New Jerseys own Southside Johnny is bringing his new band Southside Johnny and the Poor Fools

to The Historic Blairstown Theater at 30 Main Street in Blairstown on April 4th, while they continue to tour nationwide throughout the year. Just last year, Southside Johnny and The Poor Fools released their highly-anticipated new Songs From the Barn on LeRoy Records, featuring six all new original tracks written by Southside Johnny Lyon and longtime collaborator Jeff Kazee, along with covers of songs by Randy Newman, Bob Dylan, Bo Diddley, Lucinda Williams and Alvin "Shine" Robinson. Songs From the Barn, produced by John Lyon and Jeff Kazee, was

recorded between December 2011 and December 2012, in between both Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes and The Poor Fools heavy touring schedules, at Sanctuary Sound II in NJ, a former horse barn - hence the title - that

was converted into a recording studio by owner and longtime Southside Johnny friend, Jon Bon Jovi. The new disc can be described as Americana-ishspot lighting Country, Blues, R & B and Rock & Rollsometimes

acoustic, sometimes electric and sometimes right in between! The Poor Fools take Southside Johnny in a rootsier musical direction, delivering to fans an acoustically-mined, up-close-and-personal live stage throwdown
Southside Johnny cont pg. 8

Marie Claire Placide, owner and designer of Eunikue Fashion, 31 Broadway, Bangor, held her Prom Fashion Show last Saturday. Once again the Fashion Show models were attired in creations custom made by Marie Claire, marked by individual flair. Having a custom designed dress assures

you of a perfect fit, as well as a one-of-a-kind dress. Visit the website www.eunikuefashion.co m or call 610-588-4297 for more information. Photo above: Marie Claire Placide owner and designer of Eunikue Fashions, Tatiana Garcia, Marji Ducheine, Paolo Mieles, Lilly Rutherford, and Emily

Mieles pose for a picture in their stunning gowns at the fashion show. Photo above right: Paolo Mieles looks stunning in her pink mermaid style prom dress. Photo bottom right: Lilly Rutherford sparkles in her deep red evening gown.

The North Warren Recreation Group is a new group welcoming outdoor enthusiast that enjoy things such as hiking, bike riding, canoeing, hunting, local fishing, deep sea fishing trips, golfing, archery and gun target shooting, and wildlife sight seeing. Hosting two activities a month will be the goal of the group. Please contact me by email if you are interested email Matthew at muconn47@centurylink .net. Do you have a photograph depicting an agricultural activity or event in Warren County? The Warren County Library, located at 2 Shotwell Drive in Belvidere, is seeking entries for a photography contest that will be part of Farm Fest, a celebration of Warren Countys agricultural heritage, to be held at the library on May 31st. The contest is open to all

residents of Warren County. Photos may have been taken at any time in the past or up to the present day, but must have been taken in Warren County and must be related to some aspect of agriculture and must be 8 x 10 in size and mounted in an 11 x 14 mat. Photos will be on display at the library headquarters on May 31st. Judging will be by popular vote by those attending the event. Entries accepted beginning April 21st until May 17th. FMI, visit warrenlib.org or go to any Warren County Library location. Warren County Habitat for Humanity is seeking sponsors and donations for the 10th Annual Home Raising live and silent auction. The auction will be held on May 2nd at 6pm. For more information, contact Kim or Barbara at 908-835-1980 or send an email to WCH4HSi-

lentauction@gmail.com. The Sycamore Park Playground Project is collecting used clothing and personal items now through April 6th. Items include wearable clothing (all sizes), shoes, belts, handbags, linens, stuffed animals, and hard toys. The SPPP will receive money for every pound collected. Please bag and tie all donations; no electronics. There is a drop off box at Quality Automotive (behind Valero) in Blairstown. Contact Tracie at 908-310-0487 for more information. Knowlton Twp. Elementary School is accepting four-yearold children for a high quality, comprehensive and fun-filled preschool inclusive education program for the 2014-15 school year. Children must be four years old by October 1st and must be toilet trained. The program begins in September,

