According to Safe Kids USA, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injuryrelated death among children ages

14 and under. In an effort to keep area children safe this summer, Cultural Care Au Pair recently hosted a summer safety meeting for area au pairs. Most people know the big rules when it comes to child water safety; never leaving the children alone when swimming, but sometimes that is not enough, and children drown accidentally, said Local Childcare Coordinator Kristen Dolan. We know that it is important to parents that their childcare provider knows how to keep children safe around water. The training is part of Cultural Care Au Pairs ongoing Continuing Safety Education Program (CSEP), which requires local childcare coordinators to review safety education with au pairs throughout their year-long stay in the United States. Au pairs also learn

safety protocol during their 4-day stay at the Cultural Care Au Pair training school in New York before they arrive to their host families homes. The local au pairs together represent the countries of Australia, Austria, Colombia, Germany, and Mexico. Dolan, a resident of Blairstown, supports area parents and au

pairs, advising them of educational opportunities, as well as organizing fun activities for the entire extended family to enjoy. According to Dolan, the training focused on how to keep children safe while around water. It is important to recognize that children are at risk of drowning not just at the beach, but in the bathtub, the sink, even

in the water collected in a pool cover. The best defense against tragedy is to be aware of your environment, said Dolan. For more information on inviting an au pair into your home, contact Kristen Dolan at kristen.dolan@lcc.cultu ralcare.com or visit Cultural Care Au Pair online at www.culturalcare.com.

Sycamore Park Playground Project is proud to announce we have reached almost 80% of our fundraising goal....but we're not done yet and we need YOUR help! Help build the fence! The approximately 8,000 square foot playground area will be fenced in and each picket in the fence can be engraved with a name or message. For only $30, family names, children's names, remembrances, sports numbers, or a message to have fun (up to 18 characters) will be seen and enjoyed for the next

30 years or more! We only have approximately 400 of these pickets left to sell, so leave your mark now by contacting the Sycamore Park Playground Project. Volunteer! It's not too early to sign up! We are ready to take names for any and all help available! Our community will be building this playground from the ground up May 14th18th, 2014 and we will need 500 volunteers from our community. Call (908) 912-6667, email sycamorepark playground@gmail.com for more information.

Join the Warren County Library Headquarters in White Township September 3rd at 6PM, for the showing of blockbuster film, The Great Gatsby, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This remake of a Great film tells the story of how a young man finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. The young man is further drawn into Gatsbys circle, witnessing obsession and tragedy. Enjoy popcorn while watching on the librarys 14 foot screen! Rating PG-13. The Summer Reading Program at the Warren County Library ends August 24th. Join them at the

Warren County Library, 2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, on Friday, August 23rd for our End of Summer Reading Bash. The fun begins at 1pm with games, food, and fun and then continues when Suzy Q the Scarecrow Clown visits the library at 2:30pm. SAVE THE DATE: 1st Annual Bark For Life of North Warren is a fundraising event honoring the life-long contributions of our canine companions. For a registration fee of only $10, you can bring your dog, for a fun filled day of doggie activities. Please join us on Sunday, September, 22nd, from 10am to 2pm at Tunnel Field on Rt. 94 in Knowlton. All funds raised go to the American Cancer Society.

Visit RelayForLife.org /BarkNorthWarrenNJ to sign up. For event, sponsor, vendor or donation information, please call 973-285-8025. Four Sisters Winery will be hosting Vineyard Sunset on the Deck on August 29th, from 6:30pm to 9pm. The event includes an All You Can Eat Dinner with BBQ chicken, ribs, sweet corn, baked beans and salad. There will also be a cash bar. For more information or tickets, please call 908475-3671. Blairstown Seniors Bus Trip Sign Ups: Sign up at Blairstown Town Hall on Wednesday, September 4th, 1pm for the October 2nd bus trip to Penns Peak to see "The Swing Dolls" (a tribute to the Andrews Sisters & McGuire Sisters). The cost is $30

per person. For more information, call Mickey at 908-3628919. On Tuesday, August 27 and Friday, September 6, 2013, at 6 pm, Mandatory Grant Application Workshops will be held at Shippen Manor, 8 Belvidere Avenue, Oxford. All arts projects must benefit Warren County residents. These workshops will provide grant applications, guidelines, and answer questions concerning the application process. Attendance at only one meeting is required. For further information contact Sally Shutler at 908-453-4381. We love hearing from you! Send your information to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressnews@enter.net

