Christopher Maier, owner of Land of Make Believe, has been reelected president of the Hope Area Chamber of Commerce.

"The Hope Area Chamber of Commerce has made great strides in the past few years and our main efforts continue to be the same: Help chamber members cross promote other chamber members," Maier said.

Skip Hartung was reelected to the chamber board as vice president, and Ed Portice was selected as secretary/ treasurer. Terry Urfer and Portice were reappointed to the board of directors for three year terms. "The Hope area has so much to offer and our aim is to bring attention to our business community in these challenging times," Maier said.

Three area residents, Elizabeth Moyna, Jackie Sorano and Alexis Belinsky of Blairstown Township recently graduated from the 92nd Trooper Youth Week held at the New Jersey State Police Training Facility in Sea Girt, NJ. A total of 107 Students throughout the state participated in this class. Special guest speakers included Lieutenant Colonel Louis Klock, Deputy Superintendent of Administration & Bureau Chief, Training Bureau, NJ State Police and Deborah R. Edwards, Assistant Attorney General Chief of Staff. Trooper Youth Week is a residential youth education program developed by the NJ State Police. This program presents simulated law enforcement programs for male and female students who have completed their junior year and are entering their senior year of high school. The week's activities included lectures and presentations covering many facets of police

work and criminal justice. Participants were exposed to a disciplined quasi-military environment, including military drill in combination with structured fast moving programs of classroom activities, lectures, films, practical exercises and physical

training, simulating the NJSP recruit training experience. The program emphasized courtesy, professionalism, respect and teamwork. Additional presentations included strategies for anger management, conflict resolution and cultural

diversity. The history and functions of the NJ State Police, crime scene investigation techniques, motor vehicle law and safety and how laws concerning alcohol and other drug related behavior affect youth were also covered.

Librarian TaraLynn Romagnoli will be cycling across the county to each branch of the Warren County Library on September 19th to raise money for the new main library facility. For more information, see page five in this weeks edition of The PRESS. Calling all fine art crafters! The Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council is inviting fine art crafters to rent space in their Fine Art Crafts area in the gallery. This area displays original fine art

crafts year round and is of no particular theme. All work must be original to the artist and approved. Artists should provide their own displays. Each artist will be given a prospectus and they are responsible to number code and price tag each individual piece. Contact Chriss Murphy at 973-383-0027 for a prospectus contract and more information. The Warren County Technical School is looking for crafters to exhibit at Crafts in the Warren Tech in Decem-

ber. Email craftsinwarre ntech@me.com. Happy birthday wishes are sent to Ashley Hansler, August 8th; Heather Williams, August 9th; Perry Smith, August 10th; Tina Amato, August 10th; Abigail Venezia, August 13th; Dina Cascioli, August 13th; and Gina Comunale, August 13th. Happy birthday, everyone! Do you have a video youd like to share with your community? Is it funny, cute, educational, dramatic? Whether its your daughters ballet, your sons baseball game, your mom cooking, your dads DIY instructional... We want to see it and share it! Send your videos to the pressonline@gmail.com and well post them on our Website, www.the pressnewsonline.com! We hope youre

having fun this summer! If youre not, we want you to, and if you are, we want to make it even better! So send us your Summer Fun Photos (thepress news@enter.net, subject NJ Summer Fun Photos) for your chance to win tickets to Malibu Dude Ranch (see page one for details). Who and how many will win? No one knows! Do you have the summer blues? Check out the Community Events on page four of The PRESS every week for a huge list of upcoming activities and events going on in your area. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and other info to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressnews@enter.net thepressnewsonline.com Like Us on Facebook!

Here is a list of notable books that have been added to the collection recently at the Warren County Library: Rocket Writes a Story, by Tad Hill. Dream Lake, by Lisa Kleypas. Running for My Life: One Lost Boy's Journey from the Killing Fields of Sudan to the Olympic Games, by Lopez Lomong. Dont Say a Word, by Beverly Barton. What Alice Forgot, by Liane Moriarty. Llama Llama Zippity-Zoom! (Llama Llama Board Books), by Anna Dewdney. Its the Middle Class, Stupid!, by James Carville. A Different Kind of Normal, by Cathy Lamb. Salads: Beyond the Bowl: Extraordinary Recipes for Everyday Eating, by Mindy Fox. Skip Beat!, Vol. 28: by Yoshiki Nakamura. Blown Covers: New Yorker Covers You Were Never Meant to See, by FranCoise Mouly. The Third Gate, by Lincoln Child. Showdown: The Inside Story of Obama's Fight to Save His Presidency , by David Corn. Beauty to Die For: A Spa Mystery, by Kim Alexis. Spring Fever, by Mary Kay Andrews. The Creaky Knees Guide Washington: The 100 Best Easy Hikes in the State, by Seabury Blair, Jr. The Parent's Guide to Texting, Face-

book, and Social Media: Understanding the Benefits and Dangers of Parenting in a Digital World, by Shawn Marie Edgington. Fundamentals: 9 Ways to Be Brilliant at the New Basics, by Jim Sullivan. iPad for Boomers, by Brian Proffitt. B u i l d ing a Wood-Fired Oven for Bread and Pizza, 13th Edition (The English Kitchen), by Tom Jaine. R e a d Between the Lines: A Humorous Guide to Texting with Simplicity and Style, by Shawn Marie Edgington. Confessions of a Serial Dater, by Michelle Cunnah. Playing in Traffic, by Gail Giles. Beach Feet (Being in the World), by Kiyomi Konagaya. Bedtime for Monsters, by Ed Vere. Cindy Moo by Lori Mortensen. Cock-ADoodle Dance!, by Christine FaganTricarico. Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories (My Readers) , by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. Don't Get Caught Driving The School Bus, by Todd Strasser. Foxy, by Emma Dodd. Frankenstein, by Rick Walton. Giant Peach Yodel, by Jan Peck. King Arthurs Very Great Grandson, by Kenneth Kraegel. Kisses for Daddy, by Frances Watts. The French Fry King, by Roge.

Six years ago at the age of 15, Larissa Connors hit a rough patch and dropped out of high school, a decision she says she has regretted ever since. Severe health problems, coupled with the tragic death of her father, caused her to miss too many days of school. Rather than try to catch up with her school work, she gave up, and stayed home to help her ailing mother with the other children in the family. Larissa used the time to volunteer as part of the Beemerville Auxiliary, and she picked up odd jobs during the summer months. Still, she felt that there was something missing in her life. Having spent so much time around physicians and hospitals as a result of her childhood heart condition, she yearned for a career in the medical field. Getting there was the problem. One day she learned about the Youth Connections Program at Project Self-Sufficiency from an article in a magazine. She picked up the phone and enrolled. Project Self-Sufficiency is a local non-profit agency which specializes in services for low-income families in northwestern New Jersey. The agencys Youth Connections program is an outreach effort targeted at young people who have either dropped out of school, or who are high school graduates struggling with literacy issues. Like Larissa, approximately 30 percent of high school students will drop out of school before reaching the 12th grade, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Statistically only 55 percent of the nation's students between the ages of 15 and 19 will successfully complete high school and receive a high school diploma. Another 15 percent will receive their GED or high school equivalency before the age of 24, which in total accounts for 70 percent of students that will graduate annually. There are many significant reasons teens drop out of high school before graduating, ranging from peer pressure to lack of parental support to failure to address special needs. A feeling of boredom or lack of engagement at school is another common problem. While the reasons for dropping out are varied, it is predictable that those without a high school diploma will fare worse economically than their peers. Without a diploma, they will have a difficult time

