Former Hardwick Twp.

Mayor Recognized for Longtime Service at Special Ceremony

George Kopp was honored for his longtime service to the community on May 22nd. Kopp, formerly of Hardwick Township and currently of Hackettstown, received accolade after accolade from a variety of state and local officials for his commitment to the community. Among those on hand to applaud Kopp, a member of the Hardwick Committee from 1991 to 1996 (also serving as a Mayor), was James McCracken, NJ Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Assemblyman John DiMaio, current Hardwick Mayor James Perry and Committeeman Kevin Duffy, as well as former Hackettstown Mayor Michael Lavery. DiMaio presented Kopp with a Joint Resolution from the state legislature, cosponsored by State Senator Michael Doherty and Assemblyman Erik Peterson, honoring Kopp for his many years of service to the community. "I don't deserve all this," said Kopp. But he does. Among his many successes of his term in Hardwick, one sticks out: While mayor, Kopp was instrumental in the merge with PahaquarryTownship. Kopp is also a WWII veteran and an active participant at the House of the Good Shepherd, serving on its Board of Trustees from 2009-12.

Congratulations to the following Bucknell University students who have made the Deans List for the spring semester: Madison Campbell, 2012 graduate of Gill St. Bernards, daughter of Christopher and Lauren Campbell; Meghan Carroll, 2012 graduate of Phillipsburg HS, daughter of Patrick and Linda Carroll; John Gallagher III, 2009 gradute of Blair Academy, son of John and Victoria Gallagher; Erica Gaugler, 2011 graduate of North Warren Regional HS, daughter of Robert and Maryann Gaugler; Kaitlin Marsh, 2012 graduate of Belvidere HS, daughter of Tracy and Brenda Marsh; and Tara Wilk, 2011 graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy, daughter of Robert and Mary Beth Wilk. Congratulations to Newton resident

Andrew Renaldo, who graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Centenary College, Hackettstown, on May 18th. Andrew is a 2005 graduate of Pius X HS in Bangor, PA. He is the son of Robert and Nancy Renaldo of Pen Argyl, PA. Andrew currently lives with his wife Kelly and son Noah in Newton. Frelinghuysen Township School is accepting four-year-old children for its exciting, fun-filled PreKindergarten Education Program. School readiness skills will be emphasized within a nurturing environment to build a solid foundation for future years. Children must be four years old by October 1st, 2013. Registration packets are available in the Frelinghuysen Twp. School main office,

located at 780 Rt. 94 in Newton, or at freling huysenschool.org. For more information, call 908-362-6319. Attention Blairstown seniors age 55 and older: there will be a bus trip to Ehrhardts in Lake Wallenpaupack, PA on July 11th. Those interested in attending must sign up on June 13th, 1pm, at Blairstowns Town Hall. For more information, call Mickey at 908362-8919. The Sycamore Park Playground Project is having a car show on June 15th at Sycamore Park, located on Lambert Rd. in Blairstown. All proceeds will benefit the playground project. Crafters of handmade goods, artists and vendors are invited to apply for the art and craft/vendor fair running in conjunction with the car show. For more information, visit syc amoreparkplayground. com, email jamiedoatley

@yahoo.com, or call 908-752-0260. Free mammograms will be offered to woman on June 18th at Project SelfSufficiency, located at 127 Mill St. in Newton. To receive a free mammogram, women must be uninsured or underinsured and over the age of 40. Mammograms will be offered by appointment only between 10am and 4pm. Call 973-940-3500 for an appointment. The 2013 Patriots Football Speed and Conditioning Clinic will be held July 8th through 11th for children five through 14. Register online at www.nwmfl.org. 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 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: Dad is Fat, by Jim Gaffigan. Saving Italy: The Race to Rescue a Nation's Treasures from the Nazis, by Robert M. Edsel. Relish: An Adventure in Food, Style, and Everyday Fun, by Daphne Oz. Margaret Thatcher: From Grantham to the Falklands, by Charles Moore. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah. Burn Notice: The Complete Sixth Season, from Fox. Once Upon a Time: The Complete First Season, from ABC. Pati's Mexican Table: The Secrets of Real Mexican Home Cooking, by Pati Jinich. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, by Sheryl Sandberg. Joyland, by Stephen King. Carried in Our Hearts: The Gift of Adoption: Inspiring Stories of Families Created Across Continents, by Dr. Jane Aronson. to Raising Guinea Fowl on a Small Scale, by Jeannette S. Fergu-

son. Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies: A Guide for the Novice Player, by Elaine Sandberg. Loopers: A Caddie's Twenty-Year Golf Odyssey, by John Dunn. Crochet At Home: 25 Clever Projects for Colorful Living, by Brett Bara. Maximize Your Medicare: Understanding Medicare, Protecting Your Health, and Minimizing Costs, by Jae W. Oh, CLU(r) ChFC(r). Winning the Loser's Game, 6th edition: Timeless Strategies for Successful Investing, by Charles Ellis. You Are Now Less Dumb: How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Outsmart Yourself, by David McRaney. The Beginner's Photography Guide, by Chris Gatcum. Coming Clean: A Memoir, by Kimberly Rae Miller. Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson, by Jeff Guin. The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of the Beatles, by Peter Brown. Dogs Who Smile: The Happiest Hounds Around, by Virginia Woof.

