PRESS

There is still one ticket remaining for the Mohegan Sun day trip on May 5th. For details, call Betty at 610-599-0146. The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual scholarship recipients for 2014: Elizabeth Bina, Bangor High School; Logan Matthews, Career Institute of technology; Josiah, Faith Christian School; Emily Smull, Pen Argyl High School; Elizabeth Brennan, Pius X High School; and the recipient of the Frederick R. Curcio Jr. Award is Noah Barnes of Faith Christian School. An

awards dinner will be held on May 15th to honor these students. If you are interested in attending, call 610-5881000. The Blue Valley Mens Pool League has announced the playoff scores. For April 16th overall championship (best of 3): Roseto Legion 8; Wind Gap Legion 7; Roseto Legion leads 1-0. For April 23rd overall championship: Wind Gap Legion 8; Roseto Legion 4; series tied at one match each. Bangor Area High School prom boutique is now accepting donations of gently used

formal wear, shoes and jewelry. Send donations to the Boutique at BAHS, Attn. Nancy Serulneck. Call 610599-7011, ext. 1104 with questions. The family and friends of Mr. Denny Strouse are offering a $1000 scholarship in loving memory of Denny. The 4th Annual 912 Scholarship is for a graduating Bangor High School senior who plans on attending a technical school or college. The scholarship is awarded to a well rounded student with interests in academics, outdoor sporting activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking and an enthusiasm for the outdoors. The student must possess a giving spirit exemplified through

community service and love for family and friends. The application process is being facilitated by Slater Family Network. Applications are in the High School guidance office, Slater Family Network office or on the school district website under 2014 Scholarships or Slater Family Network. Applications are due in the SFN office by Friday, May 2nd. For more information, call 610599-7019. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pen Argyl will be sponsoring a trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino on May 8th. The first pick up location will be at St. Elizabeth's parking lot in Pen Argyl, leaving by 8:30am; the second pick up location will be at the old St. Joseph's parking lot in Wind Gap, leaving by 8:35am. For more information, call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610844-4630. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries and other tidbits of information to: The PRESS 1 Broadway Bangor, PA 18013 thepressmail@ gmail.com Dont Forget to Like Us on Facebook!

Blue Valley Farm Show Complex, Bangor. FMI, call 610-588-1224. National Day of Prayer Service: May 1st. First United Evangelical Congregational Church, 25 S. Second St., Bangor. FMI call, 610-588-3226. "Craft & Chat Corner.": Tuesdays in May, 9am. Slate Belt Sr. Center. Blue Valley Farm Show Building, Bangor. Beginners welcome. FMI, call 610-588-1224. Zumba Gold: Tuesdays in May 10am. Slate Belt Sr. Center. Blue Valley Farm Show Building, Bangor. FMI, call 610588-1224. "Brush Away" with local senior artists: Wednesdays in May 9am-1pm. Slate Belt Sr. Center. Blue Valley Farm Show Building, Bangor. Beginners welcome. FMI, call 610-588-1224 Slate Belt Sr. Center Country Line Dancing: May 2nd, 12:30-1:30pm. Doris Bergen Chair Bake Sale: May 2nd & May 3rd, 10am-4pm. Capital Ace Hardware, 438 Blue Valley Dr., Bangor. Annual Spring Rummage & Bake Sale: Friday, May 2nd 9am4pm & Saturday, May 3rd, 9am-1pm. Flicksville UCC, 1337 Lower South Main St, Saturday will be 1/2 price and $3 bag day. The East Bangor UMC Singles Ministry meeting: Every first Friday of the month starting May 2nd, 6:30-9pm. Church Fellowship Hall, 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor. Bring your favorite covered dish/dessert. FMI, email Cindy at ebumcsm @yahoo.com, or call 610614-1477. The Rescue Fire Co #1 Auxiliary 25 Cent Bingo:

