The Hackettstown BIDs 5th Annual St. Patricks Parade is on its way!

At 3:30pm on March 10th, the town will be filled with spectators from the surrounding area to enjoy the biggest parade of the year. Centenary College President Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite will be leading the parade as the Grand Marshal. Dr. Barbara-Jayne Lewthwaite was named the 12th President of Centenary College on May 15th, 2009, becoming only the second woman and second former faculty member to hold the position since Centenarys founding in 1867. Part of the community for more than 25 years, she brings to the post sound academic credentials, strong educational leadership skills and valuable business acumen. She has used her academic background to enhance the Colleges mission: providing a studentcentered liberal arts education with a career focus and a special emphasis on community service. To get everyone in the Celtic spirit, Centenary Stage Company is having two events prior St. Patricks Day; Le

Vent Du Nord Celtic influenced music from Ireland and Brittany on February 9th and The Cripple of Inishmaan Irish comic theater at its best. For more information, visit www. centenarystageco.org It is a pleasure that Centenary College is able to collaborate with the Hackettstown BID for this initiative, said Nancy Paffendorf, Dean for College and Community Affairs at Centenary College. It is also such an honor that Centenarys President, Dr. Lewthwaite, will serve as Grand Marshal. This is just one of many instances that the College has partnered

with the BID and all of the College administration, myself included, look forward to continuing our successful relationship in the future. The 5th Annual St. Patricks Parade will begin in front of Bea McNally's Irish Pub and Eatery (Washington Street and Grand Avenue), marching toward Main Street, making a right hand turn eastward toward Mountain Avenue. The route continues down Mountain Avenue to the gates of the Union Cemetery across from Quick Chek. As with previous parades look for Irish

bands, community groups, bagpipes, drums, Centenary College clubs and groups, horses, dancers, fire departments and rescue squads and, hometown favorites, the Junior and Senior Colonial Musketeers and the Hackettstown Community Band. Any group or individual interested in participating in the parade as a marcher, volunteer or sponsor may contact the BID Office, 207 Main Street, Hackettstown, at 908850-5004. For more information, visit hackettstownbid.com or email director@hackett stownbid.com

From January 24th to 26th, the Blair Academy Players will present five short one-act plays written by several renowned playwrights, including one developed by Blair faculty emeritus Steven Kampmann. Admission to the 7:30pm show is $5 for non-Blair students and $10 for adults. The night of comedy, which is intended for mature audiences only, will take place in Blairs Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts, located at 2 Park Street in Blairstown. The title of the show is New York, State of Mind: A Night of One Acts, and all of the plays that well be presenting deal with

New Yorkers giving and receiving therapy to varying degrees, said English and theater teacher Micki Kaplan McMillian, who will direct the plays with student director, junior Julia Stadlinger. The result is a lot of laughs and crazinessno pun intended!

Actors in the ensemble cast include seniors Adam Berkman, Maddie Michaud, Claire Ryder, Brian Delaney, Danny Kim and Ali Surdoval; junior Abby Troy; sophomores Chelsea Starkman and Dean Corrado; and freshman Mike Park. The night will begin

with Pillow Talk by John Pielmeier, in which an unsuspecting couple tries marriage counseling with an equally unsuspectingandunstable-couple who are in practice together. In the second performance, Fight Dreams by Alison Weiss, a young woman seeks mental health by killing off her imaginary boyfriend. The third play is El Depresso Espresso by Laura Cunningham, in which two severely depressed young people seek treatment at a hospital where two doctors offer an opiate for the masses. The fourth play of the evening will be Dr.