Garden enthusiasts, nature lovers, and history buffs welcome! On June 15th, treat yourself to the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council's 15th self-guided Annual Town and Country Historic Garden Tour from 10am to 4pm (rain date is June 16th). Take the back roads to visit seven great gardens and two historic houses along the Kitattinny Ridge from the Fairview Lake area through Halsey, Branchville and Lake Owassa to Luscroft Farm in Wantage. The tour begins at the Council's office in Newton, where participants receive a guidebook with a map. Participants have ample time to meander at their own pace to enjoy the day, learn a little, and see some of the natural beauty that has spawned the County's man-made heritage. Gardens include a gentlewoman's farm with an historic home and contemporary garden filled with oldfashioned favorites; a

corner haven grown with passion; garden terraces cut from the Kitatinny Ridge; perennial parterres galore, an exuberant art display with garden as canvas; historic medicine wheel and Colonial Revival mansion and a collector's garden created with love. In addition to enjoying the beautiful grounds, there will be "plein air" artists on site working in fine mediums such as watercolor, pastel, and oil; interpreting nature's beauty in their own way. Participants can lunch at restaurants along the way (some offer discounts for dinner,

too) and get special deals on garden supplies and other amenities. Just bring your guidebook. On the day of the tour, the Council is open from 9am to 11am for tour registration and guide book pick-up. Tickets are $25 at door, or $22 if purchased in advance and for members. Purchase tickets by calling or visiting the Arts Council office (see below) or online at eventbrite.com/event/65 62248863. Due to the hilly terrain that makes Sussex County beautiful, several of these country gardens have sloping lawns and stone steps. The gardens are not handicapped accessible. Please wear sturdy shoes; no heels, please. Car-pooling is encouraged. The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council is located at 133 Spring Street in Newton. For more information, call 973-383-0027 or email scahc@scahc.org. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 3pm, and Saturday, 11am to 3pm.

A Garden Tea is to be celebrated on Saturday, June 8th at 2pm in the historic Vass House across from White Lake in Hardwick. Rain or shine, come for a cuppa to support a community cultural cause at the Vass Farmstead. Ladies, dig out some gloves and don a favorite hat to wear with your frocks. This is a fun raiser! said Program Director for Art at Vass, Teri Carrazzone. Tickets are a $25 donation and completely tax deductible. Seating is limited. Flowers and Painters, the current art exhibit at Vass, with work by Beth Halliwell, Rita Baragona, Barbara Kulicke and Anita Gozan Siegel, will also be open. Sales of any prints and paintings from the show support historic and cultural events at the Vass Farmstead. A perennial garden planted by the North Warren Garden Club will be in full bloom outside, and floral arrangements by Barbara Connolly of Bonnie Hill Farm will be on display inside.

Among the many donations of fine food will be some scrumptious desserts from the Gourmet Gallery in Blairstown. The Pfeiffer Twins are scheduled to perform retro music. In addition to some lively tunes, tea and tasty treats, a gallery talk will be given by Rita Baragona, former Art Chair at Blair Academy and painting, drawing, & portfolio instructor. Art at Vass is sponsored by Hardwick Township Historical Society (HTHS), a

registered non profit organization. All proceeds help HTHS preserve and restore one of Warren County's most beautiful historic sites. Funding for Art at Vass is also made possible in part by the Warren County Cultural & Heritage Commission. The tea will be held at The Vass Farmstead, located at 97 Stillwater Road in Hardwick. For reservations, call 828ART-VASS or 828278-8277, or email artat vass@gmail.com. Art at Vass is also on Facebook.

Annual NJ History & Historic Preservation Conference: June 6th. Newark Museum. FMI, visit njpreservation conference.org. Smiles Fore Margaret Golf Outing: June 7th, 9am. Delaware Water Gap Country Club. Golf, food, prizes. Benefits Hackettstown middle school student battling a brain tumor. FMI, call 908-319-5039 or email gtc2008@ comcast.net. The Jersey Tomato: June 8th, 1pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Discover where the tomato originated & why its one of NJs favorite crops. Presented by food historian Judith Krall-Russo. Strawberry Festival: June 8th, 5:30pm to 7pm. Walnut Valley United Methodist Church, Vail Rd., Blairstown. Sit-down or take-out. FMI, email christiebende@yahoo. com. Red, White & Blues X

- A Concert of American Music: June 9th, 4pm. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 168 Rt. 94, Blairstown. Free. Family Movie Night: June 12th, 6:30pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 189 Rt. 519, Belvidere. Space is; registration is required. FMI, call 908-475-6322 or visit warrenlib.org to register. Car Show Sponsored by MOMS Club of Blairstown & NW Lions Club: June 15th. Sycamore Park. Rain date: June 16th. Proceeds benefit Sycamore Park Playground Project. FMI, vehicle registration or vendor/ craft space, email jamie doatley@yahoo.com or visit www.Facebook. com/sycamoreparkplay groundproject. Vintage View NJ: June 15th, 10am. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 189 Rt. 519, Belvidere. Experience NJ thru art & photos w/ Walter Choroszewski. Register at

warrenlib.org or 908-475-6322.