The following is a list of books added this past week to the Warren County Library collection. Non-Fiction: Conversations with Cronkite, By Walter Cronkite; Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family, By Condoleezza Rice; Promise Me: How a Sister's Love Launched the Global Movement to End Breast Cancer, By Nancy G. Brinker; Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords, By Frank Lucas; Keeper: One House, Three Generations, and a Journey into Alzheimer's, By Andrea Gillies. Recreation: The Essential New York Times Cookbook: Classic Recipes for a New Century, By Amanda Hesser; The Good Stuff Cookbook: Burgers, fries, shakes, wedges, and more, By Spike Mendelsohn; Canning

for a New Generation: Bold, Fresh Flavors for the Modern Pantry, By Liana Krissoff; Walking Wisdom: Three Generations, Two Dogs, and the Search for a Happy Life, By Gotham Chopra. Personal Growth: The Doctors 5-Minute Health Fixes: The Prescription for a Lifetime of Great Health, By The Doctors; The Mind's Eye, By Oliver Sacks; God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours, By Regina Brett. Children: Baby Eye Like: Stripes, By Play Bac; Pooh's Bees (Disney Classic Pooh), By Laura Dollin; Who's in the Garden?, By Phillis Gershator; Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin, By Tad Hills; Becoming Naomi Leon, By Pam Munoz Ryan; Stolen Children, By Peg Kehret; The Boy Who Saved Baseball, By John H. Ritter; Lamb, By DK Publishing.

In an effort to foster long-term camaraderie and lasting relationships, several graduates of Warren County Community College recently united to launch an Alumni Association. The group's main goal is to assist alumni beyond the actual college experience, whether it is providing networking opportunities and job leads, internships, scholarships, or other related functions through social and professional avenues. "It's an opportunity for alumni to tap into resources that are right there at their fingertips," said Jennifer Harrison, president of the association and a professor at WCCC. "Warren County Community College has been a great experience for a lot of people. Here's a chance to keep that experience going." Those eligible to join

the free Alumni Association must either be graduates of a degree or certificate program, or have accumulated 21 or more credits at WCCC. The group has a Facebook Page, WCCC Alumni Association (NJ), that anyone interested can join. If it is any indication, the group is headed for success. At the new organization's first official event in July at Harkers Hollow Country Club, over 50 enthusiastic alumni attended. "This is a great start," said Dr. Will Austin, WCCC President. "It's a great way for alumni to stay connected. We hope that the organization will continue to grow and become a strong asset to the college community." The Executive Board of the association includes Harrison, President, Brian Moore, Vice President, Dustin

Pierce, Secretary, Brittany Melnick, Treasurer and Lisa Stoll, Public Relations Officer. Anyone wishing to become a part of the Alumni Association can either go to the Facebook page, or call 908835-2356.

Megan Rosemarie Sanders (stage name Megan Rose), from Warren County, will be appearing at Six Flags Great Adventure Live and Local on August 24th, 2013. Megan will be performing at 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM. For those who love a good vocalist, come out to hear some great Rock, Pop, and RB sound

performed by Megan Rose. Megan has been singing and playing the piano since she was six years old and now, at the age of 15, she is starting out on her own as a solo artist. For those who want to see Megans performance and receive discount tickets, go to her website site (www.meganrosesander

s.com) become a fan. Then go to Contact Us and send an email to Megan. You will receive a reply with the information to purchase tickets online for the August 24th, 2013 concert. Performance is part of admission, so come out and enjoy the best theme park in the world and enjoy a great performance by Megan Rose!

Hello fellow readers, I recently had the privilege to meet with Robert of Newton. He and his siblings are restoring their family home - a wonderful contemporary with views that took my breath away. Their Dad passed away not too long ago and during his senior years, maintenance took a back seat to the care of dear old Dad. Mom, an avid gardener in her younger years, still enjoys digging in the dirt and they would like to create accessible gardens for her to dabble. Mom uses a wheel chair so accessibility is of key importance. Table high container gardens that allow for wheel chair space below are ideal. In this case there is an existing retaining wall just off the main living space that will allow for large window boxes to be suspended and enjoyed. About 27 inches of knee clearance is needed to allow chairs to fit underneath. An alternative are standing planters with 8 to

