Blairstown Dog Park, in conjunction with Positive Motivation Dog Training, is pleased to announce new seminars.

Does a wagging tail always mean your dog is happy? How do I introduce my dog to a dog park? Please join Positive Motivation to learn valuable information about dog behavior and how to keep your best friends safe. Contact the Blairstown Dog Park at info@

blairstowndogpark.com or call 908-301-6810 to reserve your spot. January 14th, 12pm2pm: How To Read Dogs Properly February 11th, 12pm1pm: Dog Park Etiquette March 10th, 12pm1pm: How To Assess Play Styles (dogs are welcome at this seminar) All seminars will be held at Positive Motivation Dog Training, located at 587 Route 519, Belvidere.

The suggested donation is $10 to help support Blairstown Dog Park. Established on June 2, 2011, Blairstown Dog Park committee was created as a not-forprofit organization run solely by volunteers. Our primary purpose is to build a community dog park where dogs can play and people can meet other dog owners in a park-like setting. Visit www.blairstown dogpark.com for more information.

North Warren Alumni Maxx Sweet Sets College Basketball Records

Former North Warren basketball standout Maxx Sweet is tearing it up on the college level as the starting point guard for Suny Adirondack in Glens Falls, New York. Sweet is averaging 10.5 points a game for the Timberwolves. He is also ranked number 2 in free throw percentage in NJCAA Region 3 and number 5 in Region 3 for 3-point field goal percentage. Sweet also dropped a career high 25 points on Tompkins Cortland College. The Timberwolves

have also produced many All-Conference and All-Region players who have taken their skills to play at the next level. During the 200910 season, the Timberwolves achieved a National Ranking (10th) and a Regional Ranking (2nd). The Timberwolves are coached by Bill Haskell.

An adult grief support group will be hosted at Warren Hospitals Farley Education Center, 185 Roseberry St., Phillipsburg, on Wednesdays during January and February. The group will be held on January 11th, 18th and 25th, and February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th from 2pm to 3pm. Call Lori Baker to register at 973-726-7510.

Blair Academy and artist Christine Mayes invite you to attend the artist reception of the benefit exhibition "Cyclical Time" to be held at the Romano Gallery at Blair Academy on Thursday, January 12th, from 7pm to 8pm. For more information, contact Christine Parauda at 908-619-7232. United Way of Northern New Jersey is

partnering with the Warren County Department of Human Services to hold the annual Project Homeless Connect on January 25, 2012. Volunteers are needed for this annual event that helps Warren Countys homeless. Project Homeless Connect is a one-day, one-stop event that brings the community together to help those most in need. Families and individuals experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, are able to receive information on housing, emergency social service benefits, legal services, substance abuse, mental health,

medical services, and employment. The 2012 Project Homeless Connect will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the following locations: Saint Philip & Saint James Church, Mercy Hall, 430 South Main Street in Phillipsburg Hackettstown Fire Department, 106 West Moore Street in Hackettstown We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and other tidbits of information to: The PRESS PO Box 430, Blairstown, NJ 07825
thepressnews@enter.net thepressnewsonline.com

The following is a list of books recently added to the Warren County Library collection. Fiction: Shotgun Bride (Mckettrick Cowboys Trilogy, 2); Carrion Comfort, By Dan Simmons; While My Pretty One Knits, By Anne Canadeo; By Hook or by Crook, By Hechtman, Betty; Dead Men Don't Crochet: A Crochet Mystery, By Betty Hechtman; Scarpetta; By Patricia Cornwell; The Woman Next Door, By Barbara Delinsky. Non-Fiction: Quicken 2010 The Official Guide; By Maria Langer; The New Bantam - Megiddo Hebrew & English Dictionary, Revised, By

Dr. Sivan Reuven; More Than Genes: What Science Can Tell Us About Toxic Chemicals, Development, and the Risk to Our Children, By Dan Agin. Recreation: Be the Pack Leader: Use Cesar's Way to Transform Your Dog . . . and Your Life, By Cesar Millan; Indoor Cats: Understanding and Caring for Your Indoor Cat, By Katrin Behrend; Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park: Adventure, Explore, Discover, By Stephen Feinstein; Grand Canyon National Park: Adventure, Explore, Discover, By Doreen Gonzales. Personal Growth: You Know You Want It, By Eric Daman.

Create a Resume Using Cypress Resume Enjoy A 9 Day Cruise While Helping Via Warren County Library
The Warren County Library has acquired Cypress Resume, an online tool that helps you effortlessly create a professional resume in just a few minutes. Its easy-to-use format assures you won't spend hours trying to perfect your document-all the hard work is done for you. Simply plug in your basic information (as little or as much as you'd like), and Cypress Resume creates a perfectly formatted document to help you land that dream job. A resume needs to grab the attention of an employer almost immediately in order to have the best chance of making it through the weeding process. detailing your abilities to the resume builder. To access Cypress Resume, visit the library website at www.warrenlib.org.

