Christ Church Newton will host a performance by the renowned Ithaca College Choir on Friday, March 14th, at 7:30

p.m. Under the direction of Janet Galvn, the Ithaca College Choir is recognized through its annual tour and many appearances as one of the most innovative ensembles at the collegiate level. The performance is free and open to the public, although a free will offering will be taken. Christ Church is located at 62 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Newton. The Ithaca College Choir has toured extensively on the east coast

and in the mid-west, and it has presented major concerts at the American Choral Directors Association Convention; Music Educators National Conference; Lincoln Centers Avery Fisher Hall and Alice Tully Hall; Carnegie Hall; Symphony Space; St. Patrick's Cathedral; Cooper Union; the Brooklyn Academy of Music; Troy Savings Bank; and the Strand Theatre, among others. In addition to their a capella tradition, the choir has performed with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Chamber

Ensemble, as well as other professional ensembles. Dr. Janet Galvn, Director of Choral Activities at Ithaca College, conducts the Ithaca College Choir and Womens Chorale, and is Artistic Director for the Ithaca Childrens Choir. She received the American Choral Directors Association New York Outstanding Choral Director award in 1995. Dr. Galvn has conducted national, regional and all-state choruses throughout the United States in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Washingtons Constitution Hall, Minneapolis Symphony Hall and

others. Dr. Galvn has been a guest conductor and clinician in the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece and Brazil, and she has been recognized as one of the worlds leading conducting teachers. She was on the conducting faculty for the Carnegie Hall Choral Institute, the Transient Glory Symposium in February 2012. For information about the performance by the Ithaca College Choir at Christ Church Newton, call Joe Mello at 862268-4720, or visit the church website at christchurchnewton.org.

Through inquiry, creativity, and design, the Hope Township School Language Arts Unlimited Team worked collaboratively on a STEaM (science/ technology /engineering/ arts/ math) project which resulted in transforming old bicycles into musical instruments. In keeping with the language arts requirement, students in grades 3-8 researched music's cultural diversity and the science of sound recognizing that music is a universal language. Research was presented through various means of technology resulting in a virtual museum, blog, Animoto, IPAD app 30 Hands, digital photography, video scripts, and Power Point.

Students then broke the mold of traditional learning by gearing up with wrenches, screwdrivers, wires, nuts, bolts and began the engineering task of creating musical instruments from old bicycles. With perseverance and teamwork, the students created a bicycle harp, tire moroccos, a seat bojingle, handlebar flute, dual-wheel spoke chimes, and a kick-plate guitar. If you would like to hear the sounds of the up-cycled instrunments or look at some of the student work, check out the Mending Earth with Hope website designed by Duncan Taylor, Alex Woodward, and Nicholas Taylor. .mendingearthwithhope. blogspot.com

Running behind on getting an oil change? The Auto Shop is having a $28 special for an oil finter and chage! Hurry, the offer expires March 31st. 10th Annual Warren County Habitat for Humanity Home Raising Live and Silent Auction Seeks Sponsors and Donations. Warren County Habitat for Humanity will be hosting their Tenth Annual Home Raising Live and Silent Auction on May 2, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington. FMI, please contact Kim or Barbara at (908) 8351980 or send an email to WCH4HSilentauction@ gmail.com. Donnas Runway Cafe will be opening March 22nd! Stop in to see the new business as

it takes flight! Kindergarten registration for September 2014 for Blairstown Elementary School: will be held on Saturdays April 5th and 26th for all pupils entering kindergarten in September. Kindergarten pupils must have reached their fifth birthday by October 1st. Required documents to bring to the school office before your screening date are; completed registration form, which can be found on the school website under forms; childs birth certificate with the raised seal of age; and signed doctors certificate of immunizations. If you do not have a student registered at Blairstown Elementary School, you must provide proof of residence. Please call Eileen at 908-362-6111,

ext. 109, as soon as possible to schedule your kindergarten screening appointment. Attention parents of future Knowlton Twp. Elementary kindergarten students: Kindergarten registration is going on now for September 2014. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be five years old by October 1st. If you have not already done so, call the school at 908-475-5118, ext. 200, as soon as possible. Knowlton Twp. Elementary School is accepting four-yearold children for a high quality, comprehensive and fun-filled preschool inclusive education program for the 2014-15 school year. Children must be four years old by October 1st and must be toilet trained. The program begins in September, Monday through Friday from 9am to 11:30am when school is in session. Space is limited. For more information, call 908-4755118, ext. 200, or visit knowltonschool.com.

