Panorama Community Magazine - January 2023

Now accepting all Geisinger Health Plans at all our locations.

It’s now easier and more cost-effective for you to get the care you need at any LVHN location. Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) insurance is now accepted at all LVHN hospitals, Lehigh Valley Physician Group offices and outpatient sites. With 13 hospital campuses, five clinical Institutes and the only children’s hospital in the region, we’re here for you and your family at every stage of life. Learn more at LVHN.org or call 888-402-LVHN (5846).

Celebrating 2022 and Welcoming 2023 With Our Community

It seems to me that 2022 just began and 2023 is already here! As they say… time flies when you’re having fun. This is especially true for me and my wonderful staff as we have fun throughout the year creating our monthly magazine for our readers and advertisers.

In 2022, we set goals that benefited both our advertisers and readers. Our publication designer, Sam, gave the magazine a new layout and a fresh new look. Early in the year, we introduced our “Job Hub” section which has proven to be of great value for job opportunities in our local communities. We also featured unique recipes in every issue, including international dishes, holiday sides, delicious desserts and more and the feedback has been…. so, to say, SCRUMPTIOUS! Finally,

we brought back our monthly contest, and we are so happy we did because our November and December contest brought an overwhelming response of over 1,000 entries. You can now fill out the entry form and mail it in, or for your convenience, scan the QR Code and fill out your entry form digitally.

In 2023, we will continue with these successful sections while planning even more into the New Year! This month, please take note of the front cover… we are now offering full, front cover glossy advertising. Imagine your business on the front cover of 14,500 magazines! In addition to our annual glossy calendar and high school football grid pullouts, we will be offering additional glossy pullout options throughout the year. Also, new this year, are “Messages to Loved Ones” for Valentine’s Day,

Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more. Start taking pictures of your pets now as we will be having a pet photo contest in our April issue for pet month.

All in all, 2022 was a very prosperous year and we believe 2023 will be even better… there is more to come, but we don’t want to spoil the fun!

—Larry Collum, CEO/Publisher

Happy New Year from Jacque Lynne and everyone at

by Dr. Candice Dutko, DNP

It is likely that many of us have heard someone say that…or even said it ourselves. The New Year is upon us and there are many who will be trying some version of a “diet” in an attempt to make progress towards their New Year’s resolutions.

(In November, I wrote about “The Best Diet” and in December, I provided a guide to help you establish those New Year’s resolutions and you can now read those articles in the Blog portion of my website!).

Unfortunately, some won’t make an attempt to change their health for the better, referencing their failed attempts in the past. I am here to tell you that the only true failure is giving up altogether.

I have seen it pointed out that FAIL can also stand for “First Attempt in Learning.” Social media often paints the picture that everything goes perfect the first time. With any significant change, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In my personal journey, I have lost as much as 60 pounds and have kept it off for years. All too frequently it pops up in my “Facebook memories” how I posted about “rededicating myself for the 1387th time” because I had made an attempt to address my health/fitness/ nutrition and it didn’t work out.

In a book that I have written that will come out in the New Year about Failure, I wrote “failure doesn’t have to be final…even the best fail… it’s what you do in response to that failure that matters.” One of the most important actions we can take when something doesn’t work out as we had planned is to reflect on what happened. Questions to consider: what went well? What didn’t go well? What could I have done differently? What would I keep the same?

Even now, I still have periods where old

habits resurface and I may fluctuate up in weight a bit. When I go through those periods, I then reflect on what I could do or could have done differently. I will help you out with this…you will not reach a point where you have learned it all…it is a continuous learning process.

Some common reasons people experience failure in their attempts to improve their nutrition is that they choose an approach that is too restrictive (reference my “Best Diet”

Twisted Roots Chiropractic

Twisted Roots Chiropractic is coming to the mountain January 16th 2023! The faces behind the chiropractic healthcare are two local Doctors known for hands-on pain relief using natural and effective care. Both of these gentlemen pride themselves on providing the best treatment possible with honesty and integrity. They dedicate their career by going straight to the source to find the ROOT of the problem.

We would like to introduce Dr.. Scott Sacco DC & Dr. Brandon Augustine DC! Dr. Sacco’s football days caused problems that only a chiropractor could help. He saw his body’s overall performance improve and was instantly interested in the way that chiropractors could help others. Because his older brother had cerebral palsy, this put Dr. Sacco on a path of taking care of others early in his life. The idea of helping people through chiropractic care came naturally to him. First, he attended Shippensburg University where he played football and was involved with the sports medicine training staff. After graduation, he continued on to New York Chiropractic College where he received his Doctorate in Chiropractic and was a member of

Phi Chi Omega, the school’s chiropractic honors society. He is the owner and operator of Sacco Chiropractic with his wife Lauren (Vito) Sacco in Hazleton.

Dr. Brandon Augustine grew up in the small town of Freeland PA but currently resides with his wife Christina (Flaherty) Augustine in the Mountaintop community.

At a young age, Dr. Augustine's mother was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. After 20 years, his mother has both battled and defeated cancer and is now living life to the fullest Dr. Augustine also has a beautiful loving sister with down syndrome. Both of the instances are close to his heart and have set him on a path to help others. He has developed a strong passion to become a natural healer and has set himself up to take on chiropractic medicine. Dr. Augustine attended college at Shippensburg University, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine and a minor in Biology. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr.. Augustine graduated with his Doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport,Iowa.

We look forward to taking Mountaintop to the peak of healthcare.

Fitness-Friendly Tech Gadgets

(Family Features) Committing to getting fit and actually doing it aren't always one and the same but relying on tech devices can be an effective way to tackle your fitness goals.

From watches and phones to earbuds and virtual reality headsets, technology can make it easier to track your progress and create a more enjoyable workout experience. See how some of the latest technology is fueling new devices ideal for amping up your workouts this winter with these trendy ideas.

Wellness You Can Watch - Powered by the Snapdragon 4100+ Wear Platform, the Fossil 6 Wellness Edition watch provides the speed, power and performance you need to efficiently track your health, all with extended battery life, Bluetooth 5.0 LE connectivity, rapid charging and more features to elevate your experience. The watch detects movement and starts a workout for you. In addition, not only does it allow you to monitor how hard your heart is working and provide estimated blood oxygen measurements so you can see how well your body is circulating oxygen, but it also measures your cardiorespiratory fitness, allowing you to track the amount of oxygen your body utilizes during exercise.

Sound to Motivate More MovementAn energizing workout requires a soundtrack to get you pumped up and moving. Enhance your listening experience with LG Tone Free T90 wireless earbuds, which feature Dolby Head Tracking and Snapdragon Sound. These earbuds identify the location of sound as you turn your head, recalibrating to enable a more natural sound experience so you're always in the center of the scene. The speaker driver is made of a strong, lightweight material that delivers better overall audio clarity and reduced vibration so you can hear every sound come alive.

Play Your Way to Fitness - If your workout regimen needs an infusion of playful fun, the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset may be just the ticket. This VR headset is your ticket to the metaverse (and so much more), whether you're working out, gaming, meeting up with friends or going on a virtual field trip. Industry-leading graphics and immersive audio put you in the middle of the action. The portable device is ideal for workouts on the go, and you'll find a wide range of apps that let you work out amid stunning scenery, compete against friends and participate in challenges. The immersive experiences break up the monotony of a boring, basic workout, making exercise fun and playful.

Find more inspiration to energize your fitness regimen at Qualcomm.com.

5 Healthy Habits For Your Home

(Family Features) If you're like most Americans, health is an important aspect of your resolutions when each new year rolls around. While factors like diet and exercise are keys to healthy living, so are the ways you care for your home and belongings.

Your home living environment plays a major role in your health and comfort, so incorporating some new habits like these can help you establish a healthier lifestyle.

Control Air Quality - Especially during the winter months when your home tends to be closed tight, air can grow stale. Do your best to keep air quality strong by opening windows on mild days to circulate fresh air, using an air purifier to remove irritants and pollutants, frequently vacuuming and sweeping to keep floor dust and debris under control and regularly cleaning textiles that can trap allergens and other particles.

Scale Back Detergent Use - Using too much laundry detergent isn't just risking buildup and unnecessary wear on your washer and dryer; it can also increase the residue and buildup in your clothes, which can lead to skin irritation and damage fabric faster. Using only what you need helps protect your belongings and your skin. An option like Swash Laundry Detergent, which features a Precision Pour Cap, dispenses the detergent for you, so you only pour what you need to effectively clean each load and fight stains. A single bottle of the ultra-concentrated formula - available in Simply Sunrise, Free & Clear and Pure Linen scents - washes up to 83 loads while taking up less space than traditional bottles.

Make Use of Natural Light - When winter brings day after day of dark, dreary weather, it can take a toll on your mood. Brightening your living space with natural light can positively influence your emotional state while helping

with your electric bill. If you're concerned about privacy, utilize window treatments at night, but let the sunlight bring good cheer to your living spaces during the day.

Switch Bedding on Schedule - While you sleep, your body sheds oils, cells and elements you carry into your home like pollen. Sheets should be washed once a week on the hottest water setting your fabric will tolerate (check tags for laundering directions on your sheets before washing). If your schedule makes weekly washing, drying and remaking the bed unrealistic, consider having a couple sets you can rotate.

Work Up (and Wash Out) a Sweat - The materials that keep you feeling cool and fresh by wicking away sweat can quickly get stinky, but over-washing can make them lose their shape and fade. Even so, washing after every use is a must. Washing workout clothes inside out exposes the surfaces that have absorbed sweat and body oil to detergent and agitation. Pre-soaking with equal parts vinegar and cold water can also help eliminate odors, and washing in a gentle, cold-water cycle and drying on low heat can help protect the fabric's elasticity and wicking properties.

Start your year off right with more advice for healthy habits at Swash.com.

article). Last time, the “diet that didn’t work”, did it eliminate all of the things that you love/enjoy? If so, how about this time, you choose an approach that still enables you to enjoy your favorite things, but in moderation?

Last time, the “diet that didn’t work”, did you really give it enough time? In a time where people expect “6 Week Abs”, many expect their bodies/health to improve in that same time frame. Tough love here…you didn’t gain the weight in 6 weeks and it is going to take you longer than 6 weeks to lose it. I often go back to the question, “would you rather lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks or lose 10 pounds that you keep off forever?” Building the habits that will help you keep the 10 pounds off forever will be far more beneficial than the actions you take to lose 10 pounds in 6 weeks. I encourage you to be patient with the process because just when we think nothing is happening, we could be just on the other side of a major

With the “diet that didn’t work” the last time, how consistent were you? Did you have a great breakfast and a decent lunch, and then “blow” it in the evening? Or, were you good all week just to have a landslide on the weekend? These can be signs that: too restrictive of an approach has been taken during the week, meals weren’t balanced well enough, or that you are not eating enough (yes, even when people are trying to lose weight, it is possible for them to not eat enough). This is why I preach sustainability and choosing an approach that works best for YOU…not what worked for a friend of yours, someone at work, or some celebrity. What did your overall lifestyle look like with the “diet that didn’t work” the last time? Were you trying to feel your best, but only sleeping 4-6 hours a day? What did your stress management look like? Were you drinking 4 cups of coffee a day and only 2 cups of water? What did your fruit & vegetable consumption look like? Were you exercising to burn as many calories as possible? NO nutritional approach is going to overcome or balance out an unhealthy lifestyle. Lastly, did you try to do it alone the last time the “diet didn’t work.” I coach others and even I have a Coach to help me navigate the trouble areas. Apps are a wonderful tool. I use MyFitnessPal often. However, they do not replace human connection and having someone to reach out to when you are facing a challenge.

In closing, I encourage you to do some deep reflection regarding the ways you feel an attempt to improve your health/fitness/nutrition didn’t work out in the past. I can pose questions to you to initiate that reflection, but it is up to you to answer them honestly to yourself. One of my mantras is “let it be possible.” The moment we say “I’ve tried every diet and nothing worked,” we are closing ourselves off to the opportunity of ever being successful. This time, you are attempting with experience in knowing what may not have worked the last time and can perhaps be just a bit more successful this time. You are worth every attempt to improve your health and live this life to its fullest because we only get this one life to live…so why not get the most out of it? You can do it. I believe in you!

Dr.CandiceDutko,DNPisaRegisteredNurseandaFitness&NutritionCoachspecializing inanindividualizedapproachtowellnessandfitness. Throughhercoachingservice,Achieve Wellness & Fitness, her mission is to help people build confidence through wellness and fitnesstolivetheirlivestothefullest. Sheprioritizesasmallcaseloadofclientstohelpensure deliveryofacomprehensiveandsupportiveservice. Hergymislocatedat80NorthMountain Blvd.inMountainTop. Youcancontactherat570.704.6794orcheckoutherwebsiteatwww. achievewellnessandfitness.com

Beverly Hills Housewife and Melanoma

by Stephen Schleicher, MD

I read with interest an online article published by People Magazine titled: After Having 12 Melanomas Removed, Teddi Mellencamp Is Cancer-Free: 'I'm So Grateful We Caught It in Time'. Teddy Mellencamp, besides being a celebrity housewife, is also the daughter of singer/songwriter John Mellancamp. As we all know, bad things that happen to celebrities usually generate much more publicity than bad things happening to us ordinary people. Ms Mellancamp deserves praise for making public her multiple bouts with skin cancer and the need for early recognition.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer which, when caught early, has a very high cure rate. Persons most prone to melanoma are those with fair skin, blond hair and a history of sunburns and/or indoor tanning. To be safe, no matter what skin type, any skin growth that looks a bit funky is best checked out by your dermatologist.

