Santa and his elves pose here with the Marine Corps" Testy and helicopter pilot Carl Tolino at the Toys For Tots event by Washington Township Firemen held at the Blue Valley Farm Show Sunday afternoon. (See more photos tomorrow) (See another photo below) PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Bangor's Mike Martino goes high for a defensive rebound during the Slaters' 51-39 win over Pocono Mountain East in a game played Saturday night at Bangor. (More photos tomorrow) PHOTO GALLERY (Another photo below) Sbtt Photo Julie Poliskiewicz
The Bangor High School Chamber Choir performed at the Hub Teen Center in downtown Bangor Saturday afternoon during Christmas on Broadway. PHOTO GALLERY (More photos tomorrow) (Another photo below) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
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Jennifer Taylor gives Santa a hug at the Blue Valley Farm Show Toys For Tots event. (See more photos tomorrow) PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Bangor's Reece Jones follows through on a three-point attempt, during the Slaters' 51-39 win over Pocono Mountain East in a game played Saturday night at Bangor. (More photos tomorrow) PHOTO GALLERY Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
Madelin Bussenger shoots a free throw during the Bangor Elks Hoop shoot held at Washington Elementary School Saturday afternoon. PHOTO GALLERY (More photos tomorrow) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
SEASONAL......The surprising holiday allergy triggers in your home
BPT) - When the holidays arrive, do you sigh in relief, assuming allergies are one problem you won’t have to worry about during this busy, high-stress season? Don’t let your guard down too soon. From holiday decorations and gifts to more time indoors with pet dander and dust mites, the holiday season presents unique risks for people with allergies and asthma.
If you don’t want asthma and allergy symptoms to ruin your the season, it’s important to know how to find and remove the allergens in your home and how to avoid bringing any more inside. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends you take steps to reduce allergens from these seasonal sources: Things that burn For some people, nothing strikes a more comfortable mood than a fire on a cool evening. Scented candles can make the season feel even more festive by filling the air with traditional aromas like spice, pumpkin and pine. But any combustion, whether it’s wood in your fireplace or a wick surrounded by perfumed wax, releases particles and gasses into the atmosphere. And for many people, those irritants can trigger asthma or allergy symptoms. Never use an unvented or improperly vented combustion source in your home – it’s a safety hazard as well as a health one. Avoid wood fires and use battery-powered candles to create seasonal ambience, rather than burning scented candles. Cleaning up your cleaning products While it’s important to keep a clean house to reduce exposure to dust and dust mites – allergy triggers for many people – be careful of the cleaning products you use. Many can contain harsh chemicals that irritate airways, nasal passages and eyes. Others may not be as effective at reducing other known allergens. Look for more friendly cleaning products. AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly Certification Program certifies cleaning products based on their ability to remove bio-allergens from surfaces, the amount of airborne allergens and other particles remaining after cleaning with the product, the product’s toxicological profile, and whether it emits volatile organic compounds or other particles that could be irritants. Seasonal decorations Some of the ornaments and decorations you use to give your home seasonal flare may be a source of triggers that cause your allergies to flare up, too. Seasonal decorations stored for 11 months in garages, attics or basements may accumulate mold and dust – both well-known triggers. If you decorate with live greenery, such as a fir tree or pine boughs, they can carry mold, pollen, dust and other allergens into your home. The same is true of the pumpkins, corn stalks, husks and leaves often used in seasonal decor. Wipe seasonal ornaments with a damp cloth before hanging them, and be sure to discard real decorations as soon as they begin to show signs of mold or drying out. Your best friends The human members of your family aren’t the only ones who spend more time indoors when the weather cools. Pets are inside more often, too, and that can mean a buildup of dander inside the house. Brush and wipe pets regularly – at least once a week – to reduce dander, and bathe them regularly based on your vet’s advice for your breed. Use a certified vacuum cleaner and vacuum carpet weekly, and consider a certified steam cleaning service every three to four months, especially in areas frequented by pets or allergy-prone family members. Change furnace air filters quarterly or according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Unwelcome gifts Yes, even holiday gifts can be more trick than treat if they are dusty or have been treated with chemicals to preserve them. Some clothing and toy manufacturers use chemicals to keep pests off products. Always wash clothing articles before wearing them, and look for toys that have earned the AAFA’s asthma & allergy friendly certification. To learn more about the program, and to see certified products in other categories, visit www.aafa.org/certified. 