10 inches of soilfilled trays supported on legs. In fact, these free standing raised beds are a great idea for all of us. How convenient would it be to keep your edibles and herbs situated on your deck or patio for easy access? And by being near the house, quite possibly deer would stay away. For wheelchair accessibility out in the garden, raised beds 18-24 inches high are recommended. Beds should be no more than 5 feet wide if accessible from all sides, or 2.5 feet if used from only one side. A pathway around an accessible garden needs to be firm, smooth, level and at least 4 foot wide. Hanging baskets are also practical for accessible gardening. By having a pulley attached to the basket, gardeners can raise or lower the basket minimizing the amount of reaching and have flexibility to display it at different heights. One of the most enjoyable aspects of a garden is the view from the inside of your home out. Why not add some butterfly and humming bird attracting plants such as Butterfly Bush Buddleia Davidii, Cardinal Flower Lobelia Cardinalis, and Bee Balm Monarda Didyma to name just a few. Enjoy the dance! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone@gmail .com

(NAPSI)It may not be what most people think about when they consider technological innovations, but science has turned its attention toward the floor and come up with some pretty clever ideas. For example, some floors are made of new materials designed to look old and others are of old materials given a new purpose. There are floors that really look like wood or tile or stone but arentthanks to advances in digital photography. You can even have a floor that purifies the air in your home. Designers have been busy, too, experimenting with textures and unusual motifs. Here are a few of the more popular and intriguing: Hardwoods: One new hardwood floor cleans the air. Revolutionary technological advancements bring new surface treatments to wood flooring that use sun and artificial lighting sources to break down harmful emissions and VOCs. It also rids the air of odors. As for colors, classic staples such as dark mahogany- and cherry-stained floors are seen and so are muted grays, vanilla and whites. Weathered and worn looks continue to gain ground. An antiqued finish increases the durability of the wood and allows it to withstand the high traffic and heavy wear of

large families and pets. Manufacturers are also offering eco-friendly options such as bamboo and products with extended warranties and enhanced life spans. Carpets And Rugs: These days theyre all about definition and texture, from leopard print shag to braided fibers. Growing demand has led to supersoft and easy-to-clean wall-towall carpet. Luxuriously soft man-made fibers are so stable that they can be cleaned with bleach and water and come with lifetime stain warranties. Then theres the trend toward projected fragmented digital imaging from computer screens directly on area rug designs. Rugs with pixelated designs look like they jumped right off a desktop. Contrasting with this are handcrafted rugs in tribal and traditional Ikat designs in muted grays and pastels. In response to a yen for classic aged looks, manufacturers present new rugs with footworn weathering and patterns that appear to have been faded by time and wear. A bright idea in recycling is glorious shimmering antique silk repurposed from Indian saris. Tile Trends: Engineered stone commonly found on countertops has made its way to the floor. A composite of reconstituted natural crushed stone bound by

a polymer resin or cement mortar, it offers nearly the same performance as sandstone, marble and limestone. Engineered stone is nonporous, so indoors or out it resists corrosion from water, materials and air pollution. The engineered variety is more uniform and more stable than natural stone and more affordable. Porcelain, thanks to recent digital imaging advancements, can reinterpret stone, hardwood, leather, even linen. Rich coloring, veining, stratification and surface texture lend a realistic look without the high maintenance and price tag. Now you can get punk-styled graphics and graffiti on porcelain. The eye-popping tagged looks appear as paint-splattered planks and tiles. Other urban looks for tiles resemble rusting iron or chiseled concrete. Laminate Looks: Photo-real hardwood, stone and porcelain are found in laminates. Advancements in noise reduction have helped to

level the playing field between laminates and hardwood and vinyl. Cork and other soundabsorbing materials reduce echoes commonly associated with this type of floor. Vinyl Surfaces: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is extremely resistant to dents, scratches and stains; its easy to install and even easier to maintain. Through computerassisted design and surface treatments, LVT can have the look of nearly every other flooring surface. Drop-lock, floating designs allow for easy, glueless and affordable installation. Learn More: You can find fascinating facts and practical tips on every flooring category, the pros and cons, trends, varieties and styles available, things to consider before purchase, maintenance tips and how to prepare for installation on the WFCAs website, w w w. W F C A . o rg . Theres also a searchable database of retailers and a blog: FloorTalk.wfca.org.