Say Happy Birthday to your loved ones in The PRESS! Send us their name and birthday and well print it here for free! You can also send us a photo and a birthday wish and well publish it in the paper for a small fee. For more info call, 610599-1952. Check out page 10 for some St. Pattys fun! Your favorite businesses have food and entertainment to fit all of your celebration needs! The PRESS wishes everyone a Happy St. Patricks Day!!! May everyone have a fun and safe day as you enjoy traditional irish food and music! Dont forget to wear your green clothing so you dont get pinched! We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressmail@ gmail.com thepressnews online.com Like The PRESS News Online on Facebook!

The following is a list of books added to the Warren County Library collection this past week: Frozen: From Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; Love, Marriage & Divorce by, Toni Braxton & Babyface. Bad Blood By, Bastille. From Virgin (Universal). Not I: Memoirs of a German Childhood By, Joachim C. Fest. From Other Press. Not I: Memoirs of a German Childhood, by Joachim C. Fest. From Other Press. Hi, Koo!: A Year of Seasons, by Jon J Muth. From Scholastic Press. Spirit Animals Book 3: Blood Ties, by Garth Nix. From Scholastic Inc.. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty From 20th Century Fox. Thankless in Death, by J. D. Robb. From Berkley. The Food Lover's Guide to Paris: The Best Restaurants, Bistros, Cafs, Markets, Bakeries, and More, by Patricia Wells. From Workman Publishing Company. The Companions:

The Sundering, Book I (Dungeons & Dragons: the Sundering), by R. A. Salvatore. From Wizards of the Coast. Rush (The Breathless Trilogy) (Electronic Format), by Maya Banks. From Berkley Trade. Deceiving Lies: A Novel (Forgiving Lies), by Molly McAdams. From William Morrow Paperbacks. 2014 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market), by Chuck Sambuchino. From Writer's Digest Books. 2014 Guide to Literary Agents, From Writer's Digest Books. Fodor's Paris 2014 (Full-color Travel Guide), by Fodor's. From Fodor's. The New York Times The Complete World War 2 1939-1945: All the Coverage from the Battlefields and the Home Front with Access to All 96,327 Articles, by The New York Times. From Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.

Belvidere FoxTrot for Parkinsons Research of Belvidere will hold a 5K race and 1 Mile Community Walk on April 12th, to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research (MJFF). Hal Halvorsen of Belvidere started the Belvidere FoxTrot because he wanted to raise money for Team Fox. Family and friends look forward to the event each year and the opportunity to raise awareness of Parkinson's Disease. The Belvidere FoxTrot is held in April to highlight

Parkinson's awareness month. This year marks the 5th annual Fox Trot. I chose to hold this event as part of Team Fox because I wanted to do something personally to further the Foundations mission. They are funding cutting-edge research to bring meaningful advances in treatments and eventually a cure to people affected by this disease, Hal said. Over five million people worldwide are living with Parkinsons disease, a chronic, degenerative neurologi-

cal disorder whose symptoms typically progress from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation. In the United States, an estimated 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year alone. There is no known cure for Parkinsons disease. Current treatments mask symptoms, but do not alter or slow disease progression. Team Fox started in 2006 as the community fundraising division of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Currently, Team Fox has over 1600 active members and has raised more than $20 million toward accelerating a cure for Parkinsons disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinsons Research, pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program, and has invested more than $400 million in research to date. For more information, visit teamfox .org; faceboo k.com/teamfox.

