also uses pearls and precious gems. A sense of whimsy and attention to detail are hallmarks of her work.

Voorhees is a longtime resident of Blairstown, NJ. Gallery 23, an artist co-op, is located at 23

Main Street, Blairstown. The hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 4 PM. For more information, call (908) 362-6865 or visit the website: Gallery23.net.

Painter, Jan Swift and jeweler, Jane Voorhees are Artists of the Month for November and are featured in the windows of Gallery 23 in Blairstown. Swift is a renowned watercolorist, known for her landscapes, still life, architectural settings, and floral paintings. She says, I just love to paint anything and everything. Watercolor is so exciting especially when happenings occur. I dont like to get locked into one thing. A resident of Blairstown, Swift graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia with a Bach-

elor of Science degree in art education. She earned a masters degree in education at Temple University and Tyler School of Fine Arts. Now retired, Swift taught art in New Jersey public schools for 25 years. She holds the Governors award for excellence in teaching, and has published articles in Arts and Activities, a leading art education magazine. Long ago, Jane Voorhees Long discovered the iconic power of fantasy sculptural jewelry. Her work is cast and fabricated in sterling silver and different colors of gold. She

The final Romano Gallery exhibition of the year, Audacity of Beauty by Maggie Steber, will be on display from November 5 to December 14. Ms. Steber will visit campus on November 14 to mingle with students and discuss her artwork at an evening reception. The Romano Gallery is located in ArmstrongHipkins Center for the Arts on Blair Academys campus at 2 Park Street in Blairstown. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ms. Stebers exhibit will feature a sampling of her 25 years dedicated to photographing Haiti. Her artwork captures a number of historic events affecting the impoverished nation, ranging from the fall of the 30-year Duvalier dictatorship to the aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake. Haiti chooses you and wrings your heart out on a daily basis, explained Ms. Steber, a documentary photographer known for her humanistic stories of people and cultures in crisis. But the profound pride and beauty found in such a place is like the beauty you see from the corner

of your eye. The exhibition reflects a variety of eras and situations covered by the artist, who published a book with Aperture entitled Dancing on Fire. Samples of her work, some of which will be on display in The Romano Gallery, can also be viewed at www.audacityofbeauty. com. We are delighted to exhibit Ms. Steber's photographs as they are relevant to the ongoing focus on humanitarian awareness that Blair Academy is committed to in its educational experience, commented Christine Parauda, director of The Romano Gallery. The themes of Ms. Stebers work touch upon historical, political, social and philosophical perspectives, as well as art. It is an important show for all with interests in these areas. Ms. Steber served as the director of photography for The Miami Herald from 1999 to 2003. She has served as a judge on many grant and award panels and exhibited internationally in solo and group shows. Her work has been printed in many publications worldwide, including National Geographic Magazine.

Blair Woman's Club would like to announce that The Blairstown and Vicinity Historical Calendar has arrived! The following establishments have them ready for purchase at $10: Main Street Bazaar, Catherine Hofmann Dickson Library, Nature's Harvest, Studio 94, Book Nest, Hope Kennel, Mediterranean Diner. They make great Christmas and Hostess Gifts! The State Champion

North Warren Marching Band will be having a pancake breakfast on Sunday, November 17 at Gourmet Gallery, 31 Main Street, Blairstown from 8am-12pm. For more information or tickets, please contact Sandy at 908-448-1889 or Michelle at 908362-6703. The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council is calling to artists for the upcoming exhibit Shades of Gray. The Exhibit will run from November

9th to November 30th. The SCAHC gallery/office is located at 133 Spring Street, Newton, 973-383-0027. On November 16th, Blairstown Township will hold a Public Land Clean Up Day. Blairstown volunteer groups include: Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, School Groups, etc. and they can earn money as well as help out their community. Each group of 6 can earn $200 per organization. They will be meeting at 8:30am at 25 Lambert Road, in the back of the department of public works building to fill out paperwork and get started. Rain Date is November 23rd. FMI call Maureen at 908-310-2910. The Knowlton United Methodist Church Thrift Store is accepting donations: Stop in and check out the inventory at 503 Route 94, Knowlton (2 doors down from the church). Open Thursday through Saturday, 10am to 2pm. The MOMS Club of the Blairstown Area will host a "Thanksgiving Feast" at The Catherine Dickson Hoffman Library on Wednesday, November 20th from noon to 2pm. Join them for a Thanksgiving Lunch and meet some new friends! All at-home moms (even part time), expecting moms, and their children of all ages are

