Veterans from around the Slate Belt stand with State Representative Marcia Hahn this afternoon moments after a portion of Bushkill Center Road was designated as Veterans Memorial Highway to honor the many area veterans for their service to our country. (More photos tomorrow) PHOTO GALLERY (More Photos below) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Tre Jordan of Pius X escapes a tackle, during the Royals' 26-7 win over Mahanoy Area in the Class A District XI semi final. (More photos tomorrow) (More photos below) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Jason Miller speaks on behalf of the Save A Warrior project at a Veterans program held at DeFranco Elementary school Friday. (Sbtt Photo Larry Cory)
Destyn Woody of Pius X attempts to make a tackle, during the Royals' 26-7 win over Mahanoy Area in the Class A District XI semi final. (More photos tomorrow) (More photos below Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
|
|
Jalen Simpson of Pius X finds running room, during the Royals' 26-7 win over Mahanoy Area in the Class A District XI semi final. (More photos tomorrow) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
SAFETY.......School zone safety in the age of distractions
(BPT) - Every school year, busy parents tack on more daily chores to their to-do lists. In addition to packing lunches and getting kids dressed, they also have to make sure last night’s homework was completed. For many families, the morning routine also means getting everyone in the car and on the road in time so the kids aren’t late to class and parents aren’t late for work. With all this chaos it’s no wonder the morning’s mad scramble extends to the school gates, with traffic snarling and tempers flaring as people jockey for position at drop-off area.
“Stressed out and distracted drivers mixing with crowds of school kids can be a recipe for disaster,” says James Fults, vice president, personal insurance auto for Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “School zones can be difficult to navigate for drivers, many of whom are running late, might be receiving important work emails or calls on their smart phones, and trying to have last-minute conversations with their kids before they dash off for the day.” In fact, as many as one in six drivers in school zones were reported as distracted in a 2009 national study of driving behavior around middle schools. The study was conducted in 15 states by the Safe Routes to School organization, which works to increase safety and reduce traffic around schools. Cell phones and electronics were identified as the leading distractions, followed by eating, drinking and smoking. Other distractions included reaching and looking behind the driver’s seat, grooming and even reading. Drivers of larger vehicles like sports utility vehicles, pickup trucks and minivans were more distracted than car drivers, according to the study, and distracted drivers appeared more frequently in school zones without flashing lights and in school zones that had a daily traffic volume of 10,000 or more cars. Sometimes these distractions have tragic results. Since 2003, 1,353 people have died in school-transportation-related accidents - an average of 135 fatalities per year - and more school-age pedestrians have been killed during drop-off and pick-up (from 7 to 8 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m.) than any other times of day, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “Remember that your kids are learning from your driving example; don’t teach them to be a distracted driver,” Fults says. “To ensure that everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day, drivers should concentrate on the task at hand and exercise patience and caution when getting into and out of school zones.” This is especially important since there are so many pedestrians in and around schools. In 2012, 4,743 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, and another 76,000 pedestrians were injured, according to the NHTSA. In that year, more than one in every five children between the ages of 5 and 15 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. In order to be as safe as possible on the way to and from school, drivers should heed these tips: * Be hyper-alert for children walking or bicycling to school. * Slow down and always obey posted school-zone speed limits. * Remember, children do not easily estimate vehicle speeds and often misjudge when it is safe to cross the street. * Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state. * Don’t use cell phones or mobile devices, including hands-free devices. * Don’t eat, read, drink or groom in the car. * Don’t tailgate or honk your horn. * Don’t yell, glare or gesture to other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists. * Try to be on time. Running late increases your chances of speeding and reckless driving. PennDOT District V Executive Michael W Rebert joins State Rep. Marcia Hahn to speak, during a ceremony in which a portion of Bushkill Center Road was designated as Veterans Memorial Highway to honor the many area veterans for their service to our country. (More photos tomorrow) PHOTO GALLERY (More Photos below) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Scientists claim to have proved that ghosts are a figment of the imagination by conjuring some up in a laboratory.