CO MMUN ITY EV ENTS

Send your Event to thepressmail@gmail.com with the subject NJ Community Events
dinner & lots of fun! Fees apply. RSVP by March 14th. 18th Annual Springfest Garden Show: March 13th through 16th. Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta. FMI, visit springfest gardenshow.org or call 973-948-9448. Hope Twp. School Tricky Tray: Friday March 14th, 6pm. Hope Twp. School, 320 Johnsonburg Rd., Hope. Benefits Class of 2014. The Glimmer Twins Rolling Stones Tribute: Friday, March 14th. The Historic Blairstown Theatre. FMI & tickets, visit thehbt.com. The Cast of Broadways Beatlemania: Saturday, March 15th. The Historic Blairstown Theatre. FMI, visit thehbt.com. Warren County Library Headquarters Morning Literature Group: March 17th 10am. Lively discussion by fellow book lovers! Call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. Foodshed Alliance is offering a workshop on Let Me Decide: Make Genetically Engineered (GE) Labeling the Law: Wednesday, March 19th, 6pm-9pm. Rutherfurd Hall, 1686 Rt. 517, Allamuchy (just off exit 19 on Rt. 80). A free seminar about careers in the healing arts: Thursday, March 20th, from 6:30-8pm at Project Self-Sufficiency located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Becoming You: Healing Arts Careers will touch on jobs like yoga instructor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, fitness studio owner, and other careers in the holistic arts. The seminar is free and open to teens and adults. Registration required. FMI, call 973-940-3500 to register. Warren County Library Headquarters Adult Jeopardy: March 20th 7pm. Come test your trivia knowledge of a wide variety of topics. Registration required. Ages 18 & up. Call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. Blairstown Seniors bus trip: April 30th Lakeside Manor, Hazlet to see "Swinging with the Rat Pack" aka Frank Sinatra, Sammie Davis, Jr. & Dean Martin at the Gramercy. Sign up is Friday, March 21st at Town Hall, 1pm. $40 per person (anyone over 55 welcome). FMI, call Mickey at 908-3628919. How to Set Up Your Own Free Email Account Utilizing Yahoo Mail: March Learn Advanced Word Processing Skills in Blairstown: Thursdays, March 6th20th, 69pm. Project Self Sufficiency agencys computer lab is located in the First Presbyterian Outreach Center at 35 Main St., Blairstown. Learn word-processing techniques, including creation of professional letters, faxes, newsletters etc., as well as the use of mail. FMI, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 908362-1777 or 973-9403500, or visit projectselfsufficiency .org. Warren County Library Headquarters Family Movie Night: March 12th, 6:30pm. PG movie. To register, call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. Warren County Library Headquarters Evening Literature Group: March 12th, at 7pm. Join the group for some interesting reads and lively discussions. Call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. Annual Fundraising Banquet for Fred S. Burroughs North Jersey Trout Unlimited: March 22nd, 7:30pm. Perona Farms, Andover. This years major project is to enhance & restore Sparta. Open bar, buffet 21st, 10am at Warren County Library Headquarters. Learn how to send mail, read incoming messages, attach files, & more. Registration required. Mouse skills necessary. Call 908475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. 4-H Tack Swap & Sale: Saturday, March 22nd, 10am-2pm. Independence Fire House, 24 Cemetary Rd., Great Meadows. FMI, call Jan at 908-459-5812. Crystal Bowersox: Saturday, March 22nd. The Historic Blairstown Theatre. FMI & tickets, visit thehbt.com. Fancy Nancy Party: March 24th, 4pm at Warren County Library Headquarters. Moms, caregivers & Grandmas welcome to join the fun. Make & wear fancy tiaras, play fancy games, enjoy fancy foods & hear a Fancy Nancy story. Registration required. Call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.com. Project SelfSufficiency to Offer Free Mammograms to Eligible Women: Thursday, March 27th. A mobile mammography van will be available at 27 Mill Street in Newton to offer free mammograms. Women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40. By appointment only, between the hours of 10am4pm. FMI, call 973-940-3500.