welcome to join them! The Club now serves the entire NWR sending district: Blairstown, Frelinghuysen, Hardwick and Knowlton. FMI find them on meetup, call (908) 912-MOMS or email BlairstownMOMSClub @gmail.com. Blairstown Plans Free Rabies Clinic on December 7th from 9am-noon at the Blairstown Township DPW Garage, 25 Lambert Rd. All dogs and cats must be leashed or confined and accompanied by an adult. Licenses can be purchased by check only. After Jan. 1st licensing may be done through the mail or in person at the Municipal Building at 106 Route 94, Blairstown, NJ Mommy & Me Food Art Fun Program starting Monday December 2nd - 23rd, 2pm-3pm at the Catherine Dickson Library. Registration accepted now at the Blairstown Recreation Office. Fee is $45.00 and includes all the fun, creativity, and special memories! We love hearing from you! Send your tidbit of information to us at: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825
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The following is a list of books added to the Library collection. On Air - Live At The BBC Volume 2: The Beatles; Crazy Horse: A Penguin Lives Biography (Electronic Format): By Larry McMurtry; Expecting Adam By Martha Beck: From Three Rivers Press; How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life: By Scott Adams. From Portfolio Hardcover; My Life in Middlemarch: By Rebecca Mead. From Crown; Orr: My Story :By Bobby Orr. From Putnam Adult; Rose Kennedy's Family Album: From the Fitzgerald Kennedy Private Collection, 1878-1946 :By Caroline Kennedy. From Grand Central Publishing; The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard: By Stephen Jimenez. From Steerforth; The Heir Apparent: A Life of Edward VII, the Playboy Prince: By Jane Ridley. From Random House; The Warren Buffett Way: By Robert G. Hagstrom. From Wiley; Theodore Roosevelt and the Assassin: Madness, Vengeance, and the Campaign of 1912:By Gerard Helferich. From Lyons Press; Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945:By Rana Mitter. From Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Out of the Mountains: The Coming Age of the Urban Guerrilla By

David Kilcullen. From Oxford University; T h e Downfall of Money: Germany's Hyperinflation and the Destruction of the Middle Class: By Frederick Taylor. From Bloomsbury Press; Tudor: Passion. Manipulation. Murder. The Story of England's Most Notorious Royal Family:By Leanda de Lisle. From PublicAffairs; Wounded: A New History of the Western Front in World War I More Info Borrow: By Emily Mayhew. From Oxford University; A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story (Electronic Format) : By Linda Sue Park. From Clarion Books; Counting by 7s :By Holly Goldberg Sloan. From Dial; Mary Poppins (Harcourt Brace Young Classics) (Electronic Format):By Dr. P. L. Travers. From Harcourt Children's Books; M a r y Poppins Comes Back (Electronic Format) :By P. L. Travers. From Harcourt Children's Books; Moon Over Manifest (Electronic Format) By Clare Vanderpool. From Delacorte Books for Young Readers; C r u c i a l Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High :By Kerry Patterson. From McGraw-Hill; Life Reimagined: Discovering Your New Life Possibilities By Richard J. Leider. From Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Thank you Blairstown. What a beautiful weekend for the town wide yard sales. There were toys, tools, treasures, books, games, furniture, antiques, clothes, and so much more. Something for everyone. Everywhere you looked there were cars and people all over our wonderful town. There were deals being made and people getting bargains all throughout the Blairstown area. What a fun day and the weather cooperated the whole weekend! Who could ask for more? We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who made the Blairstown Town Wide Yard Sale such a success. First and foremost we wish to thank all the volunteers for their hard work. 'It takes a village' and surely it did. It was a job well done. Special thanks go to Tom Dust of Dusty Roads Media for putting the final touches on the map. We also want to thank Ravi and ReMax Ridge for providing all the signs and for allowing us to use their Main Street facility to sell our maps and hand out signs. We truly appreciate their generosity. And let's not forget the A&P for allowing us to sell maps in the lobby where the people shopping enjoyed the conve-

nience of being able to purchase them right there. There was also a free gift of a reusable shopping bag supplied by First Hope Bank or PNC Bank. We thank them for their generosity too. And how can we forget all the local businesses who supported us by putting ads in our expanded map format? And speaking of the map, we want to thank Barbara Connolly for her help with the printing. Also, what would we do without the help of all the newspapers and publications that allowed us to announce our yard sale schedule, as well as notices of the schedule for the applications and locations of map sales? A hearty thank you to all of you. Finally, thank you so much to all the 109 participants who helped make this fund raiser a great success. The Blair Woman's Club appreciates your hard work and efforts. The Yard Sale Committee, Rosemary Woelfle, Marianna Stires, Carol McLain, Roberta Haebler, Sue Lachenmayer, Jackie Korosec

908-399-7300 Haven of Hope for Kids is a non-profit organization in Hope, NJ that provides costfree country vacations for families caring for a child with a life threatening illness. Most of the guest families who visit Haven of Hope would not be able to afford a vacation without this program. Some guest are sharing a last family vacation with their terminally ill child. Since the summer of The Haven of Hope for Kids Annual Tricky Tray Fundraiser is Bigger and Better than Ever! Friday, November 15, 2013 Haven of Hope for Kids will be hosting their 5th Annual Tricky Tray FundRaiser on Friday, November 15 in the gym of the Hope Township School. Doors open at 6pm. Hundreds of regular prizes, and lots of exciting Super and Grand prizes including: A signed photo of Taylor Swift with memorabilia, the just-released Pebble wrist computer, a Kindle, I-pod Nano, Vera Bradley bags, Longaberger baskets, Martial Arts lessons From Evolutionary Martial Arts, a hockey package from Aspen Ice, theatre tickets, and much more! If you would like to offer your support, donations are gladly accepted! No admission fee, but you must be 18 or older with valid proof of age to enter. Don't miss out on these great prizes, right in time for holiday gift giving! Doors will open at 6pm and calling will start at 7pm. Food and soft drinks will be available. Purchase your regular prize basket tickets before November 11th and receive 3 sheets for $10! Regular prize basket tickets will be 2 sheets for $10 at the door. Please Call Donna Hutchinson 908-3101756 or Pamela Faris

2005, Haven of Hope for Kids has hosted over 250 families but there is no ongoing funding. Haven of Hope for Kids relies on financial support from fundraisers, individual donations, and charitable foundations to continue this special family respite program. All funds that are received are used to provide services for the guest families. Please support this mission of hope!