Hope Township softball, baseball and teeball registration is being held now through January 25th. All forms need to be returned to the municipal building no later than 4pm on January 25th. Late registrations will not be accepted if rosters are full. Forms are available online at HopeRec.com or at the municipal building. For more information, call 908-459-4989. Registration for children in Frelinghuysen Township who will enter kindergarten in September 2013 will

be held January 28th and 29th. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be five years old by October 1st, 2013. Forms are available for pick up at the school office, and printable forms are available at frelinghuysenschool.org under the Main Office and Transportation Tab. Parents should bring in or mail completed forms, a copy of their childs birth certificate and a written record of immunizations, along with proof of residency. A complete physical, done by the childs physician, will be

required before September. Call Mrs. Mostaccio at 908-362-6319 for more information. If your child will be five years old by October 1st, 2013 and you are a Hope Township resident, call Hope Township School at 908-459-4242 and your childs name will be put on a registration list. Your child is not officially registered until all forms are complete and submitted to the main office. If your child will be three or four years of age on or before October 1st, 2013, is toilet trained and you are a Hope Township resident, call Hope Township School at 908-459-4242, ext. 221 by February 28th if you are interested in registering your child for Pre K 3 or Pre K 4. If there are more than 15 requests, names will be put into a lottery for entry into the program. Congratulations to the local Bucknell

University students who have made the deans list for the 2012-2013 fall semester: Meghan E. Carroll, Phillipsburg; Erica N. Gaugler, Columbia; Stephanie A. Hirlemann, Saddle River; Eric H. Hubey, Hackettstown; Kaitlin L. Marsh, Belvidere; Andrew T. Marvin, Columbia; and Tara A. Wilk, Washington. The Riverton Hotel and Restaurant is celebrating their 34th Anniversary! In honor of their anniversary, the Markopoulos family invites you to enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres with every dinner purchase for the entire month of January. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and other info to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressnews@enter.net thepressnewsonline.com Dont Forget to Like Us on Facebook!

Here is a list of notable books and other items that have been added to the collection recently at the Warren County Library: Shred: The Revolutionary Diet: 6 Weeks 4 Inches 2 Sizes, by Ian K. Smith. Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season, from HBO Studios. The Language of Flowers: A Novel, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Kindle Fire HD For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)), by Nancy C. Muir. AARP New American Diet: Lose Weight, Live Longer, by John Whyte MD MPH. Do More, Spend Less: The New Secrets of Living the Good Life for Less, by Brad Wilson. Big Sky River, by Linda Lael Miller. The Mediterranean Slow Cooker, by Michele Scicolone. Neferet's Curse: A House of Night Novella, by P. C. Cast. 2013 Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory (Good Sams Rv Travel Guide & Campground Directory), by Good Sam. Wyoming Bride: A Bitter Creek Novel, by Joan Johnston. Saturday Night Widows: The Adventures of Six Friends Remaking Their Lives, by Becky Aikman. Splintered, by A. G. Howard. Here,

There, Elsewhere: Stories from the Road, by William Least-Heat Moon. Lincoln's Hundred Days: The Emancipation Proclamation and the War for the Union, by Louis P. Masur. Cheer Up, Mouse!, by Jed Henry. When a Pet Dies, by Fred Rogers. The First Muslim: The Story of Muhammad, by Lesley Hazleton. By the Iowa Sea: A Memoir, by Joe Blair. Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson, by Barbara Ransby. Straight Shooter: The Brad Park Story, by Thom Sears. The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, by Jeanne Theoharis. Witness to History: The Life of John WheelerBennett, by Victoria Schofield. Stock Investing for Dummies, by Paul Mladjenovic. A Small Town Near Auschwitz: Ordinary Nazis and the Holocaust, by Mary Fulbrook. Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World, by Matthew Goodman. On Assignment With National Geographic: The Inside Story of Legendary Explorers, Photographers, and Adventurers, by Mark Collins Jenkins. Mates, Dates and Mad Mistakes, by Cathy Hopkins.

Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with most of the country now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI) or the flu. The flu virus is on the increase locally as well, warns the Warren County Public Health Nursing Agency, which is continuing to offer flu vaccines at its offices in Washington Borough. Its not too late to get your flu shot, said Warren County Health Officer Pete Summers. Please do not delay. Contact Warren County Public Health Nursing Agency to schedule your flu shot today, Summers added. All people six months of age and older should be receiving the flu vaccine now. Even those with egg allergies are able to get the vaccine and encouraged to do so, according to the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practice. Flu shots are available by appointment from 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, at the Warren County Public Health Nursing Agency, 162 E. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Please call 908-689-6000 ext.

260 or 261 to schedule your appointment. According to the CDC, younger children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system can be hit hard by seasonal influenza. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, make existing medical conditions worse, and cause diarrhea and seizures in children. Each year, thousands of people die from influenza and even more require hospitalization, according to the CDC. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms please contact your primary care provider. Common signs and symptoms of the flu include: Fever or feeling feverish/chills, although

it is important to note that not everyone wilth flu will have a fever Cough Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose Muscle or body aches Headaches Fatigue (very tired) Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. There are a number of ways to prevent the flu such as getting vaccinated, practicing frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you are sick. Prevention is key! Do not delay; get your flu vaccine today! Further information about the flu vaccine is available under the Warren County Health Departments section of the County website at www.co.warren.nj.us/H ealthdept/index.html.

NW Wrestling: January 23rd, 7pm. Hackettstown at NW. North Warren Democratic Club Meeting: January 23rd, 7:30pm. Meeting room of Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 lambert Rd., Blairstown. Guests are always welcome & items are accepted for local food pantries. FMI, call Fred or Carol Cook at 908-362-6808. Enter the Haggis: January 25th, 8:30pm. The Historic Blairstown Theatre, 30 Main St., Blairstown. FMI & tickets, call 908-3621399 or visit www. thehbt.com. Kids Craft Day: January 26th, 10am to 2pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 199 Hardwick St., Belvidere. Kids of all ages are welcome to stop by & make as many craft projects as they wish to help use up the librarys craft supplies before the library moves to its new building. FMI, call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.org. Red Mill Museum Village 50th Anniversary Photo Contest Opening: January 26th, noon. Gallery 1, Red Mill Museum Admin. Building. Winning entries

announced prior to opening & acknowledged at April 28th reception. Winter Dance for 4th thru 6th Grade Students: January 26th, 7pm to 9pm. St. Judes Church, Blairstown. Open to 4th thru 6th grade students at Blairstown, Knowlton & Frelinghuysen Elementary. $10 per student. Hosted by Blairstown Youth Basketball Assoc. Live Music by the Robin Seidel Band: January 26th, 9pm. Post Time Pub, 25 Main St., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-0007. All You Can Eat Breakfast: January 27th, 7am to 11am. Franklin Twp. VFD, 37 2nd St., New Village. FMI, call 908-319-0379. Farm to Fork MidWinter Celebration of Local Food & Farms-6 Course Gourmet Dining & Wine Tasting Benefit: January 27th, 4pm. Andres Restaurant & Bar, Newton. Seating is limited. For tickets & registration, visit foodshedalliance .org, call 908-362-7967, or email info@foodshed alliance.org. Blairstown Senior Bus Trip: Sign Ups, February 1st, 1pm at Town

Hall. All Blairstown residents 55 & over are welcome to see Branson 2013. FMI, call Mickey: 908-362-8919. Gypsy Wig & Able Hands: February 2nd, 8pm. The Historic Blairstown Theatre, 30 Main St., Blairstown. FMI & tickets, call 908-362-1399 or visit www.thehbt.com. Live Music by Push: February 2nd, 9pm. Post Time Pub, 25 Main St., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-0007. Water Gap Singers Spring Concert Rehearsals: Mondays beginning February 4th, 7pm. Good Shepherd Luther Church, 164 Rt. 94 S. No auditions req. Faure Requiem & Thompsons Testament of Freedom w/ orchestra. FMI, visit water gapsingers.org or call Jim at 973-927-9555. Hammered Wire Hearts, Adult Beginners Jewelry Wire Working: February 7th, 2:30pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 199 Hardwick St., Belvidere. Space is limited; please register. FMI, call 908475-6322 or visit warren lib.org. Chester Lioness Club Dinner Meeting:

