Students at Pen Argyl Area High School signed their StudentAthlete college commitments recently.

Devon LaBarre made his commitment to attend Slippery Rock university where he will be trying out for the Rock Baseball team, coached by Jeff Messer. Michael DePaolo has accepted a half athletic scholarship to attend Lafayette College where he will be playing football for coach Frank Tavani. Brady Mutton has decided to attend East Stroudsburg University where he will be playing football for coach Denny Douds. Ryan Lobb will be attending Kings College and has been extended an invitation to join the Lions Football team, coached by Jeff Knarr.

Emily Smull with be attending Cabrini College and has been extended an invitation to join the Cavaliers softball team, coached by Mitchell Kline.

Craig Weeks has not yet made his final decision, but plans on swimming at either Bloomsburg University or SUNY-Oswego. Devin Presby will be

attending East Stroudsburg University, where she has been extended an invitation to joing the Warriors girls tennis team, coached by Al McCormick.

The music program of the Bangor Area Schools has been named one of the top programs in the country with an award announced recently. The Bangor Area School District was designated one of the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in the United States for its exemplary dedication to music programs throughout all

of its schools from kindergarten through high school. The announcement of this singular honor was made by the NAMM Foundation on March 24th at its headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Each year the NAMM Foundation, with the support of National Association of Music Merchants, honors those schools through-

out the United States that set a high standard in offering students access to comprehensive music education. The Bangor Schools music program is one of 376 programs in the country to be honored this year, and the only district to be named in the Lehigh Valley. Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation executive director, stated that Bangor was named for its strong commitment to music education in the core curriculum supporting its essential value to a well-rounded education for every child. The Best Communities designation brings hard-won visibility to music classes, programs

and departments that are keeping music education alive in our schools. Now in its 15th year, the BCME program evaluates schools and districts based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards, and access to music instruction. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and greater access to music education. It is part of the NAMM Foundations efforts to bolster support for school-based music education programs that must be available for all children.

Slater Family Network is holding a class called cooking matters, for low income familes of the Bangor Area School District at Trinity Lutheran Church at 404 Broadway, Bangor. Including a meal in every class, take home groceries, nutrition information, a grocery store trip and a few surprises. Parents MUST attend all six classes. Child care available. Call Slater Family Network to register at 610-599-701 Kindergarten registration at Plainfield

Elementary School in Pen Argyl Area School District will be held April 8th through 10th. Appointments are necessary, which are available by phone between 9am and 3:15pm. Parents should schedule appointments by contacting the school at 610-746-4436. To be eligible for kindergarten for 2014, the child must be five years old on or before September 1st. Also, a copy of proof of immunization and the childs birth certificate must be presented at the time of registration for the school to keep on

file. Stroudsburg Aglow will meet on Thursday, April 10th, at 9:30am at St. Peters United Methodist Church in Saylorsburg. Refreshments start at 9:30am and fellowship starts at 10am. Going into their second decade, Heartsong Singers for Christ have been sharing their love for their Heavenly Father through song to the body of Christ. For questions or directions, call 610-614-0507 or e-mail stroudsburgaglow@verizon.net. The Slater Family Network is offering a $2,000 scholarship for a graduating Bangor Area High School senior who plans on attending a trade/ vocational school or college. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is involved in community service. Applications are in the high school guidance office, Slater Family Network office or on the school district website under Parents drop down under SFN. Applications are due in the SFN office by Friday, April 12th. If you have any questions call 610-599-7019. Bangor Area High School prom boutique is now accepting donations of gently used formal wear, shoes and jewelry. Send donations to the Boutique at BAHS, Attn. Nancy Serulneck. Call 610599-7011, ext. 1104

with questions. The Monroe Animal League is offering a $500 scholarship to any high school senior in Monroe County who is planning to obtain a degree in the field of animal welfare. You may obtain an application from any Monroe County high school guidance counseler. All applications must be submitted no later than April 30th. Please call 570-476-8444 with questions. Vendors are wanted for The Blue Ridge Hook and Ladder Fire Co. Auxillary flea market and bake sale on May 31st, from 9am to 3pm. Reserve a table now! Call 610-8021657 for more information. The fire house is located on Old 115 across from the Old Saylors Inn in Stroudsburg. Happy birthday wishes are sent to Paige Crawn, April 8th; Monique Stivala and Sophia Trinkley, April 11th; Tyler Lameo and Jason Lefsyk, April 12th; Michelle Rowe, April 13th; Sarah Loren and Lauren Krapf, April 15th. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries and tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013 thepressmail@ gmail.com

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week of March 27th to April 2nd: Adult Fiction: Andrews, V.C. Flowers in the Attic; Clancy, Tom Command Authority; Clark, Mary Jane That Old Black Magic; Connelly, Michael The Gods of Guilt; Fluke, Joanne Blackberry Pie Murder; Gardner, Lisa Fear Nothing; Gerritsen, Tess Girl Missing; Horn, J.D. The Line: a Witching Savannah; Kidd, Sue Monk The Invention of Wings; Kline, Christina Baker Orphan Train; Krentz, Jayne Ann River Road; Lancaster, Jen Twisted Sisters; Macomber, Debbie Heart of Texas Volume 2; Patterson, James First Love; Patterson, James NYPD Red 2; Quindlen, Anna Still Life with Bread Crumbs; Reich, Christopher The Prince of Risk; Steel, Danielle Power Play; Steel, Danielle Winners; White, Karen Return to Tradd Street; Wood, Stuart Standup Guy: a Stone Barrington Novel. Adult Non-Fiction: Atkeson, Nick Win by Not Losing: a Disciplined Approach to Building and Protecting your Wealth in the Stock Market by Managing your Risk; Birkbeck, Matt The Quiet Don: the Untold Story of Mafia Kingpin