finding meaningful work. High school drop outs will earn less, have poor health, live in poverty and have children at an early age, many of whom will also grow up to be high school drop outs, according to EduGuide, a non-profit organization that works with schools and other nonprofit groups. The free Youth Connections program at Project Self-Sufficiency is designed for youth who are no longer enrolled in school, or those who have graduated from high school but who may be struggling with literacy. Youth Connections helps guide participants through GED testing, job training, and placement at a work site, in college or the military. Once a participant is accepted into the program, they can expect to undergo a battery of assessment testing followed by help with attaining their GED, life skills training, pre-employment training, and other remedial education efforts. Childcare, lunch and limited transportation assistance is available to all participants. Upon completion of their education, participants will be placed in internships, followed by placement in paid employment, college or the military. Follow up support will be provided by Project SelfSufficiency staff to ensure that the newlyminted workers are faring well in their positions. Larissa has worked diligently towards her GED testing since the day she walked through the doors at Project Self-Sufficiency. After she takes the test, she will be placed in an internship with a local health care practitioner. Her goal is to attend Sussex County Community College and obtain

a degree in medical office administration. Ive been thinking about this for a long time. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. I like helping other people. Because of my heart condition, I have always been around doctors and hospitals. I see the way that they help people and I want to do that, too, comments Larissa. The Youth Connections program isnt just about preparing for a test. Larissa has enjoyed making new friends and has found the classroom instruction rewarding, as well. Meeting new people has been the best part, and the life skills classes have taught me how to deal with things in the workplace and even at home. Larissas home life has improved since she joined the Youth Connections program. Despite needing her help with Larissas siblings, her mother is very supportive of Larissas efforts to improve her life. I am her left and right hand, but she has been pushing me to do this. Eligibility guidelines for the Youth Connections program are strict. Participants must be local residents between the ages of 16 to 21, who fall below the federal poverty guidelines. Male participants are required to register with the Selective Service System in order to qualify. Project SelfSufficiency is a private non-profit communitybased organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern NJ. For assistance in applying for the Youth Connections program, or to find out more about the other programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

The Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission announces a free concert by Diegos Umbrella on the Shippen Manor lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, a picnic, and a couple of friends who are ready to rock on Sunday, August 12th from 6pm to 8pm. Celebrated as San Francisco's Ambassadors of Gypsy Rock, world renowned Diego's Umbrella has created an irresistible sound cocktail that is entirely their own. Diego's Umbrella blends klezmer, flamenco, mariachi, gypsy, and ska in a major sound fiesta. Maintaining a high level of tireless energy and producing a one-of-akind concert, Diegos Umbrella, has traveled the world, and is now appearing for free in Oxford. Shippen Manor is located off Route 31 in Oxford. This free event starts at 6pm. on August 12th and is presented by the Warren County Cultural and Heritage Commission, supported by the Warren County Freeholders, and is funded in part by the NJ State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency

of the National Endowment for the Arts. Individuals preferring speech or hearing assis-

tance may call the relay service at 711. For more information, call 908-453-4381.

Kids Crafts: August 9th, 2pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Ages 5-12. Sign up is necessary. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Percy Jackson: Dream Big, Be a Hero: August 10th, 1pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Enter Camp Half-Blood, design your shield, defeat Medusa, capture the Golden Fleece & more. Ages 9+. Registration req. FMI, call 908-3628335. Chess Clinic, August 11th & 25th, 1pm to 2:30pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. All elementary school children are invited. You must sign up if youre not already a member of the Knowlton Chess Club. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Dog On Fleas Kids Concert: August 13th, 10am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Starlab the Portable Planetarium: August 13th, 3pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Registration req. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Read to a Dog, by Jaime Dritt & Barley Barker: August 13th,

6:30pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, Belvidere. Each child can read aloud to Barley for appx. 10 min. Space is limted, please register. FMI, call 908-4756322. North Warren Lions Club Outing: August 13th. Registration w/ coffee & danishes, 7:30am; shotgun start, 8:30am; deluxe cookout on patio, 1:30pm2:30pm. FMI, call 908475-3181. Dragons & Dreams, by Piccirillo Science Telling: August 14th, 11am. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, Belvidere. Space is limited, please register. FMI, call 908-4756322. Wii Just Dance, August 14th, 2pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Ages 4 and up. Get your groove on and join the fun. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Kids Crafts: August 15, 2pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Ages 5-12. Sign up is necessary. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Christmas in August Sale: August 16th thru 18th, 10am to 2pm. KUMC Thrift Store, 503 Route 94, Knowlton. Seeing Eye Puppy Demonstration:

August 16th, 2pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Movie Night: August 16th, 6pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. The Raid: Redemption, Rated R. FMI, call 908362-8335. Teens at the Library: August 16th, 6:30pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, belivdere. An evening with Young Frankenstein, snacks avail. 7th grade & up. Space is limited, please register. FMI, call 908475-6322. End of Summer Reading Party: August 17th, 2pm to 4pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Celebrate the end of this years summer reading program with games, crafts, food & book fair. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Claire Reynolds Gazebo Concert: August 17th, 7pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Best Ball Scramble Golf Outing, hosted by St, Jude Council #12430 Knights of Columbus: August 17th. Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. $120 per player. Contests & prizes, lunch & awards banquet. FMI, call Len at 973-271-9733, or Paul at 908-269-5371. August Movies at the Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown: The Hunger Games: August 18th, noon; Home Run Showdown: August 21st, 4pm; Bernie: August 23rd, 6pm; The Jungle Bunch: August 28th, 4pm; Pirates! Band of Misfits: August 29th, 4pm; Battleship: August 30th, 5:30pm.

Morning Literature Group for Adults: August 20th, 10am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Wii Just Dance: August 21st, 28th & 30th. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Ages 4 & up. FMI, call 908-3628335. Exploration Stations for toddlers & preschoolers: August 21st, 10:30am. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, Belvidere. Children must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Space is limited, please register. FMI, call 908475-6322. Guitar Hero for Teens: August 22nd, 4pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Sign up required. FMI, call 908362-8335. North Warren Democratic Club Meeting: August 22nd, 7:30pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library meeting room, Lambert Rd., Blairstown. FMI, call Fred or Carol at 908362-6808. Pajama Storytime: August 22nd, 7pm. Warren Co. Library Headquarters, Belvidere. Half hr. program featuring stories for the whole family. Dont forget your PJs! FMI, call 908-475-6322. Snack & Read Book Club & Summer Party: August 23rd, 2:45pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Branch of Warren Co. Library, Blairstown. Ages 12-15. Sign up is required. FMI, call 908362-8335. Ice Cream Social, August 23rd, 3pm. MOMS Club of Blairstown Area. Footbridge Park. FMI, call 908912-MOMS.

