Merchants National Bank Sponsors Books

BANGOR- Merchants National Bank (MNB) recently received an autographed copy of“Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt” from the Slate Belt Heritage Center, in appreciation for the Bank's donation to pay for printing 200 copies of the book. Anthony J. Biondi, Chief Executive Officer and Director of MNB, and Keith Heard, Director of MNB, accepted the book on behalf of the Bank from authors Elinor Fehr and Donald Repsher.

MNB was founded in Bangor, Pennsylvania and continues to remain headquartered there. The Bank welcomes the opportunity to be part of providing the community with an insight into the heritage of the Slate Belt area. “Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt” is the first in a series of ten books to be published by the Slate Belt Heritage Center. Each year, a book will be written focusing on a different aspect of the Slate Belt. As an added effort to support the continuation of this project, Biondi committed MNB to sponsoring the publication of next year's book as well. The second book in the series, still untitled, will detail the Jewish community and business community that were a vital part of the Slate Belt several years ago. Over the next few years the books will feature, among other things, the history of the Welsh, Cornish, and slate industry.

“Thanks to the Heritage Center and this series of books, the Slate Belt's historic legacy is documented for future generations to enjoy,” noted Biondi, adding, “Merchants National Bank has a proud 117-year Slate Belt heritage of its own, and together with the Slate Belt Heritage Center we are honored to be able to help present these outstanding books that preserve the heroic efforts of our native ancestors who forged our social traditions and values and made us who we are today.”

“The Slate Belt Heritage Center wishes to take this opportunity to extend their most sincere appreciation to Merchants National Bank,” said Cathy Heard, Heritage Book committee member. “They have been a loyal and generous contributor since the creation of the Heritage Center. We are delighted at their continuing support,” she added.

Slate Belt Museum Opens for 29th Season

MT. BETHEL - The Slate Belt Museum opened for the 2007 season on Saturday, May 26 with its annual display of student artwork from elementary, middle school and high school students from each of the local school districts. Opening weekend featured elementary school artwork and the middle school and high school art exhibition will be displayed on Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3. The Museum will be open both days from 1 to 5 PM. The art shows, which will be judged by local artist James Gloria, are the first in a series of weekly special displays to be held throughout the summer.

The Museum's 29th season will be highlighted by many unusual weekly displays as well as emphasize the Museum's permanent collections. Upcoming special events include Madeline Chorney's Collectible and Flea Market on Saturday and Sunday, June 9 and 10, a popular attraction for the past few seasons, as well as a special question-and-answer session on local history and genealogy on June 16 and 17. Featured permanent displays include the Museum's complete collection of the famous Homefront Magazine, which is available for research by visitors, as well as an extensive collection of Indian artifacts, cigar-making display, country physician's tools, and the reconstructed slate quarry display with its unique and fascinating collection of slate art.

The Slate Belt Museum is housed in the historic Mount Bethel Presbyterian Church building, originally constructed in 1836, rebuilt in 1884, is accessible to the handicapped. The Museum is located at 2214 North Delaware Drive (Route 611) in Mount Bethel, just north of the Route 512 intersection and 2 miles south of the Portland-Columbia Bridge. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Portland/Upper Mt. Bethel EMS Annual Car and Truck Show

The Portland/Upper Mt. Bethel EMS Car and Truck Show, sponsored by the Slate Belt Corvette Club, will be held on Sunday, June 3 at Apple Blossom Village from 9 AM to 3 PM with registration from 9 AM to 12 PM. There will also be a Chinese Auction, music provided by Van Man and refreshments provided by Apple Blossom Village. All makes and models are welcome, and trophies and cash will be awarded. Vehicles can be registered the day of the show for $20. In case of rain, the event will be held June 9. Apple Blossom Village is located at 690 Allegheny Road in Mt. Bethel. For more information, call Norm at 570.897.5956.

Friends of the Bangor Public Library Sponsoring Spring House Tours

The Friends of the Bangor Public Library will be holding their annual Spring House Tour from 10 AM to 2 PM on Saturday, June 2. All five homes are located in the Slate Belt. Featured on the tour will be a home built in 1902 and decorated in ”Country Primitive,” a recently restored 1880 Victorian, an 1850 home that has been used as a funeral home since 1873, a 2,000 square foot cabin and a 2002 Colonial. Tickets cost $15 and are available the Bangor Public Library with proceeds benefiting the library. For more information call 610.588.3434 or 610.588.4136.

Bangor, Pen Argyl, Pius X and Faith Christian Graduation Schedule

Bangor Area High School will hold graduation at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 8 at Bangor Memorial Park. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Bangor Area High School gym.

Pen Argyl Area High School will hold graduation at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 5 at Pen Argyl Stadium. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Wind Gap Middle School gym.

Pius X High School will hold graduation at 7 PM on Friday, June 1 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.

