The 39-member North Warren Regional Middle School Winter Track Team got its season off to a great

start under the direction of Coach Randy Walker at the ESU Warrior Classic Track Meet on January 11th. This was followed by another strong performance at the USA Track and Field Youth Indoor Track Meet on January 27th in Toms River. Competing in the Youth Division, team members participated in the 55, 200 and 400 meter dashes, 800, 1600 and 3000 meter runs, Shot Put and relay events. During the first two

meets the team collected 32 Top-five finishes and set nine individual and relay marks. New individual record holders are Andrea Dorsa, Tori Young, Danielle Pergola and Cathy Balla. New relay records were set by both the girls and boys 4x200 meter and 4x400 meter relay teams. Athletes on these teams include Ms. Dorsa, Lia Fluri, Natalia Voitek, Ms. Young; Briana Fiore, Sydney Janeiro, Lilli LePage, Natalie Moritz; Tim Ferguson, Tommy King, Dave McMunn, Joe Tiribio and Mr. Ferguson, Mr. King, Mr. Toribio and Kyle Walker.

For more than 20 years, bonsai enthusiast Hank Gross of Layton has been trimming, pruning, wiring, clamping and styling shrubs and trees into artistically shaped miniature trees perfectly proportioned and displayed as a work of art. Cultures throughout the world share his passion for the centuries-old art form, which he will display at Springfest Garden Show, March 14th through 17th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta. The exhibit will display both evergreen conifers and deciduous trees just breaking from winter dormancy. Gross said, Japanese often bring their deciduous bonsai trees to shows during the winter when the leafless branches and structure are fully appreciated without their summer foliage. Pedestals will elevate

the specimens so visitors can view all the important features from the most advantageous angle. Visitors will be treated to a daily demonstration of the techniques, tools, aesthetics and care of making a tree from a bush up to a semi-

finished state. Its a gradual process, said Gross. The plant will spend a year in a nursery pot; gradually clipped, roots trimmed, and finally in three to five years it can be displayed in a formal bonsai container. Gross, having studied

the discipline from experts in Montreal, served on the Board of Directors of the Vermont Bonsai Society, and currently is with both the Bergen and Great Swamp Bonsai Societies. He will be available throughout the show to answer questions about all there is to learn about the practice. The 17th annual Springfest Garden Show offers winter-weary gardeners and outdoor living enthusiasts an early indoor-spring featuring inspiring garden displays, lectures by distinguished speakers, great garden shopping, a charming Caf and The Kids Zone. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 and older, and free for children 12 and under. March 14th is senior day; senior admission is just $8. For more information, visit www.springfest gardenshow.org.

More than 30 volunteers were recognized for their efforts in support of Project SelfSufficiency at the agencys annual Mosaic Awards on Thursday. The event recognizes individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations which have provided invaluable support to the agency during the previous year. The Presidents Award was shared by four chefs, Kirk Avondoglio, Bradley Boyle, Andre de Waal and Tim Harder, in recognition of their enthusiastic work during the agencys annual Taste of Talent, Open that Bottle Night and Taste of Autumn Gourmet Gathering fundraising events. The Mosaic Awards honors the individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in helping us to pursue our mission throughout the year, noted Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. This event recognizes that even the smallest contributions can combine with the efforts of others

to have a powerful impact on the community. The lives of thousands of Sussex County families have been changed for the better because of the thoughtfulness and generosity of these individuals. Assistance with fundraising is appreciated every year. Heather Lamberson of The Hudson Farm Club and Guy Bignell of Griffen & Howe were recognized for inviting Project Self-Sufficiency

to host fundraising events at The Hudson Farm Club each year. Damien and Jill Del Gaizo of the Andover Flight Academy were honored for contributing a free flight to be auctioned off as a prize at the agencys annual Open that Bottle Night fundraiser. Food insecurity is a dire problem for many Project Self-Sufficiency participants, and contributions to the agencys food pantry, Thanksgiv-

ing baskets and other feeding programs are always welcome. Caroll Lanyi, a participant in the Sparta chapter of Coupons for the Community has made numerous contributions to the agencys food pantry over the years. Phyllis Polio was also honored for her ongoing donations to the food pantry. William Towle was singled out for his contribution to the agencys weekly Back-

