Panorama Community Magazine - February 2023

Not all heart care is the same – Anthony’s heart attack survival story is proof. Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute consistently ranks among the best in the nation for heart attack survival, demonstrating that expertise, teamwork and dedication to excellence is part of our DNA. Learn more at LVHN.org/Heart.

Scan code to read Anthony’s story.

World-class heart care that’s not a world away.

Anthony Cadwalader, Chester County, Pa.

All

including photographs, is the property of Panorama Community

and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in Panorama Community Magazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in any other place or publication. Panorama Community Magazine reserves its right to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements and/or

This

My Friend Charlie...

On January 18th, my best friend, golf partner and brother Charlie unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 79.

To say that Charlie was a really good person only says the words without giving meaning and content. Charlie could get along with a “Rattle Snake” and make friends under any condition…. Always turning a negative into a positive with ease.

For over 25 years of friendship, Charlie and I made many memories. From golf road trips, shows and tournaments, to daily outings and dinners, we were always together. Among hundreds of memories, here is a short story that will show his true personality. I remember the time that Charlie and I were at the Sugarloaf Golf Course filming a short video on how to correctly use a golf club that we invented called the Hybrid Wedge. Club owner, Wayne Knelly, gave us permission to film on Hole #11. It wasn’t a busy afternoon, so we let players play though. As we were filming, we noticed up the fairway a golf cart with two players. We motioned for them to come on through and just kept filming our project. A short time passed, and the two players come on up. The driver seemed irritated that we were holding him up… All the while

smoking a big cigar with smoke coming out of his ears! We tried explaining what we were doing but he wasn’t interested in hearing it.

Charlie quietly said to me “go on with the filming and I’ll handle this.” When it was all said and done, Charlie not only calmed the gentleman down, but also sold him one of our Hybrid Wedges! This was typical of Charlie; he could always make lemonade out of lemons.

As I’m writing this column, I am certain that Charlie Lazun is teeing off for a round of golf with another one of our good friends, Dale Grow. To them I say, “play on and I will catch up with you both when the time is right.”

Quote from Charlie “It’s Just Another Day In Paradise.”

I’ll kiss everyone on the “Nose” for you Charlie.

—Larry Collum, CEO/Publisher

In memory of Charles Robert Lazun Jr. United States Marine Corps Veteran Served in the Vietnam War

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light still remains.”

Valentine's Day 2023 Love Notes

5 Easy Ways To Say "I Love You"

(Family Features) If gift-giving isn’t your strong suit, occasions like Valentine’s Day are likely to bring on stress and worry, but procrastinating will only serve to elevate your unease.

Follow these steps to simplify your shopping, and while you may not come to love the task of finding the perfect gift, your loved one will undoubtedly appreciate your effort.

Georgine,

Have I told you how lucky and grateful I am that you stuck with me these 34 years?

Browse for ideas online. Many retailers offer special promotions and gift idea sections on their websites, so finding inspiration can be as easy as visiting the sites of your loved one’s favorite stores. There are also dozens of articles online to help get the ideas flowing. Searches such as “gifts for horse lovers” or “Valentine’s gifts for a new boyfriend” will reveal a long list of ideas to peruse.

dessert so your table can be flipped for the next waiting couple.

On

Memorial Day 1988 God sent me an angel, that's you.

Sending

Love to Heaven on Valentine’s Day! Thank you for everything Mom.

Keep it simple. Although the advertising industry works hard to convince consumers otherwise, Valentine’s Day isn’t really all about the bling. Sure, a pretty bauble is a welcome gift, but there are plenty of ways to show your affection that don’t require spending a month’s salary. A heartfelt card paired with a memento of a meaningful event or place in your relationship sends the same loving sentiment.

Give blooms a boost. A dozen long-stem red roses is a beautiful gesture, but unless your intended rose receiver is a strictly traditional type, try adding a little spice to your floral arrangement. Go for a bouquet in her favorite color, or have the flowers arranged in a practical vessel she can reuse to remember the occasion, such as a cocktail shaker or a watering can.

To

our “Little Twinsers”

Alex

& Vada… Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Make it a (different) date. For many couples, navigating the demands of work, kids and life make spending time together a luxury. Instead of fighting crowds at busy restaurants on the official date, celebrate your love on a day of your own choosing, when you can relax and enjoy the time together without the pressure to rush through

Go ahead, gift yourself. It may seem counter-intuitive, but finding a gift you’ll enjoy may inspire an idea for your loved one. The trick is finding something you can share together, whether it’s tickets to a show or his and hers mugs for enjoying your favorite brew. Just be sure the item is something your intended will share your enthusiasm for, or you may as well go buy a blender.

Find more ideas to simplify every occasion at eLivingToday.com.

Lori,

You Still make me laugh… You still give me butterflies… and

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Love, Rob

(StatePoint) Are you ready to celebrate Galentine’s Day on February 13? Originating from a 2010 episode of the popular TV show, “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine's Day celebrates some of the most important relationships in our lives: our girlfriends. Over a decade later, the now-official holiday has skyrocketed in popularity. Here are tips on celebrating your gal pals with personalized touches.

Batch of Baked Goods. Food is the way to most anyone’s heart, especially when its homemade. Test a new recipe of your gal pal’s favorite dessert; or decorate cakes, cookies or cupcakes with icing in her favorite colors. No matter what you make, the extra effort will show just how much you

Personalized Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day

care.

Creative Customized Cards. Everyone knows that gals love a sappy, pull-on-your-heartstrings letter or card. And you can up your card-sending game with a more personalized approach that resonates with the recipient. With the continued evolution of digital greetings, SmashUps and Creatacard from American Greetings have made it easier than ever to create a card just as special and unique as your individual friendships.

Specific friendship-themed ecards include creative options like talking animals or tacos, messages from celebrities, animated folded digital greetings celebrating your “girl gang” and more! They’re sure to entertain,

surprise and delight your friends.

SmashUps are smile-inducing, shareable videos that can be highly personalized in a variety of ways, including adding their name or a message into the audio and graphics. With Creatacard, users can replicate the best parts of the offline cardsending experience without the hassle of printing, addressing and postage. In a few easy steps, you can create, personalize and sign your favorite digital cards, then send them to your girlfriends in their preferred way of receiving messages, such as email, text, through a messaging app or social post. Or, print your card from home if the moment calls for that. For that little extra something special, you can even

add a gift card.

BYOB – Build Your Own Brunch. Brunch is all about spending time together, catching up on life, laughing until your stomach hurts…and of course the plentiful food and drinks. Hosting your Galentine’s Day brunch at home can make for a more costeffective and customized experience— no reservations required! Make it interesting (and easier for the host) by asking each gal to bring her favorite brunch dish or drink to share, or by prepping and cooking dishes together, all while toasting with a festive mimosa, Bloody Mary or unique mocktail.

Mixology with a Twist.

If your group of gals is more of an evening crowd, request that each friend brings her own batch of cocktails or mocktails and a snack that follow a given theme. Whether it’s an era (Roaring 20s), a hit movie, a popular

show, or one that draws from personal experience, like the “represent your ex” trend on TikTok, the more festive the theme, the more fun the party. You can even tie it all together with an activity, like spa treatments or game night, or dress the part as well. Get Posh with Polaroids. Whatever you choose for you Galentine’s get-together, be sure to capture the moment. And while we love selfies and Insta pics, Polaroids can make cute and creative keepsakes. Whether you’re at home or out on the town, the charming aesthetic and instant gratification of seeing your photo masterpiece is bound to make everyone smile.

While Galentine’s Day started with fictional characters eating waffles at brunch, there are so many personal, intimate ways to celebrate the very real friendships in your life and create longlasting memories.

Show Your Love with a

Naturally Sweet, Delicious Gift

(Family Features) Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, saying "I love you" to a faraway relative or offering a kind gesture to a friend or neighbor, sending a gift is a thoughtful way to share your appreciation. A handwritten note goes a long way, and you can take that token of gratitude one step further by pairing it with an authentic fruit basket.

When it's time to give a gift to a friend or loved one, consider sending fresh Florida Citrus boxes, which contain premium citrus handselected at the peak of ripeness. Available in a variety of sizes to fit your budget and filled with your choice of oranges, grapefruit,

tangerines and unique jams, jellies and candies, the baskets arrive fresh at the door of your recipient.

With naturally sweet taste from the Sunshine State, the unique climate with subtropical temperatures, abundant sunshine, distinctive sandy soil and ample rainfall help grow juicy citrus. Plus, the delicious fruits are equally nutritious as they're loaded with vitamin C and provide a combination of nutrients to support overall health to help adults and children alike meet intake recommendations for certain key nutrients.

On top of their taste as appetizing snacks, they're perfect for cooking in recipes like Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad or Citrus Cherry Cobbler that take advantage of their natural sweetness and allow for mouthwatering meals, sides, desserts and more.

To choose a premium, handselected basket and send to your friends, neighbors, coworkers and loved ones, visit gifts.floridacitrus. org.

Lobster Tail Shrimp

King Crab Legs

Crab

Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup Florida Orange Juice

• 1/4 cup Florida Tangerine Juice

• 2 teaspoons Florida Orange zest

• 1/4 cup lemon juice

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• salt, to taste

• pepper, to taste

• 1 1/2 cups olive oil

Flatiron Steak Salad:

• 1 1/2 pounds flatiron steak

• 2 cups Citrus Balsamic Vinaigrette, divided

• 1/2 cup Florida Orange segments

• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments

• 2 quarts baby spinach

• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup radish, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

To make citrus balsamic vinaigrette:

Combine orange juice, tangerine juice, orange zest, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard and salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously. Set

Citrus Marinated Flatiron Steak Salad

dressing aside.

To make flatiron steak salad: Place flatiron steak in container and add 1 cup citrus balsamic vinaigrette. Marinate in refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.

Heat grill to medium-high heat.

Grill steak to desired doneness. Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

In large mixing bowl, combine orange segments, grapefruit segments, baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, radish and cucumber. Add remaining citrus balsamic vinaigrette, as desired, and toss well to combine.

To serve, divide salad and sliced steak among four plates and top with crumbled goat cheese.

Citrus Cherry Cobbler

Cobbler:

• 4 cups cherries, pitted, juice reserved

• 1/2 cup Florida Orange Juice

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cups Florida Orange segments, seeded

• 1/2 cup Florida Grapefruit segments, seeded

Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 6 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 3 tablespoons milk

To make cobbler: In medium saucepan, combine cherries and reserved juice, orange juice, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch. Bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Cook 1 minute and remove from heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Cool and add orange segments and grapefruit segments. Pour filling into baking dish or pie pan.

To make topping: Heat oven to 350 F.

In food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Add butter and pulse until butter is cut into small, pea-sized

pieces. Remove flour mixture from food processor and place in mixing bowl. Add egg and milk; stir until just combined. Drop topping mixture by tablespoon over filling until almost covered.

Bake until topping is browned and filling is bubbling and hot. Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.

Gift Decadence During This Season of Love

(Family Features) Valentine's Day may traditionally be a lovers' holiday, but it's also an opportunity to connect with those who make your heart happiest, whether it's family, friends or anyone who enriches your life. Celebrate all types of love this Valentine's Day with thoughtful gifts that show how much you care.

As the old adage says, the fastest way to one's heart is the stomach. Sweet treats are a sure sign of your affection, and for centuries, chocolate has been revered as the flavor of love.

From gifting to hosting and all the other moments throughout the season of love, you can delight your nearest and dearest with gourmet chocolates from Ethel M Chocolates.

Treat those closest to your heart to a delicious experience and visit EthelM.com to explore more unique gifts this Valentine's Day.

