By Maria Cascario Brunch With The Author at the Bangor Public Library on Saturday, July 20th, was a fun

and entertaining experience! The Friends of the Library invited Lehigh Valley author Phil Giunta to be their guest. Those of us sitting

around the conference table in the upstairs level felt as though we had known him all our lives as he casually and interestingly spoke of his writings in the paranormal, sci-fi genres. He told the audience he knew he wanted to be a writer as far back as the

fifth grade and began writing fan fiction in college. He works in the field of IT but admits Writing is my life and I hope to continue it. My first love is science fiction. He said he lives by the motto, Write or Die! I think its important for an author to go out to

the public and engage with the readers, He continued. Its been a great joy to be a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group, an extremely helpful organization which encourages networking and the exchange of ideas. Phil read from his story in ReDeus: Beyond Borders, which was well received. Phil graduated from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. His first novel, a paranormal mystery called Testing the Prisoner, debuted in March 2010 from Firebringer Press. His second novel in the same genre, By Your Side, was released March 2013. In August 2012, he was among an exclusive group of authors selected to participate in Crazy 8 Press's new venture, ReDeus, a collection of anthologies and novels

Pen Argyl Area High School will distribute yearbooks for 20122013 on Friday, August 9th, from 10am to 1pm in the Alumni Gym Lobby. Yearbooks may also be picked up after this date in the high

school office, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 2:30pm. If you have any questions, please call 610-863-1293. We would like to wish Dave and Christopher Castano very Happy Birthdays! They will be

celebrating on August 1st. Duane Goose Meixsell will be celebrating his birthday on August 4th. Have a fantastic day, Goose! We would like to wish Sandy Capone a very Happy Birthday on August 6th. Plainfield Township Athletic Association with the cooperation of Pen Argyl Field Hockey coaching staff will be offering a youth field hockey program this fall. The program will focus on increasing interest to the sport, teach field hockey skills and finish with a few games in the final weeks of the season. Please review the attached flyer for the program and contact Alyssa Polise at 610217-0477 or Polise.Alyssa@penargy lsd.org with any questions. The Northampton Cty. 4-H Fair will be held at the Northampton Ct. 4-H Center, 777

Bushkill Center Rd., Nazareth on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 9th through 11th. The fair is free and open to the public, and will include food, games, animals and a petting zoo. For more information, call 610-746-1970. Join Mt. Eaton Church as they Jump into an epic, real life adventure and put our faith in motion the week of August 5th through 9th from 6pm to 8:30pm. Children from Pre-K thru 6th will enjoy dynamic storytelling, live drama, engaging music, and fun crafts, games and snacks. For more information or to pre-register, parents are encouraged to call 570-992-7050 or visit www.mounteatonchurch .org. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to: 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 of July 11th to July 17th, 2013. Adult Fiction: Deveraux, Jude, True Love; Harbison, Beth, Chose the wrong guy, gave him the wrong finger; King, Stephen, Toyland; Rand, Ayn, Atlas shrugged; Wiehl, Lis, Waking hours. Adult Non-Fiction: Fullilove, Michael,

Rendezvous with destiny; Martin, Brett, Difficult men; Sandberg, Sheryl, Lean In. Large Print Fiction: Frey, Stephen, Hell's gate. Young Adult Fiction: Lupica, Mike, Miracle on 49th Street. Young Adult NonFiction: Matthews, Rubert, The World Wars. Easy Fiction: Burke, Bobby, Daddy's little girl.

By Maria Cascario Mary Ann Cannavo, formerly of Roseto, is a self professed wanderer and has lived in Denver and Seattle since she graduated Penn State University in 1977. She has been living in Taormina, Sicily for the past eight years and her journey to Sicily, both geographically and spiritually, has been an interesting one! Coming from Roseto, and being Italian American, I have the love of Italy in my heart and some of its history in my blood. She was referring to her grand- parents, especially her grandfather; the Bert in the name Mary Bert, who was Sicilian. She visited Italy for the first time in 1987 and toured Rome, Venice, Florence, Roseto and Tuscany. In 2000, she went to Tuscany with eighteen members of her family and she said The terra called and from that point forward, I knew this was my destiny. In Seattle, she joined an Italian Club and looked for contacts for employment opportunities in Italy. She joined the Dante Alighieri Society to learn the Italian language and came up with the idea of tourism in Italy as an avenue of employment and in October, 2001, she was working in Rome. The transition wasnt easy, it was a process but she worked through it and now feels like shes a part of the fabric of Italy. She decided to live in Sicily because she loved the lifestyle. Its smaller, less complicated, more pure, more beautiful and is filled with surprises every day. Priorities are food, family and conversation. Sicily is a magical island with its Greek temples and Roman ruins. Its 2700

