Children are invited to attend the EggStravaganza at Project SelfSufficiency on Saturday, April 12th, from 10am12pm.

Volunteers from confirmation classes at Saint Kateri Tekawitha will be on hand to coor-

dinate an Easter egg hunt, games and activities for the whole family. The EggStravaganza is sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project SelfSufficiency, offering

family activities, information about health and nutrition, parenting skills training, economic selfsufficiency programs, legal education, referrals, advocacy and other services throughout the year.

The event is free, registration is required. For more info, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500. For more exciting Easter events, check out the Community Events section to see whats coming up!

Warren County Habitat for Humanity is seeking sponsors and donations for the 10th Annual Home Raising live and silent Auction. The auction will be held on May 2nd at 6pm. For more information, contact Kim or Barbara at 908-8351980 or send an email to WCH4HSilentauction@ gmail.com. Kindergarten registration for September 2014 for Blairstown Elementary School will be held on Saturdays April 5th and 26th for all pupils entering kinder-

garten in September. Kindergarten pupils must have reached their fifth birthday by October 1st. Required documents to bring to the school office before your screening date are: completed registration form, which can be found on the school website under forms; childs birth certificate with the raised seal of age; and signed doctors certificate of immunizations. If you do not have a student registered at Blairstown Elementary School, you must provide proof of

residence. Please call Eileen at 908-362-6111, ext. 109, as soon as possible to schedule your kindergarten screening appointment. Attention parents of future Knowlton Twp. Elementary kindergarten students: Kindergarten registration is going on now for September 2014. To be eligible for kindergarten, a child must be five years old by October 1st. If you have not already done so, call the school at 908-475-5118, ext. 200, as soon as possible. The Sycamore Park Playground Project is collecting used clothing and personal items: Now through Sunday, April 6th. Drop off all items including wearable

clothing (all sizes), shoes, belts, handbags, linens, stuffed animals, and hard toys in the collection bin at the A&P in Blairstown. The SPPP will receive money for every pound collected. Please bag and tie all donations; no electronics. Check out our coloring contest on page 11! Send your picture in by April 11th for your chance to win great prizes from our sponsors! Send your tidbits of information to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressmail@ gmail.com thepressnews online.com Like The PRESS News Online on Facebook!

The following is a list of books added to the Warren County Library collection this past week: The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind, by Michio Kaku. Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s, by Jeff Pearlman. Pete Rose: An American Dilemma, by Kostya Kennedy. Smart Money Smart Kids: Raising the Next Generation to Win with Money, by Dave Ramsey. Goodnight Songs: Illustrated by Twelve Award-Winning Picture Book Artists,

Margaret Wise Brown. The Finisher, by David Baldacci. 47 Ronin From Uni Dist Corp. Please Be with Me: A Song for My Father, Duane Allman, by Galadrielle Allman. North to Alaska: That Wintry Feeling/ Borrowed Dreams, by Debbie Macomber. Game Plan: How to Protect Yourself from the Coming Cyber Attack and Other Financial Terrorism, by Kevin D. Freeman. 365 Slow Cooker Suppers, by Stephanie O'Dea. Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation (Electronic Format), by Michael Pollan.

The month of April has been designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, announced local organizers of the Enough Abuse Campaign, a cooperative effort of Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, Project Self-Sufficiency and the Sussex Warren Partnership to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse. Prevent Child Abuse NJ will be hosting several events throughout the month to help raise awareness of the importance of preventing child abuse in all of its forms. Northern NJ residents can learn how to help prevent child sexual assault by joining the Enough Abuse Campaign. The communitywide education initiative aims to mobilize adults and communities to prevent child sexual

assault by increasing awareness of the warning signs displayed by predators as well as victims. The goal of the Enough Abuse campaign is to educate every adult in the community about the true nature and scope of child sexual assault, and give them the tools and knowledge they need to better protect children, said Deborah BerryToon, Executive Director of Project SelfSufficiency. Project Self-Sufficiency is proud to be partnering with the Sussex Warren Partnership to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse and Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey in this important effort to eliminate child sexual abuse in our area. This educational outreach program will build on Project SelfSufficiencys legacy of assisting families with