The House of the Good Shepherd

RE/MAX RIDGE Delivers Toys For Tots to Picattiny Aresenal

This week RE/MAX RIDGE Real Estate delivered to the US Marines the bounty from this years Toys For Tots collection drive. The agents of RE/MAX RIDGE Real Estate from both the Blairstown and Washington offices left no stone unturned in their efforts including collecting toys from their circles of clients, family and friends. Thanks to the heartfelt generosity of the community, carloads of toys made their way to Picattiny Arsenal from the RE/MAX RIDGE offices. Picattiny Arsenal is one of the main distribution venues for this wonderful US Marine Corps charity. RE/MAX RIDGE also hosted a holiday party in their Blairstown office with a theme of Bring Santa A Toy. Gail Masson-Romano, Broker-Owner of RE/MAX Ridge explained, Santa, The Grinch, Mrs Claus, Santas Elves, Frosty and Rudolph and other costumed RE/MAX Ridge Real Estate agents greeted more than 400 children and parents to our holiday party in early December. We suggested to the parents that they ask their children to help Santa this Christmas by bringing him a toy. By helping Santa to fill up his sleigh with toys he would visit every home and leave presents for every child. The response from the community was overwhelming and,

Next May you can take a seven night cruise and not only enjoy a great vacation to Bermuda, but you can also benefit the House of the Good Shepherd Continuing Care retirement community at the same time. The specially priced cruise is open to any interested traveler. The House, in association with Skyland World Travel, has scheduled a 7-night vacation aboard the Celebrity Summit starting May 20th, 2012. Rates vary depending on your budget. Available is anything from interior cabins to balcony and ocean view cabins. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated back to The House. Celebrity Summit is undergoing a dazzling revitalization, being upgraded with AquaClass accommodations. including the Mediterranean-themed Blu specialty restaurant. The revitalization also includes more staterooms, more verandas,

an expanded art collection, and completely new dcor throughout. Participants in the program will also receive $50 of on-board credit and other amenities, including compli-

mentary round trip bus from Hackettstown to Bayonne. For further information, contact Skyland World Travel at 908852-7081, or skyland37 @comcast.net.

as a result, we received many more gifts for our Toys For Tots program; and the parents captured on camera the true joy of giving as only a child can express. RE/MAX RIDGE is honored to be a part of this charitable endeavor and we look forward with enthusiasm to next years Toys For Tots drive. We wish to thank all those who so generously contributed toys

this year bringing a little more joy into the world through so many childrens hearts. RE/MAX RIDGE offices are located in Blairstown at 8 Main Street and in Washington at 218 Rte 31. For more information you may contact RE/MAX RIDGE at (908) 6894444 in Washington or (908) 362-7200 in Blairstown or at (800) 962-7789.

Asian Combat Arts Expands, Celebrates Grand Opening of Second Location

By Maria Cascario Shihan Brian Mascola, Owner/Sensei of Asian Combat Arts, has been practicing for more than twenty-five years and instructing for almost twenty years. A 6th Degree Black Belt in the traditional Okinawa/ Japanese Martial art style of Shorinjiryu Karate-do he is pleased to announce the opening of his new location. The new facility, a state of the art martial arts dojo is 2800 sq. ft. that offers Karate for all ages, from Pre-School adults, Kickboxing, TaiChi and Kung Fu as well as Yoga. Brians foundation and root style is Shorinjiryu, but he has studied and researched many other Chinese and Japanese traditional martial arts, from both internal and external schools including Shaolin White Crane (the root of Okinawan Karate), Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Yi Chuan and various Chinese health and martial ChiGung exercises. My studies also include physical fitness, massage therapy and meditation, said Brian. I teach these arts as total fitness programs. One of the mind, body and spirit, and a self-defense program that is second to none. Brian, an expert instructor who has taught hundreds of people, said his specialty and passion is teaching these arts to children. His students say that he has a way of getting across to them as few others can. This expertise may have come about since he has two children of his own, Nicolette, eight, and Dominick, age seven. Having experienced being a stay-at-home dad since the children were born, he understands the challenges of teaching children and holding their attention. My classes are orderly, energetic and comprehensive, said Brian. The traditional martial arts are my passion and love and it shows in my teaching. When taught in the traditional manner with a caring, compassionate instructor, they have the ability of changing a person in positive ways. Besides teaching self-

defense, they teach and lead students to know themselves and continually improve their weaknesses and polish their strengths. Brian believes that Karate teaches discipline, determination and confidence. He says that the benefits of karate are endless. It promotes fitness and focus and helps to improve selfconfidence while instilling a sense of discipline

and respect. Students progress through various levels and are promoted through the ranks of Karate by differentiating belt colors. Karate emphasizes strength, flexibility and balance and will help build a good foundation for other sports or activities. It promotes patience, self-respect and pride. Every practitioner is expected to hold true to its four basic tenets, inside as well as outside the dojo. Those four Tenets are: Manners, Respect, Responsibility and Effort. Shaolin