Russell Bufalino; Corsi, Jerome Hunting Hitler: New Scientific Evidence that Hitler Escaped Nazi Germany; Evans, Richard Paul the Four Doors: A Guide to Joy, Freedom, and a Meaningful Life; Grieme, Amanda Motherhood Made ME Get over MYSELF: A Metamorphosis; MacLaine, Shirley What if: A Lifetime of Questions, Speculations, Reasonable Guesses, and a Few Things I Know for Sure; Perlmutter, David Grain Brain: the Surprising Truth About Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar Your Brains Silent Killers; Robertson, Si Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynastys Favorite Uncle; Steel, Danielle Pure Joy: the Dogs We Love; Stork, Travis The Doctors Diet: Dr. Travis Storks Stat Program to Help You Lose Weight, Restore Optimal Health, Prevent Disease, and Add Years to Your Life; Stossel, Scott My Age of Anxiety: Fear, Hope, Dread, and the Search for Peace of Mind; Warner, Kurt All Things Possible: My Story of Faith, Football, and the Miracle Season. Young Adult: Cast, P.C. Revealed; Meyer, Marissa Cress. Reference: Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory, 2014. DVDs: Downton Abby: Season 4.

Rebels Elite Cheerleading and gymnastics, located in the old banquet hall in downtown Bangor, traveled to the happiest place on earth to compete at the AmeriCheer International cheering Finals at the ESPN center. The trip to Disney was a great success for the Slate Belt Mini level 1, Youth level 1 and Senior Coed level 5 teams all took first place to become International champions and Senior level 2 took second place with some very stiff competition from all over the world. This competition was part of a very successful first season for Rebels Elite, which is made up The Career Institute of Technology would like to recognize the following students as the recipients of the Student of the Month award for April. Ryan Kulp from, Nazareth Area High School, is being recognized for his perfect

of over 80 children from all over the Slate Belt. The teams have taken first place in many comspetitions and

won paid bids to national finals coming up in May. They are looking forward to continued success in

future events. Try outs will take place at the gym soon. Visit rebelselite cheer.com for details.

attendance and being a role model for his peers in the Mechine Tool Technology classes.

Deja Grant, form Wilson Area High School is being recognized for her excellent attendance and always upholding a positive attitued and her willingness to help others in her Hospitality and Lodging classes. Students from Bangor,

Easton, Nazareth, Pen Argyl and Wilson attend CIT to learn trade and technical skills which prepare them for postsecondary education. Students who attend CIT have several opportunities to earn college credits and industry certifications.

The Slate Belt Heritage Center held their first Road Rally in conjunction with their grand re-opening on Sunday, April 6th. Participants traveled throughout the Slate Belt, locating historical and recreational sites using the new Heritage Tour Map as their guide. The 2014 Champions were Scott and Ann Miller. Next years road rally will be held on a Saturday to

encourage more participants and will be bigger and better.

Diamond Fire Co. Fish Dinner: 4pm7pm. Social Hall, 110 Main St., Walnutport. 1st Friday of every month during Lent. First United Methodist Church of Bangor Free Lunch: Every 4th Sunday, 12:30pm. 3rd Street. All welcome. Slate Belt Heritage Center Meeting: April 10th, 7pm. Event is free & open to the public. 30 N. 1st St., Bangor, FMI, contact Karen Brewer at 610-588-8615. Music By Frankie & Gary: Thursday, April 10th, 12pm. Slate Belt Senior Center & Blue Valley Farm Show Building, Bangor. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pen Argyl Casino Trip: April 10th & May 8th. First pick up location: church parking lot in Pen Argyl, leaving 9am. second pick up location: old St. Joseph's parking lot in Wind Gap, leaving 9:05am. FMI, call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610844-4630. Drug Awareness Dance: Friday, April

11th, 7-9pm. Bangor Elks Lodge #1106, 120 Broadway, Bangor. Available for students in grades 4-8. First come first served basis. The Holy Name Society of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Fish Fry: April 11th, 4pm-7pm. 436 S. 2nd St., Bangor. Eat in or take out. Family Game Night: Friday, April 11th, 6:30pm. 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, Bring a favorite game and snack to share. FMI, call 610588-4453 or visit ebumc.org Easter Egg Hunt: 2pm, Saturday, April 12th. Portland Ball Field. Slate Belt Relay For Life Tricky Tray: April 12th, doors open 11am, drawings 1pm sharp. Hosted by Krusaderz 4 A Kure at Portland Hook & Ladder Co., Portland. Refreshments available. All proceeds benefit American Cancer Society. Rescue Fire Co #1 Auxiliary Easter Bunny Breakfast: Saturday, April 12th, 8am-11am. 209 Penn-

sylvania Ave., Bangor FMI, call 610-905-5393. Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner: April 12th, 4-7pm. 2445 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor. Call ahead for tickets or purchase at the door. Directions available at popbangor.org. FMI, call 570-897-6601. East Bangor United Methodist Community Church Holy Week: Palm Sunday, April 13th, 9:15am. Worship service distribution of palms & a presentation by the Sunday School. On Maundy Thursday, April 17th, 7pm communion will be served. Easter Sunday service, April 20th, 9:15am. There will be no Sunday school. FMI, call 610588-4453 or visit ebumc.org. Pet Pictures with Safe Haven Easter Bunny: Sunday, April 13th, 10am-2pm. 1501 N. 5th St., Stroudsburg. Visit SafeHavenPa.org, or email SafeHaven @epix.net. Open Jam: Thursday April 17th, 12pm. Bring your instruments and or voice. FMI, call 610-588-1224. Slate Belt Senior Center & Blue Valley Farm Show Building, Bangor. Wind Gap Volunteer Fire Co. Auxiliary 7th Annual Easter Flower Sale: April 17th, 18th, & 19th. 10am-6pm. 111 N. Broadway, Wind Gap. All proceeds benefit the fire co. Slate Belt Area Knights of Columbus, Fr. DeNisco Council Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 19th, 2pm. Council Home, 18660 W. Bangor Rd., Washington Township. Lookout Fire Co. #1 of Pen Argyl Annual Egg Hunt: Saturday, .April 19th, 11am. Weona Park, Pen Argyl. 50/50 & other raffles.

