Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette April 15

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pets........................................................ Pg. 9 Laugh out Loud............................ Pg. 18, 44 Word Search....................................... Pg. 26 Sudoku................................................ Pg. 27 Coloring Page..................................... Pg. 28 Touch of Dutch.................................... Pg. 32 Classifieds........................................... Pg. 39

Let’s Buy, Sell and Renovate!

By John Hall, Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette

Welcome to our real estate and home improvement issue.

Our real estate market is very active right now.

According to one real estate professional we spoke to anyone with a decent house to sell will likely have it sold pretty quickly around here and it’s not out of the question that it might sell above the asking price. If you’re looking to sell, this could be the time to take the money and run!

One of the things a market like this attracts with its low interest rates is the first-time buyer. Firsttime buyers can make rookie mistakes. If you’re a first-timer, our article “First-Time Homebuyer Tips” might help you avoid the missteps.

Where there are buyers there are also sellers and there are some pitfalls for sellers to be aware of as well. With the market moving so quickly, the literal act of moving out can come on at lightning speed.

As a seller you need to know where you’re going next, because the tight market applies to everyone.

Buyer or seller, you will find some excellent Continued on page 4

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Paul and Lisa Prass - Publishers Kathy Marsh - Associate Publisher John Hall - Account Executive Donna Bachman - Accounting Manager Tony Pisco - Art Director Erica Montes - Director of Creative Services The Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette is published the first and third Thursday of the month. The Gazette does not assume responsibility for an ad beyond the cost of the ad itself; we cannot be responsible for typographic errors. We reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement thought to be offensive or not contributing to the needs of the community. Signed letters will be printed at the discretion of the editor. News items and ads should be submitted by 4 p.m. on the deadline date, located on the bottom of the front cover.

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Let’s Buy, Sell, Renovate Continued from page 3

insider advice in “A Local Realtor Perspective” in this issue.

Now, if you happen to be a seller with a smallerthan-average home to sell, you might think you’re operating at a disadvantage in the current market.

Actually, although your place won’t be perfect for everyone, it has a very good chance of being perfect for two categories of buyers: first-timers and downsizers. In the article “Selling Your Smaller Home” we will tell you what to highlight to catch their attention.

On the home improvement and renovation side

of this issue’s content, we will give you a lot of information, including how to renovate on a budget, “under $50” DIY project ideas, moving tips, energy saving upgrades and more.

If you’re not planning to move, but could sure use an extra space for your workouts or even an at-home office away from the distractions of the family, check out “Upgrade Your Shed” for some real-world advice on how to find your extra space.

Finally, in this issue we are including a company profile on Mint Construction, a family-owned and operated home improvement business in Walnutport. So enjoy the issue and then join us next time when we will celebrate Mother’s Day and also take our first look ahead at a summer activity, specifically camping.

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A Local Realtor Perspective

By John Hall, Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette

The real estate market in our area is very “hot” at the moment and we wanted to connect with a local realtor to get a true local realtor perspective on the situation. That led us to Shari Noctor, Associate Broker with RE/MAX Unlimited Real Estate in Whitehall – one of our area’s leading real estate offices. Noctor is an industry veteran with more than 30 years’ experience selling homes. We had a very interesting discussion.

We focused on the changing dynamics of our real estate market as the result of the pandemic and what that means for buyers and sellers actively in the market today. We also got a sense of how Noctor herself keeps the balance in her life and gives back to the community, while navigating the industry’s twists and turns during this period.

According to Noctor, the industry was initially shut down due to COVID for 9.5 weeks. Buyers could still put in offers, but could only view properties online. Noctor said there were minimal

$

sales, because “honestly, how many people will buy a home without seeing it in person?”

Supply and Demand In an industry driven by supply and demand, 2020 was a year of great challenge.

Noctor said sellers wanted to sell, but didn’t want people walking through their homes. As a result, inventory was extremely low creating a lot of frustration, especially for the many buyers who were suddenly looking to move west from New York and New Jersey.

Now in 2021, Noctor says the number of people looking to buy in our area is “unbelievable.” She adds that due to supply and demand, when a house comes onto the market if it’s at all decent, in a week or a little more it will have multiple offers – with some offers coming in $20-30K above the asking price. There are a couple of things associated with that.

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To start, the transactions are happening that quickly because evidently buyers are waiving inspections, which Noctor notes is generally “not good” for buyers to do. Also, buyers can no longer make a purchase contingent on selling their current home. Noctor says that is “not even part of equation any longer.” For buyers who have played the game, but didn’t have the winning offer – often multiple times, it’s frustrating.

Advice and Personal Balance As a realtor in the market, Noctor keeps the balance in her life by playing a leading role with the Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative that helps food-insecure children and adults in the area. Even with the disruptions caused by COVID, the Initiative in partnership with various other organizations is still feeding several thousand Whitehall-Coplay food-insecure community members month-to-month.

Back on the professional side, Noctor has advice for both buyers and sellers. Having seen the market’s highs and lows before, she is certain that at some point in the next one to two years after the COVID situation calms down, the market will adjust to become more “normal” and that means prices will become more “normal” as well.

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Her advice for buyers is that if you want it, you must plan to live in it for 10 years, because the market will adjust. For sellers she says you must have a clear idea of where you are moving next, because fast sales bring fast move-out dates and low inventory affects everyone. Sounds like smart advice from an industry pro.

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First-Time Homebuyer Tips (edited)

SOURCE: hgtv.com

If you are a first-time homebuyer, you are about to make the biggest investment of your life. Many first-time homebuyers make rookie mistakes, but

you don’t have to. Here are just a few tips pulled from a recent HGTV article on things first-time homebuyers should know (see the full article at www.townandcountrygazette.com).

Figure out your priorities. / Before shopping for your first home, determine what matters most to you: price, condition, location or size.

Secure financing before falling in love with a house. / Secure a lender as early as possible. This will let you establish your purchase budget.

Don’t shy away from down payments. / Putting some money down is a good idea. It minimizes your risk, lets you start off with some equity, and may make your offer look stronger to the seller, giving you more leverage during negotiations.

The school district will affect home value. / Even if you don’t have kids, living in an area with a sought-after school system raises your property value and can help when it’s time to sell.

Dig deeper during inspection. / Don’t hesitate to follow up on any issues that come out of your routine home inspection. An inspector’s red flags become negotiating items before you complete your sale.

Paying more up front might save money over time. / It can be smart to increase your price range

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to include move-in ready homes. By paying a little more upfront for a home that has all of the upgrades and extras you want, you won’t have to worry about renovation costs ballooning down the road.

Build a solid real estate team. / In order to make your first home purchase and all the steps in the process as stress-free as possible, invest some time building your team. That will include your real estate agent, lender and home inspector to advocate for you and explain the processes involved.

Shop around for mortgage loans. / Shop around for mortgage loans to ensure you are getting the best rates and terms possible. A local lender is likely to better understand your area’s housing

market.

Talk to the neighbors. / While researching a home that you’re considering buying, don’t be afraid to talk to neighbors about the area. They can provide candid commentary that may make or break your decision to buy a particular home.

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Selling Your Smaller Home (edited) SOURCE: hgtv.com

If you’re looking at the real estate market and fear that your smaller-than-average-home isn’t what people are looking for, think again. No house is perfect for everyone, but your house is perfect for a lot of people.

So how do you position it for sale? Talk up its money-saving and eco-friendly features. Anyone looking to save on utilities, taxes and yard work is going small. That could include first-time buyers, baby boomers and the eco-minded.

Here are some “small home” things to consider highlighting when you go to sell: Lower Costs / If you do your own listing, make sure to include information about the lower utility costs of living in your house. If your home is on a small lot, research property taxes on larger lots to offer a comparison of how much money your potential buyer will save on taxes.

Less Maintenance / Many first-time homebuyers

Let’sare Talk and those downsizing looking for easy-to Real

Estate

maintain homes. Give a potential buyer a sense of how much time it takes to mow the lawn, or how little watering is needed. Also highlight any new systems (heating, A/C) or appliances. New systems mean no maintenance, or at least “covered by warranty.” This is especially important for first-time buyers who may otherwise be used to having a landlord to take care of things that need fixing.

