Wind Gap Fireman’s Carnival

WIND GAP- The Wind Gap Fireman’s Carnival will be held Wednesday, June 27 through Saturday, June 30 at Wind Gap Memorial Park. The carnival will be open from 6 to 10 PM on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 to 11 PM on Friday and 4 to 11 PM on Saturday. The carnival offers rides, games, live entertainment, food and for the first time, alcohol. Twitty Fever performs Wednesday from 6 to 10 PM, The Jesse Wade Gang from 7 to 10 PM on Thursday and Tandem performs on Friday from 7 to 10 PM. The carnival ends Saturday night with a performance by Led Foot at 7:30 PM and fireworks at 10:30 PM. Wind Gap Memorial Park is located on East Third (one block off Route 512) in Wind Gap.

Slate Belt Angels to Earn Their Wings

BANGOR- The Slate Belt Guardian Angels, a chapter of the Alliance of the Guardian Angels, will complete 12 weeks of training on June 29. Guardian Angels founder, Curtis Sliwa, will present the newly formed chapter to the Slate Belt at a special ceremony to be held at 7 PM on Friday, June 29 at Colonial Academy School, located on Jacobsburg Road in Wind Gap. The ceremony will be sponsored by Recovery Revolution and will include local speakers and several chapters of the Guardian Angels. The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Chapter Leader Dwayne Mullikin at 610.360.5716 or Assistant Chapter Leader Chris Schander at 570.801.2241 or email slatebeltguardianangels@yahoo.com.

Slate Belt Ethnic Heritage Committee Releasing Second Book

BANGOR- The Slate Belt Ethnic Heritage Book Committee will publish "A Great Miracle Happened Here: The Jews of Pennsylvania's Slate Belt" as the second book in its local ethnic heritage series. The book, scheduled to follow "Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt" will be published in April of 2008. Anyone with memorabilia or photos relating to the Jewish contribution to Slate Belt history, and is willing to loan them for display at the Slate Belt Heritage Center during April 2008, or for publication in the book, should notify the Heritage Center at 610.588.8615.

Wind Gap Summer Sounds Holding Two Concerts

WIND GAP- Wind Gap Summer Sounds Concert Series will feature two performances within the next week. Both concerts will be held at 6 PM rain or shine at Wind Gap Park. The first concert will be held on Sunday, July 1 and features Ralph Romano: The Italian Entertainment Center. The second concert will be held on a special night, Tuesday, July 3, and be dedicated to the men and women serving and who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The 307th Army Band will perform concert and show tunes. Prior to the concert, the Pen Argyl and Wind Gap American Legions will hold a special ceremony. Future concerts include King Henry and the Showmen Show Band on July 15, Desire, a doo-wop group, on July 29, the eight-piece Duke Ellington Legacy Band with Edward Ellington and soloist Nancy Reed on August 12 and the seventh and final concert on August 26 will feature the Dream Kids from Nazareth.

Pius X Royals 4-Man-Scramble Golf Outing

The Pius X Royals football program is holding a 4-man-scramble golf match on Saturday, July 7 at Green Pond Country Club. Registration begins at 12:30 PM and a shotgun start at 1:30 PM. The cost is $90 per golfer and includes greens fees, cart and dinner. Checks should be made payable to Royals Football: Attention Rob Goffredo and sent to 339 North 5th Street, Bangor. All proceeds benefit the Royals football program.

Slate Belt Ethnic Heritage Committee Releasing Second Book

The Slate Belt Ethnic Heritage Book Committee will publish "A Great Miracle Happened Here: The Jews of Pennsylvania's Slate Belt" as the second book in its local ethnic heritage series. The book, scheduled to follow "Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt" will be published in April of 2008. Anyone with memorabilia or photos relating to the Jewish contribution to Slate Belt history, and is willing to loan them for display at the Slate Belt Heritage Center during April 2008, or for publication in the book, should notify the Heritage Center at 610.588.8615.