years of history and encompasses a mosaic of cultures. I work with small private companies who look at travel as a journey and are normally centered around a theme such as Cooking Lessons In Italia, Wine Tasting, and so on. The tour groups are composed of sixteen to twenty four people whom she accompanies as host and she is their liaison through their journey. She also enjoys working with smaller, private groups like three or four couples, small family groups or day excursions. She likes to personalize her tours to her clients wishes. She enjoys taking clients to places considered to be off the beaten path and places less traveled. One of the highlights she incorporates in tourist itineraries is visiting Mt. Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. The clients are amazed at the sunsets on Mt. Etna. She said Ive met so many interesting people and I feel fortunate to experience the wonders of

Italy. Mary Ann guides tours up and down the peninsula of Italy, not just Sicily. Summers, she does day excursions to Etna, the Aeolian Islands, Syracuse and the towns where Francis Ford Coppola filmed The Godfather. When asked if she misses home, she said The only thing I really miss is my family, especially my mother and my brother Bert, who visits every year for two weeks. Mary Ann comes back to the states for one month each year to visit her extended family. Who said You cant go home again? Sono Maria (meaning I am Maria) did just that. Sicily to me is just like growing up in Roseto in the 50s and 60s. What began as the love of the terra now includes Franco too! This self-professed adventurous native of Roseto is thriving in this new chapter of her life and enjoying life to the fullest under the shadow of Mt. Etna and the breathtaking beauty of the Sicilian countryside.

The second of three annual Richmond Lions Club Chicken Bar-BQue dinners will be available at Jacktown Community Center on Saturday, August 3rd, from 4pm to 6:30pm. The menu includes 1/2 barbecued chicken, baked potato, baked beans, spiced cabbage, roll and a beverage. Take-outs will be available. Only 450 dinners will be prepared. A limited number of tickets will be available at the site, however, in order to alleviate the dissapoint-

ment of confronting a sold out situation, please reserve or purchase a reservation from a Richmond Lion or by calling 610-588-0455 or 610588-8334. The Jacktown

Blue Valley Farm Show Announces 2013 Baking Contests and Rules
The Annual Blue Valley Farm Show will be held August 20th through 24th, weekdays, 5pm to 11pm, and Saturday, 11am to 11pm. During the 68th annual show, several baking contests will be held. Vegetable Quick Bread Contest: 1. One loaf of quick (non-yeast) bread, baked in a 9x5 pan and displayed on a paper plate or cardboard. 2. Recipe must include at least one cup or more of the following PA grown vegetables asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, greens, eggplant, garlic, horseradish, leeks, onion, parsley, peas, pepper, pumpkin, spinach, summer squash zucchini, sweet corn, sweet potatoes, turnips, winter squash or tomatoes. 3. Judging Criteria: Overall Appearance, 25 points; Inside Characteristics (texture and doneness), 25 points; Flavor, 25 points; Creativity, 25 poitns. 4. Individual must be a Pennsylvania resident. 5. Recipe must accompany the entry. Prizes: 1st, $40; 2nd, $20; 3rd, $10. 26th Annual Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest: 1. Open to any individual who is a Pennsylvania resident; one entry per person. 2. NEW: Entrants may NOT have won 1st place in this Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest at any other fair in 2013. 3. Entry must be a pie that must include at least 60% apples in the filling. It does not need to be a traditional two-crusted apple pie and it can have a variety of fillings. 4. The entire pie must be submitted for judging in a disposable pie pan. If your own baking dish is used, the Farm Show is not responsible for any damages. Also, all pie plates must be pickd up by the first Tuesday after Labor Day or they will become property of the Blue Valley Farm Show. 5. Recipe must be submitted with entry for the pie and pie crust, printed on one side of an 8.5x11 sheet of paper. Recipe must list all ingredients, quantities and the preparation instructions. Entrants name, address and phone number must be printed on the back side of all the pages. 6. Refrigeration is not available at the Farm Show. Entries that require refrigeration after baking must indicate so in the recipe. Those entries will not be sold, auctioned or otherwise distributed for consumption after judging for food safety reasons. 7. Judging will be based on the following criteria: flavor, 30 points; filling: consistency, doneness, moistness and flavor, 25 points; crust: color, flavor, texture, doneness, 20 points; overall appearance, 15 points; creativity, 10 points. Prizes: 1st, $40; 2nd, $20; 3rd, 10. First place winner is elligible for 2014 PA Farm Show competition. Next weeks edition will have the PA Preferred Chocolate Cookie, Brownie or Bar Contest; PA Preferred Chocolate Cake Contest; and the Angel Food Cake Contest.

