Gap Diner Celebrates 7th Anniversary

The Gap Diner, 1041 S. Broadway in Wind Gap is observing its seventh anniversary! Owner Jimmy Margetis is well known in the area for his cooking skills and his ability to operate restaurants. Jimmy owned the former Iris Restaurant in Bangor for many years before owning a restaurant in Kresgeville for twenty five years. His return to the area seven years ago was welcomed by former patrons, as well as new customers. He made extensive renovations when he purchased the Diner and it is bright and spacious. The menu at Gap Diner offers a wide variety of items that are sure to please everyone. The menu includes a large selection of salads, including Greek salads. Hot Open Sandwiches, Italian Delights, Steaks and Chops, Seafood, Chicken Platters, Appetizers, Triple Deckers, and burgers are
By Maria Cascario

Left to right: Diane Fenner, Evelyn LaPenna, Bev Keiper, Tony Frias, Donna Itterly, Laura Fielding. some of the choices. Homemade pasties are on the menu everyday. A childrens menu is also available. Gap Diner features Senior Citizen Discounts daily. Home made desserts including pies and cakes are popular with the customers. Friendly and efficient service has always been an important part of Jimmys businesses and of course, it is evident at Gap Diner. Bev Keiper, manager/chef, said, I enjoy my work here at Gap Diner. We like to please the customers and everything we serve is homemade. We also welcome customer input. Specials are featured on holidays and Gap Diner is a BYOB establishment. Take outs are available. The Diner is open twenty four hours and can be reached by calling 610-863-4342. Jimmy said, We take pride in our service and our food.

Wallace Returns To States: Surprises Boys at Washington Elementary

in Kuwait. Mr. Wallace touched ground on Sunday, but had to spend the next four days on base in Washington, DC. His two sons, Marten, Jr. and Eli, are students at the Washington Elementary school. Marten is a third grader in Miss Kristen Sayres classroom, and Eli is a first grader in Mrs. Candy Martinezs classroom. Miss Sayre and Mrs. Martinez collaborate with their students to Buddy Read. Buddy Reading is a fun way to make new friends while helping other people learn to read. In Buddy Reading, a person who knows how to read well reads with a person who can't read as well.

Marten Wallace with his boys at Washington Elementary School.

On Sunday, January 15th, Mr. Marten Wallace, GS14, stepped

off the airplane in Atlanta, GA and kissed the American soil. Mr.

Wallace returned to the United States after a nine month tour of duty

Congratulations to Jennifer Heitzman for making dean's list with a 3.8. She is a junior at ESU earning a degree in Speech Pathology. She is the daughter of Bill and Lori Heitzman of Bangor. There is an exhibit and sale reception by local fine artists from the Paint Box Art Club at the Nazareth Center for the Arts on Sunday, February 5th from 2pm to 4pm. Paint Box Art Club has local artists from Bangor, Easton, Allentown, Bethlehem, Saylorsburg, Nazareth

and the surrounding areas. The GFWC PA Womans Club of Pen Argyl will resume meeting at 7pm on Monday, February 6th, at St. John Lutheran Church, N. Westbrooke Avenue in Pen Argyl. Members are asked to bring items for a Show and Tell program. The 90th anniversary of the club will be celebrated at the annual club luncheon in June. Pen Argyl Club will be hosting the Northampton County Federation of Womans Clubs Arts

Contest and county meeting on Saturday, March 24th at St. John Church. Should there be inclement weather on Febbruary 6th, the club will meet on February 13th. The Bangor Public Library will hold a workshop for people looking to volunteer at the library. The workshop will be held on Saturday February 18th, at 10:30am at the library. If you are interested in volunteering at the library, you are welcome and encouraged to come and find out about volunteer opportunities. Volunteer opportunities include straightening shelves, filing cards, data entry, assisting library users in a various ways, checking books in and out, along with other activities as develop. Come and support your community library. There will be an All You Can Eat Breakfast on February 19th from 8am to 1pm at the Blue

Valley Farm Show Building, 707 American Bangor Road, Bangor. Come hungry leave with a full belly! Menu items include creamed chipped beef, pancakes, French toast, potatoes with and without onion, ham, bacon, sausage, kielbasa, scrambled eggs, eggs to order from Chef Bob and a lot of baked goods. The cost is $8 for adults; $4 for children ages six to 12; and children under six are free. The East Bangor Methodist Church will be holding it's monthly pastie sale on Tuesday February 7th. The pickup will be 3:30pm at the church, 136 W. Central Ave. East Bangor. The choices are beef with or without onion and broccoli cheese with or without onion. To order call 610-588-1745. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to us at: The PRESS 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013