Monday through Friday from 9am to 11:30am when school is in session. Space is limited. For more information, call 908-4755118, ext. 200, or visit knowltonschool.com. Volunteers are needed to rebuild Patriot Park Playground at Sycamore Park from May 14th through the 18th. Volunteers such as skilled carpenters and landscapers to childcare (free childcare provided for volunteers) and painting. Contact volunteer coordinator, Lynda Ochs at lyndaochs@yahoo.com or 908-362-9355. FMI, visit facebook.com/sycamoreparkplayground or call 908-912-MOMS
We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of info to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressmail@gmail.com thepressnewsonline.com

Most of us dont think much about the amount of federal income tax withheld from our paychecks until its time to file our annual tax returns. Some may even view the result on their tax returns as a great mystery; will they owe money to the government by April 15th or will they get a refund back? According to statistics released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), close to three in four Americans received a federal income tax refund in 2013 (for 2012 tax returns).* That means some people may be withholding too much from their paychecks money that is, in essence, being lent to the government, in some cases for a year or longer before its reclaimed as a tax refund. In the ideal scenario, the amount of federal income tax withheld from each paycheck would be as close to matching a taxpayers total income tax liability for the year as possible. But, estimating the total income tax liability for the year in advance may be a challenge. After all, income levels, total deductions a person can claim on their tax return or tax laws themselves can vary from year to year. All of these factors affect how much income tax a person

owes in a given year. These complexities aside, there are steps you can take to more accurately estimate the proper amount of federal (or state) withholding from your paycheck. It doesnt take much to adjust your withholding, and it can work to your benefit. Refunds can be significant. According to the IRS, the average refund paid out in 2013 (for 2012 tax returns) was $2,744.* That amounts to more than $100 in excesswithholding per paycheck for taxpayers who are paid by their employers every two weeks. It may be a relief for some people to receive a refund rather than being required to make a payment to the IRS when filing their income tax returns. However, many people aim to minimize the amount of the refund by estimating their tax liability and adjusting their withholding to match this amount as closely as possible. Some people find that if they adjust the withholding amount on a paycheck based on their estimated tax liability to reduce excess-withholding, they may be able to direct the money from their paychecks (no longer dedicated as withholding) to a work-

place retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b) plan or an IRA. Investing in a workplace retirement plan may make it easier to systematically save for retirement. For example, lets say someone reduced their federal income tax withholding by $100 each paycheck over 26 pay periods in a year and put it in a retirement plan. After 20 years, theyd have invested $52,000 toward retirement. (Its important to note that the account balance could be more or less than this at retirement because of investment returns and taxes.) Its not to say that you cant use this same retirement investment strategy with your tax refund money. However, its a common temptation to think of a tax refund as found money that can be spent on fun extras rather than directed toward long-range goals. Many find it easier and more effective to systematically save over the course of the year. As an added benefit, you may be able to lock in interest or other growth by investing it over time. It starts with simple paperwork. Life circumstances may have changed marriage or divorce, the purchase of a home, the addition or departure of dependent children in

your family since you last completed form W-4, Employees Withholding Allowance Certificate. All of these factors may have changed your tax status and the withholding amount you should be claiming. Now is a good time to determine if you can structure the income tax withholding on your paycheck in a more efficient way. If you see an opportunity to adjust your income tax withholding amount, consult a tax advisor or talk to your employer about filling out a revised W-4 form. James Fahey, AAMS, LUTCF, is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bedminster,NJ. He specializes in feebased financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 26 years. To contact him, please visit ameripriseadvisors.com/james.fa hey. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