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process. Your ultimate goal is to get a quick sale, at the highest value, with the fewest foreseeable issues.

Buyers can have many reasons for what Kate Randall they are willing to pay for a home.

Location, condition, size,REALTOR® taxes, utility costs, and immediate or ongoing It is very understandable why homeowners today maintenance may all be factors. A lot of would prefer to sell their own homes order buyers today want move inin ready, and will to save on real estate add orcommissions. subtract value depending onthe what Pricing your home properly isHowever, one of statistics on both they local national levels areand looking for in a home.

This is one most aspects ofyour thehome selling reason why pricing accordingly prove thatimportant the average “FSBO” actually loses isthey so important.

commissions. process.

Your ultimate is to get a more money than save ingoal When you make the decision to sell, we The quick most common areas are over-improving a sale, atasthe highest value, the licensed REALTORS® willwith meet with home that doesn’tyou sell for whatallyou hoped,that and and discuss the variables fewest foreseeable more importantly, lackvalue. of issues.

exposure toyour thehome, largest affect Once we tour we Buyers can have many reasons for what can compare it to other currently listed market of buyers to create the highest sales and recently properties.

Then we can price.

Lack of willing exposure can 15-24%, they are to alone paysold for a cost home. makeaverage educated commissions. recommendations on the much more than the Location, condition, size, taxes, best price for positive results.utility

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Earth Friendly / When showing your smaller home, make “green” information obvious – but be sure it’s genuine. Put signs right on the spacesaving, cost-efficient, on-demand water heater or the new energy-efficient heating system and so forth. Also, get rid of paint and solvents lying around sheds or garages (and dispose of them properly according to town regulations).

It Is Enough Space / People who are cutting back are re-thinking all that extra space in big homes, so it’s your job to show that your smaller home does have enough room. You can make the rooms look bigger in a few simple ways: • Cut Clutter – even if you rent a storage unit while you’re showing the house.

• Let in the Light – open the drapes and wash the windows – light streaming in makes a home seem brighter, larger and more open.

Lastly, sell the area. If there are shops and restaurants within walking distance of your home, make it known. That will let potential buyers know there’s plenty to do outside of the house in the surrounding area. Even if your house is on the smaller side, its location (and the functions of the rooms) will be the extra things that help you sell it.

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In the Community: Mint Construction

By John Hall, Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette

Mint Construction is a family-owned and operated home improvement company on Williams Avenue in Walnutport. The company focuses on outdoor work from windows, siding and gutters, to the company’s key specialty: roofing.

The company also has fun playing with the word “mint” in its materials focusing on putting your home in “Mint condition.” Online reviews from actual customers seem very positive, highlighting the company’s pricing, quality and employees.

Community Presence 2021 is actually the 28th year of operation for Mint Construction. The company is owned by James E. Hunsicker, Jr. The Hunsicker family has had business connections with the Walnutport-Slatington community all the way back to the 1960s when James’ dad and grandfather owned Hunsicker’s Garage in

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Slatington. Mint Construction is the nextgeneration Hunsicker family business in our area.

We wanted to find out more about the company, so we recently spoke with James’ partner in the business Patrice Hunsicker. Patrice handles the operations of the company up to the job-site work, although when we spoke she was actually onsite at a siding job on one of our recent, chilly April mornings.

Patrice said the company has always been actively involved with the community. Patrice herself is a former Boro Council Member for Walnutport and has also been involved with the Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, where Mint Construction volunteers time and equipment to help out with various activities including cleanup after school district bonfires.

Growth and Operations Naturally we asked Patrice what kind of impact the pandemic has had on the company.

Patrice said that since they do outdoor work, it really did not hurt their business at all. As a matter of fact, she said the company saw significant growth in 2020 actually having “the biggest boom” it had seen in a long time. That

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speaks to the quality of the company’s reputation, particularly since according to Patrice the business is “driven heavily by word-ofmouth.”

Like businesses everywhere, the company put the standard pandemic safety protocols into place right away, but then Mint Construction went further.

Patrice explained that for the health and benefit of its customers and family members, they now have systems in place so that most of the customer touchpoints, meaning from signatures on contracts to payments, are handled electronically.

In spite of the demand for work driven by the recent stimulus checks, as well as the demand for manufacturer’s supplies – both at an all-time high, the company looks to maintain its quality of work, reputation and excellence in operations in 2021 and beyond. Patrice said Mint Construction doesn’t want to get too big and it does plan to stay engaged with its community.

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2021 Home Improvement Trends SOURCE: Various

We are now in a new season and some of our renewed energy is taking aim at 2021 home improvement projects. Here are a few current trends in home improvement, including some very pandemic-driven ideas that are probably here to stay.

In the Kitchen Kitchen upgrades are a constant in the realm of home improvement and the pandemic has only made that more so. According to Bill Darcy of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, as told to Remodeling Magazine, the kitchen has emerged as a prominent multitasking room for parents and children working and schooling from home.

Expectations: Larger kitchen island hubs and increased functionality.

Kitchen Organizing Solutions If kitchen improvement is at the top of your list but you don’t have a big budget, consider improving your kitchen storage solutions.

Banquettes that can double as seating and storage,

wall built-ins and even bins to store items in your pantry and cupboards can all help to keep things in order.

Home Offices According to Zillow, many Americans currently working from home want to continue doing so even after the pandemic ends. A dedicated home office space, whether in a finished basement or a former guestroom, will make it easier to concentrate and separate work life from home life.

Video Conference Room If video conferencing from home is becoming a regular part of your life – either for your work or your child’s schooling, consider creating a dedicated room or area with an aesthetically pleasing background for all those video calls.

Realtor.com predicts the dedicated video-room trend will continue beyond the pandemic.

Closed Floor Plans If you are really looking at a big home renovation in 2021, be aware that due to the trends of working and schooling from home, many homebuilders have reported that some home buyers are having second thoughts when it comes to an open floor plan. With privacy at a premium, separating spaces with doors – and even more insulation for noise reduction are very real emerging trends this year.

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The Kitchen Backsplash SOURCE: homedepot.com

One home renovation project you might consider is installing or updating a backsplash in your kitchen. There are several things to think about as you plan the backsplash that works best for you, including color, texture and type of tile. Here are just a few ideas we picked up from homedepot. com.

Small and Large Kitchens If you have a small kitchen and you would like it to look larger, go with a light and bright backsplash. Mirrors and smooth finishes in shiny white will brighten any tiny space.

If you have a kitchen that feels too large and you want it to seem smaller, try a dark backsplash.

Charcoal gray, black or even jewel tones work well to accomplish this. As far as texture goes, stay with matte and non-shiny finishes. This means less light will be reflected. If you already have stone, brick or limestone, they can also be painted or stained darker to achieve the same goal.

If you love your large kitchen, the sky is the limit. Wood, tile, paint, glass and marble are all choices well-suited for large kitchen backsplashes.

Coastal Kitchens A coastal backsplash is a popular theme for a kitchen. Many homeowners love that laid-back vibe. Coastal kitchen backsplash ideas demand natural materials.

Try using beadboard or reclaimed boat wood for a coastal backsplash. Match the color to the

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rest of the decor or use the colors of the sand and sea. If you’re creative, incorporate tiny shells and beach pebbles into a one-of-a-kind backsplash mosaic.

Industrial and Contemporary Kitchens A residential kitchen with an industrial feel looks great with a distressed brick backsplash. If your kitchen is bustling with home chefs and bakers, try a pegboard backsplash. It’s perfect to hang large utensils. You can even paint the pegboard and outline the kitchen tools you’re hanging.

For a contemporary look, try a neutral or black

and white kitchen backsplash. You might do well using tile or glass to create movement and energy.

A fish scale, fan-shaped or even 3-D tile will give a contemporary backsplash a vibrant feel.