Here is a list of the new items added to the collection of the Bangor Public Library during the week January 12 through 18, 2012. Adult fiction: Barr, Nevada, The rope; Clark, Mary Jane, The look of love; Lott, Bret, Dead low tide; OConnell, Carol, The chalk girl; Proulx, Annie, Accordion crimes; Proulx, Annie,

Bad dirt. Large Print fiction: Grafton, Sue, V is for vengeance; Robb, J.D., New York to Dallas. Adult non-fiction: Hoving, Thomas, Art for dummies; Montrose, Sharon, Labs. Young Adult nonfiction: Cavallaro, Dani, Art for beginners; Colbert, David, The magical worlds of the Lord of the rings.

Slate Belt AARP Chapter News

The Slate Belt Area Bangor Chapter # 4135 of AARP will meet at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 13th at the Slate Belt Senior Center located on AmericanBangor road in the Blue Valley Farm Show Auditorium. A representative from Coordinated Health will present a program on their new facility being built in Wind Gap. The chapter made monetary donations to the Pen Argyl Salvation Army, Families First of Pen Argyl and Bangor Slater Network. During 2011 The Nimble Fingers group of knitters and crocheters have made and donated 880 infant hats for the nurseries at St. Lukes Hospital, Easton Hospital and Pocono Medical Center. The group has been making and donating these hats since 2005 and to date have donated 4,471 hats said Marlene Buskirk who chairs this commu nity project. They have also made and donated 61 hats for young people at Bangor Area School District. Community Service Chairman Nancy Parrish collected $234 in 2011 for servicemen, purchased items and filled five packages which were mailed to servicemen. She also collected non-perishable food items for two months which were donated to the food pantry at the Pen Argyl Salvation Army. Earlier in the year Mrs. Parrish took a collection of over $200 which was donated to the families who lost their homes in the explosion in Allentown. The Allentown Salvation distributed the money. Meetings are held the second Monday of the month at 1:30pm at the Slate Belt Senior Center located at the Blue Valley Farm Auditorium. Show

Bangor GFWC Hosts Arts Festival

The Bangor GWC hosted their annual Arts Festival at their January meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Johnsonsville, PA. They had 195 entries from the local schools. The winners for Student Art were: Grades 1 to 3 - 1st Tori Frey, Washington Twsp; 2nd Domnick Ajamin, Five Points; and 3rd Megan Everhardt, Washington Twsp. Grades 4 to 6 - 1st Bryce Kiefer-Nogueral, DeFranco; 2nd Saieli S a n t i a g o - Ve g a , DeFranco; 3rd Cassy Salgado, DeFranco; and Honorable Mention Kaela Rauch, DeFranco. Grades 7 to 9 - 1st Anita Suaez, Bangor Middle; 2nd Michael Mazzella, Bangor Middle; and 3rd Arron Pysher, Bangor Middle. The winners for Student Photography were: Grades 10 to 12 Color 1st Nicole Smith, Bangor High; 2nd Hannah Cyphers, Faith Christian; and 3rd Rachel Cooper, Faith Christian. Grades 10 to 12 Black & White - 1st Nicole Smith, Bangor High and 2nd Hannah Cyphers, Faith Christian. GFWC Member winners were: Crafts Decorated Picture Frame - Virginia DePue; Triple Strand Bracelet Carolyn Smith; Crocheted Scarf - 1st Dorothy Aversano and 2nd Maria LaMagna; Scrap Book Page Dorothy Aversano. Culinary: Muffins - 1st Carolyn Smith, 2nd Ida Mae Ehle, and 3rd Pauline Fox; Hors D'oeuvres - 1st Deanna Keyser and 2nd Carolyn Smith. Poetry: 18 entries and Short Stories: 17 entries were received. These are not judged locally, but go directly to the County Competetion. The first place Student Art and Photograpy and Member entry winners will now be entered in the County GFWC Arts Festival in March. Bangor GFWC thanks all the participating schools, teachers, and students for making this a wonderful art display. The winners there progress to the State Competetion.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church February Events