The Bangor High School Chamber Choir performed at the Hub Teen Center in downtown Bangor Saturday afternoon during Christmas on Broadway. PHOTO GALLERY (More photos tomorrow) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
A group of US rocket enthusiasts have successfully launched a portable toilet into the sky in a project they called 'Thrusting the Throne'.The unusual flying object made an arc in the sky before narrowly missing a spectator's pickup truck, 2,000 feet away.
The Michiana Rocketry club was behind the launch which took place in a field at Three Oaks, Michigan, reports the Herald Palladium newspaper. Members had been planning the project for more than two years as a way of increasing awareness of rocketry as a hobby. About 30 people worked on the rocket, from engineers to sales people who lined up sponsors. Rocket enthusiast Bob Bycraft says it was carefully planned. He says it wasn't "barnyard engineering". 
(L-R) Elaine O'Toole, Aeowyn Drake and Kristin Drake enjoy breakfast with Santa held by the Friends of the Bangor Public Library Saturday. PHOTO GALLERY (More photos tomorrow) Sbtt Photo Larry Cory
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Messinger Street Bridge (Viaduct) The west bound lane of the Messinger Street Bridge (Viaduct) between First Street (Rte 191) and Murray Street in Bangor has been closed.
After a recent inspection it was determined that the westbound lane of the bridge needs to be closed and detoured due to in-creased deterioration to the bridge. Eastbound traffic will not be affected. This restriction will be in effect until construction of the new bridge, estimated to begin in late 2015. Motorists will have two detour options:
December 11
TGAI Presents PAHS Alumnus Kristina Williamson
One Year on Kythera, photographs by Kristina Williamson. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2014 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Gap Theater, 47 Broadway, Wind Gap.
They are delighted to have the opportunity to share Ms. Williamson’s work with the community. She is a local-born artist, Pen Argyl High School alumna (class of ‘98), and Fulbright Scholar who, in her own words, describes the Slate Belt area as a wealth of inspiration to her work. The evening’s program will feature a presentation by the artist of her work followed by a book signing and wine reception courtesy of Franklin Hill Vineyards. A portion of the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Totts Gap Arts Institute Scholarship Fund.. Mohegan Sun Trip
The regular monthly trip sponsored by St. Elizabeth Church in Pen Argyl will be to the Mohegan Sun in Wilkes Barre on Thursday, December 11..
The bus will leave St. Elizabeth's parking lot by 9:00am, there will be second pick up location at the old St. Joseph's parking lot in Wind Gap, leaving by 9:05am. You will receive a voucher for free play and a voucher towards food. For more information, please call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610-844-4630." December 12
NCC Presents “Winter Dance Works”
Students from the Northampton Community College’s dance classes, Dance Ensemble and Acta Non Verba dance club will perform pieces choreographed by Northampton Community College dance faculty at a Winter Dance Works event on Thursday, December 11, 11:10 a.m., and on Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m.
The performance will be held in Lipkin Theatre, Kopecek Hall, Main Campus, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township. Admission is free with a donation of a non-perishable food item for a local food bank. For more information about the Winter Dance Works, call 610-861-5300. Friday Family Film
Friday,
December 12th 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Bring your family along to Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center for a craft activity and movie night. We’ll be screening "Bears of the Last Frontier: The Road North" from PBS’ Nature series this month. Craft time starts at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts promptly at 7:00 p.m. Please register as supplies and seating are limited. To register, contact Lauren Forster at laforster@pa.gov or 610-746-2801. December 13
Friday Family Film
Saturday, December 13th 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is hosting a holiday open house at the visitor center featuring crafts, games and refreshments. Bring your family along to enjoy the holiday festivities! The Jacobsburg Historical Society will be hosting “Christmas at Boulton” concurrently. We encourage you to visit both events by taking part in a natural history walk along the Homestead Trail with educator Rick Wiltraut at 1:00 p.m. The walk will lead you to the Boulton Historic District where you can take part in additional festivities before walking back to the visitor center at 3:00 p.m. with a Jacobsburg historian who will highlight the cultural history along the Henrys Woods Trail. Christmas Cookie Walk The Christmas Cookie Walk will be held at Ackermanville UMC from 9:00am to 2:00pm Saturday December 13.
