Merchants National Bank Initiates Streetscape Low-cost Funding Program for Bangor

BANGOR- Merchants National Bank (MNB) has begun a new program in conjunction with the revitalization efforts of the Bangor Main Street Program and the Borough Business Revitalization Program (BBRP), an initiative of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Northampton County, which will support business owners in the borough who wish to make facade improvements to their business property. The program, which includes three options to help with financing, will be offered to business owners in the Bangor borough. Eligible facade improvement activities include major maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, restoration and signage. The program is eligible to the owner of the building or the business owner as a tenant.

Business and property owners who qualify for a BBRP Design Challenge Grant can receive a 180-day interest-free Bridge Loan from MNB, which provides funds to the business owner until the funds are reimbursed through the Grant from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation. MNB is also offering loans at a minimum cost interest rate of 1.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) on the required matching portion of the Grants. Another option for qualifying business property owners is a discounted, low cost interest rate on a loan, with no other fees, if they would like to obtain financing to improve their business property. Discounted rates begin at 5.69% APR on loans up to $25,000 for a 36 month term. Anyone interested in learning more about how Merchants National Bank may be able to help them improve their business property should contact James Hunter, Vice President, Commercial Lending at 610.588.9238. Interested parties may also contact Mark Hartney, Borough Business Revitalization Program Coordinator, at 610.841.5861 for more information about the BBRP Design Challenge Grant.

“Having been involved in similar Main Street Programs in the past, I can emphatically say that the Design Challenge Grant Program is a catalyst for the economic improvement and revitalization of downtown Bangor,” stated Anthony Biondi, CEO of Merchants National Bank. He added, “as Bangor's truly one and only hometown bank, Merchants National Bank is proud to be a leader in the Bangor revitalization efforts to encourage investment and revitalization in our community.”

According to Mark Hartney, Borough Business Revitalization Program Coordinator for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, “Merchants National Bank really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with these financing programs. This is exactly the type of public-private partnership we want to see. The revitalization of downtown Bangor hinges on the leadership that community oriented companies like Merchants National Bank provide to help create an environment that promotes reinvestment.”

Established in 1890, Merchants National Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank. Headquartered in Bangor, PA, MNB has two branch offices in Bangor and additional offices throughout the Lehigh Valley, including Mount Bethel, Wind Gap, Bushkill Township, Martins Creek, Forks Township, Redner's Warehouse Markets in Northampton and a Business Center in Easton, PA. MNB Investment Services is a division of the Bank and offers investment and wealth management financial services. In June 2005, Merchants National Bank received the Bernard J. Metz Entrepreneurial Spirit Award by the Two Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce in recognition for the Bank's entrepreneurial accomplishment and community service in the Two Rivers area. The Bank's website can be accessed at www.merchantsbangor.com.

Second Annual Angelo Polo Scholarship Benefit

BANGOR- The Angelo Polo Scholarship Benefit will be held on Saturday, May 5 from 7 to 11 PM at the Bangor Elks. The public is invited to attend and dance to oldies music along with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. The cost is $12 per person and proceeds benefit the Angelo Polo Scholarship Fund. The scholarship bearing Polo’s name is awarded at the Bangor High School Commencement Ceremony each year to the student displaying the spirit of volunteerism. To the friends of Angelo, the event and scholarship is a fitting tribute that acknowledges his outstanding community service, his bullwork carrying heavy slate equipment up the steep steps of the Slate Belt Heritage Center, putting up the cornstalks around Bangor’s downtown area and much more. His duty to community service is worthy of emulation, and an inspiration to those who were his friends. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the scholarship fund should make checks payable to BASD Education Foundation, c/o Angelo Polo Scholarship and send to Patti Snoddy, Bangor Area School District, 123 Five Points Road, Bangor, PA 18013. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Angelo Polo Slate Room should make checks payable to Slate Belt Heritage Center and send to 30 North First Street, Bangor, PA 18013.

Friends of the Bangor Public Library Discussing Second Honeymoon

BANGOR- The Friends of the Bangor Public Library’s book discussion group will meet Tuesday, May 8 from 7 to 8 PM at the Bangor Public Library. The group will discuss Joanna Trollope’s “Second Honeymoon.” The book discussion group is open to the public and welcomes new members. Anyone interested in joining the club may stop by the Bangor Public Library and place their name on the signup sheet. For more information, call Sherry Darr at 610.588.7316.

Slate Belt Chamber Announces 2007 Scholarship Awards Recipients

The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) has announced the recipients of the 2007 SBCC Scholarship Awards. The students were chosen based upon their academic accomplishments, service to the community, school leadership abilities and their future vocational plans. The six Slate Belt seniors receiving awards are Marc Bisher of Bangor Area High School, Andrea Van Buskirk of Career Institute of Technology, Emily Lieberman of Faith Christian School, Tara Brown of Pen Argyl Area High School and Anthony P. Comunale of Pius X High School. Franklin Scott Stinner, Jr. was the recipient of the Frederick R. Curcio Jr., Award. The recipients will be honored by the Chamber with an awards dinner on May 24 at Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center. Anyone interested in attending should contact the Chamber at 610.863.0315.