Stroudsburg Aglow Welcomes Laverne Weber To February Fellowship Meeting

The Stroudsburg Aglow will meet on Saturday, February 11th, at 9:30am at the St. Peters United Methodist Church in Saylorsburg. Refreshments start at 9:30am with a $2 donation. Fellowship starts at 10am. Laverne Weber serves as Pennsylvania East Central Aglow Area President. She believes in Aglow and has seen the powerful effect it has in the women who attend. She is also the founder of Victorys Journey Ministries, a ministry to those who are hurting from past pain and abuse. Her desire is for every woman to experience the freedom and joy available in Christ. Laverne is an ordained minister, a registered nurse, and a teacher. She moves freely in the Spirit and has a unique ability to minister to those who are hurting. She received her calling into the Lords service as a missionary child in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The Webers have three grown children and three grandchildren. Laverne currently serves as womens pastor under her husband Pat at Faith Community Assembly of God in Palmer Township, Easton. Come and hear the Word that God has prepared. If you have any questions or need directions, call 610-614-0507 or email stroudsburg aglow@verizon.com.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 2445 Lake Minsi Drive, as an ongoing process, has the congregation collecting and donating baby items to create layettes for newborns and their mothers. The community could help by donating items for the layette or giving a monetary gift to help purchase items, and sharing their time to prepare the layettes at the Baby Shower. On Saturday, February 4th, from 10am until noon, the shower will be held in the fellowship hall to assemble the layettes for packing. The Lutheran World Relief will distribute the gifts around the world when needed. Call Michele Harrison at 610-8638398 or Joanne Schipps at 610-588-9986 if you have questions. The Prince of Peace youth have been busy sponsoring a Hoagie Sale on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5th, Offered is a 6 inch hoagie for $5 and a choice of Italian, turkey or tuna, with or without onions. Pick up will be at the church. You may call Judy Trigg at 908-362-6569

for ordering or further information. Friday, February 10th, come and enjoy a great evening at their Silent Auction with over 300 items up to bid. Assorted filled baskets, gift contributions from area businesses, oil paintings, glassware and so much more. Bidding begins at 5:30pm, and will end at different intervals. Food will be available. Ash Wednesday service, February 22nd, will be held at 10:30am with Holy Communion and imposition of Ashes. The evening service willbe held at 7pm with Holy Communion and imposition of Ashes. February 29th will be the first Sunday in Lent. Mid-week services during Lent will be held on Wednesday evenings, continuing for five weeks. Standard worship services will be held throughout the month; Saturdays at 5:30pm, and Sundays at 8am and 10:30am with Holy Communion on the fits Sunday of every month. For more information, call 610-588-2355 or visit their website at www.popbangor.org.

News of Older Americans: Retirees Get Involved

(NAPSI)Recent retirees are looking to community organizations for meaningful ways to stay active and these organizations are tapping into the retirees expertise by creating meaningful opportunities for them to contribute. In addition to traditional roles like delivering meals or providing rides, community organizations are now looking to skilled volunteers for program development, mentoring, leadership coaching, tutoring and providing management assistance for nonprofit organizations. With cuts in funding and the demand for critical services on the rise, volunteers help fill the void by sharing knowledge from their years of professional experience to help those in their community. Volunteering is an excellent way to stay active, stay healthy and make a difference. If you are a recent retiree looking for new opportunities, find out how your skills might benefit your area by calling (800) 677-1116.

A Healthy Mouth At Any Age

ciation (ADA) president. Today, thanks to community water fluoridation, good dental habits and regular dental visits, more people are keeping their teeth. The ADA promotes the benefits of seniorfriendly dental offices with dental staff trained to understand the special needs of the elderly. The ADA encourages caregivers and patients to discuss all treatment recommendations with their dentists and to ask questions to clarify anything they may not understand. Your Age Affects Your Teeth: Older adults might not feel pain from deep cavities because their teeth are less sensitive. More than 90 percent of seniors take at least one prescription medication daily and a common side effect is dry mouth, which can contribute to bad breath, tooth decay, mouth sores and infections. As you age, fillings, crowns and bridges can shrink and crack, letting cavities form. Having these problems corrected early will help keep the mouth healthy for many years to come. Visiting your dentist regularly lets him or her treat tooth problems when theyre manageable and check overall mouth health. This includes looking for signs of oral cancer, which in the early stages might not cause any symptoms or pain. More than 20 percent of those 75 and older have moderate or severe gum disease, in which the gums begin to pull away from teeth, forming pockets where bacteria can grow unchecked. Regular checkups can help prevent gum disease. Caretakers should help older adults keep regular dental visits. Little problems that go untreated can turn into big problems, even lifethreatening ones, later on, such as developing a possibly life-threatening abscess. Preventing dental disease is the best approach. Learn more at www.ada.org.