Karatedo is based on a strong ethical and moral code of conduct. The students are taught spiritual development of individuality in body and mind. Every student is expected to be able to work with each other, help one another and be kind to each other. Needless to say, they should be openly respectful to everyone. The new location of Asian Combat Arts is 128 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ next to Tractor Supply. Call Shihan Brian at 000-000-0000 for more information.

Fashion Designer Christine Mayes Featured Massage Therapy Certificate Offered at WCCC at Romano Gallery Benefit Show Saturday has graduated more than Massage therapy, evening/
The work of artist and fashion designer Christine Mayes, graduate of Blair Academy class of 2003, will be on exhibit in the Romano Gallery at Blair Academy, 2 Park Street, Blairstown from January 9 - February 4, with an artists reception on Thursday, January 12 from 7-8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christine Mayes graduated from Parsons the New School for Design in 2007, and she was the recipient of the Golden Thimble Award for Excellence in Design. Since, she has worked for industry heavyweights including Bill Blass, Vivienne Tam, and Thom Browne. Under the direction of Thom Browne, Mayes created special pieces for Kanye West, Damon Dash, Malcolm McLaren, and Cindy Sherman, and headed a made-tomeasure event at Harrods in London. In addition to her work in the fashion industry, Mayes creates commissioned paintings for private clients and has been featured in four publications. In this show, Mayes highlights the amalgamation of the study of painting and the execution of design. Her body of work is always inspired by complex systems such as city grids, human anatomy and process in minimalist art. She says, The multi-disciplinary approach to my career and body of work adds dimension to the undertone of this show. There will be a sense of timelessness, or returning to a place. There will be 22 paintings and illustrations available for purchase; all proceeds from these sales benefit ECPAT International in the fight against child trafficking, prostitution and pornography. which has gained in popularity over the years, is an effective means for stress reduction, pain relief, joint mobility enhancement and circulatory improvement. And is also one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. Being a massage therapist is a very rewarding career and has a profound effect on people, both physically and psychologically, noted Dianne Czar, RN, Program Coordinator Allied Health for Warren County Community College Continuing Education. Continuing Education at Warren County Community College regularly offers a 15 month, 629-hour part-time program that meets the needs of most adult learners lifestyle. The start of the next massage therapy program at WCCC starts on Jan. 11. Anyone interested in signing up however, needs to register by Jan. 4. According to Czar, massage therapy is a profession that requires the expenditure of both physical and mental energy. The therapist has the capacity to continually expand on their foundational education of Swedish massage, to incorporate numerous modalities such as sports massage, neuromuscular, and many other complimentary practices into the client session. The WCCC program 50 students since its inception over 10 years ago. Satisfactorily completing this program prepares the student to take the national certification through NCBTMB or apply for certification in the state of NJ. The business aspect of the program helps prepare the massage therapist to enter the world of entrepreneurship or become employed at, or in conjunction with doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, spas and other practices. For more details about this and other programs offered by Continuing Education at Warren County Community College, call 908-6897613 or visit www. warren.edu.

$58,500 Grant Presented to United Way of Northern NJ

Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) recently presented a $58,500 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to United Way of Northern New Jersey. The grant represents FirstEnergys steadfast support for United Ways work to strengthen and improve the long-term health and well-being of communities across the region, including Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties, said United Way CEO John Franklin. We applaud the longstanding commitment that First Energy has shown to our communities by helping those who are struggling to make ends meet, Franklin said. We look forward to working with strong community partners like First Energy to positively impact and improve our communities. United Way of Northern NJ is a nonprofit organization working to improve peoples lives and strengthen communities by focusing on Education, Income, and Health. These are the building blocks for a good life a quality education that leads to a stable job; the tools needed to achieve financial stability; and good health. We lead caring communities to create long-lasting changes that transform peoples lives. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow throughout Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. To learn more, call 973-9931160 or visit www. UnitedWayNNJ.org.