call

Hackettstown Spring Fling Street Fair: June 16th. Main St. between Plane and Grand. Paper Roses Craft Class: June 17th, 2:30pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 189 Rt. 519, Belvidere. Adults only. Blair Womans Club Covered-Dish-Picnic Meeting: June 18th, 12:15pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Please bring a food item to replenish area food pantries. Smiles for Margaret Roxbury PBA 8th Annual Wiffle Ball Tournament: June 22nd. Horseshoe Lake, Succasunna. Teams of 3-4 players. Registrations due by June 17th. Rain date: June 23rd. FMI, contact Ptl. Brian Feeney at 973-448-2098 or bfeeney@roxbury pd.com. Duct Tape Beach Bag Craft for Teens: June

26th, 3pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 189 Rt. 519, Belvidere. Make a waterproof beach bag out of colorful duct tape. Grade 6 & up. Space is limited; sign up required. NW Democratic Club Meeting: June 26th, 7:30pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library meeting room, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. FMI, call Fred or Carol Cook at 908-3626808. Dig Into Reading Magic Show: June 27th, 2pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Magician & family entertainer Steve Woyce will be joined by Chestnut the Silly Squirrel, Presto the Super Worm & Henry the Magic Rabbit. The Retrocasters Gazebo Concert: June 28th, 7pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Bring chairs or blankets. Rain or shine. Racin 4 Mason Cycling Fundraiser: June 29th, 8:30am. Starting & ending at YMCA Camp Ralph S. mason. Free lunch & swimming. All proceeds go to camper scholarships. Pre-registration required. FMI & signup, visit campmason.org/racinfor-mason.html. Picnic with the Librarian: July 3rd, 11:30am. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, 189 Rt. 519, Belvidere. Rain or shine. Bring lunch & a blanket.

Warren County Community College graduated one of its largest nursing classes yet in a special pinning ceremony in May. The Associate in Science Degree program for nursing professionals was established in September 2005 and has significantly grown since its inception. Twenty-four graduates received pins in recognition of their completion of the nursing program and many have already been offered local internships.

On Tuesday evening, June 11th, from 7pm to 8:30pm, the public is invited to attend the Skylands Sierra Club meeting to learn about "Hiking and Biking in New Jersey." Guest speakers Norm

Brandinger and Donna Ellis will share their experience and photos of popular destinations, as well as some hidden Jersey gems. Their presentation will provide a perfect opportunity to find nearby

places to play or vacation, from High Point to the Pine Barrens, from the Shore to the Delaware River. The meeting will be held at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1 West Nelson Street, in

Newton. Anyone interested in learning more about the Skylands Sierra Club Group is welcome to contact Group Chairperson, Susan Williams, at SkylandsGroup@gmail. com or 973-600-4960.

On Saturday, June 15th, the North Warren Lions Club and the MOMS Club of Blairstown will be bringing a fun-filled car show and lots more to Sycamore Park. Scheduled from 10 until 2, with a rain date the following day,

this event promises fun for all ages with FREE spectator admission! In addition to the fantastic cars, trucks and motorcycles of all kinds, there will be a craft & vendor fair and food and baked goodies available for purchase.

Bring the kids to touch a fire truck, see a magician, live music, facepainting, a bounce house...and much, much more! We also have a host of volunteers ready to take a dip in the dunktank...the tax assessor-

Richard Motyka, Sheriff Gallant, BES teacher- Mr. Ben, and Committeeman- Steve Lance. Check out Facebook.com/sycamor eparkplaygroundproject to chime in on who you would like to see in the tank!

The Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of the Warren County Library will present The Jersey Tomato on Saturday, June 8th, at 1pm at the library, located at 4 Lambert Road in Blairstown. The public is invited to this admission-free event. The program is funded by the Horizons Speakers Bureau of the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, a state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Everyone loves the Jersey Tomato! Discover where the

tomato originated and why it became one of New Jerseys favorite crops. Find out when New Jersey was known for its tomato packing industry and what happened to it. Did you know that tomatoes were considered poisonous at one time and it was a New Jerseyean who decided to prove everyone wrong? Hear about heirloom varieties and modern hybrids and the folklore attached to this fruit. Judith Krall-Russo has enjoyed a lifelong love of foods, especially embracing the rich

agriculture of her home state New Jersey. Also a tea expert and historian, she began studying the customs and traditions of this universal beverage 30 years ago and has earned several certifications from the Specialty Tea Institute in NYC and The Tea School in Connecticut. Judith is a regular lecturer and seminar organizer across the

state. Her most popular NJ programs are: The Jersey Tomato, Blueberries New Jerseys Wonder Fruit, and The New Jersey Cranberry. She offers lectures, tea tastings, workshops, and cooking demonstrations on a variety of topics. Judith is an historian, educator, speaker, and restaurant consultant. For more information, call 908-362-8335.

With Memorial Day behind us and temperatures rising, the summer season is unofficially underway. The Warren County Department of Health would like to remind you to protect yourself while out having fun this summer and throughout the rest of the year. There are some very important changes to regulations regarding sunscreen labeling and indoor tanning that you should know. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established new regulations on how over-thecounter sunscreen is labeled; now sunscreens labeled on the front with Broad Spectrum and SPF 15 (or higher) are shown to provide protection against both ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation, from both natural and artificial sources, can increase your risk of developing skin damage including burns, early aging, and cancer. Sunscreens that are not rated as broad spectrum or have an SPF of less than 15 may still help prevent sunburns but will not protect against other types of skin damage. Additionally, you will no longer see the terms sweatproof, waterproof, or sunblock on sunscreens; products

with water resistance claims will show in minutes how long you can expect the SPF level to last while swimming or sweating. The other regulation taking effect soon statewide in New Jersey is the prohibition on teens under 17 using tanning beds and those 14 and younger getting a spray tan. A parent or guardian must accompany 17 year olds on the first visit to a tanning salon in order to give consent. The Warren County Health Department recommends you take precaution by: Avoiding all indoor tanning. Staying in shaded areas when the suns rays are strongest (10am to 2pm). Covering up exposed skin by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants. Wearing a hat with a wide brim in order to protect your face, head, ears and neck. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Regularly using a Broad Spectrum sunscreen, as directed, being sure to reapply at least every 2 hours. Keeping children under 6 months of age out of the sun and talking with their pediatrician before using sunscreen. For more information call 908-475-7960 or visit www.fda.gov or www.cdc.gov.