(NAPSI)A healthy mouth is an asset at any agecontributing to your general health and improving your quality of life. Not long ago, most people lost their teeth by middle age, says Dr. William R. Calnon, American Dental Asso-

Together they choose a book that isn't too hard and find a good spot to read. Buddy Reading helps the person who can't read as well hear the sounds of words when someone else

reads with them. When they learn the sounds of the words better, they are able to figure out the pronunciation of the words. The better reader helps the other reader as they read the book together. The readers can take turns reading, or read the words together. The better reader can help with pronuncia-

tion, the meaning of words, and understanding the story. They also can ask questions as they read. The buddy can give clues when the student reader gets stuck on a word. After their Buddy Read, Miss Sayre read a book from the library to the classes entitled, While You

Are Away by Eileen Spinelli. This book was dedicated to servicemen and servicewomen who work away from home for long periods of time. It talks about ways to keep family members close in your hearts and minds while they are away until they can return home.

While the students were Buddy Reading, little did Eli and Marten know their father was signing in at the school office to surprise them with a visit. While in the office, Mr. Wallace shared some insight of his experiences. He talked about things he experienced in Kuwait that we

take for granted in the US. Simple commodities like running water were among a few things he appreciated coming home to. When asked if they had anything special planned for the weekend, Mr. Wallace replied with a smile, Well, we are going to White Castle!

Bangor Hardware, Inc. awarded another lucky customer with a $1,000 Shopping Spree out of their Fall Catalog. Alberta Schuyler of East Bangor was selected from thousands of entries submitted. Amanda is the 14th winner of this semi-annual event, sponsored by Bangor Hardware, Inc. and their wholesaler, Do it Best Corporation. Congratulations, Alberta!

Slide In, Slide Out at Sliders on Broadway in Wind Gap

Hey everybody! Theres a new shop in town! Sliders Grill on Broadway recently opened in Wind Gap and is bringing innovative sandwich creations to town. Conveniently located at 21 S. Broadway (Rt. 512) Brothers Tom and Dan Hill have completely renovated the inside of the old State Farm buildingto accommodate a spotless venue with an open kitchen design. Tom and Dan also own H&H Construction and with the economy being slow they decided to fulfill a long time dream of building a Takeout shop that makes only high quality great tasting sandwiches. The brothers have been cooking for friends and family for many years and have always wanted to have a have a place of their own. In an interview with the brothers Tom said their goal is to serve the best food available for a reasonable price. So many times shop owners cut quality after time and both the customers and owners ultimately suffer for it. Sliders

Grill will NEVER cut quality and will always use top shelf products including Angus Beef, Rib Eye and Delmonico Steak meats, Fresh Bagels and Bread. We get fresh rolls daily from Philadelphia to make our Cheese Steaks, Chicken Steaks, Angus Burgers, Italian hoagies and our breakfast sandwiches. So far the town has welcomed us with open arms and great

enthusiasm! Our Slider Burgers and Cheesesteaks are getting great reviews from our customers and everyone seems very pleased so far! We also offer a Marinated Grilled Chicken Salad or Sand-

wich for a healthy choice. Sliders Grills winter hours are currentlyMonday through Saturday 7:00 Am until 8:00 Pm They can be reached at 610-863 8881 Call it in and take it out!

Mattioli Family Statement on Passing of Dr. Joseph Mattioli

January 26, 2012- It is with the upmost remorse that we announce that Dr. Joseph Mattioli passed away this afternoon. His loss has left with each of us an unbearable sadness, which well bear with us for the rest of our lives. Doc was a true leader in every sense of the word. As a visionary, he brought an unknown sport into an alien place, where he along with his unstoppable will and undeniable tenacity built one of the biggest monuments of sports. His passion for his projects was only overshadowed by his deep love for his family, which he gave to all of us hand over fist. Beyond our family, he had a true love and admiration for the wonderful members of his North Eastern Pennsylvania Community. He had a great respect for all of the great people that laid the foundations of prosperity before him, and an even greater hope for the future of our area, which he believed lies in its youth. He leaves not only his family, but also everyone hes ever met with an insatiable desire to take life by the horns. He always lived life on his own terms He did it his way. Every mans life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. - Ernest Hemingway. He died loved, respected, and admired.

