Panorama Community Magazine - December 2022

Compete

It is important to be grateful and humble throughout each year for family and friends… this is especially true during the Christmas Holiday Season. Without my family and friends, I would be nothing of note and would not wish to be.

My family gives me the strength to continue all throughout the year and I want them to know just how much I care about each of them. I always feel as though I have won “The Lottery of Life” and I thank them for always making me smile. I truly appreciate all of you!

The friends that are close to me are truly a gift that keeps on giving! They give me the inspiration to look forward to each day!

Friends and family alike, my staff; thank you for your hard work and dedication to pulling together the magazine each month. From the sales and office staff to the design and layout team, all your contributions make our magazine a success!

I would be remiss if I didn’t say just how much gratitude and thankfulness

that we at Panorama feel towards our loyal advertisers and readers. Without your support and repeat business, we would not be able to publish our magazine. To you, I say with heartfelt appreciation… Thanks!

Jacque Lynne and I wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season! From warm wishes to festive touches, may everything around you fill your heart with much love and joy now and throughout the New Year! Please support your small businesses and shop, eat, spend, and enjoy local this Holiday Season! More than ever, small businesses need your help! By shopping locally and supporting your communities, you are making a difference.

Stay tuned for some wonderful “NEW” things in store for Panorama in 2023

—Larry Collum, CEO/Publisher

Jacque Lynne

Don't Forget To Shop Small For Gifts This Holiday Season

Our communities are full of local businesses, many of whom regularly advertise with us here in Panorama Community Magazine. These businesses offer many different services to meet our needs, from coffee shops to plant shops, gift shops to restaurants. These businesses help create our local community and give it the character we all know and love. Without these shops, we would be missing out on what truly makes Northeastern PA a great place to shop and live!

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday shopping season in full swing, we'd like to remind all of our readers of the importance of shopping small at local businesses.

Why does shoppoing local matter?

Our community is significantly impacted by small businesses — Small businesses not only create jobs, but also proven higher paying careers and

opportunities. Payroll from prosperous small businesses are returned to the local neighborhood, helping to fund the development of new small enterprises.

You can’t beat personalized customer service — When you shop locally, you don't have to worry about calling the 800 number for customer support. One of the main benefits shopping local is the ability to receive individualized, hands-on, and memorable customer service whether it be assistance in picking out the perfect gift or one-on-one support after puchasing.

Small businesses give to local nonprofits — You support your community beyond the economy when you shop at a local business. Most local businesses are supporters of local non-profits and charities. If you divert that money to a big-box store somewhere else, your neighborhood won't gain anything at all.

Small Businesses create the community you live in — Shopping locally provides an opportunity for neighbors to interact. Someone you frequently encounter at a local restaurant or shop is simpler to get to know than someone you simply pass by and wave at occasionally. Knowing your neighbors enables you to trade favors or suggest local businesses for services.

Simply put, shopping local just feels good — Shopping locally is a personal investment in your local community, and its something to be proud of. There is a personal satisfaction associated with knowing that you are helping a small business owner and investing in your community.

So before you head to the Amazon app or big box stores to cross items off your holiday list, see what local small businesses have to offer and support your community.

Of The Holidays

(BPT) - The holiday season is approaching, folks - and we all know what that means. It's time to tally up your closest family members and friends, take a good look at your bank account, and put your creative caps on. The exciting (and often stressful) gift-giving season is officially upon us.

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be intimidating; what do you get the person who has everything? The person who wants nothing? The outdoor adventurer, the couch potato, the chef or the dreamer?

The answer for everyone is simple: A good book.

From those wacky and wild siblings to tricky-to-buy-for in-laws - and everyone in between! - a good book can make for a timeless, personalized gift that won't break the bank.

This year, take a scan through the expansive list of offerings from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books. Here are just a few books you can choose from as you gear up for the gift hunt.

1. The Golden Girls Cookbook: Cheesecakes and Cocktails! — For those who enjoy the classic sitcom and want to immerse themselves in the tasty treats of the fab four, The Golden Girls Cookbook is the perfect gift. The book's innovative recipes are by renowned chef Christopher Styler, accompanied by beautiful fullcolor photos by New York Times food photographer Andrew Scrivani. And

just for laughs, the cookbook features quotes, jokes, and photographs from the show that Golden Girls fans will enjoy.

Using these easy-to-follow recipes and tips, your family members can make star-worthy cheesecakes and tasty drinks for any occasion. Whether they make Blanche's Big Daddy Mint Julep or Sophia's Double Fudge Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake, they're sure to thank you for - and possibly invite you to enjoy! - the delicious food and drink recipes found within this fun-filled gift.

2. 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime — For Disney fans and

travelers alike, gift 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World. This illustrated hardcover treasury allows gift recipients to discover 100 beloved and little-known Disney adventures.

There's something for recipients of all ages. Wake up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside your window. Watch the Disneyland fireworks from the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, far away from the crowds. Taste your way through six continents at EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Go on a family journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with

All items with * can be found in our store!

This is

• 1 package Oreo cookies (They come in so many flavors! We like the peanut butter)

• 8

Line an 8x8” baking pan* with parchment*. Butter the parchment.

Melt butter, chocolate, and marshmallows together and microwave at 30-sedcond intervals. Stir until smooth.

Let cool for 2 minutes. Then add Jujus. Spread into pan and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Cut into big bite-size pieces. Each can be wrapped in our “twist” wax paper wrappers*.

Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

• 1 lb. Merckens chocolate*

DIRECTIONS:

Crush Oreo cookies in mixer.

Add cream cheese and mix well.

Shape into balls and dip in melted chocolate.

Top with sprinkles* or sugar charms*.

Show us your sweets! Email photos of your holiday confection creations to be featured on our Facebook & Instagram! editorial@panoramapa.com

Valley Christmas Tree at SJM

Steve Martonick, owner of SJM Auto Sales and Repair, was raised in West Hazleton. Growing up, Steve and his friends would go over to McKenna’s Corner (Broad Street and Winter’s Avenue) and enjoy the large Christmas tree displayed there every year. Later in his life, he moved to the Valley with his family and started his business. He believed it would be a good idea to give back to the community by putting up a large tree like the ones of his childhood at SJM for everyone to enjoy.

Six years ago, he drove around the area looking for a tree that would be appropriate for his plan. From there, he asked the owners for permission to use the tree and recruited area businesses to help move it. They craned, cut, and transported the tree to the SJM parking lot, where the hole was excavated and the tree was carefully secured. It was then decorated with over 5000 lights and other decorations. It has been an annual event ever since. This year’s tree was donated by the Disabella Family of Sugarloaf. In addition to the tree celebration, Martonick made SJM a Toys for Tots drop off. Each year, he plans an event including live reindeer, Santa Claus, and refreshments to raise awareness for this charity. This year’s event is Saturday, December 10th from 12pm to 3pm.

National Geographic. Whether you're looking for a gift for kids, teens or Disney adults, this book can help your loved ones plan their next trip to Disney and make memories that will last a lifetime.

3. National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas — National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide to the Night Sky is a thoughtful and educational gift for budding and avid astronomers. The illustrated atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, nebulae and galaxies.

Using the practical advice in this book, readers can build key observational skills such as "star hopping" from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects. Gift recipients can also learn about ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations they can add to their travel lists.

4.

National Geographic Photo

Ark Wonders — For the animal lovers in your family, gift National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders. This new volume celebrates diversity in the animal kingdom and features photographer Joel Sartore's signature animal portraits. Highlights include the fascinating shapes, patterns and expressions of animals, familiar and obscure.

The book invites readers to revel in these photographs, many cleverly paired into amusing and often surprising comparisons, like the catfish and the mouse with the same stripes down their backs, the tarantula and the poison dart frog both cobalt blue and the tiny lizard and the weighty ox both sporting pointed horns.

If your loved one already has National Geographic The Photo Ark, Birds of the Photo Ark, and National Geographic The Photo Ark Vanishing, this book expands the bestselling Photo Ark series and is sure to be a hit.

5. The Bob's Burgers Burger

Book — Fans of Bob's Burgers can experience the show at home with The Bob's Burgers Burger Book. Filled with 75 original and practical recipes straight from the show, this gift allows your loved one to make edible versions of the show's Burgers of the Day. All recipes come from the fan-created and heavily followed blog "The Bob's Burger Experiment."

Fully illustrated with all-new art in the series' signature style, The Bob's Burgers Burger Book showcases the entire Belcher family and beloved characters, including Teddy, Jimmy Pesto Jr., and Aunt Gayle. It's the perfect gift for the Bob's Burgers super fans in your life.

No matter which volume you choose (or all five!), an offering from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books can make for a beautiful coffee table conversation piece, a sentimental gift or an educational resource. Start your holiday shopping early and pick up these eye-catching and memorable gifts wherever books are sold.

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE

Immaculate Conception Parish

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th 4:00pm & 10:00pm

Christmas Day Sunday, December 25th 7:30am & 11:00am

New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31st 4:00pm

New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1st 11:00am

898 Centre Street, Freeland 570-636-3035

Good Shepherd Parish

Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24th 4:00pm & 9:00pm Christmas Day Sunday, December 25th 8:00am & 9:30am

New Year’s Eve Saturday, December 31st 6:00pm

New Year’s Day Sunday, January 1st 8:00am & 9:30am

87 S. Hunter Highway, Drums 570-788-3141

Toys For TotsDonate Today

The 2022 holiday season marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program!