As for Ms. Mellencamp, she was preparing for a jog when her friend cut her short: "She looked at my back and said, 'Listen, I know that I've talked to you about these spots before, but they look different — one of them has a black dot in the middle.' ". That spot turned out to be a melanoma and, within short order, she underwent surgery for 11 more skin cancers. Ms Mellencamp has also shared her story with 1 million followers on Instagram. Hopefully by doing so lives will be saved.

Resolving to Get in Shape in 2023? Don’t Forget Your Feet

(StatePoint) While you may want to tone your abs, glutes and triceps in the new year, there’s one often-overlooked area of the body that deserves your attention too: your feet!

“A lot of people hit the gym or dust off their home exercise equipment in January,” says Danielle Butto, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and a Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “But without proper precautions, a new exercise routine can cause foot and ankle injuries that could sideline you just as you’re hitting your stride.”

According to ACFAS, here’s what to know as you follow through on your resolution to get fit:

Common Injuries

• Don’t play through the pain of an ankle sprain. Avoiding treatment can not only cause further damage to the ligaments which may take much longer to heal or possibly require surgery, but you may be overlooking a more serious injury -- a stress fracture.

• A stress fracture may feel like an ankle sprain at first, but you’ll notice additional warning signs, such as swelling without bruising, and pain even during normal activities or when touching the area. If you have any of these symptoms, have your foot and ankle evaluated by a foot and ankle surgeon as soon as possible.

• Pain or swelling around your Achilles tendon after a workout could be indications of Achilles tendonitis. Untreated, a

stretched or strained Achilles tendon may worsen over time, leading to stiffness and fatigue in your injured leg. Worse yet, untreated Achilles tendonitis could result in a ruptured tendon requiring surgery and a rehabilitation of several months.

• Heel pain that lasts for more than a day or two, or worsens when you stand after sitting for an extended amount of time, may be plantar fasciitis. This common condition is a result of inflammation of the tissue extending from your heel to your toes. If caught early, your foot and ankle surgeon can recommend at-home conditioning. In late stages, plantar fasciitis is harder to treat and takes longer to resolve.

Prevention Tips

The good news? Many injuries are preventable. Foot and ankle surgeons offer five tips to help you keep your feet and ankles healthy:

1. Be smart. Consider consulting a personal trainer at first to ensure you’re practicing good form, and to increase the duration and intensity of your workouts gradually and safely.

2. Stretch. Incorporate mobility and stretching into your fitness regimen, particularly before and after workouts.

3. Be footwear aware. Wear properlyfitting athletic shoes that support the arch of the foot, provide heel cushioning and are designed for the exercise in which you’re engaged. These measures can help you avoid plantar fasciitis and neuromas. Wear cotton or nonslip socks to help prevent painful blisters, which can become infected and cause more serious issues, especially if you have diabetes.

4. Guard against bacteria. Sweaty shoes, public showers, exercise equipment and the pool deck are breeding grounds for fungus, viruses and bacteria. Wear water shoes in public areas, and after workouts, and get your feet clean and dry quickly.

5. Book an appointment. Foot and ankle pain isn’t normal. It signals a problem that needs to be evaluated, diagnosed and treated by a specialist who fully understands this part of the body. To find a foot and ankle surgeon near you, use the “Find a Physician” search tool at FootHealthFacts.org.

“When you exercise, your feet and ankles do a ton of work holding you up and absorbing the shock of each step you take,” says Dr. Butto. “So, as you kick off your new fitness routine, don’t forget to protect them.”

New Year, Better You: Achievable Goals For Your Resolutions

(BPT) - A new year is just around the corner, so it's time to brainstorm resolutions and goals for 2023. If you've made resolutions in the past and haven't stuck to them, you might be discouraged from even trying to make one for the coming year. It's likely that the goals you picked weren't attainable or sustainable for your life.

Instead of making lofty promises that are unachievable, start with small, modest changes that you can accomplish and build upon in years to come. Not sure where to start? Check out these five achievable goals for 2023.

1. Learn or resume a hobby - If you don't have a hobby or have let it go by the wayside, dedicate some time this year to doing something you enjoy. Hobbies aren't just activities we do for fun. They can have huge mental and physical health benefits.

According to VeryWell Mind, enjoyable activities can help you reduce stress, lower blood pressure and combat depression. You don't have to engage in your hobbies every day to reap the benefits. One study showed that engaging in a physical leisure activity for 20 minutes a week helped people feel less fatigued.

Whether you get back into knitting or playing guitar or pick up a new hobby like painting or ballroom dancing, you're carving out time for yourself that can take your mind off the stresses of everyday life.

2. Move your body - This year, make it a goal to get your body moving. That doesn't mean you have to exercise every day for hours at a time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. That may sound like a lot, but it breaks down to 30 minutes a day, five days a week.

Take it slow if you're new to working out or it's been a while since you've exercised. You can even break up 30 minutes of daily activity into smaller chunks. For example, you can do 10 minutes of brisk walking or aerobic exercises three times a day or 15 minutes twice a day. By breaking up your movement goal into smaller chunks, you can naturally find breaks throughout your day to get moving.

3. Invest in your health - If you want to live a long healthy life, you need to invest in your health. Nicole Avena, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai

School of Medicine and Author of Why Diets Fail says, "In addition to a healthy and balanced diet and getting an adequate amount of exercise, it's important to cover all your bases like adding daily vitamins to your health regimen. Each person's dietary needs will vary slightly. While most people can get enough from diet alone, others may need to take a supplement, and nowadays, there are many vitamin options for men and women of all ages."

To ensure that you receive essential nutrients, consider taking a daily multivitamin like vitafusion MultiVites which is an excellent source of 12 vitamins and minerals. Offering a selection of multivitamin gummies to support the consumer's unique needs, vitafusion is America's #1 adult gummy vitamin brand and the only gummy vitamin brand with a fusion of natural fruit flavors. To learn more, visit vitafusion.com.

4. Mindfulness - You've probably heard about mindfulness, but do you know what it is and its benefits? Simply put, mindfulness is being aware and fully present in your body, mind and environment. According to the National Institutes of Health, practicing mindfulness can have several positive impacts on your health and well-being, including reducing anxiety and depression, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep.

A popular way to practice mindfulness is meditation, but it's not the only way. You can practice breathing or grounding exercises, go on a walk or take stock of how your body is feeling in the present moment. Mindfulness practices can be short or long, but to start, you can carve out five minutes a day in the morning or at night to get in touch with your awareness.

5. Improve your finances - A common New Year's resolution is to be better about saving and spending. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 72% of adults report feeling stressed about money at least some of the time. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all plan for improving your financial well-being, there are simple ways to assess your finances and target areas for improvement.

In January, track all your income and expenses. You can do this by using an expense sheet, or you can download an app to make things easier. Once you know where your money is coming from and where it's going, you can identify areas where you could be spending less and saving more and set financial goals for the year.

Small changes can add up quickly and turn into life-long habits. Using these five tips, you can start the year on the right foot and invest in yourself now and for years to come.

As you know, inflation was big news throughout 2022. But will it continue in 2023? And looking even further ahead, how should you account for inflation in your long-term plans?

In regard to the first question, many experts predict that inflation will cool off this year, though there are no guarantees. The high inflation of last year is thought to have been caused by some unusual factors, such as a spike in the demand for consumer goods as the world came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to supply chain issues. Also, the war in Ukraine drove up oil prices, increasing the cost of manufacturing and shipping and driving up the price of wheat and other commodities.

In any case, last year reminded us that inflation needs to be reckoned with as you work toward your financial goals. But how you respond to inflation will depend somewhat on your stage of life. So, here are some suggestions to consider:

If you’re still working …

• Contribute more to your retirement plans. If you can afford to put more money away in your IRA and 401(k), you may want to do so. The more resources you’ll eventually have available in retirement, the better protected you are against the rising cost of living.

• Adjust your portfolio objectives with your financial professional. Using tools such as “hypothetical” illustrations, a financial professional can show you some different paths you might take with your investments, given different rates of inflation. So, for example, if you feel that inflation may be higher for a longer

Matters

Worried About Inflation? Consider

period than you once thought, you could request a hypothetical showing how you might need to adjust your investment mix to achieve your long-term goals, given your risk tolerance and time horizon.

If you’re already retired …

• Consider part-time work or consulting. Once you retire from your career, it doesn’t mean you can never do any paid work again. If you’ve accumulated years of experience and expertise, you could use your skills as a consultant. Also, many part-time jobs are available for retirees. With the added income from employment, you may be able to delay taking withdrawals from your retirement accounts and other investments, possibly extending their longevity. (Once you turn 72, though, you will need to begin taking money from your 401(k) and traditional IRA.)

• Delay taking Social Security. You can begin taking Social Security when

These Moves

by Edward Jones - Financial Advisors

you’re 62, but your monthly checks will be substantially bigger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. (You could even wait until 70, at which point your monthly benefits will max out.) Of course, the ability to delay taking Social Security depends on whether you can afford it, but it may be possible if you work longer than you once planned or if you work part time in retirement. But even if you do need to take Social Security before your full retirement age, your payments will be adjusted annually for inflation — in fact, for 2023, benefit checks will rise 8.7% over 2022.

We’ll always have to deal with some level of inflation — so it’s a good idea to be prepared.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Thomas W Seigendall Financial Advisor

24 West Broad Street Hazleton, PA 18201 570-455-5376

Tax Changes For 2022

By Alice Horton-Barr, CEO, Honest Abe's Taxes, Inc.

Congress had not decided all of the tax changes before 12/31/22 and although some changes may have come after that date, even into this year, below is a summary of the ones that they had decided on that do affect your 2022 taxes in comparison to prior years.

Over the last two years taxpayers had an “above the line” deduction for charitable deductions and that is gone. Also, over the last two years Earned Income Credit was sometimes calculated using prior year income, if higher, rather than your current year lower income, but that also is gone.

Stimulus recapture is gone. Stimulus is gone. Early Child tax credit dollars recapture is gone. Earned income credit was for age 25-65, historically. For 2021 the age minimum was 19 with no maximum age, however, for 2022, the age bracket went back to age 25-65.

Taxpayers may be receiving 1099K’s from Venmo, CashApp, etc. if you received more than $600 from them

during the year. If this was for business income and you have reported the income on your tax return you good, if not, you must report the income. If this was not for business income you will have to find a way to prove the dollars received was not for business income. Child Tax Credit has reverted to $2000 per child for children under 17, not under 18, as it was temporarily for 2021. The refundable portion will be $1500. Mileage rates increased in July due to the costs of gas, so you will need to figure your miles for January through June and July through December. The rates are for the first half of the year business $0.585 and the second half $0.625; medical and moving for the first half of the year $0.14 and the second half $0.22; and charity remained all year at $0.14 per mile. Honest Abe’s looks forward to helping all customers in the upcoming season with continued quality service and support. We are open year-round and continue to offer better pricing to the community. We welcome new customers as well as our family of prior customers. Call to make your appointment today, 570-668-8297.

Resolve to Protect Your Finances & Your Family in the New Year

(StatePoint) After a holiday season spent racking up credit card bills, many Americans consider making financial resolutions in the New Year. However, now is the perfect time to not only reevaluate your saving and spending, but also commit to creating a more holistic financial plan designed to protect your finances and your family.

Consumers are seeking stability and preparedness in today’s uncertain economic environment, according to a recent Consumer Sentiment Tracker study by Lincoln Financial Group. With ongoing inflation and market volatility, 56% of respondents

cited protection from risk as being most important to them. When it comes to thinking about their finances, people said they have the greatest interest in protecting their family (39%) followed by their income (26%).

“Our research reinforced the importance of financial solutions that can help consumers navigate through market cycles and protect their loved ones,” said David Berkowitz, president, Lincoln Financial Network, Lincoln Financial’s wealth management business. “People are not only concerned about having enough to pay their bills, but also saving for retirement and preparing for the unexpected. It’s important to have a well-rounded financial plan that can address those risks, protect assets and create positive outcomes for today’s families.”

To achieve a stronger financial future, don’t neglect your finances in 2023 — instead, add a little TLC (Talk, Learn, Commit). Resolve to create a robust financial plan using these three tips from Lincoln Financial:

1. Talk about it. Financial conversations play a crucial role. Be transparent with your loved ones about financial priorities so you can set expectations and work toward your shared financial goals. Initiate ongoing discussions to stay on track with everything from saving for retirement to paying for a long-term healthcare event, which can happen suddenly and be very costly. Also, consider talking to a financial professional who can help identify solutions that best meet your individual needs, as well as drive better outcomes. Lincoln’s research found those who work with financial

Family Features) Developing financial knowledge and effective money management habits are important steppingstones for teenagers to become financially stable adults who aspire to build assets and achieve personal goals.

