The Historic Blairstown Theatre presents An Evening With The Charlie Hunter - Scott Amendola Duo on Friday, September

6th at 8:30PM. With a career spanning 16 years and 20 albums, Charlie Hunter consistently ups his game as an innovative writer and bandleader. He has worked with the likes of Norah Jones, Mos Def, John Mayer, DAngelo and countless others. He is widely considered the authority on the seven and eight string guitar, and continues to stun audiences with his ability to simultaneously bust out tasty bass parts, melodic leads and swinging rhythms. Hunter has previously recorded for the venerable Blue Note label,

Concord, Ropeadope and others. His recent independent ventures are steered by his motivation to release music that most inspires him. Critics have touted his genius technique, but it's his profound artistic sensibility that propels his original music. Hunter's signature style of writing and performing has secured his place as one of today's great guitarists. Charlie is joined by redoubtable master percussionist Scott Amendola for evening of jazz virtuosity. Tickets are $25 in advance and are available online at www.theHBT.com or through the theater box office at (908) 3491428.

Priscilla Orr, an English Professor , will be conducting a book signing and reading at Sparta Books, Thursday, September 5th, at 29 Theatre Centre, in Sparta at 6:30 p.m.

Orr will be reading from her new collection of poems, Losing the Horizon. She is also author of Jugglers & Tides both from Hannacroix Creek Books. Orr has published in South-

ern Poetry Review, Nimrod, and other journals, received fellowships from Yaddo, and the New Jersey State Arts Council. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

She lives with Crosby, her spirited terrier, in Hamburg, New Jersey. For more information about the event, contact Mindy Kemper at (973) 729-6200 or spartabooks.com

Blair Woman's Club will hold its September luncheon meeting on Tuesday, September 17th at noon at the Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope. Author, Laverne Bardy, will talk about her book, "How the Bleep Did I Get.......... How The (Bleep) Did I Get This Old? showcases the best of Laverne's View, a humor column she began writing in 1999, that has been syndicated since 2004. Bardy describes the virtues of growing up in the forties and fifties. Anyone interested in attending should contact Elaine at 496-4435.

Join the Warren County Library Headquarters in White Township September 3rd at 6PM, for the showing of blockbuster film, The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This remake of a Great film tells the story of how a young man finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. The young man is further drawn into Gatsbys circle, witnessing obsession and tragedy. Enjoy popcorn while watching on the librarys 14 foot screen! Rating PG-13. SAVE THE DATE: 1st Annual Bark For Life of North Warren is a fundraising event honoring the life-long

contributions of our canine companions. For a registration fee of only $10, you can bring your dog, for a fun filled day of doggie activities. Please join us on Sunday, September, 22nd, from 10am to 2pm at Tunnel Field on Rt. 94 in Knowlton. All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society. Visit RelayForLife.org /BarkNorthWarrenNJ to sign up. For event, sponsor, vendor or donation information, please call 973-285-8025. Four Sisters Winery will be hosting Vineyard Sunset on the Deck on August 29th, from 6:30pm to 9pm. The event includes an All You Can Eat Dinner with BBQ chicken, ribs, sweet corn, baked beans and salad. There will

also be a cash bar. For more information or tickets, please call 908475-3671. Blairstown Seniors Bus Trip Sign Ups: Sign up at Blairstown Town Hall on Wednesday, September 4th, 1pm for the October 2nd bus trip to Penns Peak to see "The Swing Dolls" (a tribute to the Andrews Sisters & McGuire Sisters). The cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Mickey at 908-3628919. On Friday, September 6, 2013, at 6 pm, a Mandatory Grant Application Workshop will be held at Shippen Manor, 8 Belvidere Avenue, Oxford. All arts projects must benefit Warren County residents. These workshops will provide grant applications, guidelines, and answer

questions concerning the application process. Attendance at only one meeting is required. For further information contact Sally Shutler at 908-453-4381. On Monday, September 9th at 6:30 pm join Robert Burns, Master Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming and Reiki Master to learn how to raise your level of deserve and selfesteem. The new library Headquarters building is located at 2 Shotwell Drive in Belvidere. We love hearing from you! Send your information to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressnews@enter.net thepressnewsonline.com Like Us on Facebook!