In an effort to develop new lines of communication for Blairstown citizens, Committeeman Paul Avery will make himself regularly available to meet with residents. This Saturday, December 9th he will be at the Town Hall from 11:30 am to 1pm no appointment necessary. We need to improve communications within the township, says Committeeman Avery. Not everyone can sit through our regular meetings, but they have concerns and suggestions that should be heard. I hope folks will 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. Project WET Workshop, Thursday, November 14, 2013 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Space is limited, register in advance by

sending e-mail to pkarl@princetonblairstow n.org or call (908) 3626765 x1. Project WILD/ Aquatic Wild Workshop, Friday, November 15th 8:30 am 3pm:Project WILD/WILD Aquatic teaches about wildlife found in upland and aquatic habitats through hands-on lessons for K-12 students. Space is limited, register in advance by sending an e-mail to p k a r l @ princetonblairstown.org or call (908) 362-6765 x1. The Knights of Columbus Blood Drive, Council 5410, November 16, Council Hall, 3 Schmitt Lane, Old Flanders. The bloodmobile will be available from 8am to 1pm. Blood donors must be at least 16 years of age with signed consent form, 17+ no consent form is needed. Consent forms will be available at the blooddrive.

Questions on eligibility call BCNJ nursing dept., 800-652-5663, ext. 132, general questions call, 973-676-4700, ext. 151. For directions to the council hall, call 973-610-1308. Fish And Chips Dinner, Tranquility United Methodist Church, Tranquility Community House, 4 Kennedy Road (Rt. 611) at Route 517. November 14th, 5-7pm. The event is catered by Tastefully British Take-outs are available. Baked Goods will also be sold. Proceeds will benefit church renovations. reserve tickets: 908-850-1092 or 973786-5318. Rock 'n Respect - A concert to benefit DASI (preventing violence through social change) Sunday, November 17th, 2013 2:00pm - 8:00pm at the Stanhope house 45 Main Street, Stanhope NJ Tickets $20 in advance (call number below) $25 at the door. Tricky Tray and Door Prizes! For more information, call 973579-2386. The next meeting of Blair Woman's Club will be held on Tuesday, November 19th at 12:30pm at the Catherine Dickson Hoffman library in Blairstown. Jack Kroeze, former pastor of the Free Evangelical Church and his wife, Eva, will discuss the time they spent in Uganda living with its

people. Interested women are welcome to attend the meeting. The Theatre Arts Career Academy a t Warren County Technical School will be presenting: Radium Girls on campus at the John B.LaPorta Theatre for the Performing Arts, November 22nd at 7, 23rd at 2pm and 7pm and the 24th at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door on online at warrentechtheatre@gmail.c om Baleville Congregational Christian Church Craft and Vendor Show Saturday, November 30th 10am to 3pm. For more info contact Cheryl Steiger 9 7 3 - 7 0 2 - 1 0 3 5 cjsteiger@aol.com St Joseph Regional Schools Christmas Bazaar, 20 Jefferson St., Newton, NJ, Saturday, November 30th from 10am to 4pm (Thanksgiving weekend). Crafters & vendors fill our community center with beautiful crafts & gift items for holiday shoppers! School's kitchen will be offering hot/cold beverages, light snacks & soups/chili for purchase. Santa Land for children to enjoy! Pictures with Santa! Christmas greenery items & poinsettias will also be available! All proceeds benefit the children at the school! www.stjosephregionalscho ol.org. Phone 973-3832909. 5K run/non-competitive walk, November 30th, Columbia, the event is to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The cost is only $15 per entrant or $35 for a family and all money raised will be going to the American Cancer Society. You can enter by going to www.active.com and entering Keep Calm and Fight On 5K in the search bar or by contacting Mark atmarkk1013 @gmail.com. entry form. The Lusscroft Farm Holiday Benefit will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30th, from 10:00-4:00, and Sunday, Dec. 1st, from 10:00-3:00. More information is available at www.LusscroftFarm.com or Facebook - Friends of Lusscroft Farm. Thanksgiving at our Dinner at Marley's Gotham Grill, 169 Main Street, Hackettstown, NJ, November 28th. This marks our 10th celebration. Cooking this Thanksgiving meal is our way of giving thanks for being able to host our friends and neighbors. C Donations welcome. Doors open at 12:00 until 4:00. More information can be found by calling me: Anita (812) 264-6291