For example, most teens (88%) would like to own a home someday, according to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement USA and Fannie Mae. The survey of 1,000 teens ages 13-17 in the United States found most (85%) believe "owning a home" is part of "the good life," compared to nearly as many adults (87%). However, fewer than half (45%) could correctly identify the definition of a home mortgage and 76% said they lacked clear understanding of credit scores.

"There's been this theme that younger Americans aren't interested in homeownership, but the results of this survey contradict that assumption," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA.

To help teens gain a better understanding of financial decisions they'll face in adulthood, consider these common terms.

Credit Score - While nearly all teens (96%) believe credit scores play an

important role in the ability to purchase a home, approximately 3 in 4 (76%) said they understood credit scores only "somewhat," "a little" or "not at all." A credit score is a number from 300-850 based on a number of factors, including credit history, open accounts, total debt, repayment history and more. Lenders use credit scores to evaluate a person's ability to repay loans.

A person's credit score may also determine the size of a down payment needed when purchasing a smartphone or home, or the deposit needed for renting property or obtaining utilities and may impact interest rates and credit limits on credit cards. Generally, scores below 620 may require paying a higher rate, a shorter repayment term or a co-signer. Scores of 700 or higher are considered more favorable to creditors and may result in lower interest rates while scores higher than 800 typically provide the most benefits to consumers.

Mortgage - While a slight majority of white teens (52%) correctly identified the definition of a mortgage, only around a quarter (26%) of Black teens and fewer than half (41%) of Hispanic or Latino teens could do so. A mortgage is a type of loan used to purchase or maintain a home, land or other types of real estate. The borrower

your holistic financial situation and lower stress.

makes a down payment for a portion of the purchase price then borrows the rest from a lender. The borrower then repays the lender over a number of years - typically 15-30 - via a series of regular payments that are divided into principal (the money originally borrowed) and interest with the property serving as security.

Nearly all teens surveyed (97%) thought it would be helpful if schools offered lessons that explained homeownership, including mortgages. In response, Fannie Mae is supporting the development and deployment of Junior Achievement learning experiences for thousands of students annually in various age groups by integrating relevant content from its HomeView homeownership course materials and resources, which are designed with first-time homebuyers in

2. Learn more about tax-deferred investments. Life insurance can be more than just a death benefit, with some types of policies offering income replacement for unforeseen events. It can also protect your financial security from the impact of taxes, market volatility and longevity. It’s not just for individuals and families either, but businesses too. Also, consider diversifying your portfolio with an annuity, which can provide protected growth and monthly lifetime income to help cover expenses in retirement and ensure you have a stream of income.

3. Commit to maximizing your workplace benefits. Look into supplemental coverages like disability, accident and life insurance that may be available through your employer. Solutions like these protect against unexpected events that can disrupt your ability to provide for your family or drive you into additional debt. If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, make sure you are contributing and getting a match, if offered. Tap into any financial wellness tools offered at work to help provide you with an accurate picture of

Hartley Tax Service's ad was in our book last Feb 2021. He would like to repeat that ad with the following changes:

REMOVE- Small Business, Accounting Business Payrolls Sales Tax, Quarterlies, W-2's. W-3's. 1099's Act 32 Forms & Codes. Replace it with: **RETIRING IN 3YEARS** Not accepting any new clients at this time.

A proof is required on this Ad ASAP.

Visit www.lfg.com for more tools and resources.

With a robust plan, you can help ensure a solid financial future for you and your family.

I don’t want to make the wrong decision for the one person who always made the right ones.” • IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984 •  All Federal 1040 & State PA40 Returns E-Filed ~An IRS Licensed E-File Preparer~

Now is the time to make the right decisions for you and your family. As preplanning specialists, we can make certain that all of your wishes are carried out and that you spend only what is needed.

clients

at this time.

Rick Hartley, AFSP, RTRP (570) 443-9633 (O ce) • (570) 579-7522 (Cell) 1601 Honey Hole Road, White Haven taxman@pa.metrocast.net Local Returns Property Tax Rebates • Rental Properties Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards for Payment

17 JANUARY 2023

Required Minimum Distribution

By Donald A. Galade CEO, GFS Financial Advisors, LLC

Many may know that the RMD or (required minimum distribution) requirement for IRA/401(k) qualified plans had been amended in 2019 moving the starting age one must withdraw funds from 70.5 to 72. Once signed into law the newly passed legislation known as Secure Act 2.0 amends the rule further for 2023. The minimum starting age for RMD’s will be pushed back to 73, and it increases to 75 starting 2033. So many who do not need money from their qualified plan, will not be forced to start withdrawals.

If you turned 72 in 2022, you must take the initial RMD by April 1, 2023, but for those who turn 72 in 2023 you can put off withdrawing the minimum to April 1, 2025. These constantly changing rules are not easy to follow, but ignorance is no excuse for Uncle Same. If you do not take an RMD when you are required, the penalty for NOT taking the distribution is 50% of the amount not taken. Yes 50%. That is in addition to the amount of the RMD. That is a

mistake no one can ever afford.

For those in or approaching retirement you need the services of a qualified licensed financial professional, not only to grow your assets but more importantly protect them. That is why I will be hosting a free educational event for anyone who desires to attend on January 26th at the Butler Township Community Center, located at 411 W. Butler Drive in Drums, PA. 18222. There will be two seating times available. One starting at 10am and another at 6pm. We will be discussing the changes in RMD’s, Social Security, and Tax Laws for 2023. Seating is limited. Please call 570-5011200 to reserve your spot for this event.

I have been in the financial services industry since 1987 and I am an International Best-Selling Author of two books. In God We Trust - The Dollar We Worship and 5 StepsYour Guide To Financial Health. It shows the reader what to look for and look out for when developing a financial plan and investing. Those attending my free educational event will receive a FREE E-Book version of both books. I also have a Podcast called Money Matters and it can be found here: https://anchor.fm/don-galade

WHERE TO WATCH & WHAT TO EAT

Savory Spice Kicks Up Game Day Celebrations

(Culinary.net)

Powering up for a successful game day starts with a pregame spread, and no tailgate or homegate is complete without a spicy dip that brings the heat.

This Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect solution for firing up your crowd as it requires little preparation so you save precious time before kickoff. Whether you bake shortly before the game begins or make it ahead of time for a parking lot party, simply keep it warm and serve with chips or veggie sticks for a quick, shareable appetizer.

Game Day Buffalo Chicken Dip Servings: 3-4

• 2 cups shredded chicken

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, plus additional for topping, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 heavy pinch dried dill

• 1/2 cup hot sauce

• 2 green onions, chopped

• blue cheese crumbles

• chips

• vegetable sticks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 400 F.

2. In bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and dried dill until combined. Add hot sauce; mix until combined.

3. Transfer mixture from bowl to oven-safe dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, to taste.

4. Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.

5. Top with blue cheese crumbles and chopped green onion.

6. Serve warm with chips and vegetable sticks.

Find more ways to turn up the heat on game day at Culinary.net.

Making Game Day A Little Healthier

frozen corn as directed on bag, drain and rinse black beans, and pull apart and shred chicken breast OR drain and pull apart canned chicken.

Sweet Potato Nachos

Courtesy of NutritionTwins.com

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes

• 1/2 cup black beans

• 1/2 cup frozen corn (or fresh)

• 1/2 cup shredded chicken breast (or canned chicken)

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat

• 1 tbsp smashed avocado

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Rinse and thoroughly clean potatoes and thinly slice (about 3 mm thick). This is most easily done using a paring knife and working slowly, and of course carefully!

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place potato slices on the baking sheet to make a nice even layer of slices (it doesn’t have to be neat just even!). The potatoes can be overlapping and it doesn’t necessarily need to be one potato per layer! Place potatoes in oven.

While potatoes are baking, prepare

After about 20 minutes, take potatoes out and flip the chips (they should be a little crispy on the side that was facing up and soft and warm on the bottom). Bake for another 15-20 min.

After the potatoes are baked and crispy on both sides, take them out of the oven, place them on a plate and top with corn, black beans, chicken, cheese and smashed avocado.

Cauliflower Pizza Muffins

Courtesy of NutritionTwins.com

Cauliflower Crust:

• 1 head of cauliflower, riced/grated (about 3 cups) – buy riced (frozen or fresh to save time!)

• 2 eggs

• 3 Tbsp. almond flour (or coconut flour—or whole wheat flour if you’re not Paleo)

• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning

• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Pizza Topping:

• 1 cup tomato sauce, low sodium, divided in half- reserve half for topping

• 3/4 cup light mozzarella cheese*

• ½ cup mushroom (or veggie of choice)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Rinse and thoroughly clean potatoes and thinly slice (about 3 mm thick). This is most easily done using a paring knife and working slowly, and of course carefully!

Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place potato slices on the baking sheet to make a nice even layer of slices (it doesn’t have to be neat just even!). The potatoes can be overlapping and it doesn’t necessarily need to be one potato per layer! Place potatoes in oven.

While potatoes are baking, prepare frozen corn as directed on bag, drain and rinse black beans, and pull apart and shred chicken breast OR drain and pull apart canned chicken.

After about 20 minutes, take potatoes out and flip the chips (they should be a little crispy on the side that was facing up and soft and warm on the bottom). Bake for another 15-20 min.

After the potatoes are baked and crispy on both sides, take them out of the oven, place them on a plate and top with corn, black beans, chicken, cheese and smashed avocado.

Skinny Turkey Meatballs with Wild Blueberry BBQ Sauce Courtesy of NutritionTwins.com

Meatballs:

• 2 pounds skinless ground turkey breast*

• 1 cup frozen Wild Blueberries thawed

• 3/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

• 1 egg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

BBQ sauce:

• 1 1/4 cups frozen Wild Blueberries thawed

• 1/4 cup catsup

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup minced ginger

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped

• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine all the ingredients and mix thoroughly. If using cubed turkey, mix ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the turkey is coarsely chopped (approx. ¼ inch. Do not over process).

Using a tablespoon, scoop out rounded tablespoons (if necessary, use your hands to form the balls) and place on a parchment lined baking pan and bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. (The meatballs may be a little “soft” and not form perfect balls but that’s fine).

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

BBQ Sauce Directions:

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the sauce is fairly smooth.

Pour the sauce into a mediumsized sauce pan, bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture reduces by a third, from roughly 2 cups to 1-1/3 cups (about 10 minutes).

Let the sauce cool slightly then pour over the meatballs and enjoy.

The Sweet Side of Game Day

(Family Features) A kid friendly recipe, this Popcorn Party Pizza swaps out the classic pizza crust for popcorn – a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additional additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs – infused with gooey melted marshmallows and topped with childhood favorites.

After an adult melts the marshmallows and lines the pan with the marshmallowpopcorn mixture, kids can help create their own work of art with red piping gel as “pizza sauce;” rolled fruit snacks as “pepperoni” slices; and jellybeans,

coconut and candy-coated chocolate pieces for the oh-so-sweet toppings.

Visit popcorn.org to find more kid-friendly recipes to help children learn their way around the kitchen.

Popcorn Party Pizza

Yield: 8 slices

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 bag (10 1/2 ounces) mini marshmallows

• 2 quarts popped popcorn

TOUCH DOWN!

• 1 tube (0.68 ounces) red piping gel

• 1 package red raspberry rolled fruit snack

• green jellybeans (optional)

• coconut (optional)

• candy-coated chocolate pieces (optional)

Directions:

Spray 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In large saucepan over medium

heat, heat butter. Stir in marshmallows until melted. Stir in popcorn until well coated.

Spread mixture evenly onto prepared pizza pan.

Drizzle red piping gel over “pizza” for “sauce.”

Cut small circles (about 1 1/4-inch diameter) from rolled fruit snack and place on pizza for “pepperoni” slices.

Decorate with jellybeans, coconut and candies, if desired. Cool completely before cutting into wedges.

Mars Is Back In The Game: M&M'S® Return To The Super Bowl

After a monumental year, M&M'S®, proudly part of Mars, has announced that the brand is kicking off 2023 with a return to Super Bowl.

Mars has been a part of Super Bowl's showstopping advertising lineup for more than a decade collectively across the portfolio of iconic brands.

Mars has a history of celebrated ad campaigns debuting around Super Bowl, one of the biggest consumer stages in the world. Most recently, the 2021, M&M'S "Come Together" spot was ranked #4 on USA Today's Ad Meter, and in 2020, the SNICKERS® "You're Not You" 2010 spot, was ranked as the #1 best Super Bowl commercial over the last twenty-five years by USA Today.