For over seven decades, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 281 million less fortunate children. Now, in the 75th year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program also provides year-round support to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances. Toys for Tots fulfills the hopes and dreams of millions of families and children in need across our great Nation.

There are many great businesses such as SJM auto in Sybertsville, that have placed boxes in their business to collect for Toys for Tots. If you like to give and are unable to get to a box toysfortots.org has many options for donations

Twelve Twenty-Four to Perform at The Alice C. Wiltsie Performing Arts Center

Twelve Twenty-Four, the nation's original and longest running re-creation of the TransSiberian Orchestra, will be bringing their high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert to the Alice C. Wiltsie Performing Arts Center, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 8:00pm.

Established in 2002, Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert featuring everyone’s favorite rock-edge holiday music along with their own holiday creations. Gracing their concert stage this season is an amazing group of thirteen professional and talented performers. Twelve Twenty-Four includes a six-piece rock band, multi-piece string section, and a variety of vocalists. This dedicated group of performers work yearround to deliver a theatrical, rock edged, and memorable Christmas concert experience suitable for fans of all ages.

Tickets are $25.00 and are on sale now at Eventbrite.com, Boscov's at the Laurel Mall, or at the door the evening of the show.

The Wiltsie Center is located at 700 N Wyoming St., at the Historic Castle. Parking is free in the 9th and Carson Street parking lot and in the center's parking lots. The box office opens at 7:00pm, doors will open at 7:30pm, and the show begins at 8:00pm. Media sponsors are the Hazleton Standard Speaker, Panorama Community Magazine, and WYLN. For more information, call (570)455-5863, visit us on Facebook, or on our website at www.wiltsiecenter.org

The Greater Hazleton Concert Series Presents…“The Cellar Dwellarzz Jazz Band”

The Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. is pleased to announce that “The Cellar Dwellarzz” will headline the fourth concert of its 2022-2023 Season. The program is scheduled for Friday, December 9, 2022 at 7:00pm, at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd Street, Hazleton, PA 18202, where abundant free, lighted parking is available.

The Cellar Dwellarzz Jazz Ensemble, founded in 2016, is a community jazz group, dedicated to the education, practice and performance of jazz music, under the direction of Mr. Neil Forte III. The group is comprised of students from throughout the Hazleton Area. They are committed to serving their community by fostering the art of jazz and spreading the love of music. The group enjoys performing at a professional level throughout the area. Students volunteer their time for all weekly rehearsals and various community venues. They have performed at many functions thus far, including the White House Holiday Open House, HASD Senior Citizen’s Breakfast Program, Unico Club, Polonaise Society, Can-Do, Wiltsie Center, Hazleton Concert Series, Lion’s Club, Helping Hands Telethon, Conyngham Historical Society, and Eckley Miner’s Village. They are booking a schedule of community performances through the coming months. The group can be followed and contacted through our website and the Official Cellar Dwellarzz Facebook page, where one can read more about the group, stay informed on future performances, and see pictures and videos posted by their parents.

The ensemble will perform a selection of Christmas Music, including favorites such as, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Mary Did You Know?”, “Greensleeves”, “A Child is Born” and many more.

Please join us to start your Christmas Season with this uplifting, family-friendly program presented by the students of the Greater Hazleton Area.

The 2022-23 Greater Hazleton Concert Series offers entertaining, professional performances to subscribers. Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. For concert information or tickets call, Cynthia at 570-436-6615, Tom at 570788-3967 or Shirley at 570-384-1226. For more information of all GHCS concerts, visit www.hazletonconcertseries.org or visit our Facebook page.

Merry Christmas

Pediatrician-Approved Tips to Conquer Holiday Travel with Little Ones

(Family Features) The holiday season is a time for joy and togetherness, but it can often bring stress for parents of young children with the amount of “newness” in each experience, particularly when it comes to seasonal travel.

To help make holiday travel with little ones more manageable – whether traveling by bus, train, car or plane – Dr. Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, pediatric medical consultant for Gerber, offers this guidance for families.

Travel Light

Especially if traveling by plane, pack as light as possible (or check most of your luggage) so you have less to maneuver through security gates and on the plane. However, for longer trips, packing small, developmentally appropriate toys and snacks can provide perfect entertainment for little ones.

Prepare for Ear Pressure

Babies often scream during takeoff

and landing on flights because they can’t easily equalize the pressure in their eustachian tubes, the connection between their ears and the back of the throat. When you’re ascending and descending, give your baby something safe to suck on, like a pacifier, to reduce the buildup of pressure in the ears. Taking small sips of water, breastmilk or formula and yawning are also ways to help babies and toddlers experiencing ear pressure during flights.

Plan for Time Adjustments

For long trips that include time zone changes, expect children to take several days to grow accustomed to their new schedules. Plan an extra day or two for that time adjustment, if possible, when mapping out your trip and make time for stops to stretch, snack and take bathroom breaks.

Pack Convenient Snacks

Having easy-to-access snacks that don’t make a large mess can make travel easier and less stressful. For example,

Gerber Plant-Tastic Banana Berry & Veggie Smash with Oats Organic Pouch and Plant-Tastic Lil’ Crunchies White Bean Hummus are nutritious snacks for toddlers that come in resealable containers that are easy to pack for onthe-go families.

Bring Sanitizing Products

Having your own sanitizing wipes onhand makes it easier to freshen up oftentouched surfaces in public spaces like seatback trays, chairs and tables. While safe on most hard surfaces, check the label before using the wipes then allow the area to dry completely before letting your child touch it. Warm, soapy water can also be used to clean toys and other personal products.

Maintain a Consistent Schedule

Keeping your child on his or her normal schedule during the holidays isn’t always feasible and a few imperfections are to be expected during the busy season. However, if your baby’s feeding or sleep schedule does get thrown off by holiday events, try to return to a consistent routine as soon as possible. Be patient with yourself and your little one as you both adjust.

Be Mindful of Anxiety

While attending holiday gatherings, your child may become overwhelmed when meeting new people, including family members. Babies start to develop separation anxiety and apprehension to strangers at about 6 months old as their brains start to understand the concept of object permanence (that something still exists when it is not present). Educating loved ones about this developmental stage can help you feel less anxious about big family gatherings with your little one. If your child is particularly sensitive, try introducing new people in smaller cohorts, as opposed to introducing him or her to the whole group at once.

Take Time for Yourself

While traveling with little ones can be a “bumpy road,” it’s important for parents to also try and enjoy the holidays as much as possible. Making some time for yourself – taking deep breaths, listening to a meditation on an option like the Calm app or playing a favorite song, for example – can help you recharge and relax ahead of a big event.

To find more expert tips and resources to help conquer the holiday season, visit Gerber.com.

Last Minute

2022GIFHOLIDAY T GUIDE

ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

CASHEW SALE!!!!

Fresh Cashews $13.00 per pound or $7.00 per 1/2 pound (salted/unsalted)

Last Day To Order is December 5th

PICK UP DATES

December 15th & 16th at church office between 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Join Us For Our Basket Social — Dec. 10th 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Join Us For Our Social — 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Homemade Cookie Trays Kitchen Will Be Open Homemade Cookie Trays Kitchen Will Be Open

Church Services every Sunday at 10:30 AM

Church School starts at 10:00 AM Christmas Eve Mass 8:00 PM Christmas Day mass 10:30 AM

ALL ARE WELCOME

46 South Laurel St • 570-454-6543 • stpetershazleton.org

Olde Time Christmas Celebrations bring a Victorian veneer and thousands of people to one of the region's most coveted Winter Wonderlands! Visit the decorated Josiah White Park and the historic downtown area, bustling with holiday entertainment, and shop in more than 50 boutique stores for that perfect gift.

The Tree Lighting Ceremony kicks off the season on December 2nd. Beginning at 5 pm, there will be hot cocoa, caroling, live performances by the Jim Thorpe High School marching band, and singer Dina Tulli-Davis. The evening concludes with Santa's arrival by firetruck, official tree lighting, and plenty of photo opportunities.

During the 41st annual Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas (Dec 3-4, 10-11, 17-18), visitors will be entertained throughout town. They'll find Victorian carolers, a brass

ensemble, musical jugglers, and household favorite characters at every turn. Each weekend, the Scenic Railway becomes the "Santa Train," and horse and carriage rides will be available.

There's fun to be had every day during the holiday season. Participating businesses will deck the halls in holiday splendor for a Christmas Decorating Contest. Visitors can vote for their favorite display for a chance to win prizes.

Come enjoy all the charm and history of Jim Thorpe wrapped up in a Victorian atmosphere. Find an activity or attraction for everyone in your group and a gift for everyone on your list.

For all the special event details, visit www.bestofjimthorpe.com/christmasevents/

Here is information about some of the

Don't Miss Jim Thorpe's Old Time Christmas — Weekends in December!

events that will take place throughout the month!

Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 5:00 PM - The Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency's tradition continues in downtown historic Jim Thorpe. Thank you to our Gold Sponsors Mount Airy Casino, and the Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. There will be Hot Chocolate and Merch Sales, Live Music by Vocalist Dina Tulli Davis, TNT Dancers, Jim Thorpe Marching Band and Santa will be there!