Traditional and Rustic Kitchens For a standard kitchen with no theme, you may want to stick to a neutral or coordinating backsplash. Look to your appliances and fixtures for color inspiration. Black appliances go well with shiny porcelain tile backsplashes. If you have a Continued on page 18

& P W I G ROAS O H S R A T C Saturday, May 15, 2021 Show from 9am to 4pm • Registration Day of Show 8:30-9 Pig Roast from 11am to 3pm (Registration does NOT include Pig Roast)

Pre-Register by May 1, 2021 - $10.00 per vehicle Day of Show - $15 per vehicle Show will be at Citizen’s Fire Co. No. 1, Inc. 3922 Main Street,Slatedale, PA 18079

Mail Registration with fee by May 1, 2021 to:

Classes and Trophies Ford Pre-95 1st 2nd 3rd GM Pre-95 1st 2nd 3rd Mopar Pre-95 1st 2nd 3rd Trucks 1st 2nd 3rd Motorcycle 1st 2nd 3rd Imports 1st 2nd 3rd Special Interest 1st 2nd 3rd Pig roast is 95 & Newer 1st 2nd 3rd $10 for pre tickets; (All Makes ) $12 day of event Chief’s Pick 1st Spectator (People’s Choice) 1st

Citizen’s Fire Co. No. 1, 3922 Main St., Slatedale, PA 18079

Name _________________________________ Year __________________________________ Addr _________________________________ Make _________________________________ City _________________ State ____________ Model ________________________________ Phone ________________ Zip ____________ Pre-Register $10.00 by May 1, 2021 APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

17

Backsplash Continued from page 17

LAUGH OUT LOUD

stainless steel refrigerator and stove, consider silver or gray tile, wallpaper or marble – they will all work well.

For a country or rustic kitchen, faux wood or stone backsplashes elevate that worn-but-loved feel. A limestone backsplash, hand-painted tile backsplash or wallpaper backsplash could also work perfectly.

A unique kitchen backsplash can be quite the focal point in your kitchen. Now is the time to create a DIY backsplash like no other.

Annual Spring Basket Social Friday, April 23 • 4-7pm and Saturday, April 24 • 9am-1pm

Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 500 Church Drive, Palmerton (Trachsville) 610-681-5200 Changes are being made to be COVID compliant. $25 will be hidden in 3 baskets.

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Upgrade Your Shed

Excellent options include peel-and-stick vinyl flooring, laminate flooring and carpet. Those will all work if you’re looking for durability and easy installation.

Lighting / No office shed or gym shed will be complete without lighting. Depending on ceiling height, you can opt for flush-mount or recessed lighting, or even a small chandelier. A ceiling fan with a light can be stylish and will also keep the air moving.

Continued on page 20

SOURCE: lowes.com

Storage sheds aren’t just for tools and lawn equipment anymore. These days they can be easily upgraded to serve as an extension of your home, including as an office or a workout area. Higherend storage sheds will have the best layout for this type of project and are easier to upgrade and run power to. Don’t assume that an outdoor shed can’t have style – it can!

Wall Planks and Panels / A great way to dress up the interior walls of a shed and give them a more finished look is with wall planks or panels.

Installation is simple and there are a lot of stylish varieties to choose from.

Flooring / Adding finished flooring will make your shed feel like another room in your home.

HARDING FUNERAL HOME, INC. 25-27 N. Second St., Slatington, PA 18080 610-767-3011 • hardingfuneralhomeinc.com Nathanael J. Horvath, Supervisor

David M. Harding, Funeral Director/President

Serving the Northern Lehigh and Surrounding Areas for 65 years *365 days a year/24 hours a day* APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

19

Upgrade your shed Continued from page 19

Window Treatments / Window treatments range from curtains to shades, with cellular shades being a very good choice for heat efficiency. Cellular shades keep the space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The Office Shed Working from home is convenient and saves both fuel and time by eliminating a daily commute, but noise from family members can be distracting if you don’t have your own space. Get the extra quiet and privacy you need by turning your shed

Accepting Applications Lincoln Manor Apartments One and Two BR Apartments plus One BR Accessible Apartments Security Deposit, One year Lease, and Income Verifications required.

Call or write: Lincoln Manor, 320 Oak St. Walnutport, PA 18088 610-767-9232 TDD 711

Managed by: Grosse and Quade Management Co. 215-855-8700 “This institution is an equal opportunity housing provider and employer.”

HOME

AUTO

into an office.

You will need plenty of natural light for an office, so consider a shed with large windows, glass doors or French doors. Of course, you’ll also need office furniture. Vinyl flooring provides the perfect platform for your office chair to roll around on.

And don’t neglect the small touches including wall art, bookshelves and lamps.

The Gym Shed Exercise equipment can take up a lot of room in your home, and limiting your workouts to times that won’t disturb other members of your household can make it a challenge to keep up with your routine. A backyard gym shed will give you a designated place to burn some calories and house the equipment.

Whether you’re a cardio enthusiast, a yoga practitioner or a weight trainer, there is a gym shed design for you. Finally, consider a portable air conditioner to keep you safe and cool during your workout.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Donna Teklits - 55 on March 25 Elaine Lindenmoyer - 73 on April 5

Richard B. Ryon Insurance 610.767.6641 Fax: 610.767.9037 499 Riverview Drive, P.O. BOX R, Walnutport, PA Daniel A. Lombardo Branch Manager

“Our Tradition is Protecting You” BUSINESS 20

www.ryoninsurance.com News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

601 W. Market Street, Su

Phone: 215-257-150

can totally transform the look of a porch, sidewalk or patio with a stylish, custom tile design.

Paint Your Doorknobs / While swapping out doorknobs for new might be tempting, it can add up quickly – especially when one oil-rubbed bronze SOURCE: hgtv.com knob costs around $30. If you're looking for a There are some simple ways to spruce up your cheap, long-lasting alternative, consider painting place to make things seem fresh again. Here are the knobs in your house for the cost of a can of a few DIY home improvement ideas from HGTV spray paint and a weekend's worth of work. that are easy to execute and cost less than $50.

Go Antiquing / Want to add lived-in character Paint the Front Door / Make a great first to your builder-grade home? Swap your basic BUSINESS NETWORK impression with a bright, welcoming front doorCOMMUNITY pantry door for a charming antique find. color.

601 W. Market Street, Suite 100 • Perkasie, PA 18944 Continued on page 22 Set the Mood with String Lights / Hanging globe Phone: 215-257-1500 • Fax: 215-257-0800 cafe lights instantly turns any outdoor space into a gathering spot. The extra "room" comes in handy when entertaining or in the summer months when warm evenings are best spent outdoors.

Hide Outdoor Eyesores / If a vent pipe or meter is ruining your garden bed aesthetic, disguise it Witmer with an oh-so-natural looking faux rock that fits perfectly over the top. ___________________________ DATE: _____________________________________ Stencil Your Patio / If your concrete patio has seen better days, you could cover it with an ___________________________ FROM: _____________________________________ outdoor rug, or try this long-lasting DIY. With a can of concrete stain, a plastic stencil, a highwitmer.com quality stencil brush and a few hours of work, you ________________________________________________________________________

DIY Home Improvement Projects Under $50

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DIY Home Improvement Continued from page 21

I would like to introduce myself as a candidate for Lehigh Township Supervisor.

I am a long-time resident and business owner for over 30 years.

I am currently on the Lehigh Township Park & Recreation Committee serving as a Board member. In addition, I am the Lehigh Township Vacancy Board Chair Member. I am an active volunteer and member at Blue Mountain Fish & Game Association.

Wow with Window Boxes / Add color and interest to the front of your home with DIY wood window boxes filled to overflowing with seasonal blooms.

Put House Numbers on the Front Door / Skip the standard kick plate and install chic house numbers on the bottom of your front door instead.

Just Add Plants / A cluster of lush, green plants adds instant style to any space, especially when potted in sleek containers and arranged on colorful, thrifted stools. Pro tip: This quick trick works especially well in a sunny bathroom where plants get plenty of light and humidity.