FMI, call Larry at 610739-2033. Second Ward Fire co. 77th Annual Egg Hunt: April 19th, 1pm on Blue Ridge Ave., Bangor. Washington Twp. Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Aux. Easter Bake Sale: April 19th, 9am-11am. Recreation fields, Rt. 191. Bake sale will be held during Easter egg hunt. 3rd Annual Relay For Life of North Warren Tricky Tray: April 25th, 7pm. Shawnee Inn, Shawnee on Delaware. Full snack bar & 50/50. Handicap access able. FMI visit, RelayForLife.org/North WarrenNJ. Annual Spaghetti Dinner: April 26th, 4pm-7pm. Arndts Lutheran Church. 1850 Arndt Rd., Easton. Handicapped accessible with dining available on first floor as well as fellowship hall. FMI, call 610-253-3732. Longaberger Baskets & Pottery Basket Bingo: Saturday, April 26th, 5pm. Bingo, 6pm. Trinity UCC Church, 632 South Delaware Dr, Mt. Bethel. Raffle, door prizes, refreshments and desserts available. FMI & tickets call 610-5881989. Green & White Youth Assoc. Tricky Tray & Vendor Show: April 26th, 4:30pm. Wind Gap Fire Hall. Tickets drawn at 7pm. FMI call, Jen at 570688-5353 or email carts mom@rcn.com; or Chrissie at 484-8960552 or email chrissieh65@gmail.com

(StatePoint) Nearly 90 percent of people 50 years old and up want to remain at home as long as possible, according to recent AARP study. If you have an aging parent or grandparent, having a discussion about his or her alternatives is important. But remember, it can be a sensitive subject, especially when he or she has lived in the same place for a long time. So before broaching the issue, be sure you understand all the options that might allow for aging-in-place at home. If youre considering an assisted living facility for a loved one, make sure you look at new technologies first to see if you can help he

or she remain independent, secure and connected from the comfort of home, says Walt Podsiedlak, Health and Wellness Sales Manager at Linear LLC, a leading provider of wired and wireless security technology for seniors. This starts by discussing the greatest challenges your loved one faces, such as mobility, personal care and meals, and determining what kind of technology or service addresses those specific needs. One of the most widely used technologies by individuals aging-in-place are personal emergency reporting systems (PERS), that can send

for help in an emergency, amongst other functions. PERS devices have made significant leaps since TV commercials first popularized them in the 1980s. For example, new systems like the Linear PERS-4200 console still connect a wrist or necklace pendant to a central monitoring station for push-button emergency reporting, but useful new features have also been added. Here are some features to look for and consider when picking the right PERS technology: Temperature sensors can provide alerts to update central stations of hazardous conditions. An activity timer can

be programmed to send a signal if a preset amount of time elapses before either an activity transmitter is triggered or the consoles home button is pressed. Audible reminder messages can be set on a recurring schedule to highlight doctors visits, when medication should be taken or even social activities. Some consoles can serve as speaker phones, allowing for convenient communication. Take note of the range between a transmitter and a console. For example, if your mom likes to garden, be sure the range of the PERS is wide enough to include the yard. Transmitters can be

wristbands, pendants, belt attachments or even appear as jewelry. Discuss what would serve your loved one most conveniently. Consider the battery life of the transmitter and if its waterproof. As for cost, users should expect to pay an installation fee, and a monthly PERS monitoring charge. PERS device repair and replacement policies should also be considered. More information can be found at www.LinearCorp.com. Aging-in-place technology is truly shaping the future for seniors. Before making any major decisions, look into all your options.

(NewsUSA) - If you're reading this story, you're probably one of the approximately 825,000 couples who've just gotten engaged since Thanksgiving and are now planning your wedding. So here's perhaps the single most important reminder -and grooms do seem to need more reminding

than brides -- anyone will offer: Tradition holds that you both exchange wedding presents. (Yes, grooms, even though you just bought her an engagement ring.) But what to get? "Gifts should come from the heart," says WeddingChannel.com.

Well, yeah. But that still leaves a lot of room for error. So here's some tips to keep in mind whether you two opt for some type of jewelry -the traditional and most popular choice -- or something else. * Practicality can wait. Etiquette dictates that gifts be exchanged at one of three times: the night before the wedding, the morning of the ceremony, or right before you leave on your honeymoon. So you could see where this has the potential for becoming a bigger disaster than Chernobyl if the groom's idea of "practical" is, say, a toaster. * Being uniquely personal is appreciated. One of the best examples we've heard of is a guy who had a photographer secretly capture the moment he proposed in New York's Central Park, and then

presented the results to his bride on the day of their wedding. "So cute!" read a typical blog post. The downside, of course, is that pulling it off requires imagination and -- in this instance -a lot of advance planning.

* Jewelry can be "traditional" without being boring. Case in point: the very hot Argyle diamonds trend (www.diamondswithast ory.com), which fulfills the quest of even the most eco-minded couples for diamond fashion jewelry since the stones are produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way from the Argyle mine in Australia. And

the diamonds, themselves, come in gorgeous neutral shades like champagne, cognac, silver and gray. "If your bride likes something different from what all her friends have," says jewelry and style expert Michael O'Connor, "then the Argyle diamond bracelets, necklaces and earrings are perfect and available at many retailers across the country -- I've even spotted women at gyms wearing the diamond pendants. And the cufflinks for men are truly elegant." Perhaps because prices start at as little as a few hundred dollars for some pieces, O'Connor calls them "the ideal gateway gift." Meaning, you can use other occasions -- think birthdays and anniversaries -- to add to your collection through the years. Yes, brides and grooms, you'll soon have to start planning your next milestone together.