Handcrafted with Care - Topped with a red bow for a final touch, the Ethel M Chocolates 5-piece Love Collection features a series of heartshaped, premium chocolates nestled in an elegant box. The sampler features popular selections including Milk Chocolate, Lemon Satin Crème, Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter and White Chocolate. This sweet collection of handcrafted chocolate is a decadent way to show how much you care. It's ideal as a thoughtful gesture of appreciation for friends and family, or for a more romantic connection, it's the perfect item to pair with jewelry or flowers to surprise your loved one.

Meatless Meals Made Easy

(Family Features) Regardless of your motivation, opting for meatless meals regularly provides plenty of benefits that extend from the health of you and your loved ones to your wallet and the environment.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, considering making some lifestyle changes or just want to give an on-trend meal prep strategy a try, going meatless can help reduce your intake of red and processed meats, decrease greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and save money on substitute ingredients like grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes that are often cheaper than meat.

For example, starting with a versatile pantry staple like Success Brown Rice can make mealtimes quick and easy. Ready in just 10 minutes without measuring or the mess, the fluffy, nutty, non-GMO rice is free of MSG and preservatives, lending itself perfectly to satisfying and hearty meals like these Baked Vegetarian

Taquitos. Or for a twist on a classic dish, Tri-Color Quinoa can be layered with traditional flavors in this Mushroom Spinach “Lasagna.” Packed with protein and all nine essential amino acids, the quinoa is a good source of fiber.

To find more meatless meal inspiration, visit SuccessRice.com.

Baked Vegetarian Taquitos

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

• 1 bag Success Brown Rice

• 1 cup shredded collard greens, packed

• 1/4 cup frozen corn

• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning

• 8 flour tortillas (6 inches each)

Continued on next page.

Continued from previous page. filling and cheese. Brush taquitos with olive oil; sprinkle with remaining cheese.

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• sour cream, for dipping

• salsa, for dipping

• guacamole, for dipping

• fresh cilantro, for garnish

Prepare rice according to package directions; add collard greens and corn to water during last 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Drain rice and vegetables; transfer to saucepan. Stir in black beans, pumpkin puree and taco seasoning.

Spoon 1/3 cup rice mixture into center of one tortilla; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas,

Bake 10-15 minutes, or until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted. Serve taquitos with sour cream, salsa and guacamole for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Mushroom Spinach “Lasagna”

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

• 2 bags Success Tri-Color

Quinoa

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 4 cups baby spinach leaves

• 3 cups tomato sauce

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Prepare quinoa according to package directions.

Preheat oven to 375 F.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions; saute 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and keep warm.

In medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Place 1 cup sauce in bottom of 2-quart baking dish. Spread half of quinoa evenly over sauce. Top with half of ricotta mixture. Top with 1 cup sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake uncovered 30 minutes. Serve warm.

Make A Fish Dish On Friday!

Feta Roasted Salmon and Tomatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian, on behalf of Milk Means More

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or dried dill weed

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, divided

• 1 1/2 pounds salmon or halibut fillets, cut into four serving-size pieces

• 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line 18-by-13-by-1-inch baking pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In medium bowl, toss tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano or dill weed, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Place fish pieces, skin side down, on one side of prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining pepper. Lightly press feta cheese on top of fish. Pour tomato mixture on other side of prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with fork.

Place salmon on serving plates. Spoon tomato mixture over top.

Colorful Winter Brooches Art & Antiques By Dr. Lori

By Dr. Lori Verderame

When it comes to dressing up, the cold weather offers opportunities to add accessories to an outfit like scarves, gloves, hats, etc. In winter, we tend to don our best clothes and jewelry to bring some sparkle to the somewhat dreary season. And when it comes to jewelry, albeit fine or costume, a big statement piece makes the outfit. While earrings and bracelets are must-have accessories, a brooch tops off any blazer, sweater, or winter coat.

When it comes to winter brooches, there are some aspects of the popular keepsakes that should not be overlooked. Gemstones like opals, diamonds, and aquamarines are often the choice of the season for their color when included in brooches. Precious metals like sterling silver and rose gold, yellow gold or white gold are always in fashion. In the winter months, silver, platinum, and white gold get the nod over other colored metals.

Settings

The importance of a brooch’s setting –preferably in precious metals--should not be overlooked. Look for classic settings like circles, wreaths, snowflakes, or flower forms. Prongs are a quality indicator for

both fine jewelry or costume jewelry brooches. Look for prongs holding in crystals, gemstones, or other cut stones and remember, the more prongs the better. Most faceted cut gemstones are set with at least four, but even better if there are six, prongs. Prongs should be curved and tightly set to secure the gemstone on a brooch. Pinback clasps can come in many types including c-clasps or rotating clasps to secure the brooch to the clothing garment or coat. These settings are important to value and the look of a brooch.

Styles

For seasonal brooches, some of the most popular styles are those that resemble poinsettia plants, evergreen trees, reindeer, wreaths, or other winter themes like sleighs, snowmen, or snowflakes, to name a few. Many collectors realize that brooches are making a big come back on the fashion scene and the bigger the better with statement brooches commanding high values on the market. Vintage brooches from the mid 1900s to the late 1900s enjoy a very active market online within active selling platforms like eBay.com, Etsy.com, Mercari, ShopThrilling.com, and Poshmark. com among many others.

Gemstones

The most popular gemstones used in brooches are white pearls to recall a wintery mood such as snowmen, snow covered trees, or angels. Diamonds or rhinestones are selected for brooches to give that look of snowy crystals, too. Blue topaz and aquamarines are usually paired with pearls in winter season brooches to give the feeling of cold, wintery weather, too. In addition to these precious gems, faux gemstones are integrated into brooch design like Austrian crystals or carved cabochon stones in clear, blue, etc.

When it comes to fine jewelry, look for high quality materials and stunning designs by some of the most impressive designers like David Yurman, Paloma Picasso, Chanel, etc. For costume jewelry collectors, brooches of the winter season by Hattie Carnegie, Miriam Haskell, Alice Caviness, and Ben Amun always hold their value for the long term.

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.

February is National Pet Dental Month

by Dr. Kenneth Trippett, West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

One of the easiest to check and  most overlooked aspects of keeping your pet healthy, is a healthy mouth.  If you haven't done so recently (and don't feel bad if you haven't, most people don't), pick up a lip and look at your pet's back teeth in a well lit area.  Large chunks of brown tartar, red, eroding gums, and bad breath are all easily recognizable signs of an unhealthy mouth.

Most people seems to think, that bad teeth is a problem that is limited to the mouth.  Unfortunately, this just isn't true.  Bad teeth frequently cause liver trouble, kidney trouble, and heart trouble in animals.  I have cured a number of heart mummers in dogs and kidney problems in cats simple by cleaning their teeth and treating with antibiotics.  More importantly, bad teeth cause pain in animals the same as they do for people.  Dogs and cats are much more tolerant of mouth pain, then we humans.  Just because your animal is eating, doesn't mean that everything is O.K.  If you notice signs of bad teeth, this is also an indication that your pet is in pain.

In an attempt to give all the pets in Hazleton a nice white smile and better breath, we are offering 10% off all dental procedures with the ad in below through the end of February.

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.

Application—Senior Citizen Transit Identi cation Card

Free/Reduced Fare Transit Programs For Senior Citizens

Solicitue Su Tarjeta De Identi cacion Para Personas Mayores De 65 Aros O'mas Y Viaje Gratis Ofrecemas El Programa De Tarifa Bajas Para Los Que Cali quen.

Name Of Applicant (Last, First, Middle Initial) Date Of Application Nombre Del Solicitante(Apellido, Primer Nombre, Inicial Del Segundo Nombre) Fecha De Applicacion Address (Street Or Route) City Or Post O ce

Zip Code Direccion (Calle O Ruta) Ciudad Or O cina De Correo Estado Codigo Postal

La Agencia De Transito Documentos De Prueba De Edad Aceptables Se

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 (#)

Other

Otro

I Do Hereby Certify That I Have Reviewed The Above Age Documentation And The Information Contained Herein Is True And Accurate To The Best Of My Knowledge And Belief.

Por Lo Presente Certi co Que He Revisado La Documentacion De Edad Y Que La Informacion Contenida En Este Documento Es Verdadero Y Preciso Segun Mi Conocimiento Y Creencia.

Signature Of Transit Agency Representative Certifying Age Documentation Firma Del Representante De La Agencia De Tránsito Que Certi ca Documentación De Edad

Printed Name Of Above Transit Agency Representative Nombre En Imprenta Del Representante De La Agencia De Transito

Name Of Transit Agency (Include Street Or Route, City Or Post O ce, State, Zip Code) Nombre De Agencia De Transito Incluya Calle O Ruta, Ciudad U O cina De Correos, Estado, Código Postal)

As safety guidelines for COVID-19 continue to evolve, we continue to follow all CDC guidelines. Our buses are cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized daily.

Como medidas de seguridad por el COVID-19 seguimos todas las reglas establecidas por la CDC, todos nuestros autobuses estan debidamente desinfectados y limpiados diariamente.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US -OR- VISIT WWW.RIDEHPT.COM

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM TO 4PM

Rock Your Way Into Spring With Vinyl Radio

The Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. is pleased to announce that VINYL RADIO will headline the fifth concert of its 2022-2023 Season. The program is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2023 @ 7:30 PM at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd Street, Hazleton, PA 18202, where abundant free, lighted parking is available.

Vinyl Radio is a 4 piece rock band, featuring Nashville’s top session players and music before the digital age. They are a vocal power with a righteous regard for the great Rock-n-Roll music classics. Performing music from The Eagles, America, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, The Doobie Brothers and more. Vinyl Radio delivers the harmonies and melodies of Classic 70’s Radio.

Vinyl Radio comes at you with a wash of vocal power and a righteous regard for the great music of the 70’s. These ‘Music City’ pros combine their considerable talents into an experience that captivates the essence of an era when guitars and grooves, mellow mayhem and melodies ruled the airwaves. Vinyl Radio put simply; is the music you love brought to life.

Ronnie Kimball has shared the stage with many superstars like Huey Lewis, Greg Khin, The Knack and Tommy Tutone, to name a few. Since moving to Nashville in the mid 90’s Ronnie has become an in-demand session vocalist for some of Nashville’s best songwriters, sang numerous jingles and movie placements.

Chip Martin cut his teeth on the classic pop sounds of the 60’s – the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and other British invasion bands. Later it was the sounds of bands like the Eagles, Crosby Stills and Nash, and America that caught the attention of the already traveling singer/songwriter. Chip formed his first band at the age of 12 and has been on stage ever since playing in rock and country-rock groups from Maine to Miami.

Ron Wallace has one of Music Row’s most recognizable and sought after voices, earning him a spot on the A-List of Nashville session singers. Touring with

the newcomer, Tim McGraw, found him a spot on McGraw’s first video. He recorded for Sony/Columbia, and can be heard on recordings by industry heavyweights like Don Williams, Ty Herndon, and Faith Hill.

Tim Buppert made his living as a singing drummer, from the age of 18 until moving to Nashville in 1991, where he put aside the drums to focus on a songwriting career. Tim has sung on over 8,000 recordings including albums by: Trisha Yearwood, Michael Peterson, Kevin Sharp, Billy Ray Cyrus and Rodney Atkins. After 10 years Tim went back to

the drums and once again is the “Singing Drummer” for some of Nashville’s most popular bands including Vinyl Radio.

