The Bangor GFWC has selected Zoe Kallus as their 2013 HOBY

(Hugh OBrian Youth Leadership) Recipient. Zoe is the daughter of Darcy and Craig Kallus. She is a sophomore at Bangor Area High School. She is a model student, and still finds time to play on the high school girls basketball team; is a member of Student Government and class cabinet; participates in Scholastic and Environmental Science Scrimmage; and attends school events. She attends Mount

Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church and volunteers at Connections Boutique in Bangor. Her spare time activities include traveling; meeting new people and visiting with old friends; cooking and baking; exercising and keeping in shape; going to movies and listening to music; reading and relaxing; and manages to work part time at Kelly's Ice Cream Shoppe in Portland. Her future plans are to attend college to obtain

a degree in business. The top college on her list at this time is University College Dublin in Dublin, Ireland. Zoe and her family plan to travel to Ireland this summer and she will explore it first hand to learn more about the college. Zoe will be attending the HOBY Leadership training Seminar this summer. The Bangor GFWC is proud to be a sponsor of this excellent training program for young Americans.

Slate Belt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located at 701 Slate Belt Boulevard, Bangor, has announced that it has recently completed its standard survey and was found to be below the state industry average number of deficiencies. Nursing homes are inspected annually for compliance with state and federal regulations, and the survey process is extremely thorough. An annual survey with deficiencies below the state industry average is an incredible feat. Ensuring that consistent quality care is received by all residents can be a difficult task. In a complex regulatory environment with incredibly high standards, Slate Belt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has shown extraordinary effort to meet and exceed those standards. We are very pleased to have passed our recent survey with results below the state average. Our staff has worked very hard to

maintain our high standards and provide quality care to our residents, said Marie Marakovits, Administrator at Slate Belt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Not only were they able to achieve this goal and provide exceptional

care, they have gone above and beyond to correct any issues or concerns that may have occurred during the survey process and I am proud to be part of such a successful, dedicated group of employees. The parent company for Slate Belt Nursing

and Rehabilitation Center is Extendicare Health Services, Inc., located in Milwaukee, WI. Founded in 1968, Extendicare has a long history of providing quality health care services to residents throughout the United States and Canada.

Send your pet photos to The PRESS for our Annual Pet Photo Contest! Photos will be printed weekly. Check out the front page for all the details! The Bangor Area High School Class of 1968 will hold a meeting on Thurs. Feb 21 at 7:30PM at the Broadway Pub. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss plans for their upcoming 45th reunion. All interested graduates are welcome to attend. For additional information, please contact William Tinsley, DMD at 610-588-6200. There will be a Bus Trip to Sight and Sound Theater's Noah on Saturday, April 20th.. The trip will include the show,

transportation, dinner, and all taxes and gratuities. The bus will depart from Trinity United Church of Christ at 632 N. Delaware Drive (Route 611) at 9:30am and will return at 9pm. Contact Tierney Jory at 610428-4895 or email tjory2@aol.com for more information. Attention Slate Belt Residents: The American Cancer Society needs you and your family and friends: Join ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) Let your voice be heard by legislators both Federal and State. For a yearly donation (it is not tax deductible) you join ACS CAN and whenever there is a bill in either the federal or

state government you will receive an email. You respond to the email (all of the information is there) and you can have your representative vote the way that will benefit cancer patients the most. To get more information, contact Rosemarie Murphy 610-921-2329 ext. 3109 or rosemarie.murphy @cancer.org or Karen Campanaro 610-5882429 or at kcamp49 @epix.net. The Relay For Life Team, Merchants Bank Walkers, are having a Dine and Donate on Wednesday, February 20th at Lakeview Restaurant from 6pm to 8pm. Enjoy great food and Lakeview will donate a percentage to Relay For Life for American Cancer Society. Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the Grand Opening & Ribbon

Cuttings of Roses Main Street Cafe, 133 Garibaldi, Roseto, on Friday, February 22nd. The Ribbon Cutting will be held at 5pm, but specials will be available all day! Stop by to wish Anna Grimshaw and her staff well. Roses is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 6-2 pm, Saturday 6-1 pm and Sunday 7-1 pm, closed on Tuesdays. Roses will be open until 8pm on February 22nd. Eunikue Fashion, 31 Broadway, Bangor, will be hosting a Fashion Show on Saturday, February 23rd, at 1:30pm. Stop by to see the latest creations for spring! We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013
thepressnews@enter.net

Here is the list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week February 7 through 13, 2013. Adult fiction: Morton, Kate, The secret keeper. Adult non-fiction: Boorstein, Steven, Different strokes; Bridges, Herb; Gone with the wind; Davis, William, Wheat belly cookbook: 150 recipes; Davis, William, Wheat belly; Fenster, Carol, Wheat-free recipes & menus; Griffith, H. Winter, Complete guide to prescription & nonPrescription drugs; 100 years of American newspaper comics; Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Young Adult fiction: Haddix, Margaret Peterson, Palace of mirrors. Junior non-fiction: Gish, Melissa, Hummingbirds; Gish, Melissa, Jaguars; Gish, Melissa, Komodo dragons; Johnson, Jinny, Golden retriever; Learn to draw cats & kittens;