(NAPSI) Great outdoor living is more than just a trend these days; modern cocooning demands an open-air living space. The deck, the patio, the outdoor kitchenthis is where people are turning for rest and relaxation when time or money limits vacation as an option. So the deck should offer the same elements that a pleasant in-the-house room delivers: comfort, space and aesthetic touches that make it welcoming. Just about everyone loves plants, especially as a design touch on the deck. Making a planter box from treated lumber or cedar is an easy way to get more green in your life, so here are some ideas for making a planter at home. A square planter box looks great, but adding a 10degree angle to the front adds a nice distinguishing detail. A single 2 x 8 x 8 ACQ-treated board, a drill and a saw, and a few hand tools are all youll need to complete this project. Before beginning, heed a few tipsalways use clamps, wear appropriate eye protection and be sure to use a highquality blade on your circular saw. The Bosch Daredevil blade has a hardened plate that runs straight, and triple-sharp carbide teeth leave a nice finish. You will need to cut five piecestwo 24 longtwo angled side pieces (51/2 x 8 with an 8 x 11/2 triangle removed) and a bottom piece (21 x 41/4one edge beveled inward). The angled details create the visual appeal but are difficult to cut without a good blade. A drill, 3 exteriorgrade screws, a screw tip, a 1/8 drill bit and a c o u n t e r s i n k t h a t s everything needed for assembly. Clamp sides

Building a beautiful planter for your outdoor enjoyment may be easier than you think.

24 apart, with wedge shape pointing upward. Fasten the 24 front and back to the sides. Unclamp and turn the project over; drop the bottom in from the top so the bevel aligns with the front angle. Fasten the bottom (drill/countersink). Finally, use a 3/8 Bosch Daredevil spade bit to drill holes through the bottom of the planter (dont hit screws); its threaded tip pulls the bit through the wood. Also consider cedar instead of treated lumber for decorative appeal; place mulch or rocks in the bottom to allow for proper drainage. For detailed step-bystep directions and plans on how to build this planter (including photos), visit www.bethepro.com/ddoutdoor/. At the site, youll also have an opportunity to suggest projects youd like to build in the future, everything from a decorative bridge to a pergola.

satin nickel, polished brass and Tuscan bronze. Changing It Up Replacing door handles is one of the simple projects homeowners can undertake to add convenience and refresh the look of their homes. Whether its installing privacy locks on a master bedroom or even replacing the exterior lock and dead bolt on a front door, all locks can be installed using only a ( N A P S I ) H e r e s news of an innovation many Americans will want to get their hands on: better door knobs. Since the U.S. patent for the door knob was awarded in 1878, Americans have rotated door handles trillions of times. Now, an advancement in door handle technology makes opening any door as easy as pushing or pulling a knob or lever. No Turning Back Now You can open the door even when your hands are full, using new Push Pull Rotate knobs and levers from Brinks Home Security. With an elbow, a hip or even a single finger, you can push or pull open doors without having to set down your groceries, your toddler or your mobile phone. On a patio door, it makes carrying food in and out a breeze. On an infants room door, it can mean putting baby to bed without jostling him or her awake. Even if your hands arent full, its just an easier way to get through a door. Theres no mechanical reason that a door knob has to turn openits just the way we have always done it. These new Push Pull Rotate handles allow you to open a door three ways, so if your hands are greasy from the garage or covered in barbecue sauce, you dont have to worry about getting the door open, said Julie Ernest of Hampton Products, creators of the product. Even though pushing or pulling on a door is new, the classic architectural design of these interior and exterior handles can complement any modern or traditional home, with finishes available in

Phillips screwdriver. Security features found in Push Pull Rotate entry locks include pick, bump and drill resistance and anti-pry shields. These door handles are available at Lowes and lowes.com, and can be easily rekeyed right in the store to match your existing house key. Learn More Get more information at www.bhsppr.com or call (800) 562-5625.

depicting the return of all the world's mythological gods. This series was created by veteran authors Bob Greenberger, Aaron Rosenberg, Paul Kupperberg, and Steven Savile. Phil's short story about the Celtic gods, "There Be In Dreams No War", was featured in the premiere anthology, ReDeus: Divine Tales. Two additional anthologies are planned for 2013. Phil is currently editing a short story collection titled Somewhere in the Middle of Eternity for Firebringer Press.