Attention all Frelinghuysen and Hardwick residents: baseball/ softball sign ups will be held until February 15th and the municipal building, located at 210 Main St. in Johnsonburg. The team will play multiple towns. The Warren County Library and all its branches will be closed on February 18th in observance of Washingtons birthday. The Warren County Planning Board January Meeting has been rescheduled for February 25th, 8pm. The Warren County Solid Waste Advisory Council Meeting scheduled for February 7th in the Wayne

Dumont Jr. Administration Building has been rescheduled for February 28th in the same location. Knowlton Twp. Elementary School is currently accepting four year old children for a high quality, comprehensive, and fun filled Preschool Inclusive Education Program for the 20132014 school year. Children must be four years old by October 1st, 2103 and must be toilet trained. The program runs Monday through Friday from 9am to 11:30am. Space is limited and transportation is not provided. If interested, call the school office at 908475-5118, ext. 200 by

the February 28th. Blairstown Elementary School prefirst (kindergarten) registration screening for September 2013 will be held on April 13th and April 27th in the Scharre Wing of the school. Prefirst parent orientation night will be held on May 22nd, 7pm in the gymnasium. Student orientation will be held on May 28th at 9am. For more information and a screening appointment, call Eileen at 908-362-6111 ext. 109. Attention Knowlton Township residents: Knowlton Twp. Elementary School would like to identify as many children as possible who will be eligible for kindergarten this September. If your child will be five years old by October 1st, 2013, please call the Knowlton Twp. Elementary School at 908-475-5118, ext. 200 as soon as possible. Dates for screenings of next years kindergarten class will be released at a later date; parents will receive details in the mail.

If your child will be five years old by October 1st, 2013 and you are a Hope Township resident, call Hope Township School at 908-459-4242 and your childs name will be put on a registration list. Your child is not officially registered until all forms are complete and submitted to the main office. If your child will be three or four years of age on or before October 1st, 2013, is toilet trained and you are a Hope Township resident, call Hope Township School at 908-459-4242, ext. 221 by February 28th if you are interested in registering your child for Pre K 3 or Pre K 4. If there are more than 15 requests, names will be put into a lottery for entry into the program. We love hearing from you! Send your birthdays, anniversaries, and other info to: The PRESS PO Box 430 Blairstown, NJ 07825 thepressnews@enter.net thepressnewsonline.com Dont Forget to Like Us on Facebook!

Here is a list of notable books and other items that have been added to the collection recently at the Warren County Library: To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth About Moving Others, by Daniel H. Pink. The Future, by Al Gore. Slim for Life: My Insider Secrets to Simple, Fast, and Lasting Weight Loss, by Jillian Michaels. Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present, by Max Boot. Speaking from Among the Bones: A Flavia de Luce Novel, by Alan Bradley. The Painted Girls: A Novel, by Cathy Marie Buchanan. Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Secret Admirer, by Jane OConnor. Weight Watchers New Complete 4th Edition Bonus Binder, by Weight Watchers. The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel, by Neil Gaiman. Bleach, Vol. 55, by Tite Kobu. Bombshell: An FBI Thriller, by Catherine Coulter. Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners, by Suzanne Ashworth. Alone on the Ice: The Greatest Survival Story in the History of Exploration, by David Roberts. What We Talk About When We Talk

About God, by Rob Bell. Catastrophic Care: How American Health Care Killed My Father--and How We Can Fix It, by David Goldhill. Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach, by Howard Glasser. Skip Beat!, Vol. 30, by Yoshiki Nakamura. The Pretty One: A Novel about Sisters, by Lucinda Rosenfield. Bombing Hitler: The Story of the Man Who Almost Assassinated the Fhrer, by Hellmut G. Haasis. Life Code by Dr. Phil McGraw, by Dr. Phil McGraw. Invisible Armies: An Epic History of Guerrilla Warfare from Ancient Times to the Present, by Max Boot. The Double V: How Wars, Protest, and Harry Truman Desegregated America's Military, by Rawn James Jr. The King Years: Historic Moments in the Civil Rights Movement, by Taylor Branch. The Seneca Army Depot: Fighting Wars from the New York Homefront, by Walter Gable. A Chronicle History of Knights, by Andrea Hopkins. Better Homes and Gardens YearRound Slow Cooker Recipes, by Better Homes and Gardens. Tyler Florence Fresh, by Tyler Florence. Classic Knits, by DK Publishing

history around the world and in the US with many life-long players passing down the traditional sport to friends and family alike. Often referred to as Volleyball with a bounce, Fistball is played on a much larger court, allowing for bigger plays and increasing action that many Volleyball players crave. The sport of Fistball has its own World Championship tournament, international teams, and men's and women's European Cup divisions, dating back to the year 240 with its first written mention from Roman Emperor Gordian III. Since then the rules for its Italian version were drafted in