The following is a list of books recently added to the Warren County Library collection. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage), By Stieg Larsson; Staying True, By Jenny Sanford; Just Kids, By Patti Smith; Intellectuals and Society, By Thomas Sowell. Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations...One School at a Time, By Greg Mortenson; Critical Survey of Long Fiction Set, From Salem Press; Encyclopedia of the Veteran in America, From ABC-CLIO; American Countercultures: An Encyclopedia of Nonconformists, Alternative Lifestyles, and Radical Ideas in U.s. History, From M.E. Sharpe; Seas and Waterways of the World: An Encyclopedia of History, Uses, and Issues, From ABC-CLIO. Saving Cinnamon: The Amazing True Story of a

Missing Military Puppy and the Desperate Mission to Bring Her Home, By Christine Sullivan; Blade's Guide to Knives & Their Values, By Steve Shackleford; Antique Trader Perfume Bottles Price Guide, By Kyle Husfloen; Goldmine Price Guide to 45 RPM Records, By Tim Neely; Warman's Depression Glass: Identification and Value Guide, By Ellen T. Schroy. Celiac Disease (Revised and Updated Edition): A Hidden Epidemic, By Peter H.r. Green; Psychology and Mental Health Set (Salem Health), From Salem Press; Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences, By Jeffrey Long; The Successful Library Trustee Handbook, By Mary Y. Moore; Fundamentals of Library Supervision, By Joan Giesecke; Bendon Bear Learning Tab, By ANAM.

Warren County women who are pursuing a new career, but struggle to afford their college education, can receive tuition assistance through a local scholarship program. For the third consecutive year, the Warren County Community College Foundation and United Way of Northern New Jersey Women's Leadership Council are partnering to offer $10,000 in college scholarships to low- or moderate - income women seeking higher education. The scholarships support nontraditional female students, 21 years and older, working to improve their financial stability by enrolling in a WCCC associate's degree or health care professional certificate program. "Higher education opens doors and job opportunities, said United Way Women's Leadership Council Director Sarah Brelvi. "Our Council is committed to supporting hardworking women who deserve a chance to reach their potential, but

may not have all the resources to make it happen on their own." United Way and the Foundation instituted the scholarship program for associate's degrees in 2010, each dedicating $5,000 annually. This year, the program is being expanded to include the health care certificate programs. Local jobs data show the health care field is an arena for ongoing job growth in the county. "This partnership is so important to women in need," said Dr. Will Austin, president of WCCC. "There are many women who want to pursue educational endeavors, but cannot due to limited monies. This is a way to help them initiate their goals. This is a great partnership with one main focus - to help those in need." One student who can truly vouch for the program is Tracy (Kozar) Semcer of Lopatcong. A single mom of two teenagers, Semcer was able to attain an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at WCCC as a

result of the scholarship program. "I was separated when I first wanted to enroll but I was not able to qualify for any grants," she said. "The United Way-WCCC scholarship enabled me to access the funds for me to take classes, buy books, and be able to graduate in two years. Had it not been for the scholarship, it might have taken me years." In what turned out to be a bonus, Semcer was then able to get another United Way scholarship so that she could attend Centenary College. She will be a senior there this fall. Scholarships are also open to students enrolled in the College's Continuing Education Department. Students can pursue either an associate's degree of their choice or a professional certificate in one of the college's health care career programs, such as certified nursing assistant, dental assisting and pharmacy technician. "This is a partnership with true meaning," said Nancy Brown, chair of

the Foundation. "While the economy continues to improve, for many it is not improving fast enough. This is an opportunity for women who want to improve their lives but don't necessarily have the financial resources." "In Warren County there is a real effort to help each other out and this is one more way that we can do just that," said Samir Elbassiouny, Executive Director of the Foundation. For students interested in more information about the scholarship, contact the College's Financial Aid Office at 908.835.2456. The WCCC Foundation is a nonprofit entity that raises funds for programs, scholarships and other projects at the college. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.wccc foundation.org. United Way Women's Leadership Council is a philanthropic network of local women leaders committed to strengthening Warren County. For more information about the Council, visit UnitedWayNNJ.org.