Hello fellow readers, Last call for fall bulb planting! Kim from Hackettstown asked if I planted the snowdrops I wrote about in March. Thanks for the reminder Kim as my note to self seems to have gone missing. S n o w d r o p s (Galanthus) create beautiful carpets of adorable little nodding white bells that sit above grass-like foliage. Theyre often seen roadside or along a woodland edge just about when winter is coming to an end and resemble blankets of snow which is why I adore them. I hope its not too late as typically snowdrop bulbs are sold green which dont store well and therefore are only available locally or by mail-order for a short period of time in the early fall. Matt Bishop, author of Snowdrops: A monograph of cultivated Galanthus, writes there is a shift especially by sellers who pot-grow

snowdrops for the full three-year cycle and sell them in their dormant state. So I may be in luck! Snowdrops take a year to become established so don't be disappointed if they dont flower the first year. But theyll begin to develop into thick patches by year-two and are deer resistant and carefree as there is no need to divide them. Its still a perfect time to plant spring blooming bulbs before the heavy frost. Rather than a contrived row, plant bulbs closely, in random and preferably big quantities of 50 or 100 to make a real impact. Generally, bulbs should be planted at a depth about three times the height of the bulb. Ive learned a quick way to plant is to dig a trench as deep as your bulb planting directions specify placing the soil on old plywood or stiff cardboard as you dig. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the trench and position bulbs typically about 3 apart planting the pointy end up. Slide the soil back in and if the soil is dry water thoroughly. If you cant figure out which is the pointy end just plant the bulbs on their side. Theyre geotropic which means theyll right themselves as they grow. In other words, bulbs know which end is up. Smart bulbs. Now wheres that note to self? Ugh! Garden dilemmas? askmarystone.com

(NAPSI)Time spent sharing a traditional holiday treat with family and friends can be a wonderful way to sweeten your day. Here, for Thanksgiving, is a Classic Pecan Pie recipe created by the trusted experts at Karo Syrups Test Kitchen. For more seasonal

recipes and tips, visit www.KaroSyrup.com or Facebook.com /KaroSyrup. Classic Pecan Pie Prep Time: 5 minutes Bake Time: 60 to 70 minutes Cool Time: 2 hours Yield: 8 servings 1 cup Karo Light OR Dark Corn Syrup 3 eggs 1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 teaspoon Spice Islands Pure Vanilla Extract 1 cups (6 ounces) pecans 1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen* deep-dish pie crust Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and

vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans. Pour filling into pie crust. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes. Cool for 2 hours on wire rack before serving. *To use prepared frozen pie crust: Place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet. Recipe Note: Pie is done when center reaches 200 F. Tap center surface of pie lightlyit should spring back when done. For easy cleanup, spray pie pan with cooking spray before placing pie crust in pan. If pie crust is overbrowning, cover edges with foil.

Getting Outdoor Equipment Ready For Winter

(NAPSI)When it comes to prepping outdoor equipment for winter storage, even an optimist knows that a gas tank thats half full is bad news. Thats because todays gasoline is made with a percentage of ethanol, which can increase the chances of moisture buildup, corrosion and even phase separation in your engine. That can lead to expensive repairs. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid these and other problems when its time to start your engines once again. Dont Drain The Tank According to small engine expert Tom Bingham, when you leave the fuel level low, it allows water vapor to condense on the walls of your fuel tank. It then runs down the walls and collects in the fuel. This is what causes phase separation. When you start your engine in the spring, this water may run through your fuel system and can cause engine damage or even complete engine failure. Water in a fuel tank also encourages corrosion. Particularly in todays ethanol-blended fuels, when water and ethanol mix, it can become acidic and very corrosive. Part of the problem is that when you think your engine is dry, there is still gas in your fuel system in small amounts. These tiny fuel droplets are surrounded by oxygen that can attack unprotected fuel and cause gum and varnish buildup. Even the smallest amounts of either gum or varnish can cause a lot of damage inside a fuel system. For example, gum can settle on a seal surface, causing a leak or preventing fuel from flowing into the engine. A dry fuel system can also damage seals and gaskets. Theyre designed to be continuously soaked in fuel and play an important role in keeping fuel flowing to the right places in your engine and out of the wrong places. When they are exposed to air for long periods, they can dry out and crack. That can cause leaks and lead to costly repairs. A Full Tank And Stable Fuel: Thats why its important to stabilize your fuel and practice proper fuel management techniques with any equipment with a gasoline engine. It turns out that filling your gas tank 95 percent full of fresh fuel and adding the proper dosage of a fuel additive, such as STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer, can do a lot to protect a fuel system and engine by preventing fresh fuel from degrading, leaving deposits and corroding the system. To learn more, visit www.sta-bil.com.

A years worth of salvaged scrap metal recently turned into a $485 donation to United Way of Northern New Jersey. Comcast employees from the companys Port Murray office recently presented United Way with a check, the result of employees thinking green. The companys Port Murray employees set aside scrap metal for a year and recycled the scraps instead of paying a recycling company to do it for them. The company decided to donate the proceeds to United Way as part of a larger United Way campaign. Comcast has been a loyal corporate partner with United Way for more than 50 years.

Across the country, Comcast employees pledge more than $5.5 million annually to United Way. United Way applauds Comcast employees for taking the initiative on this project and for caring about the wellbeing of the local community, said Sarah Brelvi, United Way chief professional officer. We can achieve our best work when we have strong partners like Comcast joining with us to advance the common good for all our residents. Pictured from left are: Comcast Warehouse Manager Sam Knutson, United Way Chief Professional Officer Sarah Brelvi and Com-

cast Network Maintenance Supervisor Louis Usa. About United Way of Northern New Jersey United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit o rg a n i z a t i o n working to i m p r o v e 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. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more, call 908.835.3550 or visit www.UnitedWayNNJ.o rg.

