Panorama Community Magazine - September 2023

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OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE

Editorial Deadline SEPTEMBER 15

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Happy 75th To Me!

What does 3,900 weeks, 900 months and 27,375 days have in common? They all add up to 75 years and that, my friends, is how old I am this month!

I do get asked by many of my youthful friends… “What does it feel like to be 75?” My usual response is that I feel mostly like I did at the age of 35 until I look in the mirror.

Along my life’s journey, I have had a few regrets but too few to remember. Through the years, I have learned and benefited from some pearls of wisdom that I would like to share in no particular order.

• Follow the “golden rule” – Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

• Don’t judge a book by its cover – It’s important to realize that you don’t always know someone’s whole story.

• Bad habits are hard to kick but worth it in the long run – Bad habits can prevent you from accomplishing your goals or more importantly be harmful to your health! I gave up alcohol when I was 29 and smoking when I was 33 years old; neither were easy, but both were necessary.

• Do not wish for time to pass – You will one day wake up and time will be gone.

• You are only as old as you feel – There is a difference between our chronological age and how old we feel. For me, I may be 75 but it feels like a youthful 60! Somedays you may feel older than others but that’s okay.

• Learn to say no – You cannot please everyone all the time! Setting boundaries is a healthy choice!

• When you look in the mirror what do you see – Most people see their own worst critic, which isn’t always a bad thing. Just remember to critique your work, not your self-worth!

• Take time for yourself – When you are the last item on your list of priorities, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Self-care is important. It promotes an overall better quality of life and when you are in a good

place mentally and physically, you can be there to help others.

• You are not defined by your past – The past cannot define us because everything is constantly changing. However, we can change the now and pave a better way for our future.

• The best things in life are free –Kindness, Love and Compassion are among actions we can share daily.

• Be grateful and humble to those who help you along the journey of life – We would be nowhere without the help and guidance of family, friends, and each other.

• Smile – It’s free therapy!

• The only thing in life that is constant, is change – Embrace it!

• Don’t sweat the small stuff – Let go of things that aren’t important in the grand scheme of your life.

• Think before you speak-Be sure to keep in mind the 2 second rule, you do not want to say anything you might regret.

• Duty – Honoring our country really does have meaning.

I am very thankful for my family and the many friends that I have. On August 25th, I was honored with a surprise birthday party… and it was definitely a surprise! They really pulled one over on me, especially my dear wife, Beverly.

At the party, I was asked what I wanted for my birthday, and I told them that when I turn 90, I want all of them to be there singing happy birthday to me!

Aging is not losing your youth, it’s simply a new stage of strength and opportunity! As you get older, you get wiser and better at so many things. I am excited and look forward to the years to come spending time with my family and friends, to times that will turn into the best memories, to good health, and maybe just possibly retirement in the near future!

I wouldn’t trade the years my life has brought me because those years have made me the man I am today!

—Larry Collum, CEO/Publisher

Decaf Curious?

Here's Why You Should Try It

(BPT) - Let's talk about decaf coffee. It's been getting some well-deserved attention lately. For the longest time, decaf has been unfairly judged as inferior to its caffeinated counterpart. But guess what? Things have changed in the past couple of years, and more and more people are turning to decaf, either as a complement to their regular coffee or even as a complete

replacement.

A recent Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. survey of 18- to 40-year-olds who drink decaf revealed that among those who drink both decaf and regular coffee (dual drinkers), 75% said their decaf consumption has actually gone up since the start of the pandemic. Even among those who exclusively drink decaf, two-thirds of them

have also been sipping more decaf ever since.

It's pretty clear - decaf is having a moment, and it's not just a passing trend. If you're decaf curious but still on the fence, here are some reasons why it's worth giving decaf a chance.

1. Same coffee taste

A common myth about decaf

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is that it tastes bland or inferior compared to caffeinated coffee. However, according to Swiss Water's survey, 66% of dual drinkers and 75% of decaf-only drinkers choose decaf because they enjoy the taste. You can enjoy the nuanced and complex characteristics and flavors of specialty coffee without caffeine effects, which means you can enjoy the taste and aroma all day long. The quality of the coffee beans and the method of decaffeination also have a big impact on the taste.

Even to experts, quality decaf coffee is largely indistinguishable from its caffeinated counterpart. Swiss Water's proprietary chemicalfree decaffeination method takes it a step further. Last year, a Swiss Water decaffeinated coffee from the Panama Chiriquí province was entered into the Golden Bean World Series competition without the judges knowing it was decaf. Out of 50 specialty coffees, the international judges placed it in the top 10.

2. Less anxiety and improved sleep

While a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or your favorite singleorigin pour-over can help you wake up and start your day, drinking caffeinated coffee throughout the

day can worsen your anxiety and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. Research shows that people afflicted with panic disorder are more susceptible to experiencing panic attacks and heightened anxiety levels due to caffeine intake. That's why many individuals are cutting back on their caffeine intake and opting to drink decaf instead.

According to the survey, all respondents reported increasing decaf coffee consumption since COVID-19 for health reasons. Dual and decaf-only drinkers drank more decaf to reduce their anxiety (59%

and 46%, respectively) and improve sleep quality (55% and 49%, respectively). The science backs this up too. Several studies show that decaf coffee offers most of the same health benefits as regular coffee. It's all because decaf retains most of the beneficial compounds and polyphenols, like chlorogenic acids, which help reduce the risk of various diseases and promote overall well-being.

Minimizing caffeine consumption, decaf allows individuals to enjoy the ritual of drinking coffee without as much of a spike in anxiety or poor sleep quality.

3. Quality makes a difference

Quality matters when choosing decaf, and not all decaf coffee is created equal. The survey found that almost all decaf-only (97%) and dual drinkers (92%) consider overall quality highly important when purchasing decaf. Quality can vary depending on the decaf process.

Traditional decaffeination methods use chemicals such as methylene chloride and ethyl acetate, which have a greater impact on altering the taste of the coffee and can leave residuals in the cup. The Swiss Water Process proprietary decaffeination method is a chemical-free process that renders what many believe to be the purest decaf coffee on the market.

The Swiss Water Process involves combining green coffee beans with green coffee extract. The extract is made up of water and the natural soluble solids found in coffee, minus the caffeine.

Through osmosis, the caffeine molecules are naturally extracted from the beans into the solution, until all that's left is 99.9% caffeinefree coffee that retains its natural flavor and aroma.

You can have it all

If you want to cut out the caffeine but don't want to compromise on the integrity, variety, flavor or health benefits of drinking coffee, decaf just might be your beverage answer. To ensure you get quality decaf coffee that is chemical free, look for the words Swiss Water Process on the coffee brand's label or website description.

Ready to feed your decaf curiosity? The next time you're at the store or café, make it a habit to look for and ask whether the coffee has been decaffeinated by the Swiss Water Process. You can also visit SwissWater.com to find roasters who offer this high-quality decaf coffee you can enjoy at home, in the office or on the go.

Fall In Love with Family-Favorite Autumn Recipes

(Family Features) With temperatures cooling and cravings leaning toward comforting flavors, fall offers a perfect time for families to explore adventurous twists on favorite foods. As you and your loved ones rework the menu for autumn, turn to versatile ingredients that provide fresh tastes and new ways to enjoy classic recipes.

One star ingredient that can be used for appetizers, main courses, sides, snacks and desserts alike is watermelon. In fact, using the entire watermelon (rind included) means you've discovered a sustainable way to

Consider these simple, delicious ways to use the

Watermelon Flesh

In the fall, whole watermelon is still available in many areas. You can also find mini watermelon in the fresh cut produce section at many local grocers. The flesh is often the favorite (and most-used) part of the watermelon. Served on its own as a hydrating snack or as part of a recipe for tasty entrees, the flesh offers something for nearly every appetite so no watermelon goes to waste.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon is 92% water, making it a sweet choice for staying hydrated. Even if your watermelon is overripe, don't throw it out - instead, juice or puree it to retain value and nutrition. Use it to sweeten this Watermelon Bourbon Glaze then drizzle over a perfectly grilled flank steak and serve with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables for an ideal fall meal.

Watermelon Rind

The rind is often thrown out - many people don't realize you can eat it, too. The rind absorbs flavors added to it and adds an unexpected texture to this Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney. Try serving over brie with crackers or simply dip with naan or baguettes. Find more flavorful fall solutions to avoid food waste at Watermelon.org.

Watermelon Bourbon Glaze with Grilled Flank Steak

Servings: 6

Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups watermelon juice (approximately 2 1/2 cups chopped watermelon, blended)

• 2 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1/4-1/2 cup bourbon

• 2 pounds flank steak or London broil

• 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

In medium saucepan over medium-high heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2/3 cup. Toward end of reduction, add garlic. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes then add soy sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce and bourbon. Mix well.

Place watermelon-bourbon glaze in large zip-top bag. Add steak and massage to cover meat. Close bag and refrigerate 3-4 hours.