"Mars has delivered some of the most buzz-worthy Super Bowl moments over the years, and we're inspired by the M&M'S brand being back in the mix in a new way for 2023," said Gabrielle Wesley,

Rihanna Takes Center Stage For Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show

Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation announce international icon, entrepreneur and philanthropist Rihanna will take center stage at State Farm Stadium for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVII, on Sunday, February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona.

The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton serving as director. Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisors of the live performance.

“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn. A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment,” said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage,” said Seth Dudowsky, NFL Head of Music. “Rihanna is a once in a generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”

“Rihanna is an incredible recording artist who is a favorite for many millions of Apple Music customers around the world,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “We’re excited to partner with Rihanna, Roc Nation and the NFL to bring music and sports fans a momentous show — what an incredible artist for the inaugural Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.”

Over the coming months, fans can expect to see exclusive details and sneak peeks leading up to the Apple

Music Super Bowl Halftime Show by following @AppleMusic on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.

This marks the first year of a partnership between Apple Music, the NFL and Roc Nation.

Earlier this year, the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show which featured a lineup of trailblazing musicians including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar made history, garnering five Creative Arts Emmy nominations. The critically acclaimed performance won three Creative Arts Emmys, including Outstanding Variety Special (Live), a first ever for the show.

Past Super Bowl Halftime Show performances include The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Prince, Madonna and more.

For more information about Super Bowl LVII, visit SuperBowl.com.

Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Wrigley North America. "M&M'S brings people together through the power of fun to foster belonging, with universal humor that entertains fans in a way only a globally loved and legendary brand like M&M'S can. The latest campaign extends our purposeful work over the last year but is rooted in a new creative territory, and we can't wait for our fans to see what's about to unfold."

The Super Bowl LVII spot continues the momentum of a transformative year for M&M'S, with a refreshed brand purpose and visual identity rooted in purpose, forming the first ever M&M'S Advisory Board, partnering with trailblazing artists and entertainers on custom collaborations, and of course, evolving the characters and introducing the first new character in over ten years, Purple - all of which ultimately helped cement the M&M'S brand on the list of Gen Z's favorite brands for 2022.

The new 30-second spot, produced by BBDO New York, will air during the third commercial break in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII, which will be broadcast on FOX on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. It will be just one part of an extensive, immersive campaign throughout the month surrounding Super Bowl.

Mars is further contributing to Super Bowl Sunday's festivities through the PEDIGREE® brand, the number one brand of dog food and treats in the world, and the TEMPTATIONS™ brand, both of which are proudly part of the Mars family. The PEDIGREE brand will continue its long-standing tradition of sponsoring the adorable Puppy Bowl, where the TEMPTATIONS Kitty Sky Box will be featured throughout the game so fans can feel as if they're in the center of all the action. Puppy Bowl XVII will air before the game on the Discovery Channel at 2pm ET.

For more information and updates on this upcoming Super Bowl ad, fans can visit M&M'S at mms.com.

Headlining Artists Set For Super Bowl Experience At Hance Park

PHOENIX (December 20, 2022)

— The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee today announced two musical acts headlining the Verizon Stage at the free Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s at Hance Park. Arizona-grown rock band Jimmy Eat World and awardwinning country music artist Lee Brice will perform the evening of Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10, respectively.

“We are thrilled to bring free concerts featuring world-class talent to locals and visitors at the opening of Super Bowl festivities,” said Jay Parry, president & chief executive officer of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. “Jimmy Eat World and Lee Brice bring showstopping performances and will create the ultimate party atmosphere in the heart of downtown Phoenix.”

Alternative rock band Jimmy Eat

World enters 2023 celebrating three decades of success. The born and raised Arizonans shot to fame with their iconic/anthemic single “The Middle” and continue to be pioneers of the genre with recent releases “Something Loud” and “Place Your Debts.”

Lee Brice is an American country music artist. Brice attended Clemson University on a football scholarship, and after an arm injury, he focused on his country music career. He has taken nine radio singles to number one on the Billboard country charts, including “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” a duet with Carly Pearce that won Single of the Year at the American Country Music Awards in 2021.

The Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s at Hance Park is a free outdoor festival for all ages open day to night. Viewing space for the concerts is based on availability

on a first come, first served basis. Along with live entertainment and games, fans can enjoy local cuisine catering to every palette and local and domestic beer from Hensley Beverage Company.

The first-ever official Super Bowl Watch Party takes place Sunday at Hance Park. The game, broadcast on FOX, will be shown on the largest LED screens in Arizona. Gates open at 11 AM for the ultimate tailgate experience before the free watch party. A full list of Super Bowl events is available at azsuperbowl.com.

About the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is an Arizona nonprofit responsible for planning and executing a successful Super Bowl LVII in 2023. The goal of the Host Committee is to galvanize local stakeholders in a united approach to hosting the largest single-day sporting event in the world by maximizing positive media exposure, fueling the economic engine of Arizona, and leaving a lasting legacy. The Host Committee serves as liaison between the NFL and all regional efforts, culminating with the game in 2023 at State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals. This is the fourth time Arizona is hosting the Super Bowl, following 1996, 2008 and 2015. Only four other sites (South Florida, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Tampa Bay) hold this distinction. For more information, visit azsuperbowl.com or follow @ AZSuperBowl on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Did you know? Football Facts

• Football has one of the shortest seasons of any professional sport — 17 weeks — but the popularity of football surpasses every other sport with tailgating, cheering teams with stickers and flags on cars and watching the annual Superbowl, the most watched television program of the year.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers claim the top spot for most Superbowl wins — six wins out of eight Super Bowl appearances. The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys have also played in eight Super Bowl games, but the Cowboys have won five, and the Patriots have won four of the championships.

• Football revenue escalates dramatically: CBS only paid $4.65 million for broadcast rights in 1962, but Fox now pays $1.15 billion per year for only NFC broadcast rights, which doesn’t even include broadcast of the NFL Championship.[4]

• Pro football games have been played on every day of the week. The only Tuesday game was played because of a blizzard in

Pennsylvania. The only Wednesday game was played when a Washington-New York game was rescheduled to prevent it from running into John McCain’s acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination.

• The spread is generally narrow between professional teams, and only 11 games since 1987 had a spread of 20 or more points. None of these underdogs have ever won, but the Philly Eagles, who were a 24.5 underdog to the New England patriots, led 28-24 in the fourth quarter before losing 31-28.

• The first televised pro game occurred in 1939. The spectacle was less compelling than a modern Super Bowl game. The first televised game only reached about 500 television sets, and the commercials were nothing to generate buzz at the water cooler. The game was between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Eagles. The 500 broadcast sets were located in New York.

Storage Solutions for your Stuff Art & Antiques By Dr. Lori

By Dr. Lori Verderame

Collectors like to rotate collections with frequency and display their stuff in various parts of one’s home. Some collectible items only make an appearance at certain times of the year. Just like there are certain rules for exhibiting objects in museums, there are also suggestions as to the correct way to prepare objects for long term storage. First and foremost, only store clean objects. When it comes to any collectible, clean it first, then store it.

Location, Location, Location

The location for the storage of collections is vital to their long life and their condition impacts value. Storage areas should have controlled temperature and humidity levels. Since most of us are not in the market for a sophisticated HVAC system like the one the Smithsonian Institute or your local museum uses to maintain storage areas at 70 degrees F and 55% humidity, we can afford to make sensible

choices when it comes to art and antiques storage. For instance, an attic that is freezing cold in the winter and burning hot in the summer is not an appropriate place to store your art, antiques, or collectibles. The basement, which is commonly damp or even wet during certain times of the year, is not a good solution for storing your stuff either. Any drastic change in temperature or humidity within a storage area can damage your collections to the point of no return. Once mold grows or heat attacks an object, the game is over. Art and antiques do not fare well in sheds, garages, or outbuildings where there is little or no regulated heating or cooling. Simply put, the temperature and humidity in which you feel comfortable is the same climate that is best for your art, antiques, and collectibles. Consider storing your collections in a guest room closet or other low traffic area on the main floor of your home. Temperature and humidity need to be constant and remember, art

and antiques like to live where you like to live. Sometimes it is best to display your objects and let them enjoy the consistent temperature of your home.

What to Avoid

There are certain things to avoid when it comes to storing art and antiques. Some objects need more care than others. Some objects cannot be near other objects. And there are specific objects that need more care than others. For example, cardboard should be avoided in your storage spaces. It attracts bugs. It is acidic. It can leave stains on fragile art or antiques. Bubble wrap is great for transport but a no-no when it comes to long term storage. Bubble wrap traps heat and will speed up the deterioration process of your prized possessions. So, don’t used bubble wrap to store your pieces. You don’t want to wrap and store your valuable Lladro figurines in bubble wrap and then store them away for months. Why? The heat trapped within the bubble wrap over time may damage the hand painted and glazed porcelain figurine.

Remember, proper storage ensures good condition and condition means value when appraising your collections.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning media personality, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide, appears on History channel’s The Curse of Oak Island and the new series, Pawn Stars do America. For appraisals, visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.YouTube.com/ DrLoriV or call (888) 431-1010.

Fun Ways to Foster a Love of Music at an Early Age

(StatePoint) It’s never too early to encourage children to love to make and appreciate music. Here’s how:

• Attend a Concert: Whether you’re attending a symphony or a rock concert, there is no substitute for the excitement of a live musical performance. Not only will kids enjoy watching the show, the experience may inspire them to learn to dance or play an instrument themselves. To get started, look for events geared towards kids and families, or those with relaxed vibes, to ensure little ones will get the most out of the experience.

• Play With Musical Toys: Toys are a fun and interactive way to encourage musical creativity and help kids find the beat. One of the coolest musical toys out there, a 2022 Toy of the Year finalist, is DJ Beat Boxer from VTech. Each interaction with this musicmixing pup -- from scratching DJ’s head and booping her nose to pushing the buttons on her headphones -adds layers to the music. Kids can start a rhythm and add in backbeats, harmonies, record-scratching sounds, an air horn effect and more to complete any remix. They can even press DJ’s

A WORD FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

As a seasonal business it is important to chose the right advertising. The Panorama has continued to deliver for us year after year. - Charlie Stemmrich Blueberry Farm

ear to record a quick phrase to drop into their song. Her head will nod along to the music while her jowls flap to the beat.

• Get Immersed: Hit up the library and check out picture books that build music vocabulary or feature musical characters. Look for movies and television shows with musical themes. There are many entertaining ways to immerse kids into the world of music.

• Create a Playlist: Give kids the tools they need to develop their own music tastes and interests. Many streaming services now offer special apps for kids that allow them to explore genres, musicians and songs all on their own. This is a safe and easy way to ensure little ones have access to kid-friendly

content, along with the freedom to create their own library and playlists. Of course, a good pair of headphones that are safe for young, sensitive ears is also essential!

From playlists to playtime, you can help foster a child’s lifelong love and appreciation for music.

You

overcome those hurdles and live each day more fully by adopting habits that promote physical and mental well-being, including these suggestions from the experts at Natrol, the No. 1 drug-free sleep aid brand, according to data from Nielsen^.

Regular Exercise

You'll find exercise on virtually every list of self-care advice, and for good reason. Exercise stimulates your body in numerous beneficial ways, not the least of which is getting your heart pumping and oxygen flowing throughout your body, including your brain. Exercise also pairs well with meditation or mindfulness activities, which allow you to align your body's movement with your thoughts and focus on the act of nurturing your body while freeing your mind.

Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep is linked to improved concentration and productivity, consciously managing your sleep habits can help you be more present each day. Creating a bedtime routine and establishing a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment are important steps. In addition, drugfree sleep aids like Natrol Melatonin products are designed to work with the body's natural cycles and help users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up revitalized with a clearer, calmer mind†. Made with clean ingredients

and no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives, the line of melatonin products may help you rethink your relationship between sleep and living life to the fullest.

Deep Breathing

Focusing on the here and now can be easier said than done. However, it's possible to train your body and mind to concentrate on specific thoughts and tasks. Deep breathing exercises are an example of physically focusing yourself. Initiating a slow, steady breathing pattern and paying close attention to that rhythm can be an effective way to ward off negativity, whether it's fear, anxiety or another undesirable emotion. Managing your breathing gives you a degree of control that can help you navigate a tricky situation or establish a deeper connection between your body and mind.

Time Management

For many people, the modern world's frenetic lifestyle often demands constant multitasking. However, that continual juggling act makes it virtually impossible to give your full attention to any one aspect of your life. While a full stop to your multitasking tendencies may be impractical, you can carve out time to dedicate your mind more intentionally and completely. You may be surprised by how much joy you derive from simply being present.

Explore more advice and products to help you stay present at Natrol.com.

Develop Healthy Sleep Habits

Healthy sleep begins with 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but there's more you need to know to achieve the sleep you deserve. By getting the recommended amount of sleep and hitting all your sleep stages, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to own the day.

Create healthy sleep habits. Establishing a consistent sleep-wake schedule helps regulate your circadian rhythms and increases your quality of sleep.

Avoid bright screens 60 minutes before bedtime. Exposure to bright LED lights such as smartphones, laptops and TV screens before bed can interfere with your body's natural release of melatonin.