1555 and in 1786, Johann Wolfgang Goethe mentioned a game between Venice and Verona, bringing the sport to Germany. From there it was shared with neighboring European countries and as the Western Hemishpere was explored, Fistball followed to North and South America. The SSCs Sports Director and USFA Board Member, Bob Feid has championed the sport for years and says, Fistball is small but growing in the USA and were always willing to help individuals or teams get started. For more information about Fistball, visit www.usfistball.com.

With their 2013 schedule recently released, the United States Fistball Association is giving players the opportunity to enjoy several tournaments. Including tournaments in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin with several Mens and Womens

Teams, there is plenty of opportunity for all levels of ability. One local club, the Swim and Sport Club (SSC) in Flanders, NJ, is host to two tournaments this year, offering area residents a chance to see this unique sport. Fistball has a long

Evening Literature Group for Adults: February 13th, 7pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Hackettstown Local Networking Group Meeting: February 13th, 7pm to 8:30pm. Discussion on relevance of online reputation. FMI, email Lisa at lisa@myprojectpeople. com. Beatles Karaoke: February 14th, 5pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Ages 9 & up. Registration req. FMI, call 908362-8335. Seussical the Musical: February 14th thru 16th, 7:30pm. Blair Academys ArmstrongHipkins Center for the Arts the DuBois Theater. Free Night of Energy Healing: February 15th, 7:30pm. St. Peters Episcopal Church, 127 Broad St., Washington. Doors open

at 7pm. Each attendee receives a 12-minute energy work session by a trained Healing Touch worker. Evening begins & ends with meditation. FMI, call 908-362-6360, ext. 1 to leave a msg. Open Mic Night: February 16th, 9pm to 11pm. Sweet Janes, 278 Main St., Johnsonburg. You bring the talent, we provide the stage! FMI, call 908813-8404. Live Music by David Werkhiser: February 16th, 9pm. Post Time Pub, 25 Main St., Blairstown. FMI, call 908362-0007. Blair Womans Club Monthly Meeting: February 19th, 12:15pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Snowdate: February 26th. Bob Stead, Hackettstown, will speak on Amelia Earhart & food pantry items will be collected. Teens Snack & Read Book Club: February 21st, 2:45pm. Catherine

Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Sign up necessary. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Adult Jeopardy: February 21st, 7pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Age 18 & up. Registration req. FMI, call 908362-8335. Live Music by Brother Flower: February 23rd, 9pm. Post Time Pub, 25 Main St., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-0007. A l l - Yo u - C a n - E a t Breakfast Buffet: February 24th, 7am to 11am. Franklin Twp. VFD, 37 2nd St., New Village. FMI, call 908319-0379. Toddler Lapsit Story Time & Sing-Along: February 25th, 10am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. 20-min. interactive story-time for children 12 to 36 mo. & an adult. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Adults Morning

Literature Group: February 25th, 10:30am. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-8335. Lego Club: February 25th, 4pm. Catherine Dickson Hofman Library, 4 Lambert Rd., Blairstown. Ages 8 & up. Registration req. FMI, call 908-3628335. Elephant Revival: February 27th, 8pm. The Historic Blairstown Theatre, 30 Main St., Blairstown. FMI & tickets, call 908-3621399 or visit www. thehbt.com. Fish & Chips Dinner: February 28th, 5pm to 7pm. Tranquility Community House, 4 Kennedy Rd., Rt. 611 at Rt. 517. Proceeds benefit renovation of Tranquility UMC. For tickets, call 908-8501092 or 973-786-5318. Live Music by Push: March 2nd, 9pm. Post Time Pub, 25 Main St., Blairstown. FMI, call 908-362-0007.