Heat grill to high heat. Remove steak from plastic bag and gently shake to remove excess glaze. Grill steak 4-6 minutes; turn, grill 4-6 minutes, depending on

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thickness of steak. Remove from heat. Steak should be pink in center.

Allow steak to rest on platter or cutting board 10 minutes. Mix small amount of watermelonbourbon glaze with cornstarch. In small saucepan over medium-high heat, add cornstarch mixture to remaining glaze and simmer 3-5 minutes. Reduce to medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.

Cut flank steak on bias into thin strips.

Drizzle watermelon-bourbon glaze over top.

Watermelon Walnut Currant Chutney

Servings: 16

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, juiced

• 2 cups watermelon rind (white

part), diced small

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

• 1/2 medium white onion, sliced

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 lemon, juice only

• 2 tablespoons currants

• 2 tablespoons roasted walnuts

• 1 wheel brie cheese, for serving crackers, for serving

In saucepan over medium heat, reduce watermelon juice to 2 cups. Combine with watermelon rind, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, white onion, garlic, nutmeg, cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, currants and walnuts; simmer until almost dry.

Chill and serve over brie with crackers.

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Power Back-to-School Weeknight Family Meals with Pecans

(Family Features) Back-to-school season means many families are busier than ever, leaving less time to plan weeknight meals. While a new school year brings plenty of exciting moments, it also adds up to early mornings, long days and late evenings, making it tough to keep nutrition top-of-mind.

With new routines and jam-packed calendars, quick and easy recipes can be the solutions you need. Swapping out complicated dishes for simple dinners and make-ahead snacks allows you to make your loved ones' health a priority while also managing hectic schedules.

To help make those simple yet tasty menu additions a reality, look to a flavor favorite and nutrition powerhouse like pecans. They're the ideal nut to keep on hand to incorporate into favorite meals and after-school snacks.

Taste is just the beginning when it comes to pecans. Their nutritious punch provides a unique mix of health-promoting nutrients. Plus, they're a versatile ingredient that

can shine in a wide range of flavor profiles from sweet or spicy to salty, smoky and savory.

These benefits make them a delicious, nutrient-dense option to power up school days. Consider them as a better-for-you addition to breakfast in banana bread recipes and energizing snacks like these Superfood Pecan Energy Bars. They're simple and nutritious, making them an ideal after-school snack and on-the-go solution between activities.

When the whole family comes home after a long day of school, work, games and social commitments, pecans can add a delightful crunch to air-fried favorites like chicken tenders or childhood classics like Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs. For more back-to-school recipe inspiration, visit EatPecans.com.

Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs

Cook time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta

• 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for salting pasta water, to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 block (8 ounces) cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

• 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese

• 4 tablespoons sour cream

• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cook cavatappi in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pot and stir in butter.

Using box grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Using food processor, combine 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese with pecans. Process to coarse breadcrumb consistency.

Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg; stir. Add 2-4 tablespoons reserved pasta water to loosen mixture; stir until smooth.

Pour into buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan topping. Bake 30 minutes.

Substitutions: Use pre-shredded cheese in place of cheddar cheese block. Use pasta of choice in place of cavatappi.

Superfood Pecan Energy Bars

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 14

Ingredients:

• 15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)

• 1 cup pecan pieces

• 1/2 cup gluten-free oats

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 200 F.

In food processor, process or pulse dates until chopped and rough texture forms. Add pecan pieces, oats, chia seeds, vanilla extract, cinnamon and kosher salt; process about 1 minute until crumbly dough forms.

Line baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Dump dough into center of parchment paper and use rolling pin to roll into 6-by-10

1/2-inch rectangle. Cut dough into 14 bars about 1 1/2-by-3 inches or into desired shapes.

Bake bars 30 minutes. Cool bars to room temperature then refrigerate in sealed container between sheets of wax paper.

To package for on-the-go snacking, cut 4-by-6-inch rectangles of wax paper, wrap around bars and secure with tape.

3 Ways To Freeze Sweet Corn

Freezing corn is a wonderful way to ensure you have homegrown and flavorful corn to last you the whole year. Here are three ways to freeze corn, each with merit:

Freeze Whole Cobs

Freezing whole, unblanched cobs is by far the quickest way to save your corn. The pros of this method are its ease. Simply shuck, label, and freeze. As with any freezing method, make sure to squeeze out (or suck out with a straw) as much air as possible from the bag, which will minimize freezer burn. When ready to use, blanch frozen corn for 3-5 minutes and enjoy right off the cob, or in a chowder or crispy-sweet corn cake.

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Beans • Garlic • Cabbage

Red Beets • Cantaloupe

Watermelon • Apples and More! Kitchen Kettle Products Available Kitchen Kettle Products

Freeze Raw Kernels

Taking corn off the cobs before freezing will help retain ultimate corn-flavor and lead to a lesswatery end product. Like method one, the corn in this method is frozen without any cooking, yielding a quicker overall process. Corn that is frozen raw, oddly, is best used in cooked dishes, like this corn soup.

Freeze Blanched Kernels

Blanching your corn before freezing is probably the most common preservation method… and for good reason. The texture of blanched-then-frozen corn holds up best, and kernels that have been first-blanched can be used directly in dishes like corn salsas and salads. To blanch, place whole kernels of fresh corn in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes, and then immediately put in an ice bath. Once cool, remove kernels, bag, and freeze.

The Greater Hazleton Concert Series Presents “Alter Eagles”

The Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. is pleased to announce that “Alter Eagles” will headline the second concert of its 2023-24 Season. The program is scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2023 @ 7:30 PM at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd Street, Hazleton, PA 18202, where abundant free, lighted parking is available.

The Alter Eagles are an experienced, authentic Eagles tribute band. Formed in 2003, they perform the whole repertoire of Eagles track, from tasteful country

rock – complete with full harmonies – through to hard rocking numbers, showcasing the Eagles’ dueling electric guitars. The current set comprises material from 35 years of Eagles’ performances up to and including all the greatest hits. Including “Hotel California”, “Lyin’ Eyes” and many MORE!

Lauded for their accuracy, the Alter Eagles are a tribute to the Eagles, pure and simple. Any fan of the Eagles music will recognize the subtle complexities of instruments and vocals paired with exacting harmonies. So, please come join

us in this inspiring tribute to the number one selling band of all time in North America. See you at the concert.

The 2023-24 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, or Shirley at 570-384-1226. For more information on all GHCS concerts, visit www.hazletonconcertseries. org or visit our Facebook page.

The Helping Hands Society — Helping Children Throughout

Luzerne Carbon & Schuylkill Counties

Helping Hands is a non-profit organization that provides educational and therapeutic services to special needs children in Luzerne, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties. Teachers and therapists work with children from birth to elementary age that have developmental delays and learning disabilities for little or no cost to the families. The organization is funded through contributions from the generous public, but as the economy struggles, so does the Helping Hands Society.

Every penny from donations and fundraising events goes directly to the services provided at Helping Hands in Hazleton.

We are still accepting Trunk N Treat, Craft and Food Vendor applications, cornhole tournament in the amount of $2500 pool prize registration, tricky trays donations, and sponsorship for the Helping Hands Society Mail-AThon Campaign in conjunction with our 1st Annual Fall Festival.

Don't miss the upcoming fall festival on Saturday, September 30th at the Sugarloaf Fire Company from 12-7pm.

To learn more call (570) 455-4958

History of the Helping Hands Society

The Helping Hands Society is a non-profit agency which believes in the creed that all persons with handicaps regardless of race, age, type of handicap, financial status, or place of residence are entitled to the services needed for maximum development of their potential as accepting and contributing members of society.

The Society was founded in 1924 and legally incorporated in 1927. Since the inception, the Society has expanded to such a degree that it now provides a host of services for handicaps of all ages, types and classification.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors selected from the community at large. The Board membership represents a wide range of talent and expertise and is elected by the Society membership. It meets the first Monday of each month of the year and decides questions of policy and fiscal management.

The Society's purpose is to enhance the independence of people with disabilities, and to assure

full participation by persons with disabilities in settings and activities of their choice with persons who do not have disabilities, provided that the person(s) can demonstrate the ability to cope and compete with the non-disabled in a fair and equitable manner.

In so doing, the Society can assure services for people with disabilities whose demographic characteristics such as: ethnicity, age, religion, genger, marital status, and cultural background are largely representative of the general population in the territories served, and that these services will be provided regardless of a person's financial status and that those services are of best quality, provided by proven and properly certified specialists.

John Lazar, companion of Ann Grula, and family of Weatherly recently suffered a tragic loss of their 2 sons. Shortly after this, John was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. His right upper lung has Squamous Cell Cancer. John has already completed one full round of chemo and radiation. Currently he has a partially collapsed lung due to a tumor and a little fluid on it. He now started lmmunotherapy. A fundraiser is being organized to offset medical costs not covered.