Blairstown, Knowlton & Hope A & P, Alpine Meats, Animal Mansion, Ash Plumbing, Asian Combat Arts, A-Tech, Auto, Blair Tile, Blair Tire & Auto, Blairstown Chiropractic, Blairstown, Country Florist, Blairstown Municipal Building, Blairstown Eye Associates, Blue Ridge Lumber, Buckwood, Building Specialties, Burgdorff, BuzzWorks, Caffe Nelle Cucine, Cannon Country Real Estate, Columbia Post Office, Custom Colonial, Dale's Market, David Krawski Dentist, DogHouse, Dominick Pizza, Dr. Magalio: Dentist, Ellias Restaurant, First Hope Bank, Fitness Empire, Fountain Mall Laundromat, Frank's Pizza, Gallery 23, Geo's Pizza, Gourmet Gallery, Grand Rental Station, Hair Company, Hairs 2 You, Historic Blairstown Theatre, Hope Deli, Hope Haircutters, JD Liquors, John Deere, Kozimors Upholstery, Knowlton Municipal Building, Lakeland Bank, Lebduska Accounting, Marksboro Deli, Mark D. Nelke: DMD, Medical Associate, Mediterranean Diner, Napa, Nature's Harvest, New HoHo, North Warren Farm & Garden, North Warren Pharmacy, North Warren Truck Repair, Old Stillwater General Store, Pizza Express, PNC Bank, Post Office (Both Locations), Post Time Pub, R. Keiling, Race's Farm Market, Radio Shack, Remax, Shell Gas Station, Skyland Bank, Smitty's, Sunrise, Nutrition Center, Sun Velocity, Sunoco, The Auto Shop, The Inn at Millrace Pond, Tile Warehouse, Tractor Supply, Tramontin Harley-Davidson, US Gas, Voulas Hairway to Heaven, Village Green, Warren County Library, Wells Fargo, Wilbur's Country Store, Wine & Spirits, Woman to Woman Belvidere

A & P, Al's Pizza, ACI Truck Stop, Bagel Smith, BelPike Lanes, Belvidere Diner, Belvidere Spa, Clucas Farm, Curves, Dee Doo's, Dr. Amannda Richline, Food Mart, Four Sisters Winery, H&R Block, Hearth Shop, Hickory Mortgage, Little Johns Pizza, Mediterranean Riverside Designs, Riverton Hotel & Restaurant, Rosal Jewelers, Short Stop, Skee's Busy Bee, Skoogy's, Steckel's Shell, Station, Thisilldous, Uncle Buck's Diner, US Gas, Vincent Haircuttery & Plus, Zack's, Zeeks Washington A & P, Bagelsmith, Fliegauff Jewelers, Home Instead Senior Care, Kaffe Kaprys, Lost Ladies, Mediterranean Bistro, MWC Racing, Pride-N-Groom, Quick Check, Rossi, Second Time Around, Shopper Stop, Silver Stars Bagel, Smith Dodge, Stanley's Pizza, Town Market, Washington Diner, Washington Shoe Newton A&G Pizza, Back in Motion, BMW Dealership, Charm, Co. Seat, Dunkin Donuts, Hampton Diner, Ho Hos, HobbyTown, Holiday Inn, Home Furniture, Warehouse, Kathy's Restaurant, Newton News Stand, Optical Center, O'Reilly's, PB&J, Quick Check, Shop Rite, Skylands Sport Shop, Springboard Shoppe, Superior Shower Doors, The Chatter Box, VW-Audi Dealership, Weis Hackettstown A & P, Bachs Home Healthcare, Cozy Corner, Golden Skillet, Hacktettstown Free public Library, Hackettstown Guns & Ammo, Hackettstown Sandwich Shoppe, Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Mama's Pizza/Cafe Baci, O'Neill's Jewelers. Prickley Pear, Quick Check #2, Riverstar Diner, Tranquility General Store, Valley Bagel, Weis, Willow Caf Columbia Ayers, Hunters Lodge, Roses Cafe

Hello Fellow Readers, Ready to dig in? A rule of thumb is 8 weeks before the last frost date (normally May 19th time to start seeds indoors. I dont know about you, but I am counting on normal despite our crazy winter! Hence I plan to start seeds the last week of March. Mike from Washington is a first timer and asked for tips of how-to and what vegetables he should start with. Favorites like peppers, tomatoes, celery and less loved Brussels sprouts need a long growing season for an abundant harvest and ours is not long enough to start seeds directly in the ground. Planting containers should be at least three inches deep. Use a good quality starting mix rather than garden soil which can compact easily. Moisten but dont saturate the mix and fill each container to a half inch below the top. Sow individual seeds into each container according to seed pack directions; typically four times as deep as the seeds width. Cover with plastic and prick holes for ventilation all the while keeping the mix moist. Seeds germinate sooner and produce healthier roots if kept warm making the top of your refrigerator a great spot. Or there are electric heating mats specifically for that purpose. Once the seeds sprout remove the plastic and move them into bright light; preferably under grow lights or a fluorescent shop light suspended a few