He is also the narrator of an audio version of Testing the Prisoner, which can be heard for free at Podiobooks.com. The audio version of By Your Side is forthcoming on the Prometheus Radio Theatre feed: http://prometheus.libsyn pro.com. Visit Phil's website at http://www.philgiunta.c om Phil said it was an honor to be invited to the Library and he graciously accepted a slate plaque from Wanda Cole, President of Friends of the Library. His book, By Your Side is available at the Library. The Brunch With the Author is a semi- annual event which is looked forward to by members of the community.

The Pocono - Slate Belt Shooting Association has announced scores from their Summer League trapshoot #14. First: Georges Plumbing: 247, 3432; Ken Parks, Sr., 50; Len Cobosco, 50; Hank Stillwell, 50; James Holton, 49; Jim Heddon, 48. Second: Roseto Rod & Gun Club: 247, 3423; Jay Dennis, 50; Doug Shuster, 50; Andy Hensel, 49; Chris Boheim, 49; Pete Ducharme, 49. Third: Mountain Men: 247, 3413; Scott Rinker, 50; Bill Ross, 50; Frank Kelly, 49; Lori D., 49; Lee Marsh, 49. Fourth: Barn Dwellers: 245, 3402; Charlie Benson, 50; Brendan Doorly, 49; Dean Schafer, 49; Pete Gheller, 49; George Jenkins, 48. Fifth: Hartzells Auction: 243, 3317; Dennis Cacciola, Sr., 50; John Hartzell, 50; Gerald Rutt, 48; Herb Rutt, 48; Dennis Cacciola, Jr., 47; MaryAnn Cacciola, 47; Sherman Schoonover, 47. Sixth: Cherry Valley: 241, 3311; Bob Touw, 49; John Gnall, 49; Herb Ziegler, 48; Art Krueger 48; Mike Sanderson, 47; Dennis Collins, 47. Seventh: Washington Twp. Fire Co.: 227, 3037; George Abt, 49; Steve Tranotti, 47; Frank Anderson, 45; Bucky Carr, 44; Justin Tirella, 42.

The East Bangor United Methodist Community Church welcomes you to a FREE Community BBQ Dinner on Sunday, August 4th, from 4:00 6:00 p.m. Enjoy barbecued chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and all the fixin's. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor. (Visit every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for free personal care items.) Questions? call 610588-4453 or visit www.ebumc.org. The Church is having a Campfire/Game Night"

on Friday, August 4th, at 6:30 p.m. Families are invited for fun & fellowship under the

stars. Bring a lawn chair, a favorite snack, and any outdoor game you might have.

Are your children in danger in Mt. Carmel, Pius X, Bangor, Pen Argyl or Wind Gap Schools? PA Common Core is at the Doors of our schools. Get the facts at a town meeting with expert guest speakers. Mt. Bethel Plaza, Route 512 (Furniture Depot) on July 31st, 7pm. Limited seating, adults only. 3rd Annual Jake Miller Memorial Run: August

3rd, 10am, 537 Batts Switch Road, Nazareth, to Wind Gap American Legion. FMI, call Richard at 610-881-4234. Ice Cream Social: 4pm to 8pm, Saturday, August 3rd (Rain Date August 10th). Featuring: Bill Clinton & the Keystone Troubadours, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 703 S. Delaware Drive, Mt. Bethel. Info: Chrissy at 610-588-0809.