The No. 9 Coal Mine was first opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. A large vein of Anthracite coal, known as the Mammoth Vein, was the main focus of mining operations in the Panther Valley. Early mining operations in the area were located in the town of Summit Hill, just above Lansford. As the mines in Summit Hill encountered ever increasing levels of groundwater, other methods needed to be employed to reach the coal. The No. 9 Mine is driven at a much lower elevation than the mines in nearby Summit Hill. As the tunnel was being driven it allowed groundwater to naturally run out from the mine portal without the need of pumps. The tunnel was driven into the mountain far enough to reach the first vein of coal by the end of 1857. The following year the No. 9 Mine was contracted to produce 90,000 tons of Anthracite coal for the company. The No. 9 Mine operated from 1855 until June of 1972, making it the longest

No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum

continuously operated deep Anthracite coal mine in the world.

The No. 9 Mine was left abandoned until a local group, committed to preserving the regions coal mining heritage, took control of the property in 1992. This group is known as the Panther Creek Valley Foundation and now operates the No. 9 Mine as a museum. Restoration work on the mine began in 1995 and the first tours inside began in 2002. Visitors to the mine ride by rail 1,600 feet into the mountain before embarking on a 600-foot guided walking tour. Tourists can examine the original 700-foot deep mine shaft, walk the “muleway” where young men guided the mules between the different levels of the mine, and see a miner’s hospital cut into solid rock. Outside on the grounds is the museum, housed in the No.9 Mine’s original “Wash Shanty” constructed before the First World War. The museum houses the largest collection of mining

artifacts in the area. The many items on display include tools, blasting equipment, household goods, and more that belonged to the miners who worked the No. 9 Mine.

Inside the museum is a gift shop that offers visitors items such as books, carved coal pieces, t-shirts, and miner’s hats among other goods. The site has picnic facilities that are available for large groups. The No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum is open from the beginning of April until the end of November. Hours of operation are 10 AM till 4 PM, the first mine tour is at 11 AM and the last is at 3 PM. The site is open Friday through Sunday in April and November; Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. Discounts on groups of 20 or more are offered as well as Senior (65+), AAA members, and Veterans. Temperature in the mine remains near 50 degrees year round so a light jacket is recommended.

A Magical Event Coming This November Might Just Be The Perfect Afternoon Out With Your Own Princess... or Prince

The Times Leader Media Group and Capriotti’s, McAdoo, are teaming up to host the area’s second annual unique and fun-filled Enchanting Princess Brunch.

Planned for November 12, the event will feature all kinds of entertainment, such as song, dance, and delectable brunch and treats — and, of course, the opportunity for your kids to meet their favorite princesses as if they’ve stepped right out of beloved animated films.

“We are excited to bring this magical event in partnership with Capriotti’s. It will be an enchanting experience for all,” said Times Leader Media Group Publisher Kerry Miscavage. "We’ve hosted many sold out events in the Wilkes-Barre area and Capriotti’s is the perfect setting to spend an afternoon with these princesses. The Princesses were so giving of their time, singing, dancing and posing for many photos".

Parents and children are enjoying these events.

“I cannot express how much, as a mother, it meant for me to see the excitement and joy on my daughters face!” a recent mom, Jamie, commented on a princess party event.

If you are planning on going to the event, you’ll have to act quickly: at a rate of $40 each, they’re sure to go fast. The only place to buy tickets is on the Times Leader’s website, so there is no need to contact Capriotti’s.

To purchase tickets, visit timesleader.com/2023events

Upcoming Community Events

September 1st thru September

24th • Hazleton Art League • 31 West Broad Street, Hazleton

• The Hazleton Art League is honored to have a Group Exhibition: Calligraphers' Guild of Northeastern Pennsylvania— Play on Words. In this group exhibition by the Calligraphers' Guild of Northeastern Pennsylvania,

calligraphers from our area, and from as far away as Philadelphia, come together to exhibit a versatile writing style with ancient origins, but completely adaptable to modern use. The opening reception for Play on Words is Friday, September 1, from 6-9PM. Coffee Talk with participating artists is Sunday, September 3 from 1-3PM. On

Sunday, September 24, local musicians play in our main gallery from 1-3PM at Acoustic Jam.

Upcoming events at the Hazleton Art League include Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundationsponsored chalk art festival Peace, Love, Chalk, Sunday, September 10. For Information on classes, programs, and other events follow us on Facebook, Instagramhazletonsartleague, and TwitterHALfortheArts. Membership in the Art League is only $25 for the year, and sustaining memberships are as low as $5 a month. Admission is always free and open to the public. Gallery hours are TuesdayFriday 10AM-5PM, SaturdaySunday 1-4PM, closed Mondays. For more information contact us at 570-455-3333 or visit www. hazletonartleague.org.

June 4th-6th

Sports Card Show

Friday June 11th

American Red Cross Blood Drive-1pm-6pm

June 18th-26th

Powers and Thomas Carnival

Friday thru Sunday, September 8th thru 10th • 15th Annual Bell’Italia Festival • Hazle Township Community Park, 141 Community Park Road, Hazle Township • Unico National is hosting it’s annual Bell’Italia Festival Friday, September 8th from 5 to 9pm, Saturday, September 9th from 10am to Dusk and Sunday, September 10th from 10am to 6pm. On Saturday at 3pm there will be a ceremony honoring our Veterans and at Dusk Unico’s Famous Firework Presentation! On Sunday, the event begins with Mass and a Christian Service. This event is open to the public and fun for the entire family. Enjoy lots of great festival foods and a spaghetti eating contest. There will be crafters and vendors available for your shopping pleasure, live music all weekend long, a concert Saturday night – Kartune, free kids rides and activities, tricky trays and so much more. We would like to thank

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our gold sponsor-Geisinger and our bronze sponsor-Lehigh Valley Health Network. Come on out for a fun filled weekend and support your local community!

Sunday, September 17th • Fall Craft Fair • Faith UCC Church, 21 Faith Drive, Hazleton • Brandon’s Forever Home will be hosting a Fall Craft Fair Sunday, September 17th from 10am to 3pm. There will be plenty of crafters and vendors, Tricky Trays, and a 50/50 Raffle. We will have a bake sale and homemade food available for purchase. The Tricky Trays will be pulled at 2pm. All proceeds benefit Brandon Forever Home’s different programs, like our annual gift giving event and Christmas Party for foster and adoptive families in our area. This event is open to the public. We hope to see you there and thank

you for your support.

Sunday, September 24th • Craft & Vendor show and Basket Raffle • Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Vol Fire Company • 390 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly

• The Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Vol Fire Company is hosting a Craft & Vendor Show and Basket Raffle

Sunday, September 24th from 10am to 3pm. We are looking for crafters and vendors for this event. This is for outdoor spots. You need to supply your own popups and displays. Spots are $25. Any basket, gift card, or monetary donations, valued at $25 and up, for the raffle would be greatly appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Fire Company. We appreciate your support and hope to see you. For more information, to become a vendor, or to donate contact Donna 484-464-5438.

Sunday, October 1st • Bark In The Park Fundraising Event •

Locust Lake State Park • Friend of Tuscarora and Locust lake Parks is hosting the annual Bark in The Park Fundraising Event, sponsored by Fairway Subaru of Hazleton from Noon to 4pm. This event is free of charge and fun for the entire family. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome! There will be food, activities, vendors, demonstrations, rescues, and a silent auction. It will be a great day to enjoy the parks, grab a bite to eat, shop your local vendors, and take your chance at the silent auction! Gimble’s Farm Burgers and Phil’s Fries & Pierogies food trucks will also be available. For complete details of the event check us out on FB – Bark In The Park at Locust Lake https://fb.me/ e/3ZmvyA7rh . Hope to see you there. The proceeds benefit the Friends of Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks. Disclaimer –Owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries caused by them or their dogs.

Saturday, October 7th • Chili Cook Off • Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Vol Fire Company • 390 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly • The Lehigh and Lausanne Rural Vol Fire Company is hosting a Chili Cook Off Saturday, October 7th from 2-10pm. We are looking for Contestants. Do you think you have the “BEST CHILI,” have some fun and enter. North 40 will be playing from 6-10pm. Come on out and join us, enter, or taste and judge. Proceeds benefit the Fire Company. We appreciate your support. For details, an application, rules, and regulations please Contact Tim at 570-590-8380 or email to landlfirecompany@yahoo.com .

Submit your upcoming community event for publication to editorial@ panoramapa.com

Chamber Chatter with Mary Malone, President

LIFELONG LEARNER?

Lifelong learning is the voluntary and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional purposes (Coskun & Demirel, 2010).

It’s September and we are flooded with back to school images, new tools and latest gadgets for success. The topic of knowledge and learning has replaced the summer song of sun and fun. The pace of life and schedules seems to picks up for all. So how does the topic of lifelong learner apply to Chamber and business world you might wonder?

According to Knapper and Cropley (2000), lifelong learners are more active than passive learners; they look to learn in different settings and diverse contexts from others, and integrate knowledge from various subject areas into their jobs. That is a great asset for you and the employees in your business. Lifelong learning and trying new things also builds our biggest muscle, the brain.