inches from the plants for 12 to 16 hours a day. Move the lights up as the plants grow. If using a sunny window rotate the plants so they are not reaching for the sun. How about starting perennial seeds indoors, asked Dorothy of Stroudsburg? Many of the seed catalogues lure us with plants that are tough to start. But there are easy-to-grow perennials that usually bloom in their first growing season if you provide a head start. A few I tout are: Tickseed (Coreopsis), Maiden Pinks (Dianthus), Catmint (Nepeta), Blanket flower (Gaillardia), Anise Hyssop (Agastache), Yarrow (Achillea), and Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum); all are medium to high in deer resistance. Perennials seeds are slower to germinate than annual or vegetable seeds taking up to a month to sprout which justifies starting 2 weeks earlier. Yippee! So dig in, think spring and save lots of dough! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

Buying your first home is one of the biggest investmet decisions youll ever make. So how do you know if its the right time to venture into home ownership? You can start by answering these seven questions. 1. How long will you be in the area? Because of the transaction it costs that come with buying and selling a home, it typically takes three to five years to break even. If you sell any sooner, you could end up losing moneyeven in a rising market. If you do make a profit, youll have to pay capital gains taxes if youve owned the house less than two years. Assess whether its likely that your circumstances will enable you to stay put long enough to make purchasing a home worthwile. 2. How much can you afford to pay? As a rule of thumb, your mortgage payment shouldnt be more than 25 percent of your gross income and your total monthly debt shouldnt exceed 33 percent of your gross income. Keep in mind that your princi-

pal and interest arent the only costs associated with home ownership. Youll also incur additional expenses such as: utilities, homeowner insurance, property taxes, maintenance costs, lawn and landscaping care, snow removal and pest control, city assessments and association fees (if applicable). Make sure to consider your total costs to avoid an uncomfortably tight financial or overextending yourself. 3. Whats the housing market like in your area? The real estate market differs by city, state and region. Compare the costs of renting and buying to determine which makes the most sense in your situation. Depending on where you live, one option may be more favorable than the other. 4. Can you cover the down payment? Most traditional mortgage brokers require that you have at least a 20 percent down payment to avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If your dont have enough, PMI will typically cost between

0.5 to 1 percent of your entire loan amount every year. For example, if you purchase a $175,000 home, at a 1 percent insurance rate, it adds just over $145 a month to your expenses. Keep this in mind when calculating what you can afford and whether to purchase. 5. Whats your credit score? If youre not sure, you can order a free credit report from a reputable credit agencysuch as Equifax, Experian or TransUnion - once every 12 months. Your credit score is important becuase when a bank is deciding whether to loan you money for a home, they want to know what they can trust you to pay them back. If your credit score is good you can breathe easy. If its not, take action as quickly as possible to improve it. If there are any errors on your report, make sure to get them corrected so they dont negatively impact your ability to qualify for a loan. 6. Are your financial documents in order? When you apply for a mortgate, youll need to

provide several documents, such as: W-2 or 1099 income statements for the past two years, current year profit-andloss statement if youre self- employed, federal tax returns for the past two years, bank and investment account statements for up to the past three months, recent pay stubs and proof of other income, 12 months of cancelled rent checks and bank statements showing rent was paid on time if youre a renter. Start sooner rather than later. Also, always provide every page of a document, because lenders will want to see every page even if its blank. 7. Do you have an emergency savings fund? Most financial professionals recommend saving enough to cover 3 to 6 months of your living expenses in case an unexpected event -such as a job loss, illness or injury- prevents you from earning an income. An emergency fund can also help you cover unexpected expenses, such as a broken appliance or a plumbing emergency. For help assessing your financial situation, to determine if purchasing a home is a good choice for you, consult your financial advisor. Your advisor can help ensure that your decision is in line with your short and long-term goals and your budget. Jim Fahey, AAMS, is a Financial Advisor and Vice President with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Bedminster. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for over 25 years. To contact him call 877604-0443. Ameriprise Financial 1420 US Highway 206 Suite 130 Bedminster 07921.

