Daniel Jensen, the son of Chuck and Ginny Jensen, is the class of 2012 Valedictorian.

He has attended Faith Christian School since the eighth grade. During these past five years, Daniel was diligent in his academic endeavors, maintaining a high honor roll GPA and taking part in honors projects, placing in the top 5% of SAT/ ACT scores in the state of Pennsylvania. He participated in soccer during middle school and his sopho-

more, junior and senior high years, serving as captain his senior year. He is a long distance runner for the track team and served as captain his junior and senior years. He was on the basketball team his freshman year and ski club his sophomore year. He was awarded first place in the science challenge during his junior year. From his sophomore year to his senior year, he has served as his classs president.

Bangor Area High School is proud to announce the 2012 Valedictorian, Graceanne Ruggiero, and Salutatorian, Olivia Fleischer. Graceanne Ruggiero is the daughter of Anthony and Linda Ruggiero, of Roseto. Graceannes activities included: Clarinet Choir, 4 years; Dance, 4 years; Marching Band, 4 years; Literary Magazine, 3 years; National Honor Society, 3 years; Basketball Pep Band, 2 years; Do Something Club, 2 years; Flute Choir, 2 years; Pit Orchestra, 2 years; Spanish Honor Society,

2 years; Saxophone Choir, 1 year; Spring Musical, 1 year. Her academic acheivements include: First Honors; Student of the Month; National Society of High School Scholars member;

Stephanie Volkert Memorial Scholarship for Ballet; Hugh OBrian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference; Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) delegate; WYSE Youth Advisory

Board member; Among top 5,000 highest SAT scores in Pennsylvania (2011); Voted Most Intelligent and Biggest Overachiever of Bangors Class of 2012; and the Terrific Technique award at the 2011 Dance Expressions Competition. Olivia Fleischer is the daughter of Gerald and Michelle Fleischer of Mount Bethel. Olivias activities included: Field Hockey, 4 years; Student Government, 4 years; Students Against Destructive Decisions, 4 years; National Honor

Pius X High School is pleased to announce the 2012 Valedictorian, Christopher Wall, and Salutatorian, Chan Mi (Chelsea) Kim. Christopher Wall, the son of Fred and Margaret Wall, is the 2012 Pius X Valedictorian. Christopher is a member of Scholastic Scrimmage, Authors Club, Chess Club, Forensics, Pro-life, and National Honor Society. Christopher is also a member of the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Company and the Columbian Squires of the Knights of Columbus. He also serves as an Alter Server at St. Elizabeth Parish in Pen Argyl.

Chris will be attending Marywood University to study architecture. Chan Mi (Chelsea) Kim is the daughter of Kyu Chan Kim and Mi Kyung Lee of South Korea. Chan Mi has been a student at Pius since eighth grade. During her years at Pius she has been a member of the Pro-life Club, Forensics, Newspaper, SADD, FBLA, and Tae Kwon Do. Chan Mi was also involved in the Yearbook the past two years and served as editor her senior year. Chan Mi will be attending State University of New York- Binghamton and will be majoring in Business Administration.

The Pen Argyl Area High School is pleased to announce the 2012 Valedictorian, Karl Constantino, and Salutatorian, Abby Laubach. Karl Constantino is the son of Penny and Kenny Clossey of Wind Gap. His awards and honors include: National Honor Society (11 and 12; Top Five in Class (9-11); Academic Award in Math (9-11); Academic Award in Health (9); Academic Award in Spanish (9 and 10); Academic Award in Science (9 and 11); Principals 90% Club (9-12); First Honor Roll (9-12); Alumni AwardTop Junior (11); Recipient of the Rensselaer Medal (11); recipient of the 2012 Donley Awards for Excellence

(12.) Karls activities included: Class President (11); Diversity, Tolerance and Awareness Club (11-12); Soccer Club (9-12); Student Government (12). Athletics include: Nominee for All-Star Academic Soccer (9-12); Varsity Letter (11-12); Academic

Scholar Nominee (12); All-Area Honorable Mention (12); Tennis (11-12); Varsity Letter (11-12). Karls community involvement includes: Plainfield Farmers Fair (9-12) and Kids Soccer Camp (9-12). Karl plans on attending West Chester University to study Criminal Justice.