The 2022-23 Greater Hazleton Concert Series offers entertaining, professional performances to subscribers. Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. For concert information or tickets call, Cynthia at 570-436-6615, Tom at 570-788-3967 or Shirley at 570-384-1226. For more information of all GHCS concerts, visit www. hazletonconcertseries.org or visit our Facebook page.

IN

LAUREL MALL

(Located in the Dunham’s Wing by Play Zone) Monday Thru Saturday 11am-6pm

Laurel Mall Gift Certi cates Sold Here!

Pardeesville Cruise Night Donates $11,343.54 in First Year to Hazleton Area Agencies

Above: Cancer Society Telethon of the group with host John Beltrami

Below: Front row: Alice Bobbert (program director NCS), Joyce Semon (PCN); Back row: Wayne Funk (program director NCS), Ron Semon (President PCN), Joe Mope (PCN), Janine Malloy (PCN), Ed McCarthy (CEO of NCS)

The newly formed nonprofit group called “Pardeesville Cruise Night” held its first car cruise & show in August 2022 at the Pardeesville Playground in Hazle Township and it was a huge success. The event had over 150 vehicles displayed along with 82 tricky trays that were donated, and there was live music by local oldies band “The Legends”. There were also several food vendors and event merchandise, along with kids activities for the more than 500 people who were in attendance.

Representatives from both the Greater Hazleton Cancer Society and Northeast Counseling Services of Hazleton were also on hand. A total of 32 sponsors made the event possible, along with an additional 35 program booklet of advertisers and memorials.

The group currently consists of sixteen family members and friends who have known each other for several years and most of them are car enthusiasts. Group

President Ron Semon noted “our goal was 100 cars and approximately 250 people for our first year, along with the hopes of raising $2,000 for each of our causes: (The American Cancer Society and Northeast Counseling Services for their Suicide Awareness/Prevention Program, both Hazleton Chapters) after all the expenses were paid. It’s safe to say we exceeded that goal tremendously.” Most of the group’s members went to the Hazleton Cancer Society’s Telethon on November 13th and presented a check for $5,671.77 live on TV with host John Beltrami.

A few members of the group then went to Northeast Counseling Services on November 18th and presented officials with a check for $5,671.77

The group is already planning their 2023 event which will be held on Saturday August 19th. They also have a Facebook Page that you can join and follow for event news and updates.

Animals on Parade at ICE4U2C thru Feb. 28th

Don't miss this stunning display at Damenti’s Restaurant, 5 Bowman’s Mill Road, Hazleton, PA from 5-9pm through February 28th and for ICE4U2C and behold this year’s theme; Animals on Parade presented by 21-time world champion Steve Brice, 10-time world champion Heather Brice and world champions Jeff Kaiser and Steve Dean. These beautiful works of art were sculpted from 20 tons of ice using chainsaws, power

tools, and various carving instruments. Come on out and support your community while exploring the beauty of these one-of-a-kind creations. This event is open to the public with a $5 donation per person at the door. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to S.A.F.E., Helping Hands, Palermo Foundation, Allied Services, United Way of Greater Hazleton, and Ice Alaska. Each week benefits one of the non-profit organizations.

Power Your Homegate Playbook with a Savory Appetizer

(Family Features) Back and forth action for four quarters keeps fans on their feet, but a mouthwatering menu is what homegating and tailgating are truly all about. Keep your crowd energized by loading your game day playbook with recipes that are just as exciting as the game itself.

Meld together traditional tailgate tastes with these Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.” They’re perfect for serving during the pregame festivities

to power up your fellow diehards or as a halftime snack to recharge for a second half surge.

Starring the vibrant flavor of Fresh Cravings Salsa and its homemade-tasting alternative to softer, duller blends of jarred salsa, this appetizer offers a savory solution you can enjoy all season long. Made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices, the salsas make a perfect addition to a variety of recipes to take homegating to the next level.

Visit FreshCravings.com to find more homegate recipes worthy of the hall of fame.

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa

Biscuit Bites

Yield: 16 biscuit bites

Recipe courtesy of chef George Duran

• 1 tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total)

• 7 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup jarred jalapenos, chopped

• 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

• 1 cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa

• nonstick cooking spray

Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F. Divide each biscuit in half by pulling apart in centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles. Set aside.

In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with

chopped jalapenos, bacon and salsa. Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit and pinch each together tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount of salsa mixture. Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working in batches, cook biscuit bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

Note: If air fryer access is unavailable, biscuit bites can be baked 8-10 minutes at 400 F in oven, or until golden brown.

A WORD FROM

was guarding Ethel Kennedy who was behind her husband. When he heard shots, Roosevelt Grier ran ahead and helped subdue Sirhan Sirhan and actually was the one who wrested the gun from him. He also helped restrain the crowd who understandably wanted to rip Sirhan Sirhan to shreds.

] During he 1960s, he appeared on approximately 70 TV shows and cut numerous records. Some of his records are collectors’ items and fairly expensive. Grier is considered a decent actor and recording artist.

Roosevelt Grier was born on July 14, 1932 and was named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Grier played high school football for Abraham Clark High School in New Jersey. He then went on to Penn State where he was an All-American in both Football and Track and Field in 1954 and 1955. He was the number 31 overall pick in the NFL by the New York Giants. He is listed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association 100th Anniversary list of the 100 most influential College athletes. Roosevelt Grier was All-Pro at defensive tackle in 1956 and 1958 through 1962.

Grier was one of the first football players to successfully make the transition from football to acting. He became a regular on Daniel Boone and made several appearances on the White Shadow. He also appeared in many films as well as TV shows.

Grier was very active in campaigning for the Democratic Party until the early 1980s. The last president he campaigned for was Jimmy Carter. Grier regularly appeared at the Democratic Convention. Grier then became a Republican and an active one. In 1984, he was a featured speaker at the Republican Nation Convention, endorsing Ronald Reagan for re-election. At age 85 in 2017, Grier announced his intention to run as a Republican for Governor of California but dropped out shortly after.

Roosevelt Grier has written several books. Needlepoint was one of his hobbies, and one of his books is Needlepoint for Men. He also wrote Rosey An Autobiography: The Gentle Giant.

Roosevelt Grier was often sought out as a public speaker and in 1968 accompanied Bob Hope and Ann Margaret on a tour of Military bases. He helped disadvantaged people buy homes and furnished teens with educational and spiritual opportunities. Grier received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Penn State in 1974 and the Alumni Fellow Award in 1991. Grier enjoyed acting, playing the guitar, singing and writing. This brought him a great deal more money than playing football. In November of 1974, Grier’s needlepoint was on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Among the better films that Grier appeared in are “Roots”, “Skyjacked”, “In Cold Blood” and “Carter’s Army”.

Roosevelt Grier was a convert to Christianity, and he credited his religion in helping him overcome depression. His Christian faith saved his marriage and increased his desire to help others. Grier fostered many programs for youth and received invitations to the White House for work with the elderly. Grier is also active in a foundation fighting prostrate cancer. He also served many years as Master of Ceremonies for Special Olympics.

In 1983, Grier became an ordained minister. He has been especially active in assisting inner city youth and the elderly and supported the Moral Majority. A fact that is not known by many is that he spent a good deal of time ministering to O.J.Simpson when he was imprisoned even though the two had never met before. Grier felt that everyone, no matter what they did, was entitled to receive help.

After his conversion to Christianity, Grier turned down any acting job in which he was to play an unsavory character. He is still living at the age of 90 and the last surviving member of the “Fearsome Foursome”. I myself feel that Grier is a man of principle and a person to be admired.

There are football cards of Grier available in many different years for $10 or less. His Rookie card, a 1956 Topps runs for $25 to $30 in Ex-Mt condition. Graded cards Nr-Mt to Mint can run considerably more. I feel the prices of Grier cards are cheap considering the character of the man and his historical significance.

Bring Fans Together with a Big Game Dip

(Family Features) Gathering for the big game is a source of annual excitement for fans across the country, but the moment is as much about connecting with family and friends as it is the action on the field. The superstar of the celebrations is often the food, from snacks and appetizers to full-blown meals and tasty sweets.

For a better-for-you way to grub out at gametime, this Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip from Milk Means More features essential nutrients provided by yogurt so you can enjoy a football favorite that nourishes both the body and soul.

Find more game day recipes at MilkMeansMore.org.

Plan Early With Our Big Game Day Specials!

3 ORDERS OF WINGS - $39.99 + TAX

3 ORDERS OF BONELESS WINGS $26.95 + TAX

2 LARGE PIZZAS WITH ANTIPASTO $32.95 + TAX (TOPPINGS EXTRA)

2 LARGE PIZZAS & 2 ORDERS WINGS $49.95 + TAX (TOPPINGS EXTRA)

1 LARGE PIZZA, 1 ANTIPASTO & 1 ORDER WINGS $32.95 + TAX (TOPPINGS EXTRA)

Healthy 7-Layer Taco Dip

Prep time: 15 minutes

• Servings: 12

Recipe courtesy of Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl” on behalf of Milk Means More

• 1 can (15 ounces) fat-free, refried beans

• 1 cup salsa

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

• 2 avocados

• 1/2 cup cilantro, minced, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 lime, juice only

• 1/2 cup scallions, minced

• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

• tortilla chips

In small bowl, mix refried beans and salsa. Spread mixture in thin layer on bottom of large platter.

In separate small bowl, whisk yogurt, cumin, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cayenne, if desired. Spread mixture on top of bean layer.

In third bowl, mash avocados with 1/4 cup cilantro, garlic powder, lime juice and remaining salt. Spread guacamole on top of yogurt layer.

Sprinkle dip with minced scallions, diced tomatoes, black olives and remaining cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

Super Bowl LVII Stallions In Scottsdale

Vanessa Ortiz grew up knowing her mom would do whatever it would take to stretch their budget to ensure her daughter had access to art. Later, her mom would re-direct her creativity when Ortiz started to turn to graffiti by having her daughter volunteer at galleries.

As life always goes, a series of choices, decisions, and a leap of faith has brought Ortiz to where she is today. A full-time professional artist who was selected to showcase the natural beauty of Arizona for Super Bowl LVII through the Stallion Stampede Community Art Project.

“I was applying for mural jobs; I kept getting rejected from all these projects. Sandra (Sutton Andrews) told me to apply (for the Stallion project) since you never know if you’ll get accepted,” Ortiz said. “I didn’t have any hope of getting selected, and last minute, I submitted my application, and I was selected. There’s this fear of am going to complete this project. Or what does it entail? I went in scared, but I jumped–and I’m enjoying it. I mean, I had a little life with them.”

Ortiz’s work often features vibrant colors and desert landscapes with native flora and fauna. Sandra Sutton Andrews of the Millet House in Mesa, Arizona, encouraged Ortiz to apply so southwestern art would have the opportunity to be represented among the different stallions.

“She’s so incredibly positive, and she has what I call a spiritual connection to the desert,” Andrews said. “In other words, she’s not just painting the desert; she’s out there, rain or shine, whether she’s sick or well. And some of her art does have a spiritual aspect to it. She sees that in the desert.”

The way Ortiz sees and paints Arizona aligns with the vision the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL had for

Super Bowl LVII. Once Host Committee Vice President of Marketing, Rayme Lofgren, had the green light for the Stallion project, she knew Ortiz would be the perfect fit.

“Vanessa’s portfolio captures the colors and emotions we want the art and décor of Super Bowl LVII to portray,” Lofgren said. “She has this way with Arizona scenery that I loved, and when I saw her submission for the Stallion Project, I knew she’d be able to tell the story of our state and Super Bowl with her art.”

The process of painting the two stallions has been an exciting one for Ortiz. More than 20 drafts of the two stallion designs were created before the NFL gave its final approval. From there, she painted the two pieces from start to finish in about one month.