Saturday May 3rd, 1:30pm. Rescue Fire Co. #1 Social Hall, 209 Pennsylvania Ave., Bangor. Children welcome with adult. FMI, call 610-9055393. The East Bangor UMC Singles' Ministry At the Hop: Saturday, May 3rd, 7:30pm. Gap Movie Theatre, Wind Gap. FMI, email Cindy at ebumcsm @yahoo.com, or call 610614-1477. The Martins Creek Athletic Association Honors Mr OR Pacchioli & the 2013 BML Champion Creekers: May 4th, 4-8pm. Holy Family Club, Nazareth. FMI & tickets, contact Rich Grucela 610252-0056 or email richgrucela @aol.com. No tickets will be sold at the door. FREE Sausage and Peppers Dinner: Sunday, May 4th, 4-6pm. East Bangor United Methodist Community Church, 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor. FMI, call 610-588-4453 or visit www.ebumc.org. Sausage & Pancake Supper: May 3, 4-7pm. Richmond United Methodist Church, Route 611 in Richmond. FMI Call, 610588-7317 Washington Twp. Vol. Fire Co. Ladies Aux. Mothers Day Cash

Bingo: Sunday May 4th. Doors open at 11am. Game starts at 12:30pm. Washington Fire Hall, Bangor. FMI, call Shirley 484-661-7187; Ruth 610588-7402; Donna 484298-0192; or Sandy 610588-9976. East Bangor Methodist Church Pastie Sale: Tuesday May 6th, 3:30pm. Pickup will be at the Church, 136 W. Central Ave. Choices are beef w/ or w/o onion & broccoli cheese w/ or w/o onion. Call, 610-588-1745. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pen Argyl Casino Trip: May 8th. First pick up location: church parking lot in Pen Argyl, leaving 9am. second pick up location: old St. Joseph's parking lot in Wind Gap, leaving 9:05am. FMI, call Mary Lou DeRea-Lohman at 610-863-4846 or 610844-4630. Town council meeting to discuss town pool: May 6 at 7pm. At Youth Center at Weona Park. A group of residents is working extremely hard to make sure that the pool is repaired or replaced for the current and future generations. They would like to get as many citizens who have ever gone to Weona Pool or cares about its demise to attend.

April 30, 2014

(NAPSI)For millions of people across America, the concept of retirement has changed significantly. Retiring used to mean taking it easy. Today, its a more active time than ever; a time for new interests, being involved with family and friends, volunteering, and paying attention to being physically and mentally fit. Retirees live healthier, work longer, and play harder. Its the new normal. Even the momentous act of applying for retirement benefitswhich used to require a visit to the Social Security officehas become more convenient, easier, and faster for busy retirees. Thinking about applying for your benefits? Begin at Social Securitys websitewww.socialsecurity.gov. It offers a wealth of services, information, and tools to help you plan for a better retirement. When you are ready, you can apply for benefits online, from home. No appointment, no travel to a busy government office, no worry that youve brought all the right paperwork. The online retirement application is easy to use. In most cases, it will take you less than 15 minutes to complete. You also can save your unfinished work at any point and finish later. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. Before you apply, you need to consider several factors. For people born in 1938 or later, full retirement age has gradually increased, and for people born after 1959, it is age 67. You can apply for reduced benefits as early as age 62. You also should consider whether you

The PRESS
your lifetime earnings and estimated retirement, disability, and survivors benefits for you and your family. There are advanced security features to protect your privacy. You can have unique text message codes sent to your cell phone each time you sign in. Theres even an address bar at the top of your screen indicating the website has an extended validation certificate. This means your information will be encrypted and that the website has been verified by a certification authority. When you receive Social Security benefits, your personal account will be the best way to manage them, enabling you to start or change direct deposit of your payments, get proof of benefits, and more. More than 7 million

Page 5
people have chosen to retire the fast, convenient, and stress-free wayonline. In fact, last year, almost 50 percent retired online. Choose the most convenient option to retire by visiting socialsecurity.gov.