NEWTON - As part of the Christie A d m i n i s t r a t i o n s Season of Service initiative, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Allison Blake volunteered at the Season of Hope Toy Shop at Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton, Sussex County on Friday, to assist in the agencys efforts to distribute gifts to thousands of local families in need. The Season of Service was announced by Governor and First Lady Christie on Thanksgiving Eve. The initiative builds on the same commitment to community the Governor emphasized in his 2010 inaugural address with members of the cabinet volunteering their time in a variety of ways over the next month. The Season of Hope Toy Shop is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Project Self-

Sufficiency with the assistance of Pass it Along, the New Jersey Herald, Intercar Mercedes Benz, Sussex Honda, Mugs Media and hundreds of volunteers. The toy drive helps local parents who cannot afford to purchase holiday gifts for their children. Families are referred to the toy drive by social service agencies, such as the Division of Youth and Family Services, churches and other nonprofit organizations. It is so wonderful to see people using their hearts and their talents to help better the lives of New Jerseys children and families, DCF Commissioner Blake said. We are very thankful for the generosity of each person who has been a part of the project spearheaded by Project Self-Sufficiency, and we hope that their efforts will serve as an example for others who may find it in their hearts

to support children and families in their communities.

The Season of Hope toy drive is unique because it is run by

Sussex County agencies on behalf of Sussex County families. Donors can be assured that the gifts they contribute will stay right here in our area, noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. The toy shop offers gifts for children of all ages, but it also offers the gift of hope and dignity to parents as they search for presents for their loved ones. We are thankful for the assistance of our partners in this effort, and we are especially grateful for the hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life who have made the Season of Hope toy

drive possible for our participants. The continued economic downturn has caused many families to turn to the Season of Hope toy drive for assistance this year. As a result, the toy drive set a goal of 10,000 items for distribution to children of all ages. Individuals, and numerous organizations rallied to conduct toy drives on behalf of the Season of Hope toy drive this year. For information about the Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive, or any of the other programs and services offered at Project SelfSufficiency, call 973940-3500.

Warren County Division of Agings Senior Nutrition and Activity Centers Seeks Volunteers
If you have a few hours a week to share, the Warren County Division of Aging Senior Nutrition Activity Centers need you. Volunteers are sought to help at local centers with activities, projects, and programs, which may be crafts, exercise, piano playing, singalongs, Wii games, and more. This is a great opportunity for area clubs, school groups and individuals. If you have a particular talent or skill, theyd love to help you share it with the members. The Warren County Division of Aging has five (5) Senior Nutrition Activity Centers located throughout Warren County (Belvidere, Blairstown, Hackettstown, Phillipsburg and Washington). We are in the process of revitalizing each of our centers by providing more activities and more opportunities for our members, stated Robin Ennis, Activities Director. Our goal is to offer our members more than just a meal. We will provide opportunities to help our older residents stay active through exercise programs, social activities, games, programs, education, outreach, and other events that promote quality of life and strengthen overall health. All Warren County Senior Nutrition Activity Centers are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. To volunteer or for more information on the Senior Nutrition Activity Centers, contact Robin Ennis, Activities Coordinator at 908475-6591. The Warren County Senior Nutrition Activity Centers are programs administered by Warren County Division of Aging and Disability Services, 165 County Route 519 South, Belvidere.

Dates for Hackettstown Cat and Dog Licenses For 2012 Announed
All cats and dogs in the Town of Hackettstown must be licensed during the month of January 2012. Licenses may be obtained at the Municipal Building, 215 Stiger Street, between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, and Saturday, January 7th and January 21st, 2012 from 9am to noon. Licensing is in accordance with State Law and Ordinances adopted by the Mayor and Common Council. License fees are as follows: Neutered Animals, $6; Non-neutered Animals, $9; late fee after January 31, $2 per month. For more information, call 908-852-3130.

Make the World Better with Rutgers Environmental Steward Training

Looking for new way to start off the New Year in a positive way? Concerned about the environment? Would you like to give something back to your community but can't find a meaningful way to do that? Consider joining the 2012 class of Rutgers Cooperative Extension's Environmental Steward training which will be offered in Atlantic, Warren, and Somerset counties, from January to June. The curriculum is designed to introduce non-scientists to the science underlying key environmental issues in the Garden State. Leading authorities from academia are joined by colleagues from government and the non-profit sector to share understanding and insights with the students. Students do not only receive facts, but also are introduced to a network of expert individuals and organizations who can be of service to them in the future as they wrestle with solving local environmental problems, said Bruce Barbour, Extension Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, the programs originator. Recruitment has begun for the Rutgers Environmental Steward Class of 2012. To learn how you can become a Rutgers Environmental Steward, contact the appropriate coordinator for your region. For more information about this or other programs at Rutgers, visit envirostewards. rutgers.edu.