Replace Outdoor Lighting / If you have 20 minutes and $40, you can totally transform your home's curb appeal with a new set of outdoor lights.

Create a "Built-In" Bathtub / Give a basic bathtub a cozy cottage makeover with charming beadboard trim. This project requires roughly one 4’ x 8’ sheet of beadboard (which comes in just under $20) and zero hardware (only glue!), making this a thrifty upcycle idea for moderate DIYers.

Several of my priorities facing Lehigh Township are the Roads, Cherryville intersection, and the public works building which has been in the planning stage for many years.

Also, a special thank you goes to the residents from Lehigh Township whom graciously donated funding for a new dog park in Delps Park as construction will begin this year.

My wife Kaleena and myself are proud residents of Lehigh Township and proud supporters of all First Responders!

I hope to gain your support and look forward to the opportunity of serving Lehigh Township.

Paid for by Friends of David Hess for Lehigh Township Supervisor

22

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

How To: Remodeling on a Budget SOURCE: budgetdumpster.com

When you start planning for a home remodel, it’s easy for the dollars to stack up. However, whether you’re updating because you want to make your home more comfortable or because you’re planning to sell, it is definitely possible to renovate on a budget. Here are some tips to start you off.

1. Set a firm budget for your remodel and do not stray from it. Make sure to build in a 15-20% cushion for any unforeseen costs that may arise.

2. Shop around for the supplies you will need ahead of time to get the best deals. You can reap big savings with recycled or lightly used fixtures and building materials.

3. Not hiring a contractor can help keep your home remodel on a budget, but make sure you have the skills and tools needed to complete everything you want to do.

4. Renting a dumpster to have on-site at your home is a great way to save on your remodel by

letting you easily clean up as you go. A 20-yard container is usually a good fit for a home renovation or cleanout project.

5. Be sure to always have a functioning backup space inside your home while certain areas are being worked on, such as your kitchen or bathroom.

If your only bathroom will be under construction and not useable, you can have a temporary bathroom set up in your basement.

Room-by-Room Ideas Kitchen Remodel / You don’t always need to remodel your kitchen from top to bottom. Think about what aspects of your kitchen are most important to you and invest your money there.

Kitchen remodeling ideas include: • Paint Your Cabinets • Add Some Backsplash • Update Countertops • Search for Appliance Deals, which can include visiting your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for scratch and dent deals on appliances.

Bathroom Remodel / When you are remodeling on a budget, at least one of the bathrooms in your home will likely make the list for an update. If it’s Continued on page 24

Chicken Pot Pie Dinner (Take-out only)

St. John's Lutheran Church 40 Second Street, Slatington

Saturday, May 8, 3:30 to 6:00 P.M.

Menu: Chicken Pot Pie (Homemade Noodles), Vegetable Medley, Garden Salad, Dinner Roll, and Homemade Desserts $12.00 per meal.

For tickets call the church office at 610-767-6361 or Harrison at 610-216-4284.

APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

23

Remodeling on a budget Continued from page 23

possible to skip remodeling top to bottom, choose a few smaller projects to tackle. These are good places to start: • Freshen Up Your Walls • Refinish Instead of Replace • Keep the Layout the Same • Paint Cabinets and Add New Hardware Remodel Other Living Areas / There are plenty

of ways to save money on your renovation for the other living spaces in your house as well. You can make an old room feel new again with just a fresh coat of paint, or some of these budget-friendly projects: • Update Your Flooring • Rearrange and Refurbish Furniture • Open Up Your Space by removing a wall and merging rooms together, but first determine if the wall is load bearing. If it isn’t, the cost can be minimal, but if it is, you may want to skip this project.

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News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

Energy Saving Upgrades SOURCE: budgetdumpster.com

As you plan your renovation projects for this year, don’t overlook the opportunity to do some energy saving upgrades along the way. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spends roughly $2,200 per year on energy bills. This includes natural gas and electric, which are the most consumed energy sources in U.S. homes. Here are some simple things you can do to start capturing your own energy savings.

1. Schedule a Home Energy Assessment The first step to saving energy at home is to schedule a home energy assessment, also known as a home energy audit. This will allow you to gauge how much energy your home uses. A professional home energy auditor will inspect the furnace and ductwork, examine insulation and check for leaks. You could save 5 to 30 percent on your annual energy costs by making upgrades recommended by an energy auditor.

2. Weatherize Your Home One of the quickest ways to save on your energy bill is to weatherize your home. This includes

sealing air leaks and adding insulation. Sealing the gaps in your doors, windows, ceilings, walls and other openings can lower your heating and cooling bills by 10 to 20 percent. If you really want to trim those high energy bills, add insulation wherever necessary. Since about 25 percent of your home’s heat is lost through the roof, insulating your attic should be a top priority.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat Whether you’re at work, on the go or out of town, a programmable thermostat will allow you to program a heating schedule that balances Continued on page 30

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Rescue aRescue Friend a Friend

Mikey Labrador Retriever Walnutport Young Male Large Health: Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

Adoption Fee: $300.00 Petfinder recommends that you should always take reasonable security steps before making online payments.

Meet Mikey Mikey is looking for a forever home.

He is a big 70 pounds. He is a lot of puppy yet. He is current on vaccines, microchipped, heartworm/lyme tested. No small children.

Apply at www.furryfeetrescue.com

Furry Feet Rescue Walnutport, PA furryfeetrescue@yahoo.com (610) 767-7096

Support

APRIL 15, || townandcountrygazette.com MARCH 19,2021 2020 || townandcountrygazette.com

Lulu Shepherd & Border Collie Mix Walnutport Young Female Medium HEALTH Spayed / neutered.

GOOD IN A HOME WITH Other dogs, children.

Meet Lulu

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Ivie was pulled from a high kill shelter in TX. She is a kind and gentle dog, we think she is about 6 months old shepherd border collie mix.

If you are interested in Lulu, please go to http://www. redrockrescueinc.com

Support your local shelter! your local shelter!

29 33

Energy upgrades Continued from page 25

savings with comfort and could save you up to 12 percent annually on your heating bill. Before you purchase a replacement thermostat, check your existing wiring. If there are only two wires, you can get a replacement with a battery-powered display. Full-featured devices require power from a third wire, which should be installed by an HVAC or electrical contractor.

4. Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting Incandescent bulbs are a thing of the past,

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You Are Not Alone

primarily because they are energy guzzlers. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs) can last three to 25 times longer and use about 25 to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

So as you plan for your 2021 renovations, remember you could save a good amount of energy and energy costs by doing some of these simple BASKET SOCIAL upgrades.

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Come take a chance on baskets filled with all kinds of items, gift cards and during the event to maintain safety. We expect only a short wait other treats. Many wonderful items to choose from!

Tickets — 25 chances for $5.00

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Masks will be Required and Occupancy in the Hall and we will notify the winners willa pickup be Limited during the event to maintain safety. to arrange time for their prize or prizes.

We expect only a short wait The winners will picked after the event on Saturday May 15th and we will St. Paul’s UCC be of Indianland 787 Almond Road notify the winners Walnutport, PA 18088 to arrange a pickup time for their prize or prizes.

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anxiety ~ fear anger ~ stress ~ depression 30

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

Stress-Free Moving Tips SOURCE: budgetdumpster.com

In our fast-paced real estate market, the act of moving can come up at lightning speed. Here are ten tips to help make your move less stressful.

Stress-free? Not quite, but less stressful.

1. Rent a dumpster Rent a roll-off dumpster and throw everything you don’t want inside. This is especially good for unwanted furniture or items too large or too far gone to be donated or sold.

2. Make a list Keep a list of what you are putting into each box as you prepare to move so you can find things more quickly at the other end.

3. Have a “first day” bin There are some items you won’t be able to do without for more than a day. Pack those in a clear bin and put the bin in an easily accessible place.

Items to include are paper towels, trash bags, phone chargers, eating utensils, toilet paper and anything else you can’t go more than a few days without.