North Bangor Vol. Fire Co. All You Can Eat Breakfast: Sunday, August 4th, 7am to noon. 301 Lake Minsi Drive, Bangor. Roseto Boroughs National Night Out: August 6th, 5:30pm, at Roseto Ball Park. Includes a picnic and Cake Walk. East Bangor Methodist Church Monthly Pastie

Sale: Tuesday August 6th. Pickup will be at the Church 136 W. Central Ave. at 3:30pm. Choices are beef with or without onion and broccoli chesse with or without onion. Call 610-588-1745. Blue Mountain Garden Club Meeting: August 7th, 7pm, East Bangor Park. Topic: Hummingbird Flowers. 14th Annual Columbia

Fire Co. Golf Outing: Friday, August 9th. For more information please contact 610-588-0597 or visit www.columbiafireco.org for a registration form. New Approach Presents 43rd Cancer Benefit: The Time of Your Life August 9th and 10th, 7:30pm, August 11th, 2pm, at Bangor Area Middle School. Proceeds benefit Dale & Frances Hughes Cancer Center. Salem UCC Peach Festival: Saturday, August 10th, 3pm to 9pm; 2218 Community Drive (Rt.946) Bath. In case of rain, in the church from 3pm to 7pm; Bring lawn chairs or sit at tables. Portland Pets, 501 Delaware Avenue, Portland: Free Dog Wash for donations on Saturday, August 10th from 11am to 4pm. Proceeds will go to the Portland Hook & Ladder #1. Pocono Pride Girls Fast Pitch Softball - Player Evaluations: 8/10 Mt. Pocono, Oak St. 16U-18U 10AM-12PM / 12U-14U 12:30PM - 2:30PM; 8/24 Pen Argyl Green & White Field, "C" St. off of Rt. 512 16U-18U 10AM12PM / 12U-14U 12:30PM - 2:30PM; 8/25 East Bangor Park, Park & Cleveland St. 12U-18U 9:30AM - 12PM. Visit www.poconopride.com or contact Dan Boccia at 570-977-6393. Movie Night at Bangor Park: August 10th at dusk, showing Oz The Great and Powerful. Northampton County 4-H Center Chicken

B-B-Q dinner: Sunday, Aug. 11th, from noon till the chicken is gone at the Northampton County 4-H Center, 777 Bushkill Center Rd., Nazareth. This event will be held in conjunction with the Northampton County 4-H Fair being held at the 4-H Center, August 9th-11th. The Slate Belt AARP 4135 Picnic: Bady's Picnic Grove, Monday, August 12th. Please call Dottie Duckworth to purchase tickets, 610588-3306. Slate Belt Heritage Center Annual Golf Tournament: Friday, August 16th, Shawnee Golf Resort. 4-Man Scramble with 8am Start. FMI, Marc at 1-570-8975459. Salvation Army Summer Carnival: Saturday, August 17th, 10am to 2pm; 301 W. Main Street, Pen Argyl. For more information, call 610-863-6677. Vacation Bible School at The Salvation Army: August 19th to 23rd, 9am to noon; 301 W. Main Street, Pen Argyl. FMI: Call 610-863-6677. The Monroe County Historical Association 5th Annual Olde Time Fun: childrens activities on Saturday, August 31, 11am until 3pm in the backyard of the Stroud Mansion, 900 Main Street, Stroudsburg. This event will coincide with StroudFest in downtown Stroudsburg.

Roberto and Margarita Cordon, and their son Jonathan of Jonathan's Pizza. Nearly 1 year ago Margarita Cordon opened Roberto and his wife Johnathans Pizza, at the

same location which once housed Pulcinis Restaurant. Many of the same traditions are followed as the original owners, Roberto makes his own pizza dough and pizza sauce. The Cordons have worked in the food industry for over 20 years, which is evident once you taste the food that they serve. The menu consists of Pizza, cheese steaks, hot and cold sandwiches as well as pasta dishes and desserts. Their wings are made in-house, not frozen or pre-cooked, and are available in hot, mild, garllic and BBQ flavors.

Everything is made to order and available for take out. The restaurant is B.Y.O.B. They offer pizza specials every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Catering is also available for any occasion. The dining room is cozy and inviting. If you are looking for a nice place for a romantic dinner that serves delicious food made to order or a night out with friends and family , Johnathans is the place. There is something on the menu that is sure to please everyone. Roberto and Margarita

and their son Johnathan, who loves to help his family at their restaurant, look forward to seeing you. Johnathans Pizza & Restaurant is located at

6618 S. Delaware Drive (RT 611) in Martins Creek. They are open MondaySaturday from 10:30am to 10pm and closed on Sundays.