Lights at the Lake - A drive through display of holiday lights - Saturdays & Sundays throughout December - Join Raising the House this season for a drive through light show featuring brilliant holiday displays throughout picturesque Mauch Chunk Lake Park! Stay warm and cozy inside your car while the whole family enjoys

a dazzling collection of holiday lights. This is sure to become a holiday tradition for the whole family! Cost is $25 per car. Purchase tickets online at lightsatthelake.com

Santa Train Rides - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays throughout December - Bring your entire family to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway to visit Santa and his elves on these special trips! During your ride, Old Saint Nick talks to the children, families, and all onboard. He and his elves provide small treats while you all enjoy the beautiful Winter Wonderland! This train trip is perfect for photo opportunities filled with lasting memories your family will cherish for years to come! Purchase tickets at www.lgsry.com/ santatrains

Horse & Carriage Rides through Historic Jim Thrope - December 10, 11, 17 & 18 - Royalty doesn’t wait in line, and neither should you. Roll, and relax like royalty through the quaint streets of Jim Thorpe in a Horse drawn carriage. The professionals at Crystal View Carriage will show you all of downtown's quintessential beauty, set to the regal sounds of hooves clicking on cobblestone. We’re not saying to pack your top hat and wedding dress for Olde Time Christmas, but you wouldn’t look out of place if you did. Arrive calm, cool and collected, and leave with SWOON worthy memories (and photos). Secure your spot at www.crystalviewcarriage.com

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY AT 2ND ANNUAL “BLACK FOREST KRAMPUSNACHT” FESTIVAL

Presented by The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development, Pocono Whitewater, and Presenting Sponsor St. Luke’s Carbon Campus.

This year the festival is on December 3rd, with a rain date of Dec. 4th 1pm – 4pm

The festival will be held on the grounds of Pocono Whitewater located at 1519 State Route 903 in Jim Thorpe. This venue offers ample parking and space to expand this unique event. On site parking is $15 per car. If you reside locally or are lodging in Jim Thorpe a shuttle will be available to the festival from Pocono Biking located in Hazard Square.

Festival will feature over 24 food and craft vendor, Free Kids Craft Tent, Krampus Art Gallery, Official Festival Branded Merch Sales including hand forged jingle bells by Oak St. Forge Fireside S'mores by The Jim Thorpe Girls Basketball Team and Toys for Tots drop off.

Live Music: 1pm – 3pm The Pennsylvania Villagers; 3pm – 5pm Magic 105.5fm Live Radio Broadcast; 5pm -6pm TBD

Krampuslaft Parade through festival grounds at 3pm

Kids Story Time at 2pm & 4pm

Beer & Wine Garden featuring Bright Path Brewing and Big Creek Vineyard from 1pm-5:30pm

This festival is not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Parents, please use your best judgement. If your children love Halloween, they will love Krampusnacht!

To stay up to date visit our website tinyurl. com/blackforestkrampus

Warm Up Winter with Watermelon Fun

(Family Features) The cold chill of winter may have you feeling trapped indoors with nothing to do and nowhere to go, but fun activities fit for the whole family can add excitement and chase away those wintertime blues. Paired with an appetizing snack, at-home crafting provides a relaxing way to keep your mind and body moving.

Warming up with family-friendly activities starts with a versatile (and delicious) option like watermelon, which can be your sweet superstar all year long. As a centerpiece for evenings at home or gatherings and get-togethers, its versatility creates zero food waste with endless creative uses in the kitchen, from rind-smile snowmen to handheld snacks.

When this year’s first snowfall offers a canvas for creativity and entertainment, gather your loved ones to make this Watermelon Snowman. Fresh-cut and personal-sized watermelons are the predominant options in wintertime, and they’re perfect for putting together this festive work of art. All you’ll need is a collection of kitchen knives, an ice cream

scoop, melon ballers, skewers, some decorative “clothing” and blueberries for a fruit salad served right out of the snowman.

While you’re hard at work, ease your appetite with a quick and easy snack like Watermelon Glazed Meatballs. Start with a homemade watermelon puree mixed with barbecue sauce then saute frozen meatballs and top with the sweet glaze for a perfect wintertime treat. Along with delicious taste, watermelon is also a nutritious hydration source, which is just as important in winter as during warmer months, and provides an excellent source of vitamin C with 25% of the daily recommended value in each 2-cup serving to support immunity.

These tasty morsels also make for a simple, shareable appetizer while hosting throughout the season. Just lay them out on a serving tray and pop toothpicks into each meatball so guests can grab and go while mingling.

To find more family-friendly crafts and sweet snack ideas, visit Watermelon.org.

WATERMELON SNOWMAN

• Kitchen knives

• 1 Round seedless watermelon

• 2 personal-sized watermelons, one larger than other

• ice cream scoop or large spoon

• melon baller

• mini melon baller or paring knife

• blueberries

• large wooden skewers

• y-shaped sticks

• scarf

• hat

DIRECTIONS:

Using knife, cut 1/4-inch slice off bottom of round seedless watermelon and both personal watermelons to provide stable bases. Use smallest melon for head, second largest for torso and largest for lower body. Set aside smallest watermelon.

Cut tops off large and medium watermelons to create bowls. Using ice cream scoop or large spoon, scoop out flesh.

Using melon baller, scoop eyes out of smallest watermelon. Invert melon balls and reinsert.

Using mini melon baller or paring knife, scoop out holes for nose and mouth. Carve one piece of watermelon into triangle for nose and fill mouth holes with blueberries.

On platter, using large wooden skewers, connect all three watermelons.

Insert y-shaped sticks in middle watermelon for arms.

Fill bottom sections with fruit salad of melon balls and blueberries. Decorate with scarf and hat.

WATERMELON GLAZED MEATBALLS SERVES 8

Watermelon Puree • 1 fresh watermelon • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 24-36 frozen prepared mini meatballs • 1 cup prepared barbecue sauce • 1 cup watermelon puree

To make watermelon puree: Remove seeds from watermelon and cut into large chunks. In blender, process until smooth. In large, heavy saute pan over mediumhigh heat or electric skillet set to 325 F, heat oil.

Saute mini meatballs until browned and hot. Reduce heat to low.

Mix barbecue sauce and watermelon puree. Pour over meatballs and simmer 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.

‘Tis the Season to Save on Holiday Essentials

(Statepoint) This holiday season, stretch your budget when shopping for gifts, including toys and stocking stuffers, as well as last-minute needs, meal prep and more!

Spend more time creating memories and less time preparing with a few tips from experts at Dollar General.

Joyful Gifts

One of the best parts of the holidays may be seeing the excited reaction of someone opening a gift, especially children. Save on some of America’s most popular name brand toys at Dollar General, which recently announced an enhanced 2022 toy selection from popular brands such as Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Fisher-Price, VTech, Play-Doh, Barbie, Pokémon, L.O.L. Surprise!, ZURU 5 Surprise and more. Most toys are priced at $10 or less. Another option for the person who has everything is a gift card. Available at neighborhood stores, gift cards provide the recipient with various ways to enjoy your thoughtfulness!

Dashing Decor

To transform the home, consider choosing one holiday color palette to stay consistent in each room. Color options may include gold and silver, various shades of green, red and green or blue and silver. Next, shop for decorations in your preferred palette and sprinkle throughout the home. Ornaments, bows, ribbons and stockings aren’t just for the tree and fireplace. Add accents to the kitchen table, front porch, living room surfaces and everywhere else for more holiday spirit throughout the home.

Festive Food

The holidays are often synonymous with family meals, get togethers with friends and coworkers and seasonal dishes. For all household essentials, such as canned foods, milk, bread, eggs, baking items and more, consider shopping at a discount retailer to save in one convenient shopping trip. Additionally, consider using healthier variations of the season’s comforting and tasty dishes with DG Better For You recipes found at dollargeneral.com. Created by a registered dietician and nutritionist, these recipes include options like risotto and hamburger soup and all use ingredients available at every Dollar General store.

The holidays are a busy time for everyone, but keep your sights on the essentials! Simplify shopping by creating a signature theme for your home décor, finding deals on gifts for everyone on your list, and serving something easy and delicious for the whole crew. Plan ahead this year and enjoy the extra time you’ll have celebrating the season with friends and family!

Art & Antiques

By Dr. Lori

China and Other Kitchen Collectibles

By Dr. Lori Verderame

Kitchens are one of the best places to spot valuable collectibles. From antique fine china to vintage appliances, kitchen collectibles can hold their value for generations and serve as wonderful accessories in the most popular place in the house during the holidays. The kitchen and its collectibles are on display in the room where everyone gathers especially at holiday time.

Kitchen collectibles range (pardon the pun) from aprons to zesters and all of these objects are making a strong market impact. Utensils, cookie jars, bowl, trays, cookbooks, coffee pots, and sterling silver flatware have always been available to estate sale and yard sale shoppers,

thrifters, and collectors. Now with much of the collectibles market online, everyone can find vintage holiday kitchen stuff.

Have you heard that entertaining is a dying art form? Not true…not by a long shot. In fact, young adults enjoy the art of entertaining and are actively collecting barware and vintage kitchen items for parties, gatherings, and social events. Everything from 1960s martini shakers to Sunbeam Mixmasters are in new 21st century kitchens assembled in groups by 20- and 30-something aged collectors.

Collectors with an interest in the history of cooking look for items like cookbooks, antique utensils, and Victorian food processors. Despite the varied collectibles from the kitchen, when it comes to value and high style design, some of the most coveted collectibles are also the most

common. When it’s all said and done, dishes win the day.

Collectors and shoppers look for fine china, holiday patterns, and established brands as they are desired by collectors. Fine china serving sets are not as fashionable as they once were but collectors in the know are still collecting china services from big names in fine china like Meissen, Spode, Haviland for Limoges, Lenox, Herend, Royal Copenhagen, Royal Doulton, etc.