4. Use color or room names to mark your boxes Another great way to stay organized while moving is to write the room name clearly on each box before it goes on the truck. Or you can use different color duct tape to mark your boxes based on the room they will go to at your new place.

5. Pack hanging clothes in trash bags An easy way to pack the clothes hanging in your closet is to use a trash bag. Simply open a large trash bag and while the clothes are still on the hangers, pull the trash bag up around the clothes and knot the ties around the hangers.

6. Pack heavy books in suitcases If you have a lot of heavy books use a suitcase to transport them. A wheelie suitcase is great for

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moving heavy items that would be difficult to lift or could break a cardboard box.

7. Keep clothes in drawers There is no need to take all the clothes out of your drawers just to put them back in when you arrive at your new place. Your dresser drawers can do double duty as moving boxes for your clothes.

8. Pack glasses and stemware in socks Use clean socks to keep your glassware from breaking while in transport. Slip a clean sock around your glasses before you put them in a box to be taped up. This will also cut back on the amount of packing peanuts or newspaper you need.

9. Clean before moving in Deep clean your new home before you move in.

This will probably be your only chance to get your home sparkling clean. If you are not a fan of cleaning, hire someone to do it for you.

10. Take pictures If you are renting, you need to take pictures to document how everything was when you moved in. This will be helpful when it comes to getting your security deposit back. Make note of any holes in the walls or scuffs on the floor before you move all of your things inside.

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TOUCH OF DUTCH Submitted by Larry Gradwohl

Der Schwallem Es gebt ken Voggel, as meh en Deel iss vun 're Bauerei wie der Schwallem. Friehyaahrs kummt er gfloge – vun wu weess mer net – un's erscht Ding, as er dutt, iss paarmol unnich em Vorschuss naus un neifliege. Es nemmt net lang, noh hot er schunn sich en Balge rausgsucht, wu er sich en Nescht hiebaue will.

Wann's mol ans Hoimache geht un's Weeze un Hawwer reifaahre, is er aa debei. Ken annrer Voggel bekimmert sich um der Bauer un sei Arewet. Der Schwallem awwer fliegt newe em Leederwagge her vun friehe Mariye bis zum schpode Owet. Hoch in die Luft schiesst er, dann schwimmt er wie en Wolk im Himmel, un no

Sat., May 1, 2021 11am-6pm at the Lehighton Outdoor Center 123 Lehigh Drive, Lehighton, PA

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uffemol segelt er widder runnerzus de Hoi-heife odder Weeze-schock zu. Es scheint, wie wann er sei Lewe net mied warre deet. Des is der Schwallem.

Hoscht yemols gheert, ferwas as er sich uff 're Bauerei mit em Bauer un Vieh so deheem macht?

Meh as wie 300 Yaahr zerick sin die erschde deitsche Leit nooch Pennsylvaani kumme. Sell Zeit, saage sie, hett's noch ken Schwalme gewwe.

Die Leit, as riwwerkumme sin, hen net immer bezahle kenne fer die Rees. No hen die Schiffleit sie als verkaaft zu annre Leit, bis sie die Rees abbezahlt ghatt hen. Sell waar aa der Fall mit'm Mann, as ich verzaehle will vum. En geizicher Bauer hot ihn kaaft. Siwwe Yaahr hot er schaffe misse – ball Daag un Nacht – bis er sich abverdient hot ghatt.

Wie die siwwe Yaahr uff waare, hot er en Meedel gheiert, as aa so wie er vun Deitschland riwwerkumme waar un net fer ihr Rees bezahle hot kenne. Weit ins Land nei sin sie gezoge un hen datt aafange bauere. Es Land hen sie glaare misse – alli Zoll devun. Es waar der zwett Summer, as sie uff ihrm eegne Schtick Land gewuhnt hen, wie em Mann die Geil darichgange sin un er unnich der Wagge gschmisse is warre un die Lood Hoi iwwer ihn gfaahre.

Eb er die Aage's letscht Mol zugedrickt hot, hot er noch eemol sei gleener Buh sehne wolle. Wie sei Fraa ihn uff die Bruscht gelegt hot, hot er in seim Buwli sei Ohr gepischbert – laut schwetze hot er nimmi kenne – as er schee uff sei Memm achtgewwe setz, wann er mol uffgewaxe waer. Es Buweli hot awwer nix vun all dem verschtanne – es waar yuscht bissli iwwer en Yaahr alt.

No hot der aarm Mann fer immer die Aagedeckel zugemacht. Ehrlich waar er im Lewe gewest un in sei Gott hot er fescht geglaabt. So is er in der Himmel kumme.

Im Himmel um ihn rum waare all die annre so froh, wie's in de Biewel schteht, as sie datt drowwe sin. Awwer der aarm Bauer waar draurich. Er hot immer heile misse, wann Gott ihn gsehne hot.

Mol emol wie Gott ihn gheert hot heile, is er zu ihm gange fer ihn droschde. Es waar's erscht mol, as sei Lewe ebber im Himmel draurich waar. No hot Gott ihn gfrogt, was uff seim Hatz waer. Dann hot der aarm Bauer Gott verzaehlt vun seine Fraa un seim alee Buwli, un wie er so froh gewest iss drunne uffseinre gleene Bauerei. Er wott widder nunner.

Gott, wie er gsehne hot, as alle Zuschpruch umsunscht waar, hot em aarme Bauer sei Winsch, widder hinunner uff die Erd zu geh, in News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

Waerklichkeet gsetzt.

In en Voggel hot Gott ihn verennert. Ken Dier is Gott liewer as en Voggel. Kenner fallt ya aus de Luft, as er's net weess. Daage un Daage hot's genumme, bis der aarm Bauer uff die Erd widder kumme is.

En Nescht fer'n Heemet hot er iwwerall gsucht – uff Beem, unnich em Dachlaade, Busch un im Feld – awwer naeryets hot em recht gebasst. Mol ee Daag hot er sei Fraa un Buwli drauss unnich em Vorschuss uff die Gnie gfunne am beede zu Gott fer sei Seel. Ken bessrer Blatz as wie en Betort hot er sich denke kenne fer en Nescht baue, un so hot er sich im Balke unnich em Vorschuss – beim Vieh un de Mensche – en Heemet gemacht.

Un datt hot er achtgewwe uff sei Familie un sei Vieh, an de Scheier un uff de Felder. Beim Hoi un Weeze eifaahre waar er aa debei zu sehne, as alles gut gange is. Schpotyaahrs is er als hiegfloge – mer weess net wu – un friehyaahrs heemkumme. Alle Yaahr is es so gange, bis sei Fraa selwert die Aage zugemacht hot. No mol ee Daag – es waar Schpotyaahr – iss er fattgfloge, un sell Friehyaahr net widder kum-me.

Niemand weess, was gschehne is – Gott awwer losst ken Voggel aus de Luft falle, as er's net weess.

Un heit noch, meh as wie 300 Yaahr dernooch, gebt en Voggel acht uff en Bauer, sei Scheier un Vieh, sei Busch un Felder. Seller Voggel is der Schwallem.

-Alfred L. Shoemaker

The Swallow There is no bird that is more of a part of the farm than the swallow. It comes flying in at spring – from where no one knows – and the first thing it does, is fly in under the forebay [of the barn] and out again a few times. It doesn’t take long, before it finds a beam, on which it wants to build a nest.

When it’s time to make hay and also bring in the wheat and oats, the swallow is also there. No other bird concerns itself about the farmer and his work. The swallow flies alongside the hay-wagon from early in the morning till late at night. It shoots high up in the air currents and then floats like a cloud in the sky, and then on the way down sails suddenly to the hay piles or wheat shocks. It seems like it can never become tired. This is the swallow.

Have you ever heard, what the reason was, why it was so at home on the farm with the farmer and the cattle?

Continued on page 34

Sat., April 24th 8:00 am -2:00 pm Bowmanstown Community Yard Sale Emmanuel UCC 509 Hamilton St. Bowmanstown Pa, 18030

Hot Dogs and Drink Stand Yard Sale Sites at $10.00 Must provide your own table and canopyContact 610-852-2152 Basket Social tickets will be available $5.00 each or 5/$20.00 25 chances.