Abby Laubach is the daughter of David and Jody Laubach of Wind Gap. Abbys honors include: National Honor Society (11 and 12); Top Five in Class (9-11); Academic Award in Business Technology (9); Academic Award in English (9 and 10); Academic Award in Drivers Education (10); Alumni Award (11); Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award (11); HOBY Leadership Conference (10); First Honor Roll (9-12); Principals 90% Club (9-12). Her activities and athletics include: Students against Destructive Decisions (9, 10, 12); Recycling Club (9-12); Gang Green (11 and 12); Year-

Congratulations to all our area graduates! Krystal Ditzig, a sophomore at Marywood University, was named to the Deans List for the Spring Semester. She is majoring in Speech and language. Krystal is the daughter of Joe and Debbie Ditzig of Bangor.

We would like to wish Durwood Kressler a very Happy Birthday. Durwood will be celebrating on June 14th. Have a great day, Popop! Blair Moyer will be celebrating her birthday on June 14th. Have a fantastic day, Blair! We would like to wish Stan Metz a very

Happy Birthday. He will be celebrating on June 14th. Have a great day, Stan! Happy Anniversary wishes are sent to BJ and Kathy Hampe, who will be celebrating on June 19th. The Slate Belt Heritage Center will hold their monthly historic presentation on Thursday June 14th, at 7pm. Speaker for the evening will be author/historian Dennis Scholl. Mr. Scholl will present his book, Tales of the Towpath which depicts stories of the canal route in the Easton area. Mr. Scholl also brings a wide knowledge of historical data amid the Easton and Slate Belt areas. The event is free and open to the public. The Heritage Center has a chair lift for easy accessibility. For additional information contact Karen Brewer at 610-588-8615. Ryan James Dietrich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dietrich, of Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, graduated magna cum laude when he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in political science from Moravian College,

Bethlehem. During his college career Dietrich earned deans honor list standing and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa national honorary society for scholarship and leadership and Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honor society. In addition to Dietrichs academic endeavors, he served as a senator in United Student Government. Dietrich is a graduate of Pen Argyl Area High School. The Roseto Summer Recreation Program will be held from July 30th through August 10th, 10am to noon. Children in 1st through 6th grade are welcome. There is no cost. For more information, contact Desiree at 610-588-4530. We love hearing from you! Send your tidbits of information to us at: The PRESS 1 Broadway, Bangor, PA 18013
thepressnews@enter.net

Here is a list of the new items added to the Bangor Public Library during the week May 25 through 30, 2012. Adult fiction: Jio, Sarah, The violets of March. Adult non-fiction: Bryant, Rick, The Rick Bryant sketchbook; Davis, Ren, Our mark on this land; Horse care tips from A to Z; LaVey, Anton, The Satanic witch; Muliar, Doris, Cocktails for drivers; Weishar, Peter, CGI. Young Adult fiction: Kio, Shimoku, Genshiken: volume 7 Otaku from another planet; Kio, Shimoku, Genshiken: volume 8 Otaku love; Kio, Shimoku, Genshiken: volume 9 Farewell to the Genshiken; Star Wars, infini-

ties, a new hope; Krefta, Ben, The art of drawing manga. Junior fiction: Benton, Jim, The Fran with four brains; Benton, Jim, The Frandidate; Dezago, Todd, Things that go bump in the night!; Dezago, Todd, When slurks the slime!; Draper, Sharon, Out of my mind; Gibbs, Stuart, Belly up; Gidwitz, Adam, A tale dark & Grimm; Korman, Gordon, Unsinkable; Mullarkey, Lisa, Johanna Spyris Heidi; Paulsen, Gary, Masters of disaster; Riordan, Rick, The lost hero; Spinelli, Jerry, Crash; Stine, R.L., The good, the bad and the very slimy; Thaler, Mike, The little league from the black lagoon. Junior non-fiction: Stout, Glenn, Soldier athletes.