My video call appraisals with clients reveal that folks are busy searching online, thrift stores and estate sales for fine china pieces. Seasoned collectors are telling their grandchildren about the value in fine china and the family history that goes along with it. As a result, many fine china sets are staying in families for the next generation and hopefully, generations thereafter, too. This is wonderful!

Collecting a few individual fine china pieces is very much in style now. Fine china items used as accent pieces in a kitchen and around the home are bringing new collectors into the fold. And, mixing and matching is totally acceptable unlike the tables set by our grandmothers, where a match or die attitude was the only way to entertain. The kitchen mix or match idea harkens back to the 1990s when variety in dishware was embraced. There are collectors who seek out specialty pieces of fine china like oyster plates, celery dishes, platters and trays or bone

dishes from the past. China is sought after with today’s collectors and they are paying good money to get the style and pattern they want and values vary based on manufacturer, color, pattern, condition, etc.

Today’s resellers are grabbing fine china off the estate sale, yard sale, and thrift store shelves and reselling it online for top dollar.

While collectors amass kitchen objects in bulk, the trend for resellers is to find the bargains and market the stuff on YouTube Thrift with Me channels, social media groups on InstaGram, and Facebook and by old fashioned word of mouth. These are just a few of the trends that I see in the market and are discussed with my fans, clients, and followers on my You Tube show and social media pages. It goes to show you that cooking collectibles are still very hot.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presentsantiqueappraisaleventsnationwide and appears on #1 treasure hunting show, The Curse of Oak Island on History channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.YouTube. com/DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.

Left: Enterprise Mfg. Co., Food processor, circa late 19th Century/ early 20th Century Right: Spode holiday china dish

6 Pains Of Holiday Shipping - Solved!

(StatePoint) Unlike Santa, most of us don’t have elves to take care of properly packing up holiday packages. With shipping deadlines coming up quickly, it’s time to start thinking about getting those presents in the mail. If you don’t know where to begin with sending gifts across town or around the world, read on for the most common holiday headaches and solutions to help you “get your ship(ping) together” early!

1. Packages arriving after the First Noel. No one wants to be the person whose gifts arrive after the holidays. That’s probably why over a third of respondents to a recent survey conducted by Shurtape Technologies said that the biggest aggravation when it comes to holiday shipping is packages arriving at their destination in a timely manner. Avoid this issue by taking note of shipping deadlines. This year’s USPS shipping deadline for standard ground shipping for arrival by Christmas Day is December 17.

2. Festive fragile items being damaged. Leg lamps aren’t the only “fra-gee-lay” items being delivered during the holidays! Duck brand Original Bubble Wrap Brand Cushioning is the key to items arriving in one piece. Air Lock Technology maintains consistent cushioning and long-lasting protection to keep objects intact. And of course, you’ll want to mark the box as fragile.

3. Costs so high, you think you’re on the naughty list. Between purchasing materials and paying postage fees, shipping costs can feel sky-high. Prepare to mail presents by factoring these expenses into your holiday budget. To start, create a list of how many gifts you’ll need to send, the anticipated size of each and what materials you already have on hand. However, when using what you already have, you’ll want to ensure that these items are the proper size for the gift being shipped so you don’t overpay for box size or weight.

4. Too much time away from the tree. Mailing gifts to their destination isn’t just pricey – it’s downright time consuming. Spend less time transporting and more time merrymaking by planning ahead to avoid last-minute rushes to the post office – the closer to the holidays you

mail, the longer those lines will be.

5. Materials you can't find under the mistletoe. ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the store, not a shipping supply was found, not even one box more. Last-minute shoppers should get ahead of the game and purchase necessary tools as soon as possible to ensure they can secure their preferred products. Stock up on your shipping supplies early.

6. Poor packing tape that would never make it out of the North Pole. Don’t let packing tape that rips and tears make you a Scrooge this holiday season! Duck brand EZ Start Packing Tape is made with Frustration-Free technology, so it always unrolls smoothly, easily and quietly. Its strong adhesion provides a long-lasting hold, and its unique design eliminates the annoyance of losing the tape end, so you can pack up your gifts and leave the stress behind.

For more holiday shipping tips and supplies, visit duckbrand.com/products/ mailing-shipping.

Don’t let shipping be a source of stress this holiday season. Use these tips to pack and mail your gifts like a North Pole pro.

Must-Have Tools for Entertaining With Ease This Holiday Season

(StatePoint) ‘Tis the season for gatherings galore. Whether you’re an all-star entertainer or a first-time host, having the right tools will set you up for success—meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Here are a few must-haves to add to your holiday shopping list:

Classy and Creative CocktailsCreate memorable cocktails or mocktails that everyone will be talking about with uniquely shaped craft ice. Tovolo offers a variety of craft ice molds to fit every occasion—from spheres and sports balls to novelty and holiday ornament shapes. The easy-to-use, durable, stackable molds are dishwasher safe for easy clean-up. Plus, the slow-melting shapes keep drinks cool for longer. So, drop them in for fun and festive drinks at your next gathering.

Pops in a Pinch - Popsicles aren’t just for summertime. In fact, they’re a great option for a holiday crowd since

you can prep them well in advance, and they make for a light dessert after a night of feasting. With Tovolo Stackable Pop Molds, simply puree some fruit – strawberries, kiwis, etc. – pour the mixture into the molds, stack them in the freezer, and voilà, you’ve got a delightful treat that basically made itself. Better yet, guests can add the fruity pops to a glass of champagne or cocktail of choice to add flavor and keep drinks cool. Continued on next page

Have-A-Ham Have-A-Ham

Table-Worthy Tools - When hosting a dinner party, dishes will inevitably pile up in the sink. One way to cut down on dirty dishes is to use a set of kitchen utensils that is both stylish and attractive, so you can go from the stovetop to the dining table without needing to dirty any additional tools. Another tip is to make the meal family style, which allows your guests to choose what they want and reduces the need to portion out individual servings, ultimately giving you more time to enjoy the party.

Spatulas That Make You Smile - From cookie batters to mashed potatoes, everyone needs a quality spatula to whip up their favorite holiday

dishes. And now you can add both fun and function to your feast with Spatulart Spatulas featuring double-sided holiday designs and puns. With a nylon core, these high-quality spatulas provide strength for the heaviest mixing jobs and silicone edges that remain flexible for easy scraping. Plus their FSCcertified wood handle makes them an environmentally-conscious way to add a touch of whimsy to the kitchen roster.

Functional and Fashionable Bowls - Despite the name, mixing bowls can be one of the most versatile kitchen tools, used for mixing, prep, storage, and if you choose a stylish design like stainless steel, even serving! Why dirty multiple dishes when you can opt for one-bowl recipes? When it comes to entertaining, it’s best to work smarter, not harder.

Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re preparing to be the host with the most. Be sure to equip yourself right for a season of easy and festive holiday prep, and don’t forget that when it comes to hosting, versatility is the name of the game.

Saturday, December 10th • 2nd Annual Countdown to Christmas Holiday Vendor Fair • 10am to 4pm Nuremberg-Weston Fire Hall, 459 Hazle St., Weston • Come out and do some last-minute Christmas shopping. There will be crafters, vendors, food for purchase and a tricky tray raffle. A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Fire Company. For vendor information email mjksweetdelights@yahoo.com or text/call Kathy at 570-579-3567.

Saturday, December 10 • 3rd Annual Eggnog Extravaganza • Milkhouse Creamery • 99 Pecora Rd., Drums • Join us for our 3rd Annual Eggnog Extravaganza Vendor/Craft show from 10am to 3pm. This is the perfect occasion to pick up some Holiday Gifts from our many local vendors and crafters. Butcher Bobs and Pierogie Joe will be on site with delicious food.

can have your pictures taken with Santa and don’t forget to get your favorite ice cream. This event is rain, snow, or shine!

Saturday, December 17 th * 9am to 1pm * Breakfast with the Grinch • Tom’s Kitchen, Route 93, Sugarloaf • Tom’s Kitchen is proud to present… Breakfast with the Grinch. Complimentary photos will be taken with the Grinch and a special menu will be served just for the event! RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED!! Please contact Nicole or Brenda at 570-788-3808 for pricing and to make your reservation!

Submit your January events by December 15th to be included in our community events section. Email your event details to us at editorial@panoramapa.com

For Bus Route Information Call 570-459-5414 Or Visit www.ridehpt.com Not Sure How To Ride The Bus, We’ll Teach You. Ask About Our Travel Training Or Bus Buddy Program.

If you are 65 or older you are eligible to ride Hazleton Public Transit’s xed route bus any time for FREE thanks to proceeds from the PA Lottery.

This FREE bus pass never expires and can be used on any public bus in PA.

1. Complete the shaded section of the application and cut out.

2. Make a photocopy of one proof of age identi cation. Acceptable proof of age: Birth Certi cate, Baptismal Certi cate, Driver’s License, Pace Card, PA ID Card, Armed Forces Discharge Papers Passport or Naturalization Papers, Veteran’s Universal Access ID Card, Statement of Age from Social Security Administration.

3. Mail the application and copy of proof of age to:

HPT, 126 W. Mine Street Hazleton, PA 18201 You will receive your FREE bus pass in the mail within one week.

1. Complete la sección sombreada de la solicitud y recorte.

2. Haga una fotocopia de su identi cación con su edad que sea aceptable. Elija entre las opciones de la solicitud.

3. Envie por correo su solicitud con la copia de su identi cación que compruebe su edad:

HPT, 126 W. Mine Street Hazleton, Pensilvania 18201

Recibira SU pase de autobus gratuito por correo dentro de una semana.