A lifelong learner are people with growth mindsets that committed to learning. They take every opportunity to try something new, and willing to take risks to gain knowledge and improve their performance and production. Improved performance can translate to success for your business! The Chamber supports this through programing such as the Women’s Networking committee’s bi monthly luncheons throughout the year. A single, relevant topic by subject matter expert over time focused lunch that provides an opportunity to both learn and network! What a powerful combination. The Chamber also works with

partners like CAN BE, PSU Launchbox or NEPIRC that offer education sessions, many for FREE that can be found on our website.

p (570) 455-1509

f (570) 450-2013

Hayden Tower 8 W. Broad Street Suite M-1490 Hazleton, PA 18201

Chamber Staff

Interesting right! We invite you to join us at the next women’s networking luncheon schedule for Tuesday, September 26 at Sand Springs. The speaker is the Dr. Lori Alfonse from Lehigh Valley Health Network who is the Chief of the Surgical Oncology Unit. Dr. Lori’s presentation on cancer care and treatment is a timely topic that impacts us all. Do you see the need for education on a particular topic? Give us a call at the Chamber, 570-455-1509 to discuss. There is a good chance that your need is something other members are experiencing as well. We might be able to connect you to a member that can assist or we can host a session here at the Chamber.

Mary R. Malone President mmalone@hazletonchamber.org

Leann Fallabel Vice President of Marketing lfallabel@hazletonchamber.org

Check out what is happening, or sign up for one of the chamber programs or events, go to www. Hazletonchamber.org. I look forward to seeing you in our area and updating you next month for Chamber Chatter... Cheers!

Nancy Zolota Bookkeeper nzolota@hazletonchamber.org

Two Types of Jade: Part 2 Nephrite Art & Antiques By Dr. Lori

Jade has been part of China’s art tradition for thousands of years. Jade comes in two distinct forms: jadeite and nephrite. Jade carvers believe that the elements of jade make jade something beautiful and valuable to wear and enjoy.

How did jade get its name? Both jadeite and nephrite are hard stones and both are called jade. If you want to be sure you have a piece of real authentic jade, look for a dense composition, veins, and weight of the stone. There should be no laying of the stone if it is really jade. Jade will scratch metal and glass.

Jade is dense and if you toss it into the air and catch it, it should be heavier than other similar stones of the same size. Weight is what you are looking for when it comes to recognizing real jade. Jade comes in many colors too: green, lavender, white, and yellow.

While most jade is jadeite on the market today. We are going to discuss nephrite—the other type of jade.

Nephrite

By the 14th century, Nephrite jade was traded widely. Nephrite is a soft and less dense stone when compared to jadeite, the jade I discussed in part 1 of this column. Nephrite has a recognizable glassy luster. Nephrite does

By Dr. Lori Verderame

not appear to have any layers. At the Beijing Olympics in 2008, each Olympic medal was embedded with a piece of pure, natural-carved white nephrite jade.

Fake jade or look alike jades can be susceptible to chemical bleaching, color dying, and doubling, also known as layering. Some fake jade items are treated to look more translucent. Some fake jade items are treated to accept a plastic coating to enhance the object’s look. Natural, authentic, real and untreated jade is usually only treated with a plum juice wash or beeswax polish as it then will retain its true and natural color.

Jade is the stone that is used in special jewelry pieces such as the Bi symbol disc pendants that represent the Chinese symbol for eternity. The Bi symbol has a great spiritual significance. The Bi symbol is often presented carved in jade. Butterflies symbolize long life and they

often carved into pendants, pins, earrings, etc. made of jade. Other symbols that are important to Chinese culture which are often represented using jade include: the bat, a symbol of happiness, the dragon which shows power and prosperity, the peach which references immortality, and the circular disc with a central hole which references happiness and heaven.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori appears on The Curse of Oak Island and Pawn Stars on History channel. Dr. Lori gives appraisal values at www.DrLoriV.com. Her widely popular channel www.Youtube.com/ DrLoriV teaches people how to spot and sell vintage objects for top dollar.

By Alice Horton-Barr, CEO, Honest Abe's

How much do you usually spend on your tax preparation? Several hundred dollars? Why? Because you fall for the false advertisements of the National Chains? You believe because they are large franchises that they will do a better job and be there for you? You think they will be more knowledgeable and get you more money? You think they have programs that no other tax offices can offer you? If you answer any of the above questions “yes” you are a VICTIM of the brain washing of advertising.

Honest Abe’s Taxes offers their customers: 1) Year Round Service which is (a) accurate, (b) reasonably priced, and (c) has the same programs that the franchises has; 2) Tax Planning is included in the price that you pay for Tax Preparation – this is more important than tax prep in that if you are unhappy with how your current year looks it is up to you to adjust how the next year will look; 3) We have experienced staff and we train our staff, we do not train the staff by having them “self-study”; 4) We offer multiple Customer Appreciation Programs; and 5) We do not do false Advertising. Our prices have held the line for the last 5 years but are going up slightly for the coming season. Our basic price covers your Federal, One State, and your Local for $100 to $150. The add on fees are for things like Sch C (self-employment), Sch E (rental property or K-1 investments), numerous

W-2 or W-2G, etc. We do advise you before we begin if the bill looks like it will exceed our “basic price”. We can give you a paper copy but primarily work with an email or flash drive copy.

We moved to 259 Claremont Avenue, Tamaqua in December 2021. We have been serving the area since 2011. We would love to have you bring your taxes by for a “FREE REVIEW” and “PRICE QUOTE”, NOW! Come see us before TAX FILING is here. Let us tell you what we can do and what we would charge, at no cost to you. We may even find “money on the table” that your preparer missed.

We do offer full service in federal, all states & local taxes, advances of your refund, and payment of fees from your federal tax refund. We are open year-round offering tax planning, bookkeeping and payroll services. We hold classes for training in bookkeeping, excel, and tax preparation and we have a full-time notary on staff.

We are here to serve the community and our location is within a 10-mile radius of the Greater Hazleton area and 8 other communities. Thank you for your support throughout the past 12 years; it is greatly appreciated! Please contact us today and get a head start for the upcoming tax season 570-668-8297.

We look forward to the future with you!

Drums Lioness Club Honors 2023 Service & Leadership Award Recipients

The Drums Lioness Club is an extension of the Lions Club International, whose purpose and mission is to serve through community outreach and volunteerism. The Club promotes humanitarian leadership with the goal of strengthening the community and promoting global peace.

The Drums Lioness Lions Club supports many national and local organizations and community needs, including juvenile diabetes research, Lions KidSight USA, Divine Providence Homeless Shelter, Valley Food Bank, Hazleton Area HeadStart Program, and the Hazleton Animal Shelter. The club also provides two annual awards

to one outstanding 8th grade and one outstanding 12 grade young woman from the Drums area, who embody the attributes of Lionism.

The recipient of this year’s 8th grade award is Abigail Bachman. Abby is the daughter of Lisa Marie and Steve Bachman and is a graduate of Drums Elementary Middle School. During her time at DEMS, Abby was a member of NJHS (National Junior Honor Society), Student Council, SADD Club, Ecology Club, and the Community Service Club, as well as an assistant dance instructor at The Performing Arts Center in Congnyham.

The recipient of this year’s 12th grade award is Paige Klinetop.

Paige is the daughter of Jennifer and Brett Klinetop and is a graduate of the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. She is a Distinguished Graduate of the class of 2023 and plans on attending Lehigh University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. During her time in the Hazleton Area School District, she was a member of the class of 2023 Executive Council, SADD Club, HAHS Lady Cougar Field Hockey team, and Electric Surge Field Hockey team. She served as a math tutor and a student programmer in charge of lighting for the Sugarloaf Golf Course Christmas Light Show . Her leadership and volunteerism extended beyond the classroom as a volunteer for The Agape Food Drive, where she assisted in creating and distributing packages of groceries to needy families throughout the area.

It is the sincere hope of the Drums Lioness Lions Club, that the recipients of these annual awards will take the service and leadership skills that they gain during their educational careers in their middle and high school years, and use them for the betterment of their communities now, and in the future.

Looking for premium self storage for your household furniture, personal belongings, business inventory, boats or RV parking? You've come to the right place! Whether you are looking for business, residential or commercial storage S.S.U. offers convenient and comprehensive storage units for all. We offer temperature controlled units for rent, month to month leasing plans, enhanced security systems plus many more exceptional features and services to keep our customers happy.

Features and services vary but when you rent with S.S.U. Storage you can always count on the unmatched levels of quality and excellence. outstanding amenities and professional service.

S.S.U. - 1 South First Street Oneida, Pa. 18242

Contact us at 570-205-9356 to schedule your rental today.

We look forward to serving you.