The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission is happy to announce an evening concert by the Daisy Jug Band, considered to be fun - fun for the young and fun for the young at heart. The free concert on the lawn at Shippen Manor begins at 5 pm on Sunday, August 25th. Daisy Jug Bands name suggests a certain style, but is well known for their diversity of music. They love to get their audiences involved,

whether they are singing along, playing kazoos, banging on pots and pans or playing one of their zany games. Unlike most bands Daisy Jug Band visually delights with a mastery of kazoo, scrub-board and wash-tub bass. Add to all of this a wonderful blend of harmonies, unusual song renditions, and unique instrumentation and you've got dynamic entertainment. Band members include: Paul Aussicker

featured on guitar, vocals, lap steel, and harmonica; Stevie Fever on guitar and vocals; Greg Fickner on washtub bass and muscle shirts; Wendel Chonus on scrub-board, sax, vocals and harmonica; Vic Paul on keyboard, vocals and sound effects. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, a picnic, a couple of friends and your best relaxing mood to Shippen Manor, located just off Route 31 in Oxford. This free event starts at

5 PM and is sponsored by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission, supported by the Warren County Freeholders, and funded in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Shippen Manor lawn is reasonably accessible and accessible lavatories are available. Individuals preferring assistance may call the relay service at 711.

Warren County Library Governor Signs Mchose, Space, & Oroho Headquarters Plans Sponsored Bill To Benefit Rutherfurd Hall Fall Fun For All Senator Steve Oroho, Board of Education for a the 36 other projects accessibility, landscape
The Warren County Library Headquarters Branch, located at 2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, has announced upcoming events for everyone. End of Summer Reading Bash The summer reading program at the Warren County Library ends August 24. Join us at the Warren County Library, 2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, on Friday, August 23 for our End of Summer Reading Bash. The fun begins at 1:00 with games, food, and fun and then continues when Suzy Q the Scarecrow Clown joins us at 2:30. Headquarter's Literary Club Please join us on August 29th, 2013 at 2:00 P.M., at the Warren County Library Headquarters to learn about our new book club, Headquarter's Literary Club, that will be held on the third Thursday of every month starting in September. Be prepared to spend an informal afternoon making new friends while enjoying tea, sandwiches and cookies. The September book selection will be revealed at that time. Registration is required. For more information please call 908-4756322, or visit us atwww.warrenlib.org. Come to Warren County Library Headquarters to learn how to play Mah Jongg on Fridays Join us and learn how to play this challenging and interesting tile game. Join alone or with a friend. We will meet on Fridays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm September through December! To register, please call 908-475-6322 or register online at warrenlib.org. The Warren County Library Headquarters branch is located at 2 Shotwell Drive in Belvidere. Silk Scarf Marbleizing Workshop Please Join Nancy Leary on September 14th at 11:00am for an interactive silk scarf workshop. Create a unique 60 scarf using the beautiful ancient art form of Ebru, better known as Marbleizing. Learn the technique and history of Ebru as you fashion your own scarf in a selection of complementary colors. Nancy Leary is a popular presenter who is a graduate of Kean University and has taken numerous workshops at the John C. Folk School, Newark Museum and the Kennedy Center. The cost for the silk scarf is $5.00, payable on the day of the program. Space is limited so please register early to secure a spot. For more information please call the Warren County Library Headquarters Branch at 908475-6322 or visit the website at www.warrenlib.org Family Movie Night: September 11th, 6:30 P.M. Watch at Warren County library Headquarters, when a spirited young falcon named Kai learns of Zambezia, the fabulous city of birds, he leaves his remote country home against the wishes of his father. But when his dad is captured by an evil lizard who plans to attack the city, Kai must learn the importance of teamwork if he's to rescue his father, save his new friends and help keep Zambezia lizard free. Rated G. Please call 908-475-6322 or online at www.warrenlib.org for more information. On September 19th at 7pm, the Warren County Library Headquarters in White township presents Welcoming Autumn a musical evening with Stephen Fuller. Stephens rich deep voice and soulful renditions have long made him a favorite with audiences around the world; Fuller is best known for his smooth virtuosity, performing a range of jazz standards, Blues, Latin Swing, and Contemporary classics. As a lead vocalist, he has worked with a number of Jazz bands and singing groups. Registration is required. For more information please call 908-4756322 or visit us at www.warrenlib.org Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and Assemblyman Parker Space, R-Sussex, Warren, Morris, released the following statement upon the signing of A4113/S-2788 which appropriates $1,393,084 from the Historic Preservation Fund to provide historic site management grants for select historic preservation projects. The legislation included $50,000 to the Allamuchy Township preservation planning project at Rutherfurd Hall. Rutherfurd Hall is a gem of Warren County and the state with its rich history. We are blessed to live in northwestern New Jersey with so many historic and natural treasures such as Rutherfurd Hall. We are pleased to help protect these treasures and promote them to bring in resources and promote tourism in the region. Rutherfurd Hall and awarded funding under the legislation were initially approved by both the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Garden State Preservation Trust as part of a competitive grant process. The historic site management grants funded through the appropriation support nonconstruction activities such as long-term planning of operations and programs including building assessments, plans, and creating educational campaigns to increase public awareness.