Good News For Pet Lovers Can Get Better

Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. If enough people in our nation choose adoption, we can eliminate the euthanasia of healthy and treatable pets in our country. The campaign hopes to encourage people to adopt from shelters by explaining that A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet. The Shelter Pet Project is the first animal welfare campaign that the Ad Council has undertaken in its 60year history. The campaign was taken on in partnership with The Humane Society of the United States and Maddies Fund. According to Maddies Fund president Rich Avanzino, We are hopeful that the new ads will also inspire the 14 million animal lovers who have already adopted to tell their friends why shelters are the first and best places to go for a new fourlegged family member. The ads, created pro bono by Draftfcb, focus on the relationship between shelter pets and their owners by featuring pets observing their humans quirky yet lovable behaviors. We are confident that the optimism of our message will resonate with the millions of potential adopters who are still out there and bring us even closer to our goal, said Nick Paul, EVP, global chief growth officer, Draftfcb.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for people who love animals. The percentage of dogs and cats in homes adopted from shelters and rescue groups has risen from 27 to 29 percent in the last few years, while the number of healthy and treatable pets losing their lives for lack of a home has dropped from 3 million to 2.7 million. It would be even better news if that number dropped to zero. Thats the goal of The Shelter Pet Project, the national PSA campaign to encourage pet lovers to make shelters the first choice and desired way for acquiring companion animals. The television, radio, print, outdoor and Web public service ads direct audiences to visit www.theshelterpetproje ct.org, where they can

search for a pet from a local shelter or rescue group, read adoption success stories and learn more about pet adoption. Approximately 17 million people will acquire a pet within the next year, but many remain undecided where they will acquire their pet. Pets end up in shelters through no fault of their ownthey are often victims of circumstance, said Wayne

Plainfield Township Vol. Fire Co. Changes Name of Social Hall

Effective in late 2011, Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company has changed the name of their Social Hall to Charters Banquet Facility. The Plainfield Twp. Vol. Fire Co. decided to go with the name Charters to recognize and honor the Charter Members of the Fire Company. It was in 1961; nearly 200 years after the formation of the township, a group of caring residents joined forces and mortgaged their homes to form what is today known as the Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company. If it was not for those Charter Members, the fire company nor their banquet facility would be here today. Whether it is a business looking to host a holiday party, a bride and groom looking to have a wedding reception, or a family looking to host a Sweet 16 Birthday Party; the Charters Banquet Facility at Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company will accommodate your needs as best as possible no matter what the occasion. The banquet facility has two separate rooms and a pavilion available for rentals. The large room can accommodate up to 500 guests whereas; the small room can accommodate up to 50 guests; and the pavilion can accommodate up to 175 guests. For your next event, please contact the banquet facility at 610.863.7383 or email banquetfacility@plainfi eldfireco.com.

Home Maintenance: Sealing Homes After Winters Wrath

(NewsUSA) - The winter weather trifecta of ice, snow and wind can leave a house full of new cracks and openings, rendering it defenseless when spring brings rain and unexpected pests. Unfortunately, the total damage left by winter's wrath may not be known until after pests have already invaded your home. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), more than half of homeowners are concerned about pest damage to their homes and property -- and rightfully so. "Increased moisture from melting ice and snow can create cracks and holes in roofs and foundations, allowing weeks, posing serious health risks to homeowners and their families," advised Henriksen. The first step toward keeping spring pests outdoors is to repair any obvious damage. The NPMA recommends the following advice: * Look for missing roof shingles, ripped window screens and clogged gutters, all of which are as inviting as a "Pests welcome" vacancy sign. * Seal cracks and holes, including entry points for utilities and pipes. * Replace weatherstripping, and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows. For more information, visit pestworld.org.

pests easy access," said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for the National Pest Management Association. "Ice dams, which form on roofs and prevent snow from melting, are especially problematic as they can damage walls, ceilings, insulation and drywall, with resulting moisture attracting pests such as

termites and carpenter ants." If pests have already found their way indoors, immediate action is recommended. "Homeowners should deal with a pest problem right away since household pests breed relatively quickly. A small pest problem can result in a full-blown infestation in a matter of