Members of the Drums Lioness Service and Leadership Award with the 2023 8th grade recipient. Monica Weidick, Carla Bednar, Jennifer Gerhard, Abigail Bachman, and Joanne Oakum

2023 12th grade Service and Leadership Award recipient Paige Kilnetop, with her parents Jennifer and Brett

Pain Relief For Your (Furry) Best Friend

by Dr. Kenneth Trippett, West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

WE OFFER DIGATHERM LASER THERAPY

The West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital is the first Veterinary practice in the area to add the Companion Therapeutic Laser. With the addition of the laser, our fuzzy friends will receive instant relief of pain, inflammation and swelling associated with soft tissue injuries, trauma, surgery, arthritis, and chronic every day disorders. A relatively new branch of medicine, the Class IV laser delivers a large amount of light energy into the pet's body. When the light interacts with damaged cells, healing is accelerated and pain is dramatically reduced.

As our best friends age, recover from trauma or surgery, or simply need relief from everyday aches and pains, this advanced technology offers Drug-Free, Surgery-Free, PainFree Relief.

Call 570-455-2580 for more information or to schedule a laser treatment for your pet.

The Drums Lioness Lions Club recently held a donation collection to benefit the Hazleton Animal Shelter. The Club donated much needed wish list items as well as a monetary donation, to benefit the animals in their care.

West Hazleton Veterinary Hospital

IN THE LAUREL MALL

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

Laurel Mall Gift Certi cates Sold Here!

Pictured L-R are Lion Jan Kelly, Drums Lioness Lions Club President, Mary Ann Molendini, Lion Jessica Toscano, and Hazleton Animal Shelter volunteer Kris Barkanic.

Dr. Kenneth Trippett

Yevak for Mayor

Bob Yevak, a lifelong citizen of Hazleton, has announced his candidacy as a Democratic write-in candidate in the November 7th General Election for the of ce of Mayor of the city of Hazleton. Two years ago, he was a write in candidate and secured 846 votes!

Yevak was born and raised in Hazleton, graduated Hazleton High School in 1972, and raised his family here. He is a successful businessperson and has owned and ran his own businesses for the past 32 years; currently operating Yevak’s Auto Detailing and Church Hill Auto Sales.

For the past 12 years, Yevak has been deeply involved in Jim Thorpe at the Mauch Chunk Opera House. He was elected president of the theatre and has done an abundance of improvements securing grants and personal donations making the theatre one of the best in the state. His perseverance has brought it back to life.

Yevak brings a long history of being a successful businessperson, among other things. All his achievements and experience combined will allow him to be a great leader to the city of Hazleton and its people. He wants to give back to the city of Hazleton as its working Mayor and to be the voice of the people of Hazleton.

Yevak will have an open-door policy for all citizens of Hazleton, spending unlimited hours each week in city hall, nding ways to address the needs of all community members. He is aware of the challenges he faces, is all about delivering quality services the people deserve and pledges that he will not turn his back on any issues no matter how tough they are.

A fresh new perspective is long overdue for the city! While Yevak has several projects on his radar to create a sustainable plan for Hazleton’s future, his ultimate goal is putting a STOP to the proposed Dump on Broad Street. Once elected, his rst priority will be to run the Broad Street dump people right out of town! Yevak said “Rinaldi and his cronies will meet their match… THE DUMP IS DEAD ON MY WATCH.” Second on the list for Yevak, will be to clean up Hazleton using the broken window policy meaning he will start with the

1

small violations and work his way up and he won’t stop until he has achieved what he has set out to do. He promises to give the good people of Hazleton QUALITY OF LIFE BACK and return the city back to the people who own it!

In asking for your support, Bob said, “Hazleton holds a special place in my heart! It’s home to me, it’s where I raised my family, and planted my professional roots! The Hazleton I grew up loving and knowing is not a distant memory. I have a vision for a more livable and prosperous city…. A city that is a safe place to live, work, go to school, play, and raise families. This goal is 100% attainable! I have the passion and dedication to lead this city and would be honored to be your mayor. Together we can bring Hazleton back to the great city we all remember it to be.”

For more information, visit the campaign's Facebook page, Bob Yevak for Mayor of Hazleton.

When you come to the screen for “Hazleton City Mayor”: Press the Box for “Write-In” under the list of candidates WRITE-IN

When the on-screen keyboard appears, type the letters to spell “BOB YEVAK” 2

When finished typing press “Accept” The name “BOB YEVAK” will appear on your screen 3 B B Y E V A K O space

On June 27th, Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani reached base 4 times with 2 home runs while striking out 10. He was the first player since 1890 to accomplish this feat. On June 10, 1890 Jack Stivetts of the St Louis Browns beat the Toledo Maumees. John Elmer

Stivetts was born on March 31, 1868, in Ashland, Pennsylvania. His parents were German-speaking immigrants who settled in Ashland. The discovery of coal transformed Ashland into a boomtown, with the population growing from about 200 in 1850 to almost 4,000 by 1860. Stivetts had 12 brothers and sisters.

Fortunately for Jack, by the middle of 1880’s professional baseball had taken root and was expanding with minor leagues across the country. Otherwise, he would have been destined to spend his life underground in coal mines. He had already begun to work by the time he finished eighth grade. Tall and sturdily built, Jack played town ball for Ashland, making a name for himself as both a pitcher and batter. His professional career began in 1887 when Ashland became one of eight founding members of the Central Pennsylvania League. The following season he moved to the Allentown Peanuts of the Central League.

Stivetts caught the attention of the St

Ashland’s Ohtani

by Rich Lipinski

Louis Brown’s player-manager, Charlie Comiskey, who secured his contract on the spot, in June 1889. Stivetts landed on the American Association’s best team, which Comiskey had guided to the last four league titles. The American Association was a major league to rival the National League. The 21-year-old Stivetts made his debut on June 26 versus Cincinnati yielding 1 earned run and 9 strikeouts in a loss. Stivetts (12-7) had the lowest ERA (2.25) among qualified pitchers in the league in 1889. In 1890, Stivetts’ (27-21, 3.52 ERA in 419 innings and 41 complete games) name was plastered among the leader boards. He also became one of team’s most feared hitter, slugging .500 with seven home runs, and played in the outfield or at first base in 13 games. The First Ohtani Game Long before Babe Ruth and Shohei Ohtani, Stivetts became one first great two-way players in baseball history. Known as Smiling Jack, he had and easy disposition unless he was drinking and then became quite ornery and combative. He had numerous skirmishes with the Brown’s owner and local authorities, but on game day he was ready to perform. At 6’2” and nearly 200 lbs, Stivetts was an imposing figure in an era where few reached that size. On June 10, 1890 he set a standard for pitching and hitting that wouldn’t be duplicated for 133 years. He hit two homers, 2 singles and struck out 10‚ the second home run was a grand slam in the top of the 9th‚ off of Fred Smith‚ with his team down by 3 runs. The team went on to win‚ 9 – 8‚ over visiting Toledo. He would later duplicate

that feat, hitting a pair of homers on August 6‚ 1891‚ and on June 12‚ 1896‚ making him the first pitcher to achieve this. The only two pitchers to match this achievement are Wes Ferrell (who had 5 such games) and Don Newcombe.

Moving to Boston

At end of the 1891 season the American Association collapsed and the National League had a baseball monopoly. Stivetts went to the reigning NL champions, the Boston Beaneaters. The Boston club already had two of the league’s best pitchers, veteran John Clarkson and 22-year-old Kid Nichols, both of whom won at least 30 games in 1891. However, Sporting Life noted that “in short time [Stivetts] was acknowledged as one of the greatest pitchers in the league,” which led to Clarkson’s release. Stivetts’

season reads like a highlight reel. One day after playing in the outfield and belting a game-winning home run in the 12th inning of a scoreless game against the Brooklyn Grooms, Stivetts took the mound against them on August 6 and tossed the first no-hitter in Beaneaters history. Stivetts started and won both games of a doubleheader against the Louisville Colonels on September 5th. Stivetts (35-16) matched Nichols for the club lead in victories and tied for third most in the NL, completed 45 of 48 starts, logged 415⅔ innings, and fanned (180), just a few more than he walked (171). He also batted .296 and played in the outfield in 18 games.

In 1893 baseball moved the mound to its current distance and predictably scoring increased, but Stivetts was still considered one of hardest throwers of his time. In April of 1897 he hurt his arm, and it effectively ended his pitching career. He stayed in the majors for parts of the next two seasons as a utility player. He played his last game on June 12, 1899 at age 31.

Return to Ashland

Stivetts returned to his family in Ashland, where lived for the remainder of his life. He had married Margaret Ann Thomas on June 30, 1886, and together they raised six children. Like his father, Happy Jack ended up in a coal mine, but in a less dangerous role as a carpenter. He had also worked delivering beer during his playing days. Just 31 years old, Stivetts wasn’t finished with baseball. For the next decade, he played semipro ball for a number of local teams, flashing the heat that propelled him to the majors where he had posted a 203-132 slate and logged 2,887⅔ innings. When Ashland’s most famous citizen could no longer pitch, he managed and umpired in local leagues. Legend has it he mentored Lizzie Arlington of Mahanoy City. Arlington is the first woman to play for a professional baseball team in 1898. He died on April 18, 1930, from a heart attack after falling down a stairwell. He was 62 years old. He is buried in Ashland’s Brock Cemetery.