1st Annual Festival Of Art

In partnership with The Lake Mohawk Pool, the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council presents the 1st Annual Festival of Art! This spectacular event and fundraiser for the Council will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 12 noon to 4 pm on the grounds of The Lake Mohawk Pool, 600 East Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ. In addition to enjoying the beautiful grounds at The Lake Mohawk Pool, the Festival of Art will feature both 2 and 3 dimensional works created by professional artists, an enticing selection of wines for tasting, as well as food and music. We invite you to support the artists within our community, browse through their exhibits and find the perfect gift for yourself or someone special. As a major fundraiser, you will also be helping The Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council achieve its mission to foster and promote the artistic and cultural vitality of Sussex County through a variety of adult and student programs, exhibits where artists can show and sell their work, and educational workshops. The Council is also a resource for learning about art and cultural events in the region. Mark your calendar now so you do not miss this fabulous event. Tickets are $20 and include wine tasting, food, music and an opportunity to view art! They can be purchased in advance at the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council 973-3830027, the Lake Mohawk Pool - Marine Terrace, 973-726-3263 and the Boardwalk Club Restaurant 973-729-5027.

Over the course of your working lifetime, with every paycheck youve dutifully paid taxes toward Social Security. When the time comes to retire, will you file for your benefits as soon as possible age 62 under current guidelines or will you wait until your full retirement age to

receive benefits? You also have the option to wait longer than your full retirement age to receive an even bigger check. The question is when does it make sense to start taking benefits? For years, the full retirement age was 65, and there was no debate about the merits of wait-

ing to take your Social Security. In anticipation of the millions of baby boomers entering retirement, the government has pushed the age of full retirement out. Americans born in 1960 or later dont qualify for full benefits until age 67 and the full retirement age might continue to creep upward as a means to stave off the impending shortage in the federal governments coffers. In general, the longer you wait to file for benefits, the bigger your monthly Social Security check will be. Conversely, if you take money out sooner, youll get less. How much less? Well, if your full retirement age is 66 and you decide to take benefits beginning at age 62 (early retirement), your benefits will be reduced by 25 percent. Still, if you choose to wait until full retirement age or beyond to receive benefits, you may need to consider how long it will take you to catch up

to the amount you would have received, cumulatively, had you started taking benefits at a younger age. This is called the breakeven point. If you delay your benefits (up to age 70), you may not reach your breakeven point until your 79th birthday. That may be fine if you live to be 90 but is not so swell if you dont reach age 75. Assuming you are in good health and have a healthy family history, you could save money in your retirement years by waiting until age 70 to begin receiving your Social Security benefits. There are other factors beyond the breakeven point that will influence what age is optimal for you to begin receiving your Social Security payout. If you need the money now because you dont have sufficient savings or other sources of income to live on, you may have no real choice. Or if you are in poor health, it also may not make sense to wait to receive your benefits.

You could increase your future monthly Social Security payment by continuing to work beyond age 62 without claiming benefits. Thats because the amount of your benefit is based on the average of your highest earning years. If you can bump up your income, the overall calculation of your average income will result in a plumper check. On the other hand, if you continue to work between age 62 and your full retirement age and file for Social Security, the benefits you receive may be taxed and thus reduced. Your marital status factors into the decision of what age you choose to receive your benefits. For married couples, theres a potential advantage for the lower-earning spouse if the higher wage earner postpones benefits. Thats because the lower wage earner receives one-half of the spouses benefit provided he or she has reached full retirement age and the

full benefit if he or she is widowed. According to ssa.gov, if the lowerearning spouse begins collecting benefits prior to reaching full retirement age, he or she could receive benefits of up to about 46 percent, depending on his or her age. To be sure, youll want to look at your projected benefits (and your spouses) and speak with your financial advisor before making a decision to request your benefits. Review your Social Security statement (you can request one at ssa.gov) to determine the benefits you would receive if you were to begin collecting at age 62, at your full retirement age or if you decide to postpone your benefits until a later age. Talk to your financial advisor and your accountant to get professional opinions on the value of waiting versus claiming benefits sooner. What makes sense for one retiree may not be the best choice for another.