The two Stallions are representative of the sunrises and sunsets in Arizona. There are various native plants and animals pictured on both Stallions, with callouts in the form of a diamondback rattlesnake and cardinal, and of course, the Super Bowl LVII logo.

“What I was keeping in mind is the sunsets and sun downs, how we have the beautiful, gorgeous reds and pinks, and how it contrasts between the greens. People think when they see Arizona, it’s all desert, dry and brown,” Ortiz said. “No, there’s multiple colors out there. You just have to know where to see and look at it. And especially when it rains, it’s a whole green world out there.”

Ortiz’s two stallions will make their way to Old Town Scottsdale in the coming days and will be on display for the public to see and take photos of until March 2023. On April 15, the Stampede Gala Auction at Royal Arabians will take place, the Stallions will be auctioned off, and the proceeds will be given to select charities.

Chicken Bites (5lbs) served with two sauces & ranch

Half Pan $45

Meatballs (50 Meatballs) with sauce & toasted crostini

Full Pan $70

Antipasto Salad

Half pan $40 • Full Pan $75

Chicken Parmesan

Half Pan $50 • Full Pan $95

Chicken Francaise

Half Pan $50 • Full Pan $95

Penne Al Vodka

Half Pan $35 • Full Pan $65

Slow Roasted Turkey w/Gravy

Half Pan $45 • Full Pan $80

Red Wine Braised Beef

Half Pan $60 • Full Pan $110

Pulled Pork

Half Pan $75 • Full Pan $135

Smoked Brisket

Half Pan $90

St. Louie Ribs (1/4 Rack)

Half Pan $95

Mashed Potatoes

Half Pan $30 • Full Pan $55

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Half Pan $35 • Full Pan $60

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Closed Monday Tuesday through Saturday 7am-8pm Sunday 8am-8pm

In the past year, we’ve seen some big swings in the financial markets. This volatility may make you feel as if you have little control over your investment success. But the truth is, you do have more control than you might think — as long as you don’t let fear guide your decisions. Investment-related fear can manifest itself in a few different ways:

• Fear of loss – Some investors may emphasize avoiding losses more than achieving gains. Consequently, they might build portfolios they consider very low in risk, possibly containing a high percentage of certificates of deposit (CDs) and U.S. Treasury securities. Yet, a highly conservative approach carries its own risk — the risk of not achieving enough growth to stay ahead of inflation, much

Don't Let Fear Drive Your Investment Decisions

by Edward Jones - Financial Advisors

less meet long-term goals such as a comfortable retirement. To reach these goals, you’ll want to construct a diversified portfolio containing different types of assets and investments — each of which may perform differently at different times. Your objective shouldn’t be to avoid all risk — which is impossible — but to create an investment strategy that accommodates your personal risk tolerance and time horizon.

• Fear of missing out – You’re probably familiar with the term “herd mentality” — the idea that people will follow the lead of others for fear of missing out on something. This behavior is responsible for fads or the sudden emergence of “hot” products, and it’s also relevant to investing. In fact, herd mentality may contribute to

sharp jumps in the financial markets as investors drive up prices by buying stocks to avoid being left behind. And the same may be true in reverse — when the market starts dropping, skittish investors may accelerate the decline by selling stocks so they, too, can get out before it’s too late. Buying or selling investments should be considered as needed to help advance your long-term financial strategy — not in response to what others are doing.

• Fear of the unknown – Some investors fall victim to “familiarity bias” — the tendency to invest only in what they know, such as local or domestic companies. But this behavior can lead to under-diversified portfolios. If your portfolio is dominated by just a few investments, and these investments are fairly similar to each other, you could experience some losses when the inevitable market downturn occurs. To help reduce the impact of market volatility, it’s a good idea to spread your investment dollars across large and small companies in a range of industries and geographical regions. And that’s just on the equities side — it’s also wise to consider further diversifying your portfolio by owning bonds and government securities. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses.)

• Fear of admitting failure – Some

It’s Not What You Earn, It’s What You Keep That Matters

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

Get a FREE second opinion on last year’s 1040. As part of our holistic financial planning services, we are part of a national network of tax planning professionals who can help me help you achieve better tax outcomes. We offer a free no obligation advanced tax planning session so that we can help you proactively plan the best tax outcomes for your personal situation next year and beyond. It doesn’t matter to us where you file your taxes. If you like your CPA, you can keep your CPA! We offer free tax planning regardless of where you file. However, if you would like us to do your taxes next time around, our partners are even willing to offer you a special introductory discount rate for your first return filed through our service.

“So, are you telling me my CPA is doing something wrong?” Not at all! We are not looking for mistakes being made by your current preparer (although if we do find any, we will let you know). We are assuming that your CPA has filed your taxes accurately. Our experience shows accuracy does not necessarily equate to optimum results for your overall financial plan.

People often misunderstand the role of their CPA (or other tax preparer) and assume that since they are paying them so much money, they must be getting the best outcome possible. However, in most cases, that is not what is happening. It is not a tax preparer’s job to look

individuals don’t like to admit when they’ve been wrong about something, and they may continue the same failed activities, hoping for eventual success. This behavior can be costly in the investment arena. Sometimes, a particular investment, or even an investment strategy, just doesn’t work out, but an investor is determined to stick with it — even if it ultimately means considerable financial loss. Don’t let his happen to you — if it becomes apparent you need to change your investment approach, move on to something better.

Fear can hold us back in many walks of life — but don’t let it keep you from making appropriate investment moves.

several years into the future and aggressively plan better tax outcomes for you. Contrary to what many people assume, that is simply not their job. Their job is to look backward and write an accurate history paper to the IRS of what happened over the previous 12 months. OUR job is to look FORWARD and to help you proactively plan better outcomes in the future.

We are confident enough in our planning recommendations that we will produce a pro-forma “What-If” tax return that illustrates the possible outcomes for next year and beyond so that you can share that with your current preparer and ask them if the numbers add up. Whether or not you are interested in taking the steps necessary to achieve those results is a different question, but in our experience, when given the choice between their current tax outcome versus the potential outcomes with some proper planning, most people choose “what’s behind door number 2”!

Give us a call today at 570-501-1200 to schedule your appointment for a better future!

Tax Planning with Your Tax Preparation

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

When you come in for taxes, you should be coming in primarily for tax planning, and secondarily for tax preparation. A good tax preparer is there to help you for the whole year which is upcoming, not just for the year that has just finished. Why are you paying for the past when you need to be prepared for the future? And especially, why are you paying premium dollars for the past?

Most of us have learned to compare prices for what we pay for food, insurance, cars, etc.; to find the best value and long-term investment of our income; to make our dollars stretch as far as they can; when do we apply that same process to tax preparation fees?

I don’t want to make the wrong decision for the one person who always made the right ones.”

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. We’d like to answer any questions you might have. Call us today to find out what you can do to make all of the right decisions.

Filing your Income Tax Return is actually a reconciliation of your year’s income, deductions, and tax payments. The end result of the reconciliation determines if you have a refund from overpayment of taxes or even from refundable credits granted to you because of the circumstances of your year, income, and/or family circumstances.

Since it is reconciliation then it means you should be able to do some planning and have some idea of what the end picture will look like! Really, it is a simple process. Honest Abe’s Policy has always been to include and specialize in offering tax planning to customers to add to the tax filing of the historical document, or known as “tax preparation”.

We encourage our customers to come in throughout the year to advise us of changes in their picture of their taxes when they add a child, cash in a 401K, get a new a job, inherit money, etc.

We have and will continue to charge REASONABLE fees for PLANNING and PREPARATION and is open year-round. We welcome all customers. Come see them today. Quit wasting your hard-earned dollars elsewhere; let our staff show you that we care!

Preparing For Tax Season: 3 Tips To Keep Organized

(BPT) - Taxes can be a daunting task. Some people are so anxious that they put it off until just before the April 15 deadline. According to a survey by IPX1031, 32% of Americans waited until the last minute to file taxes in 2022. Of those who procrastinated on filing, 25% said that they waited because filing taxes is too stressful and complicated.

While you can wait until the deadline to file, you'll only increase your tax anxiety. If you find tax season intimidating, check out these three tips that can help ease tax time stress.

1. Take a deep breath - It may seem trite, but the first thing you need to do to tackle your taxes is to take a deep breath. You likely already have everything you need to start your tax forms. It's just a matter of finding all your documents and organizing them so you can easily fill out your information and submit your forms.

Start early to help ease your tax season stress, so you have plenty of time to input and review your information. If you wait until the deadline, you'll only get more anxious about the prospect of being late or making mistakes on your tax forms.

Another way to manage tax time stress is to tackle your tax forms one section at a time. You can do this over the course of a few days or a couple of weeks. You can enlist the help of a partner or friend to keep you accountable and sit with you while you do your taxes.

2. Get organized - Whether you're doing personal or business taxes, creating a system with specific categories will help you stay organized throughout the year. That way, when it's time to tackle taxes, you'll have everything you need right in front of you.

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.

RETIRING IN 3YEARS

Not accepting any new clients at this time.

First, create a deductions and expenses folder. In this folder, you'll keep cellphone and internet bills, receipts for supplies (like pencils, pens and papers), client dinner receipts and documents of charitable donations.

Next, you'll set up an income folder where you'll store your paystubs, bank statements and other records that prove any income you have produced during the year. If needed, you can create another folder for business tax documents like W-2s, property taxes and self-employment forms.

Lastly, make an investments folder. Here, you can save retirement contributions to Continued on next page.

Newlywed Financial Tips

(StatePoint) February is the month of love and one of the most popular times of year for couples to get engaged. According to a recent study, 36% of respondents said Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day to propose. If you’re about to get married or just walked down the aisle, here are five things to do to ensure your financial health.

1. Determine how you will handle finances. They say money can’t buy love and happiness, but talking about it in a marriage, or even beforehand, goes a long way. You’ll want to discuss whether you’ll have a joint bank account and credit cards, separate accounts or a combination of the two. It’s a personal decision, so consider the pros and cons. It’s also a good idea to know the roles you will play. For example, will you or your partner pay the day-to-day bills? The other person may want to manage the monthly mortgage and auto expenses, or even the long-term investments and retirement funds. If you need help coming up with a plan, you may want to seek the advice of a financial counselor.

2. Get life insurance. You may not realize that February is also Insure Your Love Month, a time to think about protecting your loved ones if something unfortunate should happen. “If you have people who depend on you – including your new spouse – chances are you need life insurance,” said Lou Colaizzo, senior vice president, Erie Family Life. “While it’s hard to think about the possibility of not being there for a loved one, it’s so important to plan for.” Colaizzo added that some people may hesitate to seek out life insurance because they don’t want to go through the trouble of getting a medical exam, but

Continued from previous page.

IRAs or other accounts, tax-deferred investments, nondeductible investments and any other taxable investments.

By setting up and using this organizational system throughout the year, you'll be able to breeze through your tax forms with minimal stress.

3. Go digital - Now that you've got the system in place, it's time to simplify taxes by going digital. Recreate the organizational system above on your computer. You can also store or sync the folders on the cloud or mobile device so you can access documents on the go. You can also upload invoices, receipts and other documents into digital files as soon as you receive them.

The easiest way to convert physical documents into digital ones is to scan them. Simplify the process by using an application like Mopria Scan. This app allows you to scan directly from any Mopria certified device to your Android device without installing multiple apps, software or drivers for every scanner or printer you use at home or the office.

You'll also have easy access to scanned pages on your Android device's cloud storage or other applications. You can even scan your stuff and email it to your professional accountant so they can deal with it! Download the Mopria Print Service or Mopria Scan apps and relieve tax time stress.