Blairstown & Knowlton A&P Alpine Meats Animal Mansion Ash Plumbing Asian Karate A-Tech Auto Blair Tile Blair Tire & Auto Blairstown Chiropractic Blairstown Country Florist Blairstown Municipal Building Blairstown Optical Blairstown Theater BookNest Buckwood Building Specialties Burgdorff BuzzWords Caffe Nelle Cucine Columbia Post Office Country Kids Station Custom Colonial Dale's Market David Krawski Dentist DogHouse Dominick Pizza Ellias Restaurant Finish Line Auto First Hope Bank Frank's Pizza Fun & Games Gallery 23 Geo's Pizza Gourmet Gallery Hair Company Hairs 2 You Hope Deli Hope Haircutters JD Liquors Jetstream Hobbies John Deere Kazimers Upholstry Knowlton Municipal Building Lakeland Bank Lebduska Accounting Lumber Majestic Cleaners Marksboro Deli Medical Associate Napa Nature's Harvest New Beginnings New HoHo North Warren Pharmacy North Warren Truck Repair Old Stillwater General Store Physical Therapy Pizza Express PJ's PNC Bank Post Time Pub Prudential R. Keiling Race's Farmer's Market Radio Shack Remax RunWay Caf Salon Chevoux Shell Gas Station Skyland Bank Smitty's Sophia Nails Studio 94 Sun Velocity Sunoco The Auto Shop Tile Warehouse Tractor Supply Tramontin US Gas Village Green Wells Fargo Wilbur's Country Store Wine & Spirits Woman to Woman Belvidere A&P Albanese Gallery Al's Pizza ATI Truck Stop Bagel Smith Belvidere Hardware

Belvidere Spa Clucus Curves Dr. Amanda Richline Food Mart Gunnar's Landing H&R Block Hearth Shop Hickory Mortgage Magic Wand Mediterranean Riverside Designs Riverton Hotel & Restaurant Rosal Jewelers Short Stop Skee's Busy Bee Skoogy's Steckel's Shell Station Thisilldous Uncle Buck's Diner US Gas Zack's Zeeks Washington A&P Bagelsmith Fliegauff Jewelers Home Instead Senior Care Kaffe Kaprys Lost Ladies Mediterranean Bistro MWC Racing Pride-N-Groom Quick Check Rossi Second Time Around Shopper Stop Silver Stars Bagel Smith Dodge Stanley's Pizza Subway Town Market Washington Shoe Newton A& G Pizza Back in Motion BMW Dealership Charm Cheddar Alley Co. Seat Dr. Magalio, Dentist Dunkin Donuts Hampton Diner Ho Hos HobbyTown Holiday Inn Home Furniture Warehouse Kathy's Restaurant Mother Moon Newton News Stand Optical Center O'Reilly's PB&J Prima Donna's Quick Check Shop Rite Skylands Sport Shop Springboard Shoppe Superior Shower Doors The Chatter Box Trimmings VW-Audi Dealership Weis Hackettstown A&P Bachs Home Healthcare Cozy Corner Golden Skillet Hackettstown Guns & Ammo Hackettstown Sandwich Shoppe Mama's Pizza/Cafe Baci O'Neill's Jewelers Prickley Pear Quick Check Riverstar Diner Valley Bagel Weis Willow Caf Columbia Ayers Barbs Treasure Trove Slot Racing Revival

Librarian TaraLynn Romagnoli will be cycling across the county to each branch of the Warren County Library to raise money for the new main library facility at 189 Route 519 in White Township. This 60-mile ride, called the Ride to Read, is presented by the Friends of the Warren County Library Headquarters. The Friends hope to raise $5,000 in sponsorships to purchase furnishings and equipment such as comfy

chairs, study carrels, and tables to make this building a true community center for library users. Course section sponsors are invited to greet TaraLynn when she reaches the branch at the end of the section and enjoy refreshments with the staff at the branch. The Ride to Read will be held on September 19th. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.warrenlib.org and select Ride to Read or call 908-475-6322.

Three additional samples of Culex mosquitoes collected in Franklin, Lopatcong, and White Townships have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes were collected between July 17th and July 20th in traps specifically designed to catch Culex mosquitoes, the type responsible for transmitting WNV, particularly from bird to bird. The mosquito samples were sent to the state Public Health and Environmental Lab in Trenton on July 25th. Virus testing on birds and mosquitoes has been ongoing for collections made since April of this year. To date, five birds from five municipalities have been tested and all were negative except one bird in Washington Borough. Mosquitoes from every municipality in Warren County have been tested by the state lab with a total of four samples testing positive (one previous sample from Harmony Township).

The positive mosquito samples were collected from Whites Rd in Franklin Township, an area off of Red School Lane in Lopatcong Township, and an area off of South Bridgeville Rd (CR 519) in White Township. Earlier in the season, positive mosquitoes were collected from Reeder Road in Harmony. Subsequent trapping for adult mosquitoes has taken place and will continue to survey for mosquito species more likely to bite people. When appropriate, spraying for adult mosquitoes occurs as weather conditions and required notification procedures permit. Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquitoborne diseases by following these guidelines: Don't produce mosquitoes on your property. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't

begin their life without water. Defend yourself against mosquitoes using CDC recommended repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/ncid od/dvbid/westnile/repell entupdates.htm Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically dawn and dusk. Report neglected swimming pools by calling 908-453-3585 or visiting warrencounty mosquito.org. Anonymous calls are accepted. Just one neglected pool can produce more than one million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away. West Nile Virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy

people have reported being sick for several weeks. Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with WNV will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. West Nile Virus infection can be fatal. The collection and testing of dead birds provides an indication of the presence of WNV. Residents can assist in this surveillance effort by reporting dead birds, especially crows or blue jays to the Warren County Health Department at 908-475-7960. When appropriate, they will be submitted for WNV testing.

(NAPSI)There is a growing trend among consumers across America toward seeking out locally designed and produced products. Investing in American products is easier than you might think, especially when it comes to quality. Hunter Douglas window fashions for your home, for example, are designed and manufactured in America and exported to 38 countries on six continents. Why buy American products? Here are a few answers: Stimulates Job Growth: Every dollar spent on American products helps support American jobs. American Standards: Local products are marked with a special brand of American excellence, efficiency and service. Giving Back: U.S.-

based companies that manufacture products throughout the country are well-positioned to give back to their local communities. Eco-Friendly: American companies are consistently renewing efforts to promote environmentally responsible

manufacturing. Also, their goods require less transportation than imported ones, which cuts back on carbon emissions.

The good news is that Hackettstown welcomed several new businesses and restaurants in the past few months and existing businesses have expanded to new locations. Adding to the areas businesses are Tile Trends at 289 Main St., Activate Fitness and All Sport Store at 229 Main St., Olde Soul Trading Company at 204 Main St. and Skylite Gel and Soy Candles at 125 Warren St. In addition to these new shops, Martys Reliable Cycle and Eds Health Foods have moved to new locations. Martys Reliable Cycle reopened in their new space at 156 Main St. on August 1st. Eds Health Foods is now located in the Fulton Bank Shopping

Center at 180 Mountain Ave. Adding to the towns wonderful variety of restaurants, two new additions are Ashleys Restaurant at 229 Main St. and Churrascaria Hackettstown Paladar at 105 Main St. Their menus offer a wide variety of choices adding nicely to Hackettstowns reputation for great interna-

tional dining. Hackettstown business openings provide a fresh new look and new options for area consumers. For more information on these businesses and whats going on at the BID, contact Jim Sheldon, Hackettstown BID Director, at 908-850004 or director@hackett stownbid.com, or visit hackettstownbid.com.