Learn to draw dinosaurs; and Learn to draw reptiles & amphibians. Easy fiction: Minty monkeys around; Pinkie Pies secret place; Rainbow Dash and the hot day; Wysterias wish; and Zoehfeld, Kathleen, Tiggers moving day. Easy non-fiction: Disneys the little mermaid look and find; Johnson, Jinny, Beagle; Johnson, Jinny, German shepherd; Johnson, Jinny, Labrador retriever; Johnson, Jinny, Yorkshire terrier; and Mawhinney, Art, The mighty avengers. Easy Reader nonfiction: Rabe, Tish, Theres a map on my lap! DVDs: Alvin & the chipmunks: the squeakquel; Anastasia; Cinderella III: a twist in time; Downton Abbey season one; Downton Abbey season two; Hannah Montana: living the rock star rising; and Hannah Montana: the complete first season.

tion about this program contact Rosemarie Murphy 610-921-2329 ext. #3109 or rosemarie.murphy@can cer.org. A Yard Sale will be held in conjunction with the study, providing many items for sale from 8am to 3pm. To see additional fund-

raising events check them out on Facebook at Relay For Life-Slatebelt or by viewing the website, relayforlife.org/ paslatebelt. Finally, this years Relay For Life will take place at Bangor Memorial Park on May 18th and 19th, from 10am to 10am.

John and Andrea Miller, the owners of Lakeview Restaurant and Pizzeria, accepted several items from Relay For Life Slate Belt by Karen Campanaro Relay Chair 2013. These articles will provide the ability for their customers to become more aware of the need to participate in this fight to stamp out cancer. The Millers and Lakeview provide wonderful food in a family atmosphere. They have supported the local Relay For Life for the past two years. This year, John and Andrea will provide a Dine and Donate event on February 20th from 6pm to 8pm. So come out and bring your family and friends to help support this worthy cause. A percentage of the proceeds will be directed to the Slate Belt Relay For Life. There are numerous fundraising events throughout the area

going on, Karen stated. One which is of grave importance is a research study which will be conducted on May 11th, at St. Marys Church, in Wind Gap. They are looking for anyone between 30 and 65 who have never had cancer to be a part of history and sign up for CPS3. This program will follow participants for 20 to 30 years and help in the fight against cancer. The first study found the link between lung smoking and cancer, the 2nd study found the link between healthy life style and healthy eating and not getting cancer. They will put you on a list so you know when you can sign up and be part of history. To get more informa-

Blue Valley Mens Pool League Scores and Standings

Blue Valley Mens Pool League Scores from February 13th. Roseto Legion 8, Five Points B 8; Pen Argyl Rep. Club A 8, Bangor VFW A 7; Wind Gap Legion 10, Slateford Inn 7; Five Points A 12, Pen Argyl Rep. Club B 5; Bangor VFW B 14, Mineral Springs 3; Deverys 12, Roadhouse 3; Bangor Legion 9, Roseto Rod & Gun 6. Standings as of February 13th: Division A Wind Gap Legion 210, Five Points A 195, PA Rep. Club A 176, PA Rep. Club B 162, Bangor Legion 149, Bangor VFW A 134, Slateford Inn 125. Division B- Bangor VFW B 233, Roseto R & G 200, Deverys 161, Roseto Legion 159, Five Points B 152, PA Roadhouse 123, Mineral Springs 116.

Pocono-Slate Belt Shooting Association Winter Trapshoot League Scores

The Pocono-Slate Belt Shooting Association has announced their Winter League Shoots 11 of 15 from February 15th. First: Parks Construction: 237, 2619; Benn Cole, 49; John Delois, 48; Joe Panto, 47; Jim Hedden, 47; Ralph Jensen, 46; Joe Meehan, 46. Second, TIE: Barn Dwellers: 226, 2589; Dave Yurga, 46; Dean Shafer, 45; George Jenkins, 45; Jim Hothouse, 45; Gary Klaver, 45; Keil Klaver, 45. Hartzells Auction: 233, 2589; Herb Rutt, 50; Jay Dennis, 47; Bernie Raybould, 46; Doug Shuster, 46; Dave Snyder, 44. Mountain Men: 240, 2589; Scott Rinker, 49; Sam Goll, 49; Rich Curcio, 48; Frank Kelly, 47; Joe Huddock, 47; Gerry Smiley, 47. Fifth: Roseto Rod and Gun Club: 225, 2526; Chris Boheim, 49; George Stevenson, 45; John VanBlarcom, 44; Mike Drago, 44; Dennis Reynolds, 43. Sixth: Cherry Valley: 221, 2477; Herb Zeigler, 48; Frank Scagliotta, 46; Charlie Schaller, 43; Mike Sanderson, 42; Frank Herting, 42.

Community Presbyterian Church Hosts Family Night Out

Community Presbyterian Church of Mt. Bethel is hosting a Family Night Out with dinner and a movie on February 22nd. Pizza is going to be on the menu and the feature for the evening is the Disney movie, Rio. Dinner is served from 6pm to 6:45pm, and the movie starts at 7pm. The church is located in Mt. Bethel on Route 611 going South. This event is free to the community.