The windows at Gallery 23 in Blairstown will feature the work of textile artist Jeannine Happe and jeweler, Yanina Siani as Artists of the Month for June. Their work will be featured in the windows of the gallery throughout the month. Jeannine Happe, a resident of Columbia, works with unspun wool to create whimsical sculptures using a technique called needle felting. Throughout my journey of artistic expression, my passion for color and texture has lured me to play with many media, Jeannine

said. I have worked with textiles for several years and have always been drawn to the richness of wool. Recently I have found that my creativity has unlimited possibilities by sculpting wool animals with a tiny barbed needle. My inspiration has always been fueled by the simplistic joys of days gone by, the softness of vintage fabrics and the prized possessions of families long ago. I try to combine my animals with some of these objects. Mice sail the oceans blue in a babys wellworn shoe while some

await Santa, napping in antique boxes with vintage bedding. Nature is a perfect playground for my animals. Bunnies can be found perched on a leaf pondering over a hot cup of cocoa while another mouse is declaring himself king high atop a toadstool. Each piece of jewelry Yanina Siani creates is one-of-a-kind or of a small limited edition. She creates each piece by using hand-picked semi-precious stones and pearls and utilizes sterling silver and gold. Her inspiration for each piece comes from the gemstones themselves with endless possibilities in color combinations. Siani was born and raised in Kiev. She is a graduate of Ukraine

Fine Art College where she studied fine art techniques and art history. Siani is also a graduate of the College of Gemology in Kiev, where she studied gems, metal smith and jewelry design. After graduating she pursued her career as an artist, book illustrator and jewelry designer, and has displayed her work in shows in the US as well as Europe. Siani moved to the United States in 1998 and now resides in Phillipsburg. Gallery 23, an artist co-op, is located at 23 Main Street in Blairstown. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm. For more information, call 908-362-6865, or visit Gallery23.net.

Enemies are Everywhere

Politicians wont call the beheading of British soldier, Drummer Lee Rigby, on May 17, 2013, in London, an act of terrorism. The 25-year-old serviceman was a member of the 2nd Batallion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, served in Cyprus, Germany, and Afghanistan, and took a recruiting post in London. After hitting him with a car, two Islamic extremists dragged his body to the middle of the road where they hacked him to death with machetes and a meat cleaver, decapitated him, screaming Allahu Akhbar, Arabic for God is Great. One of the killers posed for pictures while standing over the victims body, waving machetes and a meat cleaver, and recorded himself waving his bloody hands shouting: We swear by Almighty Allah we will never stop fighting you. People watched, like a flock of sheep, two killers hack up the body of British soldier Rigby like a piece of meat, in broad daylight. One woman stood up. 48 Year old CUB scout leader, Ingrid LoyauKennett, got off a bus to help a man she saw lying injured in the road. He was already dead. She confronted the attackers and stated, It is only you versus many people. You are going to lose. Do you think anyone in the crowd wished they had a gun? It took police 20 minutes to arrive. Why? Common police in the UK do not carry firearms. So when regular police arrived and saw attackers possessed a handgun, machetes, and a meat cleaver, they retreated. They had to wait for a small force of armed officers specially authorized to carry and use firearms. You people will never be safe. Your government doesnt care about you. You think David Cameron is going to get caught in the street when we start busting our guns? ... shouted one of the subhuman killers while filming himself on a camera grabbed from a spectator. President Obama and Prime Minister David Cameron and their ilk will never be without armed guards. It will be us, ordinary people and our children that will be attacked in streets.

In 1997, England pushed through sweeping gun control legislation, which banned private gun ownership. Likewise, Obama supports Dianne Feinstiens (D-Calif) Gun Control Bill which calls for a ban on semi-automatic firearms, enhanced security checks so one cant through the bureaucracy to obtain a gun, and drying up available ammunition to the public. Dept. of Homeland Security has already bought 2 billion rounds of ammunition. There is no reason a government should horde ammunition. There is a great emphasis not to call this kind of terrorism what it is. British MP David Cameron says, there are strong indications this is a terrorist incident.nothing in Islamjustifies this truly deadly act. Churchill disagreed. In 1899, pre-political correctness, and drawing on his personal experiences while serving in the Sudan & Crimean War, he wrote, Individual Moslems may show splendid qualities, but the influence of the religion paralyzes social development....No stronger retrograde force exists....Mohammedanis m is a militant and proselytizing faith. On May 23, 2013, President Obama delivered his couterterrorism policy to the National Defense University, Ft. McNair, Washington D.C.: Today, the core of al Qaedais on the path to defeat. the United States is not at war with Islam The truth is, Islam and al Qaeda are two fruits on the same tree; Islam is the invisible killer that infiltrates; al Qaeda violently and brutally attacks. More than 3 years later, this administration still calls the Ft. Hood Massacre, that took the life of 13 soldiers and wounded 32, workplace violence. British Liberals let these killers and millions of Muslims enter England and stay under the guise of political asylum, without caring whether they were loyal to England. This holds lessons for the United States. Today, Sen.Marco Rubeo (R-Fl) and 8 other senators plan to provide a path to citizenship for over 12 million undocumented illegal aliens, which is really 30-50 million because their families get amnesty too.