A discussion of Revolutionary-era medicine will be offered on Sunday, August 12th, from 1pm to 4pm at Shippen Manor Museum. Admission is free. Reenactor and medical historian Marjy Wienkop, of Ewing, New Jersey, will be on hand with a display of typical 18th century dental and surgical instruments. In addition, Marjy has assembled a large collection of herbs and extracts that were used as common remedies during the period. She is a member of the recreated First NJ Regiment of the Continental Line. The program is dedi-

cated to Shippen Manors builder and original owner, Dr. William Shippen II, a prominent Philadelphia resident and delegate to the Continental Congress, as well as his son, Dr. William Shippen, III, who served as Director of Hospitals for Washingtons Army. In addition to the program, guided tours of the house will be available including interpretations of 18th Century cooking techniques by historian Sally Shutler. Shippen Manor is located a quarter mile west of the Rt. 31/Wall Street intersection in Oxford. Call 908-4534381 for details.

NORWESCAP and Warren County Prevention Task Force (PTF) are teaming up to host the 2nd Annual COPS on the R.U.N. 5K Race on August 11th. COPS Running as a Unified force for stronger Neighborhoods (COPS on the R.U.N.) is an added activity to National Night Out, a national event that supports communitypolice partnerships. All money raised from this event will support community-police

activities. Registration for the race will be held on the day of the event from 7:30am to 8:30am. The youth run will begin at 9am, the 5K race at 9:15am, and the 5K walk at 9:20am. The event will take place at Meadow Breeze

Park on Meadow Breeze Lane in Washington, NJ. Entry fees are as follows: race day law enforcement officers: $15 (T-shirt not included); race day 5K run or walk: $20 (T-shirt additional $10); 1K Youth Run for children under the age of 12: free.

To receive a registration form, email Yvette Day, Race Chair, at yvette@cprwc.com, or call Georjean at 908454-7000 ext. 110. Mail early bird registrations to NORWESCAP, 350 Marshall St., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865. This race is sponsored and supported by NORWESCAP and the Warren County Prevention Task Force (PTF), 20 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ. For details, visit pre ventiontaskforcewc.com

United Way of Northern New Jersey is seeking the help of volunteers and donations of new school supplies for its second annual United Way Stuff the Bus drive in Warren County, allowing children to start the school year on the right track with a strong basic foundation. The drive will benefit more than 2,000 children who qualify for the federal free-andreduced lunch program at 21 Warren County schools. Target, Tractor Supply and Fulton Bank of NJ are providing collection venues throughout Warren County in August to make it easy for the public to make donations. Washington-based Snyders Bus Service is donating its services to help collect and transport supplies between locations. Last year, a total of 13,000 school supplies, valued at nearly $30,000, were distributed to Warren County children in need. This help is invaluable, said Mark Saalfield, Blairstown School superintendent and United Way Stuff the Bus volunteer chair. Sadly, there are children who arrive at

our schools without basics like notebooks and pencils. United Way is collecting the following school supplies: backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, 3-ring notebooks, calculators, pencils, pencil sharpeners, composition notebooks, pens, folders, crayons, rulers, erasers, scissors, and glue. Donations will be accepted on the following dates and times: August 20th, 10am to noon: Target parking lot, 1204 New Brunswick Ave., Phillipsburg; August 20th, 1pm to 3pm: Taylor Street School, 16-24 Taylor Street, Washington; August 21st, 10am to noon: Hatchery Hill School, 398 Fifth Avenue, Hackettstown; August 21st, 1pm to 3pm: Tractor Supply Company, 128 SR 94, Suite 9, Blairstown. In addition, donations can be dropped off at numerous locations throughout Warren County effective August 1st and through August 17th: Five Fulton Bank locations are accepting donations during regular business hours: 24-26

Crossroads Center South Route 517, Hackettstown; 176 Mountain Avenue, Hackettstown; 419 Route 521, Hope; 157 Route 31 North, Oxford; 201 Strykers Road, Phillipsburg. United Way of Northern NJ, 37 Belvidere Avenue, Suite 1, Wash-

ington is accepting donations weekdays from 9am to 4:30pm. For details about donations, holding a United Way Stuff the Bus drive or to volunteer with sorting supplies, email Anna Hockenbury at Anna. Hockenbury@ UnitedWayNNJ.org.

United Way of Northern New Jersey invites all unpaid caregivers in Warren County to attend monthly meetings of this community-based coalition. All those caring for loved ones, friends, neighbors and family who have a chronic illness or developmental or physical disability can join them for expert advice and support on various caregiving issues. Anyone with an interest in caregiving is

welcome to attend and learn more about the available resources, services, and education available to all Warren County caregivers. Meetings will be held on August 20th, September 17th, October 15th, November 19th and December 17th from 10am to 11:20am. Meetings will take place at the Wayne Dumont Administration Building, 165 County Route 519 South, Belvidere.

(NAPSI)Heating and cooling is the single biggest energy user in a home and accounts for about 40 percent of all the energy consumed by homeownersbut high heating and cooling bills dont have to get you hot under the collar if you follow a few simple steps to ensure that your equipment operates as efficiently as possible. What You Can Do: Clear away leaves, grass, weeds, plants and other debris that block airflow through an outdoor condensing unitthe large metal box in your yard next to the house. Anything that collects on the units fins will block airflow and reduce its efficiency. Grass clippings thrown by the lawn mower are particularly common offenders. Occasionally clean the

outdoor condensing unit by lightly spraying it

with a water hose but do not use a pressure

washer. Make sure air vents inside your home are not obstructed by furniture. Get Professional Help According to the experts at the AirConditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), its also a good idea to hire a professional to service your air conditioner. A well-trained technician can safely find and fix problems in the system. Look for a technician who is certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE). You can find a NATE-certified technician online at www. natex.org. For further information about heating and cooling or to search for AHRI-certified products, visit www. ahrinet.org or call 703524-8800.

(NAPSI)While steak has long been a crowd favorite at cookouts, not everyone is comfortable preparing itso heres some advice from steak experts. Follow these five tips that make grilling up steak simpler than it seems. 1. Choose the right cut and quality of meat. Some cuts are better for grilling than others, depending on the combination of fat and meat that contribute to the flavor. Theres no right or wrong answer. Decide whats right for you and consult your grocer or butcher on the

choices available. Meats are graded on several categories, including the marbling of fat, which adds to the distinct flavor of steak. 2. Give your steak time to breathe and season early. Let your steak sit on the counter for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Steaks at room temperature take seasoning better and will cook faster. Season steaks about 15 minutes before you put them on the grill to give the seasoning a chance to dissolve and evenly flavor the meat. 3. Find your grill style and flavor. Gas grills are great for cooking but

can sometimes impart a gas flavor to the steak. Coal grills create a more natural smell of the meat cooking. Wood chips can add flavor if youre smoking your meat but may also add to grilling time. 4. Hands off. Avoid constantly flipping your steak. Know how thick your steak is and roughly how long it takes to cook. Flip it once and give it a quarter turn once on each side. For a one-inch steak, cook each side for approximately nine minutes for a medium temperature. 5. Keep it simple. Let the natural flavors of the steak stand on their own. A good cut of meat doesnt need to be slathered in sauces, thick rubs and butter. A little salt, pepper and light seasoning will do just fine.