(NAPSI)Heres an idea many homeowners may greet warmly: keeping hot air inside when its cold out. In many houses, the problem surprisingly comes from something youd think would keep you warm: traditional open-masonry fireplaces. They just arent very efficient. Every minute they burn, these fireplaces can exhaust as much as 300 cubic feet of heated indoor air outside your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thats 18,000 cubic feet of heated air lost per hour.

As the warm air leaves, cold air from windows, doors and other areas is drawn to the fireplace. This cools the house and forces the furnace to work harder to heat your entire home. Fortunately, there is a way to enjoy your fireplace without suffering from high energy bills and a drafty house. Fireplace inserts fit directly into the opening of existing masonrybuilt fireplaces and offer enhanced heating performance, style and money-saving efficiency. Fireplace inserts come in numerous designs and fuel types. When evaluating gas fireplace inserts, a critical component to look for is Direct Vent technology. Such units have sealed fireboxes and venting that expel 100 percent of exhaust outside of the homefor clean, safe indoor air quality. One wood-burning insert made by QuadraFire is the Voyageur. It blends clean, eco-

friendly heating with distinctive cast-iron styling. A robust 46,000 BTU heating capacity heats up to 2,400 square feet and a single load of wood can efficiently burn for up to 12 hours. An efficient gas fireplace insert is the Heat & Glo Escape I35. It features traditional wood-burning looks through a convenient gas platform. A molded FireBrick ceramic interior radiates 25 percent more heat than metal fireboxes, and an intermittent pilot system conserves energy. Theres a battery backup system, so it works even during a power outage. These days, homeowners are seeking more and more ways to increase their home value, said Diane Utzman-ONeill of Hearth & Home Technologies, a leading hearth product manufacturer. Inserts can lower heating costs and revive interior designs. For more facts about these appliances, visit www.fireplaces.com.

(NAPSI)At-home holiday and other big get-togethers can nearly triple the weekly cleaning time spent by women, according to a national survey conducted by research firm StrategyOne. Already, women spend almost two hours cleaning their homes each week. Big gatherings can add almost four hours to that. The messiest holidays of all, the survey found, are Christmas, considered the messiest by 57.3 percent of respondents, followed by Thanksgiving with 32.5 percent, New Years at 3.4 percent and Halloween with 2.5 percent saying its the messiest. Other cleaning trends the survey, commissioned by GeorgiaPacific, the maker of Brawny paper towels, found include: Eighty-four percent of American women in the survey said their

home is anywhere from extremely clean to moderately clean on a typical day, and 83 percent believe others would agree with that assessment. When it comes to help, two- thirds of women said they would like assistance with cleaning, more so than other household tasks including cooking (11.6 percent), laundry (6.4 percent), ironing (4.8 percent), pet care (3.9 percent) and babysitting (3.3 percent). Nevertheless, only one-third of women actually get help with household chores. Among those who do receive help, half typically get it from their spouse or significant other and 17 percent from their children. Cleaning up after pets (27.1 percent) was noted as being just as hard as cleaning up after a significant other (25.6 percent) and more diffi-

cult than cleaning up after a child (20.1 percent). Scrubbing the tub or shower (30 percent), cleaning the toilet (14.7 percent), mopping the floor (13.5 percent), dusting (11.4 percent) and cleaning windows (11 percent) are the chores women least enjoy. Taking out the trash is the one task women are most likely to rely on a housemate to handle (36.8 percent), followed by vacuuming and cooking. Dishwashing liquid and paper towels such as Brawny are the favorite one-two punch in the kitchen and the most important cleaning tools for making the kitchen spotless. For more information, visit www.brawn ytowels.com, call (800) 283-5547 or join the discussion at www.facebook.com/bra wnytowels.

(NAPSI)People who enjoy watching movies at home are starting to see things in a whole new way. Thats because threedimensional TV is todays big trend in home entertainment. Those who have 3-D TV say the action appears to jump off the screen into the family room just like it does at the theater. This ultimate, fully immersive movie experience is available at most electronics stores. Blu-ray Disc is the only technology offering the 3-D home experience. So Hollywood is responding by filling the retail pipeline with Blu-

ray 3-D content. For example, Walt Disney Companys The Lion King 3-D roared to the top of the box-office charts and was followed by the Blu-ray 3-D release. The studio plans to rerelease in 3-D such animated classics as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. And current titles in 3-D Blu-ray include Thor, Green Lantern, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Captain America: The First Avenger and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

And although nothing official has been announced yet, Blu-ray fans are excited that the Star Wars sagas are rolling out in 3-D in theaters. For further information on 3-D equipment and programming, visit www.3DHQ.com.