The new and exciting Slate Belt Heritage Day is coming soon. It will begin at 10am on June 23rd. Bangor Borough has approved Free Parking for the day. North First street will be closed to traffic for the day as it explodes with vendors, music and entertainment, ethnic food samples, displays of wine making, slate splitting, a therapy dogs demonstration, a karaoke contest, and much more. Many of the venues are geared to children as well as adults. Make sure you get a program listing locations and events for the day. Programs may be obtained at the Heritage Center Information Table on North First Street during the event. Broadway will be alive with merchants joining the fun by offering

"Heritage Day" Specials. Various groups will display their talents throughout the day. Look beyond the Library for the famous historic Miller House strawberry shortcake. Bangor Public Library will sponsor the popular Duck Race Derby as the celebration closes at 5pm. The Heritage Day planning committee wants folks to remember: The Fun Begins in Bangor! Look for the full page advertisement on page 35 in this weeks edition

Blood Center Announces Summer Gas Card Giveaway

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, Reading Phillies Tickets Will Also Be Awarded
Miller-Keystone Blood Center is giving donors who register to donate during the weeks of June 4 August 19 a chance to win one of two $100 gas cards drawn weekly. Donor entries will also be eligible to win a set of tickets (4 tickets plus parking) to a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs or Reading Phillies, also awarded weekly. It is so important to donate during the summer months because every summer our inventory drops to critical levels, explains Donor Resources Manager, Marsha Springel. There seems to be more accidents in the summer because there are more cars traveling. In addition, many businesses have shut downs or their workforce are on vacations. However, Springel confirms, over 500 units of blood are needed daily by our community hospitals to care for premature infants, accident victims, surgical patients, and individuals undergoing chemotherapy. It is only the blood that is donated that can save lives, so we encourage all eligible donors to roll up their sleeves this summer and give the gift of live. If you are in good health, 17 years of age or older, and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, you are most likely eligible to donate blood. There is no upper age limit for blood donors. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community blood center that has served Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey since 1971. Headquartered in Bethlehem, Miller-Keystone serves as the only blood supplier to our regional hospitals. The Center operates donor centers in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Hazleton, Lionville and Reading, and also hosts more than 2,000 regional bloodmobiles annually. For more information or to schedule a donation, call 800-223-6667; or for the most up-todate listing of drives in your community, visit GIVEaPINT.org.

Daniel was on Student Council since his sophomore year and served as vice president his junior year and president his senior year. He has been active in the National Honor Society since his sophomore year and is this years NHS president and served as vice president his junior year. He has been involved in chorus since his freshman year and contributing often with audio/ visual needs for chorus and praise team. Daniel actively contributes to his community by volunteering with Operation Christmas Child locally. He traveled with Samaritans Purse International in July 2011 to Uganda, Africa to distribute shoe box gifts to over 2,000 children in need. Throughout the school year, he works after school and weekends with his familys business where he has become a skilled welder. Daniel has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, after receiving nominations from Senators Toomey and Casey, and Representative Barletta. He will be majoring in mechanical engineering with the potential of becoming a pilot. He will process-in on June

28th in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kayla McElroy, daughter of Kevin and Tina McElroy, was named the class of 2012 salutatorian. She has attended Faith since seventh grade. Kayla has participated in the chorus her junior and senior years and served as her classs president her freshman year and treasurer this year. All throughout high school, Kayla has been on the high honor roll and part of the schools National Honor Society since the tenth grade serving as secretary for two years. She has been on student council her freshman and senior year serving as treasurer this year. She played on the volleyball team since 7th grade and basketball her freshman, sophomore and senior years. She has participated in yearbook all high school years. She is active in her church, Alabaster Box Worship and Arts Center, volunteering at church dinners and creating Power Points for services. Kayla plans to start her education at East Stroudsburg University in general education and continue at Liberty University majoring in Law.

Connections For Women Announce Upcoming Events

Connections for Women meets on Monday evenings from 6pm to 8:30pm at 301 Market Street in the Hopesprings Community of Faith Church. They do not meet on Friday mornings during the summer. Their programs are educational, creative, informative and encouraging. All women are welcome. Their gatherings provide a casual place where women develop relationships that are life giving, life changing and life strengthening; are encouraged to realize their full potential by directing them to available services; receive personal support as they share the challenges and rewards of life; and explore opportunities for education and/or job skills training. Chick Chat takes place on Monday, June 18th and Monday, June 25th. All programs are free of charge. Contact Carol at 570977-0600 for questions or visit their website at www.connections4wom en.org for details.