The 6th through 8th graders at Ridge and Valley Charter School have been given the incredible opportunity to take part in a course of study called the Big History Project. In line with Ridge and Valley Charter Schools success in bringing innovation and forward thinking to education, it has teamed up with some of todays brightest thinkers, experts and great minds to offer students a chance to better understand their place and connection to the world and our universe as they participate in a course designed to give them a big picture view of the story of our world. As the Big History Project website explains, Big history weaves evidence and insights from many scientific and historical disciplines across 13.7 billion years into a single,

cohesive story. The concept arose from a desire to go beyond specialized and self-contained fields of study to grasp history as a whole. Big history explores how we are connected to everything around us. For an overview of big history, see David Christians captivating TED Talk http://www.ted.com/talks/d avid_christian_big_history. html The Big History Project has been developed in part to foster a greater love of learning and bolster student performance and achievement, as well as focusing on online-enhanced learning, with a Web-wide range of print and multimedia resources accessible to students through the Project. This curriculum, originally based on a college course, is typically designed for students of

high school age, but as testament to the excellence in education that Ridge and Valley Charter School prides itself on, the school was selected as one of only a handful of middle schools around the world to pilot the course with 6th-8th graders. According to one of the teachers involved in its implementation, much of the content is accessible to the students in large part because they have been immersed in a systems thinking learning paradigm for however long they have been at RVCS and much of the concepts, context and vocabulary is not foreign to them. Being well versed in a language and environment of inventive-

ness, curiosity and an ability to ask big questions about the world around them has prepared Ridge and Valley Charter School students for this venture with the Big History Project. The Big History Project has, as its website illustrates, assembled some of the best and brightest educators to blaze the trail with this curriculum. Ridge and Valley Charter Schools participation in it proves no exception to this statement and is evidence of its dedication to providing cutting edge education. The Big History Projects goals of providing a broadened worldview, enhancing critical thinking skills and encouraging the development of lifetime learning

are aligned with the RVCS mission of ecological literacy and sustainability and commitment to guide its students through the doorway of creativity, lighting a spark for their walk on the road of the passionately curious. For more information about the Big History Project, visit www.bighistoryproject.co m or tune into the History Channel to view the new series, Big History. Ridge and Valley Charter School is a tuition-free public school of choice open to any New Jersey child from kindergarten to 8th grade, with a mission of ecological literacy and sustainability. Class groups average 15-17 students. Students pursue integrated

learning activities, frequently outdoors on the 16-acre campus that includes a sports field, meadows, wetlands, greenhouse, outdoor vegetable gardens and solar panels. Ridge and Valley Charter School is guided by the Core Content Standards and operates under the authority and supervision of the New Jersey Department of Education. The educational program integrates traditional academic subjects into a range of project-based learning experiencesoften geared to a students specific interests. More information is available at the schools web site at www.ridgeandvalley.org.

(NAPSI)More self-esteem, a better career and improved relationships may be on the tip of your tongue. Well, close to it. If your teeth are not as nice as youd like, having them treated by an orthodontist could make a big difference in your lifeand if you didnt have them straightened when you were young, you may be glad to know its not too late. Adult orthodontic treatment contributes to significant improvements in both professional and personal lives, say respondents to a study conducted among adults who had the treatment. Survey Findings Seventy-five percent of adults surveyed reported improvements in career or personal relationships, which they attributed to their improved postorthodontic treatment smile. Citing newfound self-confidence, 92 percent of survey respondents say they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. Seventy-one percent of respondents had such pretreatment concerns as What will others think? How will I look? Am I too old?, but an overwhelming majority said the concerns were gone once treatment actually began. Respondents reported positive outcomes: I was much more confident and selfassured once I could smile openly. Life is very stressful [on a subconscious level] when youre always

aware that you cannot open your mouth to smile without fear of judgment. With an attractive smile, you can face your career and personal relationships with confidence. A more brilliant smile and the straightest teeth gave me confidence to do anything. The Doctors Opinion Says Gayle Glenn, D.D.S., M.S.D., president of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO): Adults are seeking treatment in record numbers and we encourage anyone, at any age, to consult an orthodontist to learn if he or she could benefit from treatment. Its never too late to move healthy teeth. After dental school, orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have successfully completed this formal education may call themselves orthodontists, and only orthodontists are eligible for AAO membership. Based on their education and experience, orthodontists can devise effective treatment plans that employ the full range of treatment types, from high-tech to tried-and-true, based on the needs of each individual patient. Learn More You can find AAO members at www.mylifemysmile.o rg.