Name Of Applicant (Last,

APPLY NOW! APLICA YA!

Para Obtener Información Sobre La Ruta Del Autobús, Llame Al 570-459-5414 O Visite www.ridehpt.com. No Estoy Seguro De Cómo Viajar En El Autobús, Te Enseñaré. Pregunte Por Nuestra Capacitación En Viajes O El Programa De Compañeros De Autobús. Ciudadanos de la tercera edad Viajan gratis a partir de los 65 anos o mas. Su tarjeta de "Senior Citizen" nunca expirara y la puedeusaren todo Pennsylvania.

Baptismal Certi cate - (Church Name And Address) Certi cado De Bautismo (Nombre De Lglesia Y Direccion)

Birth Certi cate (#)

Pace Identi cation Card (#) Partida De Nacimiento (#)

Tarjeta De Identi cacion De Ritmo Photo Motor Vehicle Operator’s License (#) PA Identi cation Card (#) Licensia De Vehiculo De Conducire (# ) Tarjeta De Identi cacion PA (#)

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 4PM

Do Tax Planning Before It Is To Late!

By Alice HortonBarr, CEO, Honest Abe's Taxes, Inc.

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31 it is too late to change anything for your taxes for 2022! You still have some time to strategize your taxes for the 2022 year if you look this month!

Anybody who has a business should have their business records totaled through at least October 31, if not November 30, meet with their tax preparer, and see if the profit or loss can be helped by investing in equipment, prepaying bills, or other tax planning.

Tax payers who are employees of companies can have their year to date withholdings checked against their year to date to earnings to see if enough was withheld. If it was not then you have a heads up that you may owe and know to set aside dollars for April 18 tax payment due, or look at an IRA payment that may save you dollars.

Plan on who your tax preparer is going to be this season. Are you going to use on of the “Franchise shops” and pay a high price or are you going to find a service company that is open yearround that is there to look out for you? Have you shopped around for the best service and price the way you would for your medical health or car health? If not, now is the time to shop around. See if a new service center will give you a free estimate and/or a free review. See what they have to offer.

At Honest Abe’s our Motto is “Don’t Stress, Pay Less”. We don’t want a tax payer to pay anything legally more in taxes than they have to or pay higher in tax fees than we have to charge them. Our email is “Your Tax Partner”, that says we are with you!

Call us today to make your appointment! 570-668-8297.

Welcome To West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital — Now Accepting New Patients

by Dr. Kenneth Trippett, West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

The West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital was founded over 50 years ago. It has a long-standing tradition of quality care. Dr. Kenneth Trippett purchased the hospital in 1996. Since then, he has continued to renovate the hospital, update the older equipment and add new equipment so that he can provide highest quality care to his patients.

West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the West Hazleton, PA area for everything pet related.

If your goal is to keep your healthy animals healthy and make your sick animals better, then the West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital is the place to bring your pets. We offer yearly exams and vaccinations for dogs & cats along with laboratory testing. We also treat exotic animals with periodic comprehensive exams. We strive to provide complete care for our patients.

Our team is committed to educating our clients on how to keep your pets healthy year-round, with good nutrition and exercise.  West Hazleton Veterinary

Hospital stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.

A Healthy pet is a Happy pet — call us today to schedule your pet’s appointment!

submitted the photo and article for the upcoming month. Panorama demonstrated a vigilant, caring, and true commitment to meeting our needs".

At West Hazleton

From Everyone At West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

Thank You For Your Patience and Kindness Throughout This Past Year!

We

West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Kenneth Trippett

Want To Wish You a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

"Accolades to Panorama Magazine for their professionalism and dedication to customer service. I have worked with their Sales Manager, Patty Collum, in my capacity as a member of the publicity team for the Greater Hazleton Concert Series (GHCS). In view of my limited experience, I was guided through the requirements for producing a topnotch ad for each of the concert series programs. As deadlines were approaching, I was called or sent an email, if I had not

- Tom Chegwidden, Publicity Team, (GHCS)

The One, The Only, Dr. Jerry Graham

by Rev. Connell A. McHugh

Dr. Jerry Graham whose real name was Jerry Martin Matthews, was born December 28, 1928 and died June 24, 1997. He began wrestling at age 14 at a YMCA in Phoenix, Arizona. He was basically self-taught. He was the founder of the Kayfabe wrestling family. The family included Eddie Graham (Edward Gossett), “Crazy Luke” Graham (James Grady Johnson), Superstar Billy Graham (Wayne Coleman), Mike Graham (Mike Gossett), Dr. Jerry Graham Jr., Crazy Luke Graham Jr. and “Mad Dog” Steele Graham (Tom Hankins).

Dr. Jerry Graham falsified his age to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers. Following the war, Jerry Graham attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University. He became a licensed hypnotist. Graham was very intelligent but had a lifelong battle with alcoholism, depression and mental illness. Jerry Graham was one of the most charismatic wrestlers ever. However, he was a hell raiser in and out of the ring. He would start a riot at the drop of a hat.

McMahon Sr. Capitol Wrestling was run not only in Washington D.C. but also along the East Coast. It was a forerunner of the WWF and WWE, Vince McMahon Sr. built up a wrestling empire. Vince McMahon Jr., the well known wrestling promoter today, grew up idolizing Dr. Jerry Graham. As Vince McMahon Jr., my favorite wrestler in Junior High and High School was Dr. Jerry Graham. Vince McMahon Jr. loved to ride around Washington in Dr. Jerry Graham’s Cadillac convertible. Vince McMahon Sr. was well aware of Dr. Jerry Graham’s escapades and wanted to limit his son’s contact with him. Vince Jr. would sneak out of his home to be with Dr. Jerry Graham and would dress like him and dye his hair blond in imitation of Graham.

Dr. Jerry Graham’s peak years were 1956-1965. He was one of the major stars of Capitol Wrestling which aired on Thursday nights in our area from 9 to 11 PM. The popularity of the show led to large wrestling shows in Boston and New York for Vince McMahon’s Capitol Wrestling which was popular on the East Coast. Dr. Jerry Graham was a mega star for Capitol Wrestling and

sold out Madison Square Garden many times in the late 1950s and 1960s. Dr. Jerry Graham and Eddie Graham, a great technical wrestler, battled Antonio Rocca and Miguel Perez, Don Curtis and Mark Lewin and the Bastien brothers. On an individual level, Dr. Jerry Graham had a rivalry with “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers and the famous Bruno Sammartino.

On November 19, 1957 Dr. Jerry Graham and “Dick the Bruiser” Afflis wrestled Rocca and the Frenchman Edouard Carpentier at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. Graham and the Bruiser incited a riot which involved 500 people. 8 police officers were injured, many seats were broken and all the wrestlers were fined. The Bruiser was permanently banned from wrestling in New York. Children under 14 were forbidden to attend wrestling shows in Madison Square Garden, a ban that lasted for 20 years.

As mentioned, Dr. Jerry Graham was outrageous not only in the ring but outside it. He had frequent conflicts with law enforcement especially with his alcoholism. Graham actually bragged about being arrested. Often he would use the alias “Big Dick Hertz” when arrested. Graham would often enter bars and pick up a woman even if she was with another man. One of his wildest experiences was shooting the lights out of

a gigantic cross on top of a church. When asked why he did this, Graham replied that he needed target practice. Oddly enough, Jerry Graham, who was of the Baptist Faith, frequently attended the North Phoenix Baptist Church.

The most outrageous incident in Graham’s wild life occurred in 1969 when his Mother, Mary was admitted to the hospital in Phoenix. He called her doctor and threatened to harm him if his Mother should die. His Mother did indeed die, and Graham stormed the hospital brandishing a shotgun and hunting knife. He overpowered a few attendants and took his Mother’s corpse with him. This led to him spending time in the Arizona Mental Hospital.

Throughout his wrestling career, Jerry Graham was always a dutiful son always sending his Mother money. However, when his Mother died, Dr. Jerry Graham was destitute, but his Mother left a half a million dollars to the Baptist Church! In addition, oil was discovered on her property. Not receiving an inheritance led to Graham’s being turned off on Religion.

After the 1960s, Graham trained and managed wrestlers, occasionally wrestling himself. “Classy” Freddie Blassie who achieved success as a wrestler and manager had a big influence on wrestling promoters and had no use for Graham because of his alcoholism. Blassie himself did not drink but was known as a woman chaser.

Tragedy was also present in the lives of other members of the Kayfabe Graham family. Eddie Graham became a successful businessman and contributed time, money and talent to wrestling programs in High Schools and especially Colleges. Unfortunately Eddie Graham and his son both committed suicide, The Graham Kayfabe family like the Von Erich family (a real wrestling family) had multiple suicides.3 Von Erich brothers committed suicide which unfortunately is not uncommon in professional wrestling. Jerry Graham Jr. (Jeff Jaffe)also took his life.

Dr. Jerry Graham spent his final weeks in a hospice. He was ballistic toward minorities and would throw things at people who did not speak English. A sign on his door at the hospice warned nurses and caretakers to “Speak English Only”. Dr. Jerry Graham was inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017. Dr. Jerry Graham’s story is a tragic one but an amazing one. He is regarded as one of the most charismatic professional wrestlers of all time. Graham was one of the greatest drawing cards in his peak years.