Their tables will be filled with homemade Christmas cookies which include a great variety and number of Christmas cookies. You buy a box (or boxes) at $10:00 each for a large box, and $5:00 each for a small box, "walk" around the tables, and FILL your box with the cookies you want! See you there! Santa Visiting East Bangor Craft Show Santa Claus will visit the craft show held at East Bangor Bangor Fire Company at noon Saturday, December 13. The show runs from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Children can enjoy donuts and milk with Santa at 12:30.
The fire company will also be selling food and holding a small auction. Vendor tables available by calling 610-588-5996. East Bangor Christmas Tree Lighting East Bangor will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting 6:00pm December 13 at the East Bangor Volunteer Fire Company on Route 512.
Christmas Victorian Tea Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold its tenth annual Christmas Victorian Tea from 2-4 pm Saturday September 13 in the fellowship hall of the church located at Fourth and Broadway in Bangor.
Tickets are still available at a cost of $7.00 per person. Call the church office at 610-588-2023 from 9-12 or 1-3 Monday through Thursday to reserve your tickets. Portland Open Mic Night Refiner's Fire Ministry announces an open mic night will be held the second Saturday of every month at 6:30pm at the Spark Cafe on Division Street. All talents are welcome.
Boulton Christmas Open House The annual Boulton Christmas Open House in Jacobsburg will be Saturday December 13 from 11-3.
December 14
East Bangor 'Love Feast' The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church will celebrate a "Love Feast" during the worship service on Sunday, December 14 at 9:15 a.m.
A "Love Feast" is a special service of song, prayer and food. Although deriving from the Moravian tradition, the "Love Feast" was brought to the Methodist church by John Wesley in 1738 after traveling to America with the Moravians. During the service Moravian love feast buns and coffee will be served by "dieners". The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, PA. Pastor David Goss welcomes all calls at 610-588-4453, or visit www.ebumc.org. TGAI open House Totts Gap Art Institute's Annual Community Open House will be held Sunday, December 14 starting at 2 PM, TGAI students will share their work with the community.
The Blaus and the Holocaust David Blau Author of the Book: “The Blaus and the Holocaust: a Story of Courage, Struggle and Heroism” will be presented via Skype at The Slate Belt Heritage Center, 2:00pm Sunday December 14.
The Heartwarming Story Traces the Journey of Walter and Gertrude Blau from Their Escaping Holocaust to Life in Bangor.) Admission Is Free & Donations Are Welcome. Light Refreshments Will Be Served Easton Municipal Band Playing at Lafayette The Easton Municipal Band, under the Direction of Jim Freund,will Be Presenting a Holiday Concert of Festive Music at the Williams Center for the Arts, Lafayette College Easton Pa, on December 14, 2014 at 2:00 P.m. the Easton Youth Choir Will Be Performing with the Band on One Number and Will Be Singing Three Selections with Piano Accompaniment under the Direction of Kelley Atwood.
Holiday Gift of a Tree Ornament Will Be Give to the First 400 Who Attend. Food Will Be Collected for the Second Food Harvest Drive Grace UMC Cantata Grace United Methodist Church will sponsor a Community Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm.
Anyone is welcome to join the cantata practices on Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 pm in the Church’s Chapel on the lower level. Contact Walt Cole for more information at 610-863-6472. December 16
Lady Slaters Raising Funds To Help Wilson Coach
The Bangor High School Girls' Basketball Team fundraiser to fight cancer will be played when the Slaters host Wilson December 16. The Girls' Basketball Coaching Staff picked this opponent because Wilson’s Head Coach, Dennis Fry, has been recently diagnosed with lung cancer and is in the midst of regular chemotherapy and radiation treatments. When they reached out to the Wilson Program., Assistant Coach, Mark Seremula, informed Bangor that compounding Fry's illness further is that these treatments are resulting in heavy, out-of-pocket expenses.
The Bangor Girls' Basketball Program and the Lady Slater Bangor Booster Club wishes to help Coach Fry and his family during this difficult stretch. Please come out and support the Lady Slater Basketball Program and their efforts to help offset some of the out-of-pocket expenses for a man who has been coaching in the Lehigh Valley community for the better part of 20 years. December 17
SBCC Holiday Celebration Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce Annual Holiday Celebration will be held at the Kirkridge, Turning Point Dining Room 2495 Fox Gap Rd., Bangor
Wednesday, December 17, 2014 6:00 PM Members and their guests are invited to join the SBCC for our Annual Holiday Celebration! Cost is $25.00 per person Each person is asked to bring a $5.00 exchange gift for the Exchange Gift Game. Please send your check made payable to the SBCC by 12/10/14 along with your name and contact information December 18
Young At Heart Christmas Luncheon The Slate Belt Young at Heart club will be having their annual Christmas luncheon on Thursday, December 18,, at St. Elizabeth's Church at 12:00 NOON!