The Young Adult Group Society of Tranquility United Methodist Church will hold it's 67th annual Lord's Auction on Saturday, August 31st, under the big tent, rain or shine from 10:30 a.m. until all items are sold. Auctioneer is T. R. Shotwell. Proceeds benefit the church. The location is 4 Kennedy Road (RT. 611) at the intersection with Rt. 517, 2 miles north of I-80 exit 19. The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission is happy to present The Basin Street All Star Band, featuring zydeco in a free concert on the lawn of Shippen Manor, Sunday, September 1 at 5 PM. Bring your lawn chairs, alcohol free coolers, picnic baskets, and significant others for a good ol music performance in the heart of sweet and sunny downtown Oxford. Writers RoundtableTuesday, September 3rd, 7:00--9:00 pm at Unitarian Fellowship, #1 West Nelson, Newton. Featured poet

Norma Bernstock. Open reading for creative writing-- poetry and fiction to follow. FMI: call 908-3626025. September 8th, 2pm Circle By Sam Tso at Spring Meadow Farm, Rt 519, Frelinghuysen Twp. Welcome Sam back with prayers and blessings. He is traveling east, and bringing healing. Arrive at 1:30 pm, start at 2pm. FMI or to register, renae@ designharmony.com, or text or call 908-7975225. Wildwood Crest Fundraiser Trip For Haven of Hope For Kids: 5 Days and 4 nights at the Bal Harbour Hotel on the Beach: September 8th - September 12th. Call Gladys (908) 4599210 or Polly (908) 276-3850. The Foodshed Alliance Third Annual Farm To Fork Dinner And Wine Tasting at Alba Vineyard on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at 4:00 pm. A cocktail hour and SEVENcourse wine-pairing dinner will be presented

by seven of Northern New Jerseys most reputable chefs. Visit foodshed alliance.org, call 908-362-7967 or email info@foodshedalliance. org to reserve your seat and experience the very best the Garden State has to offer. Seating is limited. The Kittatinny Rangers Square Dance Club invites one and all to a FREE LESSON on Tuesday, September 17th, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the Halsted Street School, 59 Halsted Street, Newton. For more information, contact: Frankie Kenny-(908)-343-5170. St. Jude Council #12430 Knights of Columbus Best Ball Scramble Golf Outing: Fri., September 20th at Country Club of the Poconos Golf Course in Big Ridge Drive, Marshalls Creek, PA: Prizes & $10,000 Hole-in-one Contest. Lunch To Follow At Country Club; 7:30am registration and 8:30am Shotgun start, $110 pp. FMI, call at 908-3628421 or spudster@ centurylink.net. Blairstown Town -Wide Yard Sale, Saturday, September 21st, 9 to 5 and Sunday, September 22nd, 9 to 3: Blairstown Residents Only. FMI: at mar7651@CenturyLink .net. Hackettstown Business Improvement District celebrates Fall with the BID Blast Carnival! As summer winds down and kids are back in school, theres still time to have fun! The BID Blast Weekend Carnival runs from Friday, September 27th Sunday, September 29th at the American Legion on Willow Grove Street. Look for your favorite rides, games and carnival food!

The Blast will operate during the following days and times: Friday, September 28th, 6pm 10pm; Saturday, September 29th, noon 10pm; Sunday, September 30th, noon - 5pm. All You Can Eat Dinner Buffet at St. Rose Parish Center, Academy St., Oxford, October 5th, 4-7pm: BYOB, Eat in or take out. Tickets available at the door. Knights of Columbus, Council 5410 Chester, NJ Italian Heritage Dinner Dance on Saturday, October 12, 2013. The event will be held at St Lawrence the Martyr Parish hall in Chester, NJ. Dinner seating begins at 6:30pm. For ticket information contact Bruce or Virginia Wallace, at (973) 584-3405 by October 1, 2013. For other information about the dinner dance call George Discher at 862432-2159 or 973-5842083. Save The Date! Barn Dance - Sponsored by The Hardwick Township Historical Society will take place on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 6 -9PM at the newly restored German Bank Barn at the Vass Farmstead located at 97 Stillwater Rd in Hardwick. A barn dance is a collection of dances that are fairly straight forward and can be learned on the night of the dance with the help of our caller, Mary Moody. Tickets are $15.00 each and are available by calling Linda at 908-362-5928 or Joanne at 908-3628496. Swayze Mill Park Car Show Fund Raising Event, October 20th, from 11am to 3pm. 100 Swayze Mill Road, Hope: All years, makes & models welcome. All proceeds benefits the Hope Elementary School Activities Fund. FMI: Rob Caputo @ 201 - 206-7024.