Don't let tax season anxiety get you down. Using these three tips, you'll be able to complete your tax forms quickly and set yourself up for success for the next tax season.

that’s not always necessary. For example, Erie Insurance has a policy called ERIExpress Life, which may be able to provide protection with a simple application process and no physical medical exam. Colaizzo recommends people consult with their insurance agent to find the right life insurance policy and coverage amount that’s best for them.

3. Protect your bling. Chances are you spent a lot of time and money picking out rings you’ll love and wear every day. Unfortunately, burglaries are more common than you may think. According to the FBI, there were more than 1.1 million burglaries in 2019. Protect your wedding jewelry, and any other expensive jewelry, by adding these items to your homeowners or renters policy. It is advisable to have photos and documentation of the value of the ring and other valuable jewelry in the event of a theft or a loss.

4. Update your car insurance. Notify your agent to make sure you’re both covered to drive each other’s cars. You may also be eligible for savings, such as a multi-car discount or bundling your car insurance with homeowners and/or life insurance. Additionally, some insurance companies offer a lower rate for married couples.

5. Make updates to your records if you change your last name. It’s a big decision and takes a lot of work if one of you decides to change your name after marriage. It’s important to be patient and diligent as the entire process may take several months. Remember to update all the appropriate forms, including a new Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts and credit cards, among other considerations. Additionally, notify your employer for payroll and health insurance coverage updates.

Job Fair 2023

PA Unemployment - Benefit Reduction Changes

Every five years, the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) is required by Pennsylvania's Unemployment Compensation Law to recalculate solvency triggers that are then reflected in employer tax rates, employee contribution rates and claimant benefit reduction rates. When the balance in the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund is insolvent – as defined in the UC Law -- the

department is required to implement solvency measures that reduce claimant benefit amounts and increase employer/employee tax rates. As required by law, L&I has recalculated these rates for 2023. The insolvency of the UC Trust Fund triggers a requirement that UC benefits are subject to a larger reduction and employer/employee tax rates increase by a certain percentage.

Per Pennsylvania's UC Law, regular UC benefit payments for payable weeks of unemployment will be reduced by 3.2 percent beginning with the week ending January 7, 2023. The benefits reduction affects all claimants and applies to claim weeks ending January 7, 2023 and later. This calculation will occur automatically, and there is no change to the weekly certification process for claimants.

(BPT) - Whether you're a college grad, young professional or in mid-career, chances are you've already faced challenges that seemed overwhelming. Throughout your career, you'll continue to face opportunities to choose one path or another, but without clear, meaningful goals - and the gumption to pursue them - you may find your path veering from the life you really want.

This is one of the key messages of the debut book by Sharon Price John, "Stories and Heart: Unlock the Power of Personal Stories to Create a Life You Love," which illustrates core principles that helped her succeed - from climbing a daunting tree in childhood to leading some of world's best-known brands, offering personal lessons and insights in an approachable manner and understandable format. As president and chief executive officer of the beloved publicly traded company Build-A-Bear Workshop for nearly a decade, John successfully led the 25-year-old organization through the "retail apocalypse" and global pandemic to emerge as a reimagined corporation that delivered the most profitable year in its history in 2021, followed by the recently announced expectation to repeat that feat for the company's 2022 fiscal year.

Beyond offering candid stories that educate and inspire, she guides readers through her framework for using their own personal stories to enact meaningful change in their lives. In addition to each chapter's "Story," a related "Question from the Heart" and personal exploratory exercise helps provide actionable guidelines to creating a life you love, with an invitation for readers to challenge their own mindset through the lens of each experience shared.

Your own stories reveal your values and goals

Originally hailing from a small town in Tennessee, John learned early that she had a natural sense of determination to achieve what she wanted in life, although her perseverance was challenged by life circumstances, including overcoming obstacles like having zero connections in New York's advertising world when pursuing

Continued on next page

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• Annual performance bonuses and discretionary spot bonuses, plus referral and retention bonuses up to $1,850

• Highly acclaimed UFP Business School, plus customized training programs and career growth paths

• Health savings account with annual company contributions

• 15% employee discount on company stock

• Up to $1,500 annually that can be taken as cash or used toward 401(k) and/or HSA

• 401(k) plan with company match

ESTAMOS CONTRATANDO!

• Conductore de camións

• Producción en línea de ensamblaje

• Operadores de montacagas

• Mecánicos y mas Medioc – Dental – Vista – 401K

Días Festivos Y Vacaciones Con Sueldo Presente su solicitud hoy mismo en : UFPI.COM/CAREERS – 570-875-2811

DISCOVER

her first job in the Big Apple. She shares her stories together with concrete exercises to help you focus on your life goals, determine the core values important to you - plus techniques to help you overcome hurdles, like those inner voices that may discourage you from taking the next steps in your career.

"The goal is for this book to be as much a journey for you as it was for me," John explains. "This is an opportunity for you to think about what matters in your life while hopefully revealing an appreciation and understanding that your personal stories and the meaning you have woven around them not only impact your journey, but can be predictive of it."

Reflective exercises John guides readers through include:

* Brainstorming goals for the next five years.

* Listing wishes for lifelong experiences.

* Identifying values that are most important to you.

* Rejecting the negative voices in your head.

* Understanding how perfectionism can block achievement.

* Redefining failures.

* Listening to your own instincts.

* Imagining your goals being met - and taking specific actions to get there.

Harnessing your gumption to achieve what you want

"If you're unfamiliar with the term, the word 'gumption' is a little different from determination. Gumption is a mix of drive, passion and creativity - not just sheer will," adds John. "This is where the concept of being dedicated to your goals becomes important. The power to create a life you love is within you."

In "Stories and Heart," John shares that beyond identifying the specific life goals most important to you, the next crucial step is learning to harness your dedication, faith and gumption to take concrete actions in pursuit of those goals - even when you're unsure of the outcome. Taking positive action toward those goals, even in small steps, provides the fuel necessary to achieve them.

When we identify what it is we really want, our ability to have conviction in achieving those goals increases. It is pretty incredible the things we can achieve when we understand the power of directing our efforts toward a specific desire or outcome," John explains. "Real momentum in life starts when you clarify and begin taking steps, with conviction, toward something desirable."

To learn more about John, her journey and her tips for setting your own meaningful life goals, visit StoriesAndHeart.com or check out her podcast at ForbesBooksAudio.com/shows/stories-heart. You can order her book, available now, at Amazon.com.

Why Experts Say Plastic Recycling Won’t Save the Planet

(StatePoint) In the last two years, the global plastic pollution crisis has gotten worse, with more plastic being produced and an even smaller percentage of it being recycled, according to a new report.

While a 2020 Greenpeace USA report anticipated that the declining cost of plastic production would lead to declining rates of recycling, its follow-up report, “Circular Claims Fall Flat Again: 2022 Update,” not only proves this prediction true, but highlights additional barriers to plastic recycling that make it an untenable solution.

As the report notes, the high recycling rates of paper, cardboard, and metals in the United States show that recycling can be an effective way to reclaim valuable natural material resources. However, unlike these other materials, plastic waste is extremely difficult to collect, virtually impossible to sort, environmentally harmful to reprocess, and often made of and contaminated by toxic materials.

Complicating matters is the fact that the self-reported data of corporations is often misleading, as it relies on the theoretical possibility of recycling a

plastic item rather than actual plastic waste processing rates. In reality, of the 51 million tons of plastic waste generated by Americans in 2021, only 5-6% was recycled.

“The plastics and consumer goods industries have worked with industry front groups to promote plastic recycling as the solution to plastic waste for decades. Today, as plastic waste mounts, chokes our planet, and pollutes our communities, it is clear: most plastic simply cannot be recycled,” says Lisa Ramsden, senior plastics campaigner, Greenpeace.

As these realities are becoming more difficult to ignore, discussions about what to do regarding single-use plastics and plastic packaging are underway at the global level through the United Nations Environment Programme’s plastics treaty, in the U.S. Congress, in city halls and state capitals across the country, and in corporate boardrooms.

Advocates say there is a way forward. In addition to calling for a Global Plastics Treaty to set international standards, Greenpeace is also calling on companies to take the following steps:

• Urgently move to reuse systems and packaging-free approaches. Set targets to have at least 50% reusable packaging by 2030.

• Commit to collaborating with others to standardize reusable packaging and build shared reuse systems and infrastructure.

• Phase out all single-use packaging and products.

• Be transparent. Annually release verified data about the company’s single-use packaging footprint. Disclose where plastic originates and report on the full lifetime climate footprint of packaging production, use and disposal.

• Advocate for political action to drive industry-wide transformation.

Ramsden notes that consumers can also get informed and foster change by contacting their political representatives and their retailers. To read the full report, visit www.greenpeace.org.

“We cannot rely on the recycling myth to solve the plastic crisis. It is time to accept that plastic recycling is a failed concept and turn to reuse and refill solutions,” says Ramsden.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY CARING FOR A LOVED ONE?

The Caregiver Support Program is a unique service designed for caregivers to provide relief from normal care-giving duties and to reduce stress. The caregiver may choose the type of service needed and be reimbursed through state and federal funding. Examples of services would be personal care or day care. If the caregiver needs time for vacation, hospitalization or special emergencies, the benefit may be accumulated over a 6 month period and be used for extended respite.

The Caregiver Support Program may also reimburse the caregiver each month for the purchase of supplies used in caring for the care receiver. The list of supplies includes incontinence products, nutritional supplements, over the counter medication, and numerous other items.

Don't miss this milestone annual event! Winter Fest is a great reason to get out of the house, celebrate winter, and enjoy all this beautiful and historic town has to offer. This year's festivities include luminaries, ice sculptures & ice bars, the popular mug walk with a shopping passport, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway roundtrip train rides, live entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping, food & drink specials, and so much more! This year's theme, FIRE & ICE, heralds a Winter Wonderland at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom on West

Broadway.

The weekend kicks off with a luminary walk, Friday, February 17th. Broadway and Race Street will be a glow with candles making it a romantic evening or a fun outside event for the whole family! On Saturday, “The Snowball” morning yoga and dance celebration will be held at the Mauch Chuck Ballroom from 9am to Noon, hosted by Fairy Moon Yoga. Part of what makes Winter Fest so fun is its tie to the community. Many local restaurants and shops are open with extended hours and run special

deals in celebration of the festival. The local museums and Opera House open their doors to the public. There is plenty of entertainment for the kids and shows to keep the whole family entertained. Civil War re-enactors execute marching drills and battle recreations and are great educational fun for the family. Wander along Broadway, West Broadway and the iconic Race Street where you will experience Victorian architecture like nowhere else.

You don’t want to miss the famous mug walk. Mug walkers take the official souvenir Jim Thorpe mug to participating businesses all throughout town and they will fill it for you with sweets, treats, trinkets, novelties, and exclusive discounts. Mugs are $30 and are in limited quantity. Get yours now at www. venusrisinginc.com/for-purchasetrails

Admissions to most events are free. Parking at the municipal lot is encouraged because on-street parking is hard to come by. For additional information about Winter Fest visit www.venusrisinginc.com/ winterfest-calender-activities or www.jimthorpe.org . You can also find us on our Facebook Page at Jim Thorpe, PA Visitor Information.

Lehigh Gorge Train Rides

The 70-minute round trip trains will be running Saturday and Sunday during Winterfest. Departures will be at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. Learn more about train rides at www.lgsry.com

Crystal View Carriage Rides

Royalty doesn’t wait in line, and neither should you. Roll, and relax like royalty through the quaint streets of Jim Thorpe in a Horse drawn carriage. The professionals at Crystal View Carriage will show you all of downtown's quintessential beauty, set to the regal sounds of hooves clicking on cobblestone.