(NAPSI)Many families may be surprised at how much they spend on school supplies: According to a recent article in the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton Magazine, for the average person with children in grades K through 12, it comes to nearly $700 a year. To help you get the most for your money, consider these eight ideas: 1. Try to get a list from your childs teacher ahead of time. The teacher may require specific brands, sizes or quantities. 2. Subscribe to a newspaper. It encourages reading and can give kids extra knowledge and incentive in history, civics, English and science classes. 3. Depending on the

childs grade, youll probably need glue, scissors, ballpoint pens, No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, a large pink eraser, water-based markers, spiral-bound or composition notebooks, and a three-ring binder with loose-leaf notebook paper. 4. Get pocket folders with two pockets. Label one keep at home and the other bring to school to help your child organize his papers. 5. Get a calendar for scheduling assignments, sports practice and so on. 6. A pack of index cards for making flash cards can also come in handy. 7. Lots of books of all kinds. 8. A way to carry it all.

Its a fact: Kids are tough on stuff. But today, kids are carrying many more delicate things like electronics, phones and sunglasses. The days of the simple backpack are over. Today, kids need places to put laptops, tablets, cables and cords along with schoolbooks and papers. The Thule EnRoute series is a great option for all these needs. The packs come in four colors and four sizes, and feature a large main compartment with a padded sleeve for a laptop and a separate pocket for a tablet. There is even a heatmolded compartment, called a SafeZone, to protect those smaller, fragile items. For further facts, go to www.thule.com.

Help Children Learn To Love Reading

(NAPSI)Its never too early to get children to enjoy reading. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) and Macys teamed up to find out just how earlyand oftenparents are reading with their children. The results may surprise you. Few parents with kids age 8 and younger are engaged in nightly reading, according to the new survey. The survey found only one in three parents read bedtime stories with their children every night and 50 percent of parents say their children spend more time with TV or video games than with books. The study also found: While 87 percent of parents say they currently read bedtime stories with their children, only one in three do so daily. Children of families with an annual household income below $35,000 are more likely to watch TV (40 percent) than read books (35 percent). Twice as many children prefer a printed book (20 percent) over an e-book (9 percent), say parents who read both types of books to their children. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, children who dont read well by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers. Yet the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals that two-thirds of U.S. fourth gradersand more than four-fifths of those from low-income familiesare not reading proficiently. In RIFs review of major literacy studies, researchers found a direct correlation between income level and the number of books in the household, creating even more obstacles to developing childrens literacy. To find out more about how you can help provide books to kids who need them most, visit www.RIF.org.

As part of World Alzheimers Month, Tracy Fazzolari, owner of Home Instead Senior Care of Hunterdon and Warren Counties is committed to providing family caregivers with training, resources and support. The Alzheimers CARE (Changing Aging Through Research and Education) FREE Family Caregiver Workshop will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 9am to 12pm, at The Habitat for Humanity Meeting

Room (2nd floor), 37 Belvidere Ave in Washington. To get to the 2nd floor, you need to enter the rear of the building off of Church Street on the Star Plaza side. A sign will be on the door. This FREE Family Caregiver Workshop will be repeated on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 from 10am to 1pm, at The Old Egg Auction (Empire Building E-105), 84 Park Ave, Flemington, NJ. The workshop will include: Alzheimers Disease &

Other Dementias: *Learn the causes *Recognize the symptoms *Discover how the diseases are diagnosed *Understand more about behaviors common to the disease. Capture Lifes Journey: *Learn techniques to encourage your loved one to share stories and memories *Become familiar with the Life Journal and how to record information about your loved ones past *Learn how to effectively use the Life journal in partnership

with professional caregivers Techniques to handle Challenging Behaviors: *Learn techniques to handle challenging behaviors *Determine what techniques work best to manage different types of behaviors Activities to Encourage Engagement: *Learn the benefits of staying active for a person with Alzheimers or other dementias *Discover various techniques to encourage your loved one to engage in an activity *Become

familiar with activities that are suitable for late stage Alzheimers or other dementias, to stimulate your loved ones five senses. To reserve your seat call 908-835-1400 or 908-788-6705 or for more information go to www.HelpforAlzheimer sFamilies.com. Home Instead Senior Care has been serving seniors in Hunterdon & Warren counties since 2000. Our CAREGivers live locally and are dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors!