Society, 3 years; Powderpuff, 3 years; Track & Field, 2 years; Boys Basketball Manager, 1 year; Ski/Snowboard Club, 1 year. Olivia is a Gracedale Nursing Home Volunteer; took a Mission Trip to Kenya, Africa; was accepted into Lafayette First Class Program (to take a course at Lafayette as a high school senior); Field Hockey, invited into USA Futures Team; 2011 All-League First Team; 2011 All-State Academic Team; and was named 2012 Scholar-Athlete All Star.

book Editor (12); Basketball (9 and 10); Varsity Soccer (9-12); Soccer Co-Captain (12); Express Times Player of The Week (11). Abby is actively involved in Vacation Bible School at Grace United Methodist Church. Abby will attend the University of Delaware for Pre-Veterinary Medicine in the fall.

Community Presbyterian Church of Mt. Bethel and Portland located at 1755 S. Delaware Dr., Mt Bethel, is planning Bible School from Sunday, July 22nd through Thursday, July 26th, 6:30pm to 8pm. This years theme is King David--The Man after God's Heart. Please call 570-8976766 for more information.

Parenting requires courage to guide children through lifes joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats. What does it mean to live out a life of honor as an example to your children? Find out by joining Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Nazareth at their second annual adult level Vacation Bible School,

Honor Begins at Home: The Courageous Bible Study, June 25th through 28th from 6pm to 8:30pm. This event runs simultaneously with childrens VBS, so childcare is provided. Registration for both children and adults is now open and this event is free to all. To obtain a registration form, please call 610-759-

7036 or email gracebfcvbs@gmail.co m. Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Nazareth will hold their annual Vacation Bible School from June 25th through 29th. Children from age four through those who have completed grade six will meet at the church from 6pm to 8:30pm each evening to enjoy Bible lessons, games, music, art and crafts. Come and join

the excitement as we journey on the trails that will draw us closer to God! Please note: Grace BFC also offers an adult level program! This years adult study will be a four-day parenting seminar based on the move, Courageous. Registration is now open and this event is free to all. To obtain a registration form, please call 610-7597036 or email gracebfcvbs @gmail.com.

Sky, "Where Everything is Possible with God" VBS is coming to East Bangor United Methodist Community Church on June 18th through 22nd from 6pm to8pm. Children ages Preschool through 7th grade are welcome to come and learn about God through singing, hands-on crafts and snacks, games, Bible

story adventures and more. A free-will offering for "Nothing But Nets" will go towards lifesaving mosquito nets for children in the African country of Mali. The church is located at 136 W. Central Ave. (Rt. 512), East Bangor. To pre-register, call Peggy at 610-588-4453, email pshower@ epix.net, or visit www.ebumc.org.

The First United Methodist Church, 55 N. 3rd St., Bangor, will be holding Vacation Bible School - Paradise Island - from July 16th through

19th, 6pm to 8:30pm. For more information and to register, call Nancy at 610-588-4673 or Barbara at 610-5885174.

(NAPSI)Many Americans prefer to remain in their own homes as they age, but that may mean preparing for long-term care, if needed. Long-term care is ongoing assistance with basic activities of daily livingeating, bathing, dressing, etc. The need often stems from disability, chronic illness or cognitive impairment (like Alzheimers disease) and is far more common than most think. Once synonymous with nursing home care, today, people needing long-term care have more options. With the right support and tools, particularly quality care provided by formal and informal caregivers, people are now able to remain where they most want to beat home. Because of the wide array of options, we have a great deal of freedom when it comes to getting care. Unfortunately, few plan ahead and save

enough money to pay for the services that they may need or want. To help federal employees and their qualified relatives, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management sponsors the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Here is a look at some of the FLTCIPs most popular benefits (a detailed listing of benefits is at LTCFEDS.com/progra mdetails/index.html): Services by formal and informal caregivers at home reimbursed up to 100 percent of the daily benefit amount. When informal care is provided by family, services are reimbursed up to 500 days in an enrollees lifetime. The stay-at-home benefit allows for care planning visits, modifications to your home (e.g., a wheelchair ramp or bathtub handlebars), emergency medical response systems, durable medical equipment, caregiver training, and home safety checks.