Pickup/drop-off: Josiah White Park/Train Station (near Woods Ice Cream) - Best GPS Address: 57 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe PA 18229 • HOURS: Noon - 5:00pm • RIDE DURATION: approximately 15 minutes • RIDE ROUTE: Susquehanna St, Broadway & Race Street • COST: $60/ carriage (comfortably sits four adults, small children can sit on laps) • Book online at: www.crystalviewcarriage.com/

Live Entertainment

Wild Elder Presents

Alec and Naomi Obeid

Live Music & Luminary

February 17th at 7pm

Mauch Chunk Opera House Presents

Creedence Revived

February 17th at 7pm and The ELO Tribute Show

February 18th at 7pm

Jim Thorpe Mug Walk

The popular Mug Walk returns this winter in the Historic District of Jim Thorpe. Join us for the mug walk this President’s Day weekend February 18th & 19th. This is a fun event for the whole family!

Tickets are $30 each and include one (1) mug, a shopping passport and bag to put all your goodies in from the participating retailers. Please keep in mind that some locations are 21+. Fill out the back page of the shopping passport with your name, email & phone number and bring it to the Mauch Chunk Ballroom at 41 West Broadway 12:00 thru 5:00 pm, February 18th & 19th 2023 when you are finished with your Mug Walk for a chance to win the Ultimate Jim Thorpe Experience! The shopping passport is a map of the participating locations for the Mug Walk. Each participant will be assigned to one trail only; Fire or Ice for their Mug walk route. Destinations are set in order for less walking, but it is up to you to follow the your chosen trail. Complete the entire trail assigned to you. Do not mix trails.

Mugs can be picked up on the day of the event (February 18th & 19th) at the Jim Thorpe Visitors Center (Train Station) - 1 Susquehanna Street, Jim Thorpe PA 18229. Pick up is from 10:00 until 3:00 pm! Please bring a digital or printed copy of your receipt to present when picking up your mug. Mugs that are not picked up will not be shipped.

For more information about the Mug Walk and to purchase a Mug visit www.venusrisinginc. com/for-purchase-trails

Answers on page 58

ACROSS

1. "Major" animal

5. ___ fruit

9. Reproduced in print

14. Fleshy fruit part

15. Indian bread

16. "___ Got Mail"

17. Asian tongue

18. Rolaids rival

19. Spice

20. Conforming to certain standards

Solution on page 58

DOWN

1. "What've you been ___?"

2. Essen basin

3. Smeltery refuse

4. Beekeepers

5. Not picked up

6. Bandage material

7. Dalai ___

8. Acad.

9. Magnate

10. Offspring

11. Fast feline

12. "... there is no ___ angel but Love":

Shakespeare

13. Animal house

21. Fertilizer ingredient

22. Dostoyevsky novel, with "The"

25. Busts

26. Theologian Franois ___

27. Hazardous

28. "___ are the days of our lives"

29. Clue

30. Marsh bird

31. Aquatic mammal

32. Composer Richard ___ Carte

34. Black cat, maybe

35. Capital of Mongolia

37. Full-length

38. Accused's need

43. Classical Greek verb tense

44. Turns down

45. Tentlike dwellings of Turkic peoples

46. Dry, in a way

47. "Bye now"

48. About

49. Faux

50. Sunburn relief

51. Bank deposit

52. Freudian topics

53. Blowgun ammo

54. Corn holder

4 Ways To Make Your Home Come To Life With Colorful and Patterned Tile

(BPT) - Whether you are looking at making a dramatic statement or adding a pop of color to a more neutral space, tile is an excellent and expressive choice for any home renovation project. Because of the range of glazes, surface patterns and materials, there are virtually limitless options to elevate and personalize your home.

Tile's expressive nature allows you to define your spaces with pattern, color and personality. You can use tile to update your flooring, create a focal point within a roomlike a coffee nook, bar area or fireplace - or as decorative borders.

If you're considering updating your home's design, check out these four ways you can create welcoming and unique spaces using tile.

1. Ideal for kitchens - Because of tile's versatility and vast range, it's a natural choice for adding color and pattern to your kitchen. For example, if you have a white kitchen, choose a colorful tile with interesting patterns or textures to draw the eye. A benefit of using tile in the kitchen is that depending upon the tile selected, it can also provide the strength and durability to address any cooking misadventures with its easy maintenance.

For a stunning kitchen backsplash that presents an artful, visually compelling pattern within a room, opt for a textured tile like the bespoke Senso by Kelly Wearstlercollection. Designed by awardwinning American designer Kelly Wearstler in a collaborative partnership with ANN SACKS and handcrafted in its Portland, Oregon, factory, this stoneware tile collection imparts the beauty of plaster without the upkeep and

expense.

2. Bold patterns for bathrooms - Tile is also an excellent choice for bathrooms for many of the same reasons it's become so popular for kitchen surfaces. Its waterresistant quality makes it the perfect material to add color and pattern to showers, walls and flooring.

The ANN SACKS Liaison by Kelly Wearstler Tuxedo Check tile pattern offers the natural colorations and veining of marble. The stone tile's durability and bold design make it a practical and visually striking choice for a bathroom renovation.

3. Outdoor spaces- Tile isn't limited to indoor design. It's tough enough to withstand the natural elements as well as daily use. It's a versatile option for pool surrounds, fountains, pavers, and outdoor kitchens and patios.

The Liaison Linqs collection is a great choice for outdoor projects, depending on climate and method of installation. Like the Tuxedo Check pattern, the geometric designs are imaginative and playful, with visual textures and natural colors that add depth and composition to any space.

4. Adding decorative touches - While tile is a great material for big projects, it also excels as a decorative element. Ceramic tile is a superb choice to create decorative accents throughout your home.

It can range from traditional to contemporary in approach with various colors, shapes and patterns to help you express yourself. Whether in an imaginative fireplace surround, intriguing trim, elegant border or sophisticated backdrop, there is virtually no limit to the creativity and level of

customization you can achieve.

Wearstler's Scout tile collection by ANN SACKS pushes boundaries with ornamental linear, geometric and curvaceous shapes that draw focus to accentuate spaceslarge and small - from dramatic feature walls to intricate borders, and can be mixed and matched to create one-of-a-kind installations. Also handcrafted in Portland, the collection's range of custom glazes, colors and distinct designs was designed to make a space come to life.

Are you ready to add intrigue and variety to your home? Using these four tips, you can creatively incorporate tile into your interior and exterior spaces for a simple yet striking renovation. To view ANN SACKS Kelly Wearstler Collection designs and other ANN SACKS tile and stone options, visit ANNSACKS.com.

How A Ductless Heat Pump Can Save You Money and Energy

by the HVAC experts at S.J. Kowalski

Although not a new technology, ductless heat pumps are rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, and why not?

Ductless heating and cooling systems can save 30-40 percent off the energy costs of a forced air system. They are the go-to choice for newly constructed houses and additions, as well as those houses with no existing ductwork and which rely on radiators or electric baseboard heating. If this describes your home, here are some ways the ductless heat pump system can bring your energy cost down.

THE SAME UNIT DELIVERS BOTH HEATING AND COOLING

If you are in an older house with an old boiler and you want to add air conditioning, switching to a ductless heat pump system can kill two birds with one stone, bringing both cooling and heating in one system. A heat pump is an energy-saving air conditioner that simply reverses the flow of refrigerant. Combining the functions means one less system to worry about, joining the best of both worlds to create one of the best heating and cooling systems on the market today. And newer hyper-heating systems provide reliable heat even when it’s below freezing outside. The refrigerant lines deliver the heating and cooling energy to the space much more efficiently than air ducting can. Forced air systems lose as much as 30 percent of their energy pushing dense, cold air up big, wide ducts through an entire house. Ductless heat pump systems in turn rely on thin refrigerant piping to deliver the heating and cooling energy to compact indoor units delivering air to the space much more easily, allowing you to save on energy.

SAVE ON ENERGY WITH ZONE-BASED COOLING AND HEATING

Split-ductless systems and mini split systems can use up to eight separate indoor air-handling units for each outdoor unit. In this way, you can have eight separate rooms or zones, each with its own controller. You can save a lot of money and energy by sending less heat into lesser-used areas of your home. For larger homes, you might consider purchasing two ductless multiroom outdoor units in order to boost your indoor cooling and heating to the entire house. The extra costs will be more than compensated for through eventual energy savings, as well as giving you green heating and cooling which will reduce the carbon imprint on the earth.

THE “GREENER” THE HOUSE, THE BETTER THE SAVINGS

Green heating and cooling help save energy, but in order to maximize your savings, you want to secure your building. You need to make sure you have adequate insulation, and that all windows, doors and attic air leaks are sealed. It wouldn’t make sense to purchase and install a new heating and cooling system, only to have the energy savings it brings go seeping out of your house. This is especially true in colder climates, where the ductless heat pump needs to work harder to maintain heat in the winter.

If you’re smart enough to use this modern technology, you need to be smart e nough to keep your house as environmentally sound as possible in order to get the most out of it. The best part is you won’t have to sacrifice having one of the best heating and cooling systems on the market to have a green heating and cooling system. Many of these systems qualify for tax credits and energy rebates.

If you are thinking about upgrading your HVAC system call 570-455-2600 TODAY! The HVAC experts at S.J. Kowalski, Inc. can design a system that will save you money and keep you comfortable all year long.

“To Supplement or Not to Supplement”

by Dr. Candice Dutko, DNP

Just in time for the new year, many companies will be marketing their weight loss products with a primary target being the New Year’s resolution crowd. The question then becomes, are these products worth your time and money and will they help you achieve your goals? I will dare to estimate that for every one product that is worth your money and consideration, there are likely nine others that are…junk.

When people are looking to make changes in their health for the better, questions about supplements come up often. I am happy to answer any and all questions about supplements that people may have, but supplementation is rarely the first place I start with anyone.

No supplement, whether worth it or not, is going to overcome an overall unhealthy lifestyle. You must address the basic aspects of your lifestyle, such as hydration,

prioritizing minimally processed foods, getting adequate sleep, managing your stress, and getting regular movement in, for a supplement to truly benefit you. Therefore, this is where I strive to start with most people.

If you are only sleeping 4-5 hours a night, eating fast food more often than you cook at home, are drinking only energy drinks, and aren’t exercising/moving regularly…NO supplement is going to help you accomplish your health or fitness goals. I myself take some supplements; however, that is after first establishing a healthy eating routine, attending to improving my sleep, working to manage my stress, and exercising regularly.

Many of the claims made by commonly marketed supplements include, but are not limited to: appetite suppression and/or management, fat burning, increased energy, increased metabolism, or balanced blood sugar levels. You DON’T need a supplement to accomplish these goals.

To enhance your body’s ability to burn fat, improve

Continued on page 48

(Family Features) While most parents are good at keeping track of vaccines their kids need to stay healthy, many adults don’t realize there are immunizations important for keeping themselves heart-healthy, as well.

Adults, especially those with a history of heart disease or stroke, should take steps to stay up-to-date on preventive vaccines, particularly for the flu and COVID-19.

Influenza – While many experience just a few days of aches and chills, the flu can be deadly for some, including young children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. There has also been research linking flu infection to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Getting a flu shot can not only prevent the flu, it may also reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

In fact, a study published in “Stroke” found that, among a group of people hospitalized for various reasons, those who experienced a flu-like illness within a month of their hospitalization were 38% more likely to have a stroke. Receiving the flu vaccine within a year prior to hospitalization lowered a person’s stroke risk to 11%.