The Swiss study aimed to show that ghosts are created by the mind when it loses track of the body's location because of illness, exertion or stress. Volunteers took part in an experiment which mixed up their movements and brain signals. They saw up to four phantoms positioned around them and believed that ghosts were touching their backs with invisible fingers. Professor Olaf Blanke, of the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, said: "Our experiment induced the sensation of a foreign presence in the laboratory for the first time. "It shows that it can arise under normal conditions, simply through conflicting sensory-motor signals. "This confirms that it is caused by an altered perception of their own bodies in the brain." The scientists set up a robot device that allowed volunteers to control the movements of a jointed mechanical arm with their index fingers. The movements were relayed to another robot arm behind them which touched their backs but slightly out of synch with their finger movements. Suddenly the volunteers felt as if they were being watched, and touched, by one or more ghostly presences. Two of the 12 healthy participants were so disturbed by the experience that they asked the scientists to halt the experiment. |
November 11
Veterans Day Ceremony The Bangor & Roseto American Legions, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Order of the Elks will be holding a Veterans Day remembrance ceremony on Tuesday November 11th at 10am at Bangor Memorial Park on Eisenhart Blvd, Bangor PA by the pool entrance.
November 12
L-WGT Committee Meeting The Liberty-Water Gap Trail PA Extension committee will meet 7:00pm Wednesday November 12 in the William Pensyl Social Hall in Portland.
The L-WGT is envisioned to connect Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J. with Delaware Water Gap, PA. Members will discuss the recreational, health, and economic values of the trail and the partnerships involved, including the 911 Memorial Trail Association. November 13
NCC Veterans Week Program In observance of Veterans Day, Northampton Community College will present a talk by guest speaker Joseph Arata, Chief Strategic Recruitment, Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The program will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the David A Reed Community Room at NCC’s Main Campus in Bethlehem Township.
Afterward, the college will honor veterans with a celebration and reception at NCC’s Veterans Plaza Our Icy Past Living on a Moraine The Slate Belt Heritage Center presents Our Icy Past - Living on a Moraine by Henry Skirbst, Thurday - November 13th at 7:00 pm
For additional information contact: Karen Brewer @ 610-588-8615. Mohegan Sun Casino Trip St. Elizabeth's of Hungary Church in Pen Argyl Is Sponsoring a Trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes Barre on Thursday, November 13. The First Pick up Location Will Be at the St. Elizabeth's Parking Lot, Leaving by 9:00am. The Second Pick up Location Will Be at the Old St. Joseph's Parking Lot in Wind Gap, Leaving by 9:05am. For More Information,
Please Call Mary Lou Derea-lohman at 610-86304846 or 610-844-4630." November 14
Faith Christian Concert Fourth through Sixth Grade students will hold a concert at Faith Christian School November 14 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
COPS ‘n’ KIDS AND YOU . . . As a result of the kindness and commitment of the entire community, the award-winning Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program has distributed more than 619,000 free books thus far.