Sweet Deeds For Your Community

(NAPSI)Every now and then, we all could use a helping hand. The simplest gesture from a friend or even a stranger can help boost morale and add a silver lining to an ordinary day. Applying that same principle and finding simple ways to support your community through a good deed can make a lasting difference. Here are some ways you can celebrate the spirit of helping others and get involved in your community. For example: Grow some good: Put gardening skills to good use by getting involved with a local treeplanting initiative or an urban garden. Trees, plants and gardens not only beautify the areas where theyre planted, they provide oxygen, homes for animals and even fresh herbs or vegetables. Pay your fashion forward: Transform clutter into charity by donating lightly used clothing or shoes from your closet. A number of programs provide business attire to people interviewing for jobs as a way to help workers get back on their feet. Additionally, thrift stores often sell secondhand clothing as a way to raise funds for other programs and nonprofits. Share your knowledge: Use your aptitude for reading, writing, math or science to support the next generation of students in their education. Volunteer at a local tutoring center to help children struggling in school. Do a good deed each day: Keep your eyes open for the opportunity to open a door for a stranger, mow the lawn for a neighbor or bring a meal to a family with a new baby. Finally, dont forget to take a moment and celebrate the good deeds done by your friends. One way to recognize the efforts of others is to become a member of the Sweet Deed Society on the Santa Cruz Organic Facebook page and nominate a friend who has done a good deed. Join the Sweet Deed Society and be entered for their own chance to win. Visit facebook. com/santacruzorganic to join. No purchase necessary.

East Bangor UMC Plans February Events

The East Bangor UMC Singles' Ministry will be back in the swing in April. Due to illness, things had to be put on the back burner for a few months, but keep your eyes on The PRESS for details. The ministry is open to the community of singles, divorcees, widows and widowers. If you would like a Singles' Ministry brochure, email Cindy at EBUMCSM@yahoo.co m with your name, address, and phone number. A brochure will be mailed to you as soon as they are ready. See you in April! A Lenten Bible Study will be held Mondays at the East Bangor United Methodist Community Church starting February 18th. The topic will be: "Why: The Influences that Shape Our Religious Thinking." This 5-week study will look at ways life influences how we interpret the scriptures and their applications. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor, PA. For questions, call 610588-4453 or visit www.ebumc.org.

ing; if color shows up in the bowl, you probably need a new toilet flapperan easy repair. While you wait, check your other plumbing fixtures for dripsthey may seem small, but all those drops really add up. Next, check your winter water bills. Most families of four use 12,000 gallons of water per month or less in winter. If your bill is showing something higher, you could have a serious leakinside or out. Finally, step outside and inspect your garden hoses. Are they damaged or cracked from winters frost? If you have an inground irrigation system, an irrigation professional certified through a WaterSense labeled program can check for leaks and broken sprinkler heads. See www.epa.gov/ watersense for more information about Fix a Leak Week and a list of certified irrigation partners in your community.

(NAPSA)Did you know that easy-to-fix household leaks could waste at least 10,000 gallons of water per year (and 10 percent of your

water bill)? Join thousands of Americans all over the country this week in taking just 10 minutes to check for household water leaks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys WaterSense program, in the span of two television commercial breaks, you could save more than 10,000 gallons of water, which is equivalent to the water used to wash 10 months worth of laundry. Finding leaks is easy. To get started, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank to check for silent toilet leaks. Wait 10 minutes before flush-

(NAPSI)If your home is like many, theres one room that just doesnt work with the rest of the house. To help you fix that, HGTV designer Lisa LaPorta and Pfister offer four simple solutions that you can execute in a weekend or less. How To Have A New Home At The Old Address 1. Remove the clutter

and organize your chaos. Too many pieces of furniture, accessories and small appliances create conflicting styles. That doesnt mean you have to throw stuff out, however. You can still keep everything you own. Just dont have everything you own out at once. Rotate your art and furniture with the seasons. Maximize your

cabinet space with organizers and stackers. Put away appliances and utensils in your kitchen. Decorate with bowls of fruit and flowers. 2. Work with what you have. When picking colors and accessories, consider what you currently own and highlight the pieces you love. You can transform just about any room simply by rearranging the furniture and applying a fresh coat of paint. 3. Create your own design journal. Look through design books and magazines and tear out pictures of rooms you love and rooms you dislike. You should start to notice reoccurring preferences that can inspire you. 4. Its time for new jewelry. Just like adding a new piece of jewelry to your wardrobe, accessorizing the bathroom or kitchen with a new faucet and hardware can make the room feel new. The old rules about having to match all your metalsfaucets, drawer pulls, hinges, light fixturesare gone, so get what fits your design personality. Changing out old fixtures can be a simple, quick and affordable weekend project (theres no need to pull old piping out of the wall) with Pfisters new Universal Tub and Shower upgrade kit. It is compatible with eight different valves from leading plumbing manufacturers, comes in multiple style and finish options, and includes a five-function showerhead and an allmetal tub spout. In addition, Pfisters attractive new line of water-conserving faucets helps reduce water consumption, saving you money and making the house more attractive to eventual buyers. Learn More For further facts on faucets and other easy ways to improve your home, visit pfisterfaucets.com.

What is a Short Sale? A Short Sale is an arrangement between the owner of a home and the lender that lent him the money to buy their home to accept an offer for less than the total amount owed to pay off the home. This arrangement can take many forms but there is no other definition for a Short Sale. Most short sales arise when a seller owes more on a house than they can sell it for. This can happen easily when the prices of real estate decline. It also happens when the owner refinances to include cars or other bills in their mortgages. The owner can attempt to make an arrangement with the lender to sell the house for less than what is owed..that isshort of what they owe. The lenders lose the difference. Let me make one thing very clearlenders DO NOT want to do short sales. They arent in business to lose money. Very few actually happen. The lenders make this a very cumbersome process. First and foremost, before even considering a short sale the bank will require that you prove that you absolutely cannot pay the loan. This, in most cases, is the result of a loss of incomefor whatever reason. It IS NOT by any means a free lunch. You cant just decide that you dont want to pay for the home anymore. If you do not or cannot prove this there will be no cooperation from the bank. If you get past this point you will be listing your home with a Realtor..hopefully.. one who has experience and is willing to work with short sales. There is a substantial amount of additional work and headaches for the