When Santa Claus comes to Washington this year, he'll be helping to light up TWO trees, meet with kids looking to tell him what they want for Christmas, and just simply make it a jolly good time for everybody! And that's not all when Washington Borough's Downtown transforms into a true hometown holiday experience on Saturday November 30th. This year's holiday celebration coincides with Small Business Saturday, a national holiday shopping day geared toward Downtown businesses. Presented by the Washington Business Improvement District, the holiday festivities take place from 4 to 8 pm. Hometown Holiday is sponsored by JCP&L, Quick Chek, and BASF, with key support also from Stew's Auto Body, Hidden Hollow Tree Farm, JP Landscaping, the Washington Borough Volunteer Fire Department, and Good Impressions., Hometown Holiday will feature an array of Holiday Season "Celebrities" available

for incredible photo opportunities and a chance for the youngsters to meet 'n' greet characters such as Spongebob, The Grinch, Frosty, the Gingerbread Man, and Sylvester. In addition, there will be Victorian Strollers, a cupcake contest at Allie's Cupcakery, dining specials at various eateries, DJ Mitch Hess spinning holiday favorites, and for sure, plenty of old fashioned time fun and flavor. The fun begins at 4 when everyone gathers for the Borough Christmas Tree lighting (by Borough Hall). At 4:15 the tree will be lit up while holiday characters help with the excitement. Then there will be public parade featuring members of the Warren Hills High School marching band who will lead everyone over to the Center of the Downtown (parking lot) and be there to welcome Santa Claus when he arrives in a fire truck. With Santa's help the Downtown Christmas Tree will then be lit up for all to see! Following the announcement of the

cupcake making competition at Allie's Cupcakery, Santa will set up "shop" from about 5:30-8 p.m. at the Rediscovered & Little Sprouts Consignment Shop on E. Washington Avenue where he will meet and greet with children and be available for photos (parents bring your cameras!). In the meantime, visitors can catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage or listen to the renowned Warren County Community Singers! A Shopping Card promotion is also on tap with folks having a chance to win various prizes in time for the holidays! So mark your calendars, Saturday Nov. 30!!! To keep up with the additional holiday event news visit www.washingtonbid.or g or LIKE the Washington BID page on Facebook.

The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders is calling for a plan to prevent Delaware River flooding by keeping upstream reservoirs 10 percent below capacity. The freeholders unanimously approved a resolution that seeks to compel New York City to leave room in the reservoirs it controls so that heavy rains dont cause flooding downriver. Im very pleased to see that were going to move forward with that, said Freeholder Edward J. Smith, who brought the proposal to the board. Currently, the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court Decree that regulates the Delaware Basin in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware allows New York City to fill its reservoirs to 105 percent capacity from May 1 through June 15 of each year. But this move to prevent summertime droughts from affecting water availability could result in storm water having nowhere to go but into the river during significant rain events, resulting in flood conditions. An amendment to the decree would ensure that the reservoirs have room to hold heavy rains. Im unable to understand how there can be any concern for safety with an allowable capacity of 105 percent. That on its face is just ridiculous, Smith remarked. To ensure that for two weeks someone in New York City doesnt have to take a short shower, they will risk the lives and the property of the people in well over 100 miles of the Delaware River Basin, Smith added. The freeholder board plans to send the resolution to local, county and state officials in the four states, but Freeholder Richard D. Gardner noted there will be an emphasis on getting the counties along both sides of the Delaware River to call for action. We need to make a strong statement, and hopefully get some results, Gardner said. Smith, who is a commissioner on the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, said he will bring up the resolution with that organization as well. He hopes to get residents on both sides of the Delaware to pressure their elected officials to seek the amendment to the river

compact. This is really about lives and property here, of our residents in Warren County who live along the Delaware River, said Freeholder Director Jason J. Sarnoski. The resolution calls upon the four states that are parties to the Consent Decree of 1954 to petition the Supreme Court to revisit the decree. The amendment being sought would compel New York City to limit the level of water in the reservoirs under its jurisdiction that feed the Delaware River at or below a level of 90% at all times to provide an adequate void to mitigate flooding situations that can cause loss of life and property in the County of Warren. The full text of the resolution is below: RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF A FLOOD PREVENTION POLICY THAT WILL MANDATE A 10% VOID IN RESERVOIRS THAT CAN IMPACT THE DELAWARE RIVER THAT ARE OWNED BY THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND REGULATED BY THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECREE OF 1954 WHEREAS, Warren Countys western border is the Delaware River; and WHEREAS, said river has historically flooded, causing significant loss of property, interference with the business and infrastructure in the county and posing risks to the lives of the citizens of the county; and WHEREAS, the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders believes that the management of levels of the reservoirs upstream in the Delaware River Basin are a significant factor in flooding that impacts the County of Warren and the flow and level management of these reservoirs owned by the City of New York, are subject to the United States Supreme Court Decree of 1954 to which the State of New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of New York, the State of Delaware and the City of New York are parties; and WHEREAS, said decree provides that the City of New York may fill its reservoirs to the level of 105% from the period of May 1, to June 15 of

each year, a period when historically flooding has occurred and during said 105% level, there is no capability to provide any flood control downstream of said reservoirs during significant rain events, thereby creating an unnecessary and dangerous threat to those individuals downstream and unduly risking the life and property of the citizens of Warren County; and WHEREAS, each of the four states has standing to call upon the United States Supreme Court to amend the Decree of 1954 and demand that the City of New York shall maintain the levels in its Delaware River Basin reservoirs at or below 90% during all periods of the year, thereby providing reasonable flood mitigation capability to protect those who are downstream of the City of New Yorks reservoirs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders does call upon the four states that are parties to the Consent Decree of 1954 that addresses matters regarding the management of the reservoirs belonging to the City of New York, to petition the Supreme Court of the United States to revisit said decree and amend same so the City of New York shall be compelled to limit the level of water in the reservoirs under its jurisdiction that impact the Delaware River at or below a level of 90% at all times of the year to provide an adequate void to mitigate flooding situations that can cause loss of life and property in the County of Warren. A copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Governor of the State of New Jersey, the Governor of Pennsylvania, the Governor of Delaware, the Governor of New York and the Mayor of the City of New York, Legislators in the 23rd and 24th Districts in the State of New Jersey as well as to the Counties of Sussex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Burlington and Camden in New Jersey and the Counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, Northampton, Bucks, Philadelphia, Delaware and Chester in Pennsylvania and the Counties of Delaware, Sullivan and Orange in New York.