Learn Why Millions Apply Online for Social Security

Local Senior Centers

Slate Belt Senior Center American Bangor Road, Box 3268A, RD 3, Bangor 8:30am to 4pm 610-588-1224 Lower Mt. Bethel Twp. Sr. Center Rt. 611, Martins Creek 9:30am to 1:30pm 610-252-2225 Nazareth Senior Center Oliver C. Border House 15 South Wood St., Nazareth 8am to 2pm 610-759-8255 Easton Area Senior Center 42 Centre Square, Easton 7:30am to 3:30pm 610-252-5858

want to work in retirement, health issues, your familys monetary needs, and future financial obligations. Social Security offers several online tools to help you explore your retirement options. Regardless of your age, there are advantages to

creating a personal my Social Security account. It gives you complete access to your personal information, including

Tips on Avoiding Medicare Scams

1. Protect your Medicare number as you do your credit card numbers and do not allow anyone else to use it. 2. Be wary of salespeople trying to sell you something they claim will be paid for by Medicare. 3. Review your Medicare statements to be sure you have in fact received the services billed. 4. Report suspicious activities to 1-800MEDICARE.
For more info: www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security /economic-security-Initiative/savvy-saving-seniors/22tips-for-avoiding-scams.html#sthash.TdVcyS9H.dpuf

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Only 20 minutes from the Anderson Campus, Bushkill Family Practice has become a popular choice for primary care services among patients from the Lehigh Valley, Slate Belt and Poconos. The practice recently welcomed Ellen Didimamoff, MD, a board certified family practitioner, to accommodate the growing patient population. I want to work where I live and serve my own community, said Dr. Didimamoff, who has resided in the Lehigh Valley since 2005. St. Lukes is a wonderful organization and my first choice for medical care for my own family. Previously, Dr. Didimamoff was

employed by the Hunterdon Healthcare System in New Jersey, where she spent nine years in private practice following a three-year residency with Hunterdon Medical Center. The addition of Dr. Didimamoff has allowed Bushkill Family Practice to expand its hours, offering evening hours twice a week. Also, most days she begins seeing patients at 8am, a popular time with patients wanting an appointment prior to work or school. Adding to the convenience, patients can go directly from their appointments to the St. Lukes Wind Gap Medical Center, just across the street, for laboratory work, ultra-

sounds, X-rays and mammograms. While Dr. Didimamoff offers the full range of primary care services from newborns through geriatrics, she especially enjoys working with women, children and adolescents. As a mother myself, I feel patients can relate well to my experiences, she said. In turn, I have learned so

much from my patients over the years. Dr. D., as she is often called by her patients and their families, reassures parents that she wouldnt suggest anything for their children that she wouldnt do for her own. Dr. Didimamoff has enjoyed watching patients and their families grow over the years. In my previous practice, I saw children progress from grade school to college, she said. It is a very rewarding experience and a privilege to be part of their lives. Dr. Didimamoff is eager to build her practice here in the Lehigh Valley.

The Bangor Area School District will offer a kindergarten transition program entitled, Family Fun Night, from 6:30 to 8:00pm on May 5th at Washington Elementary School and on May 6th at Five Points Elementary School. The goals of the program are to familiarize incoming kindergarten child with specific areas of the school and to expose parents to simple activities that will promote learning for their child. In an hour and a half,

children and their parents will participate in activities in a classroom, the art room, the music room, the library and the cafeteria. Community preschool staff and District staff will facilitate the session rotations and the activities. At the end of the night, children will leave with a bag full of materials to practice the activities at home. A registration form is available on the Districts website. Call Rosemary Kocher at 610-588-2163 if you have questions.

The American Cancer Society 2014 Relay For Life of the Slate Belt will be held on Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th from 4pm to 4pm at Bangor Memorial Park. The theme for this year will be Carnival of Hope. This is an American Cancer Society event which is held every to year to raise money for cancer research as well as various programs that

help people who have been affected by the disease. This is a family-friendly overnight community walk where teams of people camp out around a track. Members of each team take turns walking around the track. There is plenty of food, games, entertainment, and activities provided to keep everyone going throughout the night. Join us for a fun filled