Consider taking a melatonin supplement. When you need a little extra nudge toward dreamland, melatonin may help you fall asleep and stay asleep so you wake up refreshed.†

Create a calm and dark bedroom oasis. A dark, noise-free bedroom can help you sleep better throughout the night. Mask noise pollution with calming sounds and block out disruptive light with darkening curtains or a sleep mask.

Walk or exercise daily. Walking as little as 10 minutes a day can help improve sleep quality.

NEPA Hall Misses?

January brings the annual baseball writer’s ballot Hall of Fame voting results. The results bring much debate among many points of view. There are currently 269 former players inducted into the Hall. That number represents a little over 1% of all the players. The debate usually breaks down into three categories. The first of these arguments is the group that begins and ends every argument with a comparison to Willie Mays. This argument would have the Hall of Fame consisting of about 75 players; it’s this argument that kept Fred McGriff out of the Hall of Fame for 16 years. Out of the over 11,000 MLB Hitters, McGriff finished in the top 1% in home runs, hits, runs, runs batted in, extra base hits, and total bases. The second argument is that the size of membership is about right but there have been mistakes made in the past, so extreme care must be taken. This has led to a very low representation of players (47) who made their debut since divisional play started in 1969. The third argument eliminates some of the bias by using old and new numbers placed in a historical perspective. It’s not used often.

Historical Perspective

The Hall of Fame has one specific requirement, a 10-year playing career. The Major League Players Association states that under 2,000 of the over 22,000 players throughout 150 years of professional baseball have reached this plateau. About 1,300 of these players have been of the middle reliever, defensive infielder, or catcher and pinch hitter types. (Players like Tim Foli in the 70's and the recently retired Oliver Perez.) There have been roughly 700 significant MLB careers. When narrowing down the playing field, it is easier to make the argument that Jeff Kent is a lot closer to Joe Morgan, than he is to Neil Walker. Walker hit 149 homers and scored 611 runs over 12 seasons. According to Cooperstown expert researcher Jay Jaffe and his JAWs system Walker is the 103rd best 2nd baseman. On the other hand, there is Jeff Kent, who has been mired in 40% of the vote range heading into his final season of voting. According to JAWS he is the 20th best 2nd basemen in history and by WAR he is the 155th best player ever. It is this kind of voting that leads many people

to believe that voters are going out of their way to come up with reasons not to vote for a player. There are many players whose candidacy needs a better and fuller review. There are many who played before the establishment of the Hall of Fame. Baseball had a 60-year run up to the Hall. Two World Wars, and a depression, along with no meaningful way to research a player until 25 years ago, has meant there have been many players lost to history. Jake Daubert of Shamokin and Jack Quinn of Jeansville are two such players.

Jake Daubert

Daubert was born in Shamokin 18, 1884 and used baseball as a way to escape the coal mines, which claimed his brother Calvin. Daubert played for 15 years for Brooklyn and Cincinnati; he passed away in 1924 while still an active player. According to his SABR Biography written by Jim Sandoval, Daubert was considered one of the best 1st basemen of the deadball era. During his time, he won an early version of the MVP Award in 1913. He was a two-time batting champion and was so well known he led a tour of Cuba in 1913. The Baseball Magazine All Star 8 times, the Sporting News compared him on different occasions to HOF players Hal Chase, Willie Keeler, Eddie Collins and Hal Chase. During his career he was elected President of the Baseball Players Fraternity. He was captain of both Brooklyn and Cincinnati, winning the World Series in 1919. According to Jaffe’s ranking he is the 57th best first basemen and

baseball reference HOF monitor has him at 295. There is some debate over his cause of death. He was seriously beaned 8 times in his career including the 1924 season. He suffered the rest of the season and died in October of 1924. Years later, his son began to suffer from similar symptoms and it was discovered he had hereditary spleen disease. He is buried at Charles Barber cemetery in Pottsville. Daubert was elected to both the Reds and Dodgers Halls of fame after his death.

Jack Quinn

Jack Quinn was born John Quinn Picus on July 5, 1883 in Jeansville, PA. Quinn launched his major league career with the New York Yankees in 1909 when he was 24. He went on to spend 23 seasons in the major leagues with eight different teams. Jack relied mainly on his low-breaking spitball, which was a legal pitch at the time. He won 247 games and lost 218, also collecting 57 saves with a 3.27 ERA. Quinn helped the Yankees to their first pennant in 1921 and the A’s to two successive flags in 1929-30. His best season was 26 wins in 1914, but he won 18 three times, including an 18-7 mark and 2.90 ERA with the 1928 A’s at age 45.

Quinn played until he was 50 years old, with his final game being on July 7, 1933. He left the sport with several age-related records, including being the oldest major leaguer to win a game, to hit a home run, to lead his league in a major category (saves, in 1932), and to start a game in the World Series (with the Philadelphia Athletics, in 1929) and on Opening Day (with the

Brooklyn Dodgers, in 1931). After his MLB playing career ended, he played for a few years in the PCL.

Quinn died quietly on April 17, 1946 in Pottsville PA, and in time his baseball career was largely forgotten by all but baseball historians. According to Jaffe he is the 92nd best starting pitcher, his hall monitor rating on baseball reference is 215 and by WAR is listed at 68th among the nearly 11,000 pitchers in history. He is a member of the National Polish Sports Hall of Fame. The information on Quinn comes from Charles Faber’s SABR biography. There are other sources that dispute some of the personal details on Quinn.

The Hall of Fame is both an institution of history and a business. The business is drawing fans and a review of history will not increase attendance. Many of the people who cover the sport would probably mock the Hall if it did. Maybe someday the Hall will find a way to review the 100 or so players that have fallen through the cracks.

Please direct any comments to hardcoalbaseball@yahoo.com

Getting to the finish line starts with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute. The region’s leader in bone and joint care, our specialists get you back stronger than ever using the most advanced technology, for faster, better results. So you can return to the things that matter most to you.

Kia America Helps More Than 22,000 Shelter Animals Find Forever Homes

Kia America announced in December that 22,422 shelter animals nationwide have been placed in their forever homes thanks to the brand's yearlong partnership with The Petfinder Foundation. Launched in February 2022 as part of Kia's Super Bowl ad starring "Robo Dog," Kia's $500,000 donation helped cover adoption costs.

"Kia is dedicated to giving back and helping more than 22,000 shelter animals find new homes is proof that initiatives like this work and improve local communities, in this instance by easing the burden of overcrowding on local animal shelters nationwide," said Russell Wager, vice president, marketing, Kia America.

In a first for the brand, Kia also developed a series of NFTs based on "Robo Dog", the robot puppy and star of Kia's Super Bowl spot for the all-electric Kia EV6. In addition to making 10,000 NFTs available for free,

the brand also released an additional 10,000 generative NFTs. These unique designs were available for purchase with 90-percent of all primary sales proceeds benefiting The Petfinder Foundation to help animals in need find their forever homes. In addition, a 10-percent royalty was written into the smart contract on the blockchain, so whenever a Robo Dog NFT across the series was resold on a participating secondary market, The Petfinder Foundation once again benefitted. Sales of Kia's NFTs amounted to an additional $100,000 donation for The Petfinder Foundation.

"We are so honored to partner with Kia America. Their generous donation helped countless animals find loving and forever homes in 2022," said Toni Morgan, Executive Director, The Petfinder Foundation.

Kia's Accelerate The Good charitable initiative has donated more

than $14 million to various causes since 2019. Most recently, Kia announced a minimum donation of $1 million1 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, marking the third act of giving to St. Jude's this year. Previous donations to the organization were announced as part of the 10 millionth Kia vehicle sold in the U.S., and again as part of the groundbreaking announcement for a new assembly plant in the state of Georgia.

Kia America is headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Global Brands. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electrified vehicles sold through a network of over 750 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

(Statepoint) At a time when Americans are keeping a closer eye on their expenses, finding more value where they are already spending on the essentials is more important than ever.

In a recent study from Morgan Stanley, 64% of Americans said they plan to cut back on overall spending in the next six months as inflation continues to rise and impact wallets. And while many are making cuts in their everyday life, wireless shows no sign of being scratched from the monthly budget. With more than 60% of households having cut the cord to their landline, Americans increasingly rely on their mobile connectivity. This may be why that when it comes to prioritizing monthly bills, the same Morgan Stanley study showed that wireless was top ranked alongside other life essentials, with respondents saying that keeping their connectivity was nearly neck in

Digitherm Therapy Plus Laser Therapy Provides Optimal Health Benefits For Your Best Friend

by Dr. Kenneth Trippett, West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

The Digatherm technology now available at West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital measures the radiated energy from the animals tissue. The difference in radiated energy is measured by temperature and color associated with change. The high-resolution camera and software can detect changes of less than 0.020C - that's 20 times more sensitvie than your fingers at detecting small changes in heat and 10 times more sensitive at detecting cold.

Various color palettes help us to visualize the changes as het and cold is conducted to the surface of the body. Hotter areas depict inflammation while cooler areas indicate a lack of circulation. This allows the staff of West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital detect trouble spots for your pets and allow them to develop a treatment plan.

Used in conjunction with our Companion Therapeutic Laser, our fuzzy friends will receive instant relief of pain, inflammation and swelling associated with soft tissue injuries, trauma, surgery, arthritis, and chronic everyday disorders. The Class IV laser delivers a large amount of light energy into the pet's body. When the light interacts with damaged cells, healing is accelerated, and pain is dramatically reduced. As our best friends age, recover from trauma or surgery, or simply need relief from everyday aches and pains, this advanced technology offers: Drug-Free, Surgery-Free, PainFree Relief.

Call West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital today for more information to schedule a treatment plan customized for your pets' individual needs.

neck with paying their mortgage.

Another survey, by opinion analytics and research firm CivicScience, had Americans weigh the importance of their wireless service compared to other popular out-of-pocket expenses.

When asked whether they’d rather give up wireless or a video streaming service, 77% said they’d give up streaming and continue binging their mobile connectivity. When it came to choosing mobile service over a food delivery service, 93% said they’d

sacrifice food delivery. Even America’s favorite pastime was no match against reliable connectivity, with 86% saying they’d gladly give up attending a sporting event rather than part with their wireless service.

So, we know people would sacrifice spending on some of life’s little luxuries to stay connected, but do they really have to?

Inflation can be deflating, but you don’t need to be powerless against it.

Continued on next page

Simple money saving techniques can make a difference, and as it happens, if you have the right wireless service, you may not need to slash spending after all.

Designed to get the most for your money, T-Mobile offers an unlimited wireless plan, Magenta Max, featuring unlimited talk, text and premium data— so your smartphone data won’t slow down no matter how much you use— nationwide 5G coverage, a dedicated customer service team and more.

The savings don’t end there. T-Mobile customers get $225 each month in extra stuff on the Magenta MAX plan with two or more lines. For the 94% of Americans concerned about inflation, having Netflix , Apple TV+, in-flight Wi-Fi and data in 215+ countries, plus a year of AAA on us, and Scam Shield protection all included can mean some serious savings.

In a time of increasing sacrifice, you can be selective about your wireless phone provider, especially when it offers benefits your family can’t afford to live without.

We Take Pride In Supporting Our Community

Here at Panorama Community Magazine, we take pride in the fact that we support our community by publishing events and becoming a sponsor of events when we are able. We also offer special rates to assist non-profit organizations with advertising. If you are part of a non-profit, or have an upcoming event, please feel free to email us for details at editorial@panoramapa.com

Here is a letter we recently received in the mail.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Collum, The American Cancer Society - Greater Hazleton Unit extends its sincere appreciation to you for your clock sponsorship and double ads, for the 44th Annual Telethon held on Sunday, November 13th.

The telethon theme this year was "Year 44 - Sweeping Cancer Out The Door" emphasizing that it takes all of us to work and fight to find a cure for cancer and sweep it away forever.

Thank you so much for your kind support.

Sincerely, Clemie Yamona and Jane Dougherty Telethon Co-Chairs and 2022 Telethon Committee Members

THE LAUREL MALL

(Located in the Dunham’s Wing by Play Zone) Monday Thru Saturday 11am-6pm Laurel Mall Gift Certi cates Sold Here! Must be 18 to play. www.thelaurelmall.com

What to Know About a Career in the Growing Home Healthcare Industry

(StatePoint) Medical professionals, patients and their families are increasingly seeing the value of home care, and the industry is expected to grow. In fact, home health and personal care aide job openings are projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, with experts predicting an estimated 8.2 million job openings in home-based care by 2028. Industry experts say that workers from all backgrounds, not just nursing, will be needed now and in the future.

“If you enjoy working with people and helping others when they need it most, a job as a home care or hospice nurse, home health aide, personal companion or caregiver could be a good fit for you,” says Jennifer Sheets, president and chief executive officer of industry leader, Interim HealthCare Inc. “Likewise, if you’re currently a medical professional seeking more flexibility and to be reminded of why you entered the field in the first place, home healthcare can offer greater job satisfaction and a much-needed change of pace.