Sunday, April 25th 11:00 am -4:00 pm Basket Social -Themed Baskets Emmannuel UCC 509 Hamilton St. Bowmanstown Pa, 18030

Tickets $5.00 each or 5/$20.00 25 chances Bake Sale, Kitchen will be open with light refreshments.

Drawing at 4:00 pm

APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

33

Touch of Dutch Continued from page 33

St. John’s Lutheran Church 40 Second Street, Slatington PA

Soup and Sandwich Sale Pick-up is Saturday, April 24, from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. Deadline to order is Sunday, April 18.

Soup choices (quart-size) are: Buffalo Chicken Chowder ($6.00 each); New Orleans Gumbo Shrimp and Sausage ($7.00 each); and Old Fashion Chicken Rice Soup ($6.00 each).

More than 300 years ago the Dutch people came to Pennsylvania. That time there were no swallows around. The people that came over then could not always pay for the trip. [They indentured themselves to the ship’s captain to cover that cost.]

Then the captain sold that indenture to other people, till they could pay off [work off] the cost of the trip. That was the case for a man, that I want to tell you about. A farmer who was very greedy bought him. Seven years he had to work – almost day and night – until he had worked off his debt.

When the seven years were up, he married a girl that also had come over from Germany and also could not pay for her trip. They moved far into the country and started farming there. They had to [first] clear the land – every inch of it! It was the second summer that they lived on their own piece of land, when the horses bolted for the man and he was thrown under the wagon, loaded with hay, and it ran over him.

Before he closed his eyes for the last time, he wanted to see his little son one more time. When his wife laid the son on his chest he whispered in his boy’s ear – he could no longer speak loudly – that he should nicely take care of his mother when he grew up. The little son could not understand any of this – he was just a little over a year old.

Then the poor man closed his eyes for the last time. He had lived honestly and held a strong faith in God. So he went to heaven.

In heaven all the people around him were so happy, like it’s taught in the Bible, that they were up there. But the poor farmer was so sorrowful.

He always had to cry, when God saw him.

One time when God heard him cry, he went to

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him to console him. It was the first time ever that anybody was ever sorrowful in heaven. Then God asked him what weighted so heavily on his heart.

Then the poor farmer explained about his wife and only boy and how he had been so happy down there on his little farm. He wanted to go down there again.

God, when he saw that all encouragement was in vain, set into reality the poor farmer’s wish to again go down upon the earth.

God changed him into a bird. No creature is dearer to God than a bird. Not one falls out of the air that he does not know about. It took many days until the poor farmer came once again to the earth.

He looked all over for a home for a nest – on a tree, under the hatchway of a roof, in the woods and in the field – but nowhere suited him. One day he found his wife and little boy under the overhang of the barn on their knees praying to God for his soul. He could think of no better place than a praying place for building a nest and so he made a home for himself on a beam under the forebay – among the cattle and humans.

And there he kept watch over his family and his Continued on page 36

HAM AND DANDELION DINNER (TAKEOUT ONLY) HAM AND DANDELION

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021DINNER 2PM to 6PM ONLY) (TAKEOUT Meal consists of ham, dandelion and/or lettuce, mashed potatoes, bacon dressing, corn or green beans and a roll. This is a take out only meal!

Meals — $11.00 St. Paul’s UCC of Indianland 787 Almond Road Walnutport, PA 18088 610-767-5751 Please call for tickets.

When ordering, you will need to decide sides www.indianland.org SATURDAY, MAY 01, 2021 2PM to 6PM

Meal consists of ham, dandelion and/or lettuce,

mashed potatoes, bacon dressing, corn or green beans and a roll. This is a take out only meal!

Meals — $11.00

St. Paul’s UCC of Indianland

St. Pau l’ s UCC o f In di an l an d

787 Almond Road Walnutport, PA 18088 610-767-5751 Please call for tickets. When ordering, you will need to decide sides www.indianland.org

Let us help make this chapter one of your best!

610-381-3713

302 Kunkletown Rd • Kunkletown, PA www.mrsbushcares.com Find us on Facebook!

PERSONAL CARE APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

RESPITE CARE

INDEPENDENT LIVING 35

Touch of Dutch

No one knew what happened – God however, allows no bird to fall out of the sky, that he does not know about. And today still, more than 300 years later, a bird takes care over a farmer, his barn and cattle, his woods and fields. That bird is the swallow!

[I have only recently come upon this folk tale which was an explanation of the barn swallows’ nesting habits and continual presence around the ‘ladder wagons.’ It was retold here by Dr. Alfred L. Shoemaker of Kutztown and Lancaster Folk Festivals fame – among his many other accomplishments in preserving Dutch culture and folkways. If anyone is aware of this story being told to children in our area years ago, I would appreciate hearing from you.]

Continued from page 35

cattle at the barn and on the fields. With the hay and the wheat being driven in he was also along to see that all went well. In fall he always flew away – one does not know where – and in spring returned. That happened every year, until his wife, herself, passed away. Then one day – it was in fall – he went away, and the next spring did not return.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Justin Nierer - 43 on April 7 Eugene Vargson, Jr. - 26 on April 10 Tom McKeever - 70 on April 15 Jade Rice - 19 on April 17 Sherry Vargson - 49 on April 18 Joe Nierer - 77 on April 18

BIRTHDAY COUPON Mail to the Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette, P.O. Box A, Walnutport, PA 18088 Please Print Legibly! • Current Month Only!

Name________________________ Hometown ___________________ Age on Birthday____________ Date of Birth____________________ One person per issue will be randomly chosen to win a FREE Birthday Cake from Scoopendorf’s Ice Cream Company, Walnutport.

Must pick up coupon at the Blue Mtn. Town & Country Gazette office to receive free cake.

484-623-4888 324 Riverview Dr. Walnutport, PA 18088-9693 www.greatmetalrecycling.com

Ready to Roll When You Can’t 24 Hour Towing Services Accidents, Breakdowns, Flat Tires, Battery Boost, Out of Fuel Request Us 36

6861 PA Route 873, Slatington PA 18080 484-263-2376 • www.a1towinglehighvalley.com News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

CHURCH NEWS

St. Peter’s UMC Events Submitted by Sharleen Crossett

We missed you! All youth in 7th through 12th grades are invited to attend an evening of fellowship, activities, and Biblical lessons.

Meetings are held on Monday evening from 6-7PM. They are currently studying “Rooted in Christ”.

For more information, please contact Kristin at 484-550-2578. The group will meet at the Helping Hands Community Center of Slatedale located at 4019 Main St, Slatedale.

We are once again handing out food boxes to those in need. Please check out the church and Pastor Bills Facebook pages for dates. Pickups are at the Northern Lehigh Food bank usually on a Tuesday from 10am till gone. On Sundays, a time of Bible study/Sunday school will be at 9am, followed by the service at 10am. All persons entering the Sanctuary will do so by the ramp entrance, upon entering you will be asked to use hand sanitizer (provided) and wear a mask.

Communion is celebrated the 1st Sunday of the month with the use of pre-packaged elements. At 11am the Monday morning Bible Study resumes.

In addition, a new time of Bible Study is now taking place on Monday evening at 6:30pm. The topic for both studies is “Character Matters”, please contact Pastor Bill is ensure materials will be available.

As many of you are unable or not comfortable meeting together please remember you can still view the service online. “Youth talks” with Kristin is currently being replaced with the in person meeting of the youth group. On Friday afternoon @ 4PM join Pastor Michelle with “Moments with Kids, and “Trail Talks” with Pastor Bill, Monday

thru Thursday. These can all be viewed on https:// www.com/stpeterschurch18080.

Our monthly clothing ministry “The Redeemers Closet” is once again open on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am -Noon, at the Helping Hands Community Center of Slatedale located at 4019 Main St. Slatedale. This month’s date is April 17th.

We are limiting the number of persons in the building at one time and masks are also required.