Hello fellow readers, Oh deer! By far the number one question I am asked is what to do about deer. Ill have to admit they are the most maddening and saddening pest in the garden. Their devastation has literally brought me to tears. John of Blairstown, Sue of Andover and Peter of Bangor asked what deer wont eat. Boulders in the garden can be lovely and so far have not been eaten. But a garden of all rocks is not beautiful, so here are a few tools of the trade. Rutgers University has a deer resistant list (http://njaes.rutgers.edu /deerresistance/), which is searchable by category of plant material and by degree of resistance from rarely to frequently damaged. It is an

excellent resource, but I have found what deer eat varies by neighborhood. Do they pow wow amongst each other: Hey, have you given Echinacea a try? Well my deer have. So while categorized as seldom severely damaged on the Rutgers list, I have had to deer spray the heck out of my Echinacea. Products with coyote urine, pigs blood, egg solids, edible animal proteins, hot pepper concentrate, and ammonium soaps run the gambit. One manufacturer touts their smell and taste deterrents and writes the putrescent egg mimics the sent of a dead animal triggering a flight response in deer. A dead animal smell right outside your door? Deer wont be the only ones repelled! My favorite deer sprays are Deer Out and Deer Stopper, which have a clove oil base and are organic. Both are systemic, which means they wont wash off in the rain and they dont smell like a bad septic on a hot day. Another trade secret is to look around the neighborhood and see what is not being browsed (and doesnt smell bad). Garden dilemmas? Ask Mary at askmary stone@gmail.com

(NAPSI)You may be able to save yourself time, trouble and money the next time you need to dig in your yard or out in the community if you remember three numbers: 811. Calling them will get you to a free service that sends an expert to mark where all underground lines, pipes and cables lie. The U.S. has 2.6 million miles of pipeline running underground that delivers most of the energy used to heat, cool and operate American homes, cars and businesses. In some instances, these lines are

just 12 inches below the surface. You could be in harms way if you dont know just what is below. Excavation damage is a leading cause of serious pipeline incidents, with someone digging and hitting a pipeline without knowing what was below, said Cynthia Quarterman, administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Learn more at www. call811.com or http:// phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline.

(NAPSI)The American dream of owning a home may be more within reach these days than many people realize. There are several reasons. The economy is improving, home prices have stabilized in most areas and the cost of owning a home is more affordable than ever. Its understandable for people to be skeptical about housing after the economic uncertainty of the past few years, says Quicken Loans chief economist Bob Walters. But history teaches us that the best time to buy is when we are most afraid and pessimistic. It is, of course, impossible to perfectly time markets, but I think people who buy homes now will be pleased that they did in the years to come. Here are a few more reasons to buy a home: 1. Record-low mortgage rates: Theres no better time to lock in a 30- or 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. As the economy improves and rates go up, many people on the fence will be left wondering why they didnt take advantage now. 2. Its a buyers market: While home affordability is at record highs, that hasnt translated into substantial demand for housing yet. As a result, buyers are in control and are dictating terms and conditions. 3. Low-cost mortgages: Prospective homebuyers who cannot

afford a higher down payment are purchasing homes with a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans have low down payments, are easier to qualify for and have lower closing costs. 4. The rent is too darn high: As demand for rental units surges and the cost to rent continues to move higher, a monthly mortgage payment can often be less than your monthly rent check. 5. Home values are positioned to appreciate: Home prices fell as much as 50 percent or more after the housing crash. No one should expect skyrocketing home values, but home prices will resume their steady march higher in the coming years. 6. Home buying has gone mobile: Home buying is getting easier as mobile apps let

borrowers compare home loan options. One such app, the Quicken Loans Mortgage Calculator for Android and Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, allows house hunters driving by their $200,000 dream home to quickly calculate their prospective payment, check current mortgage rates and figure out their loan termall without calling a lender. After a painful housing crisis, it again appears that homeownership will be economically beneficial in addition to providing families a great place to live their lives, concludes Walters.

(NAPSI)When composing your list for school supplies this year, dont get the teacher an apple. According to research done by School Family Media, the mostrequested items on teachers wish lists this year arent pens and pencilsbut tissues and paper towels. The study found that when it comes to items that help create an ideal learning environment, teachers place paper towels and tissues at the top of the list. In fact, facial tissues have become the secondmost-required item on school supply lists for every teacher and classroom. It makes sense. Classrooms are high-traffic areas with lots of hands-on activities, so products that promote health and wellness (such as facial tissues

and paper towels) can help teachers keep messes and germs at bay. Families will spend an average of $641 per school year on supplies and teacher requests influence more than 77 percent of those purchases, said Tim Sullivan, School Family Media founder and president. Parents want to know that they are spending money on

items that will truly benefit the classroom and their childs education. When shopping for school supplies, parents tend to purchase the same brands they trust at home. For example, they turn to the same Bounty paper towels that mop up their messes at home to clean up spills in the classroom. Plus, the Puffs facial tissues that help ward

off germs and errant sneezes can also make a desirable donation to a room full of students. If youre not sure what to bring to school, theres a list for that. TeacherLists.com offers an easy solution for getting school supplies for kids and classrooms. Teachers or school volunteers can simply load their school supply lists, as well as their wish lists, into the TeacherLists.com interface, allowing parents easy viewing and printing access from their home computer or mobile device. Whats more, through the sites social media channels, parents and school districts can easily alert teachers when classroom purchases have been made and broadcast supply requests. For more information, visit www.Teacher Lists.com.

(NAPSI)More than 26 million children ride the school bus every day. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, school buses are the safest form of transportation for getting children to and from school, with most serious school bus incidents taking place when children are outside of the bus. According to the same study, 75 percent of these incidents involve children under the age of 9. To help reduce these incidents, IC Bus, a subsidiary of Navistar, has developed the Safety PASS, four simple safety tips for

parents to discuss with their children before they get on the school bus. To earn a safety PASS, passengers should: PauseWait to use headphones, cell phones and MP3 players until youre a safe distance from the bus. be AwareConsider your surroundings and remain alert so you are not distracted when a bus is approaching or departing. SignalWatch for the drivers signal before crossing and always cross 12 feet in front of the bus. SitRemain seated

while you are on the bus and keep your voice down so the bus driver can concentrate on the road. For the past 10 years, IC Bus has been the No. 1 bus manufacturer, designing and manufacturing vehicles with student safety as the primary goal. School buses are designed to be safer than other passenger vehicles in avoiding crashes and preventing injury. In fact, students in the U.S. are nearly eight times safer riding in a school bus than in a car with a parent or guardian.

