Slate Belt Heritage Center Holding Monthly Historic Presentation

BANGOR- The Slate Belt Heritage Center will hold its monthly historic presentation at 7 PM on Thursday, May 10. The speaker for the evening will be local historian Mr. Donald Repsher who will present “The Lenape: The Good Times.” The presentation is the second in a series of lectures detailing the life and original habitats of the Lenape Indians. Mrs. Elinor Fehr outlined the prehistoric origins of the Lenape last month. Fehr and Repsher co-authored the Slate Belt Heritage Center’s first book, “Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt,” which can be purchased at the Center for $10. There are also several showcases of Native American artifacts from around the Lehigh Valley. The Slate Belt Heritage Center is located at 30 North First Street in Bangor, and is handicap accessible. For more information, please call Karen Brewer at 610.588.8615 or visit www.slatebeltheritage.org.

Bangor High School Sponsoring Health Fair & 5K Race

BANGOR- Bangor Area School District and Highmark Blue Shield are sponsoring a health fair at 9 AM on Saturday, May 12 at the Bangor High School gymnasium. The American Cancer Society, local hospitals, Curves Fitness Center, Sundari Yoga, Bangor Nursery and Child Care Center and AARP will provide information, wellness screenings and activities for adults and children. The Campus Fitness Trail, funded by a grant from Highmark Blue Shield, will be dedicated at 10 AM. A 5 K Race and Fun Run for children will be held on the campus following the dedication. This event is open to the public. For more information, contact the district’s wellness coordinators, Mrs. Tamara Gary at 610.599.7011, ext. #1801 or Ms. Lori Poliskiewicz at 610.599.7012, ext. #2841.

Merchants National Bank Hosts Annual Tours

BANGOR- Merchants National Bank recently hosted guided tours of its main office in Bangor for fourth grade students from area schools. The tours are an annual event at Merchants, held in conjunction with Community Banking Week. Twelve classes, totaling approximately 275 students, plus chaperones and teachers, enjoyed seeing areas such as the vault and teller line, as well as getting a demonstration of the teller's currency counter. MNB's Thomas C. Moore, Jr., Banking Officer and Facilities Manager, and Carol J. Fedon, Banking Officer and Branch Manager, conducted the tours and offered explanations of each area that was visited, while also providing the students with a brief history of Merchants National Bank.

Chuck Hayes, Vice President and Market Manager at Merchants National Bank, commented “we are always excited when the students come to the Bank and we are able to share our heritage with the future of tomorrow”.

“The fourth grade students receive a local history lesson on Merchants National Bank, along with an insight on various banking operations,” commented Carol Fedon. “The school tours have been both a successful and enjoyable means of giving back to our community,” added Fedon.

“On behalf of MNB, Carol Fedon and myself enjoyed showing the next generation a behind the scenes look at Community Banking,” said Tom Moore. “Being a Bank that is almost 117 years old, it's a great feeling knowing that this Bank dealt with these students' parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. We look forward to giving the tours for many years to come,” added Moore.

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, Forks Township, Martins Creek, 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.

Pen Argyl High School Presenting Talent Show

Pen Argyl High School’s The Sword and the Shield are holding a talent show at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12 at Pen Argyl High School. The show will feature singers, dancers, musicians and comics. David Yanoshik, VP for Business Development and Advancement from the State Theater for the Arts in Easton, will be a special guest judge. For more information, visit www.patalentshow.com.

Knights of Columbus Celebrating 150 Years with Dinner Dance

The Knights of Columbus is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the annual dinner dance at Council home on Saturday, May 12. Refreshments will be served at 6 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM. Music will be provided by Big Time Limited (John Neetz). The event is open to the public and the cost is $30 per person. For more information, call Joe DeFranco at 610.588.0762 or Tony Barazzuol at 610.863.5611.

Washington Pet Shop in Bangor Hosting Waggin’ Tails Adoption Day

Waggin’ Tails Pet Rescue, a no-kill all volunteer animal rescue organization, will hold an adoption day on Saturday, May 12 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Washington Pet Shop in Bangor. Many wonderful dogs will be available to meet with potential adopters. Anyone interested in adopting a dog must fill out a pre-adoption application with veterinary and personal references and have a home inspection prior to adoption. Washington Pet Shop is located in Capitol Plaza along Route 512 between Bangor and Pen Argyl. For more information, call 570.992.4185 or visit www.waggintailsrescue.com.