How many haters of America will be legalized ? Has anyone performed background checks on them? Could this have happened in the 40s? Probably not; the killers would have been lynched. What made that generation different? Two possibilities come to mind: We had real leaders who didnt apologize for America, a country whose history chose it to be the beacon of liberty in the world. And we had faith in something greater than us: GOD. Elizabeth Allen Elizabethallen683@ gmail.com

Organizing for Action

Trying to get Congress to pass good, progressive legislation isn't easy. We know that pretty well by now. That's why this is so important: Right now, Congress is closer to passing comprehensive immigration reform than they've been in a generation. Last Tuesday, a smart, bipartisan bill for comprehensive immigration reform moved ahead toward a full vote in the Senate -- and that vote could happen in just a matter of weeks. If there was ever a time to get off the sidelines, it's now. Simply add your name and say you'll join our fight for immigration reform today. Just as we're going to rail on Congress when they cave to pressure from special interests and fail the people who sent them there, we're going to rally behind them when they start getting things done. The organizing on the ground, the Days of Action, the tweets, Facebook posts, and calls to Congress are working -- but we absolutely can not let up now. If we fail, it might be years before we get anywhere near this close again. Keep going. Thank you, Jon Carson Dear Farmers, When the Blairstown Farmers Market opens on June 1, well be adding an exciting new initiative that is sure to get the community motivated. As part of LocalShare, we are starting G.I.F.T., or Give It Fresh Today. This produce donation program has been successful across the

nation -- in Chicago, Illinois, Honolulu, Hawaii and most recently, Summit, NJ. The idea is simple: market-goers buy a little extra at your tables and donate it to G.I.F.T. Then volunteers will take the food to Manna House in Newton for use feeding those in need. Home growers with a little too much will also be invited to donate at the market, drawing in potential customers while serving the community. This project will provide the shoppers an opportunity to support the farms that they love, while supporting organizations that help to feed the hungry. And, because all the food is local, it keeps the money flowing in the local economy. Best of all, those who are less fortunate will have the opportunity to eat healthy, fresh produce and other foods, thanks to your efforts. Details are still being ironed out, but right now the plan is to have coolers available at the Foodshed Alliance tables where shoppers will drop off goods. Well be providing information and marketing for every vendor so that they can encourage shoppers to participate in the program. We look forward to the best season yet one that not only sustains our farmers, but also our neighbors in need. Sincerely, Kendrya Close, Executive Director Foodshed Alliance

Scandals Rock America

Returning from vacation, I am overwhelmed by what happened. It is hard to keep track of which controversy they were speaking: Benghazi, Libya, where terrorists attacked the American consulate, killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other brave Americans on 9/11, 2012; IRS targeted Tea Party, conservative non-profit, pro-life and pro-Israel groups; and FBI tapped 20 phone lines of Associated Press affecting 100 reporters. This is what institutional corruption looks like. This administration lied, the State Dept. lied, and the Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, lied when they pushed the absurd ridiculous story a utube video set into motion a spontaneous violent attack against the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on 9/11, 2012,

which claimed the lives of 4 courageous Americans. Susan Rice, U.S. Ambassador to U.N., lied when she offered talking points on 5 Sunday morning shows September 15, 2012 : Our current best assessmentis thatit was a spontaneous-not a premeditated-response to what happened in Cairo. In Cairothere was a violent protest undertaken in reaction to this very offensive video. May 8, 2013, Gregory Hicks, former Deputy Chief of Mission in Libya, testified before House Oversight & Government Reforms Committee, I was stunned. My jaw droppedI was embarrassed, on hearing Rices talk, because starting 10 pm (Libyan time) he reported the attack to State Dept., Washington, over and over, and at 2 am, briefed Secretary of State Clinton of the attack. We now know the State Dept. knew on 9/11 the truth about Benghazi. Yet, on September 13, 2012, Clinton tooted the video lie! Today, May 20, 2013, Obama still talks about a video. The IRS scandal is simple: You believe that. We believe this. Target that. The IRS went after the Tea Party during the 2012 election. May 14, 2013, Michael Horowitz, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, released a report confirming the IRS used inappropriate criteria that identified Tea Party and other organizations applying for tax-exempt status. Lois Lerner, director of IRS taxexempt dept., admitted May 10, 2013, applications for 501C taxexempt status were filed for further review, if they had Tea Party or Patriot in their name. She further stated: It was an error in judgment, and it was not appropriate, but thats what happened...The IRS would like to apologize for that. At a press conference May 13, 2013, Obama told reporters: If...IRS personnel engaged in the kind of practices that have been reported on...thats outrageous and theres no place for it. What if? Did he not hear 3 days earlier his own IRS director admit it was true? Obama vowed to find out exactly what happened and any wrongdoer would be held completely accountable. Is that why Sarah Hall Ingram, former head of the IRS tax-exempt