Yellow school buses offer a unique combination of safety features, including: Strong construction techniques such as reinforced sides, roofs and rear ends; Passenger safety devices, including cross-view mirrors and walk gates that enhance the visibility of the students outside the bus; Traffic control devices such as the flashing warning lights and stop arms. For more information, visit www.ICBus.com or www.facebook.com /icbus.

(NAPSI)As students return to the classroom this fall, teachers across the country will be working hard to either begin implementing or continue implementing the new Common Core State Standards. The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. The new Common Core State Standards are forcing educators to change how they teach. This summer, many teachers nationwide spent time becoming familiar with standards and reviewing how they might need to adjust their lessons and activities to meet the standards. One organization helping educators integrate the standards into their classroom instruction is ASCD (formerly the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), an educational leadership organization dedicated to advancing best practices and policies for the success of each learner. ASCD has created a number of resources to help educators: Professional Development Institutes One- to three-day workshops provide

information, awareness and training by acknowledged experts. These meetings encourage the exchange of ideas and experience and set the stage for additional course work. On-site Training ASCD provides onsite, customized, professional development to teachers at schools to build the local expertise for improved instruction. This training can include a multitude of useful classes that cover the implementation of Common Core State Standards in math and English language arts classes. Online Courses For the ease of accessibility, convenience and cost effectiveness, ASCD also offers courses for teachers online. Their online courses span a broad range of topics. The courses cover not only teaching techniques but assessment methods that help to promote learning. Courses in common core mathematics are available for educators teaching grades K5, 6 8, and 912. Common core courses for teachers on literacy strategies are also available in science, history/social studies and English language arts. Support Materials Finally, ASCD offers printed resources such as books, videos and DVDs to support educators and their continuing efforts to prepare for the new school year. For details, visit ascd.org/commoncore.

Here is your chance to get a beautiful professional portrait of you beloved dog. Professional photographer Ginger Whistle will be at Tractor Supply Company, Rt. 57 in Washington, NJ on August 11th from 9am to 5pm. A $25 dollar donation is suggested and all proceeds will benefit the Pet Adoption League of North Jersey. The rain date for this event is August 25th. The Pet Adoption League is a non-profit, completely volunteer animal rescue organization. PAL services the Northwest NJ area and beyond. They are not a shelter, but a no-kill rescue group. They always have a variety of dogs and cats in their care, most of which are rescued from pounds. They also assist pet owners in finding homes for pets they can no longer keep. They hold weekly pet adoptions at local establishments and find homes for all the animals, no matter how long it takes. Because they are shelter-less, PALs dogs and cats are boarded at local kennel facilities and foster homes. Their

dogs receive all the necessary vaccinations, are heartworm tested, de-wormed, and spayed/neutered. Their cats, too, receive all their necessary vaccinations, are tested for feline leukemia and feline aids, and are spayed/neutered. PAL asks for a modest donation to adopt dogs and cats, but that doesnt even come close to offsetting their veterinary and kennel costs to care for the animals. PAL also guarantees to take back any adoption that does not work out. PAL is run completely by volunteers, all working together in pursuit of one goal: animal rescue. For more information, visit www. palpets.org.

Get ready for an evening of rockin blues and some surprises when Sussex Countybased Eight Days of Blues takes the stage at New Jersey Botanical Garden at Skylands, Ringwood, on Friday, August 10th from 7pm to 9pm. The six-piece Eight Days of Blues is a rockin blues band for people of all ages from those who grew up in the 60s and 70s to little kids who dance to the tunes. Originality, innovative dynamics, and a love for the blues create the bands raw energy. The band will perform both original tunes and classic blues in their own rockin style with an R&B and jazzy edge. Fronted by lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Lance Casper of Montague, the band features Vernon resident Don Sandberg on drums; Wantage resident Kevin Hadley on guitar and vocals; and Frankford resident Mary Jasch on keyboard. In addition, Julian Sparacino, from Scranton, on alto saxophone and flute and Moscow, Pennsylvania resident Joe Bartos on bass and back-up vocals fill out the bill. Casper, a lifetime musician, founded Eight Days of Blues in 2005. Before that he played in a cover band with a style so distinct that Joey Dee of Peppermint Twist fame took them under

his wing to record with Polydor. Veteran Sandberg has played in high school marching bands, Drum and Bugle Corps and garage bands in California, country, rock and blues in Memphis and covers in NJ. Hadley has played in regional cover bands including The Wolves. Jasch is the newcomer musician. She studies with Julian Sparacino and Jeremy Baum, keyboardist for Shem-

ekia Copeland. Sparacino, woodwind player,

pianist and composer, of jazz, blues and rock, has performed with numerous blues greats including Muddy Waters. Eight Days of Blues has their own style and doesnt cover anyone. We take songs done by blues greats and work them into our style and sound, Casper says. Expect to give your ears and feet a treat. So take a drive to the gorgeous NJ Botanical Garden and enjoy it while youre there. Then have some toe-tapping fun under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. If drizzly, the concert will be held in the carriage house. Requested donation for the event is $5 per person. For more information, visit njbg.org and www.eightdaysof blues.com.

The Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce has awarded a Leadership Warren Youth "graduate" a scholarship for her outstanding leadership in school and volunteer activities. Stephanie Acuna, a Warren County Tech School graduate who ranked third in her graduating class and plans to attend Rutgers University in the fall, received the scholarship

check at the Chamber office in a brief ceremony. Acuna will be pursuing a dual major in Communications and Sports Management. Acuna was active in her high school, as vice president of the Key Club and National Honor Society, soccer manager, and organizer of charitable fundraisers, food drives, and other activities. Acuna joined Leadership Youth in 2011,

where she and other participants learned the values of leadership, business, community service, communication, and how each affects their lives. She even designed a new logo for the groups charitable work. The program helped me realize that I had more potential than I thought, she said. For more information about the chamber, call 908-835-9200.

(NAPSI)According to the National Survey of Childrens Health, one in five households with children has a child with a special health care need and could benefit from screening and services, yet less than 20 percent of children under the age of five receive a developmental screening. Easter Seals, through the generous support of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, offers parents free access to an online screening tool to help parents monitor their childs developmental milestones. Brookes Publishings Ages & Stages

Questionnaires can now be easily completed by parents at MakeThe FirstFiveCount.org. Here are a few of the milestones included in the screening tool: Birth to one year At two months, does your baby smile when you talk to her? Does your baby roll from his back to his tummy at 8 months? When holding a small toy in each hand, does your baby clap the toys together (like Pat-acake) at 12 months? One to two years At 14 months, does your baby take several steps without tripping or falling?