As part of the continuing Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) River Talk series, Pat Rector, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Environmental Agent will provide a talk on ways to conserve rain water runoff focusing on rain barrels on Tuesday November 12th at 7:00 p.m. She will discuss how rain barrels help to both conserve water and reduce water pollution, and show how simple it is to build a rain barrel. Learn how some municipalities are encouraging the use of rain barrels and what Environmental Commissions or others might do to increase the positive impact of rain barrel use. Why use a rain barrel? Rain barrels can be used to collect and store rain water to reduce water bills, reduce runoff into streams, prevent streambank erosion and enhance plant growth. A single rain barrel can

save about 1,300 gallons of water during an average summer. Captured rain water can be used to water gardens and flowers, rinse hands/feet/muddy shoes, tools & wash cars. Want your own rain barrel? As a follow-up to its River Talk, MWA is participating in a Rain Barrel Project workshop at Villa Milagro Vineyards where participants will make their own rain barrel from recycled wine barrels. You may pre-register with the MWA for this Saturday, November 16th event. The workshop price of $100.00 price includes a 53 gallon used American oak wine barrel, all fittings and components to convert it to a rain barrel, instruction and assistance in building your own barrel, advice on how to install it at home and other tips on conserving water at home. Because of special project funding

available to MWA and its partner organization North Jersey Rural Conservation and Development, the first 25 participants who are residents of Hampton Borough, Bethlehem Township, Washington Township and Franklin Township (Warren County) who register for the workshop will receive a $25 discount. Participants will leave with a ready to install rain barrel and other helpful handouts from Rutgers University. You will also be treated to a complimentary wine tasting and a gift monogrammed glass to take home. Coffee and pastry at 9:30am; instruction and workshop 10am noon. Wine tasting at noon. You must register through the MWA and participate in both events to receive this discount. Call (908) 537-7060 or email adrienne@musconetcon g.org for details or to register.

The sales associates of RE/MAX Ridge Real Estate treated more than 1,500 north WarrenCounty children and parents to a wondrous Halloween party on Main Street in Blairstown. The festivities started with the childrens parade down historic Main Street on their way to the annual Rotary Club-sponsored costume competition at the North Warren Farm seed house parking lot. However, as happens each year since RE/MAX Ridge commenced its annual Halloween party in 2005, many contestants veered off course just long enough to enter through the front door of the RE/MAX Ridge office on 8 Main Street Enjoy some treats and excitement within and exit through the side door to rejoin the parade. Following the judging of costumes the children trick-or-treated in the area for the next few hours thanks to the newly provided daylight, warmer weather and creative and generous participating downtown area homes and businesses.

Carol Ruddy, a RE/MAX Ridge sales associate and Halloween party coordinator explained, Its so exciting to watch a sea of 100s of parading children moving towards you en masse knowing many of them are going to squeeze through the entryway all at once. Its the start of a very busy and fun-filled evening. Each year RE/MAX Ridge chooses a theme, a closely held secret that both parents and children look forward to discovering on Halloween night. In the previous 8 years characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets , The Wizard of Oz, The Pirates of the Caribbean, The Roaring Twenties, The Big-Top Circus, Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and Alice In Wonderland entertained the children. This year it was the popular characters from Star Wars that thrilled the children. The Storm Trooper, a.k.a. Gail MassonRomano said We had a lot of fun once again transforming our real estate office into a place where the children could enjoy so many of their

favorite characters. Star Wars music roared from speakers everywhere and every wall in the RE/MAX Ridge office was decorated with familiar sets and life-size images of their favorite characters including, of course, C-3PO and R2-D2. The entire ceiling was transformed into deep space and celestial objects created with a 1,000 blinking lights behind a sea of black sheets and highlighted with the planets of our solar system. Yoda (Joanne Van Valkenburg) and Chewbacca (Kathy Kalish) heartily beckoned the children and parents to enter this years fantasyland. Full-length mascot costumes made some of the childrens best-known characters come to life. The childrens wide-eyes and smiles were greeted by Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi (Janet Rasely) on their first leg through the office. As they moved through the labyrinth of sounds and sights, the children offered great big hugs (and were greatly hugged in return) by Princess Leia (Carolyn Fenton) and Queen Amidala (Carol Ruddy) and received more treats from Queen Apailana Redempta Gwynne. Even the friendly Darth Vader (Ravi Romano) was hugged by many courageous children. Cameras were flashing from parents everywhere. Luke Skywalker (Carol Paglia-McGreevy) and husband (Jedi Brian) adorned every child (and some willing adults) with brightly-colored glow necklaces. And the Storm Trooper (Gail Masson-Romano)