Pen Argyl Police Department News

During the month of May, the Pen Argyl Police Department responded to 483 incidents with 53 being criminal incidents. There were 39 people arrested or cited and 6 juveniles were handled by the department.

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

The North Bangor Fire Company will hold their monthly breakfast on Sunday, July 1 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.

Vacation Bible School at Community Presbyterian in Mt. Bethel

Community Presbyterian Church is hosting Bible school from Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20. Children ages 3-13 may attend each evening from 6 to 8 PM. The church is located at 1755 South Delaware Drive. For more information, call 570.897.6766.

Vendors Sought for Mt. Bethel Carnival

Mt. Bethel Volunteer Fire Company is seeking indoor and outdoor vendors for its third annual carnival on August 2, 3 and 4. The cost is $60 for three days and all interested parties must register by July 7. To reserve a spot, call 570.897.6720 after 5 PM.

Bangor Park Summer Recreation

The Bangor Memorial Park 2007 Recreation Program runs from July 2 through August at Bangor Memorial Park from 9 AM until 12 PM, Monday through Friday. The program is for children ages 5 through 14. The fee for Bangor and Washington Township residents is $75 for the first child and $50 for each additional child. The fee for non-residents is $95 for the first child and $95 for each additional. To register, contact Sandy Schweitzer at 610.588-.2139 or Bangor Borough at 610.588.2216.

Washington Twp. Ladies Auxiliary Atlantic City Bus Trip

The Washington Township Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring a bus trip to Atlantic City on Wednesday, July 11. The cost is $24 with $20 returned and $8 for food. The bus departs the fire house at 8 AM. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Roberta at 610.588.3984 or Ruth at 610.588.7402.

Slate Belt Museum Displaying the Artwork of Ellie Clancy

The Slate Belt Museum will feature a two-week exhibition of the artwork of the late Ellie Clancy, a folk artist from Mt. Bethel, on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24, and Saturday and Sunday, June 30 and July 1, from 1 to 5 PM. The museum is located at 2214 North Delaware Drive in Mt. Bethel, on Route 611just north of the Route 512 intersection. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Bangor Farmers Market Now Open

The Bangor Farmers Market will be open Saturday, July 7 on the corner of First and Market Streets in Bangor. The market, sponsored by the Bangor Main Street Program and Bangor Borough, is open every other Saturday throughout the summer from 9 AM to 2 PM. Anyone interested in selling fresh produce, fruits, vegetables and crafts should contact Barbara Zavacky at 610.588.5174.

East Bangor Fire House Hosts Singles & Over 40’s Dance Club

East Bangor Fire House hosts a singles and over 40’s dance club every Saturday night from 8 to 11 PM. Live music, a buffet and beverages are included. The cost is $5 for members and $6 for non-members. East Bangor Fire House is located on Route 512 in East Bangor.

73rd Annual Amy Family Reunion at Weona Park

The 73rd annual Amy Family Reunion will be held at Weona Park in Pen Argyl at 12 PM on Saturday, July 14. Pasties can be purchased for $4 by 8 PM on July 3. For more information, call 336.548.2247 or 610.381.3925.

Senator Lisa Boscola Announces New PA Trooper Web Site

State Senator Lisa Boscola applauded the unveiling of the new Pennsylvania State Police Web site that provides detailed information for individuals who are interested in joining the 102-year-old organization.

“Being employed with the Pennsylvania State Police is a great opportunity for one’s career,” Boscola said. “I think it’s excellent that the Pennsylvania State Police is utilizing the Internet to reach out to possible new recruits.

“I urge folks who are interested in this great career to go to www.patrooper.com,” she said.

Although applicants are not required to be Pennsylvania residents at the time of submitting their application, they must live within the state and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver's license at the time of appointment as a cadet.

For more information on a career with the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.patrooper.com.

More information is also available by contacting Sen. Boscola’s district offices in Bethlehem 610-868-8667, Whitehall 610-266-2117 or Stroudsburg 570-420-2938 or online at www.senatorboscola.com.