(NewsUSA) A refreshing swim can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. These are vascular health bonuses for people who are at risk for stroke, the leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. In 2010, 137,000 Americans died of stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Swimming is a vascular health bonanza," said David H. Stone, MD, and a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery. "Low-impact swimming provides a total cardiovascular workout. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, resulting in less effort and a decrease in blood pressure."

One in every three Americans over 20 years old -- 74 million Americans -- has high blood pressure according to 2010 statistics from the CDC. One in every six American adults has high cholesterol (more than 250 mg/d L). More American women than men have high cholesterol. To reduce high cholesterol levels, exercise and diet are important factors. The American Council on Exercise suggests that adults burn 2000 calories a week from exercise. The lack of regular physical activity results in 250,000 deaths annually, according to a 2003 report in the journal Circulation. As long as the exercise regimen continues, the health benefits remain. After 12 to 14 weeks of a three- to five-days-

a-week exercise regimen of 20 to 60 minutes at an intensity of 60 to 90 percent heart rate, bad (LDL) cholesterol can decrease by up to 20 percent according to Livestrong.com. Another bonus: aerobic exercise can increase good (HDL) cholesterol. In a 2010 University of Western Australia study, 100 women swimmers, ages 50 to 70, lowered their bad cholesterol and lost more inches in the waist and hips than walkers. Likewise, swimming is easy on the joints and doesn't result in overheating. There are non-invasive screening tests to detect and medication to treat vascular disease. For free print and electronic vascular health information, visit www. VascularWeb.org.

(NAPSI)Many homeowners are looking to boost their energy efficiency and reduce bills by adding insulation. Not all insulation, however, is created equal. What Makes Insulation Sustainable? A sustainable insulation not only performs well but is manufactured responsibly. It will reduce your overall carbon footprint with efficient manufacturing and shipping, such as reducing water and energy use at the plant and using special packaging to transport more product in fewer loads.

It has limited environmental effect over its life span and has very low or no emissions of volatile organic compounds-an important component of a healthy home. It should also consist of renewable and recycled content, which puts materials to good use instead of being landfilled. Most importantly, insulation should contribute to a cozy, efficient home. You can reduce your impact on the environment by choosing products such as CertainTeeds Sustainable Insulation.

This fiberglass insulation saves 12 times the energy the first year as the energy used to produce it and will continue to save energy for the lifetime of a home. With its GREENGUARD Children & Schools certification, this highly

efficient insulation helps assure families of healthier indoor air quality. To learn more about creating a sustainable, energy-efficient home and to find a nearby insulation contractor, visit www.certain teed.com/insulation.

Tips On Designing A Well-Functioning Room

styles. To change things even more, you can use backsplashes to add character or a fresh coat of paint to transform the room. Chalkboards are also a fun, trendy way to add to any kitchen. Use them to keep track of your shopping list, weekly menu or favorite wines. Counterscaping can also make a big difference. Decluttering and restyling whats on the countertops goes a long way for an easy (NAPSI)Designing a kitchen that embraces functionality and style may be simpler than you think. With 100 years of experience, the experts at the Whirlpool Institute of Kitchen Sciencewww.institute ofkitchenscience.com know a thing or two about sprucing up your kitchen. An informational hub about everything kitchen, Whirlpools experts have partnered with lifestyle expert and Designer Dad Stephen Saint-Onge to offer the following: Redesign your appliances: Appliances are built to offer the functions you want and need. French door refrigerators with bottom-mount freezers offer plenty of space to store all your favorite foods; dishwashers can keep quiet while cleaning dishes. Use the refrigerators spaciousness to save time. For example, you can make prepping salads and side items quick and easy. Dont just put the produce away after grocery shopping. Rinse and prep all vegetables and fruits and store them in clear, airtight containers so getting them takes virtually no time. Change it up: Tastes and trends change but renovating the kitchen to change with them is a little trickier. You can still add a little flavor to the area with colorful small appliances and accents. Install a few floating shelves or specialty hooks to display decorative plates that can easily be switched out for new upgrade. I am always changing things around in my house, SaintOnge said. It keeps the visuals of what you see every day fresh and new. Every space needs a little mise en place: Its the philosophy of French culinary experts. When cooking, put everything youll need in its place. Measure out ingredients, preheat the oven and prep as much as possible before getting started. Keep olives, lemons and limes in stock. Keep cooking utensils, oils and spices close to the range, where youll likely need them. Organize cupboards by how theyre used: dishes and glassware close to the table or dishwasher, pots and pans by the oven. For further information on the latest appliance features, visit www.whirlpool.com. For more kitchen tips, visit at www.instituteof kitchenscience.com.