(NAPSI)One of the hottest trends in warming homesand keeping them cozyis the energy-efficient heat pump. Heat pumps arent known for being particularly good at providing heating in cold climates. Older models of heat pumps often require an additional heat source to keep a home warm during the winter. How-

ever, the latest heat pump technology offers superior heating performance, especially at lower outdoor temperatures, and is changing the way people think about such systems. For example, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, an industry leader in cooling and heating technology, offers a heat pump option that operates at

full heating capacity at temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mitsubishi Electric Hyper-Heating systems use a unique technology that enables the heat pumps to provide year-round comfort in extreme climates while being extremely energy-efficient. To learn more, you can go to www.Mitsubishi Comfort.com.

Food for Thought! Something unusual happened this Election Day. Of the 1,689 of you that actually made it to the polls, 26.29% (444) of you did NOT vote for either one of the candidates running for Blairstown Twp. Committee. The unusual was not the fact that some people decided not to vote it was the high percentage of those that did NOT vote. Another interesting fact 89 of you took the time to actually write someone elses name in! To get back on track because this column was not to be about the election, it was to start telling The Story of Yards Creek and the Impending Doom of a Municipal Tax.Yards Creek is located at the top of Walnut Valley Road where Mt. Vernon and Walnut Valley roads meet. It is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant owned jointly by PSE&G Fossil (PSE&G) and First Energy (JCP&L), it occupies approximately 1375 acres and has a total plant capacity of 400,000 kW. Approval to build this facility was given in 1962, license granted in 1963, construction started in 1963 and the project was completed in 1965. Simply put the plant is an economical way to produce electricity. Before we go on to explain the significance of Yards Creek, we really have to talk about how your property taxes work here in Blairstown. If you are one of the many Blairstown residents who believe that your property taxes pay for the salaries of the police department, township committee, department of public works, and all other township employees as well as our municipal operating costs, you are WRONG!The only portion of your property tax that is directed for use by Blairstown Township is 3.5 cents per $100 of the assessed value of your property. Those funds are dedicated by two separate public referendums for use in open space, recreation and historic preservation. For example, if your property is assessed at $300,000, the amount of property tax to fund those referendums would be $105 per year ($300,000 / 100 = 300 x 3.5 cents = $105). At this time, those funds are not and cannot be used for any other purpose including the general operation of

By Anita Ardia and Beth Arena

the township. You are CORRECT in thinking that municipal operating costs are generally considered to be a municipal levy on a property tax bill. Heres the Blairstown difference, other than the dedicated 3.5 cents described above, this township does not havea municipal levy -a rare situation indeed. So, if the money to operate Blairstown does not come from your property taxes, where does it come from and what DO your property taxes pay for?Your property taxes are used for the operation of the county, libraries, and public schools as well as for contributing to the county open space fund and the Blairstown dedicated open space, recreation and historic preservation fund. Take a CLOSE look at your 2011 final / 2012 preliminary tax bill - a task worth performing notice the breakdown in each category and KNOW where YOUR MONEY is going. Without taxing the residents to generate income to pay for services and operating costs how does Blairstown afford to operate? Where does the money come from? Here lies the significance of the Yards Creek facility. By the mere fact that Yards Creek exists here in Blairstown, Blairstown receives income from State in the form of Energy Receipts Tax to the tune of $2,930,536.00 realized in 2010 and anticipated again in 2011. It is with this money and money generated from some other sources that Blairstown can operate. Like all else in the State this revenue stream is endangered. Next up in the column: How this income works, why is it being threatened and what does that mean for Blairstown? For those of you that dig financial facts, here is quick diversion to take on a snowy in-day with a cup of hot chocolate. Visit the Blairstown Twp. website at www.blairstown-nj.org. On the left side menu there is a selection - 2011 Budget click on it and take a look at the General Revenues section its in the beginning.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are of the authors and not necessarily those of this publication.