Please note that both clothing collection boxes are now open for donations of gently used clothing.

Please do not leave clothing outside of collection boxes. If clothing gets wet, we must throw it away.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

In all areas of the church’s ministries we continue to praise God for his blessings both large and small.

If you have a need please contact Pastor Bill at 610-737-1450 to see if help is available.

Whether you’re looking for a place to worship or would just like to participate in our church activities, you can always contact Pastor Bill at 610-737-1450, or check us out at https://www. com/stpeterschurch18080.

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email: schnecksvillenotary@gmail.com Open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm Other times by Appointment APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

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37

OFF THE SHELF

Slatington Library News submitted by Louise Bechtel

Slatington Library is still open to the public. The option of curbside delivery is still available. There will be limited use of the computers. Library hours are still shortened, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-5, Tuesday 9-3 and Sat. 8-Noon. FACE MASKS MUST BE WORN. The library is holding the Donald Owens Reading Incentive Program beginning February 18th.

Donald Owens was a lifelong reader and friend of the library and in his memory four $25.00 prizes will be raffled off in May. A raffle ticket is earned by reading 10 books. The contest is open to all ages, so start reading and write down the titles.

Board Certified Family Physicians Offering Personalized Care For Your Entire Family Certified Medical Examiner for CDL-DOT Physicals

38

Thank you to everyone who joined the Woman’s Club of Slatington’s Art Contest. The winners will be announced on Monday, April 19th at 7:00 pm, virtually. All the artwork and winners will be videotaped. Links will be placed on the Woman’s Club facebook page and the Library’s webpage.

We ask that the entries be left on display at the library until the end of April. The library is open for anyone to view the artwork in person.

The Slatington Library Book Club is now reading “The allgirl filling station’s last reunion” by Fannie Flagg. The book club will meet on Monday, May 3rd, 2021, at 1:00 pm. via Zoom. Copies of this title are available at the library. Contact the library if you wish to join in.

Remember to check out the links on the library’s web page. You can connect for free to: Power library, Rosetta Stone, Brainfuse, NoveList and ComicsPlus, e-books and audiobooks, Heritage Quest, Ancestry (in library use only),Lawdepot and Newspapers (Morning Call). All you need is a library card.

Data base of the month: Overdrive Our online resource for an incredible selection of eBooks, Audiobooks, and eMagazines for use on your kindle, Nook, tablets, computers or phones. OverDrive is a free service offered by your library or school that lets you borrow digital content (like ebooks and audiobooks) anytime, anywhere.

You can sign-up for a library card in our online catalog and select e-books and audio books from the Carbon Lehigh Downloadable Library. Both links are on our web page.

Accepting New Customers

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS NOTICE TO CLASSIFIED ADVERTISERS: ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PAID FOR BEFORE PUBLICATION. This means you must send your payment with your ad when placed by mail, pay for your ad when placed in person at the office, or mail your payment to reach our office before we go to print if your ad was faxed or called in. If payment is not received BEFORE press time, your ad will NOT be included in that edition of the Gazette.

HOW TO USE OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION: Mail your ads, with a check for $10 per ad (up to 25 words), to T&C Gazette, 255E S. Best Ave., Walnutport, PA 18088, or call in your ad to 610-767-9600 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR fax anytime to 610-767-9612. PRICING: $10 for first 25 words; $15 for 26-45 words; $20 for 46-65 words; $25 for 66-85 words; $30 for 86-105 words; $35 for 106-125 words.

NOTICE: There will be no refunds after a classified advertisement is placed and paid. If an ad runs erroneously at the fault of the paper, we will offer a complimentary ad in the next edition of the publication.

Events

Personals

Services Available

DESIGNER PURSE BINGO: Benefits the 113th Northern Lehigh Halloween Parade. Sunday, May 23 at the Slatington Skeet Club Pavilion. Seating begins at noon, bingo starts at 1 p.m. $25 admission includes 20 regular games, 5 specials and door prize. Additional boards and dabbers available at the door. BYOB. Food available by PFG Pizza. Call 484-225-2714 or 484619-0140 for tickets.

64 Year Old Gentleman Looking for female companionship, between the ages of 50 - 60. Slatedale area.

Call Jerry 610-704-5965 (5/20)

Tim's Sharpening Service: Let me take care of your sharpening needs. Circular saws, carbide circular saw blades, planer blades, scissors, electric hedge fence trimmers, lawn mower blades, axes, chisels, chain saws, etc. Call 610-767-5171 or 610-751-6182

St. John’s U.C.C. Slatington, Gift Card/Certificate Raffle. Saturday May 1st, Veterans Memorial Park, Slatington. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m., masks required, prizes mailed. Rain Date May 2nd (4/15)

Help Wanted Wanted PT Secretary, math skills needed, Walnutport area. Call 610-390-4759 (4/15) Mrs. Bush Cares Join Our Team!

Now Hiring All Shifts PCA/Med-Techs Kunkletown Call 610-381-1003 (4/15)

Real Estate for Rent Apartment Slatington: New 2 bedroom, spacious, eat-in kitchen, living room, bathroom with linen closet, one-piece tub shower. NO PETS and no smoking, W/S/G included. $625 + utilities, security required. Call 610-390-8691.

Slatington Hotel: Clean, safe, quiet, nicely furnished rooms, $125-$190/week. Private and shared bathrooms. Color TV and cable incl. Up-charge for A/C and on-premise parking. Internet avail.

Furnished effic. apts also available.

732-309-9671. (12/16) NEWLY REMODELED OFFICE: Newly remodeled commercial office 140 sqft. Private bathroom and two closets. $475 a month. Located in Bath. 610-261-1015. (4/15)

Don Hartwig Sharpening Service: Saw Chain, Mower Blades, Scissors, Knives, Clipper Blades, Carbide Tip Saws, and much more.

4728 Mountain Rd. Slatington.

610-248-7988. (12/17)

For Sale Farm Trailer: 4’ wide x 11’ long, 3 sides, no title/no lights, 16” tires $125 610-377-5830 (4/15)

Next Gazette May 6 Deadline April 28

B L U E M O U N TA I N

GAZETTE

Call 610-767-9600 to get in our next issue!

APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

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Spring Puzzle

40

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

Freda Horn celebrated her 90th

birthday on April 6, Marc Grammes named Freda, mayor of Slatedale at the 100th anniversary of the fire company and 150th anniversary of the village of Slatedale. Hope you had a Happy Birthday Freda!

Video and phone sessions available Master Hypnotherapist/ Reiki Master

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APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

41

Virtual Concert to support The Pennsylvania American Legion and our programs that support our communities submitted by Shannon Kyle

The strength of our country hasn’t just been won on the battlefield, it’s won every day in our communities when we come together in our toughest time. For over 100 years, The American Legion has been strengthening communities by providing lifesaving help to our Veterans and neighbors. It’s what The American Legion is all about.

The American Legion is a nonprofit veteran service organization that supports Veterans, current service men and women, their families and the communities we live in. The American Legion is an organization that helps all Veterans and their families, not just members of The American Legion.

A review of reports covering July 2019 through June 2020 find, that even during a pandemic, Pennsylvania American Legion 700+ posts are still working within our communities and for our fellow Veterans -- to the tune of over two and a half million dollars ($2,572,707) for the year.

Our programs include scholarships for Pennsylvania youth, American Legion Baseball, Boy Scouts, essay and oratorical contests, local blood drives, food drives, Temporary Financial Assistance to families, providing funeral honors, parades, VA patient support, Veteran Service Officers, job training and housing for homeless Veterans to name a few.

This past year has been a hardship for so many but The American Legion has still been there, in your community, working to make a better tomorrow. Yet because of the pandemic it has been difficult to fundraise the same way we have other years to support our Americanism, Community Service, Children & Youth, and Veteran Programs.

With the help from our friends at Advocate Health Advisors and Friend Entertainment we are having a live virtual concert to support The American Legion and our programs that boost our communities.