(NewsUSA) - For many brides, the quest to plan the perfect day can quickly turn into a nightmare trip down the aisle. Here are a few tips to keep your wedding day bliss from turning into the honeymoon blues. * Marriage Planning 101: Once the ring goes on, the race to plan the perfect wedding begins, giving couples little time to think about the marriage itself or how their wedding spending decisions could affect their future. But smart couples are now setting aside time to address pre-wedding issues such as what they will do when it comes to financial planning, spending money, raising children and family politics. With nearly half of all newlyweds taking on debt to finance their "big day," couples should take every opportunity to make their weddingrelated and everyday spending count toward their future. One unique new rewards program, uTANGO.com, offers

couples $10,000, $100,000 and even $1 million in cash rewards to stay married and shop with uTANGO's 250plus merchants such as Expedia, Target.com, Nordstrom.com and BlueNile. In addition to helping couples save for their future, uTANGO.com offers free advice from wedding, financial and relationship experts. By taking a proactive approach, couples can leverage their wedding spending to ease financial worries and start building toward their future. * Destination USA: While destination weddings, especially to international locales, continue to be one of the hottest wedding trends in recent years, they can also present challenges such as increased costs, security concerns, language barriers and unreliable vendors. A less expensive alternative is to pick a centrally located U.S. city like Chicago, known for fantastic

wedding and party venues, choice accommodations and activities to suit any taste and budget. It may not be as exotic as Tahiti, but couples often find that more family and friends can attend and planning challenges are drastically reduced when the nuptials stay stateside. * Managing wedding expectations: For many brides, planning the perfect wedding is a major life event decades in the making. With this in mind, it's easy to see how wedding expectations can get out of hand in a hurry. With wedding euphoria taking over, busy brides and grooms can quickly lose sight of spending, causing the perfect wedding to turn into fights over money. By managing expectations of what a "dream" wedding should be, it is still possible to have a lovely and elegant wedding without breaking the bank. * Bridezilla-free zone: The term "Bridezilla" has been used to

describe a difficult, unpleasant, perfectionist bride whose obsession with planning the perfect wedding day leaves frustrated family, friends, bridal vendors and even her groom distraught in her wake. Belligerent Bridezillas beware: Horror stories of fist fights, hair pulling, kicking and screaming from out of control brides-to-be have put wedding planners, vendors and bridesmaids on the offensive. Some wedding vendors now go as far as to include language in their contracts reserving the right to cancel if the bride's behavior is

determined to be "out of control or abusive." So, whether you hit the gym or hit the spa, have a plan in place to handle wedding-related stress and keep Bridezilla at bay. * Just say "no": Brides place such demands on their bridesmaids these days that it is not uncommon for them to decline, even when it's one of their best friends. Not only is the financial responsibility of being a bridesmaid staggering, but the time commitment demanded by

some brides is also daunting. The massive to-do lists handed out by brides, coupled with the obligatory appearances for shopping, parties and showers, can leave bridesmaids feeling underappreciated, overworked and broke after the wedding is over. Brides should be upfront about both time and financial expectations with their friends when asking them to join their wedding party and understand if the answer is no. Martie Duncan is a nationally renowned wedding expert who has worked in the bridal industry for more than 20 years. Duncan has consulted on episodes of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and the film "My Best Friend's Wedding" and is currently editor in chief of the uTANGO.com, and LifeMatters e-magazine (www.utango.com/Life Matters).

(NewsUSA) - "And you'll be able to wear it again!" is a phrase often used around bridesmaids' dresses. Because a ridiculously expensive lime-green taffeta shepherdess gown is appropriate for almost any occasion, and the Peter Pan collar is poised to make a comeback any century now. If you're one of the many women who has piles of Pepto-Bismolcolored ruffles stuffed in the back of her closet, never fear -; you will be able to wear that dress

again. Host an old bridesmaids' dress party, and the good times may even blot out the embarrassment of having had to wear that dress in the first place. Where to start? The concept is simple -invite all of your girlfriends over, and tell them to wear their most hideous bridesmaid dress. Not only will you get to rewear the bridesmaids' dresses of weddings past, you'll also get to laugh at some of the more hideous outfits. Note: if

you were a bridesmaid at a friend's wedding, either don't invite her or try not to wear the dress she chose, even if it does include a tutu and puffed sleeves. Adding an inexpensive spin to classic elegance is the way to go. Skip the chips and dip in favor of a fruit-and-cheese platter. For a refreshing twist on champagne, the traditional wedding libation, pick up a few bottles of a fruit-flavored sparkling wine. Arbor Mist (arbormist.com), which is known for fruit and wine combinations like Strawberry White Zinfandel and Blackberry Merlot, has recently released a line of sparkling wines. Both

the Peach Sparkle and the Raspberry Sparkle combine light and crisp sparkling wine with natural fruit, creating the perfect refreshment for a get-together with your girlfriends. For entertainment, ask each woman to tell the story behind her bridesmaid dress. You can also have fun playing a wedding-themed round of Pictionary or charades. You can also hold a vote to find out, for once and for all, which one of you had to endure the wearing the worst bridesmaid dress. For more information about Arbor Mist wines, visit arbormist.com.