February 7th, 6:30pm. Dr. Jeffrey Culbert Presents The 10 Keys to Longevity. Community residents invited by reservation only. FMI, call Holly Simmenroth at 908-879-5932. Art Assoc. in Roxbury Monthly Meeting & Annual Member Critique: February 7th, 7:15pm. Roxbury Senior Ctr., 72 Eyland Ave., Succasunna. Bring finished or unfinished work to be critiqued. Guests welcome. FMI, call 973-398-6304. Cheers to Chocolate, An Evening of Charity: February 8th, 7pm to 10pm. Hawke Point Golf Club. Benefits Hope for Tomorrow Child & Family Support Center. Chocolates, desserts, fine wines, silent auction & prize raffle. FMI, visit hope fortomorrowcenter.org. Italian Wedding Dinner Comedy Night by NW Lions Club of Blairstown: February 9th, 7pm. Knowlton Lions Club building (formerly Knowlton American Legion), Rt. 94, Columbia. Buffet dinner, dancing, wine, beer, soda, BYOB. FMI & tickets, call Tony at 908-797-7266, or Rich at 908-362-8331. Proceeds benefit scholarships & projects.

Hello fellow readers, Tis months before spring and all through the house, are seed and plant catalogues strewn all about. Oh the temptation for our garden beds is so hard to resist, with visions of colorful and edible gifts dancing in our heads. But where to begin and how do I choose, asked Bridget of Bangor, PA, who wants to defy temptation to impulse or over buy. Im impressed with your discipline Bridget, but if I may give you permission for a bit of a splurge as drooling over catalogues is an earned right to delight with the promise of garden work to come. But first take inventory of what space you have and improvements youd like to make. Hopefully youve kept notes or have a sharp pre-menopausal memory (lucky you).

For those of us in the later category, perhaps your indulgence should be a garden journal for 2013? Vegetable seed versus flower seed, bulb or bare root buying are quite different. So this week well talk edibles. What do you eat the most of and what makes more sense to buy as seeds rather than as a few starter plants come spring? Consider what grows just as well directly from seed as compared to transplants. And what you plan to sequentially sow such as beans, peas and greens to prolong your harvest. To me squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, melons and root crops such as carrots and beets are just as well from seed as mother natures influence soon catches up to starter plants. And who needs more than a few hot pepper or herb plants? Same may be true of zucchini and cucumber, so sharing seeds is a great idea. Keep in mind, too, that seeds can remain viable for a few years. Throw in a splurge like Adirondack Blue potatoes with solid purple flesh as Dennis from Blairstown plans just for fun. Stay tuned for flowers and happy seed buying to all and to all a good night. Garden dilemmas? Ask Mary at askmary stone@gmail.com

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for those looking for a way to build homes that are beautiful, light-filled, green and can withstand severe weather. A company is using proprietary technology to build architectdesigned, precisionbuilt, environmentally friendly homes. As Hurricane Sandy and other severe storms have demonstrated recently, it is in a homeowners interest to build a structure that can handle all types of extreme weatherhurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes and more. In this case, homes made by a company called Blu Homes are engineered to withstand wind gusts of up to 110 mphthis is the mid range of a category 3 hurricaneand can be custom engineered to withstand wind loads of up to 150 mphwell above a category 4. Its homes can also be outfitted with highperformance, hurricaneresistant windows and are also designed to be fire resistanta real benefit in areas vulnerable to forest fire. What some may find surprising is the building material thats key to the homes construction-structural steel framing. The company reports that its structures, which are all constructed in its own factory, can be built in as