their goals of becoming stable and economically self-sufficient. We are confident that the Enough Abuse Campaign will help to prevent child sexual abuse and result in safer, more stable families in our community. Studies continue to show that many parents believe the major risk of child sexual abuse involves strangers, which in reality, up to 90 percent of cases are committed by someone known and trusted by the victim and family. Educators with the Enough Abuse campaign are particularly interested in training middle and high school youth, their parents, teachers, administrators, coaches and other youth-serving professionals on how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. Training sessions will be held at Project SelfSufficiency on Wednesdays, April 9th, 10am to 12pm, and April 23rd, 6pm to 8pm. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Participation is free and open to anyone interested in stemming the tide of child sexual assault, but advance registration is required. To register, or to find out more about the Enough Abuse campaign, call Project Self-Sufficiency, 973-940-3500.

Blairstown Historic Preservation Committee is establishing a selfguided walking tour featuring 13 historic buildings in the Main Street area. Each location will receive a plaque that will be affixed to the building with historic information, photos and QR code. The buildings that were selected are Main Street addresses: No. 1 Presbyterian Church,

No. 2 former Simeon Cooke residence, No.3 former Dr. Johnson and Dr. Bostwick residence, No. 8 Flatiron Building, No. 12 Old Mill, No. 13 Original John I Blair store, No. 16 former First National Bank, No. 28 former Branigan's Drug Store, No. 30 former Roy's Theater, No. 39 former site of the Blairstown Hotel, No. 4/No. 6 Old Academy St - site of the former Methodist

Church and parsonage, and the Old Academy building of Blair Academy. The walking tour is due to be in place by Summer 2014. The photo above is an old picture, probably taken in late 1850s, that shows parsonage, old Blair Hall (white frame with pillars), old Academy building (with wings) and small Methodist Church along top of hill.

CO MMUN ITY EV ENTS

Send your Event to thepressmail@gmail.com with the subject NJ Community Events
effort to develop new lines of communication for Blairstown citizens, Committeeman Paul Avery will again be available to meet with residents. I hope folks will continue to take advantage of the Open Door approach. Ill be there to listen and what I hear I will share with the Committee as a whole. Prom Fashion Show: Saturday, March 29th at 1:30pm. Eunikue Fashion, 31 Broadway, Bangor, PA. All You Can Eat Pancake & Sausage Dinner: March 29th, 4:30pm-7pm. Walnut Valley UMC, Vail Road, Blairstown. Take-outs available at door. FMI, call Ed at 862-268-3024 or 908-496-9554. Get Writing, Get Published Writing Workshop: March 29th, 11am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, Blairstown. Program geared toward any writer. Encourages participants to begin their personal journey to publication. FMI, call 908-362-8335. 50 Alive Driving Course: March 31st & April 7th, 9:30am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library. In person registration required. Fees apply. FMI, call 908-3628335. Anna Maria Caldara Presentation & Book Signing: April 1st at 7:30pm. Hope Community Center, 407 Great Meadows Rd., Hope. Sponsored by Hope Historical Society. Her book, Lenape Culture in Stone & Wood, is about Lenape carvings in & around the northeastern U.S. Refreshments will be served. Guests and new members welcome! Intro Microsoft Excel Class for Blairstown Residents: Thursdays, April 3rd through 17th, 6-9pm. First Presbyterian Outreach Center at 35 Main St. in Blairstown. Fees apply. FMI, call Project SelfSufficiency office at 908-362-1777, 973940-3500 or visit projectselfsufficiency.or g. Hackettstown Historical Society Meeting & Presentation: Tuesday, April 1st, 7:30pm. American Legion 494 Willow Grove. John Bernaski will explain the use of tintype wetplate photography & how it was used in the American Cival War. (If you have a Tintype picture, bring it in to the meeting) Free & open to the public. Rummage Sale: Friday, April 4th, 9am-4pm. Yellow Frame Church, Route 94, Fredon. HH items, clothing, books, toys, food. Pastie Sale: Friday, April 4th. 4pm-6pm First United Methodist Church, 10 Stillwater Road, Blairstown. $5 each. Orders taken through March 30th by calling Michelle Peterson at 908-362-6703. Pasta Dinner Fundraiser for Pet Adoption Vernon Women's Club Free Seminar on Women's Self-Defense: March 27th, 7pm. The Senior Center, Church Street, Vernon in back of the municipal building. Free seminar with Grandmaster Kim, a martial artist, to raise self-awareness & teach practical self-defense. FMI, call Valerie at 973-764-3314 or visit vtwc.org. Project SelfSufficiency Offers Free Mammograms to Eligible Women: Thursday, March 27th. A mobile mammography van will be available at 27 Mill St., Newton to offer free mammograms. Women must be uninsured or underinsured & over the age of 40. By appointment only between the hours of 10am4pm. FMI, call 973-940-3500. Blair Woman's Club Bingo Fundraiser for Scholarship & Education: March 28th, 7pm. Doors open at 6pm. North Warren Regional High School, 10 Noe Road (off Lambert Road), Blairstown. All proceeds benefit Blair Woman's Club Education Fund. $20 for 10 games. Two $1,500 scholarships are awarded each spring to NWRHS students as well as other school related projects in Blairstown & the local area. FMI or to make reservations, call Carol at 908459-4945. Committeeman Available: Saturday, March 29th 11:30am 1pm. Town Hall. No appointment necessary. In an League: Friday, April 11th. Ecumenical 4th Church, 1490 Route 517, Allamuchy. Two seatings: 6-7:30pm, & 7:30-9pm. Take out available. Call 973584-0095. All proceeds go to care for dogs & cats to be placed in loving homes. FMI, visit palpets.org. EggStravaganza: April 12th, 10am-12pm. Easter egg hunt, games & activities for the whole family. Sponsored by the Sussex County Family Success Center at Project SelfSufficiency. The event is free; registration required. FMI, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500. The Easter Bunny is coming to Knowlton Township on Saturday, April 12th at 11am. Rain date is April 13th. The Knowlton Lions Club and Knowlton Recreation are cosponsoring the Easter party at the Tunnel Field on Rt. 94. There will be an Easter Egg hunt, prizes, hot dogs, doughnuts, soda, coffee & hot chocolate. North Warren Democratic Club meeting: April 12th 1pm. Meeting room of the Catherine Dickson Hofman Library Lambert Road, Blairstown. Discussion: November elections, elections for Blairstown Township Committee & Board of Education. Petitions for Board of Education election must be filed by June primary. FMI, call Fred Cook at 908-362-6808 or e-mail fpchistory@yahoo.com.