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

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

(NAPSI)Every year, Americans make resolutions to get in shape, save money and get organized. While exercise can help shed pounds and a list can keep you organized, a renewed commitment to the overall fitness of your home is an essential key to saving money and reducing stress. Home improvement expert and TV host Amy Matthews shares her top five tips on how routine home maintenance checks can help homeowners avoid home repair emergencies and unexpected costs. 1) Safety Equipment: Matthews recommends homeowners confirm that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. This simple step can ensure your home is protected from the risk of fire and your family is safe from carbon monoxide. Be certain to replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year. 2) Furnace Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters every one to three months, or as needed. When installing new filters, do so correctly, as this is a common mistake. Homeowners should also check and clean the dryer vent, air condi-

tioner vents, stove hood and room fans. 3) Heating and Cooling Systems: Heating and cooling systems can be costly to repair. To ensure the proper function of your heating and cooling systems, have them checked by a licensed HVAC professional annually to prevent future emergency repairs. HomeAdvisor s patented ProFinder technology connects homeowners with qualified and available local

service professionals. Having a qualified service professional check your system is a great way to prevent costly unexpected repairs in the future. 4) Roof: Matthews recommends homeowners who live in regions that receive heavy rain, hail or snow be on the lookout for water damage after these storms. Matthews does not advise that homeowners go up and inspect the roof themselves but rather call a

professional if they notice damage or leaking. Ideally, homeowners should have their roofs inspected every one to two years on average. 5) Hot Water Heater: Hot water heaters are becoming more innovative and advanced, but if you are not ready to upgrade your water heater to a more efficient piece of equipment, you can still get the best use out of your current device. A simple tip is to gently touch your hot water heater to determine if it feels warm. If so, wrap an insulated blanket around the tank so that it improves the function of your heater. In addition to these tips, HomeAdvisor and Amy Matthews have teamed up to develop the HomeAdvisor Home Report Card, a free, online quiz that homeowners can take on the HomeAdvisor website to assess the shape of their home and learn simple steps to improve their homes health. Where to Learn More You can find more information about home improvement, maintenance and repair projects, including project cost guides, emergency support and prescreened professionals, at www.home advisor.com.

(NAPSI)Recently, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) commissioned a survey, The 2012 Energy Habits, Awareness & Perceptions, with Harris Interactive to see how concerned Americans are with domestic energy and greener living. As Americans are becoming greener consumers, theyre also adopting habits to reduce their carbon footprints. The survey found that most American households are taking small steps in

their everyday lives to benefit the environment. Some of the things Americans are doing to live greener are: Turning Off the Lights: Roughly nine out of 10 Americans indicate that they turn off the lights when they leave a room. Recycling: Just over eight in 10 Americans recycle.

Washing Clothes in Cold Water: Approximately three-fourths of Americans wash clothes in cold water to conserve energy. Setting Thermostats Colder: About seven in 10 Americans set their thermostat colder in the winter. Taking Shorter Showers: More than six out of 10 Americans take

shorter showers to conserve water. As Americans and businesses continue making green purchasing decisions and adopting greener lifestyles, more remarkable trends are sure to follow. Certainly, all of these seemingly small efforts will make a big difference toward a healthier future.

Hello fellow readers, Turns out several of you have an elephant in the room! A few weeks ago we spoke about the winter fun of catalogue shopping for our gardens and I mentioned my splurge of a few more striking varieties of Caladium. Tom from Pen Argyl, PA and Kim from Frelinghuysen keep their Elephant Ear inside all year long. Great idea as they are underused as a houseplant. Around pets and kids a word of caution: they can be a skin irritant and are poisonous if eaten. A tropical plant, Caladium do best in warmth, but away from the radiator, bright but indirect light, and as much humidity as you can muster. Even under the best conditions some say they will only last a few months

before leaves start to die back and the plant goes dormant. My house is 65 degrees, hardly toasty by most standards, yet my plant stays intact over winter then moved outside after the last frost. For plants put directly into the garden youll need to wait until the soil warms up. Their big colorful leaves add a dramatic bright spot in a shade garden and pair beautifully with ferns and other soft textured perennials such as Astilbe and Hakonechloa (a shade loving ornamental grass that most have yet to discover.) While not an easy find, you can purchase Caladiums already in leaf when you buy your annuals or start them indoors with less expensive tubers. What is a tuber? They work kind of like a bulb. Each knob of the tuber is an eye that will produce a leaf. Bury them about two inches deep with the knobs facing up in a damp peat/soil mix and start them about six weeks before the last frost date. It can be confusing determining which end of your tuber is up as the roots and leaves grow from the same side. The good news is you can trust your tuber to know what to do. Garden dilemmas? Ask Mary at askmary stone@gmail.com

