at the library April 9Bangor Lions Spaghetti Dinner The Bangor Lions will hold a Spaghetti Dinner April 9 from 2pm - 6pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fourth and Broadway, Bangor. Dinner includes Spaghetti, meat Sauce, Salad, dessert, and Beverages. Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $5 for children 8 and younger. FMI: 484-547-3797 or Facebook @ Lions club Bangor, PA.
Krusaderz 4 Kure Tricky Tray Krusaderz 4 Kure Tricky Tray will be held April 9, 2016 held at Wm. Pensyl Social Hall aka Portland Hook Ladder Co. #1 in Portland, PA. Doors open at 11:00AM. and drawing starts at 1:00pm. ALL proceeds go to the ACS through the Slate Belt Relay For Life.
April 14NCC to Host Lecture by Author Colum McCann Reservations are being taken for Northampton Community College’s (NCC) talk by Colum McCann, National Book Award winner, on Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Arthur L. Spartan Center, Bethlehem Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. The talk will be live streamed to the Monroe Campus’s Keystone Hall, room 202.
McCann is the author of Let the Great World Spin, Thirteen Ways of Looking and TransAtlantic. He is the co-founder of Narrative 4, which fosters empathy by breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes through the exchange of stories across the world. It is led by globally influential artists, educators, students and community advocates. McCann’s lecture is the keynote address in NCC’s 2015-2016 National Endowment for the Humanities series The Good Life, which asks engaging questions about life, the world and our place in it. This event is free and open to the public, although advance registration is required for the lecture at the Bethlehem Campus. To make reservations, go to Northampton.edu/ColumMcCann or call 610-861-5519. No reservations are required for the live stream at the Monroe Campus. April 21Quiet Valley’s 19th Century Days Quiet Valley’s 19th Century Days - A Day in the Life is a new hands-on educational program designed to provide students ages 6-18 with the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of a 19th century homestead. Save the date for this two-day event: Thursday, April 21th & Friday, April 22st 2016. Each day features two workshop slots; one from 12:30-2:00 and one from 2:15-3:45. You may sign up for up to four different sessions. There are over 25 different workshop offerings from small and large animal husbandry to simple machine to carding, spinning and weaving which are all designed to meet the new Pennsylvania STEAM-based educational curriculum guidelines.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on February 1, 2016. Registrations will be taken by phone, in person or on-line until sessions are full. The price for all workshops is $5.00 per student for each session, which also covers all material fees. Registration is complete only when payment is received. Payment by PayPal, credit card or debit card is recommended. Tours of the historic farm are available from 10-12:30 each day at $8 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Workshop descriptions will be listed on our website January 25th, 2016. Registration opens February 1st, 2016. To enhance the experience, participants are encouraged to come in period dress, but it is not mandatory. Lunches will be available to order or you may bring your own. There are a limited number of spots available each day, so make your reservation early. FMI visit www.quietvalley.org or call 570-992-6161.. April 24Mulligan Benefit Bowling The Mulligan Bowling Tournament will be held Sunday, April 24at 1:00pm at Blue Valley Lanes in Wind Gap. at Rts 33 & 512.
Ever wanted the chance to take a "Mulligan" during a round of bowling? Well here's your chance! Sanctioned and non-sanctioned brackets available. Proceeds benefit the Slate Belt YMCA's Pool fund as well as the Slate Belt Youth Bowling Association. April 30Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 30th, Save the Date. The Slate Belt Y, is celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event that will help families find fun through active play and educational opportunities to improve health and well being. Check out our website www.greatervalleyymca.org and follow us on Facebook for more details.
May 1UMBT Recreation Field Hockey Program UMBT Recreation Field Hockey Program will resume in May. UMBT Sports Recreation is proud to team with Adidas for the upcoming 2016 UMBT Recreation Field Hockey Program. The program is open to girls in grades 1 through 6. Each session focuses on fundamental skills, introduction and development as well as game play. The program is held at the Upper Mt. Bethel Community Park. Fee is $45 for first child and $35 for each additional child in the family. More information will be released at a later date. Contact Dr. Scott Duddy with any questions, 610-703-5332 or email study@ptd.net.
Spring Cash Bingo Spring Cash Bingo sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company will be held May 1. Doors opens 11am, games begin at 12:30pm.
The cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. The kitchen will be open. A jackpot of $500 will be available in addition to a Tricky Tray, 50/50 and door prizes. Call the following for tickets: Shirley Thomas, President 610-863-4603, or cell at 484-541-4659. Ruth Hahn Vice President 610-588-7402. Donna Eberle Secretary 484-298-0192. Sandy Wambold Treasurer 610-462-5611. May 6Bangor Library Book Sale Sponsored by the Friends of the Bangor Public Library, the will sell over 1, 000 gently used books and like-new books for adults and children at the Bee Hive Community Center, 197 Penna. Ave., Bangor
Dates/Times:
May 20Relay For Life The Relay for Life will be held from 4pm May 20 to 4pm Saturday May 21 at Bangor Memorial Park. FMI: www.relayforlife.org/paslatebelt.
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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. FEBRUARY SCHEDULE 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. Afternoon With The Arts - Thursdays, 12:15 P.M. Help With Tax Returns-AARP Friday, 8:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. MARCH ACTIVITIES Morning Stretch Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30 A.M. Craft & Chat Tuesdays, 9:30 A.M. Zumba Gold Tuesdays, 10:00 A.M. Brush Away with Senior Artists Wednesdays, 8:00-11:00 A.M. Afternoon with the Arts Thursdays, 12:15 P.M. Help with Tax Returns-AARP Fridays, 8:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. (call for an appointment) Farkle Friday, March 4, 12:00 Information on Reverse Mortgage Wednesday, March 9, 10:15 A.M. Baseball Friday, March 11, 10:00 A.M. AARP Monday, March 14, 1:30 P.M. Irish Trivia Thursday, March 17, 10:00 A.M. Green Bingo Shamrock Game Thursday, March 17, 12:15 P.M. Poker Friday, March 18, 12:00 Easter Meal Tuesday, March 22, 11:30 A.M. Benefits Checkup, Thursday, March 24, 1:00-2:00 P.M CLOSED GOOD FRIDAY New Books at
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17 - .00
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Date |
Amount |
YTD |
Dec. 28 |
.25 |
.25 |
Jan 12 |
.50 |
.75 |
Jan 13 |
.25 |
1.00 |
Jan 23 |
25.00 |
26.00 |
Feb 9 |
1.00 |
27.00. |
Feb 15 |
1.00 |
28.00 |
Feb 23 |
.25 |
28.25 |