(NAPSI)Upgrading your home with a dream kitchen and staying on budget can be a challenge. An increasingly popular solution to both these design challenges are built-in amenities. Whether its a wine and beverage center or undercounter built-in refrigerator, built-in appliances are

an easy way to add storage space while sticking to your budget. For example, Haiers undercounter built-in beverage center holds up to 150 cans and some 12-inch bottles. And this efficient model has not sacrificed style for function. The center features sleek insulated doublepaned glass doors with a

stainless steel doorframe and pro-style handle. Designed for integrated kitchens, bar or family room, the dual-drawer undercounter refrigerator is stainless steel inside and out, with 5.4 cu. ft. in capacity, two refrigeration drawers and electronic temperature control. The companys products deliver a premium appliance experience while leaving room in your budget for must-have amenities such as granite countertops. Hello fellow readers, Dave from Mt. Bethel asks what are the holes all over my Hosta? Holey moley Dave I am impressed you have been able to keep the deer away from your Hosta - Deer Candy I call it and Slug Candy as it turns out. Even the name slug sounds nasty! Slugs are out in full force and Ill bet the culprit of your holey garden dilemma. While the ugly slug can serve a purpose in

clearing up dead and decaying material in the garden I advocate non-toxic ways of good riddance. You likely know about the dish of beer trick? Leave a dish of beer and youll have a plethora of the drunken suckers come morning. Sounds like a few lounge lizards I once knew ! Other slug attractions are planks of old wood between your plants, citrus rinds and human hair which they get all gnarled up in. Im not sure about the strength of your stomach but waking up to dozens of slimy slugs that I have to toss (toss where?) is nauseating. Right up there with slug collecting after dark Ill pass. Call me squeamish but my favorite remedy are products with Iron phosphate which is deadly for a slugs digestion and good for your soil. Brand names like Escar-Go and Slug Magic wrap iron in a slug-attracting

bait. Simply scatter the pellets around your plants every two weeks and youll have big results without tossing bodies. Much better. Would you believe I came across a Slug Resistant Plant List? Ironically it mirrors many plants on Deer Resistant Lists. So could one say there is a correlation between Deer and Slugs? You betcha - they chomp the heck out of our gardens. But a baby slug (and a slug can lay 200 eggs) are not nearly as cute as a fawn. Garden dilemmas? askmarystone@ gmail.com.

Fight Summer Brain Drain

There are many enrichment activities available for children when school is out of session. Sylvan Learning offers engaging programs that keep the interest and fun in learning alive through the summer and into the school year. Visit www.SylvanLearning.c om for additional information. Summer is a great time for families to work and play together using interactive activities. Sylvan Learning offers a free "Summer Fun & Learning Guide for Parents" -- fun, gradespecific activities that nurture reading, writing and math skills. Visit the "Parent Resources" area of www.Sylvan Learning.com to download a copy. To learn more about academic opportunities for children in grades pre-K through 12, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS.