On Saturday, May 1, 2021 two great bands Brothers & Friends (Marshall Tucker Tribute Band) and Sharp Dressed Band (ZZ Top Tribute Band) will be playing a virtual concert in support of The American Legion!

Anyone can purchase a ticket and enjoy the concert in the comfort of their own home. The tickets are only $10 to purchase for a night of Rock and Roll fun. The website to buy a ticket and support the Pennsylvania American Legion is https://virtualtributeconcerts.com/supportthel egionconcert?markcode=alpa. People can select “Buy Ticket & Support the Mission” button for $15 to buy a ticket to the concert and donate an extra $5 to The Pennsylvania American Legion.

YouTube link promoting the concert - https:// youtu.be/gRFrPe90q0k Please visit our website for more information about the concert www.palegion.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lori Ann Marsh - 57 on April 19 Drew Rice - 29 on April 20 Timothy Fronheiser - 59 on April 23 Jonathan Curcio - 15 on April 24 Jennifer Smith - 39 on April 24 Jeffrey Stolz - 65 on April 25 Dawn LaRosa - 52 on April 29

Our Quality is EtchEd in stOnE

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News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

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CONSTRUCTION

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Ken’s Lawn service, inc.

610-799-3182 Fully Licensed and Insured Painting • Carpentry Home and Barn Clean Out Lawn Care • Trash Removal Home Improvements

Myster Tree and Shrub Service The area’s only ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Specializing in restoring & maintaining the health, beauty & value of landscape trees

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Structural, directional & maintenance pruning Root problem diagnosis & mitigation Pest & disease diagnosis & treatment Hazard tree evaluations & mitigation Consultations-new construction & existing landscape trees • Tree and stump removal

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APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

MOWING • TRIMMING • AERATING DETHATCHING • SPRING/FALL CLEAN-UP SMALL LOADER/BACKHOE SERVICE GRAVEL DRIVEWAY REPAIR/GRADING SHRUB TRIMMING • SNOW REMOVAL

Fully Insured

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E-mail: swansoneric4@gmail.com

43

LCCC Offers Young Driver Classes Using TransSim VS5 Driving Simulator

of registration for all class communications and document distribution. To inquire about private group training or for any questions, email amilios@ lccc.edu or call 610-799-1780. To register, call 610799-1197 or email ncregistrar@mymail.lccc.edu.

Lehigh Carbon Community College will offer noncredit classes in its Young Driver Program for the public. All sessions take place at the college’s main campus in Schnecksville. Tuition is $215. The Young Driver Program is a comprehensive training experience for students in the process of getting their driver’s license or for the recently licensed driver who is interested in additional education and training. The class includes time in LCCC’s driving simulator, TransSim VS5, to develop the reaction and critical thinking skills that new drivers need, and concentrates on the four key driving skills that safety experts believe are significant in preventing crashes, injuries and fatalities: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. Evening sessions are held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays on the following dates.

• April 20-22; May 18-20; and June 15-17 Students require a valid email address at the time

LAUGH OUT LOUD

submitted by Denise M. Reifinger

Enter to Win!

Announcing Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette’s “Spring Garden Photo Contest”

Do you have a prize-worthy picture of your spring garden from either this year or last? If you do, send it to us electronically by Monday, April 26 and you might win a great prize from Town & Country Gazette.

Winning pictures – as many as three – will appear in our Mother’s Day issue coming out May 6.

BLUE MOUNTAIN Please send your pictures to both kmarsh@townandcountrygazette.com (Kathy) and jhall@townandcountrygazette.com (John) – and be sure to include your name and phone number so we can contact you if your photo is a winner!

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GAZETTE

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

EXP. 4/30/21

APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

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ADVERTISER INDEX

Sharon Hartman - Color Street..........31 Nancy's Therapeutic 3 Daughters Construction...................43 Silfies Fuel............................................38 Massage........................................2 A-1 Towing Service..............................36 Slate Hill Farm Market..........................3 Neff’s Masonry......................................43 All Air Solutions...................................22 Snyder Supply........................................5 Neffs Bank............................................18 All J’s Landscaping & Lawn Care...........8 Spring Fest............................................15 Northern Lehigh Recreation...............23 Amey’s Clean Rite................................25 St. John’s UCC Slatington..............23, 34 NRS Lawn & Landscaping..................13 Amey’s Garage.....................................48 St. Paul’s UCC Indianland..............30, 35 NS Paving & Landscaping.....................8 Back to Arcade.......................................9 Sule’s Collision Center.........................42 Nulton Diagnostic Balloons by Robin................................27 Swanson’s Lawn Care.........................43 & Treatment Center...................30 Barry Hausman Sylvia Merkel........................................11 Perfect Balance....................................24 Custom Kitchens......................10 Ted’s Roofing.........................................11 Reading Escapades.............................21 Bechtel’s Pharmacy.............................41 W.Neff Auto Sales.................................27 Richard B. Ryon ...................................20 Birch Creek Seal Coating......................4 Walden & Randall Team......................10 Roosevelt Demo Club..........................30 Blue Mountain Chimney Sweep...........8 Walnutport Door Co................................5 Schnecksville Notary...........................37 Blue Mountain Classics Car Show.....21 Werner Eyes of the Valley...................24 Shari Noctor...........................................7 Blue Mountain Evergreen.....................2 Zephyr/Eagle Apartments...................33 Brenda Rhodes.....................................41 Burger King....................................16, 27 Carl Brunell-Top Dollar.......................31 Cedar Valley Post Frame.......................2 Citizen’s Fire Co........................17, 25, 47 Country Clippers...................................29 Crayola..................................................45 David L. Hess Concrete.........................9 David L. Hess for Lehigh Twp. Supervisor..........22 Designline Fence....................................5 Emmanuel UCC....................................33 Everett Chiropractic.............................41 Family Practice.....................................38 George G. Bensing Funeral Home, LLC.................18 Great Metal Recycling..........................36 Harding Funeral Home........................19 H&R Block.............................................14 Heidel Hollow.......................................24 Ivan Witmer - State Farm...................21 Jack Follweiler’s Garage.....................34 Jerusalem Evan. Lutheran Church....18 JMY Construction.................................43 Just Build It.............................................6 Ken’s Lawn Care..................................43 n° B25 - Level Medium 1sudoku.com n° B214 - Level Medium 1sudoku.com Kushy Boutique....................................19 Kyle’s Kars............................................14 Lehigh Valley Granite...........................42 Lehigh Valley Scoopers.......................29 Lehigh Valley Spinal............................37 Lehighton Downtown Initiative...........32 Lincoln Manor......................................20 LNC Tax Services, LLC..........................4 Mack’s Tree Service.............................43 Miller Supply.........................................12 Mint Home Improvement....................12 Mobile Home Parts Center..................43 Call the TCG office at 610-767-9600 Mountainside Construction.................47 Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Homes....35 to claim your prize!

Myster Tree...........................................43 Cake courtesy of Scoopendorf’s

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FREE Ice Cream Cake

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News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021

• Fully Insured • Free Estimates 610-767-3355 484-547-9625 • Additions • Garages • Basements • Custom Bars • Maintenance Free Decks • Patio Rooms • Financing Available • 30 Years Experience • Dump Trailer Rentals Available We Deliver, Pick Up, and Empty. Call for Pricing Check out our website: www.mountainsideconstructioninc.com

Garden Tractor Pulls Schedule Citizens Fire Co. #1 Slatedale April 25 • 12 to ?

July 18 • 12 to ?

May 23 • 12 to ?

August 22 • 12 to ?

June 27 • 12 to ?

Sept. 19 • 12 to ?

October 17 • 12 to ?

2021

3922 Main St., Slatedale

2021

Info Contact: Bob at 610-248-8207 APRIL 15, 2021 || townandcountrygazette.com

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AMEY’S GARAGE HAS OVER 100 VEHICLES IN STOCK! TRUCKS STARTING AT $8990 CARS AS LOW AS $2990

WWW.AMEYSAUTOS.COM 610-767-5202 48

News@TownAndCountryGazette.com || APRIL 15, 2021