This club is open to all, 55 years and older. Thanks to all who attended our annual Veterans and Military Salute! For more information, please call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610-844-4630. Toys For Tots at Dottas The Marines are coming to Dottas’ December 18 from 5-8 for Toys for Tots. They are coming meet and greet the children, and collect toys for the less fortunate.
Santa and his reindeer will be here on his sleigh! Pictures will be taken from 6-close by Kris Ordinsky-Parks Photography. There will be light refreshments for the children, all children will receive a gift for coming, and there will be two door prizes drawn. The door prizes will be divided for gender, one for a girl (from the American girl store in NYC), and one a boy (from FAO Swartz NYC; a Lego set). They hope to see many of you that can come out, and hope all will help fill these boxes with toys from now to the 18 of December! 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 tour is scheduled for: December 18 at 3:30 p.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. December 20
Santa Claus is coming to Roseto
That's Right...Santa Claus is coming to Roseto. Saturday December 20th, Santa will be visting Columbia Fire Co for a special "Breakfast with Santa" event from 9am - 11am.
Cost is $5 for adults and children over 10. Children 10 & under are Free. Call now 610-588-0597 or e-mail to make your reservations Santa Coming to Bangor Santa Claus will make his arrival in Bangor Saturday December 20 at the Merchants Bank branch on Route 191 from 10-12pm. This is a departure from the traditional arrival which usually took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the downtown Bangor Merchants Bank.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck. Participants will receive a photo. Children will also receive a small gift from Mr. Claus. The cost is $5, which covers the cost of printing the photograph. December 21
Observing the Winter Solstice
Come to Columcille on Signal Hill to observe the Winter Solstice.
They will gather Sunday, December 21st at 7:15am to welcome the beginning of the return of the Light. Longer days, shorter nights. Sunrise at 7:25am Caroling and Afternoon Tea
Come to Columcille Sunday, December 21st at 2:00pm for Carols in the Chapel. This is an annual
gathering and they invite you to join them to welcome the Holiday Season.
Following Carols in the Chapel, they will gather in holiday fellowship to share Afternoon Tea and Treats. Join them at Casa Colum, the house on the hill, for tea and community Coping With Suffering and Sadness
Consider this your invitation to join a free group dealing with suffering and sadness during a special quiet worship service called “Blue Christmas”, December 21st from 4-5pm All are welcome, regardless of faith or background. This program is offered by Wendy Littner Thomson, M.Ed., LPC, RYT, and Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2445 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor.
To register contact Rev. Michael J. Scholtes at 610-588-2355 or pastorMJS@gmail.com. Safe Haven Pet Adoption
Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold dog adoption days from 11 - 2 on Sunday, December 21 at Tractor Supply, Route 209, Brodheadsville.
Safe Haven will have many young dogs available for you to meet and get to know. Safe Haven requires a pre-adoption application with references and a home visit prior to adoption. Safe Haven Pet Rescue is a small group of dedicated volunteers from the West End of the Poconos who save highly adoptable dogs from high kill and overcrowded shelters and finds them loving homes. Shelter killing is the number one cause of dog deaths and Safe Haven has saved more than 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 a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, please visit www.SafeHavenPa.org . Contact Safe Haven at SafeHaven@epix.net. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook. December 24
Presbyterian Candlelight Service
Come join the Presbyterian Parish Bangor/ Roseto Church for a traditional Christmas Eve Candle light service on December 24 at 7:00pm. They are located off Route 512 at 332 Kennedy Drive (behind the Med-9 Building)
December 28
Boomer's Angels Dog Adoption Day On Sunday November 2, come to Pet Supplies Plus, 101 Pocono Commons, (near Pier 1) Route 611, Stroudsburg from 11- 2. Come on out and meet the adorable, adoptable dogs, cats, and small animals that Boomer’s Angels Animal Rescue has for adoption.