Blairstown, Knowlton & Hope A & P, Alpine Meats, Animal Mansion, Ash Plumbing, Asian Combat Arts, A-Tech, Auto, Blair Tile, Blair Tire & Auto, Blairstown Chiropractic, Blairstown, Country Florist, Blairstown Municipal Building, Blairstown Eye Associates, Blue Ridge Lumber, Buckwood, Building Specialties, Burgdorff, BuzzWorks, Caffe Nelle Cucine, Cannon Country Real Estate, Columbia Post Office, Custom Colonial, Dale's Market, David Krawski Dentist, DogHouse, Dominick Pizza, Dr. Magalio: Dentist, Ellias Restaurant, First Hope Bank, Fitness Empire, Fountain Mall Laundromat, Frank's Pizza, Gallery 23, Geo's Pizza, Gourmet Gallery, Grand Rental Station, Hair Company, Hairs 2 You, Historic Blairstown Theatre, Hope Deli, Hope Haircutters, JD Liquors, John Deere, Kozimors Upholstery, Knowlton Municipal Building, Lakeland Bank, Lebduska Accounting, Marksboro Deli, Mark D. Nelke: DMD, Medical Associate, Mediterranean Diner, Napa, Nature's Harvest, New HoHo, North Warren Farm & Garden, North Warren Pharmacy, North Warren Truck Repair, Old Stillwater General Store, Pizza Express, PNC Bank, Post Office (Both Locations), Post Time Pub, R. Keiling, Race's Farm Market, Radio Shack, Remax, Shell Gas Station, Skyland Bank, Smitty's, Sunrise, Nutrition Center, Sun Velocity, Sunoco, The Auto Shop, The Inn at Millrace Pond, Tile Warehouse, Tractor Supply, Tramontin HarleyDavidson, US Gas, Voulas Hairway to Heaven, Village Green, Warren County Library, Wells Fargo, Wilbur's Country Store, Wine & Spirits, Woman to Woman