Bangor Babe Ruth Holding Car Wash

Bangor Babe Ruth is sponsoring a car wash to benefit their 2007 season on Saturday, May 12. The car wash will be held from 9 AM to 3 PM at Dotta Chrysler/Jeep located on Route 512 in Pen Argyl. All makes and models are welcome.

Bangor Area High School Board 2007 Meeting Dates

The Bangor Area School Board will hold their monthly meetings for May on Monday, May 21 (Work Session) and Tuesday, May 29 (Business Meeting). All meetings begin at 7:30 PM and will be held in the Slater Conference Room of the Bangor Area School District Administration Building, located at 123 Five Points Richmond Road in Bangor.

Lookout Fire Company Seeking Craft Vendors

The Lookout Fire Company of Pen Argyl is looking for craft vendors for its annual Memorial Day Celebration that runs from May 24 to May 27 at Weona Park. All vendors are to be open all four days; May 24, 25 and 26 from 6-10 PM and May 27 from 4-10 PM. Vendors must provide their own tents (no larger than 12X12) and tables. The cost is $40 per spot. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact David Mutton at 610.863.4121 or tntmutton@epix.net.

Bangor Elks Lodge All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

The Bangor Elks Lodge #1106 will be holding its monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet on Sunday, May 13 from 8 AM to 1 PM. The cost is $6.50 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 eat free. The Bangor Elks is located at 120 Broadway in Bangor.

Attend a Bangor Block Watch Meeting

The Bangor Block Watch meets at 7 PM on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Slate Belt Heritage Center located at 30 North First Street in Bangor. The next meeting is planned for Tuesday, May 15. For more information, call 610.588.7028 or email BlockWatch@epix.net.

Bangor Public Library Receives Donation

The Bangor Public Library recently received a donation of new curtains for the second floor. The curtains were donated by local resident and patron, Mary Chavez. The Library would like to send its gratitude to Mary for this generous donation. The Bangor Public Library is open Monday and Wednesday, 1 to 8 PM; Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM to 8 PM; Friday, 1 to 5 PM and Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM.

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.

Slate Belt & Nazareth Chambers Sponsoring Golf Classic

The Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce and the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce will hold the Seventh annual Scholarship Golf Classic at Woodstone Country Club on Monday, June 11. The tournament raises money for their annual scholarship fund. This past year the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce awarded scholarships to students in five Slate Belt school districts. Event tee sponsors are needed along with prizes and golfers. All sponsors will be recognized during the event either on the Wall Hall of Fame Board or on a tee sign. For more information, contact the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce at 610.863.0315.

Bangor GFWC Holding Meeting

The Bangor Grand Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) will meet at 12 PM on Tuesday, May 15 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. The Bangor GFWC meets the third Tuesday of each month at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Johnsonville. For more information, call June Hess at 610.588.7100.

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.

6th Annual Bikers Against Breast Cancer Charity Poker Run & Picnic

The Southern Cruisers Riding Club of Eastern Pennsylvania are holding a poker run and picnic to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The benefit will take place on Saturday, May 12 at the Schnecksville Fire Department (rain or shine). Music will be provided by Redzvision and there will also be onsite vendors and door prizes. Registration will be held from 9 to 11 AM and cost $20 per rider or passenger and $10 for the picnic only. Those who pre-register will receive a t-shirt and pin. For more information, visit www.scrcpa.org/babc or email scrcbabc@aol.com.

Rev. Anne Trozzolillo Speaking at Stroudsburg Aglow

Stroudsburg Aglow will meet at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Saylorsburg on Saturday, May 12. The speaker will be Rev. Anne Trozzolillo of Scranton, PA. The hand of the Lord touched Trozzolillo fifty-three years ago when she was on the verge of becoming an alcoholic, suffering from marital problems and whose health was ruined. Trozzolillo prayed a simple prayer asking for forgiveness and gave Him the shattered pieces of her life. Jesus took Trozzolillo’s broken pieces and made her life beautiful. She has devoted her life to “doing the Father’s business” and has traveled along the Eastern coast of the United States ministering at churches, conferences and retreats. She and husband Nick hold a weekly service in Scranton called “Healing Stream.” Refreshments will be served at 9 AM with fellowship at 9:30 AM. A $2 donation is requested.