Boomer’s Angels Animal Rescue & Care was formed to give as many homeless and downtrodden animals the brightest future possible. All of our adoptions must be pre-approved so why not fill out and application in advance. Visit www.boomersangels.com for an application. If you’re not ready to adopt, why not try fostering? We provide you everything your foster will need. You supply the love and a safe home until they are adopted. Email boomersangels@gmail.com or visit our website at www.boomersangels.com, find us on Facebook, or call (570)350-4977 December 29
Twelve Twenty-Four Playing at Zoellner Twelve Twenty-Four is bringing their high energy, full-scale holiday-rock-orchestra concert to the northeast for the thirteenth year in a row, inlcuding Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University December 29 at 7:00pm
Their performances feature the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, as well as their own holiday creations. Twelve Twenty-Four is the Mid-Atlantic region’s original and longest running recreation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. With sixteen performers, Twelve Twenty-Four brings alive the magic of Christmas at each show. January 1
First Day Hikes
Thursday, January 1st 10:00 am and 1:00 pm
Get out and get hiking at Jacobsburg on the first day of 2015! Join center educator Lauren Forster for a 2 mile interpretive hike on moderate terrain. We will explore the old growth forest of Henrys Woods. The hikes will start at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from the flag pole in front of the visitor center at 400 Belfast Road. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, and wear layers. Each hike will take approximately two hours. To register, contact Lauren Forster at laforster@pa.gov or 610-746-2801. New Year's Day Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner
New Year's Day Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner will be held at the Blue Valley Farm Show Thursday January 1. Pork with or without kraut, mashed potatoes, veggies, pineapple filling, bread , applesauce and a lot of desserts. ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet. $10 adults $5 children 6 and up, under 6 free
January 5
Fly Tying Class
Mondays,
January 5th – March 16th 6:30-8:00 pm
Ring in the New Year with Trout Unlimited's annual fly tying classes for beginners and intermediate tiers. The eight class course will be held on Mondays at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The course will end on March 16th (note: we will be skipping the second Monday of each month). To sign up contact Thom Beverly at kbeverly@rcn.com or 610-393-6663. Cost $25. This class is limited to 25 participants, please register in advance. Instruction will include the proper use of tools, material selection and introductory tying techniques. New tying techniques and patterns will be introduced for the more experienced tier. Equipment and materials will be provided, but you can bring your own vise and tools if you have them. There will be a refundable deposit fee to borrow a tying kit for use between classes. For more information visit: http://forkstu.org/PDF/Fly_Tying_Flier_2015.pdf . February 14
Portland Liztech Bingo The Portland Hook and Ladder Co. #1 will hold its eighth annual Liztech Bingo Saturday February 14. Tickets will go on sale soon..
March 28
Relay For Life Fund Raiser Trip to Sight & Sound The Relay for Life Fundraiser "Footprints in the Sand" will travel to "MOSES" at the SIGHT & SOUND THEATRES 11am Show Saturday, March 28, 2015.
Lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Show tickets sell quickly, please reserve yours ASAP. Price: $122.00 per. person Depart at 8:00AM from Five Points Elementary.Arrive @ Sight & Sound Theatres approx. 10:15am. Time to browse & shop at Sight & Sound till show starts. Depart: Sight & Sound at 1:45 (approx.) Arrive: Shady Maple 2:15(approx.) you can eat & shop till 5:00pm. At this time we will depart for home. Arrival time home approximately 7:00pm. Reservations & Cancellations: All prices are per person. Full payment is due at time of booking. No refunds after March 4, 2015, unless your ticket is resold. To Book: Call & mail check (payable to Lynn Altemose) to Lynn Altemose 412 Garibaldi Ave. Roseto, Pa. 18013, 484-375-5161 or Donna Kelton 582 Five Pts. Richmond Rd. Bangor, Pa. 18013 610-417-5550 or 610-588-7786.. |
Ask The Doc........
A Gift To Make You SMILE
by Dr. Gary Williams, DMD
garywilliamsdmd.com What do you get for that special someone for Christmas? What is it that you would really like to have? It needs to be something, fun! Something that makes you SMILE! I know, why not invest in your very own…SMILE! Straighter, whiter teeth. That’s what most people list as a desire for their appearance. Well, we can give you the smile that you’ve always wanted. We have a comfortable, invisible, easy way to align your teeth and whiten them. Call and ask about Invisalign. It’s the gift you really owe to yourself. garywilliamsdmd.com. 610-863-8988. 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
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