The manager of the Graham brothers during their peak years was Bobby Davis. He was a flashy dresser and called the Elvis Presley of wrestling. He also managed other stars: Buddy Rogers, Jerry Graham’s one time rival, Johnny Valentine, the Magnificent Maurice etc. Davis often interfered in the

who died earlier this year, was known for his storytelling, humor and great kindness.

Dr. Jerry Graham had many catchy sayings, one which I distinctly remember, “Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!”

PROTECTIVE SERVICES

WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?

No one talks much about elder abuse. Like other forms of abuse, elder abuse happens in all communities, among all races and nationalities.

• ELDER ABUSE is when someone takes the money an elderly person needs to live.

• ELDER ABUSE is when someone pushes or hits an elderly person who is too frail to defend herself.

• ELDER ABUSE is when no one watches out for an elderly person who is no longer able to care for himself.

• ELDER ABUSE is violence, theft, neglect.

• ELDER ABUSE will happen until caring people do something to make it stop.

Stop abuse in your community. If you know someone who is being abused, neglected or exploited, call your local Area Agency on Aging today

Advertising in the Panorama Magazine was a no brainer for me to get the word out to the community for the benefit I was having. Several attendees saw the ad in the magazine.

My sales rep helped me from start to finish with the ad and article for the event. Patty made it so easy for me! The Panorama Magazine is #1 in my eyes. THANK YOU!

- Karen Swirble

Jenny

Electric Vehicles Batteries- How Far and How Long Can They Go?

by Thomas R. Buff

Many motorists are beginning to see the light when it comes to electric versus gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. High prices at the pump have forced some to rethink what was once a no brainer. Short battery life and expense kept most from even considering a fully electric vehicle. But the batteries in today’s electric cars have come a long way from the batteries of the past. So many are now asking: How long does an electric vehicles battery last? How far can you drive until the battery needs recharging?

Electric vehicle batteries have come a very long way in a short span. But to answer the question about how long they last you first need to become familiar with their composition. Todays

modern EVs are now powered by lithium- ion batteries. These use the same technology and are similar to smartphone and laptop batteries. This battery technology replaces the old lead acid and nickel cadmium batteries that were not reliable and did not offer enough range for the average motorist. In 2008 the Tesla Roadster began the lithium era as the first production car to utilize this technology.

First off, the electric motors of today are very efficient as compared to even ten years ago. This gives battery life a significant boost. Add in the technology of stacking lithium -ion batteries either vertically or horizontally, a strategy that was difficult to accomplish with older technologies, and the storage and capacity is dramatically increased.

Christmas

But EV batteries do degrade mostly due to temperature, time and cycles of charging. They also degrade due to what is called Calendar degradation or simply losing life over a time span. Unlike cell phone or laptop batteries, EVs utilize a Battery Management System that regulates the charging and discharging process thus extending battery life. Under normal conditions the majority of lithium -ion batteries can last 10 years before needing replacement. In fact, federal law requires that automakers provide a warranty on EV batteries for a period of 8 years or 100, 000 miles. Typically, it is estimated that EV batteries lose approximately 2 to 3 percent of their life every year.

The average range of todays EVs vary according to price which can change from model to model. So, the big question is how much range do you want be for a recharge versus paying big money for range that you may not need depending on your driving habits.

2022 EVs battery ranges can be as low as 100 miles with the Mazda MX- 30 to the middle range of the Audi E-Tron at 218 miles. At the top range is the Chevrolet Bolt at 247 miles, the Tesla Model S at almost 400 miles and the Lucid Air at close to 500 miles. There are many other models from many manufactures that can meet your needs without breaking the bank. The best advise is to shop around for an EV model that will give you at the minimum fifty percent or more miles on one charge as you would travel in one day.

Happy Motoring and Happy Holidays to all!

New Technology is Ushering in an Era of Sustainable Trucking

(StatePoint) At a time when the ongoing fight against climate change has never been more critical, and new federal efforts are being made to address systemic environmental justice issues, automotive industry insiders say that a recent engineering breakthrough could usher in an era of cleaner, more sustainable trucking.

In a recent real-world demonstration, heavy-duty, Class 8 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), jointly designed by Toyota Motor North America and Kenworth Truck Company, have been proven to offer a viable zero emission alternative to diesel fuel. The hydrogenpowered T680 FCEV has a range of 300plus miles when fully loaded to 82,000 pounds, and with no downtime for charging, and a short 15- to 20-minute fill time, it could run multiple shifts a day, covering up to 400 to 500 miles.

Why is this so significant? Trucks are currently responsible for more than their fair share of vehicle-related emissions. In

California, for example, home to the busiest container port in North America, mediumduty and heavy-duty trucks make up only 3% of vehicles on the road, yet they produce 23% of the overall emissions for the state. Vehicle emissions contribute to climate change, impacting everybody, and, because of where highways and industrial operations tend to be located, truck emissions disproportionately and unfairly impact low-income communities and people of color.

When compared to diesel-fueled trucks of similar range and power, the T680 FCEV, codenamed “Ocean,” reduced greenhouse gases by 74.66 metric tons of CO2 per truck annually. Its designers say this highlights the clean vehicle’s potential to change the game. And the recently completed demonstration project was just scratching the surface of what could be possible in a future where hydrogen serves as a fuel, taking a bigger role in various applications, from heavy-duty transport to industrial power generation

and passenger vehicles.

“Having a successful real-world demonstration of FCEV trucks for actual customers opens the door to broader deployment. The use of hydrogen helps eliminate CO2 from heavy-duty transport, while offering a cleaner alternative that keeps the vehicles in service -- a win for all parties,” says Andrew Lund, Toyota chief engineer, zero emission advanced product planning. “The potential for this technology to replace higher-emission powertrains is real, which helps us achieve our goals of carbon neutrality, while supporting both regulatory and societal initiatives to combat climate change and foster environmental justice.”

S.J. Kowalski, Inc. Can Take Care Of All Your Hvac Needs

by the HVAC experts at S.J. Kowalski

If you’re like most people fixing your heating and cooling system is not on your to-do list. We get that. That’s why our HVAC experts are here to provide you with peace of mind by resolving any heating and cooling issues quickly and properly.

We offer a variety of heating and cooling solutions that fit any budget, including preventative maintenance and financing for those unexpected

repair or replacement costs. Along with our expertise we strive to provide a smooth customer experience.

We help customers analyze and choose dependable, high efficiency heating and air conditioning repair and replacement options.

Some of the things we offer: HEATING AND COOLING MAINTENANCE: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to heating and cooling systems. Routine maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your system.

REPAIRS: Like most things, nothing lasts forever. When unexpected failures happen, our technicians are here to diagnose and repair your HVAC system quickly and efficiently.

INSTALLATIONS: From a single

ductless mini-split to a full duct installation, we prioritize you and your home, providing the best HVAC solutions.

SMART MAINTENANCE: Maintenance just got smarter with 24/7 system monitoring, including real-time updates and emergency notifications.

DUCTLESS SYSTEMS: Whether cooling a new addition or finding a solution for your whole house ductless HVAC systems offer many options for homes with or without ductwork.

BOILERS: Our team of experts are trained to repair, install and maintain oil, propane and natural gas boilers regardless of the application.

GEOTHERMAL: If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly heating and cooling option. We are a leading provider of geothermal system installations.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY: The air in your home should be of the highest quality. We offer a variety of indoor air quality products including whole house dehumidifiers, UV lights, air purification systems and more.

Call S.J. Kowalski, Inc. at 570-4552600 for a free in-home evaluation and estimate. We can design a system for you that will save you money and keep you comfortable all year long.

5 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Fresh and Clean

(Family Features) A clean and inviting home doesn’t just look tidy, it smells pleasantly refreshing, too. However, running a household can be a stinky business and it may take some special effort to make your living spaces feel more welcoming.

Consider these sensible ideas to improve the scents throughout your home:

Bring the Outside In - Fresh air is a terrific option for banishing bad smells. Throwing open windows creates a cross breeze that can chase stale, musty air away in a hurry. You can also improve your air quality by adding house plants, which naturally help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.

Refresh Soft Surfaces - Textiles and other soft surfaces throughout your home easily trap odor-causing bacteria, dust and other particles that can contribute to unsavory smells. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly give the rugs, carpet, bedding, throw pillows, curtains and other soft surfaces throughout your home a deep cleaning.

Install a Heated Towel Rack - Damp spaces like bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria. If you notice a musty smell in the bathroom but can’t pinpoint the source, it may be your towel. That’s especially true if, like many people, you reuse a towel several times before washing it. Hang-drying your towel may not be enough to chase away smell-inducing bacteria. However, the growth of bacteria is reduced on heat-dried towels by as much as 99%, according to a study commissioned by Amba Products. What’s more, in the study, a heat-dried towel produced a fresh

smell over a seven-day period, whereas an unheated sample produced a musty odor by the fourth day.

Simmer Fresh Aromas -If you need to add a pleasant scent in a hurry, such as just before hosting a special event for guests, consider simmering something that smells delicious on the stove. Simmering a blend of orange slices, cloves and cinnamon in a pot of water over low heat produces a subtle, pleasing scent that doesn’t overpower the room. Diffusers, candles and room sprays can also help add appealing smells in rooms that may need some extra attention.

Clean Common Culprits - Every household has some common culprits and, if you’re noticing smells, you may need to

step up your game to keep these areas clean. Trash cans, litter boxes and pet beds all need regular attention that goes beyond the basics. Make a point of not only emptying the trash but also cleaning the trash can itself. Don’t just scoop the litter box. Replace the entire pan at least weekly. Strip and wash the exterior covering of pet beds and air out the cushion.