His Place in History

During his playing days he was considered one of the finest players of his era. There were many comparisons to the Hall Of Famer of early baseball. Like many players from his era, his accomplishments were forgotten as

America moved into the 20th century. Between his retirement and the first Hall Of Class in 1936, America went through a world of inventions, a World War, a pandemic, a boom and a depression. With another World War looming, historians, players and writers who would remember the pioneers began leaving the scene. There are many list, blogs and articles that have him as a top ten player of his decade. On top of being in the top 25 of almost every pitching category, he retired 63rd on

the all-time home run list. His homer run percentage was the same as the leader Roger O’Conner. Organizations such as SABR and other historians have been reevaluating and revisiting history. There has been a call to have the Hall revisit early baseball as more research is being done.

Information for the article is provided by newspapers.com, sabr.org, retrosheet.org and the Baseball Hall of Fame

How Video Games Help Boost Military Morale

(StatePoint) For military members, video games are not just a fun way to unwind during downtime, they can provide much-needed stress relief and an opportunity to connect with friends and family.

For these reasons, video games have had a place in USO centers over the past four decades -- from the early days of standup arcade games and pinball machines, to today’s modern video game consoles and livestreaming. In fact, the USO has taken its gaming initiative to the next level by outfitting more of its locations with dedicated gaming spaces, equipped with all the latest technology, as well as by hosting in-person and online video game events . Here are the top ways these initiatives benefit service members:

• Combating isolation: In recent surveys, time away from family because of military service is a top concern within the military community. Through gaming, military members can connect with loved

ones back home.

• Stress relief: About half of military and veteran video gamers specifically play video games in order to deal with military-related stress. Research conducted by the Department of Veteran Affairs shows that gaming can improve mental health by helping veterans cope with combatinduced trauma, by alleviating stress and by providing opportunities to bond with others.

• Building camaraderie: Gaming often encourages collaboration and can be an important way to socialize and make friends with fellow service members. USO locations are outfitted with a variety of gaming equipment and consoles designed specifically so that groups of service members can play together. This is significant, as studies show that playing video games on teams and with others can improve teamwork in daily life.

• Breaking barriers: Gaming allows service members of all ranks to step away from the chain of command and be on equal footing as they compete against and alongside one another. And thanks to dedicated spaces at USO centers around the world, such as the 2,500 squarefoot facility gaming center on Eglin Air Force Base in northwest Florida, service

members and their families can enjoy state-of-the-art systems and games at no cost.

• Engaging with the community: In addition to local gaming events at its individual centers, the USO hosts larger online gaming competitions, which are often livestreamed via Twitch. These competitions, which are occasionally open to the public and sometimes feature high-profile professional gamers, serve as a means for active military to engage with members of the community, bridging the civilian-military divide.

“Gaming’s ability to give service members a break from the pressure and responsibility of their daily missions, while building community and strengthening bonds, goes straight to the heart of our mission,” says Callum Fletcher, USO director of Global Gaming Operations. “Although video games are, in fact, games, for America’s military, they can be so much more.”

359

Monday-Friday 9-6, closed Wednesday Saturday 9-4, Sunday 9-3

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.

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)

This Section To Be Completed By Transit Agency Acceptable Proof Of Age Documents (One Required - Check And Include Applicable Information) Esta Seccion Debe Ser Completada Por La Agencia De Transito Documentos De Prueba De Edad Aceptables Se Requiere Uno Marque E Incluya La Información Correspondiente

Baptismal Certi cate - (Church Name And Address)

Certi cado De Bautismo (Nombre De Lglesia Y Direccion)

Birth Certi cate (#)

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.

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

4 Top Tech Devices to Enhance Education

(Family Features) Gone are the days of paper and pencil being the necessities for learning. Schoolwork has gone digital, meaning it’s time to gear up your students for success with the top tech that keeps them connected in the classroom and beyond.

From kid-friendly smartphones and earbuds to connected wearables and devices that keep learning fun, consider these on-trend solutions as your kids head back to school.

Find more schooltime tech by visiting Qualcomm.com/snapdragonbts.

Power

At-Home Productivity

- Students (and parents, too) can accomplish more after school like homework, studying and socializing with the Dell Inspiron 14 laptop powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 Compute Platform. Equipped with the Qualcomm AI Engine, this processor enhances audio and visual experiences. Effortlessly multitask and shift between apps without sacrificing speed or battery life, given the power-

efficient processor that helps deliver long battery life even in thin, light and quiet designs that don’t require a loud, hot fan.

Listen and Learn - Whether students are listening to prerecorded lessons, immersing themselves in audiobooks or simply enjoying some favorite music while completing schoolwork, high-quality earbuds can help block out noise for maximum productivity. For example, the Moto Buds 600 ANC Wireless Earbuds feature Snapdragon Sound technology that delivers advanced wireless audio quality. A game changer for wireless audio, it eliminates the gap between wireless and wired connections for high-resolution music and synced entertainment.

Opt for Kid-Friendly Wearables - If a smartphone is a bit too advanced for your little learners, an age-appropriate smartwatch that keeps them connected may be a better fit. Empower kids to be kids with an option like the Snapdragon

Wear 4100-powered Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 with a range of benefits from 4G LTE cellular connectivity to games and GPS-safe zones. This smartwatch is designed with safety and fun in mind without the distractions of a smartphone so you can have some peace of mind while keeping students focused in the classroom.

Keep In Touch During Schooldays

Hectic schedules during schooldays and workdays can leave parents feeling out of the loop. When your children are ready for a ride home or a practice, game or activity gets canceled, ensure you can be the first to know by keeping them connected with the OnePlus 11 5G powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform. It combines power with effortless elegance and is driven by extreme hardware with Dolby Atmos Speakers, Dolby Vision, 80W SUPERVOOC Charging and 3rd Gen Hasselblad Camera for Mobile.

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Color The Fall Scene

Answers on page 58

26. Sticker

28. Anger

29. His "4" was retired 30. ___ grass

45. ___ juice (milk)

46. Bang-up

49. Walk unsteadily

50. In a dry laconic manner

51. Very bad

52. Mojave plant

53. Low woody perennial plant 54. Check

55. Two-year-old sheep

56. Open-air market in an Arabian city 57. ___ Minor

59. "O" in old radio lingo

61. Computer image

63. New, revised new version

65. Ground cover

Solution on page 58

Being Proud Of Yourself

by Dr. Candice Dutko, DNP

A question I ask my clients each week with their weekly check-in is “What are you most proud of accomplishing this week?” I do this for a variety of reasons and I will share with you why. This practice is super simple and is something you can easily institute for yourself, even on a daily basis.

One reason I encourage clients to reflect on what they are most proud of is that it helps them to focus on the positive. For many people, the tendency is to focus on the negative and we can easily identify the many things that might not be going right. However, when you look close enough, there really are a number of things going well. I won’t deny the fact that some days you will have to look harder, but the wins are there. Some days, the circumstance that you might be most proud of is that you showed up even when you didn’t feel like it. Some days, you might be proud of eating the apple before you decide to have some chips. Not all wins will be super glamorous, but they are there.

A majority of the time in fitness, or in the process of improving our nutrition and overall health, it can seem like we are putting in the work, yet nothing is happening. We can work out for weeks (or months or years) without accomplishing personal bests. We can eat extremely well for weeks, and yet the scale doesn’t move. Therefore, it becomes all the more important to search for those small wins regularly to help keep us focused and on track towards our goals. In those cases, it might mean being proud of doing a movement with better quality, or being able to do something faster or more efficiently in a workout. When it comes to nutrition, maybe it’s being proud of being 65% consistent when previously I was 50% consistent. Neither of these things will in and of themselves make a huge difference in any one given day, but over time, these small wins stack up and before you know it, you have accomplished your goal.

Another reason I like to encourage selfreflection in regards to what someone is proud of for themselves, is that it

encourages them to focus on doing it for them and not for anyone else. Perhaps too many times in society today, people want everyone to be clapping for them or they want to be repeatedly reinforced that they are doing a good job when it is something they should be doing anyway. Think about how often we tell children we are proud of them. Over time, this may evolve to where the child is doing things to please their parent(s), teachers, etc. This isn’t 100% a terrible thing, however, is the child proud of themselves? Are they proud of the effort they put in? Are they proud of the accomplishment? Are we fostering the habit of doing things because we enjoy them and how they make us feel versus how we want someone else to feel? Similarly, I want my clients to make the effort to improve their health and wellbeing for THEM. Yes, I love the opportunity to be one of their biggest cheerleaders and I am absolutely proud of them and their hard work. However, as much as I would love to be, I won’t be with them forever. I want them to be able to continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle because it is important and meaningful to them, not because they want to please me or someone else in their life. Think about the example it sets when a parent who works out with me goes home and talks with their child about something they did in the gym and how proud they are of the accomplishment. It then sets the example for that child about the practice

and habit of doing things that make you yourself feel good, versus doing those same things to please others.