Belvidere A & P, Al's Pizza, ACI Truck Stop, Bagel Smith, Bel-Pike Lanes, Belvidere Diner, Belvidere Spa, Clucas Farm, Curves, Dee Doo's, Dr. Amannda Richline, Food Mart, Four Sisters Winery, H&R Block, Hearth Shop, Hickory Mortgage, Little Johns Pizza, Mediterranean Riverside Designs, Riverton Hotel & Restaurant, Rosal Jewelers, Short Stop, Skee's Busy Bee, Skoogy's, Steckel's Shell, Station, Thisilldous, Uncle Buck's Diner, US Gas, Vincent Haircuttery & Plus, Zack's, Zeeks Washington A & P, Bagelsmith, Fliegauff Jewelers, Home Instead Senior Care, Kaffe Kaprys, Lost Ladies, Mediterranean Bistro, MWC Racing, Pride-N-Groom, Quick Check, Rossi, Second Time Around, Shopper Stop, Silver Stars Bagel, Smith Dodge, Stanley's Pizza, Town Market, Washington Diner, Washington Shoe Newton A&G Pizza, Back in Motion, BMW Dealership, Charm, Co. Seat, Dunkin Donuts, Hampton Diner, Ho Hos, HobbyTown, Holiday Inn, Home Furniture, Warehouse, Kathy's Restaurant, Newton News Stand, Optical Center, O'Reilly's, PB&J, Quick Check, Shop Rite, Skylands Sport Shop, Springboard Shoppe, Superior Shower Doors, The Chatter Box, VW-Audi Dealership, Weis Hackettstown A & P, Bachs Home Healthcare, Cozy Corner, Golden Skillet, Hacktettstown Free public Library, Hackettstown Guns & Ammo, Hackettstown Sandwich Shoppe, Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, Mama's Pizza/Cafe Baci, O'Neill's Jewelers. Prickley Pear, Quick Check #2, Riverstar Diner, Tranquility General Store, Valley Bagel, Weis, Willow Caf Columbia Ayers, Hunters Lodge, Roses Cafe

Hello Fellow Readers, At last: the official start of spring! One of the chores many delve into along with their spring cleanup is freshening up their mulch. John from Andover asked what mulch he should use. Last week we spoke about the trend in using cocoa mulch, but learned it can be toxic to pets and Ive heard the sweet smell can attract wild animals, so best to stay clear. Weve spoken about controversial colored mulch often made from recycled wood products such as wood pallets, old decks and other construction debris that can be contaminated with harmful chemicals. Then there is the dye itself covering up the mystery of the wood products used; another stay-away as far as I am concerned if you wish for long term healthy plants. Cedar and hemlock mulch I believe has less mold spores as compared to other hardwood mulches and doesnt break down as quickly. A question came up during my recent lecture at the Springfest Garden Show, if there is a risk of spreading hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) by using hemlock mulch. If infected, the tiny insects that feed on sap are found on the twigs at the base of the needles. It looks like white powder on the foliage. It has devastated native stands and residential hemlocks, but the problem has greatly improved and hemlocks are once again readily used in the landscape. According to the UMass Center for Agriculture, who works in coopera-

tion with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hemlock bark mulch is made from the bark of the trunk and major branches, there should be limited or no adelgids present in those areas, in addition, bark mulch should not be used as soon as it is made. If six months has passed from the time of manufacture then very limited movement of the adelgid would be expected onto another host. Bottom line, hemlock or cedar mulch is safe to use and a preferred choice compared to tomato sauce red or other flavors of mulch. On a personal note I am grateful for your attendance and The Press for their coverage of our recent Springfest Garden Show; but the acknowledgment for the Display Garden goes to my colleague and friend Marty Carson of Three Seasons. It is true that Marty and I are Associates, who combine efforts on Landscape & Garden Designs and Lectures, but the Display Garden kudos goes to Three Seasons; I merely helped out. In addition, Three Seasons donates their talents and resources to assure the show is a great success year after year by making all of the common areas of the show fabulous; a big gift to our community. As you may know, the Springfest Garden Show is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support education and facilities related to horticulture in our community. Thanks to all that supported our event! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)The next time youre enjoying a meal, take a moment to think about where the food came from. Think about the family farmer or rancher who helped put it on your platenot only that day, but all 365 sunrises a year for you and the other 7 billion and counting people around the world American agriculture feeds. The family farmers and ranchers across the countryless than 2 percent of the U.S. populationproduce the food, fuel and fiber people around the world depend on to survive. Simply put, one farmer today produces enough to help feed and clothe more than 144 people on Earth. They contribute to the food and energy security of the nation, providing the safe, healthy, abundant and affordable food we