Keeping your home clean and smelling great does not have to be complicated. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and incorporating ways to purify and enhance the air can make the space more enjoyable. To get your home refresh started, visit ambaproducts.com.

WinterHealth

Coping with Cancer During the Holidays

by the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton

As the classic holiday song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. However, do you know what else the happiest season of all brings? Stress. With all the planning, shopping, decorating, and cooking, it is easy to become tired and overwhelmed. When cancer treatment is added to the mix, holiday stress can become unbearable.

If you or someone you love has cancer this holiday season, use these tips from the American Cancer Society to help lift your spirits and manage your merriment and stress:

Do

- Give yourself permission to feel and express your feelings, whether of joy, fear, sadness, or pain. Let yourself laugh or cry.

- Take care of yourself: Eat balanced meals and make time for some exercise. Physical activity is a good way to release tension.

- Allow yourself simple pleasures -- hot

baths, naps, favorite foods -- that will help lift your mood.

Find distractions like going to a movie, dinner, or a ball game; playing cards with friends; or other activities you enjoy.

- Prepare for the holidays. Decide if you want to continue certain traditions or create new ones. Plan in advance how you want to spend your time, with whom, and for how long.

- Enlist support for organizing holiday gatherings, meal preparation, and cleanup.

- Learn to say no. You do not have to participate in everything. People will understand if you cannot do certain activities.

Don’t

- Don't pressure yourself with unrealistic expectations or try to do everything yourself.

- Don't overindulge in alcohol. Because alcohol is a depressant, it can “bring out” or heighten bad feelings.

- Don't try to force yourself to be happy just because it is the holiday season.

- Don't shop ‘til you drop. Stick to a budget if you are going shopping. Buying things will not make up for any negative feelings you are having. Decide how much money you can afford to spend on gifts and other items. Then stick to your budget.

- Don't try to do too much in one day. Plan ahead, setting aside specific days for specific tasks.

- Don't abandon healthy habits. Eat and drink in moderation. Get plenty of sleep.

Coping with cancer during the holidays can be tough. The Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton understands and is here to help. With our 35 years of experience treating cancer patients in our community, the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton combines the convenience of receiving your cancer treatments close to home with the effectiveness of advanced, high-quality cancer care. Our patient care approach is more than just a focus on cancer treatment, it is about making you feel at home, comfortable, and confident in the care you are receiving. That is always important, but even more so during the busy holiday season. Your time is vital, and we want you to spend as much as you can at home, celebrating with your loved ones.

The treatment team at Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton care and want you to have the most joyful, stressfree holiday you can have. We are here to help answer any questions you may have. You may visit our website at www. HazletonCancerCenter.com or give us a call at (570) 459-3460. Everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton wishes you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy 2023!

Compassionate and Comprehensive Cancer Treatment Close to Home

Coping with cancer during the holidays can be tough. The Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton understands and is here to help. With our extensive experience treating cancer patients in our community, the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton combines the convenience of receiving your cancer treatments close to home with the effectiveness of high-quality cancer care. Our patient care approach is more than just a focus on cancer treatment, it is about making you feel at home, comfortable, and confident in the care you are receiving. That is always important, but even more so during the busy holiday season. Your time is vital, and we want you to spend as much as you can at home, celebrating with your loved ones.

The treatment team at Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton care and want you to have the most joyful, stress-free holiday you can have. We are here to help answer any questions you may have. You may visit our website at www.HazletonCancerCenter.com or give us a call at (570) 459-3460. Everyone at the Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton wishes you and your family a very joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy 2023!

Creating Those New Year’s Resolutions

by Dr. Candice Dutko, DNP

2023 is almost upon us which means many people will be creating some New Year’s Resolutions.

There are some who don’t quite “believe” in setting some resolutions for themselves. I don’t blame them.

Estimates vary, with some statistics reporting that about only 75-80% of those who create resolutions for themselves are still committed to them two weeks into the New Year. As the year goes by, the rate continues to decrease with approximately less than half still striving for them six months later.

On the other hand, I am personally in favor of New Year’s Resolutions as I am a product of them myself. In 2016, I committed to myself and identified three New Year’s Resolutions: lose 25 pounds, complete the Spartan Beast (an obstacle course race) in Killington, Vermont, and get my first strict pull-up. It took me till July of that year to lose my 25th pound, I completed my race in August that year, and it took till the week between Christmas and New Year’s of 2017 to get that first strict pull-up. I also view 2016 as the year where my life/health made its biggest turnaround and therefore, I encourage others to establish goals for

themselves too. However, HOW we set those goals is just as important WHAT goals we set.

A great framework to use is that of the SMART Goal. A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based. Let’s go through each step! Specific. Be specific about your goal. For example, “I will be healthier in 2023.” Being “healthier” can really mean a lot of different things. Instead, consider, “I will lose on average 1-2 pounds per month” or, “I will start walking 10,000 steps per day”, or “I will eat a fruit or a vegetable each day.” Measurable. Using the initial example of wanting to be healthier, it helps if there is some way to measure whether we have achieved our goal or not. You can measure that through weight loss, if that is your goal. You can measure that with accomplishing a step-count goal. You can also measure that by checking off “yes” each day when you confirm that you have eaten a fruit or a vegetable.

Attainable. In setting a goal, you want to create one that is attainable, yet still does require some additional effort on your part to achieve. However, not one soooo big that the chances are greater that you won’t. Depending where you are on your weight loss journey, losing 1-2 pounds per month is an attainable goal. Saying you will lose 10 pounds in the month of January, while perhaps attainable for some, likely involves a great deal of restriction and is probably not sustainable, meaning those 10 pounds will likely come back.

ELEGANT ACCOMODATIONS AT THE MOST AFFORDABLE RATES!

Relevant. Make sure the goal is relevant to you and what is important to YOU, not important to your family or someone else.

The Laurels is standing strong with our residents and families. We are following all CDC guidelines regarding Covid-19. We are incredibly proud of our Laurels care team and all the healthcare workers in the Greater Hazleton area

Time-based. Having a date in mind gives you something to focus on. Maybe you are striving to achieve a certain weight by a special event. Maybe you have a goal of increasing your number of steps each day till you are achieving your goal on the regular by July. Maybe you eat a fruit or vegetable 3 days/week in January, and increase it by one day each week until you accomplish your goal, let's say 8090% of the time in June.

Regardless of what goal you set for yourself, I also want you to keep some things in mind. The first is, you will not always see signs of progress and that doesn't mean that you aren’t making any. With my weight loss goal, there was at least one month in there (and at that time I usually weighed about once a month), where the number on the scale didn’t move. If you experience the same with your goal, be patient and continue to put in the work and trust the process. Sometimes our

breakthrough is just on the other side of such “plateaus”. Unfortunately, too many people give up or throw in the towel here…don’t be one of those people.

Next, you won’t always feel motivated to work towards your goal. Even I, one who enjoys exercising, do not ALWAYS feel like exercising. However, I have those goals off in the distance to help provide some motivation. For example when I had the goal of that obstacle course race, it motivated me to make sure I got to the gym to work on my fitness so I could have a successful race.

Lastly, be OK with it taking longer than you think. Too many times today people are expecting things to happen so fast and in many cases, that is unrealistic. For example, with my goal of a pull-up…for many, especially women, they can take a while to be able to develop the ability to do. To expect that I would accomplish that in 8 weeks or less would likely be very unrealistic. We don’t always have control over when the results will come, but we have control over the process that helps you achieve those results.

If you are feeling stuck on what would be an appropriate goal for yourself, or maybe you have a goal and don’t quite know how to break it down into small steps, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I am happy to help and provide some guidance.

Dr. Candice Dutko, DNP is a Registered Nurse and a Fitness & Nutrition Coach specializing in an individualized approach to wellness and fitness. Through her coaching service, Achieve Wellness & Fitness, her mission is to help people build confidence through wellness and fitness to live their lives to the fullest. She prioritizes a small caseload of clients to help ensure delivery of a comprehensive and supportive service. Her gym is located at 80 North Mountain Blvd. in Mountain Top. You can contact her at 570.704.6794 or check out her website at www.achievewellnessandfitness.com

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Are Mom & Dad Okay?

What

to look for this holiday season.

By: Rachael Timm, Marketing Director of Heritage Hill Senior Community

Tis’ the season for celebration with an abundance of activities planned and parties to attend with family and friends. These occasions can be joyous and a bit anxious, too, especially when you suspect that a loved one’s mental or physical health is in decline. While you’re visiting with your loved one this holiday season, take note of the following:

Appearance. How does Mom or Dad look? Check for noticeable changes in appearance, like weight gain/loss, stained clothing, and other examples of having poor general hygiene.

Unexplained bruises or injuries. Check the home for tripping and fall hazards, such as wires and cords that

cross walkways and bumps, wrinkles, or loose carpets and rugs. A significant number of injuries can signal your loved one’s struggles with mobility.

Is Mom or Dad taking their medications correctly? Be sure to check for unopened or expired medications and past-due refills. Check supplements for expiration dates, too.

Changes in behavior. Have you noticed any mood swings or new behaviors? Take special note of increased irritability, frustration, and forgetfulness. Memory loss, inability to stick to a normal routine, or struggles completing familiar tasks may be signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. How is their living situation? Is

your parents’ home as clean as the last time you visited? Cleaning, laundry, taking out the trash, and home repairs can be harder to manage with age. Take notice of excessive dust, clutter, garbage, and other disrepair.