24 hours of activities including a car show, games, butterfly release, Zumba, and bingo on Saturday. The Survivors dinner, lap, and Luminaria ceremony will take place on Friday evening. The event will be open to the public but if you are interested in signing up as a Survivor, starting a team, or simply making a donation you can still do so by visit-

ing: relayforlife.org/pa slatebelt. Registered teams are reminded to bring a basket for the Basket Raffle tent the day of the event. Donations of paper products will also be accepted throughout the Relay for Hope Lodge. For more information, contact Bob Weber at weber54@rcn.com or 484-695-8890, or join them on Facebook.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for homeowners who have ash trees on their property. In addition to creating a beautiful landscape, the benefit from a mature, healthy ash tree is about $217 a year in increased property value, air quality, cooling in summer, reduced heating costs and more, according to the National Tree Benefit Calculator. However, they can be vulnerable to a devastating invasive insect tree pestthe emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle

native to Asia that was introduced to North America in 2002. EAB larvae live under the bark of the ash tree and feed on the trees transport tissue, starving the tree of nutrients. Fortunately, one particular trunk injection treatment from Arborjet, administered by a professional applicator, will protect ash trees against EAB for up to two years, in many cases even if the trees are currently under attack. Professionally applied

trunk injection treatments cost a fraction of what tree removal and replacement does, which can be as much as $1,000 per tree. Homeowners can look for a number of signs to identify EAB in ash trees, including a thinning canopy, branches sprouting low on the trunk, bark that peels easily with lines appearing underneath, small D-shaped holes in the bark, and increased woodpecker damage. For more information, visit arborjet.com.

Hello fellow readers, One hundred columns ago we began out garden chat, which has more to do than digging in the dirt as gardens are a medium for all that grows in life dont you think? So for column 101 it seems fitting to reflect back on our very first topic; the etiquette of planting and mulching. What looks like volcanos around plants is not only ugly, its unhealthy

and sadly so common that folks think it is proper planting etiquette. Mulch Volcanoes cause excess moisture and stress on plants resulting in root rot, insect or disease. Sometimes what appears to be Mulch Volcanoes are trees planted half as deep as they should be. Ive seen some professionals plant this way; a conspiracy perhaps? The tree will live a few years then likely suffer from root girdling creating a need for a new tree providing repeat business. Or could it be laziness; half planted means less digging after all. If there are barriers such as a shale shelf or utilities and you cant dig deep enough, then its not a good place to plant a tree. Rather choose something shallow rooted such as an ornamental grass, butterfly bush or other perennial in that spot. Root Girdling is like tight undergarments- all

that content must go somewhere! Roots begin to grow around the main stem and cut off movement of water and nutrients. Sounds uncomfortable and it is! Poor plants. Give your tree, shrub or perennial the right start by digging the hole 2-3 times the diameter but only as deep as the root ball. Supplement the soil with rich organic matter mixed in, firmly filling the hole to eliminate air pockets that may dry out roots. Most arent aware that fertilization at the time of planting can actually add to plant stress so wait until after the plant is established. Once planted, apply 2-3 inches of mulch making sure to keep it clear of the tree trunk or stem of your plants. Thank you for the joy of helping to beautify our surroundings which often leads to sharing encouragement, life experiences and proper etiquette. Heres to no more volcanoes! Garden dilemmas? askmary stone.com

(StatePoint) Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, it can only mean one thing -- spring has sprung. May 9th, National Public Gardens Day, is an ideal time to celebrate warm weather and visit a local garden. Even if your green thumb means you have a garden right in your own backyard, a visit to a public space can be fun, informative and is a hallmark of the season, says Casey Sclar, Ph.D., Executive Director of the American Public Gardens Association. In fact, many gardeners use the trip to get inspired and learn how to practice environmental stewardship at home. Here are some great ways to make the most of your trip: Looking for fun Mothers Day Activities for the family? National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on

Mothers Day weekend, the unofficial start to spring, and a time when the environment is top of mind. Celebrated by more than 500 arboreta, botanic gardens, conservatories, entertainment gardens, historical landscapes, museums, and zoos, many sites are extending the National Public Gardens Day celebration throughout Mothers Day weekend with special events, tours and activities designed specifically for families. What backdrop would be more perfect for celebrating mom than a beautiful garden? says Sclar. Additionally, many gardens are offering discounts and other special offers to visitors on May 9th. To find a garden near you and learn more about the celebration, visit www. NationalPublicGardens

Day.org. The staff at a public garden can be a great source of information when it comes to gardening techniques. Dont be afraid to ask questions. For example, public gardens use efficient watering practices and have insight on responsible water use and irrigation systems. Learn how to more efficiently irrigate your own garden by consulting with your local public garden. Additionally, landscaping at public gardens can demonstrate what plants bloom at similar times and what arrangements look great together. Public gardens often sell plants, flowers and trees during annual festivals, providing top quality additions to your garden. With the sale comes professional advice that cannot be found in nurseries.