Theyve Got Game: Top Sports Moments Honored

(NAPSI)Learning values such as sportsmanship, teamwork and responsibility are key elements of the youth sports experience. The Top 10 Responsible Sports Moments, a program developed by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), is celebrating the positive values that sports instill in young people. The campaign, currently in its second year, honors moments that remind us of the power, impact and inherent goodness of sports by compiling a list of the years Top 10 Responsible Sports Moments. Jim Thompson, PCA founder and chief executive officer, in addition to the author of eight books on youth sports including Elevating Your Game, written for student athletes, knows how important youth sports can be in teaching leadership and responsibility. Each of the Top 10 Responsible Sports Moments should serve as a reminder and inspiration to all involved in youth sports of the opportunities we have to create a positive character-building environment that shape the character of those Here are some of last years winners: St. Marys of Lynn (Mass.) ends 100-win streak but congratulates Hingham HS: After St. Marys of Lynn lost in the Massachusetts Division 1 girls ice hockey quarterfinals to Hingham High School, ending a 100-game winning streak that spanned four seasons, senior captain Sabrina Iannetti boarded her opponents bus, congratulated the team that ended her high school career two games short of perfection, and promised that St. Marys would cheer them on through the rest of the state tournament. Andover (Minn.) HS runner carries Lakeville South opponent to finish race: Running in a recent cross-country meet for Andover High, Josh Ripley, a junior varsity runner, was making his way through the trail at the AppleJack Invite when he heard a loud scream during the first mile of the two-mile race. Most of the other kids running didnt pay much attention to Lakeville South runner Mark Paulauskas, who was writhing in pain at the time as they passed by, but Ripley stopped and carried the injured runner a half mile back to coaches and family members. To nominate a 2012 moment that showcases a young person behaving responsibly, visit www.Facebook.com/Re sponsibleSports.

(NewsUSA) - The National Center for Summer Learning states, "Most students lose about two months of grade-level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over summer months." Therefore, even the best students forget lessons they have learned during the school year. Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of tutoring to students of all ages, grades and skill levels, offers tips to make summer learning fun: * Writing. Encourage your child to start a diary or write letters to a friend. If you are traveling on a vacation, ask your child to keep a journal recording where you stayed and what you did. Each day, talk through the activities with your child and help with the journal. It not only improves writing skills, but also creates great family memories. * Math. Everyday, ordinary activities are packed with opportunities to develop and sharpen math skills. Grocery shopping involves weighing fruits and vegetables, comparing prices and making change. Cooking provides practice with organization, planning and following a recipe. Help children select recipes, create an ingre-

dients list, shop and prepare a family meal together. * Reading. You can't start too early. You can't read too much. Reading to young children nurtures an interest in language, words and communication. For older kids, reading together can be fun and interesting. Librarians can recommend books appropriate for a child's reading level and interests, and many libraries offer free children's programs and clubs. * Research. Through the Web site www.BookAdventure.c om, children (grades K-8) create personalized book lists from more than 7,500 recommended titles, take comprehension quizzes, and earn points towards small prizes. It is designed to motivate students to read more often, for longer periods of time and with greater understanding. * Summer Programs.

Get Better Gas Mileage With New Technology

(NewsUSA) - Gas prices are getting as dangerously high as unemployment rates, and both mean a whole new level of penny pinching for the nation's 99 percent. As drivers spend about $4 per gallon, finding ways to get better gas mileage is more important than ever. Fortunately, affordable technology is finally catching up to the escalating problem. Some auto companies are trying to ease the burden of astronomical gas prices by improving technology and making it accessible. Vision Motor Company is priming its widespread release of alternative vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG), which can cut fuel costs by up to 80 percent. Besides polluting as much as 90 percent less than traditional gasoline, natural gas vehicles can get 45 miles per gallon on CNG fuel. But, according to Vision chairman Bob Smith, new fuel-efficient spark plugs called Pulstar Pulse Plugs have truly enabled the newest car, SEERngv, to go mainstream. The Enerpulse Precision Combustion Ignition (PCI) technology in Pulstar Pulse Plugs also increases miles per gallon and significantly reduces hydrocarbon emissions. "Combustion stability at idle and cold start was also improved," explained Smith. "VMC is very excited to offer this value-added technology." If you're not yet able to benefit from natural gas vehicles and other enhanced technology, there are more ways to conserve fuel and increase efficiency. * Install new spark plugs. For the average car, installing quality spark plugs -- like Pulstar Pulse Plugs -can make your vehicle perform better than new, mileage included. * Choose routes carefully. The shortest route may not be the most fuel efficient if it's littered with stoplights and traffic. Get more help at Pulstar.com.