Why In-Home Care? Home care describes personal care and support services provided to an individual in their home. Often referred to as senior care, it provides help with the activities of daily living as well as companionship to those who need support to maintain their independence at home. Home healthcare on the other hand, entails medical-based care to

help patients recover from an illness or injury, or to provide in-home medical oversight and ongoing care for complex, chronic medical conditions. Many families and patients can testify to the various ways home care can be a game-changer, and a growing number of physicians and medical professionals are recommending home health services to patients of all ages because it delivers cost-effective, high-quality care in the setting where patients most often want to be -- home. Among these services are in-home nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapy, hospice care and bereavement services.

What Employers Want Being compassionate, trustworthy, dependable and having the ability to work independently can help you thrive in the field of home care.

What to Look for in Employers Seeking a career in the field of home care? Be sure you work for a home healthcare organization with a positive work culture that has your best interests in mind. That includes offering good work-life balance, flexible schedules, rewarding assignments and competitive pay. The employer should also prioritize your continuing education and professional development by offering advanced learning opportunities and room for growth, along with additional perks like tuition discounts, to make it all possible.

MATURE WORKER PROGRAM

The Mature Worker Program/Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers you an opportunity to get the job skills, and the job leads, to get that better paying job. The purpose of the SCSEP is to offer a “stepping stone” back into the work force. The goal is to help the individual obtain permanent employment. To qualify for the program a person must be at least 55 years old, a resident of Luzerne/Wyoming counties, and meet federal low-income guidelines.

SCSEP offers on-the-job training, referrals for additional classroom training (if appropriate), and referrals to employers in the community who are seeing the skills you have or will acquire in the program. It can also offer assessment, testing and counseling if desired or needed.

The on-the-job training offered by SCSEP means that you will be assigned to train at a government or nonprofit agency for 15-20 hours per week. You will be paid the minimum wage by the program for the time you spend in on-the-job training, attending approved classes or program meetings, or otherwise engaged in authorized training activities

Learn more by calling your local Area Agency on

Aging today

Color the New Year Winter Scene

Meeting at a certain time and place, esp. lovers

Engage in passive activities, often with "out"

Put things in order (2 wds)

"Over" follower in the first line of "The Caissons Go Rolling Along"

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.

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.

Name Of Applicant (Last, First, Middle

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

The Importance of Wheel Alignment

By Thomas R. Buff

Shake and shimmy, weave and drift. Sounds like fun if you are at an amusement park. But these terms are also common to what it feels like if your vehicle has steering or suspension problems that are affecting your cars wheel alignment. Not fun and certainly not safe. The meaning of the term “wheel alignment” can be misleading. Rather than referring only to your vehicle’s wheels, wheel alignment, which is sometimes called tracking, is also related to the suspension and its components. Wheel alignment is all about angles and steering geometry. When the angles are incorrect from worn parts or other causes the angles will change and in turn cause drivability and tire wear problems.

What are the symptoms of misalignment or improper tracking?

• Tires that wear unevenly or on one side.

• A crooked or uncenterd steering wheel

• A vibration from the steering wheel or front end.

• The steering wheel does not return easily after a turn

• The vehicle wanders or drifts to either side.

• A shake or shimmy after hitting a bump.

If your vehicle is doing any or all of the above, it can be from a variety of causes. The main causes of these symptoms are:

Worn parts caused by wear and tear. Steering and suspension parts such as tie rods, ball joints, struts or shocks just

to name a few, will cause the front and/or rear alignment geometry to be incorrect. This can create a dangerous and unsafe condition.

Hitting a pothole. This is a very common reason for alignment problems. If parts become bent or shifted due to a sudden impact, the steering geometry will be out of whack. Potholes and curbs are known for bending and twisting suspension, tire and steering components.

Changes in ride height. Any change caused by worn shocks or struts will cause the vehicle to sag. This will change the height of the vehicle. In turn the wheels will be forced to change their position thus altering the steering geometry.

Now we know the most common symptoms and causes of improper wheel alignment. So why is wheel alignment so important? First of all and most important is the safety factors. Proper wheel alignment creates improved steering and handling. Improper steering angles will create a variety of symptoms mentioned earlier that will have your car weaving all

over the road. All four wheels must be aligned properly, if not it will cause unsafe driving conditions.

Misaligned wheels will also cause a greater resistance on the road. This will decrease your fuel economy. Studies have shown that a four-wheel alignment can increase your fuel mileage by 20 percent. Irregular tire wear can also lead to accidents caused by blowouts that can cause accidents.

Prevention is the key. If your car is displaying any of the symptoms described, you may need a four-wheel alignment performed by a certified technician. The cost for an alignment is far less than a set of tires. But more importantly, a proper wheel alignment will keep your car on the road safely where it belongs. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all! Stay safe and Happy Motoring!

Wolf Administration, AARP Highlight Safety for Mature Drivers

With nearly a quarter of Pennsylvania’s licensed drivers 65 years of age or older, the Pennsylvania departments of Transportation (PennDOT), Aging (PDA) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), along with the AARP, hosted an event today at The Manor at Oakridge, a Holiday by Atria community in Harrisburg, to highlight the unique challenges faced by older drivers during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is observed December 5-9.

“Mobility is essential to quality of life at any age,” said Kurt Myers, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services. “Many older drivers have a lifetime of valuable driving experience to draw from, and PennDOT continually seeks to balance the safety of our roadways with the need for independence and autonomy.”

Approximately 25% of Pennsylvania’s 9.1 million licensed drivers are 65 and older. In 2021 there were more than 19,700 crashes involving at least one driver aged 65 or older, which resulted in over 300 total fatalities. This represents about 17% of all crashes and about 25% of all fatalities.

“As Pennsylvania’s aging population

continues to grow, the Wolf Administration is committed to ensuring that older adults have the resources they need to remain active in and connected to their communities,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres. “Driver safety awareness is a big part of that picture and if older adults need to make adjustments, accessible and available transportation alternatives become key to getting around. Pennsylvania is fortunate that our lottery proceeds help to fund these alternative services.”

Representatives from PennDOT, PDA, PSP, AARP and others provided information to help older Pennsylvanians extend their years on the road, and to make them aware of other transportation options available to them.

Pennsylvania has a network of sharedride service providers dedicated to keeping older adults mobile, safe, and engaged in their community. This free transportation program allows citizens ages 65 or older to ride for free on a local, fixed-route service whenever local public transportation is operating. During FY 2020-21, there were 1.7 million Senior Shared Rides.

Additionally, working with the PA Department of Human Services and transit agencies, PennDOT recently developed an online tool called Find My Ride that allows older drivers to access free ride services online. Find My Ride allows transit agencies to process applications more efficiently, so users can access benefits more quickly. Find My Ride can be found at findmyride. penndot.pa.gov. You can also find it at www.penndot.pa.gov by clicking on Travel in PA, then Public Transit Options.

“Along with the unique challenges already faced by older drivers, winter weather conditions, longer nights, and heavy holiday traffic create challenges for drivers of all ages,” said Lieutenant Adam Reed, Director of the Communications Office with the Pennsylvania State Police. “Before getting behind the wheel be sure you are up to date on eye exams and understand how your prescribed medications could affect your driving. Remember to buckle up every time!”

While every person ages differently, aging typically brings certain -- sometimes subtle -- physical, visual, and cognitive changes that could impair an older person’s ability to drive safely. Older drivers and their families should work together to identify potential issues that may affect driving, outline courses of action to assist the older driver, and plan for when it’s time to hang

up the keys.

Signs that can indicate it may be time to limit or stop driving altogether include:

• Feeling uncomfortable, fearful, or nervous when driving;

• Unexplained dents/scrapes on the car, fences, mailboxes, or garage doors;

• Frequently getting lost and frequent “close calls” (i.e. almost crashing);

• Slower response times, particularly to unexpected situations;

• Difficulty paying attention to signs or staying in the lane of traffic

• Trouble judging gaps at intersections or highway entrance/exit ramps.

The Wolf Administration encourages older drivers and their loved ones to review PennDOT’s Seniors Driving Safely publication series, which can be downloaded for free from the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website. These publications help older drivers assess their abilities and offer guidance on next steps if their medical condition is reported to PennDOT. The series also includes a publication designed to guide family and friends of older drivers in what can sometimes be difficult conversations about deciding to stop driving, as well as information for healthcare providers on PennDOT’s medical reporting program.

The following safe-driving habits, which should be routine at any age, are especially useful to older drivers:

Plan ahead: lengthy car trips should be made during daylight hours. Morning may be best because most people aren’t as tired as they are in the afternoon.

Don’t drive in rush-hour traffic if you can avoid it. Plan trips after 9:00 AM or before 5:00 PM. Know what roads near home are most congested and avoid them.

When driving long distances, especially in winter, call ahead for weather and road condition updates.

Look ahead. Good drivers get a jump on trouble by looking far down the road and making adjustments before encountering problems that may involve other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists or animals.

Maintain a safe speed. This depends on what the road is like, how well the driver can see, how much traffic there is and how fast traffic is moving.

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you. The PA Driver’s Manual advises that you should always keep a 4-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.

How The Gears Shift Between Generations Of Drivers

(BPT) - From younger drivers blasting music, to older drivers with their hands on "ten" and "two," it's no secret that with each new generation comes a shift in values, beliefs and opinions. Those generational differences shape everything from travel plans to spending habits.

With Gen Z being the latest generation to be of driving age, recent data from Hankook Tire reveals how different generations of drivers simply do things differently. Here is a look at four differences between younger drivers and those who have some miles behind them.

1. Younger generations steer toward saving a dollar or two.

High prices have younger drivers seeking opportunities to lower car care costs, even if that means doing some of the work themselves. Nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z said they would conduct vehicle maintenance themselves (48%) or switch service locations (45%) in order to save money.

In fact, Hankook found that Millennials are most likely to perform their own car maintenance to save money, whereas Boomers are least likely to do so. Older generations would rather take their cars into repair shops, regardless of cost.

2. Almost everyone will go the distance to save money on gas.

With the high cost of gas, 86% of people in the survey said they would be

willing to drive up to 20 minutes to save at the pump. And though many surveys show that overall, younger generations drive less than older generations, they will drive further to save the extra buck. According to Hankook, about 1 in 5 Gen Z drivers (21%) and Millennial drivers (19%) are willing to drive more than 20 minutes to save on gas.

In addition to going the extra mile for gas, 11% of Gen Z responders and 18% of Millennials will turn to public transportation, walking, biking or ride share apps to save on driving costs.

3. EVs are the way of the future.

With gas prices top of mind, another difference between generations is how they feel about EVs and how likely they are to purchase one. While nearly half (46%) of Americans expect to purchase or lease an EV within the next five years, intent is even higher among Millennials (60%) and Gen X (44%) drivers. Only 30% of Boomers noted the same.

4. Younger generations are most likely to road trip.

While post-pandemic travel intentcontinues to trend upwards

overall, there are still some generational differences in who is packing their bags - especially around the holidays. Hankook's latest survey found 44% of Millennials plan to travel by car before the end of the year, compared to 29% of Boomers.

Part of the reason for less holiday travel could also be financially motivated - Deloitte's research reveals older generations are shying away from travel in order to save money. In fact, 37% of those surveyed by Deloitte cited financial concerns as their top reason for not traveling this year.

In short, each generation packs different expectations when they get behind the wheel. Regardless of what those may be, it is clear that generational behaviors are going to have an outstanding impact on the road ahead.

Four Safety Tips To Help Prepare Your Home For Storms

(BPT) - Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and snowstorms can occur at any time, so preparing ahead is key. However, a study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that only 44% of Americans are prepared for an unexpected natural disaster.

"Unfortunately, severe weather can occur throughout the year, so it is important to always be prepared," said Ashley Gocken, a home safety expert with First Alert residential fire safety company, now part of Resideo Technologies, Inc. "Implementing new safety measures or strengthening the ones that you and your family have in place can help save yourself from unnecessary stress should an emergency arise."

Follow these home safety tips to help ensure your family is prepared during storm season:

1) Equip for emergencies. Being prepared for inclement weather includes having an emergency kit ready. In addition to necessities such as a first aid kit, flashlight, water and medical supplies, make sure your safety kit includes a multi-tool, portable phone charger, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, batteries, blankets and non-perishable food.

2) Know about CO. An invisible and odorless gas, carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the U.S., leading to more than 430 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CO incidents can spike during storm season, due to the misuse of portable generators, stoves or grills as alternative heating sources during

power outages.

In the case of a power outage, run generators in a well-ventilated, outdoor area to avoid CO build up in your home. Don't operate them in the garage, even if you intend to keep the garage door open and be sure to keep it at least 20 feet away from any door, window or vent opening for extra safety precautions.