This program pairs children (pre-school through middle school) with new or gently used books that have been donated by individuals and organizations from throughout the Lehigh Valley. In many cases, the books are the first that the children have to keep as their own. This is all made possible as a result of an amazing “spirit of giving” in our community. They are collecting books the first Cops ‘n’ Kids event ever in the Bangor Area School District for their Washington Elementary School students. They are hoping to reach our goal of 1,000 books to distribute to their Kindergarten through Fourth grade student in that building, If you wish to donate please see below for the drop off location site. The book drive will run through November 14th that you are welcome to contact Bowman at 610-599-7013. Drop-off sites for any books you wish to donate include the following: • All Merchants Bank locations • Brian Witmer State Farm Insurance Company • Washington Elementary School If you would like additional information on the program, please contact Deb Bowman at 610-599-7013 ext. 3704 or [email protected] Visit their website at www.copsnkidslv.org. November 15
NCC Youth Chess Tournament
Northampton Community College (NCC) will hold its 13th annual youth chess tournament for children ages 18 and under on November 15, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., at the David A. Reed Community Room, Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
Participants will be able to compete in five rounds, rated and unrated. Trophies and prizes will be awarded. The cost is $30 with pre-registration by November 13 or $35 at the door. To register, visit www.northampton.edu/lifelearn. For more information about this and other youth programs at NCC, go to www.northampton.edu/Horizons-For-Youth/Special-Events-and-Partnerships or call 610-861-4120. Christmas Card Making Christmas Card Making Hosted will be available Saturday November 15 from 1-5pm at Lori's Close to My Heart Papercrafting, 744 Chestnunt St., Bangor, PA
Come on over and start making some of your Christmas Cards. You can start here, Supplies will be available for $20 a person and you take home 20 cards. If you can't finish them that afternoon, they will get you prepped cut and stamped. All you have to do is assemble what you didn't finish at home. If you have supplies, bring them over and play with us for free. Go Teach: Hiking 101, A Cross Curricula Connection
Saturday,
November 15th 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Hiking is more than putting on a pair of boots and walking in the woods. It’s a lifelong recreational activity that can increase one’s stamina, endurance and athleticism. It’s also the basis of numerous other recreations including backpacking, orienteering and geo-caching. Learn how to enable your students to discover Penn’s Woods through an interdisciplinary set of lessons for teachers created by the PA Bureau of State Parks. Lessons focus on health, fitness and trip planning; map reading and identifying local trails; forest ecology as well as nature journaling. The lessons meet several Physical Education & Health standards as well as standards for Geography, Science & Ecology and the Humanities. As part of this workshop teachers will receive lessons, ACT 48 hours and access to loaner equipment to help incorporate outdoor recreation education into their school. The cost of the workshop is $20 payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To register, contact Lauren Forster at [email protected] or 610-746-2801. TGAI Scholarship Dinner You’re invited to join Totts Gap Art Institute for its third Annual Scholarship Dinner to be held from 6-10pm, Saturday November 15. The cost is $50 per person.
With music by the incomparable Vicki Doney, the event will be filled with dinner, catered by J. DeFranco & Daughters, conversation and a silent auction of original art. It is a great opportunity to meet others in the community who want to make a difference. With our scholarship demands doubling in the past year, your support is more important than ever. They truly hope to see you there! RSVP by November 7. Remit payment by check or PayPal. Visit TottsGap.org or call 610-588-5817. Second Annual Toy Bingo The second annual Toy Bingo will be held at Hope UCC in Wind Gap Saturday November 15. Doors open 11:00am, bingo starts 1:00pm.
The cost is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. Adults and children are welcome to play. There will be 15 paper games and each game has a three chance to win. The kitchen will be open to purchase lunch, snacks and drinks. Prizes include toys, games, gift cards, etc. plus a grand prize basket. Doors prize will also be awarded, Other activities include a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. To purchase tickets e-mail [email protected] or call 908-727-0090. Check them out on the web at www.hope.ucc.com Annual Wreath Making The Jacobsburg sixth annual Day of Wreath Making will be held at Bushkill Fire Co November 15. Doors open 11:00am.
Everyone is invited to them. The cost is $45.00 which includes materials and instructions how to create beautiful wreath. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. First come - first served. Food for sale from the fire company. To register click on this link: http://www.jacobsburghistory.com/news/events/2014-wreath-making-event/ . Then click for the registration form. More info call Kay: 610-863-8136 or Karen 610-837-0834 Flapjack Fundraiser Humble Hearts for Hope will sponsor a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees on Rt 248 November 15 from 8-10am. UNLIMITED pancakes, syrup, butter, link sausage and a beverage choice including coffee, orange juice, soda and tea.
November 16
Safe Haven Pet Adoption Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold dog adoption days from 11 a.m. To 3 p.m, on Sunday,November 2 at Tractor Supply,Broadheadsville.
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. 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 [email protected]. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. Gertrude Hawk Candy Fund Raiser The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church will hold a "Gertrude Hawk" candy fundraiser for Christmas. Many new items are featured. For more info., call Diane at 610-588-2397. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, November 16th.