expect each time we visit the store or restaurant. All without fail. Its one reason for the annual celebration of National Ag Daythis year, on March 25 (though any day is a good time to be grateful to Americas farmers)a nations tribute to thousands of farm families.

According to the Agriculture Council of America (ACA), the national organization charged with promoting National Ag Day, its important that consumers understand where their food comes from and that many of todays farmers use the latest technologies and safe, modern, sustain-

able practices to raise vegetables, fruit, meat, milk, eggs and other foods. The ACA believes an accurate, basic understanding of how food is produced and how it gets from farms to their familys plates will give consumers a greater appreciation for farmers who produce it and greater confidence in the wholesomeness of the food they eat. Farming and ranching take a passion and a dedicated 24-hour-aday, seven-day-a-week commitment. For farm families, its a way of life that requires tremendous knowledge and financial resources and is greatly dependent on weather and market conditions to be successful. For further information about National Ag Day and how your food is produced, go to www.agday.org.

The snow is finally melting leaving small patches of the garden visible, just in time to get your pea seeds planted for this years growing season. Perhaps a large, sweet and tender variety like Tall Telephone would be a good choice, or maybe a delicious French snow pea that pre-dates 1860 would be a better selection. Whatever you decide, the Seed Library located in the Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of the Warren County Library is now open for the 2014 growing season. The Seed Library offers a large selection of unique and classic heirloom, openpollinated, and nonhybrid seeds available for loan free of charge.

Library patrons can borrow up to ten packets of seeds and in return the Library asks that a few of your plants be set aside for seeds. These seeds will be returned to the library so others will have seeds for next years growing season. The goal is for the Seed Library to become selfsustaining. The Seed Library categorizes their seeds according to their level of difficulty for saving. Seeds in the easy category are mostly self-pollinating and do not cross between plants. They are great for beginners and produce plants like the ones that were planted. A few choices from this category include peas, beans, tomatoes and

lettuce. The library offers free brochures on proper seed saving techniques for this category along with how to video online. Seeds in the Harder and advanced categories require more advanced growing techniques as they crosspollinate and are recommended for the more experienced seed saver. The library has plenty of seed saving resources available for gardeners of all levels. The concept of borrowing seeds from the library is very similar to borrowing any other item. The difference is the loan period is much longer, as seeds are due back by November 30th. So if a packet containing 25 Blue Lake bean seeds is borrowed, a packet of 25 Blue Lake bean seeds need to be returned. If you are unable to accomplish this, the library requests that you replace the borrowed seed with an heirloom or non GMO/open pollinated seed from a commercial grower. If this is not possible, another variety of heirloom or non GMO/open polli-

nated seed would be acceptable. Returned seeds must be labeled with the patrons name, type and variety of seed, and date and place of harvest. Hybrid seeds and seeds of unknown origin are not accepted. The Catherine Dickson Hofman Seed Library opened last year and circulated over 1,200 packets of seeds for the 2013 growing season. Many patrons commented on how vigorous their plants were and that the flavor of their produce was exceptional. After tasting an heirloom Brandywine tomato that he had grown for the first time, one older patron expressed that he had actually forgotten what a tomato used to taste like from days gone by. There are still plenty of seeds available, from Alabama Black Eyed lima beans to Big Zebra Striped tomatoes, youre sure to find something unique sprouting at the Seed Library! For more information, contact Patti Lally at plally@warrenlib.org or call 908-362-8335.

Crystal Bowersox performed at The Historic Blairstown Theatre, one of her favorite venues, on Saturday night, March 22nd to a full house. The American Idol star sang originals from her first and second albums, new songs that will be featured on her upcoming EP, and she even delighted the energetic audience with a song that, according to Crys-

tal, "no one has ever heard before. Not even my YouTube stalkers." Both Crystal and the band put on a great show for the devoted fans, many of whom had seen her performance at The HBT last year, as well. Crystal sang Janis Joplin for her last song. For more information on this and other exciting performances at the theatre visit theHBT.com.