Safe Haven for Dogs Needs Loving Foster Homes

Safe Haven is a new dog rescue organization that rescues unwanted dogs in high-kill shelters before their time is up. These dogs are all beautiful and loving animals that just need another chance at life. The organization is a small group of dedicated volunteers doing all they can to save as many dogs as possible. Although Safe Haven is a new organization, all volunteers have been involved in animal rescue for many years. At this time, all of their pets are being fostered by their volunteers. Anyone who is an animal lover and could provide a safe, loving temporary home for deserving dogs can contact Safe Haven at 570.646.4652 or safehaven@epix.net. For more information on volunteering and helping with fundraising or transporting, visit www.safehavenpa.org.

Compost Available for Local Gardeners

The Lehigh Valley Horse Council, in conjunction with the Extension Services of Northampton and Lehigh Counties, has initiated a manure/compost share program. The objective of this program is to allow those farmers and livestock owners who have an abundance of compost, which could benefit gardens, to connect with those that are making gardens. The compost being offered is from a wide variety of species and varies from fresh to well-composted. The farmer may or may not be able to load the compost for the gardener. Amounts from buckets to truckloads are available. Anyone interested in obtaining a listing of the potential sources of this compost is asked to contact the Northampton County Extension Office at 610.746.1970, X0, the Lehigh County Extension office at 610.391.9840, or the Lehigh Valley Horse Council at 610.837.7294. A current list will be sent to anyone requesting it.

Art Exhibit “ONE: The Voices of Our Village” Opens at NCC’s Fowler Center

The Community Artists of Bethlehem and Northampton Community College (NCC) are presenting “ONE: The Voices of Our Village,” an art exhibit that opened with a First Friday reception on May 4 at NCC’s Fowler Family Southside Center ArtSpace. The exhibit features mixed media visual creations from 15 local artists. Entertainment at the opening was provided by jazz-fusion band Liquid Soul, DJ Mr. Sweetlife, live muralists Deiph and Joseph Ryan and a hula hoop presentation by Lehigh Valley Revolutions Hoop Club. There was also an Open Mike stage for spoken word and acoustic acts, hosted by Wildflower Café and Gallery. The free exhibit is open to the public and runs until May 31 with hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. ArtSpace at NCC’s Fowler Family Southside Center is located at 511 E. Third Street in Bethlehem.

Recycling in Pennsylvania Sets Record at Nearly 5 Tons

Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste in 2005, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal waste costs and providing materials to businesses with an estimated market value of $577 million.

“The recycling industry is a significant contributor to Pennsylvania’s economic vitality and environmental health,” Governor Rendell said. “We’re building market demand for recyclable materials, while benefiting and supporting the communities that collect these materials.

“The more we recycle, the less we put into our landfills. And, the more we recycle, the more economic opportunities we create by providing raw materials for Pennsylvania’s manufacturers.”

The commonwealth’s recycling and reuse industry includes more than 3,200 establishments with total annual sales of $18.4 billion. The industry employs more than 81,000 people and has an annual payroll of $2.9 billion. The employment, payroll and sales numbers are more than any other state in the northeast United States and are the second highest in the nation. In addition, Pennsylvania’s recycling and reuse industry provides an estimated $1.8 billion in indirect benefits to the economy and a direct impact of $305 million each year through the tax base.

According to reports filed by Pennsylvania counties for 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the state diverted 4.86 million tons of municipal waste from disposal at landfills and waste-to-energy facilities, which continued an upward trend that began with passage of the state’s recycling law in 1988. Municipal waste includes typical refuse from households, businesses, schools and institutions, as well as industry offices and lunchrooms.