Faith Christian High School will hold graduation at 7:30 PM on Thursday, June 7 at the Church of Nazarene. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved the Tuscarora Inn

Richmond Lions Holding Chicken BBQ Dinner

The Richmond Lions Club will hold their spring Chicken BBQ from 4 to 6:30 PM on Saturday, June 2 at the Jacktown Community Center. The meal includes a half chicken, baked potato, baked beans, spiced cabbage, dinner roll, a beverage and Jacktown ice cream. The cost is $8 and is used to support Slate Belt youth programs. Tickets can be purchased in advance with a limited number being available at the door. Call 610.588.0455 or 610.588.8334 for tickets or more information.

Slate Belt Farmers Market Opening June 3

The Slate Belt Farmers Market will open for its second season on Sunday, June 3. The Market will open from 8 AM to 2 PM every Saturday and Sunday throughout the season and is located on Route 611 just outside of Portland.

Our Lady of Good Counsel & St. Vincent DePaul Holding Flea Market

Our Lady of Good Counsel and St. Vincent DePaul Churches are sponsoring a flea market and bake sale from 8:30 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, June 2. The event will be held on the church grounds of St. Vincent DePaul Church, located on Delaware Avenue and Church Street in Portland. A June 9 rain date has set. The public is welcome to attend.

North Bangor Fire Company All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast

The North Bangor Fire Company will hold their monthly breakfast on Sunday, June 3 from 7 AM to 12 PM at the North Bangor Social Hall. The menu consists of eggs, pancakes, French toast, and chipped beef on toast. There will be ham, bacon, sausage, scrapple, home fries, and toast available. Beverages, desserts, and fresh fruit will also be available. There will be pull tabs available for purchase. The North Bangor Fire Company Auxiliary holds a drawing for different items each month during the breakfast. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-12. Children under age 6 eat free.

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, June 5. For more information, call 610.588.7028 or email BlockWatch@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, June 2 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” June 2007

*Sun, June 3, 9:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Teachers Teaching with Love"
*Thu, June 7, 6:00 PM- Ice Cream Festival planning meeting
*Fri, June 8, 12:30 PM- Senior Citizens
*Sun, June 10, 9:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Building a Purposeful Life"
*Sun, June 17, 9:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "The Job of a Father"
*Tue, June 19, 7 PM- Consistory
*Thu, June 21, 6:30 PM- Pastor Parish Committee
*Sun, June 24, 10:30 AM- Rev. Bill preaches "Our Commitments ”

Note: Vacation Bible School will be held daily from 5 to 7:30 PM from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14.

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.

Faith Alive Ministries Holding Vacation Bible School

Faith Alive Ministries invites all children to join them at Son Force Kids Vacation Bible School for fun and exciting adventures. Children will have a great time singing, creating crafts, and playing games. Most importantly, they will discover how to have courage as God’s special agents. Son Force Kids runs from 6:30 to 8:45 PM daily from Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 27 at Faith Alive Ministries, located at 125 W. West Street in Wind Gap. For additional information, call 610.863.6911.

Bangor Lions Club Holding Annual Auction

The Bangor Lions Club will hold their annual auction at 7 PM on Friday, June 1 at Hartzell’s Auction Gallery. The auction helps the needy of the Slate Belt area. The auction is open to the public. Hartzell’s Auction Gallery is located at 521 Richmond Road in Bangor.

Bangor Elks Holding Country Line Dancing

The Bangor Elks Lodge #1106 is holding Country Line Dancing every Monday night from 7 to 10 PM. The event is open to the public. The Bangor Elks is located at 120 Broadway in Bangor. For more information, please call 610.588.3420.

Delaware Water Gap Chamber Holding Annual Golf Tournament

The Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual golf tournament on Thursday, June 14 at Water Gap Country Club. The cost is $80 per person with a four-person-scramble format and 9:30 AM shotgun start. The event includes golf cart, refreshment cart, lunch at the Halfway House, a silent auction, cookout buffet dinner and a raffle. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, most accurate drive and closest-to-the-pin. Proceeds will support the Chamber’s annual Founders Day Celebration and other community events. For more information, call 570.476.0331.

King Henry Performing at Blue Valley Farm Show

King Henry will perform from 1 to 4 PM on Thursday, June 21 at the Blue Valley Farm Show Building. Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased at the Slate Belt Senior Center or at the door. Proceeds benefit the Slate Belt Senior Center. For more information, call 610.588.1224.

Duck Derby Fundraiser to Benefit The American Cancer Society

Relay for Life Whitehall’s Team Maggie’s Angels will be hosting a Duck Derby fundraiser at 12 PM on Saturday, June 2 at Hokey Park in Whitehall. The cost is $5 per duck and with no limit to the amount of ducks purchased. For more information call Madeline at 610.799.0669 or Diane at 610.262.0243. Relay for Life Whitehall will be held from 2 PM Friday to 2 PM Saturday, June 22 and 23 at Whitehall Area High School. The opening ceremony begins at 7 PM on Friday.