The windows at Gallery 23 in Blairstown will feature the work of Vicki Diamond and Barbara Matlaga in April. Come in and meet the artists at a reception at 23 Main Street on Saturday, April 26th from 1pm to 4pm. Newton resident, Vicki Diamonds work features masks and drums made from gourds and scarves felted from the fiber of her alpacas. Ive always been obsessed with art and making things; in fact, one of my earliest memories is of making a paintbrush out of pine needles, says Diamond. I think all of my work has been influenced by the many places Ive lived and visited. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, I spent my childhood in Naples, Italy, as well as in various states before making New Jersey my home. Diamonds work has been exhibited in various galleries and shows, including a solo sculpture show at the Paterson Museum in NJ and a group show at the Instituto Universitario di Architettura in Venice, Italy. With a Masters in teaching English and a Doctorate in Arts and Letters, she has worked

as a teacher and editor and conducts workshops of various kinds, including felting. Barbara Matlaga specializes in fused glass. She has been working with glass since 1999. She has studied at The Studio at the Corning Museum of Glass, Salem Community College Glass Studio, Glass Roots and Warm Glass.

I really enjoy the creative possibilities working in fused glass. said Barbara of Mt. Bethel, PA. As a scientist I have always been aware of the unique physical and chemical properties of glass and the paradox it presents. It is made from sand, but the finished product is crystal clear and smooth. Glass is formed at high tempera-

tures, but when complete, is cool to the touch. Molten glass flows like honey, but when cooled it is hard as a rock. Fascinating! Gallery 23, an artist co-op, is located at 23 Main Street, Blairstown. hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 4pm. FMI, call 908-362-6865, or visit gallery23.org.

RE/MAX Ridge, in addition to the recently earned and prestigious NJAR Circle of Excellence Awards, RE/MAX of New Jersey recently recognized the top-producing achievements of 4 RE/MAX Ridge sales associates: Joanne Van Valkenburg, Gail Masson-Romano, Redempta Gwynne and Kathy Kalish. The awards were presented at the Annual RE/MAX of New Jersey Awards Ceremony held at The Palace at Somerset Park on February 12th. RE/MAX Award recipients are recognized for their outstanding sales performance and achievements. Joanne Van Valkenburg and Gail MassonRomano received Executive Club Awards, and Kathy Kalish and Redempta Gwynne earned their way into the

100% Club for their 2013 success. Earning membership into the Executive Club and 100% Club is a great achievement for a RE/MAX sales associate, said Jeffrey Snyder, RE/MAX of New Jerseys Regional Co-Owner. We congratulate these agents and look forward to their continued success with RE/MAX. Gail Masson-Romano, Broker-Owner of RE/MAX Ridge emphasizes that, Joanne, Redempta and Kathy, as long time residents of Warren County, have many years of real estate experience as full time Realtors. Their children attended local schools in the North Warren Regional school district and they have servedtheir communities as volunteers

in multiple organizations. Their intimate knowledge of our local markets and housing inventory continues to instill confidence in families thinking about moving to our area. This is one of the primary reasons Joanne, Redempta and Kathy have earned these topproducer RE/MAX awards along with the fact that they work hard, work with integrity and have impeccable reputations in the community. For more information please contact Joanne Van Valkenburg, Kathy Kalish and Redempta Gwynne online at JVanHomes.com, Kath yKalishHomes.com and RedemptaHomes.com, respectively or call RE/MAX Ridge RealEstate offices at 908362-7200, 908-6894444 or 800-962-7789.

March 26, 2014

The PRESS NJ

Page 11

NAME_______________________________________________ AGE _________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________________ PHONE___________________________________________

Do you like to draw, paint and color? Then you wont want to miss out on the chance to show off your artistic skills in our Easter Coloring Contest! The contest is open to everyone ages 5 and over. Entries can be submitted to Bel-Pike Lanes, located at 107 County Route 519 in Belvidere; or mailed to The PRESS, 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013. Entries must be received by Friday, April 11th at noon. A panel of judges will select one winner from each age category: 5-8; 9-12; 13-17; 18 and over. Winners will be notified by phone and receive prizes from Bel-Pike Lanes and the Blairstown Historic Preservation Committee. One Entry Per Person.