In closing, I read a great quote the other day and unfortunately I don’t know who to give the credit. It reads, “consistency is harder when no one is clapping for you. You must clap for yourself during those times, you should always be your biggest fan.” Consistency will always trump intensity (perhaps this will be my article next month!). Progress is really the sum of little efforts put in day in and day out…not any one thing you do for the short term or on any one given day. Therefore, look for those little wins day in and day out for yourself and you will find the overall process way more rewarding. Not to mention, when has negative self-talk ever helped us accomplish something great?

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 65 South Mountain Blvd. in Mountain Top. You can contact her at 570.704.6794 or check out her website at www.achievewellnessandfitness.com

Back and Hip Pain

By Dr. Eric Sherman - DNP, CRNP-BC

Many people suffer from pain in the back and hips. These problems can lead to issues with employment, decreased quality of life, and challenges in completing tasks of daily living. There are a variety of factors that can lead to increased pain in these areas. Symptoms can develop rapidly or worsen slowly over time. Many criteria must be considered when evaluating problems with the back and hips. Genetic factors, activity level, body mass index, prior injuries, body mechanics, and even proper footwear are all considerations when determining the origin of your pain. Identifying where the problem originates helps our team accurately diagnose and treat your pain. The process of educating our patients on the diagnoses helps them decide what course of treatment is best for their individual needs. Patient education is a valuable component of helping our patients lead their best life, our healthcare providers want you to be a partner in your healthcare. We aim to help you understand your diagnoses and to help you see the best results. Treatment programs may include physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, custom orthotic inserts for footwear, bracing, customized work restrictions, medication injections, or a variety of other conservative care measures. Surgery is the last option for many of our patients, less than one percent of the patients seen for back pain in our practice need surgical intervention. Our team can help you decide what treatments can help you live most functionally without having an operation. We can provide advice to help you understand if and when surgical intervention is the most appropriate option. Our healthcare providers can provide initial evaluations or provide a specialist’s view of a diagnosis that you may already have. We hope to see you soon at Mountain View Orthopaedics.

A WORD FROM OUR ADVERTISERS

We've been monthly advertisers with the Panorama for over a decade. Panorama continues to deliver new customers to our store.

- Terry, Owner of the Amish Pantry

Improve Your Running With Cross-Training

by Hannah Ropp, Lehigh Valley Health Network

Running injuries are common, especially if you are training for a race. Although you may want to run as much as possible to prepare, Steve Hultgren, Director, Sports Performance Initiatives, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute, says the best way to avoid injury is to incorporate cross-training into your fitness routine.

something that interests you. Some ideal activities for cross-training are aqua running, swimming, yoga, cycling, weight lifting and elliptical.

He also says it’s important to keep your goals in mind. “The idea behind crosstraining is to reduce the risk for injury. You don’t want to add additional high-impact activities or do too much cross-training,” he says.

The amount of cross-training you choose to incorporate into your fitness routine depends on your goals, interests and injury risk. Hultgren suggests one-tothree times per week. He also stresses the importance of having fun.

“You should enjoy cross-training as much as running. Take your dog on a hike or join a group class. Overall, have fun,” he says.

Hultgren

“The idea behind cross-training is to reduce the risk for injury. You don’t want to add additional high-impact activities or do too much cross-training.” - Steve

Cross-training is the practice of including exercise outside of your main sport to improve your overall fitness. As a runner, you may want to incorporate swimming, walking or biking into your fitness routine to continue building endurance while giving your joints a well-deserved break from the impact of running.

“Most running injuries are from overuse,” Hultgren says. “By crosstraining, runners can continue to build strength and endurance while minimizing the risk for injury.”

Benefits of cross-training - Many runners would prefer to do any type of running workout, but there are advantages to cross-training. While the benefits of cross-training are endless, Hultgren feels there are five that hold the most value.

Injury prevention – Running is a highimpact activity and can be hard on your joints. Cross-training reduces the amount of impact on your joints, bones and tendons, and helps prevent overuse injuries.

Rehabilitation – If you suffered an injury, cross-training is a great way to stay fit while not being able to run or to ease back into running. Coaches with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Sports Performance Program can help design a program to fit your needs.

Motivation – Cross-training adds variety to your workout routine and can keep you feeling motivated.

Improved running fitness – Hultgren says adding an aerobic activity like cycling, elliptical or jumping rope can improve your cardiovascular health, which also will help improve your running.

Active recovery – Performing a low-impact activity following a highimpact activity, like running, is known as active recovery and another form of crosstraining. Hultgren says active recovery can help reduce soreness and keep muscles flexible.

Get started - There are many activities that are appropriate for cross-training.

Hultgren recommends choosing

Join Us for a Grand Opening Event: Unveiling NEPA

Vascular Institute's New HBOT and Wound Care Services

NEPA Vascular Institute is thrilled to announce the grand opening of our advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) services at their Berwick location. This grand opening event presents an excellent opportunity for you to explore our cutting-edge facility and witness firsthand the advanced care we are bringing to our patients. We are excited to extend a special invitation to you for a momentous occasion that marks a significant step forward in healthcare services in our community.

Date:Wednesday, September 6, Time:3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location:NEPA Vascular Institute at 1918 W Front St, Berwick, PA 18603

During the event, you can:

• Tour our state-of-the-art facility and explore the Hyperbaric Chamber suite.

• Engage with our expert medical staff and gain insights into the unique benefits of our services.

*

• John A. Guerriero III, DO RFVI

• Mike Levandowski, CRNP

• Luis L. Nadal, MD

• Christopher Borgna, PA

• Network with fellow healthcare professionals and exchange knowledge and ideas.

• Enjoy refreshments and light snacks.

HBOT, known for its remarkable therapeutic benefits, is a groundbreaking addition to our service offerings. Our wound care services, tailored to enhance patient outcomes, are another hallmark of our commitment to delivering comprehensive and innovative medical care.

To RSVP or inquire further about the event, please feel free to contact us at (570) 616-8589 or visit our website at nepavascular.com.

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

- Tom Chegwidden, Publicity Team, (GHCS)

Q: A:

What is the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline?

In recent years, there have been many studies that link hearing loss to cognitive decline. Although cognitive decline tends to be a normal part of aging, hearing loss has been found to be an accelerating factor. When our brain gets used to not hearing necessary sounds, the rate at which our brain processes information can become slower. It has also been found that when our brain is not hearing and processing sounds, the pathways to our brain and

Hot Weather

by Stephen Schleicher, MD

Whoever no longer believes in global warming please raise your hand. Hopefully not too many of you given that July was the hottest month ever, temperatures out west seemed to never dip below 100 degrees, and a portion of Hawaii went up in flames. Heat is certainly tough on our skin but what about the rest of our body?

An article this summer in the New York Times explores this very issue and concludes the following: “hot weather can destabilize mood, exacerbate mental health disorders and complicate drug treatment. Climate change itself is a stressor.”

Researchers found that high temperatures are strongly associated with an increase in suicides, a rise in violent crime and aggression, and an increased number pf emergency room visits and hospitalizations for mental disorders, and deaths. Persons who suffer from psychosis, dementia, or substance abuse are most severely

Continued on page 45

cells can actually shrink due to lack of stimulation. This in turn, can lead to a person experiencing social isolation due to being unable to properly hear a conversation and participate. When this happens, a person tends to want to stay at home, rather than risk embarrassment of responding incorrectly or off topic. The proper use of hearing aids has been

shown to lower one’s risk for cognitive decline. Wearing hearing aids not only allows a person to hear better, but also keeps a person engaged and participating in social events. No matter one’s age, it is never too early to visit an audiologist and have a hearing test conducted. This will ensure that hearing loss does not negatively affect one’s everyday life.

Back To School Chiropractic Care

by Twisted Roots Chiropractic

Back To School Means Getting Back in Line. Back in line for class. Back in line for recess. Back in line for the best adjustment to keep you going strong.

Here at Twisted Roots, we set you up for success from the moment you enter our office because we get to the ROOT of your problem.

We see patients from newborn and up. For children we can help with a whole array of issues like bed wetting, excessive drooling, earaches, proper walking, and more. The sky's the limit with us. We examine you from head to toe and do not miss a beat because when you are here, we treat you like family.

School season is flu season and all the other illnesses that come with school aged children. Get ahead and stay ahead with your nervous system in check.

Visits to the chiropractor can help reduce allergy & asthma flare-ups, help lower the number of colds, ear and sinus infections and other illnesses your child brings home. Regular visits can also help reduce the likelihood of injuries and can help keep your child’s spine aligned correctly due to carrying heavy backpacks daily. Kids also do better in school with a good night’s sleep… we can help with that, too!

Have you made your child’s backto-school visit yet? If not, schedule an appointment with us and we will arrange a convenient time for you. We are located at 110 N. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top, PA. Book you appointment online at www. twistedrootschiropractic.com or call our office 570-261- 7792.

New patients of all ages are always welcome!

LVHN Heart Program Among Country’s 100 Best

Becker’s Hospital Review, a noted publication in the health care industry, recently named Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) as one of 100 hospitals or health systems in the country with a great heart program.