distributed more candies to the elated children as they moved onto their next wonderland with great anticipation. One parent gave voice to the sentiments of so many during the evening, Every year we anticipate and love this RE/MAX Ridge party and are grateful for the time and considerable effort the agents make on behalf of our children. We look forward to coming by next year and seeing what surprises they have in store for us all. For RE/MAX Ridge Real Estate, Halloween is the first leg of a busy year-end schedule of events. Immediately following their Halloween Party they kick off the Toys For Tots collection drive, culminating in their Christmas party for the children of the surrounding communities featuring Santa and The Grinch amongst other holiday characters. This RE/MAX Ridge party is just one of the many activities set for the Greater Blairstown Business Associations Jingle On Main Street celebration scheduled for the second week in December. RE/MAX Ridge offices in Blairstown and Washington are Toys For Tots drop-off centers. Please contribute one or more NEW and UNWRAPPED presents during the month of November and add a glow to the heart of one more child this Christmas season. You can contact RE/MAX Ridge Real Estate at 8 Main Street in Blairstown (908) 362-7200 and at 218 Rt 31 in Washington (908) 689-4444 and online at njresidence.com.

Navigating the health insurance system can be very time consuming, frustrating, and often difficult. For individuals diagnosed with mental health illnesses, the process can be even more challenging. The public is invited to attend a free workshop on "Understanding Your Health Insurance Benefits" on Thursday, November 21, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Scott Leshin, founder and president of SJ Personal Healthcare Advocates, will break down bureaucratic jargon while educating and empowering attendees to receive the mental

health benefits they are entitled to from their health insurance provider. Topics will include understanding your insurance plan, proper invoicing and coding, the claims submission process, letters of medical necessity, and appeals. Scott Leshin founded SJ Personal Healthcare Advocates six years ago after facing healthcare coverage denials for the care of his own son. Over the past six years he has helped numerous individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to under their health insurance plan.

These benefits include Acute Inpatient, Residential Treatment, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and stand alone therapies including psychiatrist and psychologist visits. This workshop is being presented by the Sussex County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMISussex). It will be held at Bridgeway Rehabilitative Services, 93 Stickles Pond Road in Andover Township (Newton for GPS purposes). For more information or directions, call 973-2140632.

November 23:11am3pm. Owners- Debbie Sayer and Glenn Williams. Both Warren County natives bringing their expertise in real estate back home Real estate with old time service using cutting edge technology Debbie has attained the highest level of achievement through the toughest of market conditions and proven herself as a top producer in Northwest NJ over the past several years. Glenn brings to the business 20 years experience in Real Estate, Corporate Law and FranchisingBroker of Record, Raymond Sosnovik has 30 years real estate experience in Warren County with vast knowledge of land, farm and estates. EXIT Realty Connections staff is growing rapidly servicing the needs of all their clients. We have expertise in single family homes, rentals, new construction, commercial, rehabs, foreclosures, short sales, estate sales and property management. We look forward to the opportunity of serving all your real estate needs. One of our missions is to contribute to the community . In conjuction with

NORWESCAP, EXIT Realty Connections at 51 Main Street will be drop location for all food and monetary donations to help local families in need for the upcoming holidays. Food Drive drop 11am-3pm. EXIT Realty Connections also invites you to join us for a Pig Roast and Good old fashioned BBQ Plus an afternoon of entertainment by Adison Evans and fellow Juilliard Colleques. Adison is a native of Blairstown and is currently touring as saxophonist for Beyonce

and the "Mrs. Carter Show" World Tour. Feel free to bring your lawn chairs Her infectious smile and contagious personality are only surpassed by her old soul and big saxophone sound. Adison is currently performing with Beyonce on her world tour, "The Mrs. Carter Show". She just finished the fourth leg of her tour, returning from Australia. She has shared the stage with several legendary artists including Beyonce, Jay Z, Trisha Yearwood, Wynton Marsalis, Chris-

tian McBride, Terence Blanchard, Benny Golson, Frank Wess, Gerald Wilson, and many more. Not only has Evans honed her skill as a performer and composer, she is also a fine educator. Evans started sharing her knowledge at the age of 17 when she started teaching private lessons of her own including saxophone, clarinet, piano, theory/composition, and ear training. These tools came in good use when traveling and teaching with Juilliard. She has taught

workshops/clinics with colleagues at Osaka University of the Arts in Japan, BAK Middle School in West Palm Beach, FL, Snow College, and Las Vegas Arts Academy. While still as undergraduate student at Juilliard, Adison became a teaching fellow in the classical ear training department, and simultaneously taught in the Music Advancement Program there. Adison strives and is happy to share the knowledge that she has acquired with others, just as previous musicians and mentors have taken the time and patience to pass onto her. Evans recently gradu-

ated from The Juilliard School receiving an undergraduate degree in jazz performance and is returning to pursue a Masters degree when not on the road with Beyonce. Adison also briefly attended the French Culinary Institute in Soho. Evans looks forward to propelling her career forward in combining her two passions, music and food. Miss Evans is a Cannonball Saxophone artist, and Vandoren artist, and wears Vivienne Kelly jewelry. You can stay in the loop at Adison's Jazz and food blog, adisjazzkitchen.com and her website,
http://www.adisonevans.com