Hello fellow readers, Seems many of you like to dance! Last week we spoke about accessible gardens and the fun of watching the activity of butterflies and humming birds. Ben from Belvidere asked if he planted butterfly loving plants wont he be inviting the darn deer to the party? It turns out many butterfly loving plants are not adored by Bambi. In fact, the few mentioned last week; Butterfly Bush /Buddleia davidii, Cardinal Flower/ Lobelia cardinalis, and Bee Balm /Monarda didyma are high in deer resistance. Butterfly Weed / Asclepias tuberosa and Swamp Milkweed / Asclepias incarnate, obvious by their common name, are also loved by butterflies but not by deer. Unlike humming birds which can hover, butterflies need to cling to blossoms to feed and prefer daisy-type flowers and clusters or spikes of small flowers. I have had terrific luck with Shasta Daisy / Leucanthemum maximum, even though they are classified as occasionally severely damaged on the Rutgers Plant List Rated by Deer Resistance. (Knock on wood as what deer eat is constantly changing and

can vary drastically by neighborhood.) Others for your Butterfly Shopping List: Stokes' Aster / Stokesia laevi, Russian Sage / Perovskia atriplicifolia, Yarrow / Achillea millefolium, Garden Sage / Salvia officinalis, Boltonia / Boltonia asteroids and of course Lavender / Lavandula angustifolia. Then there is Threadleaf Coreopsis / Coreopsis verticillata, Candytuft / Iberis sempervirens, Coneflower / Echinacea, Blazing Star / Liatris, Ironweed / Veronica and my number one favorite : Joe-Pye Weed /Eupatorium that all fit the bill. Butterflies love them but deer dont. The neat thing is many of the plants listed are in their glory right now so fill in your vacant and ugly spots (in your garden that is) with these butterfly loving beauties. Fall is a great time to plant, so no sitting in the wings. Kick up your heels and dig in! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone@gmail. com

(NAPSI)If the condition of your closets is one of your hang- ups, theres some good news. Following four simple steps can make a big difference in your closets and maybe even your life. Thats the word from experts who say that many find that keeping their closets organizedthe average American home has sixcan mean less stress and help save time and money, too. To make sure your storage spaces are helpingnot hindering-you, follow these easy steps. 1) Start at the bottom. To get the most from your storage space, start at the floor and work your way up. Try placing a shoe organizer on the floor of an entryway closet to prevent shoes from piling up in the doorway. In a pantry, place bins or baskets on the floor to corral extra paper products. Its a good idea to ensure that all items stored on the floor are safe for children and pets.

2) Review the shelving. Adjust the height and style of your shelves to accommodate the items in the space. For instance, in the kitchen, roll-out storage drawers and Lazy Susans make it easy to find and reach that important ingredient or utensil. In the garage, basement or attic, shelves must be sturdy enough to hold

heavy items such as toolboxes, seasonal decorations or sports equipment. 3) Clear the clutter. In order to avoid clutter, your storage areas should be limited to essential items only. In your bedroom closet, keep out-of-style and unused clothing from competing for space with your favorite items.

If the shoes dont fit, or you wouldnt wear those pants again, donate them. 4) Keep it organized. Once you have an organized space or closet, make it easy to maintain. Use labeled bins or drawers to clearly show what is stored within and keep frequently used items easily accessible.