Thank you to our sponsors!

e k i P anes l e B L

908-475-2067 107 Co. Rt. 519 Belvidere

Blairstown Blairstown Historic Historic Preservation Preservation Committee Committee

www.blairstown-nj.org 908-362-6663, ext. 233 or 234

Thank you We would like to thank all of our customers and friends of 30 years. This was not a planned retirement and we were not ready to retire. We wanted to make it to June 4th to celebrate our 30th year, but we were pushed out. We were forced into early retirement by high rent increases over a period of several months. We only have memories left of The Runway Cafe and will sincerely miss all of our loyal customers. Thank you for the fun and good times. Sincerely, Jeanne and Kim, Runway Cafe Work is a Wonderful Thing The second book of three projected volumes of Mark Twains autobiography was published October 5th, 2013. In his characteristic blend of humor and reprove, Twain wrote, Any man who is satisfied to be fed by another man rather

than by the honest sweat of his own brow should be shot. Twain recollects, without exception, those he helped did not appreciate his help, never paid back money loaned, and did not change their debased behavior. If Mark Twain were alive today, hed be horror-struck to learn the experiences he held in contempt have become a condoned way of life in America called the Entitlement Mentality. It is a dangerous addictive mindset, in which people think they are owed a living from people who actually work to feed their family, just because they exist. People who wont spend an ounce of initiative to take care of themselves, will exert hours of effort and creativity to get the most out of the system for doing the least. The epitome of todays entitlement culture is exemplified by Rachel Canning, an 18 year old

New Jersey teen, who left home because she didnt want to abide by reasonable house rules, such as being respectful, keeping a curfew, and doing some chores, said her father. She then sued her parents to force them to pay her private high school tuition, future college costs, and financial support of $654 per week. This is just one example of what the entitlement mentality encourages and seeks to weaken: the integrity of traditional family structure in America. Policies of this administration have made work not worth it. Obamacare subsidies, cost assistance available only through government exchanges that lower monthly premiums or reduce outof-pocket cost for things like copays and deductibles, are disincentives to work because if one earns more income, they loose their subsidy, increasing their cost of healthcare.

Vice President Biden says working women can quit their jobs and stay home thanks to Obamacare: How many of you are single women with children in a deadend job? Youre there because of your health insurance. You rather have the opportunity to spend the next couple of years with your child. That means other people who are working and away from their families are working so other people who are not working have the luxury to stay home with their families. This is an altered reality, i.e., an idealized fictional image sold as reforming deficiencies of our existing society to simultaneously trample fundamental individual liberties. Obama and Progressives are masters at manipulating people for their own political gain. They are expert propagandists: If you dont have something, its because a rich person somewhere has what you should have. Now at Obamas direction, government is stepping in to level the playing field.

Things are never what they seem. Progressives camouflage entitlements as benevolence. They cloak themselves as freedom. In reality, Progressives have created a massive welfare state through which secure an eternal voter block to gain and retain power and control. Obama and Democrats have redefined the American Dream. They see it as a collective enterprise, where all people are one, and government is sovereign. White House spokesman, Jay Carney said, the health care law will allow people to choose to work less . . . . Americans would no longer be trapped in a job just to provide coverage . . . and would have opportunity to pursue their dreams. Entitlements are harmful repugnant enticements that kill the ladder of opportunity and run counter our nations values of work, family and opportunity. When people live off the earnings of others, it destroys a persons will to work and sense of self-worth. They become satisfied with scraps from the

government. And it robs others of their hard earned money. We need work, the family unit, and opportunity to lead happy productive lives. If we could bring back Mark Twain, hed have something to say to those who think government, aka the American taxpayer, should take care of them. There was a time when what you had meant less than how you got it. One may drive a 20 year old car, have a flip phone, and shop at a thrift store, but its paid for. And if one genuinely came on hard times, charity was sought for help, not government. A time when everything was right about working for what you had. And when those that could work, did. Elizabeth Allen Newton, NJ Comments welcomed elizabethallen683@gm ail.com