NCC Announces One-Day Computer Seminars

The Center for Business & Industry at Northampton Community College is offering a series of one-day computer seminars throughout the summer. The seminars run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and feature hands-on, interactive learning in which each participant completes lessons and exercises on their own lab computer. Summer seminars, with dates and fees, include:

* QuickBooks Introduction, Monday, June 11
* Word Beginning, Wednesday, June 13
* QuickBooks Intermediate, Wednesday, June 25
* Word Intermediate, Wednesday, June 27
* Excel Beginning, Thursday, July 17
* Excel Intermediate, Thursday, July 31
* Visio, Wednesday, August 1
* Access Beginning, Thursday, August 2
* Access Intermediate, Thursday, August 16
* PowerPoint, Monday, August 20

The seminars will be conducted at the College’s Main Campus in Bethlehem Township. Registration fee includes all materials. Registration deadline is one week prior to the date of the seminar. For additional information about the seminars, contact Teri Reagin at 610-861-4550. For a detailed course description or to register online, visit www.northampton.edu or call NCC 877-543-0998.

Meals on Wheels Seeking Volunteers

Meals on Wheels delivers meals to approximately 700 clients throughout the work week and is seeking volunteer drivers to deliver meals between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Also needed are foodline order takers for Mondays and Tuesdays, foodline shoppers Tuesday through Friday and afternoon receptionists from 12:30 to 3:30 PM during the work week. Meals on Wheels is located at 4240 Fritch Drive in Bethlehem. To volunteer your time, call 610.691.1030 or email lindal@mealsonwheelspa.org.

Open Youth Schooling Horse Show Offered by Backtrackers 4-H Horse and Pony Club

Backtrackers 4-H Horse and Pony Club of Northampton County is sponsoring an Open Youth Schooling Horse Show at 9 AM on Saturday, June 2. The show will be held at the Northampton County 4-H Center, located on Bushkill Center Road in Nazareth. The show is open to youths between the ages of 8 and 18 years. It will offer walk-trot, open, jumping and fun classes throughout the day. Each class costs $5 and all entrants are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet. Release forms, negative EIA status and a rabies certificate are required before entry into the show. The show is offered as a learning experience for the youth of the area. It will be an informal show, appropriate riding boots and helmets are required. No t-shirts; neat, but not formal dress required. Entrants will receive help and encouragement throughout the event. Ribbons and awards will be awarded in each class. There are age restrictions on certain classes and restrictions throughout divisions in the show to allow all exhibitors an opportunity to participate and learn. For more information, call 610.837.7294.

Legendary Singer/Songwriter Jesse Colin Young at Mauch Chunk Opera House

JTAMS Productions Presents legendary singer/songwriter Jesse Colin Young and Celtic Mambo, live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe, on Saturday, June 2 at 8:30 PM.

Jesse Colin Young, critically acclaimed solo artist and lead singer of the legendary classic rock band, The Youngbloods, took the nation by storm in 1969, when The Youngblood's single "Get Together" became a worldwide Top 10 hit and a prominent soundtrack for peace.

After seven group releases, Young began the production of more than 15 acclaimed solo albums including "Song for Juli," "Light Shine," "Songbird" and a live album with his great touring band titled "On the Road".

During the upward ride of his exploding solo career during the 1970s, Young helped establish the "No Nukes" movement. Involved from the beginning, Jesse closed the legendary 1979 No Nukes Concert and movie with a rendition of his classic anthem for peace, "Get Together" joined by Jackson Browne, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash.Young has always held environmentalism as a must from the time of the Youngbloods to his current endeavors as a performer, teacher, and organic farmer.

In 1995 he left his longtime home that he built in Northern California, after it was destroyed in a forest fire. Jesse now lives in Hawaii where he and his family have picked up the pieces, healing and creating new memories together.

Jesse takes great pleasure in making music that is "outside the box." No matter who he's played with over the years, he has always been pulling from the roots of the music of all the Americas, which in the case of Appalachian music, blues, and samba reach back to Britain, Africa and Portugal.

His new band Celtic Mambo is the happy accident of parents getting together to raise money for Kona Pacific Waldorf School. He has been doing these benefits since 1996 when his family first came to live in Hawaii full time." The band was born as many streams into one river. The congas resonate with my love of Latin rhythms while the violin raises the Celtic hairs on the back of my neck and opens our hearts."

Jesse Colin Young and Celtic Mambo regularly sold out shows all over the nation. Celtic Mambo is Connie Young, violin, vocals and percussion, Vito Truglio, vocals and bass, and Louis Pinault, drums and percussion. The band puts their own unique personality and heart into all of Jesse's songs, old and new, and will be sure to please any Jesse fan. Young's timeless message of peace, love and togetherness resonates in his music as it always has. His new songs are as powerful as his classics. Artemis Records released The Very Best of Jesse Colin Young 2-Disc set on in 2005. His latest CD "Standing Room Only" was released March 2007 on Sony BMG.

Doors open at 8 PM and the concert begins at 8:30 PM. To reserve tickets, or for more information, call 570.325.0249 or visit www.jtams.net.