Meet Mischief from Eleventh Hour Rescue. I (Roger Keyser, Eleventh Hour Rescue Volunteer) was Mischiefs foster parent for almost two months. It took less than a day for us to become best friends. I renamed her Shadow around the house because she literally followed me everywhere, so close to the point I would sometimes almost trip over her. She is loving, loyal and makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world. At night, she loves to lie on the bed and cuddle with you. She usually let me sleep until about 9am. The only time she would wake me up earlier is if she really had to go to the bathroom, other than that she holds it through the night. She ate twice a day and usually went to the bathroom within half an hour after eating. Throughout the day she enjoyed chewing on rawhides and eating peanut butter. She is house trained and crate trained. When you put her in the crate she does cry/bark a little, but then calms

down after a bit once she realizes no one is home. She is extremely smart. I taught her to sit and lay down in one day. I was still working with her to not jump when someone would walk in the door. She didnt do it to harm you; she was just really excited to see you. Once you say hello to her, she lies down and turns over for you to rub her belly. She loves playing outside, especially with an old soccer ball I had. She went to the bathroom in the one corner of the yard which made it easy to clean up. She definitely needs to go to a home with a fenced in backyard, or with people who enjoy going for runs or long walks. She is young and has some energy to release like many dogs do. Mischief is a great dog and it broke my heart that my parents gave her back (they just werent ready for another dog). She is the true definition of mans best friend. She deserves to be in a warm, loving home and will make a family very happy. For more information, visit www.ehrdogs.org or call 973-664-0865.

pack Program, a service which provides backpacks brimming with food to needy children each weekend. Robert Soldoveri was honored for his overwhelming support of the agencys annual Thanksgiving food drive. Project SelfSufficiencys annual Back-to-School Fair receives support from numerous businesses in the community. Salon Fig owner Colleen Guber Decker was honored for supplying free haircuts to hundreds of children each year. Kelly Ann Auryansen, of the Wal-Mart in Franklin, was recognized for contributing school supplies and other items to the annual Back-to-School Fair. The Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive involves the participation of hundreds of individuals, schools, civic organizations and businesses each year. For the past two years, Project Self-Sufficiency has partnered with Pass it Along to collect more than 10,000 toys for area children. Diane Taylor, Executive Director of Pass it Along, was recognized for her work on behalf of the toy drive. The Chatterbox and New Jersey Monster Trucks were singled out for hosting a monster truck event in support of the toy drive for the past two years. Christine DeStefano was recognized for coordinating an annual toy drive at Hilltop Country Day School on behalf of Project Self-Sufficiency for more than 20 years. Kelly Simonetti of the Antler Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary was singled

out for her assistance with agency Career Center events, including her participation in a workshop for teens and for employing student interns over the summer. Dance Expressions Dance Arts, a dance academy located in Hardyston, was recognized for their ongoing support of the agencys Project Vacation summer camp. The agency recently opened a satellite office in Blairstown in unused space owned by the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown. Pastor David Harvey was recognized for his support in bringing the project to fruition. Access to reliable transportation is an ongoing concern for many Project Self-Sufficiency participants. Hinkley Auto Sales and Shop Rite Partners in Caring have partnered for years to provide refurbished, used automobiles to agency clients. John Mathews, Nelson Hinkley, and Cathie Miller were honored for their continued support of the program. Alex Cable, owner of ThorLabs, was honored for his contribution to the agencys new Fiber Optics program, as well as his work in support of the agencys A Taste of Talent fundraising event. Jacqueline Clark, Head Teacher at Project Self-Sufficiencys Little Sprouts Early Learning Center, was lauded for her exemplary performance towards the children in her care and with the organization. Teenagers who were recognized for their volunteer work at the agency during 2012 included Megan Bischoff and Laura Pachnos. Dina Mikulka, Esquire,

was honored for participating in the legal assistance and education program at Project SelfSufficiency, giving free presentations about family law and offering free consultations to local residents. Finding affordable housing is a crucial concern for many area residents. JoEllen McNamara was given a

Mosaic Award for her continuous support of agency participants as they struggled to find housing. Past Sussex County Freeholder Susan Zellman was honored for her support of Project SelfSufficiencys efforts, including her participation in the annual Celebration of Literacy.