Realtor with no additional fee. Once an offer is received the bank will negotiate, not the owner. The negotiators are not there for the benefit of the sellers. They are tough and make every effort to get the best price possible for their employer..the lender. They make the process very trying. If a sale is consummated the seller generally is not required to repay the money that the lender lost if it is his principle residence. If you are in a position that a short sale of your house may be something you would consider I advise you to consult a real estate Attorney so you get all of the pertinent facts. There is a purpose for this vehicle..generally..that is so the lender does not have to go through the expense of the foreclosure process only to have to sell the property and take a loss anyway. These properties being sold at short sale generally are sold under market value and are a good opportunity for buyers. There is much more to this concept but space prohibits elaborating. Feel free to call us at The Great American Real Estate Company, 610 863 6205 for more information on this subject, selling, or buying a home.

(NAPSI)Kitchens are cooking up some of todays hottest decorating trends. Thats the word from experts who say families are using their kitchen as never before. Gathering there to do homework, socialize, watch TVeven cooktheyre making the kitchen, in many cases, the busiest room in the house. However, while kitch-

ens may be busy, the decorating trends associated with that family focal point are anything but. Instead, those trends feature clean lines, sleek appliances and innovative storage solutions. Said Janice Jones of national homebuilder Pulte Homes, In the past, home design was driven by practicality, but now homeowners want function and

design to meet. The kitchen is now a driving force in defining the decor of the home overall. Jones added that the companys 700-plus new home communities across the country feature fully furnished model homes because the majority of homebuyers prefer to see the design ideas in action. Pulte also allows homebuyers to design their dream kitchen with a click of a mouse with its new interactive Kitchen Studio. Images on www.pulte.com allow users to visualize a custom kitchen space by selecting from a variety of colors and finishesfrom flooring to wall color. Here are some of the leading trends for 2013: Islands: New kitchen layouts and designs are open and island-centric. They call for multi-

functional spaces that allow everything from homework to craft projects. To keep the clutter off the island but near the kitchen, the innovative Pulte Planning Center is a multifunctional space used for bill paying, family organization, homework or as a computer room. Consumers also want multipurpose islands, so kitchens now have two islands. Color & Appliances: Two-tone colors and contrasting colors on cabinets, counters and appliances are an emerging trend in kitchen design. Storage: Megasize storage for bulk and food items is in demand. Other innovative storage solutions include larger deeper drawers in lieu of cabinets on the lower surfaces. To learn more, visit www.pulte.com.

By State Representative Joe Emrick, 137th Legislative District I am a co-sponsor of House Bill 2, a legislation which would create a legislative commission to address discrepancies in funding for special education in school districts. The bill may now be taken up by the full House following unanimous passage by the House Education Committee, of which I am a member. Our schools and our taxpayers are in desperate need of this

legislation, which speaks to sufficient funding for education and efficient distribution of taxpayer dollars. House Bill 2 creates a legislative commission to recommend a new formula for distribution of state funding for special education. The current method is based on an estimate that the average daily enrollment of each district includes 16 percent of students with special education needs. The dollars are there, but the way they are being distributed is

inaccurate and antiquated. Most School districts are struggling with special education costs due to underfunding, and this commission will be asked to develop a method that takes the guesswork out of the accounting practice and reallocates support to those districts that truly need it. For more information on this issue or any other legislative issue, please contact my Mt. Bethel office at (570) 897-0401, or my Nazareth office at (610) 746-5090.

Any organization interested in using the Washington Township recreation fields for the Spring 2013 season should submit their request on the required application form, together with proof of current insurance coverage and the proper fee, by February 28th. Application forms are available at the Municipal Building, 1021 Washington Blvd. during regular business hours. No group will be scheduled until all three items above are submitted. For more information, please call 610-5881524.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives conferred Citations of Honor to long term Bangor area resident, Elizabeth M. Stasak, in celebration of her recent 95th birthday. Your life has spanned 95 years and you grew to adulthood during one of the most remarkable centuries in our history, said the Governor in his signed citation. It is your contribution, and those of your generation, that have made Pennsylvania, and our nation, strong and prosperous. It is my hope, he continued, that you will look upon your life with fulfillment and pride, knowing that you have made a lasting, positive impact on the people around you. Mrs. Stasak has demonstrated the highest ideals of citizenship throughout the years and truly deserves special recognition, proclaimed the House of Representatives. The House is always pleased to recognize those individuals who, through their wisdom and experience, have contributed to the enrichment and betterment of succeeding generations. The citation is signed by Speaker of the House Samuel H. Smith and the Honorable Tim Hennessey of the 26th Legislative District, who sponsored the citation. Mrs. Stasak is the mother of three sons,

with three grandchildren, a great grandson, and four generations of nieces and nephews. Her sister, Helen, also lives in Washington Township. Known to family and friends as Betty, Mrs. Stasak moved from her native Phillipsburg, NJ, to Washington Township, circa 1946, with her husband, the late Peter P. Stasak. She is a long term parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Bangor, a past two term president of the parishs Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and a retired telephone operator who worked for Blue Mountain Telephone Company in Bangor in the 1950s, and later for West Jersey Telephone Company in the 1970s-80s. I could not have possibly asked for a better mother. God bless her for all she has done for me and my family, son Rick Stasak expressed. "I admire Mom for her stamina and the wisdom she taught all of us during her long and fruitful life, son Mike reflected. Mom has devoted her entire life to the Lord Jesus and His Blessed Mother, said son Bernie, and she has always treasured every moment of life with beloved family, friends, priests and fellow parishioners in her church. Bettys momentous birthday was celebrated in late October with a heartfelt family gathering of four generations. We sincerely thank Mr. Hennessey for his thoughtful sponsorship of these honors with his colleagues in the House of Representatives and for his coordination with the Office of the Governor, said Bernie Stasak. Mom received these honors with quiet grace and humility and asked us to thank Mr. Hennessey for his kindness.