Little Sprouts Daycare Center and Preschool Accepting Registration

Parents who are thinking about the back-toschool season are encouraged to take a look at the daycare and the morning and afternoon pre-school programs offered at the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center. Families with children from infancy through the age of six are invited to tour the daycare and preschool facility, which is located on the Project Self-Sufficiency campus at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center features separate classrooms for each age group, from infants through those entering pre-school. Fullyqualified teachers are available in each classroom and the childteacher ratio adheres to or exceeds state standards. In addition to the sparkling classrooms, there is an allpurpose room for active indoor play and parent presentations, as well as a sick room for those children who may fall ill during the day. The center is equipped with two separate playgrounds, one for younger tots and one for older children. Each room has new equipment, as well as learning centers for dramatic play, computers, science, housekeeping, sand and water play, reading, and music. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, which has been named after B. Douglas Gordon and Elizabeth Houskeeper Gordon, uses Creative Curriculum in all of its programs. Creative Curriculum helps instructors to design a preschool program that teaches children important academic skills and helps them to develop socially, notes Claire Willetts, Program Coordinator at Project SelfSufficiency. The classrooms are set up to give structure to each childs day, and to provide appropriate experiences for children, in accordance with their level of development. The curriculum also involves families in the program, and guides learning in literacy, math, science, social studies, the arts, and technology while supporting childrens social and emotional development. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center offers the National School Lunch Program (NLSP), a federallyassisted meal program which provides nutritionally balanced, lowcost or free lunches to children each school day. Any child may purchase a meal through the NLSP. Children from families at or below 130% of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130% - 185% of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Little Sprouts offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The facility accepts all types of subsidized daycare assistance, and slots for new students are still available. For more information visit the centers website, www.little sproutsearlylearningcen ter.orgor call 973-9403540.

Art Association in Roxbury September Meeting

The Art Association in Roxbury will be holding its monthly meeting and first meeting of the new season on Thursday, September 5 at 7:15 pm at the Roxbury Senior Center, 72 Eyland Avenue, Succasunna, NJ. The meeting will be followed by a presentation by Michael Hughes about the most recent contemporary art. Mr. Hughes is an artist who is also an Assistant Professor of Fine Arts at Sussex County Community College where he teaches Art History, Film Studies and Digital Fine Art. Besides his teaching, he has received a "Best in Show" award for his digital work in the juried student show as well as the Outstanding Scholar award in Art history. In 2010 he was named Best New Artist at the juried Skylands art show. The program is open to everyone. Admission is free and refreshments are served. For further information, please call: Carol (973) 584-1185.

NAMI Hosting Presentation on Parent Rights in Special Education

On Thursday, September 5, at 7:00 p.m., NAMI-Sussex will host a free 90-minute presentation by Lauren Hirtes, MSW, describing the basic rights and responsibilities of parents whose children are classified as Special Education or who are in the process of requesting a school Child Study Team evaluation for their child. Goals of the presentation will include helping parents communicate more effectively with educators, increasing parents' knowledge of the nature of their child's disability, enabling parents to participate more confidently in the decision making process about their child's education, and providing knowledge about Federal and State laws, best practices, and advocacy. Lauren Hirtes is the founder of P.R.I.D.E., LLC (Parental Rights in Disputes in Education), providing private consultations to families regarding educational issues, including IEP meeting attendance, IEP and testing review, and transition planning. Lauren serves on the Boards of Mental Health for both Sussex and Morris Counties. She is currently employed by SCARC, Inc. as Director of Community Services. Having been the parent of a learning disabled student herself, Hirtes enjoys helping other parents navigate the often confusing Special Education system. The presentation will be held at Bridgeway Rehabilitative Services, 93 Stickles Pond Rd.,

A special seminar at the Inn at Millrace Pond in Hope on Tuesday morning September 10th, presented by Computer Images Web, will focus on strategies to ensure that your website gets full exposure in the new world of Smart Phones and Tablets. The seminar, hosted by the Inn, begins at 8:15 a.m. with open networking, and then a formal presentation by Steve and Andrea Kirchuk of Computer Images Web, based in Washington. This second in a series of business seminars at the inn is titled, "Responsive Web Design: What it is and why you need it." With Smart Phones and

Tablets the new future, will your website get the "full page" attention it has gotten in the past on larger computer screens? Find out what you need to know about the latest trend in web design geared toward an average business person in language that makes sense and is easy to understand. The seminar will include a brief discussion of the pros and cons of switching and the impact this update can have on your website traffic, usability and visitor retention. Cost is just $10 per person, which includes a continental breakfast. To reserve your spot,

please respond via email, info@ innatmillracepond.com or phone, 908-4594884, by September 6th. When responding by email please be sure to indicate how many in your group will be attending, and what business you represent. You can pay at the door. The seminar is open to all interested business people. The Inn at Millrace Pond, a historic bed and breakfast, restaurant, and boutique conference center, is just minutes from Route 80, Exit 12,

and has space for business events, as well as social functions. The Inn at Millrace Pond, which offers music and other entertainment, is located in the heart of Hope at 313 Johnsonburg Road by Route 519. For general information about the Inn at Millrace Pond, call 908-459-4884 or visit www.innatmillracepond .com. For information about Computer Images Web, visit the website at www.computerimagesw eb.com.