Our CAREGivers provide basic support services- assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, incidental transportation and shopping which enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. At Home Instead Senior Care, its relationship before task, while continuing to provide superior quality service.

The Riverton Hotel & Restaurant situated on the banks of the Delaware River is an "off the beaten path" retreat just across the Belvidere free bridge into Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful drive no matter which direction you are coming from. This eatery has been thriving with tucked away talents since 1979. The Markopoulos family came to America from Greece and along with them brought their culinary heritage, serving dishes such as moussaka, spinach pie and baklava, to name a few. John, Christina, George and Eoanna are always to be seen on location, serving and creating savory dishes with their own recipes. All entrees are made with fresh ingredients, beginning with the formed-to-order Black Angus burgers, homemade breads, hand-cut steaks and seafood dishes. If it's a salad you want, knowing the dressing is freshly prepared, makes the dining experience special.

By George Markopoulos

To finish off the meal, the dessert list is a winner. House specialties include baklava and flourless cake, along with a variety of other pies and cakes. Specials can be seen each week in The PRESS. This is also the perfect place to wow your guests for your wedding

or banquet. Upstairs is a complete banquet facility that accommodates up to 300 guests. Two smaller rooms are also available for more intimate gatherings. Personal attention and care is hard to find, but is alive at The Riverton Hotel and Restaurant under the watchful eyes of the Markopoulos family.

The Water Gap Singers, under the direction of John Arnedt, begin their thirtieth season of bringing concerts to the Warren and Sussex County area with rehearsals for their holiday concert. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, September 9th at 7pm, in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Route 94 South (next to the A&P Plaza), Blairstown. Auditions are not required, only the ability to match pitches. New singers are welcome for all voice parts. The Water Gap Singers

is a non-profit organization. For more information call Jim at 973927-9555 or 973-2296049.

(NAPSI)Whether drivers are trading out their ice scrapers for an open sunroof or putting the cover on the convertible after another summer driving season, experts advise that seasonal car prep should go beyond the basic wash and wax. With that in mind, consider these car care tips for keeping your vehicle looking and running in tip-top shape. Check tire tread depth. To check tread depth, look inside the grooves on the tire. At every six to 10 inches, a raised wear bar will appear, and if the tread is worn to the same height as the bar, its time to replace the tire. Make sure to check for wear at several spots on each tire, as wear may not always be even. If new tires are needed, be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturers recommendation for size and type of tires, as the wrong tire can hurt vehicle handling. Verify battery strength. Dont assume all is well with the car battery just because your vehicle starts. While some drivers may be able to check their own battery, this is usually best left to the professionals.

Regularly monitor tire pressure. Underinflated tires reduce fuel mileage and optimal handling, and can suffer unnoticeable damage that compromises car performance and safety. Check tire pressure often; dont just set it and forget it. Pay attention to brake operation. Properly functioning brakes are essential to vehicle safety. Disc brakes on modern vehicles are exposed to road salt, dirt and moisture, which together can create problems. Pay attention when braking. Does your vehicle stop evenly or does it seem to pull to one side? This can indicate a malfunction if it occurs on a variety of road surfaces and should be checked immediately. What about noise? While an occasional noise is not uncommon, unusually loud or constant noises when

applying the brakes should be checked by a professional. Inspect/replace wiper blades. The joys of a leisurely drive through changing scenery can be quickly erased by a freak thunderstorm, especially if thats when you discover you need new wiper blades. The rubber used in wiper blades can become dry and brittle during the hotter months, especially if theyve already been through a season of snow and rain. Replace them early to ensure a clear view of the road ahead. Essentially, explains Tim Quinn, vice president, AfterSales, Porsche Cars North America, Inc., a new season is the perfect time to review critical car safety functions. For further facts and tips, visit shop.porsche.com.