The Monroe County Historical Association is pleased to announce the 2013 Historic Preservation Awards winners. Owners of historic buildings who have shown their dedication to preserving and enhancing Monroe Countys wealth of historic structures will be honored at the MCHA Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Shawnee-on-Delaware. Three categories of buildings were judged: Commercial, PublicallyFunded and Private Residence. The 2013 winners in the three categories are: Commercial Property Castle Inn, Delaware Water Gap; Publically-

Funded Mount Pocono Borough Municipal Building, Mount Pocono Borough; and Residential Property Starbird House owned by Mr. Charles A. Garris, East Stroudsburg. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Reservations, with payment, should be made at the Monroe County Historical Association, 900 Main Street, Stroudsburg. For more information, please call (570) 4217703 or e-mail mcha@ptd.net. The mission of the Monroe County Historical Association is to promote, protect and preserve the rich history of Monroe County. Visit our Web site at www.monroehistorical. org.

( N A P S I ) H e r e s delicious news: You can enjoy great meals that

are high in flavor yet low in calories when you turn to the stirring

tastes of stir-fry cooking. This kind of cuisine originated in China many years ago with the wok and has become a major part of many American lifestyles. The trend is growing as more and more people realize that this type of cooking can be a healthy part of the family dietwhether you use a skillet, wok or pan. The key is in the preparation. As with any method of cooking, it is still possible to make a dish that is high in fat and calories with stir-fry cooking if youre not careful. By working with a small amount of cooking oil and sticking to lean meats and lots of vegetables, however, you can do stir-fry cooking thats a quick and easy way to prepare healthy and flavorful meals. Asian-inspired cuisine is one of the major food trends today because of the fresh ingredients and exciting flavor combinations available, explained one expert on food, Jason Abelkop of Buffets, Inc. To kick-start stir-fry cooking in your kitchen,

check out this recipe from the restaurants chefs:

Garlic Ginger Mongolian Chicken Yield: 2 servings 2 4-oz. chicken breasts 1 tsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. chopped ginger 1 tsp. chopped garlic 1 cup peapods 1 cup cabbage, shredded cup julienned onions cup matchstick carrots 1 cup broccoli florets 1 Tbsp vegetable oil cup low-sodium soy sauce cup teriyaki sauce 2 sprigs cilantro 2 servings unconverted rice (cooked according to recipe) Cut chicken into strips. Mix vegetable oil, ginger and garlic together. Rub mixture on the chicken breast strips, place in refrigerator for a minimum of two hours. Mix vegetables together in bowl. Place oil in saut pan over medium heat. Add chicken strips and saut for five minutes. Toss frequently to evenly brown. Turn up heat to high and add fresh vegetables. Toss frequently. Cook for one minute. Vegetables should be crisp in texture. Add soy sauce, teriyaki sauce and the cilantro sprigs to taste. Quickly toss to coat, then remove from heat. Top rice with hot fresh stir-fry and enjoy.

(NAPSI)When youre looking for something to serve for breakfast, brunch or even dessert, Blueberry Corn Bread Pudding with Blueberry Sauce may be the answer. Its simple to prepare, stays beautiful even when made ahead, and looks sophisticated and elegant upon presentation. Soft corn bread paired with sweet, fresh blueberries and crunchy pistachios creates just the right balance of flavor and texture. Finished with a sweet and silky blueberry sauce, this dish should become a family favorite. Whether fresh or frozen, blueberries provide the antioxidant vitamin C and fiber, making them a great ingredient to incorporate into meals and to include in your daily diet.
Blueberry Corn Bread Pudding with Blueberry Sauce 6 cups prepared corn bread, cut into cubes 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 cups milk 1 cup half-and-half 4 eggs

3 egg yolks 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups fresh blueberries cup unsalted pistachios, skins removed 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 pound blueberries, frozen Preheat oven to 225F. On a baking sheet, place corn bread cubes; bake until dry, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour; cool. Increase oven temperature to 375F. Grease a 10x12-inch pan. In a large bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, milk, cream, eggs, yolks and vanilla. Gently stir in corn bread until coated. Stir in blueberries and pistachios. Transfer blueberry mixture to prepared pan; cover. Bake 45 minutes. Uncover; bake until golden, about 20 minutes; cool. In a medium saucepan, stir 2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch until blended; add berries, toss until coated. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until berries thaw and mixture starts to boil, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove lid, cook, stirring constantly, until boiling and thick, 1 minute. Stir in additional sugar. To serve: Cut pudding into squares; arrange on plates. Drizzle Blueberry Sauce over pudding.