This has been a long winter and most of us have spent more time cooped up indoors than we would like. As a runner, Ive been stuck on the treadmill much of the time and when I do run outside, Im on the cold, hard asphalt which isnt so good for my joints. Previous years of tennis and riding horses has caught up with me, and like many of you, Im getting rather stiff from arthritis. Even though our pets may not participate in sports or have jobs that require manual labor, they also can suffer the ravages arthritis creates in the joints. Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. The most common form in pets is osteoarthritis. Simple wear and tear can start to break down the cartilage that protects the ends of the bone. When it is gone, the bone rubs on bone which creates a lot of irritation. The body responds by laying down new bone but this bone is not smooth. Instead, it is rather bumpy and jagged. Sometimes a piece actually breaks off and becomes loose in the joint this is called a joint mouse. The thick fluid inside the joint that helps to lubricate it also becomes very thin and watery, rather like old oil in an engine losing its viscosity. The net result of this is a joint that does not move as freely or with the same range of motion and is often painful. The hips, knees (stifle), shoulders and elbows are often affected and less frequently the ankles (hock) and wrists (carpus). Dogs with arthritis often have difficulty getting up, particularly on slippery surfaces. As they walk, they may start by being stiff for a few steps, but that gradually gets worse. Negotiating stairs and getting on and off the bed or in and out of the car becomes difficult to impossible. In cats, the primary sign is often reluctance to jump up. A cat whose favorite spot used to be in a window may no longer hang out there because he cant get up into it anymore. There are many risk factors involved with arthritis. Larger breeds

of dogs are particularly prone to arthritis. Simply having more body mass puts more strain on the joints. Many of these breeds are also genetically predisposed to arthritic and dysplastic changes. Shetland Sheepdogs, although not a large breed, are quite prone to arthritis as well. Previous injuries that have affected the joint such as a cranial cruciate ligament rupture or fracture can lead to arthritis down the road. Although you cant control those factors, there is one major thing you can control. The number one way to prevent arthritis is to not allow your pet to become overweight. Obesity greatly increases the development of arthritis. In fact, just getting a pet to lose weight can often significantly reduce their dependency on medications to control the inflammation and pain. There are many types of drugs and supplements used to manage arthritis and the associated pain. The mainstay of pain control are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Rimadyl, Metacam, Deramaxx and Previcox are all in this class. They do not directly make the joint better; rather, they reduce the inflammation and pain so the pet feels better. This will also enable him to move better, which in turn helps keep his weight down, reduces muscle atrophy and improves his overall quality of life. Joint supplements such as chondroitin/glucosamine/MSM give pets the raw ingredients to make better cartilage and improve the joint itself. Adequan is an injection given twice weekly over the course of a month that also helps to improve the joint. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. We are also using therapeutic laser therapy and stem cell therapy to help some of our patients. Often multiple different methods are used together. Just like with people, we cant turn back the clock, but we can develop a plan to give your pet the best quality of life possible.

With beautifully crafted mahogany beams rising graciously to a height of 34 feet, the custom glass Springfest Conservatory encloses a sun-filled space blooming with garden exhibits. The building, a gift to the Fairgrounds from Bev and Bruce Gordon of Sussex County, houses what has been proclaimed New Jersey's finest flower and garden show (Star Ledger). Springfest, a non-profit show produced by gardenlovers for garden-lovers, hosts more than 8,000 visitors from the tri-state area. Proceeds benefit the promotion of excellence in horticulture. In that quest to turn the landscape into ones own paradise, what better way is there to shop for the areas premier garden designers and landscape companies all under one roof? Their creative ideas and talented skills are featured in displays of natural stone, ponds and waterfalls, arbors and patios, and, of course, plants and flowers in all their splendid variations of form, fragrance and color. Representatives of these premier companies are present throughout the show to share their knowledge and expertise. The friendly faces of the Sussex County Master Gardeners greet visitors to the Show in The Entry Garden, designed by the staff of Three Seasons LLC. In this garden you will find a whole new Art Gallery serving as a backdrop for the Still Life Comes to Life exhibit. Here both amateur and professional contestants paint with plants and objects to make arrangements full of ideas for your own home and garden. Garden enthusiasts can plan their visit to catch a free lecture, included with paid admission to the show. Among the speakers this year is renowned garden writer and lecturer, Ken Druse, sharing his passion and knowledge of propagating plants - and who doesnt want more plants? The Lecture Series includes such

diverse subjects as bonsai, perennials, hydrangeas, native plants, garden design and more and features experts both local and national. DIYers will want to catch the popular Chain Saw Safety Demo offered by Stihl, one of Springfests Presenting Sponsors. Last year, the newest trend in outdoor living Designer Sheds: Living in Your Garden was a huge hit with visitors and will be returning with even more stylish transformations of three lowly garden sheds into