(NAPSI)Investing 30 minutes on a spring tune-up for your lawn mower can pay dividends for years to come. Those who dont perform this important basic maintenance before the weather turns warmer often end up putting their equipment at risk. The good news is that the engine experts at Briggs & Stratton are making it easier than ever before to get your lawn mower ready for springfrom tune-up kits to oil evacuation kits to a free oil recycling solution, you can keep your lawn mower running smoothly. An engine tune-up for your push mower takes only 30 minutes or less. Riding mower engines may require an oil filter or fuel filter, which could add five to 10 minutes to the job. A Spring Tune-up Is Key Homeowners simply want their lawn mower to start when they need it for that first cut of spring and a simple tune-up can make the

difference between a hassle-free start and frustrating trips for service, said Synoilva Shaw with the Briggs & Stratton Engine Marketing department. While the source of most starting problems is old gasolinewhich goes stale in about 30 daysa tune-up can help extend the life of the mower engine and keep it running at peak performance. Prepping A Push Mower A tune-up for a push mower engine can reduce engine emissions by as much as 30 percent and involves just four easy steps: 1. Changing the mower oil 2. Replacing the air filter 3. Replacing the spark plug 4. Adding fuel preservative to the gasoline. Step-by-step video instructions are available online at www.briggsandstratton .com. Tune-up Kits A basic push mower engine tune-up kit costs

under $12.99 and includes an air filter, spark plug, bottle of oil and a pouch of fuel treatment and stabilizer. A tractor tune-up kit costs under $32.99 and includes the same as a push mower kit with the addition of a fuel and/or oil filter. The kits are available online at the companys website or at authorized dealers and home improvement stores. Oil Evacuation Kits: Two options are available for oil evacuation kitsone that removes oil only and another that removes both oil and fuel. These kits help eliminate the need for consumers to tip the mower to drain the oil during a tune-up, making it easier to change the oil and reducing the possibility of an oil spill in the garage or driveway. Oil evacuation kits cost between $23 and $31 and are available online at www.briggsandstratton .com or at authorized dealers and home improvement stores.

Disposing Of Used Oil Participating Briggs & Stratton dealers nationwide make recycling oil easy and have recycled more than 200,000 gallons of used engine oil to date. Simply drop off your used oil in a closed container and let your dealer take care of the rest. Look Before You Pump: Certain gasoline blends should never be used in lawn mower engines and other small gas engines. Fuel blends containing more than 10 percent ethanol, like E15 or E85 gasoline, or gasoline containing other alcohol blends can damage small gas engines. Repairs required because of the use of these unapproved gasoline blends are not covered under the manufacturers engine warranty. Look for the Look Before You Pump warning logo on new models or find more information from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute at www.opei.org.

(NewsUSA) - How smart is your home? You can make your home smarter, safer, and make your life easier, with these five simple switch-outs that make the most of emerging home technology, courtesy of Jack Thomasson, HGTV Smart Home House Planner. You needn't throw away your key, but save it as a backup, and install a keypad at your front door instead. The latest keypads provide not only security, but also remote access via your smartphone. You'll never again have to wonder whether you locked the

door; your smartphone, tablet or other Internet device will tell you if you did, and let you lock it if you didn't. Need to open the door for someone when you're not there? Keypads allow for that option as well. Want to come home to a cozy warm or comfortably cool house? Make the switch to a WiFiaccessible thermostat, and adjust the temperature of your home remotely. Guess-free garage. With wireless technology and your smartphone, you can check the status of your garage door and open or close it

as needed. Security cameras accessible from your smartphone let your house tell you who's making a delivery. You can also arm or disarm your home security system and to receive specific notification by text, email or phone in case of emergency. Preheat your oven while you're still at the grocery store. Certain apps and appliances will let you adjust and monitor your oven and other appliances remotely via your smartphone. Need more ideas and inspiration for how to make your home

smarter? Check out the HGTV Smart Home 2014 in Nashville. The English cottagestyle home includes three bedrooms and 4 1/2 bathrooms, and lies in the fashionable Green Hills area of Nashville. The home's high-tech features include remote management of energy use, security, lighting and climate control. Visit HGTV.com/smart and enter for a chance to win the home between April 15th and June 9th. The HGTV Smart Home 2014 was designed by P. Shea Design and constructed by Carbine & Associates.

Hello fellow readers, Remember Ed from Basking Ridge who wrote in about his digger dog? It seems Dulcie also loves a good game of fetch and Ed wonders how to create a lawn to stand up to speedy turns. His current lawn rolls up, has little root structure and is mostly crab grass and clover. Whether you have canine kids or the two-legged variety, over seeding can help. While the best time is September, early spring is the next best time and with irrigation anytime will work. I called on my "turf guru" and teacher from way back when. Based on the presence of crabgrass and clover, Professor Tolley guessed Eds soil is in good shape in terms of pH, though most likely compacted. Still, a soil test is always recommended. Tolley suggested over seeding with a Tall Fescue mix that includes five to fifteen percent Perennial Ryegrass for quick color. Kentucky 31 is

the most durable cultivar of Tall Fescue, but is course and pale in color. Now for the guru part: You can pregerminate seed (called malting) by soaking it in water for about 24 hours and then air dry. If left to soak longer youll need to aerate with a fish tank bubbler. Warm water up to 80 degrees works well; if any hotter youll be making beer (hmm). With pre-germinated seed you can have coverage in a couple of days, but it must be spread by hand in order not to damage the seedlings. Whether you opt to malt or not, aerate first or use a slicer/seeder to help with compaction and improve the seedto-soil contact. Top dress using organic matter based on your soil test mixed with sand. Turf blankets, burlap, or a thin mulch layer will slow drying, trap heat and keep birds away. Perhaps it goes without saying; do not apply weed preventer on new grass seedlings. Cutting grass three inches high is always best as a taller blade equals more root and less overall maintenance. You will see greater improvements from increased mowing, every 7 days or less, over any application of fertilizer, lime or pesticides, says Professor Tolley. Imagine a happy turf with no chemicals! Yeah, baby! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

Truth is stranger than fiction. America today is living in a worse horror that the worst dictators of all times, who murdered millions in concentration camps with bodies piled high. If someone planned to destroy the land of the free and the home of the brave they couldnt do a more vicious horror than they are doing now. sixty-nine million babies murdered by Planned Parenthood abortion and your tax

money given to the U.N. to muder sweet little babies around the world. In the secret closets of washington, what else do they have planned? I am 84 years old, a US Army vet of the Korean War. I cry when I write this letter. In America we had the best medical system in the world, but that will be destroyed by Obamacare. Still no one said anything! Well the fire alarm is going off and its been going off loud and clear for five

years now. What would President George Washington and Patrick Henry say? Give me liberty, or give me death. Many million american soldiers gave up their lives to protect our Life, liberty, and persuit of happiness we use to have! May 1st is our national day of prayer. It may be the last one we will ever have! Larry Myers The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily express those of The PRESS.