Discover a Better Ride on Wet Roads

(NewsUSA) - Bald or poorly maintained tires won't get you very far when it comes to driving on slippery roadways. With improper equipment and maintenance, slick surfaces from rain storms are a major threat to safety on the road. Take control by following this advice from your friends at Firestone Complete Auto Care on ways to prepare yourself and your vehicle for possible wet weather. * During wet weather conditions, drive slowly and keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer than usual. Stopping on a wet road can take up to four times the stopping distance of a dry road. * Rainwater that mixes with oil or grime on the streets can cause slippery conditions that may result in unexpected skidding. * Drive smoothly. To maintain control of your vehicle, try to avoid jerky, abrupt movements when braking, accelerating or turning. * Check your tires at least once a month. This includes proper rotation, inflation, repair and replacement. * In many areas of the country, the snow and ice of winter leave roads in bad shape. Hitting a pothole can damage your tire and/or the wheel of your vehicle. The sharp impact can cause immediate tire or wheel failure or internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce pothole damage and other road hazards. Here's an extra tip about potholes: * If you do have to hit a pothole, avoid braking during the impact. Instead, attempt to brake before impact and release just prior to contacting the pothole. Braking during impact sets up the tire and wheel assembly for a "solid hit" against the edge of the hole. Less severe damage occurs when a tire is rolling, rather than skidding, over the pothole. Save yourself money on expensive repairs by following these tips to help keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape. Get more driving tips to keep you and your car safe at www.firestone completeautocare.com.

(NAPSI)From Brooklyn to Albuquerque, Seattle to Sarasota and everywhere in between, few things say summer in America the same way that barbecue does. To help you maximize your outdoor cooking experience, here are some tips: Cooking Low And Slow

While there are exceptions, barbecue is about cooking low and slow-at a low temperature in a leisurely manner using indirect heat. This is different from grillingthink steaks, hamburgers or hotdogson a grill thats much closer to the coals. If youre cooking brisket or pork shoulder,

the temperature should be about 225 F, and you will want to let it go for several hours because the fatty and connective tissue in these cuts need time to cook until tender. Learn From Those Who Know Mastering the art and craft of barbecue is easier with expert guidance. Even Kansas Citys legendary Arthur Bryant learned about barbecue from his brother Charlie, who learned his craft from a man named Henry Perry, known in Kansas City as The Barbecue King. Fortunately, you dont have to travel through time or across the country to learn from a barbecue master. Tune in to the new season of barbecue competition TV series BBQ Pitmasters, now airing on Destination America. At each stop, contestants cook dishes from St. Louis pork ribs to Texas brisket and Carolina pulled pork and everything in between-

all in an effort to find out who truly is the best of the best when it comes to barbecue. The contestants will be competing for $50,000 and the title of Kingsford BBQ Pitmasters Grand Champion. Viewers will learn the secrets of the craft, both from the contestants and the judges, such as Myron Mixon, who is considered a BBQ legend and one of the most awarded men in competitive BBQ. He is also a previous winner on the series. Destination America is a TV network that celebrates the people, places and stories of the United States. Its original series cover such diverse subjects as American food favorites; mysteries and legends; heroes and innovators; and iconic landmarks and natural wonders. To learn more and discover whether Destination America is available in your local area, visit www.destination america.com.

Beat The Heat By Bringing Cooking Outdoors

after year. Next, buy a set of flat metal skewersthey do not require soaking and they will not fall apart like the wooden ones. The flat edge keeps food from turning, which is an added bonus. Master the Classics. No barbecue is complete without hamburgers and hot dogs. Toasted buns should be placed butter side down for a few minutes until golden brown. Make handmade patties of an inch thick and use chopped onions, dry onion-soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to season. Hot dogs should be turned often until slightly blistered on all sides. For veggie lovers, portobello mushrooms marinated in equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar are a tasty alternative. Experiment. Grills are for more than just meat! Pizza, fruits and vegetables gain new appreciation when cooked on an open flame. Kids and adults alike will love this Grilled Fruit with Apple-Maple Syrup as a summertime treat. Brushed with a warm blend of 100 percent apple juice and pure maple syrup, this grillable dessert is ideal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For Grilled Fruit with Apple-Maple Syrup and more grill-ready, nobake recipe ideas, visit www.meals.com.

For a delicious dessert, put some peaches and pineapples on the grill and then drizzle with an apple juicemaple syrup. (NAPSI)Its the time tips and tricks for firing of year to retire the oven up your mealtime in the and do a little backyard warm months ahead: cooking. Arm Yourself with With just a grill and the Right Tools. If its tongs, the great outdoors always grill season for can provide a natural you, consider investing setting for creative in a high-quality grill menus. Here are some that can be used year

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