McHose Lauds Report Showing NJs New Human Trafficking Law One of Best in US
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, prime sponsor of the States new stringent law to combat human trafficking and aid its survivors, lauded a report today which shows New Jersey is one of the two best states in the U.S. when it comes to statues fighting human trafficking. This report confirms that New Jerseys new anti-human trafficking law is a critical step in protecting the victims of this despicable crime and sends the unmistakable message to those who engage in such vile behavior that our State will not tolerate human bondage, said McHose, R-Sussex, Warren and Morris. I commend Governor Christie and my legislative colleagues for taking action on this issue which violates the fundamental right of freedom for its victims. I had no doubt that this new law would go a long way in protecting every individual affected by this heinous criminal activity, including our youth, who are viewed by human traffickers as property or a commodity that can be traded at their discretion, she continued. Todays report shows New Jersey is on the right track in its efforts in fighting back against this modern day slavery. According to the Polaris Project's 2013 State Ratings on Human Trafficking Laws, New Jersey is one of only two states to have successfully fulfilled all rated categories. It was also named as one of four most improved states. In June, Gov. Christie signed into law legislation, A-3352, sponsored by McHose, that revises and expands the States human trafficking laws. Specifically, the bill: Establishes a 15member Commission on Human Trafficking that will evaluate the existing law concerning human trafficking and its enforcement and make recommendations for legislation, and review existing victim assistance programs and promote a coordinated response by public and private resources for victims of human trafficking; Addresses the human trafficking of younger victims to engage in sexual activity by making a person strictly liable for a crime of the first degree for holding, recruiting, luring, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining, by any means, a child under 18 years of age to engage in sexual activity, whether or not the actor mistakenly believed that the child was 18 years of age or older, even if that mistaken belief was reasonable; Increases the minimum fine amount for criminal human trafficking of the first degree (recruiting persons for trafficking, financing a trafficking operation) to be at least $25,000. The monies will be deposited in the Human Trafficking Survivors Assistance Fund which will also be created under this bill to provide victims services, promote awareness of human trafficking, and to develop, maintain, distribute and operate a training course and educational materials; Makes conspiracy to commit a crime of human trafficking a first degree crime punishable by imprisonment of 10 to 20 years; up to a $200,000 fine; or both; Makes it a crime to knowingly provide services, resources, or assistance intended for use in furthering criminal human trafficking; or make or attempt to make a person engage in sexual activity, or provide labor or services, whether for the procurer or another, knowing or understanding there is a substantial likelihood that the person was a human trafficking victim; Establishes a new civil action for human trafficking. Damages can be awarded reflecting the income or value of the injured partys labor or services to the defendant. The injured person could also recover reasonable attorneys fees and costs. According to the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, there were 179 reported human trafficking victims from September 16, 2005 to March 1, 2012, including 93 victims of labor trafficking, 60 of sex trafficking, and 26 of both labor and sex trafficking. A-3352 was also sponsored by her colleagues Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblyman Parker Space.

(NAPSI)A growing number of veterans are finding themselves on the road to a new career thanks to an organization that has represented the public transit industry for over 100 years. Workforce development attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce is thought by many to be critical to the continuing success of the public transportation industry. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) projects that over the next five years, the industry will face a severe shortage of skilled and seasoned employees as thousands of workers from the baby-boom generation approach retirement. Other significant workforce challenges include a generally tight labor market, an increase in technological requirements across job functions and the growing diversity of the workforce. Opportunities For Veterans In recent years, APTA has encouraged its members to recruit veterans for careers in public transportation as a way to fulfill their workforce needs. Said Flora Castillo, APTA Chair, We have great employees who ensure our riders are safe and on time every day. We appreciate our employees who are veterans, as well as the other members of our diverse employee baseboth technical and nontechnical-who bring their unique skills to our riders. These veterans have many transferable skills that fit into public transportation and we welcome them to join our dynamic and growing industry. She added that in addition to bringing a wide range of skills and experience, veterans often have the ability to demonstrate exemplary leadership skills. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified the public transportation industry as offering an array of career