On April 13th, at 2pm the annual Hunt for the Eggs is planned. Faith United Presbyterian Church, 20 Cesare Drive in Pen Argyl. Parents and children are invited to join the Faith Bunny event, where there will be prizes rewarded to the winners of the drawing and for finding prize eggs. This year, Faith Church will be accepting donations of diapers and gently used baby clothes sized for infants and toddlers. Donations will history. The TARC competition is not only about building the best rocket, its about sparking a life-long interest in joining a science and technology workforce that is the foundation of a strong American aerospace and defense industry, said AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey. Whether you are from a small town or a big city, the opportunities for students with the right combination of technological aptitude and scientific curiosity are sky high. This years diverse student cohort includes several teams that are utilizing 3-D printers to

go to Slater Family Network. The Faith Bunny will be there to pose for pictures and encourage the children. Pastor Ruth Ann Christopher said, We are grateful that the spring weather has finally come develop rocket components, and a team from Alaska that has spent the winter launching test flights in subzero temperatures. The program has also experienced a growth in female participation over the past year, and several all-girl teams are vying for the chance to compete in the national finals. The top 100 teams are chosen based on their qualifying flight scores. Those in the top 100 will advance to the National Finals in May at Great Meadow in The Plains, Va. Participants compete for scholarships and prizes totaling $60,000

so that this years event promises to bring another great fun day for children and help for a good cause, as well. This event is always so much fun for the entire family. For more information, visit the churchs website at faithunited.net.

(NAPSI)Since the Wright brothers first flight in 1903, some of the countrys most accomplished aerospace engineers, mathematicians and scientists have had their first brush with technological innovation right in their own backyards, schools, garages and basements. Today, that tradition continues. More than 725 student teams representing 44 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands are competing in the 2014 Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC). TARC is the worlds largest student rocket contest and an impor-

tant part of a national strategy to spark interest in aerospace and defense careers. Sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the National Association of Rocketry and more than 20 industry partners, the contest aims to boost U.S. student engagement with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Now in its 12th year, the contest attracts approximately 5,000 competitors from across the nation who design, build and fly model rockets based on guidelines updated annually to challenge returning teams.

This year, teams have been tasked with building a rocket that can safely carry two raw eggs to an altitude of 825 feet (roughly the height of the Time Warner building in New York City) and land within 48-50 seconds. Scores are determined by how well the rockets perform against the height and time requirements; damaged eggs disqualify the flight. TARC poses a different challenge each year, and 2014s dual-parachute requirement combined with the tight timing window and other structural criteria make this contest the most difficult in competition

as well as bragging rights for winning the worlds largest student rocketry competition. The winning team will travel to the Farnborough International Airshow this summer courtesy of the Raytheon Company to compete in the International Rocketry Challenge. The American team will face off against teams from France and the U.K. in the hopes of defending the international championship won last year by a U.S. team from Georgetown, Texas. For more information about TARC 2014, please visit rocketcontest.org.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that its proposal to provide additional public input opportunity on an Application for Gas Well Spacing Units, or spacing order, received from Hilcorp Energy Co. has been adopted. DEP is proud to announce the securing of an additional opportunity for the general public to weigh in on this important matter, DEP Deputy Secretary Scott Perry said. We thank the hearing officer for recog-

nizing and affirming the need for all to have their voices heard and comments considered. Hilcorp Energy Co. is applying for a well spacing order that establishes four gas well drilling units on 3,267 acres to drill into the Utica Shale Formation in Pulaski Township, Lawrence County and Shenango Township, Mercer County. Under the Oil and Gas Conservation Law of 1961, when a spacing order application is submitted, an administrative hearing must be

held prior to entering an order establishing well spacing and drilling units. Last week, DEP submitted a request for an additional public input opportunity on Hilcorps application for all interested persons. The proposal was submitted to the assigned hearing officer, who is responsible for determining the hearing process and issuing a recommended decision on the application. The hearing officer released his official order on the hearing process

and procedure yesterday, determining that the hearing will consist of two hearing sessions -an administrative hearing and an additional public hearing. The first hearing session will be an administrative hearing, accepting testimony much like a trial, on the spacing order application from DEP, Hilcorp and all property owners and operators in the area subject to the order. As requested by DEP, anyone from the general public will have the

opportunity to provide input about the application at a second hearing session. Comments received during this additional public hearing also will be considered by the hearing officer prior to making a recommended decision on Hilcorps application. A date and time for the second, additional hearing has yet to be determined. DEP has submitted an updated public notice to be published in local newspapers, detailing the hearing officers

order. Although not required by statute, DEP also will send a second round of letters to the more than 200 property owners in the area covered by Hilcorps application with updated hearing session information. To view the hearing officers official order or for more information about Hilcorps application, visit dep.state .pa.us and click on Oil and Gas, Office of Oil and Gas Management and then Conservation Law. For more information, call 717-772-2199.

(NAPSI)When it comes to the latest in skin care, anti-aging products are taking the lead. Increasingly, age prevention is not just the province of baby boomers. A growing number of people in their 20s and 30s are taking care to protect their skin. For some, this starts with using sunscreen, a point underscored by a recent research report published in Annals of Internal Medicine that found regular sunscreen use protects against photoagingthe wrinkling, spotting and loss of elasticity caused by exposure to the suns ultraviolet radiation. The research project was conducted at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia and is the first study to quantify sunscreens anti-aging properties. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you spend time outdoors during daylight hours, you need to use sunscreen even if you have darker skin pigment or tan easily. Regardless of skin type, the suns energy penetrates deeply into the skin, causing damage that may ultimately lead to skin cancer. Thats why it is important to use sunscreen every day and not just when at the beach or active outdoors.