The economic benefit of recycling in 2005 can be calculated, in part, by using published commodity prices for goods, such as steel cans, glass, plastic bottles and corrugated paper. An analysis of the nearly 1.5 million tons of Pennsylvania’s 2005 recycling materials – with specific and identifiable prices – reveals that those materials were worth $130.3 million. If the 3.4 million tons of other materials that remain were valued at even half this amount, the total would be $577.4 million. This does not include the estimated value of avoided disposal, which can be calculated as more than $262 million at the estimated statewide average disposal cost of $54 per ton.

“The economic and environmental values of recycling are overwhelming benefits to Pennsylvania,” Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. “The millions-of-tons of materials recovered are saving manufacturers money they can use to add jobs and expand their operations. These recovered materials are also preserving natural resources, which saves energy and reduces pollution. Pennsylvania is a leader in recycling, and we have challenged ourselves to reach even higher levels of growth and efficiency.”

The environmental benefits of recycling extend far beyond diverting materials from landfills and incinerators. Pennsylvania recycling saved energy: Pennsylvania’s 2005 recycling efforts saved almost 98 trillion British thermal units (BTUs) of energy, enough to power more than 940,000 homes for one year in Pennsylvania, or the equivalent of conserving 786 million gallons of gasoline.

Pennsylvania recycling reduced air and water pollution: Pennsylvania recycling in 2005 eliminated more than 2.5 million metric tons of air emissions, including greenhouse gas emission reductions of 1.9 million metric tons of carbon equivalent -- a savings of approximately 2.4 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the commonwealth. Part of the air emissions savings total was 7,731 metric tons of sulfur oxides, an important ingredient in acid rain formation. Nitrogen oxides, a precursor to smog, were reduced by 8,814 metric tons, an amount equal to 5.5 percent of these emissions from Pennsylvania electrical utilities. Water pollutant reductions totaled nearly 9,000 metric tons.

Recycling in 2005 eliminated more than 2.5 million metric tons of carbon equivalent -- a savings of approximately 3 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the commonwealth.

Pennsylvania recycling conserved natural resources: By recycling nearly 1.2 million tons of steel cans, appliances and similar materials, Pennsylvania industries saved 1.5 million tons of iron ore, 829,786 tons of coal and 71,124 tons of limestone. Through recycling newspapers, phone books, office paper, cardboard and mixed paper, the state saved the equivalent of 78 million tree seedlings grown for 10 years.

**DEP Press Release**

It's Beatlemania Now at Mauch Chunk Opera House

JTAMS Productions presents "Beatlemania Now," at the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe, on Saturday, May 12. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the show begins at 8:30 PM.

Touring for more than a decade, "Beatlemania Now" has become the most entertaining, and authentic, multi-media Beatles tribute show performing today. This second-generation Broadway experience is performed by four accomplished musicians, actors and Beatle Impersonators who bear uncanny resemblances to John, Paul, George and Ringo, not only from across the room but up close too. They possess the impeccable vocal talents to sound like them as well.

There will be as many as seven authentic costume changes from the 60's black sheen suits, right through to the intricately and accurately detailed satin, "Sgt. Pepper" band uniforms. Featuring big screen video presentation and performing over thirty-five songs in a two-hour extravaganza, "Beatlemaina Now" chronologically traces the Beatles' career from their 1964 U.S. debut explosion on the The Ed Sullivan Show, to the finale of "Let it Be" in 1970.

Having performed their tribute before hundreds of thousands of people over the years, ranging from theatres, showrooms, concert halls, and auditoriums to huge outdoor gatherings of well over twenty-thousand, "Beatlemania Now," successfully recaptures the mood and frantic intensity of that by-gone era. The show will feature five scenes corresponding to different and distinct musical periods: The Beatle Invasion (1964), Where it all Began (1961-1963), Help and Beyond (1965-1966), The Magical Years (1967), The Dream is Over (1968-1970).

No tracks, tapes or background music of any kind are used during a "Beatlemania Now" performance. All songs are performed absolutely live, including the most complex of Beatles' songs such as "Strawberry Fields Forever", "I am the Walrus", " Penny Lane", "All You Need is Love" and more. As many as 16 authentic guitars, as used by the Beatles, to reproduce their unique sound and look are played during the show.

To reserve tickets, call 570.325.0249 or visit www.jtams.net.