division from 20092012 when the division targeted Tea Party groups, was promoted to run the IRS Obamacare office? The media got Obama reelected. Now they realize this administration will burn them like anyone else. April and May, 2012, the Dept. of Justice (DOJ) secretly obtained, without proper subpoena procedures, phone records of 100 reporters at the Associated Press (AP) under the guise to investigate an alleged intel leak, even though AP had cooperated with the White Houses request to hold the story until national security was verified. This is an unprecedented intrusion on freedom of the press, guaranteed by the Constitution: Congress shall make no law...abridging freedom of speech, or of the press.... If the government doesnt care about the Catholic Church and freedom of religion established by the First Amendment, what makes them think freedom of the press wouldnt be put aside? The Founders knew the importance of a press; thats why they wrote it into the Bill of Rights. They knew all too well only a free press could serve the people. Without it, Americans will only know what the government wants them to know. Thats totalitarianism. Benghazi, IRS, AP, EPA, Dept. of Ag, Fast and Furious. What alphabet soup scandal will we move to next? When a pattern develops, its hard to ignore. This is what happens when a President lacks leadership, and is so incompetent he would have been fired long ago in the private sector. All you get is excuses and blaming. This administration has a problem telling the truth. Every few days they release a new story, which further undermines their credibility. But then again, what does that matter when media is on your side ? But even Liberals are starting to understand. Today its the Tea Party. Tomorrow it could be a Liberal group. Elizabeth Allen Elizabethallen683@ gmail.com

Views & opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of The PRESS or its staff.

We all have at one time or another purchased a pre-owned car, gently used clothing, books... so why not pre-owned furniture and decorative home and garden decor that we no longer have use for, or just simply unclutter our lives a bit and surround ourselves with different decor than what we have had for maybe years! Maybe were moving to a smaller home or a different locale. That heavy, but beautiful, cherry side board just doesnt seem to look the same at the beach in Florida, Arizona or South Carolina as in once did in our forever home, does it? Buying or selling consignment is a great way to buy affordable, quality and unique, one of a kind pieces of furniture and accessories for the home, second home or in your garden or sun porch. If you just bought your first home, or you need to furnish an apartment or a dorm, buying at a consignment shop is ideal, especially for that particular situation. If you are looking for just that certain something special for that particular room or corner in your home (and you will know it when you see it!) most

likely you will find it at a unique consignment shop like Gristmill Emporium Consignment. Let us not forget the thrill of the hunt! Every day, new merchandise arrives in our store. We do have a wish list for people who are looking for a particular item and we do call them if their item does come into the

shop. Consignment is a definite win-win for buyers and sellers of quality items. If you wish to consign salable items such as furniture, decorative household, linen or outside patio or garden items the consignor receives 60 percent of the sale price of the item. The consignors input is 3. Clean and repair gutters and downspouts: Remove last years dead leaves, twigs and so on. Make sure there are no clogs that can cause a leak or an overflow. 4. Police your lawn: Pick up any branches, leaf piles, broken toys and the like so guests can walk freelyand safely. 5. Get the grill: Before you bring out the burgers, give your grill a

always welcome and taken into consideration. The consigned items are kept on the floor for approximately three months. The consignor is given a written list of all their consigned items at the time of their appointment. We always try to price the item fairly, both to the consumer and to our consignors. Good quality and craftsmanship never seems to go out of style. Recycling some of the furniture that are solid wood and so well made almost seems to be the utmost example of the word to recycle. Some people complain that a piece of furniture has a scratch or shows signs of some wear most times, that is the beauty of the piece. Gristmill Emporium will be celebrating our 1st year anniversary on Saturday June 29th 2013. Please join Kathy & Edie for their one-day sale offering 20 percent off on all items, storewide. The consignment shop is located east bound on Route 22 in Oasis Commons Mall (look for the large consignment banner) in Lebanon. For more information, call Gristmill Emporium at 908-236-6411. good scrubbing to be sure cooked-on food particles, rust and general grime are gone. Remember to clean the inside of the grill, too. 6. Swab the decks: Wiping down grimy, greasy outdoor surfaces and furniture is critical before guests arrive. Touch up any chips on painted outdoor furniture. To help make it all bright and sparkling, try a multipurpose cleaning spray thats specifically formulated for outdoor use such as Mr. Clean For more information, visit www.mrclean.com.

Tips For Outdoor Entertaining

(NAPSI)Most hosts and hostesses agree that entertaining with ease in just the right setting starts with a clean space, indoors and out. 1. Fresh facade: Wash the outside of the home. If you have any mildew, consider a pressure washer to make the chore easier. See if the trim needs extra cleaning or even repainting. 2. Wash the windowsinside and out: Do so on a cloudy day to avoid streaks. Get any sliding glass patio doors, as well (and consider taking an old toothbrush and topquality cleaning solution to the inside of the track).