(NAPSI)Whether youre gathering family and friends around your table for an Easter brunch or a Saturday morning breakfast at home, put your own signature on the meal with these savory and sweet recipes for delicious, crowdpleasing alternatives to an ordinary heat-andserve offering. Ham and eggs combine in an all-in-one dish that can be customized with a variety of toppings. 1-Dish Ham & Egg Breakfast Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 30 minutes Yield: 6 servings Batter: Mazola Cooking Spray 1 cups all-purpose flour 2 envelopes Fleischmanns RapidRise Yeast teaspoon salt cup very warm water (120 to 130F) 3 tablespoons Mazola Corn Oil Toppings: 4 eggs 2 tablespoons milk teaspoon garlic salt teaspoon fine-grind black pepper 4 slices ( ounce each) American cheese 1 cup (4 ounces) diced ham 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese Mix batter ingredients together in a presprayed 8x8-inch baking dish. Beat eggs, milk, garlic salt and pepper together in a small bowl. Top batter evenly with cheese slices, diced ham and egg mixture; sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake by placing in a COLD oven; set temperature to 350F.

Bake for 30 minutes or until done. Classic Cinnamon Rolls Prep Time: 30 minutes Bake Time: 2530 minutes Proof Time: about 1 hours Yield: 24 rolls Rolls: 1 cup mashed potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes) 1 cup reserved potato water cup butter OR margarine cup sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup hot water 2 envelopes Fleischmanns Active Dry Yeast cup warm water (100 to 110F) 2 eggs 8 to 9 cups allpurpose flour Filling: cup butter OR margarine, softened 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoons ground cinnamon Icing: 3 cups powdered sugar 6 tablespoons butter OR margarine, softened 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 5 to 6 tablespoons milk Combine potatoes, potato water, butter, sugar, salt and hot water in large mixer bowl. Stir until butter melts; set aside and let cool. Combine yeast and cup warm water in small bowl. Let rest 5 minutes. Add eggs, 2 cups flour and yeast mixture to potato mixture. Beat until well mixed. Continue adding flour, 1 cup at a time, until soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic (about 4 to 6 minutes), OR knead with electric

mixer using dough hook. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area about 1 hour, until doubled in size. Punch dough down; divide in half. Roll one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12x18-inch rectangle. Spread with half the butter. Combine sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle half of the mixture over surface. Roll up tightly lengthwise, sealing edges. Cut into 12 slices. Place in greased 13x9-inch pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover. Let rise 30 to 45 minutes until nearly doubled. Bake in preheated 350F oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over rolls. To Freeze (unbaked rolls): Follow recipe as recommended up to and including when rolls are shaped and placed in pan. Tightly wrap rolls and pan with plastic wrap and foil. For best flavor, thaw and bake within one week of freezing. To Thaw: Place pan of rolls covered in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator and continue the thaw and rise process at room temperature. When thawing at room temperature, allow at least 2 hours for rolls to rise after removing from the refrigerator. If rolls are not rising, boil a pot of water, remove from heat, cover the pot with a wire rack and place pan of rolls, covered with a cloth, on top of rack. The steam will warm the dough to speed the rising process. Once the rolls have doubled, bake according to recipe.

(NAPSI)Serving ham can be easier than ever with new recipes and experts on hand to help at the Ham Hotline, making it a delicious choice for every occasion from family celebrations to everyday meals and snacks. To help make every bite turn out right, anyone can turn to the experts at the Kentucky Legend Ham Hotline at (866) 343-5058, open weekdays March 1 to April 15, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The ham pros there have helped thousands of at-home chefs serve up ham as an economical, family-favorite meal. Theyve coached newlyweds creating their first big dinner, helped parents find kidfriendly ham recipes, and provided tips on ham basics, from choosing the right-size ham to glazing, heating and carving. Here are answers to the most- often-asked questions about ham preparation: When choosing a ham, plan on to pound of boneless ham per serving; to pound for bone-in hams. Most hams are precooked (read the label) and should be gently reheated at 325 F to an internal temperature of 140 F. To ensure a moist and

flavorful ham, place a pan of water in the oven when you reheat it. Ham can make anyone look like an accomplished cook in the kitchen, says Janet Sweeney, marketing director for Kentucky Legend Ham. Best of all, it tastes great at dinner and its easy to create delicious casseroles, salads and even appetizers with the leftovers. For example, you may care to try this popular casserole: Macaroni Ham Casserole 1 cup diced Kentucky

Legend ham cup chopped bell pepper cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon chopped pimiento 1 can cream of mushroom soup 7 to 8 ounces of uncooked macaroni cup milk 1 tablespoon chopped parsley cup shredded cheddar cheese In a skillet, saut bell pepper and onion in the tablespoon of butter for 5 minutes. Add ham and continue cooking until thoroughly heated. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Combine all ingredients except cheese, and pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 F for about 30 minutes, until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until melted. For more ham recipes plus exciting accompaniments such as mango salsa and garlic spinach, visit www.specialty foodsgroup.com.

Safe Have Plans Adoption Day

Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold an adoption day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, at Tractor Supply, 2970 Route 940, Pocono Summit.. 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.com. Join Safe Haven Pa on Facebook.

Adopt a Pet From Camp Papillon

Don't shop, adopt! Camp Papillon will hold an Adoption Day from 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, February 24 at Tractor Supply, Route 209, Brodheadsville. Come and meet the dogs, cats and critters that Camp Papillon has for adoption! Why not fill out an online application and get pre-approved in advance? Email adopt@camppapillon.or g. Or, if you are not ready to adopt, why not foster? We provide vet care, food, crates and whatever you need. All you supply is the love! Email volunteer@ camppapillon.org or visit our website www.camppapillon.org or phone (570)4200450. Come to Texas Roadhouse, Stroud Mall, Route 611, Stroudsburg on Thursday, March 28 between 4 PM and 10 PM. Mention Camp Papillon, and Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of the sale to Camp Papillon Pet Adoption & Rescue. For more information about Camp Papillon, visit www.Camp Papillon.org or call (570) 420-0450. Join Camp Papillon on Facebook.