Makeup Compact: 1940-50s. Vintage, metal, envelope style, navy & light blue. Swirl design on cover. Rouge, lipstick, powder & mirror. Very good Armoire: suitable for most cond. $35. Call 908-887-1317. TVs. 46 W x 86 H x 25 D. Cherry wood w/ 6 drawers. Antique Wooden Sewing Cabinet: w/ legs & handle. Lg. $400. Call 908-362-7703. box for storing sewing accesFor Sale: Jewelry Box, floor sories. Removable compartstand w/ 3 drawers, both sides ment in middle. Beautiful open--$45. Small Marble wooden finish. Opens from Stand, 3 shelves--$25. Call both sides & top. Decorative & functional collectible. $75. Call 570-269-9718. 908-887-1317. Hearthstone Woodstove: Homestead model 8570H. Baby Items: Walkaround Jogger 50,000 btu. Polished soap Exersaucer--$50. stone. Like new. $850. Call Stroller, one step, green canvas--$50. Both very good 908-581-7090. cond. Call 973-670-9173. For Sale: Elliptical by Sole-$500 (orig. $1500). Niagra Falls 1893 Photo Abcoaster--$50. Deluxe Booklet: 20 BW photos. 5x7. Power Tower--$50. All like Very fine condition. $35. Call new cond. Call 908-362-8815 908-887-1317. or 570-274-7913. Toys: Girls Doll Carriage--$25. Dixie Cup 1 Vending Mattel Musical Dora Doll Dispenser: 33 glass tube. House--$25. Both very good Penny operated. Metal base cond. Call 908-362-8314. w/ key. Works. Mfg. Easton, PA. Patented 12/16/13. $450 Girls Skates: Roller Skates, OBO. Can email pics. Call size 12, pink wheels, like new. Ice Skates, size 3. $20 ea. Call 908-887-1317. 973-670-9173. Chandelier: 1915 slag glass Supplies: Fence inverted dome. 9 panels, Horse mother of pearl. 20 D. Open Feeder, Stall Chain, Water relief work. $1200 OBO. Can Buckets (black plastic)--$5. email pics. Call 908-887-1317. Hay Feeder & Bale Carrier, Jump Cups--$5/ pair. Saddle Pine Shelf: w/ 2 small Carrier, fold-up, portable). Call drawers & towel bar. 19 H x 973-670-9173. 20.5 W x 5.5 D. Hangs on wall. Decorative & functional. 20 Dreamsicles Collection: 1 glass cabinet (6 x 26 x 12), 1 $25. Call 908-887-1317. cabinet (6 x 19 x 12) & 1 Ivory Chess Set: hand- dresser (61 L x 3 H x 20 D). carved, ivory Staunton-style Call 908-362-6461. chess set & board/case. Preban estate property, circa FREE: 7 artificial Christmas 1960. Contact rschiaffo@ tree & big stuffed teddy bear. Call 908-362-8727. gmail.com or 323-791-1971.

Baby Items: Umbrella Stroller-$10. Exersaucer--$40. Swing, moves L-R, back & forth--$40. Eddie Bauer Car Seat & Stroller--$100. All very good cond. Call 973-670-9173.

Fish Tank: 10 gal. w/ stand, hood, heater & filter. $20. Call 908-362-8311.

Roof Carrier: Yakima 7 x 3. Locks. Roof bars & brackets. Great cond. $250. Call 908PVC White Arbor: square tube 362-831. design. 20 lattice sides, 50 wide, full length 92 long w/ Gereac Generator: L4000 arch. 7 squ-are tubes. 3 yrs. watt, 8hp. Low hours w/ all old. $25. Call 908-362-5263. cords & house inlet. 2 110-115 outlets, 1 20 amp, 1 30 amp. LEGO Racers: series model # $500. Call 908-362-6364. 8461. In orig. box, instructions incl. $40. Call 908-362-7737. For Sale: Pressue Blaster, like new--$125. 6H/60 gal. Air Maytag Gas Dryer: exc. cond. Compressor, never usedNearly new. Instruction manual -$350. Oxy Acetylene Setup, & warranty card incl. $50. Call 3.5 tall w/ cart, torch, regula908-362-5560. tors, various tips--$225. Various air tools, never usedWeso Renaissance Wood -$50 ea. Call 908-813-9826. Stove: manuals & hardware incl. $500 firm. Call 908-3625969. Fireplace Grate: 1 piece steel, no welds. 22 L x 15 W x 9 H. $30. Call 973-383-5461. Childrens Outdoor Playhouses: Little Tykes castle & 3 other styles ranging from $40-$100. Call FMI: 570350-6298. For Sale: Pachinko machine, Seeburg jukebox, Playboy 25 slot machine. Call 908-3629312. Surfboard: 6.2 Byrne. Tri fin, squash tail. Good cond. $300. Call 908-362-8311. Compound Bow: Hoyt Super Slam. Soft bow case, arrow case, misc. archery equip. Good cond. $50. Call 908362-8311. Curio Cabinet: corner, brown, lighted. Good cond. Call 908362-8311.