opportunities for veterans, including vehicle operations, vehicle maintenance, facilities, track and road maintenance, safety and security, and clerical, telecommunications, administrative and managerial staff. Hiring Our Heroes In order to help match the needs of the industry with the needs of veterans, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation created Hiring Our Heroes. This type of hiring fair, in which APTA has participated, attempts to recruit veterans and their spouses for positions across all sectors of the public transportation industry, including engineering, operations, manufacturing, technology and others.

Said Castillo, Our industry provides great opportunities for returning veterans, from communications officers, to maintenance, and accounting to operations, planning to IT, and of course engineering. Their leadership skills, work ethic and training are a perfect fit for our industry. APTA has a number of other programs designed to enhance workforce development, including an early career program, a midlevel managers magnification program, Leadership APTA for those with executive leadership career aspirations, and a student ambassador program for undergraduate students. To learn more about these programs, visit www.apta.com.

The 57th annual Blairstown High School Alumni Association dinner was held June 29th, 2013 at Belvidere Manor. Sixty-nine alumni and

their guests enjoyed an hour of cocktails and hors doeuvres before being welcomed by President Lester Shotwell. A moment of silence was observed for deceased alumni: Catherine Brugler Williames - 29, Ruth Mortensen Holmes - 35, Anna Becker Baldwin - 37, Stella Zaremba Ricicki & Elizabeth Cook Bartells - 39, Doris Perini Bozzuffi & Beatrice Maring VanDuyne - 40, Eleanor Latham Lerz - 42, Jessie Wildrick Townshend & Betty VanSyckle Huff - 43, William Walters - 46, Edward Bair - 47, Charles Sipley - 48, Robert Larison & Gilbert VanSyckle - 49, Lloyd Wildrick - 51, Donald Meshach - 52, Robert Meshach - 53, Eugene Seidel - 54, Elaine Bozzuffi Hoover - 56, Ruth Blunt Meshach 58, Robert West - 59, Betty Ann Haldimann Hofsas - 64, John

Nodzak - 66, and Sara Jane Hoffman - 67. A family style dinner was served following the invocation by Jerry Labar. During dessert prizes were awarded to Mary Semken as the oldest attending alumnus, Becky Erd as the youngest alumnus, and Robert Sandberg for traveling the farthest from California. President Lester Shotwell opened the business meeting by introducing the current officers: Cedric Rhinesmith, Vice President; Nancy VanSyckle, Secretary; Marilyn Grandin, Treasurer; and Trustee Barbara Quinn. Lester then asked for nominations from the floor for officers. There were no nominations and Sal Simonetti made a motion to retain the current officers. This was seconded and approved. After reading the minutes from 2012 the secretary introduced all

attending alumni: 39-Mary Linaberry Semken, 41-Dorman Craig, 42-Earle Jones, Lillian Linaberry Sydrock, 43- William Beegle, Elizabeth Latteman Beegle , 49Donald VanDyk, 53Adonis Cooke Dean, George Fee, Carolyn Biles Simonetti, Allen Zanetti, Janet Jones Zanetti, 54- Alice Frutchey Lockburner, Charles Rowe, Sal Simonetti, Jack Skow, 55-Alfred DeFranco, 56-Jean Lambert Belcher, Joan Roof Clark, Harold Rydell, Harold Swisher, 57Robert Berry, David Feitsma, Jay Katzenstein, Cedric Rhinesmith, Marilyn Huff Stanton, 58-Robert Benbrook, James Brown, Mary Jane Katzenstein Nemeth, Robert Sandberg, Judy Ackerson Trinca, 59Lester Shotwell, Frederick Fiessler, 60Virginia Belcher Gardner, Fred Gouger, Josephine Shuster Labar,