Project SelfSufficiency will sponsor a free seminar about issues related to bankruptcy on Wednesday, April 9th, from 7pm to 9pm. The seminar will provide an overview of the process for filing for bankruptcy, as well as the options available to those who may be overwhelmed with credit card debt, facing foreclosure or experiencing asset repossession. The presentation, is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Project SelfSufficiency provides a variety of legal services to participants, including one-on-one consultations, pro se divorce workshops, legal clinics for assistance with the preparations of family law motions, and monthly legal forums. The agencys legal services programs are sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project SelfSufficiency. Project SelfSufficiency is a private

non-profit communitybased organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agencys mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic selfsufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including more than 30,000 children. The free Bankruptcy seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, from 7pm to 9pm at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Attendance is free, but registration is required. To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Hello Fellow Readers, Now that the tundra has melted away, the damage caused by our infinite winter has come to full view. Holy cow! Or should I say, Holy Deer! For the first time my evergreen shrubs were hammered by Bambi. Im trying not to hold a grudge as the poor things were starving and its natures way of pruning I suppose. Have you noticed many evergreens look as though they were scorched this winter? John from Stone Church asked what to do about the brownishred dry foliage which is much worse on one side of his young white pines. The damage is called winter burn, which is caused by dehydrated plant tissues. When plants gather solar energy during photosynthesis, they release water. The process is called transpiration and results in the evaporation of moisture through the leaves and needles. When plants are not able to replace lost water due to drought or deeply frozen ground they will dehydrate. Johns one-sided dilemma is because the sunny side is where the suns rays intensify photosynthesis, causing

more water loss. While winter burn can cause death in severe cases, most likely the impact is foliar loss. Wait and see how your plants recover, Id say until mid-June, and then prune back the stems that were killed. Meanwhile, fertilize and provide a light application of mulch around the roots to help conserve moisture. In severe cases, wait longer before determining if the plant is dead, but remove it before it attracts insects or disease. Like most problems, prevention is best. Stressed plants or those that were planted too late in the season are especially susceptible. Winter burn is most severe where plants are exposed to drying winds. Situate new plants out of windy zones and water them well as they establish; even during winter when soil is not frozen. Some plants may benefit from a burlap wrap to insulate them or consider erecting a windbreak. There are anti-transpirant sprays such as Wiltpruf, often recommended, though most studies have shown them to be ineffective in preventing winter burn. Maybe there is an anti-deer and winter burn combo you can come up with? And please add an overhead barrier to prevent plant damage when tossing snow off the roof while youre at it. Always something! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for homeowners preparing for their first yard work of the season. For starters, homeowners should be aware that advances in battery technology are making it possible for the performance of cordless tools to match that of their gas-powered counterparts. Thanks to a new wave of battery-powered tools, such as the OREGON 40V MAX* Cordless Tool System, homeowners no longer have to sacrifice power for convenience. And because these tools produce zero emissions, battery-powered tools boast a huge environmental benefit over gas-powered tools. To help make your cleanup easierand greenerthe experts at OREGON offer these tips: Choose the right tools. For instance, battery-powered tools start instantly, making it easy to tackle any yard task as soon as spring is here.

Clean up the yard. Remove leaves and winter debris from lawn and shrub planting areas before new growth starts. Inspect trees and shrubs for winter damage, then use a chain saw or pole saw to trim damaged limbs back to the nearest healthy bud. Lightweight, cordless chain saws and pole saws can be excellent tools for this kind of task.

Prune trees and shrubs at the right time for maximum leaf growth. Most shrubs and ground covers are best pruned in early spring, before they start to grow. A pole saw, such as OREGONs new PS250, makes it easy to trim

out-of-reach branches without the use of a ladder. Keep grass trimmed to ward off weeds and summer drought. Cut lawns low and reestablish edges along shrub beds, walks and driveways in early spring. Allow your lawn to grow taller as it enters late spring or summer to improve drought stress. Be a better neighbor. Compared to their gaspowered counterparts, cordless tools are low noise and quiet between cuts. And no gas means no pollution-producing exhaust emissions. To learn more about battery-powered tools and see what products are available, visit OregonCordless.com. *Fully charged battery voltage measured without a workload is 40 volts. Nominal voltage is 36 or 37 depending on battery used.