Look in the pantry and the refrigerator. Is it stocked? Are foods expired or spoiled? Is the food nutritious, or is your loved one frequently eating junk food?

Does Mom or Dad have unopened or misplaced mail? Unopened mail and unpaid bills can be telltale signs of cognitive impairment.

Some of these signs could mean Mom or Dad may benefit from having an extra set of caring hands to help them live healthier lives or the serenity of a supportive memory care neighborhood. Talk with senior care experts from Heritage Hill, and learn how we can help! Call 570-215-3172 or email rtimm@heritagehillsenior.com.

ANGELS Tree Trimming Contest

Chocolate

by Stephen Schleicher, MD

As an admitted chocoholic, I read with interest an article recently published in the International Business Times titled: 12 ScientificallyProven Health Benefits Of Chocolate. Without further ado, here are the top 6:

1) Cardiovascular disease prevention: a study found that the daily average consumption of approximately 2oz of dark chocolate can lower blood pressure. Only patients with normal blood pressure were studied. Wonder if it would benefit those with hypertension.

2) Stroke prevention: cocoa contains compounds that help increase blood flow. Doing so may ward off strokes.

3) Anti-inflammatory: cocoa also contains compounds that are antioxidants which may suppress socalled free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to heart disease,

I knew this title would grab your attention. For most of us, holidays are something we look forward to. Time to relax with family, laughter, a renewal of bonds. But for more and more people, it’s just the opposite. Fights over who gets the kids, arguing, a bitter reminder of the joy that alludes many families.

A woman came into my office about two years ago, and startled me with her painful proclamation of, “I hate the holidays!” She was divorced, lost custody of her kids, and had little money to visit them or purchase gifts. Her outlook was bleak and she had good reasons to be depressed.

My daily challenge is to try and encourage everyone, to try and help them

cataract formation, and cancer.

4) Cholesterol-friendly: certain ingredients in dark chocolate lower LDL cholesterol levels, referred to as “bad cholesterol”.

5) Skincare protectant: quoting from the article: “Chocolate contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial to the skin. The presence of flavanols in chocolate can also act as photoprotection, shielding the skin from damaging UV rays.” Ok, as a dermatologist. I am a bit skeptical.

6) Hormone booster: again quoting from the article: “Eating chocolate tickles our brain in a good way by having the ability to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.” I love it when something tickles my brain!"

to make the best of the hand that life had dealt them. So I said to her, “Would you join me at a soup kitchen to serve others who have no family at all?” She hesitated, but I reminded her that she had to do something to change her outlook, and she agreed.

I wish you could have see the transformation in her spirit. The first day she was full of anger. Then gradually as she served others, a kindness started to blossom. After the soup kitchen closed, she started to visit the elderly in nursing homes. Now she delivers groceries in her neighborhood to people who cannot do it for themselves. She also started

visiting her girls, and yes, she has found happiness where there was once despair.

As you read this, if your dreams didn’t turn out the way you planned this holiday season, realize that life is tough and usually not fair. Instead of being alone and having a pity party, I challenge you to feed the poor, visit the sickly, pray for others. Don’t go to a bar and think that another drink will drown out your sorrows.

You have the power within you to make this holiday season one of forgiveness and love. I will pray you have the courage to make it happen, one step at a time. May you and your family have a Blessed Christmas!

by John Degenhart, DC

Decorate Safely This Holiday Season

Winter holidays are a time for decorating – safe decorating.

At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), we want you to avoid an emergency room visit by putting safety first when dressing up the inside or outside of your home. Don’t make your holidays memorable for the wrong reasons.

A wise shop teacher once said, “safety is first, last and always.” Those are words to decorate by, for sure.

The ‘rung’ stuff

Whether you’re channeling your inner Clark Griswold or just putting up a few simple decorations, avoid falls and practice good ladder safety. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there is an average of about 160 decoratingrelated injuries each day during the holiday season, with almost half involving falls. In the 2019 holiday season, about 14,800 people were treated in emergency rooms because of holiday decorating-related injuries.

“Good safety practices are important year-round, but especially during the busy holiday season when our focus can get distracted. Taking the extra time to do things right makes all the difference.” David Burmeister, DO

The American Ladder Institute says ladder safety means:

Never climb a ladder in inclement weather.

Make sure the ladder is long enough to safely reach your roof or other tall places without stepping on the top two rungs.

Never overreach. It’s a leading cause of ladder injuries. Move the ladder closer so you can safely work. Inspect your ladder for defects.

Save the alcohol for after you’re done decorating, so your balance and judgment aren’t impaired.

Place your ladder on firm, level ground and use leg levelers if needed.

Always

three points of contact with your hands and feet.

What you use to decorate your home also should be safe, including electrical items such as light strings and extension cords.

The National Fire Protection Association says more than 800 home fires are caused each year by holiday decorations and about 200 house fires are linked to Christmas trees.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International advises:

Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations are marked for proper use and inspected before use. Outdoor electrical lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Be careful if you’re decorating near power lines. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet from those lines, including the overhead service line that may connect to your home. Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving

home or going to sleep.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.

Never connect more than three strings of incandescent lights together.

Water your Christmas tree daily.

Keep all decorations at least three feet from heating equipment or an open flame.

Buy electrical decorations from reputable retailers and that are

approved by a national recognized testing lab such as Underwriters Laboratories, Intertek or CSA Group.

“Injury prevention is an important part of good health,” says David Burmeister, DO, Chair, Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, LVHN. “Good safety practices are important year-round, but especially during the busy holiday season when our focus can get distracted. Taking the extra time to do things right makes all the difference.”

ADVERTISER INDEX

A&A Pizza ............................................... 16

A&M Notary 47

Acheive Wellness & Fitness .................... 53

Antonio's Breakfast World 16

Antonio's Pizzeria ................................... 25

Area Agency on Aging 41

Billig-Helmes Insurance.......................... 49

Boyer's Market 18

Bradley Caldwell....................................... 1

Bresky's 10

Broyan's Farm Market 33

C&D Seafood 34

CACL 45

Cancer Treatment Center at Hazleton 51

CanDo Beverage 60

Cedar Street Supply ............................... 49

Comfort Keepers 42

Damon's Grill .......................................... 11

Degenhart Chiropractic 55

Della Croce Dental Care ......................... 59

DermDox 55

Diane's Salon on 93 ............................... 30

Down The Rabbit Hole 25

Dr. Eugene Stish ....................................... 2

El Patron Mexican Grill 35

Fashion By Bella Boutique ..................... 60

Fellin's Jewelers 30

Feussner's Ford, Inc 60

Fritzingertown Senior Living 56

Gino's Shoe Store 32

Good Shepherd Parish 15

Hartley Tax Service 40

Hazle Park Meats ................................... 28

Hazleton Eye Specialists 57

Hazleton Imaging ................................... 56

Hazleton Public Transit 39

Heritage Hill Senior Community ............. 54

Hometown Farmers Market 59

Honest Abe's Taxes .................................. 6

Houck Homes, Inc 59

Internal Medicine Associates ................. 50

JC Small Engine 60

Jimbo's Freeland Party Beverage 33

John's Church Hill Restaurant 32

Jon-David & Helen's Hair Salon 29

Jude E. Sidari, MD 57

Kiki's Bakery 18

Koch Farm Service ................................... 9

Laurel Mall 17

Little Village Pizza ................................... 60

Lombardo Wholesale Inc 60

Luzerne Medical ..................................... 26

LVHN - Hazleton 3 Majestic House ....................................... 29 Marchetti's 11

Mauch Chunk Opera House ................... 25\ Maylath Valley Health Systems 59

Metallo's Formalwear ............................. 31

Mickey World Travel 60

Mike's Seafood ...................................... 18 Miller Auto Body 46 Momma Millie's 16 Naturally Yours 24 Nature's Trail 25

Night Star Munitions 40 NEPA Exotic Snax 11

Northeast Hearing Solutions .................. 60 NSB Trainers 60 Och's Farm Market................................. 30

Pennsylvania Games of Skill 23 Perfect Balance Boutique....................... 24 Picking-Up Scrap Metal 60 Pizzette ................................................... 31

PJS Handyman Service 48 Polyglass ................................................ 43

Ron Myers Well Drilling 49 Schuylkill Transportation System ........... 33 Secoda's Towing Service 60 Senape's Bakery 34 SJ Kowalski 2 SJM Auto Sales 46 Smith Floral Co 31 Smith Healthcare 53 Soul Shine .............................................. 21 Sports Card Corner 27 St. Peter's Episcopal Church ................. 23 Strawberry Square Trucking 42, 60 Super Gomas ......................................... 60

SUDOKU ANSWERS

T&L Pierogies

27

Tarone's Super Market ............................. 6

Tom's Kitchen 26

Tunnessen's Radiator ............................. 21

The Amish Pantry 15

The Beacon Diner 10

The Cheese Store & More 22, 60

The Kitchen & Design Gallery 48

The Laurels 52

The Lookout House 27

The Nature & Discovery Toy Store............ 8

The Small Car Center 46

The Treasure Shop ................................. 25

The UPS Store 32

Thomas Farm ......................................... 29

Treetop Chimney Service 60

Two Italian Guys Pizzeria .......................... 7

UFP Gordon LLC 43

Urenovich Insurance Agency.................. 47

Valley Pizza 8

Vito's Coal Fired Pizza............................ 22

Weatherwood Healthcare & Rehab 2, 42

West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital 39 Yevak's Auto Detailing 47

CROSSWORD ANSWERS