Bangor Exchange Club Annual Chicken Barbecue

The Bangor Exchange Club will hold its annual chicken barbecue from 3 to 6 PM on Sunday, May 6 at the Blue Valley Farm Show. Tickets cost $8 and the orders are available for eat-in or takeout. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased by contacting any Bangor Exchange Club member or Joyce Barilla at 610.588.0074. Leftover tickets will be available at the door. The event will be held rain or shine.

Wind Gap Car Show Seeking Hot Air Balloon Sponsor

The organizers of the Wind Gap Car Show are in search of a sponsor of a hot air balloon tether ride at the 2007 Wind Gap Car Show. Any person, group or company interested should contact Tony Borger 610.863.0893 or coacht@enter.net.

Northampton Community College Honors Ashley Capolozollo

Northampton Community College (NCC) and its student organizations recognized the outstanding contributions of students to their teams and clubs at a Student Celebration in the Spartan Center on April 24. Ashley Capozollo from Bangor was recognized for her service to the women’s basketball team.

Bangor Alumni Association Meeting May 8

The Bangor Area High School Alumni Association will meet at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 8 at the administration building in the Five Points Complex. All members are welcome to attend. Wooden replicas of Five Points Elementary School, DeFranco School and Bangor Area Middle School will be available for purchase. For more information, call 610.588.5198 or email mltoth@epix.net

Slate Belt Corvette Club Holding Monthly Meeting

The Slate Belt Corvette Club (SBCC) will hold its next monthly meeting at 9 AM on Saturday, May 5 at Lee’s Café. The club meets the first Saturday of each month. Lee’s Café is located at 103 South Robinson Avenue in Pen Argyl. For more information, call Norm at 570.897.5956 or Jeff at 610.841.6403.

Trinity United Church of Christ “What’s Up In Worship” May 2007

*Sun, May 6, 10:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "The Fallen Disciple"
*Mon, May 7, 7 PM- Property Committee
*Wed, May 9, 7 PM- Consistory
*Thu, May 10, 6:30 PM- Pastor Parish
*Thu, May 10, 7:30 PM- Bell Choir
*Fri, May 11, 12:30 PM- Senior Citizens
*Sun, May 13, 10:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Christ’s Ascension"
*Wed, May 16, 7:00 PM- Bible Study
*Sun, May 20, 9:15 AM- Last day of Sunday School
*Sun, May 20, 10:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Bearing the Name of Christ"
*Wed, May 23, 7 PM- Bible Study
*Sun, May 27, 10:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Preaching to Every Nation”

Note: The Outdoor Memorial Day Worship and Picnic will be on Pentecost Sunday (May 27).

St. John’s United Church of Christ Holding Pastie Bake

St. John’s United Church of Christ will be holding a pastie bake on Wednesday, June 6. Orders can be placed by calling 610.588.1782. The pasties will be available for pick up at the church between 12 and 2 PM on June 6. St. John’s United Church of Christ is located at Third and Market Streets in Bangor.

Blue Valley Garden Club Holding Meeting

The Blue Valley Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 7 PM on Monday, May 7. The meetings are held the second Monday of each month. For more information, contact President Carol Akam at 610.599.6216.

Bangor Fire Department Seeking Aluminum Can Donations

The Bangor Fire Department is seeking aluminum can and loose aluminum donations to assist with their fundraising. The aluminum is taken to local recycling companies with the funds going toward the purchasing of new firefighting equipment and the exhibit housed at the Slate Belt Heritage Center. Aluminum may be dropped at Liberty Fire Company (67 North 8th Street), Rescue Fire Company #1 (Route 191), or 2nd Ward Fire Company (Northampton and Messinger Streets).

Slate Belt Chamber Hosting Consumer Protection Representative

The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a representative from the Consumer Protection Bureau from 1 to 3 PM on Wednesday, May 9. The bureau investigates consumer complaints and works to arbitrate an agreement between the business and consumer. The representative will be at the Slate Belt Chamber on the second Wednesday of each month. The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce is located at 856 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Pen Argyl. For more information, call 610.863.0315.

Richmond United Methodist Church Holding Yard Sale & Auction

Richmond United Methodist Church is holding a yard sale and auction from 8 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, May 5 at the church. For more information, call Dawn Olson at 610.588.0148 or Robin Hughes at 610.588.0455.

Trinity United Church of Christ Holding Pastie Bake

Trinity United Church of Christ Church is holding a pastie supper to benefit the Parsonage Kitchen Fund at 7:30 PM on Saturday, May 5 at the church. Takeouts will also be available. For more information, call Carla Shrout at 610.588.5190.

Second Ward Fire Ladies’ Aux. Holding Mother’s Day Fashion Show

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of Second Ward Fire Company will hold the Mother’s Day Fashion and Craft Show from 12 to 4 PM on Saturday, May 12 at the fire house. The event is sponsored by Jen’s Odds N’ Ends and will feature crafts and fashions from various vendors. Light refreshments will be served and part of the proceeds will benefit Second Ward Fire Company.