To protect against the aging effects of the sun, make sure to apply sunscreen to your face every day. You dont have to rely on premium-priced products. A new anti-aging line offers excellent protection and is available at many drugstores and mass merchants. Ocean Potion Protect & Renew Face SPF35 reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with patented collagen-boosting peptides and vitamin E that protects against free radicals generated by ultraviolet light. For hands and body, Ocean Potion Protect & Renew Body SPF45 brightens and evens skin tone with vitamin B3 and hydrating Pentavitin that lasts more than 72 hours. Both products offer broadspectrum UVA and UVB protection, and are supple and natural to the touch, which is unusual for high-SPF products. To learn more, visit oceanpotion.com.

Sun protection at the beach has never been easier. New technologies make application a breeze, especially for kids who resist toweling off before applying sunscreen. For example, Ocean Potions new IntelliSeal technology cuts through water to form a layer of broadspectrum protection. It wont turn white when sprayed on wet skin, and leaves skin feeling soft, not sticky. A focus on skin protection, health and wellness should also include the use of DEET-free insect repellents. A new one from BullFrog Mosquito Coast offers insect repellent with skin-cooling aloe and vitamin E for after sun. When used with BullFrogs original Mosquito Coast sunscreen SPF30 for day, they offer protection from burn and bite, sunup to sundown. Learn more at bullfrogsunscreen.com.

The Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Game Commission recently invited students, teachers and non-formal educators to tune in for the annual Peregrine falcon banding event during a live webcast on Tuesday, May 13th. The banding will be held from 1pm to 2pm. in the Rachel Carson State Office Building auditorium in Harrisburg, Dauphin County. This banding is a unique opportunity for teachers and students to witness firsthand wildlife management techniques, said DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo. These techniques are an important part of protecting and reintroducing endangered species in PA Teachers, non-formal educators and students are invited to attend the banding event in-person. Space is limited; registration is required and will be accepted on a

first-come, first-served basis with priority given to educators and students who have not previously attended the event or have attended a Peregrine Falcon Educators Workshop. Anyone can view the live stream of the banding on DEPs website. During the one-hour session, biologists will retrieve the newlyhatched nestlings, called eyases, from their nest, weigh them and place a metal band with a falcon-specific code around each birds left leg. Wildlife officials and bird enthusiasts will use the band code to monitor the birds after they leave the nest. A

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service band will be placed on the eyases right leg, registering each on a federal banding database. Viewers and guests will learn how biologists use alphanumeric bands to study Peregrine falcons as they migrate, pair with other Peregrines and set up breeding territories. They also will hear details about the wildlifemanagement techniques used to reintroduce and monitor endangered species. Since 1997, countless Peregrine falcons have been born on a ledge off the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. Peregrine falcons, which remain an endangered species in PA, were extremely rare in the state for many years. Through the reintroduction programs, they have adapted to life in urban environments like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and

Williamsport. Each year, DEP and the Game Commission track the birds activities and share educational information through, among other things, the popular online Falcon Cam. The Rachel Carson State Office Building nest site has been active and reproducing Peregrine falcons for the past 14 years. This year, there is a new female in the nest who arrived last summer and has laid a clutch of four eggs. The eggs should begin to hatch around April 19th. To view the live banding event, visit dep.state.pa.us and click on the Falcon Cam button. To register for the Peregrine Falcon banding event, mid-state educators should contact DEPs Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-7721644 or adevine @pa.gov by May 6th. Fans can also follow the falcons through Twitter: @FalconChatter.

A special one-nightonly screening of the acclaimed independent film, The Anonymous People, will take place at the Regal Cinema Theaters in Pohatcong on May 7th. The Anonymous People is a featurelength documentary film about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery and the emerging recovery movement that will transform the way communities deal with alcohol and drug problems. The film delves into the many struggles and triumphs of individuals in long-term recovery. The documentary also highlights some of the issues regarding the ineffectiveness of the government's approach

to dealing with addiction. Mary Jo Harris of Family Guidance Center of Warren County said, "It's so important for our citizens here to be wellinformed, as well as compassionate, regarding what our friends, families, and neighbors in recovery are working to overcome." Tickets for the event can be ordered online at gathr.us/screening/7283 The screening takes place Wednesday, May 7th, at 7:30pm and is presented by concerned citizens and The Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of Prevention Connections - Family Guidance Center of Warren County. For more information, call 908-689-1000.

Elite runner and Bethlehem resident Kathleen Jobes didnt start running until her midtwenties. Running started out simply as a way for a non-athlete to get in shape. Jobes has been on the move ever since, conquering the St. Lukes half Marathon five times in the womens category, most recently in 2013. She also qualified for the Olympic trials in 2008 and competes in races all across the country while caring for her family and managing a career at Runners World Magazine. Jobes showed no signs of slowing down, until a hamstring injury sidelined her a few years ago. Hamstring injuries are among the most common soft tissue injuries in athletes. Jobes turned to St. Lukes Physical Therapy to get back on

track. I looked at a lot of different centers to try and find therapy that would get me back on my feet and back on the road, says Jobes. I was lucky to come across physical therapist Jill Civic Eisenberg at Physical Therapy at St. Lukes. Jill and her team worked wonders and exhausted all techniques and alternatives to get me back on the road. Jobes rehabilitation included the Graston technique, which uses mechanical force. Curved metal tools are used to apply pressure and friction across the injured muscle to break up scar tissue and rejuvenate the muscle. The unique thing about St. Lukes is they treat each person individually, says Jobes. Jill was able to psychologically, as an athlete, understand my frustration and my drive. The Graston technique she used on my hamstring was the

key to my rehab. It takes a unique eye and a unique facility to treat athletes, and I think St. Lukes has that