Nominations Being Accepted For Outstanding Senior Awards

Nominations are currently begin accepted for the Outstanding Senior Awards, an annual recognition of persons age 60 and over, sponsored by the Advisory Council of the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging. The purpose of the Outstanding Services Awards is twofold. First, to honor older adults who have, through outreach, personal action, public service, educational efforts, or civic and humanitarian efforts, enriched our lives as a community. Second, but equally important, to inspire other members of the community, older adults and younger people, to contribute their time, talents and to develop a passion for helping others. Any person, age 60 or over who resides in Northampton County may be nominated. For further information on submitting a nomination, please contact Bernadette Sani at Northampton County Area Agency on Aging by calling 610-5593245. Nominations will be accepted until March 12th.

Older Adults: Keeping Your Ears Safe And Sound

(NAPSI)While being active outdoors, even in cold weather, can be both fun and healthful, its important to protect your body. For example, ears are particularly sensitive especially because they tend to be exposed to the elementsbut there are ways you can protect them. Rough weather, particularly cold conditions, can present challenges. Ears cool down very quickly because they have no protective fat tissue. The nerves in the ear canal run unprotected under the skin and may react with a strong pain impulse to changing temperatures. The risk of infection in the ears increases in cold conditions, as less blood is circulated. Cold and wind can irritate the ear canal, which often causes pain, while water in the ears can cause inflammation. Also, a cold head may cause cramped muscles in the neck region, which can lead to ear problems like tinnitus. People with hearing instruments should be aware that cold conditions can cause the battery to run out faster. In addition, condensation can occur inside the hearing instrument, causing an electronics failure. Fortunately, the experts at the nonprofit Hear the World Foundation, created by Phonak, offer these ear care dos and donts: Do keep your ears warm by wearing a hat, headband, earmuffs or a good ski helmet. Dont put cotton wool in your ears to protect them from the wind. This can actually cause inflammation in the ear canal. Do dry your ear canal as well as possible after showering, swimming or using a sauna. With care, you may be able to do this with a hair dryer. Dont neglect an ear infection. See your physician or an ENT specialist. Left untreated, an infection can get worse and cause serious damage. Do stick to a healthy diet and do plenty of exercise to stimulate blood circulation to your ears. Dont use hot water to warm up cold ears. Gently massage them instead. Tips For Hearing Instrument Users Always have spare batteries available. If batteries get cold, you can warm them for five minutes in your closed hand or in a pocket; do NOT use a lighter. Never put hearing instruments on a heater. Special drying containers, available from hearing care professionals, can prevent damage caused by condensation. Water-resistant hearing instruments are less susceptible to damage from condensation. For further facts and tips on ear care, go to www.Phonak.com.

(NAPSI)Though preparing and filing your income tax return may not be fun, you may be consoled by the fact that Uncle Sam is literally offering hundreds of credits and deductions this year. Though you wont qualify for all of them, you may qualify for some of the more common tax breaks, including: A Few Of This Years Tax Breaks The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $1,000 per eligible child and is refundable for taxpayers with an earned income of over $3,000. Parents who work or attend school and pay for child care may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The maximum amount

is $3,000 per qualifying dependent or $6,000 for two or more qualifying dependents under the age of 13. The Earned Income Credit is for working taxpayers with low to moderate income. The refundable credit amount is based on filing status, number of qualifying children and income level. Families with three or more qualifying children could qualify for up to $5,891. The refundability of the Adoption Credit has expired but the credit is still available and worth up to $12,650 in qualified expenses for 2012. You could deduct up to $4,000 for college tuition and fees paid in 2012. Paying off student loans? You may be able to deduct up to $2,500 in interest paid during 2012. The American Opportunity Tax Credit is worth up to $2,500 per student for postsecondary tuition, fees and course materials. Contributing to a Coverdell Education Savings Account? You can exempt a maximum of $2,000 per student in annual contributions. If itemizing your

deductions, you may be able to deduct mortgage insurance premiums paid in 2012. Expert Tips Now that you have these down, use these tips from TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage to make tax time easier: Get organized. Gather all your tax forms (W-2, 1099, 1098, etc.), receipts and a copy of last years return. Make sure you dont forget important information by using TaxACTs free return checklist at www.tax act.com/checklist. You can prepare, print and e-file your federal tax return free with TaxACT Free Federal Edition. It includes all e-fileable forms and offers instant, personalized help every step of the way. According to theIRS, more than nine out of 10 refunds were issued in fewer than 21 days last year. For the fastest possible refund, e-file and choose direct deposit. You can even track your federal refund with Wheres My Refund at www.irs.gov. Dont miss the filing

deadline if you want to avoid late-filing penalties and interest fees. If you need more time to file, e-file Form 4868, an automatic six-month extension, by the deadline. Just remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Be sure to pay all the taxes you owe by April 15th. Learn More Learn more about TaxACT Free Federal Edition and start your free return at www.taxact.com.

Remarks at Your Funeral

would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher, who made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow." The last guy replies, "I would like to hear them say, Look! He's Moving! ********************* Knock at the Door A new pastor was visiting the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door. Therefore, he took out a card and wrote, "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it, and stuck it in the door. When the offering was processed the following

Three friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are talking about you, what would you like them to say? The first guy says,"I would like to hear them say that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man." The second guy says, "I

Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, Genesis 3:10." Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid, for I was naked." ******************** Blondes Mailbox A man was in his front yard mowing grass when his beautiful, blonde, female neighbor came out of the house and went straight to the mailbox.