Retired New Jersey Herald photographer Anna Murphey was recognized for her tireless work at agency events. Project SelfSufficiency is a private non-profit communitybased organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern NJ. The

agencys mission is to provide a broad spectrum of services, enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children For more information about Project SelfSufficiencys services, call 973-940-3500.

The Warren County Community College Art Club is proudly honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in an exhibition titled "Somebody Paid the Price." The exhibit will run through February 28th in celebration of Black History Month. The exhibit is open to the public and can be seen at the college's art gallery on the second floor. The exhibition includes giant silhouette cut outs depicting the Selma March to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. A larger-than-life painting of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. graces the wall following the Selma March cutouts. The exhibit concludes with three painted canvases of Dr. King's quotes. Under the direction of Senior Adjunct Art Instructor and Club Advisor Steve Agin, art club members Mackenzie Allen, Katie Domin, Nick Heacock, Stephanie Stockton, Berlin Stockton, and Christina Stockton worked diligently on this project

during the last two weeks of the winter break. "At a time of remembrance and in celebration of Dr. King's life and work, the WCCC students who make up

the Art Club have created a deeply moving

statement illustrating their seriousness and dedication to each other, the school, community, and society at large while demonstrating the conviction that Art expresses the individual's capacity to speak to humanity en masse," said Agin. Tina Kolodzieski, Coordinator of Academic Student Life, said, "This exhibit is especially meaningful because it was made possible by our students. Instead of taking the final days of their winter break relaxing, these students spent their time working with canvas and paint to produce a project that in my opinion is one of the most thought provoking art exhibits we've seen on the campus." For more information about the Somebody Paid the Price exhibit, visit www.warren.edu.

The Warren County Farmers Fair will be held the week of July 27th through August 3rd. The Queen Committee is currently seeking a maximum of 12 contestants to apply for the title at this years farmers fair. This years contest and judging will be held on Monday, July 29th at 7pm in conjunction with the Fair Princess contest in the main arena on the stage. Queen contestants must be residents of Warren Co., between the ages of 16 and 21, and single. Contestans will be judged on talent, speech presentation (topic for three-minute speech is What agriculture means to me), a

written essay (topic will be How you would represent the WC Farmers Fair and how you would promote agriculture throughout the year?), which must accompany application, personal interview, and an evening gown competition, as well as interviews with the judges. The queen will receive $300, tiara, flowers, tote bag, necklace and sash. The queen will be required to make presentations during the week of the fair, be available for parades, community day in Hackettstown in October, participate in The NJ State Ambassador Contest and attend the annual WCFF dinner in November and attend

the State Agricultural Convention in February. If for any reason she feels she will not be able to represent the fair in the above-mentioned obligations, she will be asked to turn her title over to the first runner up. First and second runner up winners will receive awards of $200 and

$100 respectively, flowers and tote bags. Applications can be obtained from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office in the Wayne Dumont Administration Building in White Township, by calling 908-859-6563, or at your local high schools (check with your guidance coun-

selor). Contestants should mail their essays and personal biographies to the address on the application and mail applications and pictures to WC Farmers Fair Office, Attn: Queen Committee, 165 Co. RT 519 So., Belvidere, NJ 07823. Deadline for submitting information is May 10th. The Princess Committee is seeking 12 contestants for this years fair. Contestants must be residents of Warren Co. and between the ages of six and 10. Contestants will be judged on talent, poise, dress and oral presentation. Contestants must enclose two color

pictures only of themselves. The winner will receive a $100 award, tiara, necklace, flowers and sash. Second and third place winners will receive awards of $75 and $50 respectively, flowers and tote bags. Applications can be obtained from the Rutgers Cooperative Extension office in the Wayne Dumont Administration Building or by calling 908-859-6563. Deadline for applications is May 10th, which can be mailed to WC Farmers Fair Office, Attn: Princess Committee, 165 Co. RT 519 So., Belvidere, NJ 07823. For details, visit warren countyfarmersfair.org.