terrific outdoor living spaces such as A Wine Enthusiasts Tasting Room and An Upscale Potting Shed. One lucky visitor will win their favorite shed completely furnished! The shows Marketplace provides the areas greatest garden shopping where exhibitors and are carefully selected to reflect Springfests commitment to quality. Tucked among the curving paths throughout the show, visitors will find such widely diverse items as garden ornaments and

furniture, hats and gloves, dried flowers, fertilizers, garden machinery, fencing and sheds, seeds, bulbs, and potted plants, including orchids, topiaries and perennials. Arborists, outdoor lighting and irrigation specialists are among the expert service exhibitors. Educational displays offering information and advice include public gardens and various plant societies. The Master Gardeners of Sussex County plan to wow visitors with a display titled Planting Out of the Box featuring the latest viral internet sensation of a 16th century idea, mosaic culture, think topiaries on steroids! Much anticipated, year after year, is the Kids Plant Your Own Zone, where children discover the enjoyment of gardening. Another popular feature for children is the Treasure Hunt. The Garden Caf, with its creative and inviting dcor, encourages visitors to linger while they enjoy a delicious lunch or fine pastries with gourmet coffee, teas, and wine bar. The Springfest Garden Show will be held March 13th through 16th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

From single mom to successful businesswoman, Linda Simpson of REMAX of New Jersey has consistently proven that just about anyone can prosper with the proper mindset and motivation. Her small business has established itself by serving the Garden State's northernmost counties: Warren, Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. With the demands of raising three children, Linda desired a flexible work schedule. She has found the perfect career as a Realtor. "I first got into the business about 10 years ago," Linda recalled. "At that time my children were still really young. I wanted to establish a career for myself that I could potentially build over time. I knew I would be starting out very small, which was fine because I really needed a flexible schedule. In the beginning I just dabbled in it, got my feet wet and learned it slowly as I went along." Prior to starting her

business, Linda was on a different career path, but had always found real estate interesting. By balancing her work and home life, she found time to pursue her real estate education. Years later Linda is now SFR certified and well versed in a variety of market segments including first-time

buyers, estates, foreclosures and short sales. There is one type of client Linda particularly likes to work with: first -time buyers. "I have worked short sales, I have done estate sales, but what I love the most is working with first time buyers. It's just so exciting for them to go from renting to

buying their first home. To guide them through the mortgage and being present the first time they walk through their house is very gratifying for me." Now as an experienced agent, Linda's business is thriving even amidst a sluggish economy and a difficult real estate market. Proving that putting in the time and relating well to her clients has made her the successful real estate agent she is today. Balancing work and raising children has also helped Linda develop a more personal touch as a Realtor. Her clients find she is very approachable, easy to talk to, and that she always listens to her clients needs. Whether her clients are happy or upset, Linda remains accessible and friendly. For Linda, it is imperative to be able to communicate with her clients, be understanding and "have a little bit of a soft side and always listen." For more information, visit www.topagentmag azine.com/nationwide.

Looking for an exciting, affordable vacation? Dont forget your passport! Make reservations now for a five day deluxe excursion to Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada. Your first class tour will depart from Blairstown on Monday, June 2nd and return on Friday, June 6th aboard a spacious, video and restroom equipped motorcoach. This incredible getaway package includes a four-night stay in a Niagara Falls area hotel, continental breakfast each morning and four delicious dinners at local restaurants. Also included are: a guided tour of a Niagara Falls and Toronto, Ontario, a visit to the magnificent Casa Loma Castle, Queen Victoria Park, and the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Bring your camera for

the breath-taking views of the mighty Niagara aboard a cruise on the Hornblower Niagara. You will even have a chance to try your luck at the Fallsview Casino one evening. This incredible vacation package is only $499 per person (based on doubleoccupancy), so make your reservations now! Please remember that you must bring a valid US Passport. Your participation will benefit Haven of Hope for Kids, a non-profit organization in Hope dedicated to providing cost-free country vacations for families caring for a child with cancer or other life threatening illness. A $75 deposit is due now and the balance will be due April 1st. For more information and reservations, call Gladys Bellott at 908459-9210.