little as six months, from initial design to final move-in date. This type of building process eliminates weather delays entirely. The company also provides a suite of complete project management services, which it says will simplify the homebuilding process even further. By visiting the companys online 3-D Configurator, a buyer can personalize and take a virtual tour of the home before building. The builder believes this makes it easier for a home buyer to add roof decks or other extras to the design or to select finishes, colors, floor coverings and fixtures. Home buyers can select from eight distinctive home designs, ranging from single-level studios and cottages to two-story, four-bedroom homes with light-filled living rooms that feature 16-ft. windowed walls. After the home is built, its shipped to the site

selected by the customer, where it is lifted onto the foundation, unfolded and sealeda process that typically takes four to six weeks. The builder believes its structures can be used by individual home buyers and building developers in a number of ways, including: As single-family homes, vacation homes or cottages As accessory units to an existing structure, such as master bedroom, home office, media room, art studio, in-law apartment, game room or exercise studio

As a retirement home, providing independent living for seniors and empty nesters As faculty housing or other buildings for educational facilities and institutions As part of a green housing development As investment properties for spec builders. Solar ready and LEED Silver certifiable upon leaving the factory, standard green features in the companys structures include: recycled structural steel framing radiant heat flooring high R-value walls and energy-efficient appliances. Plus, Blu Homes can achieve net zero energy status, Energy Star rating, and higher LEED certifications with the inclusion of other available green elements. We believe the most sustainable thing we can do is build our homes to last for generations, said Bill Haney, company founder and CEO.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for pet owners who want to take their pet along on their next trip. With more pets than ever accompanying their owners on vacation, a growing number of products are available to make traveling easier for pets and people. Here are some tips: For those traveling by car, a versatile toploading kennel like the Petmate 2-Door Kennel assembles easily and provides a safe place for small pets to rest while en route to any destination. When bringing a small dog or cat on a plane, remember that airlines require each pet to be contained in a carrier that meets specific criteria. For instance, the Curvations Underseat Traveler was engineered specifically to fit into tight spaces like the underside of an airline seat and provide ample

side and top ventilation. When planning a plane trip with a large dog, remember to check with the airline for individual kennel requirements and other important specifications. The kennel you select should follow these guidelines and comply with the standards of the International Air Transport Association. One such product, the Vari Kennel, is designed to offer comfort and safety, and comes in multiple sizes that fit pets up to 125 pounds. When hitting the road with a large dog, its a good idea to use a plastic kennel or barrier to keep the pet contained and out of the front seat, which causes distractions and poses a safety risk to both the pet and pet owner. And, a tubular or wire pet barrier is designed to do just that. It requires no tools to adjust and is easy to install and remove.

The Water Gap Singers, under the direction of John Arnedt, will begin rehearsals for their spring concert on Monday, February 4th at 7pm at The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Blairstown, 164 Rt. 94 South (next to A&P shopping plaza). They are partially funded by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission. New members are welcome at all voice levels and no auditions are required, only the ability to match pitches. The spring concert will conclude the Water Gap Singers 29th season of entertaining the Sussex and Warren County area with their wide variety of musical styles. They are often described as the amateur chorus with the professional sound. The spring concert will be comprised of two major works, both with orchestral accompaniment. The first work is Gabriel Faures Requiem, one of the most sublime pieces of its kind. It consists of rich harmonies and transcendent melodies that capture the ethereal and eternal nature of a requiem mass.

The second work will be Randall Thompsons The Testament of Freedom based on the following texts: A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774), Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms (July 6th, 1775) and Letter to John Adams, Monticello (September 12th, 1821). This four-movement work was composed in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, the author or the texts. It was performed by Serge Koussevitzky at Carnegie Hall in 1945 upon the news of President Roosevelts death. The Testament of Freedom is a powerful reminder of why Americans revere freedom and will fight to the death to preserve it. These two works, though radically contrasted with one another, will produce an extraordinary listening experience for both singer and listener alike. The concert will take place on Sunday, May 19th at 4pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. For more information, call Jim Mell at 973927-9555 or visit www. watergapsingers.org.