Monroe County Garden Club Tour

The Monroe County Garden Club is offering a garden tour from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday, July 14. Visit the gorgeous secret and hidden gardens in Monroe County. The self-guided tour features many beautiful gardens with interesting and uncommon plants including outstanding perennial gardens; woodsy and wonderful shade gardens; a delightful children's garden; the fabulous secret garden of an award-winning sculptor; water gardens, ponds and waterfalls; herb and vegetable gardens and the wonderful community garden that the club maintains. The garden owners will be available to answer questions. A description of each garden and directions will be provided and most gardens will have refreshments. Most of the gardens are not handicapped accessible. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of tour and can be purchased from Monroe County Garden Club members or by calling Sheila Bortree at 570.629.0279 or emailing monroecountygardenclub@yahoo.com. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour from 9 AM to 12 PM at the Patricia Hoot Kresge Garden, American Cancer Building, Route 209/West Main Street in Stroudsburg or David Miller Park, behind Dansbury Depot, between Crystal and Analomink Streets in East Stroudsburg. The rain date is Sunday, July 15.

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.

PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended

State Rep. Richard Grucela, D-Northampton, announced that the deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31.

Under the recently expanded eligibility guidelines, the household income limit for homeowners is $35,000. The eligibility limit for renters remains $15,000.

However, when determining income eligibility, applicants only have to include half of their Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or federal Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.

The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters has risen from $500 to $650. To qualify for the program, residents must be 65 or older, a widow or widower 50 or older, or 18 or older with a permanent disability. The rebate program is funded by the state lottery, not tax dollars.

Last year’s participants should have already received this year's application in the mail. People who have not applied before or who need help with their applications should contact Grucela’s constituent service offices at 239 S. Broad St., Nazareth, 610-614-1312; or 5 Mt. Bethel Plaza, Mt. Bethel, 570-897-0401.

Waggin’ Tails Pet Rescue Seeking Volunteers and Fosters

Waggin' Tails Pet Rescue, a no-kill, all volunteer organization based in Brodheadsville, needs animal loving volunteers ages 18+ to walk and feed dogs and cats, answer phones and do office work and help out at adoption events and fundraisers. Younger people are welcome to help at fundraisers, but due to liability, cannot work directly with the dogs. Waggin’ Tails is also in need of people willing to foster some of their dogs. They have dogs available to foster, from small to large, young and old, and some with special needs. Waggin’ Tails is also collecting ShopRite and Mr. Z's receipts. For more information visit www waggintailsrescue.com or call Charlotte Meehan, at 610.681.7920 or contact the office at information@waggintailsrescue or call .570.992.4185.

Deadline Approaching to Apply for Community Arts Funding

The Lehigh Valley Arts Council invites individual artists, along with arts organizations and community groups, to apply for the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) 2007-08 Project Steam Grant funding, which funds community arts projects or activities taking place in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

There is only one week left to apply for PPA Project Stream funding for 2007-08. The deadline for application submission is July 2. Projects must take place between September 1, 2007 and August 31, 2008, and must be an arts project or activity conducted for the benefit of the public. Applicants can apply for up to $3,000 in PPA funding. The average grant size last year was $1,040, with over thirty grants awarded.

Eligibility of individual artists (over the age of eighteen) to apply for PPA Project Stream grant funding widens the circle of funding opportunities in support of arts activities and projects benefiting the Lehigh Valley. Arts organizations must have an active Board of Directors or an advisory group that determines and directs organizational policies; applicants do not have to have non-profit status with the IRS, but cannot be for-profit.

For more information, visit http://lehighvalleyarts.pmailus.com.

NCC Offers Troubleshooting Seminars for Electricians and Non-Electricians

The Center for Business & Industry at Northampton Community College is offering two electrical seminars in July. The seminars, both two days in duration, feature hands-on instruction on equipment found in industry.