She opened it, looked inside, slammed it shut, and stormed back into her house. A little later she came out of her house again, went to the mailbox, again opened it, and slammed it shut again. Angrily, back into the house she went. As the man was getting ready to edge the lawn, here she came again. She marched to the mailbox, opened it and then slammed it closed harder than ever. Puzzled by her actions, the man asked her, "Is something wrong?" To which she replied, "There certainly is! My stupid computer keeps telling me I've got mail!"

Even after 100 years Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is finding ways to meet the needs of todays girls and adults. While many activities keep girls and adults busy in the fall and through the holidays, people often have a little more free time in the winter. Why not put that free time to good use and make a difference in the life of a group of girls in grades kindergarten through 5th grade. Volunteer to be a troop leader for girls who have been waiting for a troop or who have some time between sports

seasons. Heres how: Go on-line to www.gsep.org and click on For Volunteers and then Become a Volunteer. Complete the online application and clearance information. Next you will then be directed to sign-up for our on-line and local training, And you will be connected to local volunteers who will help you to get your troop up and running. They can also provide you with start - up meeting plans and on-going support to make this as simple as possible.

Practice Preventive Vehicle Maintenance

(NAPSI)Preventive maintenance is critical for keeping vehicles operating at optimum levels, says car-care expert Tricia Hecker, Head of Marketing for Mopar. To help, here are 10 items to check on your vehicle: 1. Brakes: Check pads, shoes, rotors, drums, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake hardware and the parking brake for wear and tear. 2. Tires: Closely inspect the tread and sidewall areas of tires for uneven or irregular wear. Correct air pressure helps prevent premature wear and supports fuel economy. Check the spare, too. 3. Battery: Check for corroded terminals and a bulging or cracked case. Test and replace battery if necessary. 4. Headlamps and Taillamps: Inspect and test all lamps to ensure proper function and alignment. 5. Shocks and Struts: Shocks and struts are the most overlooked service parts on a vehicle, but they affect ride control and comfort and can affect a number of related parts. 6. Engine Oil: Be sure it has the correct viscosity. Engine oil should be changed or replenished at factory-recommended intervals. Low or dirty fluids affect how an engine and its components perform and could cause engine damage. 7. Fluid Levels: All vehicle fluids and lubricants should be checked and changed at factoryrecommended intervals. Key fluids include antifreeze/coolant level and concentration, as well as power steering, brake, transmission and windshield washer fluids. 8. Engine Belts and Hoses: Replace belts and hoses at recommended intervals. 9. Air Filter: It protects the engine from airborne contaminants. Poor airflow to the engine inhibits performance and generates greater fuel consumption. A new air filter lets clean, unrestricted airflow into the engine and helps ensure proper performance for a longer life. 10. Wiper Blades: The lineup from Mopar, Chrysler Group LLCs service, parts and customer-care brands of wiper blades, includes Beam Blades, which provide superior allweather performance and aid driving visibility. A complete list of parts is at www.mopar.com. An interactive maintenance guide is at www.mopar.com/service /interactive-main tenance-guide.

Avoid Odometer Fraud

(NAPSI)Smart used car shoppers know theyre better able to get a car that can take them far if theyre not misled about mileage. According to the Consumer Federation of America, one in 10 used cars on the market has had its odometer rolled back. Fortunately, there are five ways you can tell if the car youre considering is among them: 1. Check the vehicles title and compare the mileage listed on the title with the cars odometer. 2. Compare the odometers mileage with mileage recorded on maintenance and inspection documents. 3. If the vehicle has a traditional mechanical odometer, check that the numbers are aligned correctly. 4. Examine the tires. The car should have its original tires if the odometer reads 20,000 miles or less. 5. Get a free Odometer Check at www.carfax. com/odo. Carfax provides trusted information that helps millions.

Children can give form to their emotions, ideas and feelings through art. (NAPSI)Heres an idea that may color how many children are raised: Artistic expression is vital for childhood growth, development and overall wellbeing during the early stages of life, according to Dr. Karen Hill-Scott, Ed.D., a nationally recognized expert in child care. The role of art in early child- hood education is critical in help- ing children develop necessary life skills and promote basic problem solving and selfesteem, she explained. Exposure to art not only encourages selfexpression through the representation of an object on paper but also stimulates the development of abstract ideas and concepts. Added parenting expert, licensed psychotherapist, author, relationship expert and media personality Stacy Kaiser, Innovation in education comes in all shapes and sizes. Many families with young children are finding that the size and shape of an e-book is one of the best. Education Through Art In fact, a new series of e-books and interactive i-books called The Drip Drops has been

designed to do just that. They have what Kaiser calls a unique ability to help young kids learn on a variety of platforms, making their stories that much more relevant to kids and parents of today. The only preschool app and e-book series that focuses on art and color as well as reading and overall creativity, it provides children ages 2 through 6 with the tools necessary to appreciate and investigate the world around them. Simplistic in style but rich in content, the charming cast of characters takes kids on a wonderful journey to Tint Town, where, with childrens help, they bring color to a blackand-white world. Each character has a unique personality and talent that kids can identify with. They work together in a community thats similar to most neighborhoods, com-

plete with a library, grocery store, school, town hall, and playground, but also a color-mixing park and alphabet orchard. Through a wide variety of engaging visual arts

activities, children can examine alternative solutions to problems using creative thinking, trial and error and teamwork. Learn more online at www.thedripdrops.com.