Warren County will participate in the annual nationwide count of homeless individuals on January 30th. The Point in Time Count gives the human services community an unduplicated count of our homeless population and information about those individuals who are at risk of homelessness. This information becomes a valuable planning tool in developing federal and local strategies to end homelessness. In conjunction with the Point in Time Count, Warren County will hold Project Homeless Connect at Saint Philip and Saint James Mercy Hall in Phillipsburg, NJ and at the United Methodist Church in Washington, NJ on January 30th from 10am to 4pm. In the event of severe weather, Project Homeless Connect will take place on February 1st at the same time and locations. Information regarding any changes in the schedule will be posted on the Warren County Department of Human Services main number: 908-475-6080. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop event in which the community comes together to help those most in need. Individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, are able to receive a variety of services such as information on housing, emergency social service benefits, legal services, substance

abuse, mental health, medical services and employment. In addition, lunch will be served, flu shots and haircuts will be offered and donated winter coats will be available. Event coordinators plan to reach out to more community members in need of services in an effort to prevent homelessness. The Project Homeless Connect event is a true community effort planned and executed through the Warren County Department of Human Services Housing Committee. Members of the planning committee include Catholic Charities, NORWESCAP Food Bank, Family Promise, Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services, Easter Seals, Operation Chill Out, United Way of Northern New Jersey, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Services and others. For more information on the Point in Time Count and Project Homeless Connect,

please contact the Warren County Department of Human Services at 908-475-6080. Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, January 30th, to help during the annual Project Homeless Connect. Volunteers are needed during the hours of 9am and 3pm for event set-up and clean-up, assistance with food and clothing distribution, and more. Advance training may be required for certain duties. Spanish interpreters are also needed.

Volunteers will be assigned to one of the following locations: Saint Philip & Saint James Church, Mercy Hall, 430 South Main Street in Phillipsburg United Methodist Church, 116 E. Washington Avenue in Washington To volunteer at Project Homeless Connect, email Anna.Hockenbury @UnitedWayNNJ.org or call 908-835-3550. United Way of Northern NJ is a nonprofit organization working to improve peoples lives and strengthen communities by focusing on education, income, and health. These are the building blocks for a good life a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform peoples lives.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for those at risk of catching the flu. There are simple steps you can take to help to keep yourself and your family healthier. Flu season has arrived and experts are reporting a more active assault than last year from the potentially deadly illness. The flu is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, yet only 46 percent of Americans get flu shots. Dr. Alfred Damus, medical advisor for PrescribeWellness A Million More Flu Shot Initiative, recommends six important tips to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy this flu season: Get a flu shot. This simple and effective yearly practice dramatically decreases your chances of getting the flu. Cover mouth and nose

when you cough and sneeze. Teaching young children to cover their mouths and noses with their elbows instead of their hands can help prevent spreading cold or flu. Wash your hands frequently while traveling, carrying moist towelettes or hand sanitizer. The easiest way to catch the flu is by touching your eyes, nose or mouth after coming into contact with the virus. Disinfect your kitchen and bathroom sinks, trash cans, doorknobs and bathtub and shower faucets regularly. These are some of the germiest places in your house. Stay hydrated. Carry a

water bottle and try to avoid caffeine when possible. Stay rested and avoid stress. Get at least eight hours of sleep each night and avoid stressful situations that can lower your immune system. Working with pharmacies across the country, A Million More is a national population health initiative aimed at improving awareness and education in the areas of preventive health. Each quarter A Million More focuses on core personal practice areas such as immunizations, heart health, and other screenings to prevent the onset of disease. For example, its

campaign in the fall of 2012 helped pharmacists motivate their patients to get a flu shot. The initiative is also giving away a chance to win a million dollars, bicycles and other prizes to flu shot recipients who check in at participating pharmacies around the country. For more information on the initiative, visit amillionmore.com.