Golden Sunshiners Meeting

The Golden Sunshiners will meet at 1 PM on Wednesday, May 16 at Flicksville United Church of Christ. A hoagie and soup lunch will be served at 12 PM. The cost of the lunch is $5. Call 610.588.5133 to place an order.

Report on Valentine’s Day Storm Response Available on Dally's Web Site

Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton) said today that the independent assessment of the state’s response to the Valentine’s Day snow and ice storm is now posted on his Web site, www.CraigDally.com

“Several questions about the response to the storm were raised at a joint hearing of the House Transportation, and Republican and Democrat Policy committees,” Dally said.

Prepared by James Lee Witt Associates of Washington, D.C., the report evaluates the performance of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, State Police, Department of Transportation, and the National Guard during the snow and ice event. The storm stranded hundreds of motorists on I-78, I-81, and I-80 for up to 20 hours. The report cost $130,000, plus an additional $20,000 for expenses.

“I believe the people Lehigh Valley, many of whom were directly affected by the storm and the response to it, should have the opportunity to read the report and reach their own conclusions,” Dally said.

Craft Show Benefiting the American Cancer Society

The public is invited to a craft show on Saturday, May 5 at the Easton Eagles located on Sullivan Trail in Easton. The craft show is from 9 AM to 3 PM and will feature a wide variety of crafters with something for everyone. The proceeds from the craft show will benefit the Relay for Life team, Heathers Hope, at the Relay for Life Easton. Along with the many crafters there will be a basket raffle with assorted baskets.

Relay for Life Easton will be held on June 15 and 16 at Metzgar Field, located on Sullivan Trail in Easton (part of Lafayette College). The Relay will be held from 2PM to 2PM with the opening ceremony planned for 7 PM. For more information, contact Rosemarie at the American Cancer Society at 610.921.2329, ext 3109 or rmurphy@cancer.org.

Northampton Community College Offers Networking Courses

Learn how to install, configure and protect a wireless network for home or business with Northampton Community College’s Center for Business and Industry course, “Wireless Networking.” The course meets Thursdays, May 17-24, from 6 to 9 PM at NCC’s Main Campus. For a complete course description or to register online, visit www.northampton.edu and click on “Search Courses.” To register over the telephone using a credit card, call NCC toll-free at 1-877-543-0998.

4-Hers Announce Winners

As everyone knows, the ability to communication is paramount in this society. The 4-H program promotes the art of public speaking and the giving demonstrations. Recently, a multi-county 4-H Communications Contest was held at Lehigh Carbon Community College. This event, attended by 4-Hers ages 8-18, was held to enable the youth to publicly present speeches and demonstrations before a diverse audience.

From Northampton County, there were three 4-Hers who participated in the junior division. Riorden Weber, from Leather Crafters 4-H Club, presented his presentation entitled "Identifying Trees." He placed first in the division, receiving a blue merit award. Steton Weber, from Leather Crafters 4-H Club, gave a demonstration entitled "Clowning and Dr. Seuss." He received a blue merit for his presentation. Alex Brow, from the Leather Crafters 4-H Club and Back to Basics 4-H Club, demonstrated "LEGO Building and Construction." and received a red merit for his demonstration.

4-H Encourages the youth to be able to speak in public or provide demonstrations in public on various topics. The program is judged on the Danish System, allowing multiple awards of one color.

4-H offers over 150 hands-on projects to youths ages 8-18. The emphasis of the club work is on leadership, sportsmanship and life skills. The program is administered by volunteers who are experienced in the various projects. Anyone interested in the 4-H Program in Northampton County can call the 4-H Offices at 610.746.1970, between 8 AM to 4 PM during the week.

Internationally Renowned Piano Prodigy Performing at Mauch Chunk Opera House

JTAMS Productions presents a rising star in classical music, renowned pianist Giorgi Latsabidze at the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe, on Saturday, May 5 at 8 PM

Mr. Latsabidze, born in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, is one of the most exciting young pianists to emerge from Eastern Europe in recent years. His program will include the Mozart Piano Sonata in D Major, the Pozdro Piano Sonata No. 2 and the Chopin Piano Sonata in B flat minor.

At the age of twenty-seven, he is already regarded as a significant performer of his generation, having placed in several international piano competitions including winning the Gold Medal in the International Piano Competition "N. Rubinschtein" in Paris and in the Third Prize in "Ennio Porrino" in Cagliari, Italy. Mr. Latsabidze studied with the legendary Russian teacher Professor Lazar Berman, Professor Klaus Kaufmann of Salzburg, Austria, and Professor Russudan Chodzava of Tbilisi, Georgia.

After his performance in Jim Thorpe, Mr. Latsabidze will travel to Austria to perform with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, playing the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 in E Flat Major at the express invitation of the President of Austria. The concert will be televised live throughout Europe.

A composer in many genres, Mr. Latsabidze scored the film "Waltz-Fantasy", shown in festivals throughout Europe, winning the "best music" category in Italy. He has just completed scoring the new American short-feature film "Twilight's Grace" written and directed by Jeremy Gram Weaver for Onward Entertainment in Los Angeles.

Doors open at 7:30 PM and the show begins at 8 PM. For tickets or more information, call 570.325.0249 or visit www.jtams.net.