Joanne Grandin Oleszek, 61-William Cortese, Fred Grandin, Gerald Labar, Elizabeth Cooke Shotwell, 62Frank H. Cook, Sharon Davitt Cook, 63Robert Greene, Richard Skow, John Whipple, 64 Carol Cook, Sharon Zylstra Cooper, 65-Grover Cribb, Dick Heins, Irene Gramberg Skow, 66-Gerald Chrusz, Marilyn Heitmann Grandin, Barbara Stankowitz Quinn, 67Clarinda Gouger Stoffels, Robert Sydrock, 68-Sara Gouger Budd, , Lucy Castonguay Kise, Richard Kise, 70-David Cooper, Robert DePuy, Sharon VanSyckle Kise, William Kise, Nancy VanSyckle, 71- James Erd, Gail Keogh-Dwyer, Faye Maring, 73-Becky Jennings Erd, Jeffrey King. Following the treasurers report the secretary announced that this years scholarship was awarded to Zoe Hludzik, granddaughter

of Harold (45) and Dorothy (51) Mitchell. She will be attending Bloomsburg University to pursue a career in speech pathology and audiology. Nancy also reported that the 2010 recipient, Kaitlin Marsh, was once again on the deans list at Bucknell University. Lester then introduced Christine Beegle, daughter of Bill and Betty, who gave a presentation on the Blairstown Historical Preservation Committee and asked any interested alumni to fill out a questionnaire on their favorite memories of Blairstown. Belvidere Manor has been reserved for the next dinner/meeting on June 28th, 2014. Cedric Rhinesmith, Jay Katzenstein and Jay Labar led the alumni in singing the Alma Mater. The meeting was adjourned and guests continued to reminisce and dance to the sounds of D.J. Dug.

The Blairstown Department of Recreation is offering a fresh and sensational workout for all ages and all fitness abilities, Pilates. Pilates significantly transforms the way your body looks, feels, and performs. The class will build strength creating a powerful, well balanced and toned body. Open house is on Tuesday, September 17th at 9:15 at the Evangelical Free Church, all are welcome to try this safe and invigorating form of exercise. The morning Pilates classes are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:15 10:15 am at the Evangelical Free Church, September 19 through December 12. An evening Pilates is also offered on Tuesdays, starting October 8 through December 10 from 5:15 - 6:00 pm at Blair Academy Armstrong Hipkins Dance Studio. A variety of fee packages are available and morning and evening classes can be combined into one fee. Those wishing to take 24 classses the fee is $170.00, 16 classes is $125.00, 12 classes $105.00, and 10 classes $90.00. Non-residents add additional $10.00 to the package and the Walk in fee is $10.00 per class. Registration is at the Recreation office Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 am - 1:00 pm or mail in or drop off box. For further information please check the website at www.blairstownnj.org and click on Recreation.

degree in education. She is looking to help others by continuing to be involved in community activities where she dedicates her string work ethic through volunteerism. The Blair Womans Club has several fund raisers each year in order to support the scholarship fund as well as raise money to assist the Blairstown Ambulance Corps, Boy Scouts The Blair Womans Club is pleased to announce the recipients of their annual scholarships for the year 2013. Alyssa Mickelsen of Blairstown and Emily Hendershot of Columbia have each received a $1,500 scholarship to be used to defray tuition costs. Alyssa is attending Seton Hall University where she plans to major in psychology. She hopes to help children cope with the stresses of life by teaching them skills to work through times of trouble. Alyssa has a philosophy in life that stresses that it is important to place the good of the many before the good of one. She values a strong work ethic and has proven her dedication through her involvement in leadership activities and academics. Emily plans to fulfill her early dream of becoming a special education teacher by beginning her education at Warren County Community college. Upon completion of her associates degree she will transfer to a four year college to complete her

and Girl Scouts of Blairstown, Camp Merry Heart, DYFS, DASACC, The ARC (Camp Warren), the Food Pantries in Blairstown and surrounding area, Wounded Warriors, Project Graduation, HOBY, Camp

Invention, and various animal rescue organizations. The Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month in the Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, at 12:30. Each month there is a guest speaker and refresh-

ments are served. The Club welcomes all women from the area and encourages them to attend the meetings to join. For more information please call Bobbie at 908-362-8918 or Helen at 908-362-5865.