formula. I recommend St. Lukes to a lot of my running friends. Whats down the road for Jobes? Shes getting ready to compete for a sixth title at the St. Lukes Half Marathon April 27th, and will try again to qualify for the Olympic trials in 2016. For Jobes, the best is yet to come. In Pennsylvania, outpatient physical therapy services are available in Allentown, Andreas, Bethlehem, Blakeslee, Center Valley, Coaldale, Easton, Emmaus, Hellertown, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Macungie, Mahanoy City, Nazareth, Northampton, Orefield, Pennsburg, Quakertown and Wind Gap. In New Jersey, outpatient physical therapy services are available in Phillipsburg on the St. Lukes Warren Campus and coming soon to Washington. For more information, call St. Lukes InfoLink at 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537) or visit www.sluhn.org/physica

l therapy for additional information. An evidence-based discussion on current concepts in hip, knee, ankle and foot running-related injuries; injury prevention strategies; training tips; and conservative rehab for pain management will be presented by Eric Kennedy, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS and Kylene Logorda, PT, DPT on Thursday, April 17th from 6pm to 7pm at the Medical Office Building, Conference Room, Side A & B in the St. Lukes Anderson Campus. Please register at 1866-STLUKES (7858537). Tips and tools on how to prevent and treat common running injuries will be presented by Matt Babbitt, PT, DPT, CPed, Cert. MD Thursday, May 15th, from 7pm to 8pm at Barnes & Noble in The Promenade Shops, 2960 Center Valley Parkwa, Center Valley. Register at 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537).

(StatePoint) Protecting dogs from fleas and ticks is an important part of responsible pet care and this season shines a light on the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs. Distressing and harmful for your pet, parasites can cause diseases that affect you and your family. Flea bites can cause skin disorders, infections and allergies, and spread tapeworms. And bacteria spread from infected tick bites can cause Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can affect humans, dogs and cats. Lyme disease is characterized by lameness, swollen joints and fever.

Ticks carrying Lyme disease dont discriminate, so it is imperative to take a proactive stance in protecting not only your pet, but your family from this debilitating disease. Whether you suspect your pet is besieged by pests or you wish to prevent the problem in the first place, experts identify three clear steps to take -- treating your pet, treating your home and treating your yard -in that order. The fleas and ticks on your dog are a small component of your concern, says Caryn Stichler, vice president of marketing at Sergeants Pet Care Prod-

ucts. Fleas and their eggs can live outside in grass, soil and crevices in sidewalks, and inside on rugs, carpets, floor cracks and bedding. Treat your pet first and foremost and then the animals environment. Fleas and ticks multiply at an alarming rate. So act quickly this flea and tick season: Treat the Pet: The first step is to apply a preventative treatment on your dog, such as PetArmor Plus IGR. PetArmor Plus IGR contains fipronil, the number one vetrecommended active ingredient that kills fleas, ticks, chewing lice -helping to keep Lyme disease-carrying ticks at

bay. It also contains an Insect Growth Regulator that kills flea eggs and stops the reinfestation cycle. The topical can be found at grocery, mass and drug retailers nationwide. More information can be found at www.PetArmor.com. Treat the Home: Washing pet bedding, vacuuming carpets and treating with household insecticide sprays, powders and foggers are good first steps to ridding your home of fleas and preventing infestations, says Stichler. Use a spray thats pet friendly and designed to reach the hiding places of fleas -- rugs, carpets, drapes and upholstery. Treat the Yard: Your yard should be a safe

zone for pets to play, not a place to pick up parasites. Ticks, which are usually dark brown or black, have pincers and can be spotted by the naked eye. Fleas are tiny, brown insects and can be difficult to spot. So inspect your yard wearing a pair of long white socks. Secure the infested socks in a plastic bag and throw them away. Now spray your yard and around the foundation of your home to kill flea populations lurking outside. When it comes to the health of your pet and your family, be proactive. Clean your pet, home and yard regularly and use treatments year round to kill pests and prevent infestation.

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently reminded residents that April is Earth Month. The theme for Earth Month is Pick it up PA, encouraging residents to take time to pick up litter around their homes and in public areas. I believe we can make Pennsylvania a better place to live, work and play by taking the time to clean up litter around our homes, businesses and parks, DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. So gather together a group to help pick it up, PA. Secretary Abruzzo and other DEP staff will clean up the east shore of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg between Market and Forster streets on April 27th.

DEPs regional offices are also participating in cleanup events. Volunteers from DEPs Southeast Region will participate in the Brandywine Valley Associations canoebased cleanup of the Brandywine Creek in Chester County on April 26th. On April 22nd, staff from the South-central Regional Office will cleanup Asylum Run, a tributary that runs through the State Hospital grounds in Harrisburg. Many other cleanup events will be taking place across the state throughout the month. DEP recommends that residents find a cleanup event in their area by checking out the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvanias website at gacofpa.org. Residents also have the

option to start their own cleanup event and list it on the website. Another online events resource is DEPs interactive Earth Month calendar. Residents can use it to identify local Earth Month activities or to post their own events. DEP also plans to commemorate Earth Month by showcasing portions of the DEP at Home exhibit at the Phillies Red Goes Green day in Citizens Bank Park on April 17th and in the East Wing Rotunda of the State Capitol Building from April 21st to 25th. In addition, DEP will announce the winners of the Environmental Education Grants and the Governors Awards for Environmental Excellence during April in honor of Earth

Month. Earth Day is an annual observance, held on April 22nd, to remind residents to do their part and take care of Pennsylvanias air, land and water. DEP provides annual support to the Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania to purchase gloves, trash bags and safety vests for cleanup volunteers. The funding is provided by DEPs Solid Waste Abatement Fund. DEP at Home is an

interactive, educational exhibit fashioned into a home structure that features practices and products promoting energy efficiency and environmentally beneficial products for the home. It was created through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Energys State Energy Program. For more information about Earth Month, or to check out the virtual calendar, visit dep. state.pa.us and click on the Earth Month banner.

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The PRESS

April 9, 2014