“Getting an annual flu shot should be part of routine health care for all individuals, especially for people who are already living with chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association chief medical officer for prevention. “The potentially serious complications of the flu are far greater for those with chronic diseases. This is true not just for older people but even those age 50 and younger who have a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes.”

COVID-19 – At the onset of the pandemic, the American Heart Association established the COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry, which found people with or at risk for CVD were more likely to become infected with and die from COVID-19.

Additionally, the research found many people experience heart and vascular disease after getting COVID-19.

A study from the registry published in “Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology” found new-onset atrial fibrillation in 1 in 20 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Additionally, research also found people hospitalized with COVID-19 had a higher risk of stroke compared with people who had similar infectious conditions such as influenza or sepsis.

“We can’t stress enough the connections between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease,” Sanchez said. “There is clear evidence that people who have heart and vascular disease and even those with CVD risk factors are more likely to get COVID and to have more severe complications from the virus.”

Continued on page 52

How do I decide where to go for hearing aids when there are so many choices?

The Importance of Regular Immunizations for Heart Health Audiologist Ask The Dr. Shea DeNoia Q: A:

Reputation, patient care and follow-up service should be a provider’s primary concern. With so much confusion in the marketplace over technology and cost, you really must select a provider you trust. An audiologist is a healthcare provider who possesses a doctorate degree in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of hearing conditions, balance disorders and tinnitus. Be sure your audiologist is licensed and has the qualifications to manage your hearing healthcare needs. At Ambrose Hearing Center, our audiologists have been helping individuals with hearing loss for over 40 years. For a complimentary consultation and listening demonstration, please call Ambrose Hearing Center at 570-622-1435.

Continued from page

your metabolism, have more energy, and to improve your blood sugar management…one of the BEST things you can do for that is to strength train. Improving your sleep will greatly help you with your overall appetite. Ensuring you are hydrated appropriately will help your energy levels. Consuming minimally processed foods in a balanced way will help you have a more managed appetite, improve your energy levels, and have more balanced blood sugar levels.

Most things you are looking to accomplish by means of taking a supplement can be resolved through modifying your habits. In saying that, I recognize that change is hard. It took me many years to first decide that I needed a change. As I started to pursue a health and fitness routine, I still struggled with consistency and the old habits were right there ready and waiting for me. Even now, although they come and go more briefly than they used to when I first started, I still have periods where those old habits resurface. The key is to be patient with yourself during

those times and allow yourself the grace to not be perfect and to learn from where things didn’t go quite right and plan better the next time.

In closing, a general rule of thumb when it comes to supplements is “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” If these supplements worked so well and if it were really as easy as a pill, a drink, or a piece of gum, we wouldn’t have the obesity rate in this country that we do.

I welcome you to check out my social media pages or YouTube channel where each Saturday I do a “Supplement Saturday” video where I discuss a supplement I am in favor of, and one that is not worth your time and money.

As always, I welcome you to reach out with any questions you might have and I will be happy to answer them!

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

Is Memory Loss Part of Healthy Aging?

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

The body and mind “slow down” with age. You might recall Dad running circles around you growing up, but keeping pace with his grandkids is more of a challenge.

Certain physical abilities, like stamina, can be expected to reduce over time, but what about cognitive changes, which appear subtler? Is memory loss part of healthy aging? Yes and no.

It’s normal to forget things once in a while—we all do it now and again. Does it mean a health crisis is looming? No, but it should not go unnoticed.

Typically, when Dad forgets a word, he can recall it later. A severe memory problem interferes with everyday tasks and can signify dementia. A routine chore like washing clothes becomes impossible to complete independently.

Simple lifestyle changes can help improve memory capabilities and

LVHN COVID-19 Testing Center Closes

Patients with COVID symptoms can be tested at LVH–Hazleton

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s (LVHN) COVID-19 Assess and Test Center at 140 Sherman Court, Hazleton, will closed on January 13. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can receive testing at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Hazleton laboratory, 700 E. Broad St., Hazleton. Lab hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week. A medical order (also known as a script) is required to receive a COVID-19 test.

“COVID-19 is still prevalent in our community. We must remain vigilant and continue to decrease the spread of infection by washing our hands, covering our mouths when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks in indoor public spaces when ill, and following a recent COVID-19 exposure or positive COVID-19 test.” - Ammar Abbasi, MD

If you think you have COVID-19 or may

Continued on page 53

prevent dementia. Make sure your loved one is eating well, getting enough sleep, engaging in daily exercise or other brain-stimulating activities like crossword puzzles, reading, playing games, and socializing with family and friends.

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. Many exercises, like yoga and strength and conditioning routines, can be adapted to use a chair to accommodate mobility limitations.

Memory loss is one sign of dementia, so monitoring your loved one’s memory decline and other brain changes like sudden personality changes or new and worsening mood issues is essential.

If you have concerns about your senior relative exhibiting signs of dementia, reach out to their primary health physician to schedule a routine

checkup. Early detection can make all the difference to your loved one’s quality of life moving forward.

You can also learn about the 10 warning signs of dementia during a free presentation at Heritage Hill Senior Community on Thursday, March 9, at 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, March 16.

Heritage Hill’s Shepherd’s Garden is the community’s serene memory care neighborhood with specially trained staff in the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care method, which allows them to engage residents in the present moment while supporting their changing abilities.

To learn how a move to memory care can help your family or to RSVP to our upcoming event, please call me at 570-215-3172 or email rtimm@ heritagehillsenior.com.

Presented by Jennifer Dotzel, Alzheimer’s Association.

What's Happening At Providence Place Drums?

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

Our residents rang in the new year with a lobster and filet feast provided by our Chef at Providence Place. We are excited to see what the new year brings as residents plan for a year of outings and live entertainment held on campus. Here at Providence Place, we deliver quality care at an affordable price, all while socializing and staying active in the community! Come join us for one of our monthly branches to see firsthand what we have to offer!

• Thursday, Feb. 2nd – Dancing with Tracey from Tracey’s Academy of Dance 2:00pm – 2nd floor

• Monday, Feb. 6th – New Resident Wine & Cheese Mixer – 2:30pm – 1st floor

• Monday, Feb. 13th – Musical Entertainment by George Rittenhouse –6:30pm – dining room

• Tuesday, Feb. 14th – Valentine’s Day Super Social with Entertainment by Joe Romagno – 2:30pm – dining room

• Tuesday, Feb. 21st – Mardi Gras Super Social with Entertainment by Windfall – 3:00pm – 3rd Floor

Wednesday, Feb. 22nd – Ed-U Presentation – Colonial Philadelphia by 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 570-9568495 or Kristen Adams, Director of Sales at 717-497-3525 for more information! We look forward to assisting you with this transition!

Above: Catherine Hildrebrand, daughter and Marcella Szumilo ran in the New Year!

Below: Joseph Lipka, Providence Place Resident welcomes 2023.

Alcohol and Cancer

by Stephen Schleicher, MD

Several recent studies have explored the relationship of alcohol to cancer and the result are sobering (no pun intended). Many are summarized in a mid-January 2023 article in health.com entitled Drinking Alcohol Increases Cancer Risk—But Very Few Americans Are Aware of the Link.

The article begins as follows: “Drinking alcohol of any kind— liquor, beer, and wine—is a leading risk factor for developing cancer, but too few Americans are aware of the risk, and it could be putting their health in jeopardy.” According to one study over 50% of Americans are not aware that alcohol increases the risk of cancer and some 10% actually believe that drinking wine decreases this risk. Unfortunately, not true. States one expert on staff of the National Cancer Institute, “all types of alcoholic beverages, including wine, increase cancer risk.” Stated another expert: “alcohol is a leading modifiable risk factor for cancer in the United States and previous research has shown that most Americans don’t know this.” Drinking alcohol is a risk factor for mouth cancers as well as breast, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers.

How does alcohol lead to cancer?

When broken down in the intestine alcohol releases a chemical called acetaldehyde. Excess amounts of this compound damage DNA leading to formation of cancer cells. The more one drinks, the worse alcohol is for you. But even smaller amounts are not entirely safe either. As summarized in a recent New York Times article on the subject: “sorry to be a buzz-kill, but that nightly glass or two of wine is not improving your health.” This article concludes: “Drink less, live longer... that’s basically what it boils down to”.

Sacco Chiropractic Is Expanding Their Doctor Panel And Is ExcitedTo Introduce Dr. Stepanski!

As an athlete during his high school and early college years, Dr. Stepanski understands what it takes to keep the human body healthy and functioning correctly. He turned to regular chiropractic care after two shoulder surgeries during his college baseball career to regain full range of motion in his right shoulder. It was this experience that drew him to a career as a chiropractor, as well as his strong science background and willingness to help others.

Dr. Stepanski attended college at West Virginia University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Stepanski earned his Master of Biomedical Sciences from The Commonwealth Medical College. After completing his Masters, Dr. Stepanski graduated with his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Northeast College of Health Sciences (Formerly New York Chiropractic College) in Seneca Falls, New York, where he was a member of the Phi Chi Omega Honor Society and served as a Senior Student Clerk in the Seneca Falls Health Center. He is also certified in Whole Foods Nutrition as well as Human Performance from Northeast College of Health Sciences.

Dr. Stepanski, a Northeast Pennsylvania native, is happily married to his wife Rachael, who serves as Assistant General Counsel at Bucknell University. Outside of the office Dr. Stepanski enjoys golfing, attending Penn State Football games, spending time with his family, friends and his two dogs, Maverick and Kiya.

You can schedule an appointment with any of our doctors at Sacco Chiropractic by calling 570-497-4150.

After Hip Replacement, Palmerton Golfer Is Back In the Swing of Things

Ed Shigo no longer feels pain when he golfs.

Ed Shigo felt the pain every time he followed through on his golf swing.

“I’m a right-handed golfer and I have to put pressure on my left side every time I swing,” says the 62-year-old retired information technology analyst from Palmerton, Pa. “The pain in my left hip kept getting worse and worse.”

Shigo developed a limp that was similar to one of his golfing buddies. “They called us limpy and gimpy,” says Shigo. “It got to the point where I just couldn’t stand the pain anymore.”

“Many patients will put off hip or knee replacement surgery. When the pain begins to affect their quality of life, that’s when they’ll come to us. Once they’ve recovered from the

surgery, it’s like they don’t even know they’ve ever had a hip replaced.”Anthony

Falvello, DO

That led him to orthopedic surgeon Anthony Falvello, DO, with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, who specializes in joint replacement surgery. Falvello, a Hazleton native, joined LVPG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine–Station Circle in Hazleton, Pa., earlier this year. Falvello also sees patients at LVPG Orthopedics and Sports Medicine–Carbon at the Health Center at Carbon in Lehighton, Pa.

“Many patients will put off hip or

by Ted Williams

knee replacement surgery,” says Falvello, who believes himself to be a likely candidate for hip replacement in 5 to 10 years. “When the pain begins to affect their quality of life, that’s when they’ll come to us. Once they’ve recovered from the surgery, it’s like they don’t even know they’ve ever had a hip replaced.”

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Other Immunizations – While flu and COVID-19 vaccines are of the utmost importance, there are a number of other immunizations that can help keep people heart-healthy.

• The pneumococcal vaccination protects against a common cause of severe pneumonia and is especially important for people 65 and older, and others with certain underlying medical conditions. This type of pneumonia can be deadly, especially for people already at high risk for health complications, including CVD. One shot is usually good for several years, although you may need a second one later depending on your age at your first shot.