Vince Lucente, MD, Section Chief of Urogynecology, St. Lukes University Health Network, presented the first Robin Haff Research and Scholarship Award to Toni Marek-Mazzariello, RN, CCAP, St. Lukes Hospice, at the St. Lukes Annual Nursing Research and Scholarship Day Event in midApril. The award recognizes fellow nurse in memory of St. Lukes Womens Health Researcher. Mazzariello, a hospice nurse, is researching Aromatherapy Treatments for Hospice Patients Experiencing Terminal Restlessness. Studies have shown that 85 percent of terminally ill patients experience a condition known as terminal restlessness with symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, agitated delirium and confusion. This condition may have a profound impact on patients end of life experiences, as well as distressing loved ones and caregivers. Research suggests that patients symptom distress may affect family members grieving process and bereavement. Mazziariellos research will focus on the use of aromatherapy plant-based essential

oils as an integrative approach to improve the

patients sense of wellbeing. She will present

her findings at the 2015 St. Lukes Annual Nursing and Research Day. The scholarship was established by Dr. Lucente in 2013 to honor Robin Haff, RN, BSN, as a memorial to her work as Director of Womens Health Research for St. Lukes University Health Network and to encourage fellow nurses to share Robins passion for evidence-based research projects that result in improved patient care. Robin coordinated clinical trials and research with Dr. Lucente for nearly 17 years. Enrollment in these trials was optimized by her passion and belief in the work, said Dr. Lucente. Without dedicated and committed research

staff, high quality research would not be possible, said Dr. Lucente. Research leads to better outcomes and experiences for patients. The presentation was the culmination St. Lukes Nursing Research and Scholarship Day, a day-long event coordinated and facilitated by nurses for nurses to share research and nursing best practices.

When the new Mayor of Roseto Joseph C. Angelini was sworn into office he made a commitment to the community to bring programs into the borough to raise awareness and to restore a sense of community. In just a few months he has reorganized the Community Block Watch, fully staffed the police force, established a long term plan for the Summer Recreation Program, and now has District Attorney Morganelli coming to speak. On May 6th at 7pm in

Roseto Borough Hall, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli will be talking with the community to raise awareness on drugs. All communities of any age are encouraged and invited to attend. This program is intended to teach our communities warning signs, what to look for, and how to help each other. If you need directions or have questions, please feel free to contact Roseto Borough at 610-588-0695.

On Friday April 4th, at 8am, Faith United Presbyterian Church, joined with Bangor Area School District officials in announcing the winners of the Bullying Poster Contest during an assembly held in the DeFranco School. The contest was open to sixth grade students in the Bangor Area School District. Reverend Ruth Ann Christopher said,

We worked with Ms. Ericka DeLong, the Art Specialist for the Bangor School District, to develop the details of

the contest. She was very knowledgeable and gave us great advice. We were very pleased to be able to sponsor this event. The contest was held to raise awareness and help educate the community as the Slate Belts Bullying Awareness Day arrives on May 16th. Winning posters were selected from each of the 10 sixth grade classes in the Bangor District by Superintendent Frank DeFelice, who served as Judge for the contest. Makenzi Christensen, Courtney Unangst, Bailey Allen, Sophia Villano, Emilee Brewer, Derek Lasher, Jasmine Heroux-Skirbst, Kelsey Priestaf, Hunter Graziano, and Danielle

Frinzi submitted the winning entries. Rev. Christopher presented each finalist with a $20 gift card and certificate of achievement. Laminated copies of each winning poster will be displayed around the Slate Belt so look for them in the coming months. To select the overall winner, the community is invited to go to www.facebook.com/slat ebeltaware to view the posters and click Like on a favorite poster(s). The poster garnering the most Likes will receive the grand prize during the Bullying Awareness community event held at DeFranco Elementary School on Friday, May 16th, from 6pm to 8pm. The event is open to the community to view the winning posters and help raise awareness on the serious issue of Bullying. Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to all participants.