Hello fellow readers, The ticks have been out of control writes Lucia of Blairstown. Is there anything that is pet friendly (even though my pet is not friendly) to get rid of them short of pouring concrete or chemical warfare? You are so right Lucia. Miss Ellie returned from our morning road walk with 40 ticks! Brush along the road is a perfect environment for ticks. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has a Tick Management Handbook that offers landscaping techniques that can help reduce tick populations such as: Remove leaf litter, clear tall grasses and brush around homes and the edge of lawns; Create a three-feet wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to restrict tick migration; Keep playground equipment and patios away from yard edges; Discourage unwelcome animals by installing fences; and Remove old furniture and mattresses from the yard. I always wondered why folks leave such things loitering around their yard in the first

place. Sad to say fences wont keep rodents or birds away, so I debate their effectiveness on tick control. Some swear by taking on guinea hens. Be warned that not all towns allow them and they are not easy to keep on your property or away from becoming fox feed for that matter. Are they effective in controlling ticks? A 1992 study says yes, but University of Utah biology professor aan ekerciolu claims the study was unconvincing. In fact, he cites a 1993 study that examined the stomach contents of 525 free ranging guinea fowl and found only four ticks. Meanwhile a 1996 study showed that 300 ticks can be carried in the feathers of a single guinea hen. Theres a natural insecticide derived from the Chrysanthemum plant Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium containing pyrethrins called pyrethrum used for over 160 years and considered quite safe. Dave Dubie of Greenwood Tree and Lawn advocates an application every four to six weeks treating parameters of your property, high grass areas and leaf piles. Although a natural product, there can be toxicity issues if ingested or overused so follow the instructions and precautions on the label and stay clear of fish ponds. Pyrethrin should not be confused with pyrethroids, which are synthetic and have significantly different level of safety especially around pets. As I am writing, a tick just crawled up my leg! Why were ticks invented anyway? Jeez! Garden dilemmas? Ask Mary at askmary stone@gmail.com

Did you notice that Good as Gold has moved to its new and spacious location at 61 Rt. 94 in Blairstown at the Valero Service station? If you need extra cash, walk into Good as Gold with your gold, silver and all precious metals and Good As Gold will pay the highest prices around. Let the experts see your unwanted gold or silver and show you how it is calculated, tested and weighed on their state certified scale. Good as gold is a family owned and operated business buying precious metals for over 15 years. Owners Rita Worman and Chris Worman, with years of Precious metal buying and Ebay experience, and Glenn Worman, are here to give you a pleasant selling experience. This is a local family run business that cares about their reputatuion and their clients. Good as Gold can be trusted with any of your valuables and assist you with the selling of your unwanted antique's, collectables, jewelry, cars, car parts, motorcyles, RVs on Ebay and

charges a percentage depending on the value of the item sold. In a hurry to sell your items? Good as Gold will also purchase items outright so you have the cash in your hand the same day. Good as Gold also can assist you in complete estate and house cleanouts. Not sure of what something

is worth or if it has any value? Bring it down to Good as Gold for a free appraisal. Did you know that an old sterling silverware set can be worth more than $1000? Also come and browse their store for items they have for sale. They have many unique finds and one of a kind items.

Since 1976, the Sussex County Arts and heritage Council has presented the Senior Student Arts Awards to high school seniors in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the arts. Members of the arts faculty in our county high schools nominate seniors in each of ten categories. In addition, county dance studios may nominate graduating seniors for the award in dance. Chairperson Maureen Hanifan worked with Sussex County Teen Arts Program Coordinator Stella Trikouros and assistant Donna Kurkjian to coordinate the event and the presentation of scholarships. Maureen Hanifan, Stella Trikouros, and Mary Jo Mathias the Executive Director of Sussex

County Arts and Heritage Council presented the awards. Dr. Paul Mazur, president of Sussex County Community College

officially welcomed everyone to the 37th Annual Senior Student Art Awards, and Mary Jo Mathias acted as the master of ceremonies. Since 1988, the Council has also presented the Arts in Education Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the quality of arts education in Sussex County. This year's recipient was Lisa Simko Schumann, from Dance Expression in Hamburg. For more information, call the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council at 973-383-0027. The Arts Council is located at 133 Spring Street in Newton. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9am to 3pm, and Saturday from noon to 4pm. For more, visit scahc.org.

Local high school student Maddie Bronstein held a fashion show on May 24th to raise funds for the Relay for Life. Maddie planned the event, as well as designed and created clothing for the models to showcase. I designed seven looks based on pictures that I took while I was in Paris in 2011, Maddie said. I cut out, fit and sewed the looks together myself, with the help of my mentor Karen Palatini and my grandmother. I started this project in January, and worked it around schoolwork and track and babysitting. I wanted to make Relay For Life my cause for the donations because I am passionate about this event and what it stands for and all the people it brings together. Thank you to Buzzworks for styling the girls hair, Race Farm for donating plants for us to borrow, Wendy from Miche Bags for donating some lovely handbags that the girls walked with, my Aunt Lisa Pierson from Soul Creations in Hackettstown for supplying

beautiful centerpieces for the tables, and Debbie Miller and Robin Bronstein from Mary Kay Cosmetics for doing makeup on the models! Thank you, Cafe Nelle Cucine, for allowing me to have my event

in your wonderful cafe! Also, thanks to Teri Mooney for her extensive help with execution of the walk on the runway. Maddie plans to study Apparel Design at the University of Delaware in the fall.

The children from St. Jude Giving Tree Preschool & Kindergarten participated in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon program and raised $6,000.00 to benefit St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, the premier center for the research and treatment of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Students and the surrounding community participated in this fun

program while learning riding-toy safety lessons and raising money for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. The local community sponsored participants by pledging a one-time donation at www.mytrikeathon.org/ gtree or donating prizes for the Silent Auction. For more information about Trike-A-Thon, call 1-800-626-BIKE (2453) or visit www.stjude.org/trike.