Bobby by Steven Kampmann, which involves an ex-hippie who offers unconventional therapy in an unconventional location while fighting his own former demons. And the final play of the evening will be Please Have a Seat and Someone Will Be with You Shortly by Garth Wingfield, in which a young man and woman explore possibilities while sitting in the waiting room of their respective therapists. For more information and tickets, contact Micki Kaplan McMillian at mcmilm@ blair.edu.

In response to the Letter to the Editor in the January 2nd, 2013 edition of The PRESS: This evening my father handed me a copy of the local newspaper, "The PRESS," and said, "Bob, look at this letter to the editor, it sounds just like you." I am a retired carpenter. I lived and worked on the east end of Long Island for almost 30 years. I worked on houses and mansions. Moldings and trim were my specialty. I recently became a resident of Blairstown and maybe I can be of some help with helping this beautiful old place stay beautiful. Early last summer after In response to the letter above: What a nice letter from Robert Brandt. I am so happy to see support. I have received positive support from many concerned citizens and would love to have more. With many hands the work is light. If anyone has interest to help and/or support in any way, please send me a letter: Wynona Longe

I took a walk through Blairstown, I wrote a letter to the town fathers stating my concern that the charming towns stunning architechure was collapsing on itself. As a builder, I am more aware than most of the time and expense of restoring an old structure. If you destroy one, all the history, all the beauty, all the charm is gone forever. My letter never made it

to the mail. I'm brand new in town, I don't know anything about the town budget, I don't even know "who runs the place!" I figured my letter would immediately be recycled. All my concerns were almost exactly as yours, Wynona, in the letter to the editor. I'd like to help if I can. Sincerely , Robert A. Brandt Blairstown

FREE Filing Cabinets: Call 908-362-7703. (1/5) For Sale: Collectibles. Baby Grand Piano: $600. Ceramic Elephant Buffy: $125. Call 908-362-7703. (1/5) For Sale: Hickory Chair Co. wedgewood blue camelback sofa, exc. cond., recovered 2 yrs. ago, new cushion, mahogany, 86 long, 33 deep, 35 high, $300; GE White Manual Defrost, model FH15S, no interior light, 14.8 cu. ft., 35 H, 46 1/8 W, 29.5 cabinet depth, 59.5 H w/ lip open, $250; Broyhill Bryson Curio Cabinet, 1 yr. old, exc. cond., current retail $1399.99 new, interior light, 3 shelves, 2 drawers, $800. All lightly used by senior citizen. Call 908303-6900. (3/5) For Sale: GE Dishwaher GLD 2800T05BB, black, used twice, perfect cond., $200 OBO; GE Elec. Range, JBP66BBWH, B&W, great cond., $450 OBO. Call 609-709-5658. (3/5)

Moving Sale: Bosh Washer/Dryer Set, 5 pc. Kincaid Oak BR Set, Tools (chop saw, nail gun w/ compressor, etc.), Framed Duck Paintings & Much More! Call Sandy for appt. at 908-399-3842. (9/10)

2012 Blue Honda Civic LX: 4k mi. $16,500. Call 908-362-7703. (1/5) Tractor w/ Huskie Cart: $1100. Call 908-362-7703. (1/5) 2000 Pontiac Sunfire: tan color, excellent condition, 79k miles. $2,200. Call 610-391-9066. (5/5) 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4: 4.0 auto, 193k miles, forest green, Kenwood stereo, clean, nice jeep, garage kept. $2,100 or best offer. Call 610-674-7721 or 484-5449753, anytime. (5/5) Four Snowtires on Alloy Rims: light wear. Blizzaks R17. $100. Call 908-4595280. (5/5)