Hankook Snow Tires: 205/65 R15. 2 pair: 1 new, 1 used 1 season; good for 3 more seasons. $160 OBO for all 4. Call 908-459-4485. Blizzak Snow Tires: P205 65R 15. Fits Toyota Camry, etc. Buy 2 for $45, get 3rd free. Call 908362-9339. Tires: 256/70/R17. 2 Goodyear Wrangler, 1 Continental Contrac. 3 for $25. Good tread. Call 908689-2865. 2004 2500 Pickup: Quad cab, loaded. Exc. cond. 65k mi. Call Dan: 201-859-2328. 2002 Kia Spectra: 4 door, auto. 75k mi. $2800, negotiable. Call 973-347-5095. 2009 Ford F150 XL: 2wd pickup. Under 3k mi. Call 908-362-9274.

John Deere Trailer: 15 cu. ft. Unite all steel, tee/knee hitch, tilt bed. New tires & tubes. Has grease fitting. Shedstored. Good cond. $50. Call 908-362-5263. Snow King Snowblower: 10hp, 30 cut. 2 stage, 2 spd forward, 2 revers. Elec. start & pull start. Just serviced in Sept. New carb. Tire chains. $375. Call 908-362-6364. John Deere 4720 E-Hydro 4x4: w/ 400 ct. loader & quick jack power angle snow plow. 775 hrs. 1 owner. $29,000. Call 973-948-4498.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is pleased to announce the expansion of a successful free mentor training program that prepares local residents with the communication and problem-solving skills to make a positive and lasting contribution in their communities. In conjunction with First Lady Michelle Obamas Mentoring Challenge to recruit 1 million new mentors by 2014, United Way is committed to growing the number of mentors in its five-county region; Morris, North Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties. United Way is launching the expansion of its model United Way Mentor Training program in Warren County next month. The training is held during the course of four, three-hour evening sessions. The first training series will be held on January 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Centenary Colleges Presidents Dining Room in the David and Carol Lackland Center. The training equips

individuals with the fundamentals of mentoring and can be used to learn the skills needed to provide youth, professional, and financial mentoring. Study after study shows that mentoring changes lives, said United Way of Northern New Jersey Chief Professional Officer Sarah Brelvi. This program is a proven model that trains individuals to be responsive and effective mentors. Whether your individual interest is to mentor youth or women in transition this training will help you to maximize your strengths and communication skills to be the difference in someones life. For two years in Warren County, United Way Womens Leadership Council mentors have been helping women entering or reentering the workforce learn the skills necessary to get a job and succeed as a new employee. With the establishment of United Way of Northern New Jersey one year ago, the new five-county organization was able to share best practices and identify that there is a

demand and need for an expanded mentor training program in Warren County. The organization was able to supplement the Warren County program with a successful United Way Mentor Training Center established in Morris County more than 10 years ago. The Center, named a model program by United Way Worldwide earlier this year, has been preparing those who live and work in Morris County how to be effective mentors in the community, helping youth and adults achieve their potential. Many Morris County nonprofits refer prospective volunteers to this program as an initial training. This is a perfect example of how our larger, regional organization is able to build on local successes and cross the artificial boundaries of county lines to bring critical services to a wider region, Brelvi said. To register for the January training, email Shaunna.Rubin@United WayNNJ.org or call 973-993-1160, extention 142.

This is Your Year! For self-study, inspiration, transformation, one breath at a time! Breathing Room Center on Rt 94 in Frelinghuysen, NJ, is pleased to offer again its 200-hour In-depth Yoga Study & Teacher Training for 2012. The center features one of the most comprehensive training programs in the area, which not only meets and exceeds the standards set by the National Yoga Alliance, but meets each individual where they are on their life journey with patience, support and expert guidance. The 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training is designed for anyone who wants to become an inspirational teacher or simply deepen their own personal practice. Graduates of the program go on to teach in schools, hospitals, community centers, yoga studios, corporations and inspire others with their knowledge and love of the practice. "I feel blessed and humbled to be in the class with such wonder-

ful teachers," says Mary Beth Holzhauer, a graduate of the 2011 program. "Yoga Teacher Training is really opening up a new world to me." Another 2011 graduate had this to say: "Through your teachings and this practice, I feel like I really have been transformed; really bringing the yoga off the mat has made my life so beautiful. I feel truly content, despite all of the difficult things that we experience in our day-to-day lives." The 10-month training begins in March 2012 and provides a comprehensive study of Hatha Yoga - including the history, language, ethics, anatomy, physiology and philosophy and

uniquely develops a heartfelt connection with self and others. You need not become a yoga teacher; all you need is a desire to learn and an intention to invest in your own life journey! Applications for the 2012 training are currently being accepted, and it is strongly encouraged that you reserve a space in one of the upcoming Open House sessions to meet the instructors, ask questions and decide if this program is right for you. The Open House dates are: January 8th, 10am and February 5th, 10am. Please call Cheryl, owner, at 973896-0030 to reserve your space. For more, visit breathingroom center.com.