"Dr. Jim, my doctor told me I have osteoarthritis, and my friend has rheumatoid arthritis, what are the different types of arthritis, I am confused! Arthritis By Dr. James R. Fedich, Chiropractor
AllamuchyFamilyClinic.com

With the American population reaching ever-increasing age, arthritis is on the verge of becoming an epidemic in this country. Arthritis can be a disabling and crippling disease that forces thousands of Americans to become bedridden. Arthritis takes on two distinct forms. There is the more common type of arthritis, noninflammatory arthritis. The most prevalent type of non-inflammatory arthritis is degenerative or osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is typically thought of as part of aging or just getting old. However, osteoarthritis is not a part of the normal aging process. It is due to improper biomechanics, previous injuries, lack

of nutrition and exercise. Osteoarthritis is generally a preventable disease. On the other hand, inflammatory arthritis is very different. The most common type of inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a genetic disease, which commonly affects women in their 40s. Rheumatoid arthritis must be treated with medication. Other common types of inflammatory arthritis includes Reiters disease, Psoriatic arthritis, and Enteric Arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is a more serious form of arthritis and is accompanied with swelling, heat, and difficult movement. Inflammatory arthritis is treated with medications, commonly steroids, and cyrotherapy, or cold treatment. Osteoarthritis or noninflammatory arthritis is treated with gentle exercise, stretching, strengthening, and usually heat is a more palliative treatment. It is very important to distinguish between the

two types due to the fact that the treatment between the two diseases is very different. Osteoarthritis can be managed conservatively without drugs or surgery. However, as with most diseases, prevention is the key. Keeping a healthy diet, exercising on a regular basis, taking your vitamins, and keeping in shape are vitally important in the prevention of osteoarthritis. Proper vitamin supplementation should include a good multivitamin, glucosomine chondroitin for proper joint health, and calcium magnesium for proper bone health. The most significant step we can all take to prevent arthritis and to minimize the symptoms of arthritis is to keep moving. Remember that movement is life, keep moving! This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This information is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor.

Project SelfSufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in April in the agencys Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The fee for each computer course is $10, the class for seniors is $25, and all of the remaining seminars are free. Students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants. A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7th through the 23rd, from 9am to 12pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 8th through the 24th, from 6pm to 9pm. Students will learn computer basics, including performance of simple procedures, fundamental keyboarding skills and a brief overview of popular software applications. Introductory classes in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7th through 23rd, from 6pm to 9pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 8th through 24th, from 9am to 12pm. Students will learn the creation of

professional looking letters, faxes, newsletters, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print mailing labels and address letters. Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required. An introductory Microsoft Excel class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, April 7th through 23rd, from 9am to 12pm. or from 6pm to 9pm. Advanced Microsoft Excel classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 8th through 24th, from 9am to 12pm, or from 6pm to 9pm. Instruction will center on the creation of spreadsheets, databases and workbooks. Students must complete the introductory level first. A course in QuickBooks Accounting Software will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 1st through the 24th, from 6pm to 9pm. Students will learn how to organize personal or business finances, track orders and payments, generate invoices, monitor and manage expenses and produce sophisticated reports and sales forecasts.

Seniors are invited to familiarize themselves with personal computers, learn how to use email and safely navigate the internet with Better with Technology, which will be offered on Fridays, April 4th through 25th, from 9am to 12pm. This class is open to agency participants, as well as seniors from the public. A special Mens Employment Lab will be offered on Wednesdays, April 2nd through the 30th, 9am to12pm or from 6pm to 9pm. Participants will receive basic computer instruction and assistance with resume development and job search techniques. The agency will also offer a series of seminars during the day and evening that are designed to help participants land and succeed at new jobs. Project SelfSufficiencys Career Center also offers help with obtaining a GED; job training for women, teens and young adults; career counseling and assessment and Job Start and Job Search services. For more information call 973-940-3500 or visit projectselfsufficiency.org.