Electrical Troubleshooting Workshop for Non-Electricians- Learn about multimeters as test equipment, electrical safety, basic circuits, voltmeters, ammeters, symbols, and terminology. Class runs Monday and Tuesday, July 16 - 17, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Main Campus.

NEC for Industrial Electricians- An in-depth look at article 430 and other articles of the National Electrical Code. The class will also examine calculations for feeders, voltage drop, short-circuit and ground-fault protection, controllers, conductor size and overload. Class runs Monday and Tuesday, July 23 - 24, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at Main Campus

Registration deadlines for both classes is one week prior to the beginning of the course. For more information call 610-691-2900.To register, call 1-877-543-0998 or visit www.northampton.edu.

Winnie the Pooh at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Now Open

Take an adventure into the Hundred Acre Wood with the world's most beloved Pooh Bear in the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's production of Winnie the Pooh, now on stage through August 4. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 10 AM, with additional 2 PM matinees June 23, July 21, 24, 26 and August 2.

All seems well in the Wood until big news creates a stir. Oh, bother! Rumors of a strange and frightful animal have reached the ears of Pooh and his pals and they begin hatching a plan to protect their forest from the impending threat of this dreadful creature and her dangerous soap. Once they meet the "terrifying" Kanga and her young child Roo, it seems that there is nothing to be afraid of. Or is there?

With a set design by five-time Emmy Award winner Bob Phillips, and direction by PSF's new full-time Education Director, Erin Mullen, this gentle classic by A.A. Milne comes to life in the intimate setting of the newly renamed Schubert Theatre. The excitement and adventure continue after the 50-minute show, when the audience is invited to meet the cast in the lobby for pictures and autographs.

The Production Sponsors for Winnie the Pooh are Steve and Jane Auvil and the Production Co-Sponsors are Capital BlueCross and The Century Fund.

The cast, the PSF acting intern company, is composed entirely of students from DeSales University's Theatre program. Sophomore Chris Brossman, from Schuylkill Haven, PA, portrays the title character, Pooh. Caitlin Kinsella, a returning PSF intern and graduating senior from Allentown, plays Pooh's sidekick and inquisitive best friend Piglet. Other returning interns include Andy Wertner (Greencastle, PA), Ryan Whalen (Canandaigua, NY), Andrew Kane (Quakertown, PA), and Tom Hodgskin (Glen Gardner, NJ), all graduating seniors. The actors bring an exciting energy to the show through their wildly animated and zany portrayals of Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, and a tiger, respectively.

Victoria Bonito, a sophomore from Downingtown, narrates the story of Pooh and his friends. Sarah Polk, a senior from Dickson City, PA, plays the maternal Kanga with the help of sophomore Mary Anne Furey (Upper Darby, PA) who portrays Kanga's mischievous, bouncy child, Roo. Senior Brian Donnelly (Levittown, PA), junior Ryan Kelly (Allentown, PA) and freshman Julia Stroup (Haverford, PA), play a colorful crew of sprightly forest creatures. Nick Snyder ('09) from Allentown portrays Pooh's two-legged friend, the sweet, young Christopher Robin.

Director Erin Mullen returns for her eighth season with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival to put her own special touch on this classic family tale. Winnie the Pooh features costume design by Amy Lobmeyer, resident costume designer at DeSales University for the past six years. DeSales alum Matthew Given designed the sound for the production. His work has been heard in such places as the Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Rutgers University, and the Gala Hispanic Theatre in Washington D.C. Lighting is provided by Solomon Weisbard, whose credits include PSF's Othello and Sleuth, and many regional productions in the U.S.

The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is a professional theatre company in residence at DeSales University in Center Valley. PSF is recognized by Jim Volz, editor of quarto, the newsletter for the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America as one of the leading Shakespeare festivals in the nation. As the official Shakespeare Festival for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, PSF attracts audiences that range from 25,000 to 30,000 people from 22 states each year.

Tickets for Winnie the Pooh are $13 for adults and $11 for children (12 and under). For ticket information, contact PSF at 610-282-WILL (9455) or order securely online at www.pashakespeare.org.