3) Install home safety tools. Because CO is impossible to detect without an alarmand its symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and vomiting can easily be confused with the common cold - proper alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential parts of your home safety plan. According to guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association, carbon monoxide and smoke alarms should be installed in or near every sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Equip your home with 10-year alarms or alarms with battery backup for protection during power outages. The First Alert Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm with Battery Backup alerts residents to dangerous CO levels and, thanks to its battery backup, allows for continuous monitoring during a power outage.

For ultimate protection against the threats of smoke, fire and CO, install combination alarms such as the First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke and CO Alarm to eliminate the need to replace batteries for a decade. Make sure alarms are installed at least 15 feet away from CO sources to reduce the chance of false alarms, but if one does sound, leave the

home immediately and call 911. Be sure to test all alarms regularly, and for those without a 10-year battery, replace batteries at least every six months.

4) Safely store valuables. In case of an emergency, make sure important documents such as birth certificates, passports and insurance papers are stored in waterproof or fire-resistant safes or security chests, and create passwordprotected digital copies for preservation. Move valuables, including family heirlooms and prized possessions, to higher levels of the home or to the same safes for maximum security.

"Putting the proper protections in place can better enable families to be wellprepared when a severe storm arises, and all year round," said Gocken.

For more information, visit www. firstalertcom.

How To Prep Your HVAC For Winter

By the HVAC experts at S.J. Kowalski

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the central heating system is so delightful!

With winter here, it’s essential to keep your heating system in top shape. Here are tips to prepare your HVAC for winter storms. One question you may ask is do you have to remove snow from your HVAC unit?

If you’re worried about snow in your AC unit, don’t be. Manufacturers built air conditioning and heat pumps to withstand some snow.

We recommend clearing snow around the condenser if you rely on a heat pump to heat your home. Dust snow off the top of the unit. Shovel at least 18 inches around the condenser on all sides to ensure proper air flow. Some homeowners use snow legs to protect their heat pump in the winter. These risers should boost the unit above the typical average snowfall in your area.

We suggest that a professional install snow legs on your heat pump before a winter storm. Snow legs can also protect your system if your area is prone to flooding.

If you have a cooling only AC system,

snow in your outdoor unit is not a problem. Since you likely won’t use your AC in snowy conditions, leave it and let the snow and ice melt naturally.

Once the cooling season is over, turn your AC off for the winter. Locate the switch it’s attached to (usually on an external wall of your home), lift the protective cover, and turn it off. Switch your thermostat heat and auto.

We do not recommend covering your AC condenser with a tarp or fabric cover for the winter, as they can create mold issues. A mesh style cover may help to keep leaves out if your trees still have them.

If there is excessive snow on top of it, you may wish to clean some off, to prevent the condenser’s external covering from warping or bending. Usually, you don’t have to worry about protecting your HVAC from ice. If your

A WORD FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Panorama has been a valuable tool to me in getting information to their readers in multiple counties that I serve at my business. Panorama offers many advertising options for any size of business, and they offer more than advertising in the form of articles submitted by their contributing writers… so much great information and it’s FREE to pick-up and enjoy!

In 2023, I will continue to count on Panorama to get the word out about my business. Thank you to Larry & his staff for always doing a commendable job for me.

outdoor condenser is exclusively for air conditioning, you don’t need to do anything to protect it from ice. Do not use your air conditioner when temperature is below 60 degrees. Heat pumps that heat and cool a home may enter defrost mode in icy conditions. This is a self preserving function where the heat pump uses its warming power to melt the ice on its components to continue heating your home.

When a heat pump goes int defrost mode, it may stop providing heat to the house for a short time. You may choose to turn on its emergency heat setting at this time to keep warm. We suggest only doing this in an emergency, as it will spike your utility bills.

If you have any HVAC problems this winter call 570-455-2600 the experts at S.J. Kowalski, Inc. can help you.

- Joe Scarcella, Metallo’s Formal Wear & Dry Cleaning

8 Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes And Ice Dams This Winter

(BPT) - Before winter sets in, you should prepare your home for winter to avoid expensive repairs down the road. Frozen pipes and ice dams are the most common problems that can lead to costly repairs. According to State Farm, this year alone, burst pipes and ice dams cost $181 million in claims, averaging $20,000 per claim.

Even if you live in a warmer state, don't skimp on preparing your home for the cooler months. It may be hard to believe, but in 2021 and 2022, Texas was the No. 1 state with losses because of pipes and dams. This year, total claims in Texas cost $64 million.

If you want to protect your home from winter damage, check out these eight tips to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and ice dams.

1. Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets - Before winter hits, take a walk around your front and back yard and disconnect your garden hose. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. These simple measures can reduce the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe just inside the house.

2. Let water drip and open cabinet doors - Most of the time, frozen pipes are preventable by simply leaving cabinet doors open and letting your faucets drip. Keeping cabinet doors open keeps the pipes warm by allowing airflow from the room, while letting the faucet drip keeps warmer water flowing through the pipes, making it more difficult to freeze. Also, an open faucet acts as a release that can help

prevent pressure from building up inside the pipe and bursting.

3. Watch your thermostat - During the winter, keep your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. This can also help reduce the strain on your furnace during extremely cold weather.

If you have a vacation home, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Also, make sure before you leave for a while that you replace the battery in your thermostat.

4. Insulate pipes and keep them warm - Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon, you're best off insulating the pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. You can also use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables that wrap around your pipes and keeps them warm even in freezing conditions.

5. Insulate your attic - While you're insulating your pipes, check your attic's insulation. Ask a contractor to check the space to ensure the insulation in your attic space is adequate for the climate.

If you don't have insulation, consider installing some before winter sets in. Adding insulation to your attic can help prevent your home's warm air from escaping into unheated attic spaces, keep your pipes warm, and prevent ice dams from forming.

6. Seal leaks - Leaks in your home can make it easier for pipes to freeze and ice dams to form. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

Verify all penetrations, access panels and electrical fixtures are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat and moisture from entering the attic space.

7. Clean gutters - Before winter weather hits your area, clean your gutters of leaves and other debris. While this may not prevent ice dams, clean gutters can drain ice melt during a thaw.

8. Check the soffits - Verify that soffits (the exposed siding underneath your roof's overhang) and roof or ridge venting exist along your home's roof planes. Also, make sure that soffit vents aren't blocked by attic insulation or covered by newly installed maintenance-free finishes outside the home.

What to do if your pipes freeze and dams are damaged?

If you turn your faucet on and nothing comes out, it's probably because your pipes are frozen. The first step is to turn off the water to the home. If your pipes have burst, you won't know until it thaws. A 1/8-inch crack can spray more than 250 gallons of water a day, ruining floors, carpets, furniture and irreplaceable personal belongings. Next, open all your faucets and call a plumber. Look for cracks in your pipes and if one is identified, place a bucket below to reduce damage once the pipe thaws.

There are some short-term remedies for ice dams, but it's best to determine and fix the cause. Make sure to consult a trusted and competent professional who can get to the root of the problem, fix it and hopefully prevent it from happening again.

Using these tips, you can prepare your home for the winter and reduce your risk of burst pipes and ice dams. If your home suffers damage this winter, contact your local State Farm agent to see if it's covered under your homeowners policy. You can also check out more winter home maintenance at StateFarm.com/Simple-Insights

How Cold Weather Activities Can Impact Heart Health

(Family Features) Clearing sidewalks and driveways of snow may be essential to keep from being shut in, however, it’s important to use caution when picking up a shovel or starting the snowblower. Research shows many people face an increased risk of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest after shoveling heavy snow.

In fact, snow shoveling is among the physical activities that may place extra stress on the heart, especially among people who aren’t used to regular exercise, according to the American Heart Association’s scientific statement, “Exercise-Related Acute Cardiovascular Events and Potential Deleterious Adaptations Following LongTerm Exercise Training: Placing the Risks Into Perspective – an Update.” Numerous other scientific research studies over the years have also identified the dangers of shoveling snow for people with and without previously known heart disease.

“Shoveling a little snow off your sidewalk may not seem like hard work,” said Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA, lead author of the scientific statement, long time American Heart Association volunteer and a professor of internal medicine at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. “However, the strain of heavy snow shoveling may be as, or even more, demanding on the heart than taking a treadmill stress test, according to research we’ve conducted. For example, after only 2 minutes of snow shoveling, study participants’ heart rates exceeded 85% of maximal heart rate, which is a level more commonly expected during intense aerobic exercise testing. The impact is hardest on those who are least fit.”

Franklin said winter weather in general

can contribute to increased risks. Cold temperatures may increase blood pressure while simultaneously constricting the coronary arteries. Those factors, combined with higher heart rate from extra physical effort, may increase the risk for acute cardiac events. There are even studies showing an increased risk for heart attacks among people using snowblowers. Similar to the exertion of pushing a shovel, pushing a snowblower can raise the heart rate and blood pressure quickly.

“The impact of snow removal is especially concerning for people who already have cardiovascular risks like a sedentary lifestyle or obesity; being a current or former smoker; or having diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood

pressure; as well as people who have had a heart attack or stroke,” Franklin said. “People with these characteristics and those who have had bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty simply should not be shoveling snow.”

If you experience chest pain or pressure, lightheadedness, heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, stop the activity immediately. Call 911 if symptoms don’t subside shortly after you stop shoveling or snowblowing. If you see someone collapse while shoveling snow, call for help and start Hands-Only CPR if they are unresponsive with no pulse.

Learn more about cold weather and cardiovascular health at Heart.org.

Senior Fitness: You May Have More Choices Than You Think

(BPT) - Do you struggle with starting or maintaining a fitness routine? Don't worry, you're not alone. While most of us know that exercise is beneficial, fitness can be daunting, especially if you're over 65 and want to be sure that you work out in a way that is safe and effective. The good news? Physical activity is key to maintaining health and mobility as you age, and if you are 65 or older, the right Medicare Advantage Plan can provide tools and resources to help you get off the couch. If you just need a little motivation to reengage in your fitness and social routines or would like to start a new one, there are more choices than ever in exercise and wellness options.

Meeting seniors where they are

No matter your age, the ongoing pandemic has caused tremendous changes in our lives, including an increase in physical and mental health issues because of social isolation. Many seniors were understandably cautious due to a heightened health risk and experienced a greater disruption of trusted routines. More good news? We continue to see a return to our lifestyles and activities.

A recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health®, a leading provider of healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers®, the nation's leading community fitness program designed for older adults, shows that seniors no longer just work out at the gym or home, but enjoy the freedom to exercise how and where they please: indoors, outdoors, at the gym or community center, together or alone, in-person or virtual.

The poll also found that over the last few months, 78% of seniors have engaged in some type of physical activity, the highest proportion in months. More seniors are engaging in activities that bring them joy and can include a variety of movements - walking, household chores, gardening, hiking, etc. By identifying how the past few years have unsettled these daily routines, we can take steps to help older adults re-energize and re-engage in healthy activities that are enjoyable and encourage valuable social connections.

All you need is an iPhone

By joining forces with Apple Fitness+, the award-winning fitness and wellness

service designed to be welcoming to all, SilverSneakers members in participating health plans will soon have access to Apple Fitness+, with workout types from Strength to Yoga, guided mediations, and more at no additional cost. Programming allows members to exercise where they want, when they want with world-class workouts and fitness programming curated for a range of skill levels and interests.

"We know that fitness isn't one size fits all, especially with today's dynamic senior population," said Richard Ashworth, president and CEO of Tivity Health. "Seniors need a variety of options for physical activity that fit their lifestyles. Our partnership with Apple Fitness+ offers fitness for all skill levels, interests and goals including a wide array of content presented by expert instructors and celebrity guests."

Seniors can change the fitness industry

ELEGANT ACCOMODATIONS AT THE MOST AFFORDABLE RATES!

The fitness industry is changing. According to the International Council on Active Aging, a large and growing number of products and services are being developed to allow people to fully enjoy the gift of a longer life, which requires a foundation of good health. Exercise remains critical for seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that's able to fight off disease and consistent exercise can improve balance and strength and help prevent falls. One trend the pandemic saw was the rise of digital and virtual care, and it's here to stay. About one in four seniors are currently using a device to monitor their health and well-being, and the use of video calls to socially connect with friends and family has steadily increased in the past few months.

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

Fitness is more than a workout

"As a fitness instructor, I see firsthand how exercise can change a person's life. But fitness is more than just a workout," said Jen Burgmeier, 2022 SilverSneakers Instructor of the Year. "I have SilverSneakers members who attend classes both in-person and virtually, and I love that they have a choice to work out when and where they want. One of my members recently said that 'the laughter and camaraderie coming through her computer screen makes you feel like you could conquer anything!' I get so much joy out of seeing them take meaningful steps to improve their health and watch them fall in love with SilverSneakers."

For more information on how seniors can check their eligibility, visit silversneakers. com.

Hazle Township Amazon Employees

$25,000 to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital

Leaders from Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), were presented with a generous $25,000 donation from employees at Amazon’s Hazle Township Fulfillment Center on Thursday. The gift is an extension of a pediatric cancer awareness campaign Amazon commemorated earlier this year.