Does your child help turn the pages of a book at 16 months? When you ask your child to point to her nose, eyes, hair, feet, ears and so forth, does she correctly point to at least seven body parts? Two to three years Does your child run fairly well, stopping herself without bumping into things or falling? Does your child put on a coat, jacket or shirt by himself? When drawing, does your child hold a pencil, crayon or pen between her fingers and thumb like an adult does? Three to four years Can your child cut

paper with child-safe scissors? If you place five objects in front of your child, can he count them by saying, one, two, three, four, five, in order? Four to five years Does your child use four- and five-word sentences? Does your child usually take turns and share with other children? If something doesnt feel quite right, share your concerns with your health care provider. [Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition ( 2009 Brookes Publishing Co., used with permission)]

(NAPSI)What is FPIES? FPIES is Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome. It is commonly pronounced F-Pies and is a severe inflammation and reaction in the stomach and intestines. FPIES reactions often show up in the first weeks or months of life or at an older age for an exclusively breast-fed child. Cows milk and soy products are the most common FPIES triggers, but many foods can cause an FPIES reaction, such as cereal grains, vegetables and chicken. Often confused with food allergies, since the reaction occurs only in the stomach and intestines with other organs being unaffected, it is a protein intolerance. This makes diagnosis difficult and often frustrating. A child with FPIES may experience what appears to be a horrible stomach bug but the bug only starts a couple of hours after the offending food is given. Some children experience mild symptoms, while others have such severe vomiting and diarrhea that they can become seriously dehydrated and go into shock, which can result in seizures, shallow breathing and clammy skin. FPIES reactions almost always start around two hours after eating the intolerable food and result in vomiting, commonly followed by diarrhea, which can last up to several days. If your child is experiencing severe symptoms of FPIES or shock, immediately call 911 first, as well as your childs physician. It is common for FPIES to go undiagnosed for

weeks to months, and the symptoms are often blamed on the stomach flu. FPIES is a newly recognized disease in the medical community, and unlike with common food allergies, standard tests are routinely negative in FPIES patients. Keeping a food journal may be helpful in identifying food triggers if you think your child has FPIES, as diagnosis typically occurs based on food reaction history and physical examination. FPIES is often an underdiagnosed and misunderstood disorder. Due to limited research and a growing need for global awareness of this syndrome, many physicians struggle to accurately diagnose and treat FPIES patients. Physicians often confuse FPIES reactions with the flu or a common stomach virus, said Fallon Schultz, founder, International Association for Food Protein Enterocolitis. Treating FPIES varies depending on the child; for some, treatment is avoiding the foods that cause vomiting and stomach pain. However, if your baby is diagnosed with

FPIES, we recommend eliminating those specific infant formulas and food proteins from his diet and switching to an amino acid elemental formula like Neocate, Steven Yannicelli, Ph.D., R.D., vice president of medical and scientific affairs for Nutricia North America, said. Switching to a special formula like Neocate will help ensure that your baby gets the nutrients and calories he or she needs to grow and thrive. Many children outgrow FPIES by age 3 but this can vary based on how severe their symptoms are and which foods they react to. To determine if your child has outgrown FPIES, it is important to work with your doctor and evaluate it on a food-by-food basis. For more information about Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, visit www. neocate.com.

(NAPSI)Before you shop for a booster seat, theres one thing you ought to know: Not all booster seats on the market will provide the right fit for the car you drive. Using a booster seat is important. With a booster seat, children ages 4 to 8 are 45 percent less likely to sustain injuries in crashes than when theyre in belts alone. Fortunately, your efforts to choose the right seat can get a boost from some expert guidance. Following the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings can make it easier to select boosters. Unlike child restraints with built-in harnesses, a booster seat relies on a vehicle safety belt to buckle the child in. Its purpose is to make the adult belt fit the child better. Safety belts are designed with adults in mind, not kids, but when a booster seat does its job, the vehicle belt will fit a child correctly. That means the lap belt will lie flat across a childs upper thighs, not across the soft abdomen, and the shoulder belt will cross snugly over the middle of a childs shoulder. The Institute assigns tested seats into four categories: Best Bets are seats that provide good fit for typical 4- to 8-year-olds in almost any car, minivan or SUV.

Good Bets provide acceptable fit in most cars, minivans or SUVs. Not Recommended dont provide a good fit and should be avoided. Check Fit applies to booster seats that have varied results depending on child size and vehicle model. Checking Booster Fit Both the lap and shoulder belts must fit your child correctly. To check the lap belt fit, make sure it lies flat and on top of the thighs, not higher up on the abdomen. To check the shoulder belt fit, make sure it fits across the middle of the

childs shoulder. If it falls off the shoulder or rests on your childs neck, it wont work as well. An improper fit could encourage your child to move the belt to a dangerous position, such as behind the back or under the arm. The Institute assesses boosters using a special crash test dummy representing an average-sized 6-year-old. Engineers measure how threepoint lap and shoulder belts fit in each of the tested boosters under conditions that span the range of safety belt configurations in vehicle models.

(NAPSI)Small business owners have to juggle multiple responsibilities and watch the bottom line. Although many turn to the web for marketing help and for services to run more smoothly, knowing some tips and tricks on how to better use these tools can make a big difference in terms of time, money and headaches saved. David Friend, who was recognized by Ernst & Young as one of New Englands Entrepreneurs of the Year, shares five tips to help owners be smart with their online efforts and their business. 1. Use social media platforms to connect with your customers. Whether its Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or

Pinterest, these channels are quick ways to remind your customers of your offerings. Post regularly to stay top of mind; sharing an update once a week will keep your followers engaged. 2. Listen with your eyes. Online review sites, from Angies List to Yelp, give people a number of ways to voice their opinions. Monitor these sites regularly to see what customers are saying about your business. And know the dynamic isnt just one way. You can use this as an opportunity to gracefully accept compliments or tactfully respond to criticism; however be careful not to engage in an argument. 3. Youve got mail. In todays fast-paced times,

consumers may find it easier to send an email instead of calling with a question or inquiry. Try to respond quickly, which will show customers that you care about them and that you are able to help them with any issues. A quick answer can improve overall customer satisfaction. 4. Beware of data thieves. With more business conducted online than ever before, cyber security should be top of mind. To protect your data, do not open suspicious emails, use strong passwords, and make sure your antivirus and anti-malware

signature database is up to date. 5. Make sure youre protected. Results from a recent study by Carbonite revealed that small businesses have big gaps in their data backup plans, which puts them at risk for losing valuable information in the instance of power outage, hard drive failure or even a virus. In fact, the study showed that small businesses continue to choose risky and unreliable technologies: 50 percent use external hard drives, yet 40 percent didnt start backing up until they experienced a hard drive

failure. 42 percent use USB/flash drives primarily because it is perceived as easy, yet only 6 percent believe

USB/flash drives are actually reliable. More than one-third use CDs/DVD drives to back up data, even though 62 percent feel they are inconvenient or risky. Just like seat belts and insurance, you may only appreciate online backup after its too late. However, its implementation is very easy and cost effective. It gives business owners peace of mind and more time to focus on the matters at hand. Online backup services such as Carbonite offer an affordable and reliable way for small businesses to back up their data, plus theres a 30-day free trial on its website www.carbonite.com.