Dear Editor: Similar to my neighbor, Mr. Cook, I would also like to comment on Ms. Elizabeth Allens opinion-pieces, which periodically run in your newspaper. After reading Ms. Allens missives, I got the distinct impression that these were largely rote, Tea-Party directives; parroting the very playbook used by the fringe elements in the neoconservative movement. However, as I do support free speech, I would agree that Ms. Allens opinions should be considered as well as be subject to the rigors of public debate. Only such debate is made difficult by the strident speech embraced by Ms. Allen, who tends emphasize ideology over reality. Moreover, Ms. Allen will frequently descend into fiery, hyperbolic rhetoric, common with evangelical prognostication; at once even speaking in apocalyptic terms while mixing the biblical with the political. Such a world-view does cause one to wonder: if Arma-

geddon is so close at hand, why all the fuss about Obamacare? Nevertheless, the fatalist future as rendered by Ms. Allen is as unappealing as it is hopeless. It is an America of us and them, devoid of any sense of community or camaraderie. Furthermore, Ms. Allens approach also fails to invite a constructive discussion of our nations challenges by her use of invective against those who differ with her opinion. Similar to the methods used by the current crop of pugilistic pundits, individuals or organizations deemed discordant with her viewpoints are often impugned; assailed as socialists or labeled as by-products of the liberal media. Naturally, this poisoned dichotomy often precludes any worthwhile discussion of the issues, leaving our countrymen, whether conservative or liberal, to endure the intransigence of a polarized political climate. Nevertheless, it is apparent that Ms. Allen is determined to see the world as she

thinks it should be; tilting at windmills while seeking to further poorlyformulated palliatives (albeit divisively) that have had little effect on our perceived pains. In contrast to Ms. Allens approach, my hope is that our nations challenges will eventually be evaluated in light of - and not in spite of the facts. I also hope that the current cynicism, exacerbated by the extreme views on either side, will eventually burn itself out, giving way to a broader and more constructive discussion. To that end, I wish Ms. Allen peace. In noting such sentiment, I am reminded of that line in the song America the Beautiful, and crown thy good, with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea. I am optimistic that these words will not be rendered meaningless by our current debate, but rather remain a virtue we will continue to hold dear within our hearts. John A. Walsh jxanderwalsh@hotmail .com

Blairstown Recreation is offering a variety of Spring Workout programs open to adults and teens get fit and stay fit in a fun and easy way. Zumba classes offer a spicy workout that combines high energy with motivating music that creates an effective fitness system that's fun and fast. Zumba is April 8th through July 3rd, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to7pm at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. Zumba Toning targets body sculpting exercises using Toning sticks to enhance the workout. Classes for Toning are

Thursday evenings, May 1st through July 3rd from 5:15pm to 6pm at Blair Academy Dance Studio. The Yoga class explores the principles of alignment in classical yoga postures and flowing movements called Vinyass. Beginners are welcome. Yoga classes are Monday and Wednesdays at Catherine Dickson Hofman Library March 26th through June 25th from 5:45pm to 6:45pm. Pilates is a fresh and sensational workout for all ages and all fitness abilities. It will significantly transforms the way your body looks,

feels, and performs. Morning Pilates is on Tuesdays and Thursdays April 1 through June 19th, from 9:15am to 10:15am at the Evangelical Free Church. An evening Pilates class is offered on Tuesday Evenings from April 1st through June 2nd from 5:15pm to 6pm at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. Fees are based on different packages that are available. For additional information please visit the website at www.balirstownnj.org and click on Recreation or contact the Recreation Office at 908-362-6663 ext. 232