Pregnant women and mothers of newborns are invited to receive free parenting tips, baby items, information about childhood health and development, and more from Project SelfSufficiencys Healthy Families program. The program combines home visits by certified

professionals with educational outings for mother and child to help parents boost literacy levels and address health issues within their new family. Women who are pregnant or parenting infants, as well as those with children up to the age of three are eligible.

Services are available to income-eligible residents of Sussex, Northern Morris and Northern Warren Counties. The agencys Healthy Families program uses the Parents as Teachers curriculum, which was created to help prepare children for kindergarten and to address developmental delays that might otherwise have been overlooked until the child entered school. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed are common issues with mothers of young children in the rural areas of northwestern New Jersey. The Healthy Families program gives mothers the opportunity to meet

regularly with other women in similar circumstances by attending monthly Mommy Parties. Participants receive the latest information about household safety, parenting, health and wellness, and other topics, while enjoying lunch and engaging in craft projects with their children. Field trips are offered several times a year to local attractions such as the New Jersey State Fair, the Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center, local parks and other venues. To enroll, or to find out more, call 973-9403500, or visit projectself sufficiency.org.

Home-Baked is still Half-Baked

I read with bated breath Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHoses sponsored Home-Baked Goods Bill press release that appeared in the

Press May 29 edition. What exciting news for us who consider baking our craft. There is now a glimmer of light glowing in our ovens just waiting for our turn to earn some much-

needed extra bucks at the craft fairs or flea and farm markets. We have been decorating cookies and cupcakes instead of wreaths for years. As house painters (gingerbread of course), we have yet to earn a dime. Yet every other sort of crafter is able to supplement their household income by selling their crafted products at these venues while we bakers are

forced to the side-lines. But, the Home-Baked Goods Bill A1761 is only half-baked unless approved by the Senate and signed by our governor. It is my understanding that it is currently before the Senate Health Committee. So, I am calling all bakers, sweet-toothers and lovers of homebaked goods to task: contact your senate representative NOW and show your support of the Home-Baked Goods Bill. Lets get this bill passed into law.

Its time home bakers also get a slice of that crafter money-pie! I do offer some words of caution to interested home bakers. One has only to hear or read the news to be aware of how common food injury claims are. It takes only one nut shell to break a tooth and send you running to the attorneys office to save the house. Make sure you are properly insured prior to selling any product. Most homeowners insurance policies do not consider sales of home baked goods a hobby. It is normal for an insurance company to consider the sale of any product for profit as a business and that activity must be insured as such even though it is out of your house. Do not take the chance of losing your home over a brownie; call your insurance

agent! Then there are the IRS and State sales and income taxes as well as a resale tax number. Whether you are a hobbyist or a business, they want to know and it is up to you to comply with both the Federal and State laws. There are numerous websites that offer free assistance or speak with your accountant. All of that aside, this bill still offers a valid window of income opportunity for many of us home bakers. I dont anticipate getting rich over it, but some extra dollars would help pay the home heating fuel bills and holiday gifts. So, to use Marthas words, its a good thing for many of us and I hope readers will support us home bakers. Nancy W. Pipher

24 Above Ground Pool: used 2 seasons. Needs new liner. New cover, vacuum. Take down & remove: $315 OBO. Call Ann: 908-362-5514. (2/5) Generator: Generac 4KW. 220V & 110V output, inlet box & cable. Older w/ low hrs. $175. Call 908-3628016. (4/5)

June 8, 9am-5pm 60 Belcher Rd., Blairstown Moving: Everything Must Go! LR, DR & BR Furniture; Linens, Decor, Toys, Electronics, Generator, Outdoor Items, etc. Moving Sale June 8, 9am-3pm 6 Gwinup Rd. Blairstown Dresser w/ Sleigh Bed, Total Gym, Keyboard, American Girl Dolls, Karaoke, Harley Clothes, Ladies/Teens Clothes, HH Items, etc. Garage Sale June 8 & 9, 9am-5pm 7 Kishpaugh Rd., Blairstown Elec. Guitar & Amp, Excercise Equip., York Rake, Post Hole Digger, Plow Undercarriage, Tools, Furniture, etc. Moving Sale June 8 & 9, 9am-4pm 12 High St. Blairstown HH Items, Furniture, Tools, etc.

Mercedes ML 350 2003: low mi. Lovely ride. Minor fender damage. $9,500 OBO. Call 908-362-6257 or 973-222-8070. (1/5) 2000 Ford Windstar MVan SE: 3.8 L V6 4 dr. Good cond. $1200. Call 908-362-1333. (2/5) 2003 Mercedes ML350: low mi. Runs great. Delightful ride. $9500 OBO. Call 908-362-6257 or 973-222-8070. (2/5) 1999 Chrysler Sebring LXI: 2 door, auto, 6 cyl. Title. Runs, but needs work. $1,000 OBO. Call or text 610-554-0327.

Cub Cadet Lawn Mower: 46 deck. 132 hrs. $1200 OBO. Call 908-362-5789. (2/5) For Sale: Snowblower 24 Simplicity chain drive; outboard stand HomeLite leaf blower; seed/fert. spreader, pull-behind for lawn tractor; 20 x 14 14 deep rotary; 3 Generators: 1500 watt, 3500 watt & Silen-Run 3500 watt. Call 908-362-5263. (5/5)