Brick, Block, Tile Masonry Table Saw: Wet/Dry 110/220. New 14 Diamond Blade. $500 OBO, local area. Call 610739-2700. (10/10) Garmin NUVI 760 GPS: Free LM updates. Al accesories, $100. Like new, call 570-236-4172. (4/5) For Sale: Trampoline, $60; Electric leaf blower, $10; 19 TV, $15. Call 570-897-6499. (3/5) Husky Power Washer: 1800PSI. Call 610-5885670. (3/5) American Girl Dolls: Nellie and Kailey; Like new condition! $75 each or $125 for both. Call 908362-7737. (2/5) Swing Set: rock-solid wooden with 3 interchangeable stations, 3 swings, tire swing, monkey bar plus rocking horse, climbing tower with rope and wooden ladder, wavy slide and sandbox underneath. Included is commercial metal climbing ladder with wooden picnic table. $560, OBO. Starirstep machine, commercial, $100. Blairstown 908461-0141. (2/5)

Pool Robot: Its a pool vaccuum called the Wanderer. It will clean your pool whether you are in it or by itself. Its an autmatic pool cleaner. Paid $700 last year, will sacrifice at $300. Call 610-588-2407. (3/5)

For Sale: 2003 Dodge Sport Intervan; Handicapped van. 59,716 miles, bluish-gray, good condition, $19,000. Call 610442-4404 or 610-8637008. (5/5) For Sale: 1992-95 Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth Minivan Hitch, $125, OBO. Call 570-897-6499. (3/5) 4x4 Chevy Blazer: V8 350 motor, refurbished last year; auto. Has good PA recent inspection. Has high lift to get in and out; good tires, runs good. Asking $1,800. Call 610-5882407. (3/5) 1995 Honda Civic DX: 238k miles, automatic, runs well. Some body damage. $1,250. Call 484-201-4920. (3/5)

Aug. 11th, 9am-4pm & Aug. 12th, 9am-2pm 8 Decatur St., Columbia Teacher/School Supplies, Furniture, HH Items, Clothes, Dryer, Much More Yard Sale Listings in The PRESS are always FREE! Just fill out the form to the left & send it in!

2003 Coachman: 25 ft. Pull-behind travel camper. Good Cond., many extras. $6,000 or B.O. Call 570897-0512. (5/5) 15 Coleman Canoe: $150. 1993 750 Virago, first reas. offer. 610-588-5405. (4/5) 2003 Honda Shadow 750 Ace: 3k mi. $3900. Call 201-527-7910. (1/5)

Dangerous Curvz, an all female motorcycle riding group, will be holding a fundraiser, Ride To Break The Silence on Ovarian Cancer, on September 16th at Tramontin Harley Davidson in Hope. Net proceeds will benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Northern NJ Chapter. Registration begins at 9:30am, and kickstands go up at 11am with a 60-plus mile run, escorted by Blue Knights NJ VIII, through the sprawling and tranquil hills and valleys of Warren and Sussex Counties. There is a $20 donation per rider and $15 per passenger. For those who are non-riding participants, a donation of $15 is requested during the after party complete with food, music, prizes and more at 1pm at Tramontin Harley Davidson. All riders, teams and clubs are welcome to participate in the fundraising event. Alcohol is not

permitted. According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, there is no early detection test for ovarian cancer and symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for a benign illness. Symptoms include: bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; trouble eating or feeling full quickly; feeling the need to urinate urgently or often; fatigue; upset stomach or heartburn; back pain; pain during sex; and constipation or menstrual changes. Of the 21,880 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year, statistically, only 46 percent will survive beyond 5 years. If diagnosed early, the five year survival rate is over 90 percent. Ovarian cancer is more than a womans disease. It impacts entire families and communities. There are many issues that women face, and one topic that is not discussed enough is ovarian cancer, remarked Sheri

OLeary, President of Dangerous Curvz. Ride to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer is our way to support and raise the level of awareness about ovarian cancer in our immediate community. Pertinent educational materials will be distributed at the fundraiser including how to recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer, along with support group information. We are all in this together, and through education and raising awareness, each rider and supporter is making an impact upon the future health of women and families in our community, OLeary said. For further event details, to become a sponsor or vendor, or to learn more about Dangerous Curvz Motorcycle group, visit dangerouscurvz.com. For more information about Dangerous Curvz, call Sheri OLeary at 908-872-6783 or email info@dangerouscurvz. com.

(NAPSI)Whether youre driving across town or across the country, here are some tips to keep you on the road to safety and savings and help you get the most out of your trip. Cool Ways to Save on Gas Gas prices may move up and down but the desire to save money never changes. That said, dont sweat the AC; trying to save money by turning off the air conditioner doesnt save gas and opening the windows actually uses more gas by decreasing aerodynamics. Similarly, dont throw money away on premium octane in the hopes that it contains special detergents or will improve performance. The EPA requires that all gas include detergents and, generally, only sports cars require premium gasoline. For best mileage, stick with your vehicle manufacturers recommended fuelyour wallet will thank you. For some people, hitting the open road with a full tank of gas is a uniquely liberating feeling. However, coming upon an unexpected road closure or gridlock can kill an adventurous mood

quickly. The good news is that you can use technologysuch as a GPS device-to plan the best route in advance and find places to stop and stretch your legs along the way. Developed in the early 1970s, the Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a satellite navigation system that provides location and time information. Using a GPS can help you take the road less traveled, and stopping at state parks and hiking trails can keep your legsand brainfrom going numb.

Take a car filled with kids and a dog, add in a traffic jam and a chorus of Are we there yet? and you have a recipe for what can be a very long afternoon. Fortunately, you can save yourself time and stress by avoiding traffic tie-ups altogether. Navigation devices can be beneficial for avoiding traffic. For instance, TomToms GO LIVE devices feature real-time traffic, which automatically reroutes you away from congestion. If you have a roadside emergency, the right device can help you turn lemons into lemonade. For example, a GPS device can pinpoint your exact location. You can tell emergency services exactly where you are, even if you feel like youre in the middle of nowhere.

( N A P S I ) T h e r e s good news for veterans looking for a new career. There is an information technology (IT) certification program designed to help veterans build on their military experience and make the successful transition to a new career in civilian life. The program, Troops to Tech Careers, helps returning veterans and their spouses who have an interest in an IT career receive the education, credentialing and job placement resources to be successful in this growing field. The program was created by an IT company called CompTIA. In the case of Marine Corps veteran Derek LeMay, the training and certification served as a gateway to a position

with Symantec Corporation, where he provides phone support to the companys global enterprise IT customers. Said Darrell Adams, a technical manager with the corporation, Derek, when he sat down, pretty much blew our

technical interview away. In fact, he came in on a Thursday and we offered him the job that Friday. It was that quick. Adams added that the companys engineers were impressed by LeMays command of networking and multiple operating systems and his ability to easily answer their questions. LeMay believes the certifications he obtained through the training gave him the opportunity to get the job and will continue to help him in the future. LeMay is among the many veterans Symantec has hired for its engineering and technical support positions. It promotes job openings to veterans through military.com, military transition assistance

programs, and career fairs targeting veterans with security clearance. Said Ellen McLatchey, director of Global Diversity & Inclusion at Symantec, We know that veterans participating in Troops to Tech are eager to contribute and have the skills and competencies needed to succeed at Symantec. The Troops to Tech Careers program is founded on the LearnCertify-Work model, which is designed to create a clear pathway for veterans who want to start a career in IT. Benefit programs that veterans have used to cover the program costs include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, and the Workforce Investment Act. To learn more, visit troopstotechcareers.org.