United Way of Northern New Jersey is making it easy for area residents to follow through on wellmeaning New Years resolutions to volunteer in the local community in 2013. Beginning this month and throughout the year, United Way will offer free mentor training sessions across the region. Participants can sign up now for classes to be held in Morris, North Essex, Sussex and Warren counties. In recognition of Janu-

ary as National Mentoring Month, United Way is recharging its recruitment campaign to train 300 new mentors across the region by June. A total of 120 new mentors have completed United Ways free mentor training since United Way launched its goal in mid-May 2012 following the United Way Public Officials Forum. Participants tell us the training changes their lives, said United Way Mentor Center Director Mary Emilius. The skills attained can be

applied to every aspect of your life, both personally and professionally. The United Way Mentor Training program is recognized nationally as a model program for preparing effective and committed mentors. It equips individuals with the fundamentals of mentor-

ing and can be used to learn the skills needed to provide youth, professional, and financial mentoring. The program covers the roles and responsibilities of being a mentor, how to help an individual set and achieve goals, and shares effective communication and problem-

solving techniques. United Ways efforts to boost the ranks of a local mentoring corps are tied to United Way Worldwides national pledge to recruit 1 million mentors. Both are in conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obamas Corporate Mentoring Challenge which rallies U.S. companies to launch or expand mentoring programs. Being a mentor and helping someone achieve his or her potential is one of the best ways to have a positive and lasting contribution in our community, Emilius said. For more information or to sign up for the next training class, visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.

org/MentorCenter. United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization working to improve peoples lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform peoples lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.

The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council presents a call to artists for the upcoming exhibit What Color Are Hue? You may enter your works of art related to this theme, in any medium, if you are a member. Non-members who become members before the show can also enter their art. Do you crave bolds, pastels, monotones or black, whites and grays? Skin tones and patterns,

animals and plants? Lifelike colors, super charged high definition, exaggerations or delicate suggestions? Harmony or clashes? Pure hues or toned down

shades. Bright sun glare or shadowed? Respond to color in your own unique and colorful way! Artistic interpretations related to color can be so

open-ended, they should result in a diverse and exciting exhibit, which will run from February 16th through March 2nd. The opening reception for What Color Are Hue? will be held on February 16th from 4pm to 6pm at the SCAHC gallery/office located at 133 Spring Street, Newton. Prospectus and member enrollment can be found online at www. scahc.org.

(NAPSI)When the weather outside is frightful, a little advance preparation will take the scare out. A few preventive vehicle maintenance steps can help keep you from being stranded in severe weather: Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. Typically, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. If youre due for a tune-up, have it done soon. Cold weather magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If youll be driving in snow and ice, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During cold weather, check tire pressure weekly. Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicles most important safety component.

Inspect the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous if youll be driving with the windows closed. Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Be diligent about changing the oil at recommended intervals as dirty oil can spell trouble. Consider changing to winter weight oil. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time. Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk. Stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles, matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. Thats the advice from the experts at the Car Care Council, the source of information for the Be Car Care Aware consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.. For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

(NAPSI)Selling your car yourself may be easier-and more financially rewarding-than you realize. Here are some tips: Come Clean. Start by throwing away all trash and removing all personal items from the vehicle. Some believe that having the car detailed before you list it is an investment that can pay off at sale time. Check it Out. Have a trusted mechanic inspect your car. The mechanics analysis and feedback can help you develop a negotiating strategy, particularly if there are parts of the car in need of repair. The Right Price. Setting the right price for your car is key. Set it too high and you waste time-too low and you lose money. Fortunately, you can refer to the Kelly Blue Book to determine the cars

value. Sellers can also purchase the Carfax Unlimited For Sale By Owner package. It provides interested buyers with the detailed Carfax history of your vehicle. To learn more, visit www.carfax.com.

(NAPSI)Drivers and passengers generally assume the airbags in a car will work properly. However, when it comes to used vehicles, that may not be the case. The federal government announced that up to 250,000 counterfeit airbags may have been used to replace deployed units. These faulty airbags may explode or not deploy at all in the event of a collision. To protect yourself,

here are a few tips: Turn on the ignition. The airbag indicator light should appear momentarily and then go out. If the indicator light remains on or flashes, this may indicate a problem with the airbag system. Get the Carfax Vehicle History Report. The report may include salvage or junk titles and accident indicators. To learn more, visit www.carfax.com.