FREE Filing Cabinets: Call 908-362-7703. (4/5) For Sale: Collectibles. Baby Grand Piano: $600. Ceramic Elephant Buffy: $125. Call 908-362-7703. (4/5)

1999 Mercury Sable: 140k mi. 2 owners. All records avail. $2900. Call 908295-2887 or 908-2952981. (2/5) 2012 Blue Honda Civic LX: 4k mi. $16,500. Call 908-362-7703. (4/5) Tractor w/ Huskie Cart: $1100. Call 908-362-7703. (4/5)

Firewood: Seasoned, delivered. Mixed: $105 per 1/2 cord. Oak: $130 per 1/2 cord. Terms COD. Call 908-362-6420, 7am-7pm. (2/5) Seasoned Firewood: $215 per cord. Delivered. Call 908-303-5819. (2/10)

Now through March 2nd, the work of artist and former Blair faculty member Susie Forrester will be on display in The Romano Gallery at Blair Academys ArmstrongHipkins Center for the Arts. A reception for the exhibit, which is called A Year and A Day An Exploration with my

iPhone, will take place on Thursday, February 7th, from 7pm to 8pm.

Admission is free and open to the public during normal gallery

hours, Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. This exhibition represents a collection of work the photographer created using her iPhone over the past year. Since it is always accessible, the iPhone has become a useful medium for me to record those moments that

speak to me, said Forrester. Hearkening back to when I was 12 and received my first Polaroid camera, the iPhone allows me to tap into the immediacy of the visual connections I make in my daily life. See it, feel it, snap the picture. Calling this the age of the smartphone, the artist says there are

benefits and drawbacks to peoples reliance on such devicesso many people check out as they become immersed in apps and gameswhich makes the iPhones photo feature a tool of reconnection, rather than disconnection. For more information on Susie Forrester, visit forresterphoto.com.

Warren County Community College invites high-school aged students to enter the 2013 Warren County High School Poetry and Fiction Contests, open to any Warren County high school student. There is no entry fee. Prizes for each contest are gift cards to Barnes & Noble. The first, second, and third place poems and stories will be published in Ars Poetica, the WCCC student art and literary magazine. The winners will be invited to read at the April 25th Visiting Authors Series/Ars Poetica release event. Each student's name, home address, high school, email address, and phone number should appear at the beginning of the short story and/or poem

submitted. Students who are home-schooled should mention that in lieu of the name of a high school. A student may enter both contests. Each poem should be no longer than four pages. Each story should be no longer than twenty pages. All entries must be typed. Short stories must be double-spaced. Submissions should be sent to Professor BJ Ward, Warren County High School Poetry and Fiction Contests, Warren County Community College, 475 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ 07882. The postmark deadline for submissions to the contest is Friday, March 1st. For more information, call 908-835-2531 or email ward@ warren.edu.

Gun Control Hypocrisy Part 4: The Second Amendment A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not Be infringed. 2nd Amendment to US Constitution The 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution protects the right of the people to bear arms. The Framers believed this was needed, not for hunting, marksmanship, or self-defense, but to ensure people collectively could fight against and overthrow a tyrannical government , should one arise. The reason why there is a 2nd Amendment goes back to our history. Remember, America had just fought the Revolution for liberty.

During the prerevolutionary period, colonists favoring independence from England stockpiled firearms and ammunition. In response, England established an embargo on firearms and ammunition against American colonies. Loyalists and British troops then tried to disarm colonists. It was clear to both Federalists, those promoting a strong central government, and Anitfederalists, those believing liberty was best protected by local autonomy, arms and liberty were inextricably linked. The unanimity with which Federalists and Antifederalists supported an individual right to bear arms is a reflection of their shared philosophical and historical heritage. The perennial argument that the 2nd Amendment is meant to apply only to the army is false, and only shows

the ignorance the Left possesses of American history: I ask, Sir, what is a militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them. -George Mason, Coauthor of the 2nd Amendment Today, liberals think the 2nd Amendment is not needed and only screwballs think government will turn on the people. The 2nd Amendment should notbe up for grabs, but dont think it cant be

changed or abolished. That is the same thing said about Obamacare before he pushed that square peg down Americas round throat, and if he means gun control, he will press, demonize, and attack law abiding responsible gun owners until he wins. Obama is keeping his promise to fundamentally change America. E Elizabeth Allen Newton The views and opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect those of The PRESS or its staff.