Tom Horton's article entitled "Shades of Green," addressed a great deal of what is happening to local farms all over this great country. If we don't find ways to support our farmers and their farms we simply will not have food to eat. While Montana may have 'almost no rules,' it is not the same abundant Montana it once was. Byproducts of hydrolic fracturing "fracking" for shale oil and gas drilling have poisoned the water and land. Our Ridge and Valley is threatened with the same. Similar economic hardships to those stated in Horton's article are being experienced by some of our local farmers. These farmers have a deep connection to the land, a breadth of understanding of the seasons and a willingness to continue doing what they know and love. They are true artisans of the land but in many instances our tax structure and laws are impediments to their livelihoods. This can

translate to farm closures. We are at risk of losing talented and knowledgeable farmers (salt-of-the-earth people some of whom I count myself lucky to know) along with their fertile lands and delicious, locally-grown foods. As we have seen, with recent events and natural disasters from 9/11 to Super Storm Sandy and Hurricanes Katrina and Irene, freight traffic can be shut down for extended periods. If we haven't got local farms upon which we can depend, we may find ourselves without food. If local farms dont have us to depend upon they cannot hold their own in times when their growing seasons are interrupted, shortened or compromised. The land from which we glean our sustenance is in jeopardy. The livelihoods of farmers who depend upon viable land are in jeopardy. Why are we allowing our irreplaceable farmlands to be exploited as a commodity? Ruth A. Karmazon, L.Ac.

Paul Klein of Blairstown Builds Dream Home We had been trying to build our dream house; making every slow and painful mistake that two trusting, nave people could possibly make. Until: a wise man in the know set us straight, "you two don't know what you're getting into, you need a contractor." It was around this time that my husband suffered a mild stroke and the hands of fate placed Paul Klein of Blairstown in our path. He not only took our vision and brought it to life, he created a home that surpassed our every wish, hope, or thought. Every expectation that I could ever dream of was elevated and exceeded. I have heard horror stories about contractors and what a terrible process that building a home could be. In this day and age of shoddy

workmanship and deception, it's nice, I think, to hear what a great experience can be achieved. With Paul Klein, every step has been driven by a desire to please. He has not only built us our dream home, he has put the gleam of hope back into my husband's eyes; he has put the faith of humanity and goodness back into my husband's heart. He has saved my husband's life; I will always believe that! Not only is Paul Klein a master builder and designer, he has treated our house as if it were

his own. Even the little things - like turning the porch lights on when he leaves for the day, so that my husband doesn't have to walk down and do it himself - Paul does. Attending to the most minute details, with the most meticulous care

and attention, Paul Klein goes above and beyond kindness and compassion. In times of trouble he has been there as a shoulder to cry on, and a sense of humor that will be sorely missed now that this job has come to an end. I will miss seeing him every day and hearing him singing along with his music. He has not only been the best contractor, but also a great friend - for all this and more, I am compelled to write this and thank him with all my heart. Paid for by Landi Guyon, Blairstown

Although it is still winter, prom season is just around the corner and many teenage girls are already making plans for their special evening. However, given the current economic climate, not every family will be able to afford fancy dresses, shoes and accessories for their teens. For those who are unable to afford a suitable dress for the occasion, Project SelfSufficiency will be

hosting their annual Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop during April. The prom shop offers free new and gently-used formal wear to teens. Gowns and accessories are displayed in a boutique-like setting, and girls are invited to select shoes, wraps and jewelry to complement their dress. The agency is currently seeking donations of new and gently-used formal wear, including prom dresses, bridesmaids

dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, as well as shoes in good condition. Dresses must be dry cleaned and on a hanger. The prom is a once in a lifetime event for many girls, and we are hopeful that local residents who may have extra prom dresses in their closets will take advantage of this opportunity to donate them to the Sister-to-Sister

Prom Shop, commented Deborah BerryToon, Executive Director of Project SelfSufficiency. The Prom Shop has been a huge success year after year because of the communitys support. We are confident that the public will step up once again to help these

girls enjoy a memorable evening. Donations will be accepted MondayThursday, 9am 8pm, and Friday, 9-4pm. Those who are unable to make a donation during these hours are encouraged to call the office to make special arrangements. Donations are

requested by March 28th, so that the items can be properly arranged for display. However, formal wear will gladly be accepted through the duration of the Prom Shop, if necessary. For more information call 973-940-3500, or visit projectself sufficiency.org