For a week in September, which marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Amazon encouraged employees to wear gold attire and pajamas to work to honor children battling the disease and help raise awareness. More than 70,000 Amazon workers participated. Sites with the highest engagement were awarded grants to support pediatric cancer organizations of their choice. Employees at Amazon’s Hazle Township Fulfillment Center were among those at 21 sites awarded funds, and they chose to support the pediatric oncology program at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.

“This donation will help support children who are bravely fighting cancer and the many doctors, nurses and hospital staff at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital who work so diligently to support them in their battle,” said Alyssa Walters, General Manager at Amazon’s Hazle Township Fulfillment Center.

Anne Baum, President of the Children’s Hospital, said the donation will be used to support treatments and services provided in the Children’s Cancer and Multipurpose Infusion Center.

“For decades, LVHN’s pediatric oncology program has been dedicated to caring for children affected by cancer and their loved ones, providing advanced treatments, innovative clinical trials and

a wide range of supportive services,” says Baum. “Our efforts to care for these families would not be possible without the support of our community members, and we are so grateful for the hard work, kindness and support of the dedicated staff at Amazon’s Hazle Township Fulfillment Center.”

Each year, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital cares for many children who have been diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Children and their families receive comprehensive care and support starting at diagnosis and continuing through treatment and beyond.

What's Happening At Providence Place Drums?

by Kristen Adams, Director of Sales and Stephanie N Miller, Regional Director of Sales

Residents and staff at Providence Place joined together to spread some holiday cheer! We decked the halls, enjoyed cookies and carols, hot cocoa fireside, decorated trees throughout the building, we even had a special visit from Santa Clause himself! Now that the holidays have come and gone, we are looking forward to a new year surrounded by good health, and those we love! Join us anytime to see our campus firsthand!

• Thursday, Jan. 5th – Dancing with Tracey Class – 2:00pm – 2nd Floor

• Monday, Jan. 9th – Musical Entertainment: Top Canadian Singers Spotlight performed by Lori Woodward 2:30pm – dining room

• Thursday, Jan. 19th – Ed-U

Presentation: Canada: History of Newfoundland by retired teacher, Terry Neumyer – 2:00pm – 3rd floor

• Friday, Jan. 20th – Ed-U Presentation/Demo: Decorate Your Own Snowman Cookies with Tiffany O’Donnell – 2:30pm – dining room

• Thursday, Jan. 26th – Musical Entertainment: History Through Folk Music by Jay Smar – 2:30pm – dining room

• Tuesday, Jan. 31st – Ed-U

Presentation: The Age of Enlightenment by Guardians of Our History with Joe & Dolores McDevitt – 2:30pm – 3rd floor

Providence Place is welcoming new residents at our Drums Campus. We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, as well as secured living arrangements for memory support! Call Stephanie Miller, Regional Director of Sales at 570-956-8495 or Kristen Adams, Director of Sales at 717-4973525 for more information! We look forward to assisting you with this transition!

Residents enjoyed a holiday party!

Your Nose Knows: How Smell Is Helping Scientists Detect Brain Disease And What You Can Do To Help

(BPT) - Your sense of smell is a powerful part of the human experience. Smell strongly influences how something tastes. Emotion can be influenced by certain smells. And if your sense of smell is minimized or you've lost it completely, it could be an early indicator of brain disease.

The nose knows

While temporary loss of smell may indicate you have a cold, COVID-19 or a respiratory virus, ongoing and progressive smell loss may be one of the most important signals of brain health, including risk for Parkinson's disease.

According to a research study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF), up to 30% of people with enduring smell loss showed brain changes associated with Parkinson's disease - a chronic, neurodegenerative disease that currently affects an estimated 6 million people worldwide.

Importantly, smell loss can happen years or even decades before the traditional motor Parkinson's symptoms appear, such as tremors or difficulty with balance. But studies have shown it can be surprisingly difficult to know whether you have smell loss - 7 in 10 people living with it didn't know until they were tested.

"From my role on a hospice team caring for others, I used to think Parkinson's started with a tremor or other movement symptoms. Little did I know, I had lost my sense of smell years before noticing its impact on my work, daily life and connection to my own diagnosis," says Reni Winter-Evans, 68, of West Point, Indiana, a medical social worker and former journalist who lives with Parkinson's and is an active research volunteer.

The scratch-and-sniff test

While scientists don't yet know why smell loss occurs in Parkinson's, researchers are hard at work trying to uncover this link. It could be an important missing puzzle piece in understanding Parkinson's, including who's at risk for the disease, who gets it, who doesn't and why.

Now, MJFF is using a simple

screening tool to measure your risk for brain disease. It's a free "scratch-andsniff smell test" for people over age 60 living without Parkinson's, developed by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania.

"Research is becoming clearer that our sense of smell has the power to help scientists answer key questions around how Parkinson's develops and when it begins," says Maggie Kuhl, vice president of research engagement at MJFF. "In addition to helping further brain disease research, taking a test is a simple, free tool people can use to assess their own ability to smell."

Getting started is easy - people aged 60 and up without a Parkinson's Continued on page 53

Jude

Sidari,

It

by John Degenhart, DC

In 42 years of seeing so many beautiful patients, I’ve heard so many stories. People living in pain, will say to themselves, “you gotta work through it” or another phrase is, “maybe it’ll go away”. Let me offer you my observations.

At any age, if you overdo an activity, like shoveling snow for hours, raking leaves for hours or planting flowers for hours; it is normal for muscles to fatigue

and soreness to develop. But this human body was constructed so beautifully that it has internal mechanisms to heal itself. So in three days or so your pai should subside. When a sudden pain occurs, and it doesn’t go away, that is when you should not say to yourself, “you gotta work through it” or “maybe it’ll go away”.

I always rejoice when a patient says to me “my lower back area has hurt me for three years. That it affected my knee. I thought I just was getting older and I just had to live with the pain. I was nervous about coming to a chiropractor, but since you adjusted my right side,

my back pain is gone and my knee pain even went away. I didn’t have to live in pain for years!”

So maybe you are living in pain and some of it can be improved upon. I love what I do. If you tried exercises and pain killers and your back and neck pain persists, come in and give us a chance to help you.

This country was built by strong people who pushed hard to overcome obstacles. I want you to be physically and mentally productive for as long as possible. Get your spine gently adjusted, you will be so excited to golf, hunt, clean, and travel for years to come!

What Women Need to Know About Stroke Risks

(Family Features) It may not be wiely known that women face unique risk factors for stroke throughout their lifetime. Things like pregnancy, preeclampsia and chronic stress can increase the risk for high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke.

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and 1 in 5 women will have a stroke. However, a large majority of strokes can be prevented.

Caring for yourself by understanding

your risk factors can help reduce your risk for stroke and provide a better quality of life. Start managing your stroke risk with these tips from the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association:

Monitor Your Blood Pressure - The first step you can take in reducing your risk for stroke is knowing your blood pressure and keeping it in a healthy range. High blood pressure is the No. 1 preventable cause of stroke, according to the American Heart Association.

The best way to know your blood pressure is to have it measured at least once per year by a health care professional and regularly monitor it at home then discuss the numbers with a doctor. For most people, a normal blood pressure should be 120/80 mm HG or less.

In addition to properly monitoring blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating healthfully and reducing or eliminating alcohol and tobacco usage can help control blood pressure. If you do develop high blood pressure, work with a health care professional on a plan to help manage it.

Plan for Pregnancy - In the United States, high blood pressure during pregnancy is becoming more common, according to the CDC, and medical conditions including preeclampsia,

gestational diabetes and blood clots during pregnancy all increase stroke risk during and immediately following a pregnancy.

Managing conditions like high blood pressure before getting pregnant helps keep you and your baby healthy during pregnancy and beyond. In addition, your health during and immediately after a pregnancy can shape the lifelong health of you and your child. If you're planning to become pregnant or are currently pregnant, it's important to regularly monitor your blood pressure.

Take Care of Your Mental HealthSome stress is unavoidable but constant stress is not healthy. Chronic or constant stress may lead to high blood pressure and other unhealthy behavior choices, which can increase risk for stroke.

Based on findings in a Stress in America 2020 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, the top sources of stress are money, work, family responsibilities and health concerns. Managing your stress and blood pressure can improve your overall health and well-being. Reclaim control of your schedule and build in time to invest in your health. Find 10 minutes every day to do something for you, like listening to music, meditating or going for a walk.

Learn the Warning Signs - A stroke can happen to anyone at any point in life. Immediate treatment may help minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death. Learn how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T:

• Face drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

• Arm weakness - Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• Speech difficulty - Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like "The sky is blue."

• Time to call 911 - If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your well-being and help prevent stroke. Find more wellness tips at stroke.org.

from

diagnosis can request a free smell test at MySmellTest.org/GetStarted for delivery right to their door.

The 40 scratch-and-sniff multiplechoice questions are simple. You'll be asked questions like, "Does this page smell like a rose, mint or coffee?" Then, you'll submit your answers online and the results have the potential to change our understanding of brain disease, who gets it and why.

"It's an opportunity to help people and families around the world living with this disease, and partner with leading scientists toward our joint goal of ending Parkinson's for good. And, for many, the test is a fun and easy way to get involved," says Kuhl.

The opportunity to further Parkinson's prevention

Scientists will then analyze your smell test results and you may be asked to join MJFF's landmark brain health study, the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), that seeks to enroll 100,000 participants with and without the disease in the hopes of better understanding and preventing it.

Currently underway across the United States and the world, both in-person and online, smell test participants will be able to join PPMI and contribute valuable insights into the link between smell loss and brain health.

"We can only find a cure for brain diseases if we volunteer for research and educate ourselves on what we can actively do today to boost our brain health. I wish I had known about smell loss and its connection to Parkinson's earlier in my disease journey," says Winter-Evans, who began participating in PPMI after noticing Parkinson's symptoms. "Today, I participate in research because I feel a strong sense of duty to help in any way possible to provide a disease-free future for myself, my children and everyone else."

Not everyone with smell loss will go on to develop brain disease. That said, everyone can play a valuable role in helping find better treatments, cures and even prevention of brain disease altogether.

If you're over 60 and living without Parkinson's, consider taking a few moments to put your nose to the test: MySmellTest.org/GetStarted

ADVERTISER INDEX

A&A Pizza 19

Acheive Wellness & Fitness 7

Area Agency on Aging 37

Billig-Helmes Insurance 44

C&D Seafood 27

CanDo Beverage 56

Cedar Street Supply 46

Comfort Keepers 36

Damon's Grill 22

Degenhart Chiropractic 52

Della Croce Dental Care 2

DermDox ................................................ 12

Dianes Salon on 93 .................................. 9

Edward Jones......................................... 15

El Patron Mexican Grill ........................... 25

Fashion By Bella Boutique ..................... 56

Feussner's Ford, Inc ............................... 56

Fritzingertown ......................................... 53

Galade Financial Advisors ...................... 18

Gino's Shoe Store .................................. 10

Harman Funeral Homes ......................... 17

Hartley Tax Service 17

Hazle Park Meats 20

Hazleton Eye Specialists 49

Hazleton Public Transit 40

Hometown Farmers Market 2,

Honest Abe's Taxes 1, 6

Houck Homes 2

Internal Medicine Associates 47

JC Small Engine 56

John's Church Hill Family Restaurant 27

Jon-David & Helen's Hair Salon 13

Jude E. Sidari, MD 51

Lehigh Valley Health Network 3, 31

Little Village Pizza 56

Lombardo Wholesale 56

Marchetti's 45

Maylath Valley Health Systems 2

Metallo's Formalwear 13

Mickey World Travel ............................... 56

Miller Auto Body ..................................... 43

Night Star Munitions............................... 33

Northeast Hearing Solutions .................. 56

NSB Trainers........................................... 56

Panorama Community Magazine ........... 35

Patricia Spivak, CPA ............................... 16

Pennsylvania Games of Skill .................. 34

Picking-Up Scrap Metal ......................... 56

Pizzette ................................................... 23 Polyglass 35

Providence Place 50

Ron Myers Well Drilling 44

Secoda's Towing Service 56

Senape's Bakery 21

Schuylkill Transportation System 32 S.J. Kowalski, Inc 55

SJM Auto Sales 42

Smith Floral Co 28

Smith Health Care 51

Soul Shine 10

Strawberry Square, Inc 36, 56

Super Gomas 56

Tarone's Super Market 6

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Printed copies of Panorama are available each month at our advertiser's locations as well as local grocery stores and more!

View the Panorama each month online at panoramapa.com

The Amish Pantry 28

The Beacon Diner 55

The Cheese Store & More 56

The Laurel Mall 19

The Laurels 48

The Small Car Center 41

Tom's Kitchen 24

Treetop Chimney Service 56

Two Italian Guys Pizzeria 22

Twisted Roots Chiropractic 8

UFP Gordon, LLC 36

Urenovich Insurance Agency 41

Vito's Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant ...... 26

Weatherwood Healthcare & Rehab ........ 55

West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital ......... 33 Yevak's Auto Detailing ............................ 43

CROSSWORD ANSWERS