•Shingles, a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. More than 99% of people age 40 or older in the United States may carry the dormant chickenpox virus, also known as the varicella-zoster virus, and not even realize it.

Learn more about important immunizations and find other preventive health tips at heart.org.

Get Your Back Adjusted Before You Travel

by John Degenhart, DC

One of the joys of my practice is that when you see a lot of patients, some of them are going on a trip. You watch their excitement as they talk about their honeymoon or a trip they planned for a lifetime. You share in their joy, and they show you pictures when they come in on their next visit. But sometime traveling could result in tragedy.

I’ll get phone call and a patient will say, “I felt a twinge in my back before I traveled, I just drove to

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have been exposed to someone who does, stay home. Take an at-home screening test or use one of the following options:

Contact your primary care provider: Call or visit MyLVHN.org or open your MyLVHN app. Tap on the message, select “Send a message” and follow the prompts.

Nurse line: 888-402-LVHN (5846), option 4

LVHN ExpressCARE Video Visit: Visit MyLVHN.org or open your MyLVHN app. Tap on the menu, then select “Schedule ExpressCARE Video Visit.”

Complete an E-Visit (detailed questionnaire visit submitted to a provider) by visiting MyLVHN.org or your MyLVHN app. Tap on the menu, then select “E-Visits."

During the screening, a medical professional will determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms and if you should receive testing. If needed, you will be directed to a COVID-19 testing location, such as the LVH–Hazleton outpatient lab. When symptomatic or following a recent COVID-19 infection, you must have a medical order (also known as a script) in order to receive a COVID-19 test at the LVH–Hazleton location. Your insurance will be billed for the test.

“COVID-19 is still prevalent in our community. We must remain vigilant and continue to decrease the spread of infection by washing our hands, covering our mouths when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks in indoor public spaces when ill, and following a recent COVID-19 exposure or positive COVID-19 test,” says Ammar Abbasi, MD, Medical Director, Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG) Hazleton and Schuylkill.

Florida and I can’t get out of my car due to severe lower back pain. What should I do?” or “I’m at Disney, my sciatica is so bad I can’t walk in the parks, what should I do?”. The answer—they should have gotten adjusted BEFORE they traveled!

I think sitting in a car for a long period of time, or in a plane, or sleeping on a strange mattress, will exacerbate a small back problem into a bigger back problem. So as you add air to your tires for your trip, or clean up your house before the trip, go to your chiropractor to make sure everything is in alignment even if you feel fine. A slight spinal misalignment might not cause pain,

but it will worsen when you travel. Here are some travel tips:

If you sit a lot, in a plane, train, or car, use a lumbar support pillow for good posture.

On a plane, use a “neck hugger” pillow to support your neck if you nap.

If you are driving, take your pillow from your bed that your neck is used to instead of a hotel pillow.

If the hotel mattress sags in the middle, lift up the mattress, and on top of the box spring fold a blanket from the closet to 5’x3’ and put it under the mattress and the sag is gone. With proper rest you will enjoy your stay better.

5 Steps to Properly Manage Blood Pressure

(Family Features) Nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, about 75% don't have it under control, and many may not even realize they have it unless they experience other complications.

In fact, high blood pressure is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke as well as other issues such as kidney failure, vision loss and sexual problems. However, the American Heart Association recommends taking these simple steps to help control your levels and manage risks.

1. Know Your Numbers - In most cases, normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm HG or less. Readings consistently higher than 130/80 are considered high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year by a health care professional and regularly monitor it at home with a validated monitor then discuss the readings with your doctor. Getting accurate readings can help ensure the most appropriate treatment should any problems arise.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight - If you're overweight or obese, you're at increased risk of high blood pressure. Losing just 3-5% of your body weight can help improve your numbers. There are an abundance of plans and programs available that can assist with weight loss,

and taking positive steps with a friend or family member may help with motivation.

3. Get Active - To maximize health benefits and help keep blood pressure in the normal range, the American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of the two. Try activities like brisk walking, swimming, bicycling or dancing. For example, the Get Down with Your Blood Pressure campaign uses music and dance to help remember the four easy steps to self-monitor blood pressure:

* Get It - grab your self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) device

* Slip It - slide the SMBP cuff up your arm

* Cuff It - wrap the cuff snugly, but not too tight

* Check It - check your blood pressure on the device

4. Eat Well -Making small, simple changes to your eating habits can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables, such as mangos, avocados and blueberries, can lower blood pressure over time. Other smart choices include nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean proteins and fish.

5. Reduce Alcohol and Tobacco Usage - Smoking compounds risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and the chemicals

in tobacco smoke can harm your heart and blood vessels. Similarly, consuming alcohol excessively (more than two drinks per day) is associated with high blood pressure. Limiting alcohol consumption and stopping smoking - or avoiding secondhand smoke - can help reduce your risk.

If you develop high blood pressure, work with a health care professional to manage it, and visit heart.org/hbpcontrol to find local blood pressure resources, step-by-step self-monitoring videos and more.

Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home - Knowing how to correctly check your blood pressure is important, especially if your doctor recommends regular self-monitoring at home.

* Be still. Don't smoke, drink caffeine or exercise during the 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure. Empty your bladder and take at least 5 minutes of quiet rest time before measuring.

* Sit correctly. Sit with your back straight and supported. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your legs uncrossed. Support your arm on a flat surface, such as a table, with your bicep at heart level. Place the bottom of the cuff directly above the bend of your elbow. Never take measurements over sleeves or other clothing.

* Measure at the same time every day. For greatest consistency, take readings at the same time daily, such as a set time in the morning and evening.

* Take multiple readings and record the results. Each time you measure, take 2-3 readings approximately 1 minute apart and record the results to share with your doctor.

This project is supported by cooperative agreements (CPIMP201227 and CPIMP201228) with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $14.6 million in partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The contents do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by OMH/OASH/HHS or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/.

Emergency Braking

by Thomas R. Buff

I am sure we can all think back to a time when we had a close call while driving, especially in today’s world of distracted driving. In many cases we believe that by hitting the brakes earlier we could have avoided that fender bender or the deer that jumped out in front of our car. But our reaction time may not be fast enough in certain circumstances. Whether it be by a lack of focus or unavoidable reasons, unfortunate accidents do occur. Things happen that are sometimes beyond our control. But the difference in avoiding a collision comes down to one fact – a split second or a few feet can be the difference.

Automatic emergency braking is defined as an active braking safety system that can detect a potential collision and passively activate the braking system automatically. It is designed to slow or stop a vehicle before it collides with the object in its path. This system takes away the human error factor through the use of radar, cameras and visual light in order to detect an object in its path. It can also increase the braking forced needed if the driver is applying the brakes without enough force to prevent a collision. Most AEB systems detect not only vehicles but can sense anything in its path including pedestrians, animals and cyclists.

Some AEB systems operate at lower

speeds (normally under 18 mph) in order to prevent collisions in parking lots, city driving and heavy traffic. Many systems are now designed to operate at speeds up to 90 mph. An example is the Mazda Smart Brake Support technology.

Although the technology varies from one manufacture to the next, most AEB systems utilize radar technology, sensors and cameras to detect an object and thus an imminent collision. The system takes over and warns the driver through the use of an audible beeping noise and/or flashing lights on the dash. This is to get the driver to focus on the danger. If the driver does not react, then technology takes over and brings the vehicle to a stop in a controlled manner. This is all done in a minute fraction of time, seconds or less.

Many manufactures have been utilizing Automatic Emergency Braking systems since about 2017. Twenty automakers in the United States that actually represent 99 percent of the market in our country made AEB systems standard on almost all models manufactured for 2022. This

commitment of manufactures is expected to prevent at least 42,000 crashes and 20,000 injuries by the year 2025.

This is encouraging news in an effort to promote safe driving through technology. But these systems are not designed to take away all driver reaction, they are designed to assist the driver to regain focus when needed. It is important for the motorist to understand how the vehicle will react to obstacles when the Automatic Emergency Braking system takes over. But most importantly, do not rely on technology to do your job. That is, stay focused and watch the road. Happy Motoring!

Keep Your Car Safer and On the Road Longer

(Family Features) For many families, cars are huge, long-term investments second only to homes. Many are looking for ways to keep their cars on the road longer and make them safer to continue to serve their needs for years to come.

No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best - and even update it to make it safer - with these tips inspired by eBay Motors' Parts of America tour, a cross-country tour exploring unique car cultures across America.

Choose the Right Tires

If it's time to trade your tires in, take the time to learn what options are available for your vehicle. For those in fair weather states, summer performance tires offer the best possible fuel efficiency all year round. Families living in milder states with occasional snow may consider all-season tires that trade efficiency for safety on a variety of surfaces. Finally, when it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patternspurchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you're safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.

New Look, New Ride

One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it's easy to find parts to make your vision

a reality. One of the most eye-catching additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car. The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units - many fitted with high-visibility LEDs - has never been easier.

Upgrade Your Tech

Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you've been driving it for several years. Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including hightech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems. As families look to extend their cars' lifespans, these technology upgrades can make driving comfortable and safer.

Power and Performance

While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.

Find Purpose-Built Parts

Whether you're an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert

looking to make bigger modifications, finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial. From hard-to-find performance modifications to made-tofit cosmetic accessories, eBay Motors offers parts and accessories for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project. The app offers an entire catalog of inventory with 122 million live parts listings at any given time, giving auto enthusiasts the ability to purchase from an expansive inventory from the convenience of a smartphone. What's more, features like Buy It Now, My Garage and Fitment Finder enable users to easily search parts and accessories, verify the items fit their vehicle and make immediate purchases for what they need.

Skip the Wait

The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles. Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service. However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their muchneeded parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.

Auto enthusiasts can find more helpful tips, tricks and resources at ebaymotors.com.

A WORD FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

Honda Marks 30 Million Vehicle Production Milestone in the U.S.

After 40 years of manufacturing* automobiles in the U.S., Honda today marked the 30 million vehicle production milestone at the company's auto manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio.

Honda began production of the Honda Accord at the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP) in Ohio on November 1, 1982, the first Japanese automaker to produce cars in the U.S. Since that time, Honda has invested $16 billion in Honda manufacturing facilities in the U.S. that support auto production and, in 2022, over two-thirds of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in America were made in the U.S.

Twelve Honda and Acura cars and light trucks, including hybrid versions of the Honda Accord and CR-V, are currently produced at the company's five auto plants in Alabama, Indiana and Ohio. The engines, transmissions and two-motor hybrid systems that power these vehicles are produced in Ohio, Alabama and Georgia. Honda employs almost 17,000 associates at the eight production facilities that contribute to the annual production capacity of 1.3 million vehicles.

Looking toward the electrified future, Honda recently announced two major investments to establish an "EV Hub" in Ohio, including

$700 million to re-tool several of its existing auto and powertrain plants for production of electric vehicles and a $3.5 billion joint investment with LG Energy Solution (LGES) to establish a joint venture battery facility in Ohio.

The $700 million investment will transform Honda's Marysville Auto Plant (MAP), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) and Anna Engine Plant (AEP) for the electrified future, including the creation of over 300 new jobs. These Honda facilities, along with the new EV battery plant, will serve as a new EV hub in Ohio, and play a key role in developing the company's knowledge and expertise in EV production that will be shared across Honda's North American auto production network in the coming years.

Honda also recently announced plans to produce fuel cell electric vehicles at the company's Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. More information can be found here.

As part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050, Honda announced a vision to make batteryelectric and fuel cell electric vehicles represent 100% of its vehicle sales by 2040 in North America.

Learn more at https:// hondainamerica.com/.

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