New Jerseys unemployment rate dropped to 7.1 percent in January, the lowest since December 2008, as the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual benchmark data, which marked 2013 as a fourth consecutive year of private sector employment growth for the state. The BLSs benchmark process, a required annual review and adjustment of previously released state-bystate employment data, revealed New Jerseys private sector employment growth in 2013 was more than double what preliminary estimates initially indicated in the data BLS issued in January. Private sector employment grew by 19,800 from December 2012 to December 2013. The benchmark revisions also show the unemployment rate for New Jersey had been consistently overstated in all preliminary

monthly employment reports issued by the BLS since June 2012. The revised BLS data show the Garden States unemployment rate had been much lower and steadily dropped over 18 months, plummeting by 2.4 percentage points to reach a revised December 2013 rate of 7.2 percent before dropping again by January 2014 to hit a preliminary rate of 7.1 percent. (See Press Release Tables link below) The revisions reveal that unemployment has been on a steady downtrend for quite a while. The new numbers show much less of a job loss in December, but the figures for both December and January suggest that the rough winter has likely been holding down hiring. As is typically the case after such an episode, theres a good chance the pace will pick up as the temperatures rise, said Charles Steindel, Chief Economist for the New Jersey Department of

Treasury. BENCHMARK REVISIONS FOR 2013 Previously released nonfarm employment estimates, including those for 2013, have been revised to new employment benchmarks by the BLS. The benchmark process reanchors monthly, sample-based survey estimates to fulluniverse counts of employment, primarily derived from records of the unemployment insurance tax system. The results of the latest annual benchmarking adjustment process conducted by BLS each year at this time for every state showed that New Jersey added a total 18,800 non-farm jobs in 2013 with the addition of 19,800 private sector positions and a decline of 1,000 public sector jobs. The BLS benchmark, however, also revised the employment estimates and the labor force estimates downward for 2012 and 2013.

The average unemployment rates for 2012 and 2013 also were revised downward. The BLS data show the rate for 2013 at 8.2 percent, down from 8.4 percent. The average unemployment rate for New Jersey in 2012 was 9.3 percent, down from a previously reported 9.5 percent, according to the BLS benchmark data. The BLS benchmarking revised the employment growth from December 2011 through December 2012 to 43,900 total nonfarm jobs. Previous estimates released after the March 2013 benchmarking had placed the gain at 66,400 total nonfarm jobs. Still, December to December data for the past four years show private sector growth with 8,200 jobs in 2010, 28,800 jobs in 2011, 45,400 jobs in 2012 and 19,800 jobs in 2013. New Jersey has gained 120,200 private sector jobs since February 2010, the low-point of private sector job loss

during the recession, according to the preliminary data the BLS released for January 2014. Over the December 2012 to December 2013 period, four private industry sectors of the New Jersey economy added jobs, four registered job contractions and one was unchanged. Job gains were recorded in trade, transportation, and utilities (+11,500), education and health services (+10,300), leisure and hospitality (+3,700), and professional and business services (+2,300). Industry sectors that contracted over the year included construction (4,300), information (2,300), financial activities (-1,400), and other services (-100). Manufacturing employment was unchanged. Public sector employment was down by 1,000 over the period. JANUARY 2014 ESTIMATES Preliminary nonfarm wage and salary

estimates for January show total nonfarm employment decreased by 3,900 jobs, with public sector employment lower by 2,300 and the private sector down 1,600, to reach a seasonally adjusted level of 3,924,900. Employment gains were recorded in January in construction (+5,700), professional and business services (+5,300), financial activities (+2,600), other services (+1,000) and manufacturing (+600). Decreases were reported in education and health services (9,700), trade, transportation, and utilities (3,700), leisure and hospitality (-3,300) and information (-200). Public sector employment in January contracted at both the state (-1,700) and federal (-800) government levels, outpacing a small increase in local (+200) government. Preliminary BLS data for February 2014 will be released on March 27th, 2014.