November 18
Safe Haven Volunteer Meeting Come to Cherry's Sunset Restaurant, Route 209, Kresgeville at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 18 for a bite to eat and meet the volunteers of Safe Haven Dog Rescue.
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 700 lives so far. Safe Haven Rescue needs volunteers to help with adoption days, fundraising, transporting dogs to vets and groomers and fostering homeless dogs until they find their forever homes. Help save homeless dogs. For more information about Safe Haven, and to find Volunteer and Foster applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at [email protected]. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. Safe Haven Volunteer Meeting Come to Cherry's Sunset Restaurant, Route 209, Kresgeville at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 18 for a bite to eat and meet the volunteers of Safe Haven Dog Rescue.
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 700 lives so far. Safe Haven Rescue needs volunteers to help with adoption days, fundraising, transporting dogs to vets and groomers and fostering homeless dogs until they find their forever homes. Help save homeless dogs. For more information about Safe Haven, and to find Volunteer and Foster applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at [email protected]. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. NCC to Hold Campus Tours Northampton Community College (NCC) will hold tours of its Main Campus on several upcoming dates. Prospective students and their families are invited to tour the campus, learn about the College’s 100+ academic programs and student life and get answers to their questions from admissions staff.
The tours are scheduled for: November 18, and December 18 at 3:30 p.m. and on December 2 at 11:30 a.m. The tours last approximately two hours. The NCC Main Campus is located at 3835 Green Pond Road, in Bethlehem Township. Tours will begin at the Student Enrollment Center. Pen Argy Girl Cast in NCC's
|
Ask The Doc........
Bangor Leaf Vacuuming Please note that Bangor will be doing leaf vacuuming during the workweek from November 10th to November 26th. Please note that any leaf piles containing dog waste, stones, grass, or twigs will be passed over.
Pen Argyl Leaf Removal Pen Argyl Borough leaf removal is underway. No leaves should be placed out for collection from 11/21/14-12/1/14 due to Thanksgiving Holiday and holiday light installation. Collection will resume on 12/2/2014 and continue through 12/05/14.
Leaves will not be picked up if they have sticks, acorns or animal feces in the piles. Avoid putting leaves out 2 days before rain or foul weather, especially in the hilly areas of the Borough. During storms leaf piles can clog storm basins and cause water damage to streets and private property. Whenever possible, park away from leaf piles. Questions:610-863-9249, Tomorrow's Leadersby Dr. Gary Williams, DMD
garywilliamsdmd.com Well, it’s that time again! In most North American homes, the count-down is on for the beginning of a new school year. It always gets me thinking about the great sampling of people we see in our dental office. From newborns to 90-somethings. Last week someone asked me the question, “looking in the mouths of many 40 and 50 year-olds, what could have been different if health was addressed when they were, say…15 years old? The answer is a resounding, a lot! We realize that we do have the opportunity and know-how to change the health future for today’s school kids. In the year 2014 we have the advantage of all the research, learning, and yes, mistakes that have been made by humans, to learn from. And what does that information say? Step in early (school age), and maximize every variable for success. Dentistry knows how to achieve a successful long-term outcome. Once dentistry, parents and children comply; we can change the future of your family’s overall health, for the better. Call a Dental Professional today, and change your future. Battery Recycling Program Pen Argyl is pleased to announce that they are participating in a battery recycling program. Madison Young, a freshman at Pen Argyl, decided to implement a battery recycling program in her community as her Girl Scout Silver Award Project.
Madison has provided them with a battery recycling container. They will be accepting dry cell batteries: AA, AAA, C, D & 9 volt batteries. For safety purposes, please put a piece of masking tape over the end of each battery. Batteries are not garbage! In addition to the household batteries being recycled through Madison’s project, your are encouraged to participate in Northampton County’s Semi-Annual Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Events. Programs like this help make our community a better, safer place, and we encourage everyone to participate in this program for our community. Slate Belt Senior Center
|