For LVHN, that’s Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute.

Becker’s, in releasing the list, said the featured hospitals and health systems are widely recognized for their outstanding heart care. It noted the list commemorates programs that deliver quality outcomes, employ highly skilled team members and lead research in the heart care field.

Did you know? The Lehigh Valley's first open-heart surgery was performed in April 1970 by Antonio Panebianco, MD, at the former Allentown Hospital, 17th and Chew streets.

Becker’s Healthcare, which produces Becker’s Hospital Review, said it was “thrilled to honor hospitals and health systems with exceptional cardiology programs that are actively improving the lives of heart patients throughout the nation.”

“Our expertise is reflected in the lives we touch and save each day, in the research we conduct and in the education we provide. Being recognized by Becker’s reflects the passion and dedication of each colleague throughout the Heart and Vascular Institute.”

Ronald Freudenberger, MD, Physician in Chief, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular

Hot Weather - Continued from page 43

affected. The article points out that many adverse effects of heat are related to disturbance in sleep. “Days or weeks of sleeping in overly warm rooms can not only exacerbate chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, but also negatively affect psychiatric disorders, suicide risk, memory, mood and cognitive function.” And to make matters worse, rising temperatures are increasing the range of ticks and mosquitos, unwelcome parasites that transmit a number of serious diseases including Lyme and malaria. Indeed, a case of locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria was just reported in Maryland. Is Pennsylvania next? Better get used to it; global warming is here to stay.

Institute.

Behind the honor - “Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is far and away the largest and best heart program in the region,” says Ronald Freudenberger, MD, Physician in Chief for the Heart and Vascular Institute.

“Our expertise is reflected in the lives we touch and save each day, in the research we conduct and in the education we provide. Being recognized by Becker’s reflects the passion and dedication of each colleague throughout the Heart and Vascular Institute.”

Becker’s called out Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiovascular and interventional cardiology fellowships, and noted

home monitoring and remote patient monitoring services were offered for patients with heart rhythm disorders, congestive heart failure and heart failure.

“Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute excels in many treatment areas, including heart failure, its women’s heart program, cardio-oncology, and much more,” Freudenberger says. “Our clinicians are part of the future of heart and cardiovascular health care.”

The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team assessed rankings and awards from reputable organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group and more. The team also accepted nominations for its list.

Understanding ‘Warning Strokes’

What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

(Family Features) Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke.

While a TIA, which is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, doesn’t cause permanent damage, nearly 1 in 5 people who have a suspected TIA will have a stroke within three months, according to a scientific statement published in the American Heart Association journal “Stroke.” Additionally, almost half will occur within two days – which is why TIAs are often described as warning strokes.

People with cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and smoking, are at high risk for stroke and

TIA. Other conditions that increase risk include peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation, obstructive sleep apnea and coronary artery disease. In addition, a person who has had a prior stroke is at high risk for TIA.

TIA symptoms are the same as

stroke symptoms, only temporary. They begin suddenly and may have any or all these characteristics:

• Symptoms begin strong then fade

• Symptoms typically last less than an hour

• Facial droop

• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

• Trouble finding the right words or slurred speech

• Dizziness, vision loss or trouble walking

The F.A.S.T. acronym for stroke symptoms can also be used to identify a TIA: F – face drooping or numbness; A – arm weakness; S – speech difficulty; T – time to call 9-1-1, even if the symptoms go away.

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

Given the appropriate scan, 2 in 5 people will learn they actually had a stroke rather than a TIA, according to the scientific statement, which highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical attention. Upon arrival to the emergency room, a series of tests may be completed after assessing symptoms and medical history, including a CT scan, MRI and blood tests.

Please Call

• CT Scan – a non-contrast scan used to look at the blood vessels in the head and neck to rule out brain bleeding and TIA mimics (conditions that share some signs with TIAs but are due to other medical conditions such as low blood sugar, seizure or migraine). A CT scan may also be used to assess the neck arteries; nearly half

Are You On Medicare?

by John Degenhart, DC

Our country was built by people who worked hard, sometimes multiple jobs, for 40-50 years. I love when patients on Medicare come to my office. They will say something like, “I have lived in pain for years, and my doctors ran all the tests. Bloodwork, x-rays, maybe even CAT scans and MRI’s. I tried pain medication, shots, and PT, but with my age, I was sort of afraid to get adjusted by a chiropractor. But

of people with TIA symptoms have narrowing of the large arteries leading to the brain.

• MRI – The preferred way to rule out a brain injury, such as a stroke, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically done within 24 hours of symptoms beginning. Because some emergency rooms may not have access to an MRI scanner, patients may be admitted to the hospital or transferred to a center. About 40% of patients who go to the emergency room with TIA symptoms are diagnosed with a stroke based on MRI results.

• Blood Tests – Blood work will typically be completed to rule out conditions that may cause TIA-like symptoms, such as low blood sugar or infection, and check for cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and high cholesterol.

Once a TIA is diagnosed, a cardiac checkup should be completed within a week of having a TIA, if not done in the emergency room. Consultation with a neurologist should also be completed within 48 hours (no longer than one week) after experiencing a TIA, as early consultation with a brain specialist is associated with lower death rates after a TIA.

To learn more and find additional resources, visit Stroke.org.

everybody says that your technique is more gentle, so I thought I would give you a try”.

It’s exciting for me, for almost 43 years, to get these patient maybe 50% better, some 80% better. To see them get more active, travel again, do more with their grand and great grandchildren. Then when I explain to them that Medicare pays for chiropractic care, they are excited.

They are on a fixed income, so after their deductible is met and if they have a secondary insurance, they are happy to feel better and have their bills paid for by Medicare. They don’t even need a referral from their primary doctor; they can just call us.

Once they are as good as I can get them, some come in once a month for wellness care, that the patient pays for themselves. Others decide to wait until they overwork in their gardens, and then they call us to improve their painful episode, and we can bill Medicare again.

I spell this out for you because if you are on Medicare, many of you live in pain that some of that pain can be corrected. And we use a more gentle drop-piece table at my office, with no cracking of your back or neck. Yet it is still highly effective. So if you are on Medicare, give us a call, to improve your future!

Is The Air In Your Home Under Control?

by the HVAC experts at S.J. Kowalski

Call S.J. KOWALSKI, INC. TODAY at 570-455-2600 for an in house consultation on your air quality.

Dry air can be a problem in almost any home during the winter, especially homes that require forced-air heating. During the winter months, the combination of cool outdoor air and forced furnace heat can cause your home to be drier than the Sahara Desert.

Air that is not properly humidified has serious implications:

Low relative humidity makes you more susceptible to catching a cold and flu viruses.

The respiratory infections caused by cold and flu viruses are a leading trigger of asthma in children. Static shock, dry skin, itchy eyes, and a sore throat can all be traced back to air that’s not properly humidified.

Dry air can also cause structural damage to your home and possessions, the result can be costly. It can cause walls, woodwork, and hardwood floors to crack. And those annoying static shocks! They can cause irreparable damage to your electronic equipment.

There’s also the impact dry air has on your energy bill. Dry air makes you feel colder at normal

temperatures, causing you to overheat your home.

According to the Environmental Protection agency, for every degree you heat your house, you add four percent to the cost of your energy bill.

Dry air is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a threat to your family’s health, comfort, and budget.

Thankfully, with Aprilaire, there’s something you can do to control the humidity in your home. Healthy air is within reach with Aprilaire. While dry air can make your home both uncomfortable and unhealthy, there’s no need for you and your family to suffer. Aprilaire whole-home humidifiers can help. They are installed as part of your home’s heating and cooling system and automatically deliver the perfect amount of humidified air, throughout every room of your home.

An Aprilaire whole-home humidifier can help control health. Maintaining an ideal humidity level between 40% and 60% throughout your home keeps your nasal passages and airways healthy and reduces incidence of cold and flu.

In an article in the New York State Journal of Medicine, regulation of humidity “would appear to be

the most important prevention measure” from cold virus infection during cold months when the home’s furnace is running.

Protect your home. You’ve invested a lot into your home— protect it. An Aprilaire humidifier can help keep your possessions safe from dry air. Furniture, hardwood floors, musical instruments, and electronics are better protected when your home is properly humidified.

Increase comfort and energy efficiency. Optimal humidity also helps you stay warmer at cooler temperatures. That means you can lower your thermostat and save energy , lowering heating costs.

See us at the Bloomsburg Fair 17 Free Stage Blvd. September 22 to September 30th

Color Inspiration for a Comforting, Relaxing Home

(Family Features) Updating your home can provide the perfect opportunity to explore new design styles or refresh living spaces with a new color scheme. In fact, a coat of paint can help set the mood for entire rooms in your home.

By turning to nature-inspired designs, you can create a sense of comfort and relaxation. A hybrid color, like Valspar's 2024 Color of the Year, Renew Blue, is gentle and airy with a touch of blue to set a restful and meditative mood. The grayed sea green - inspired by fleeting things such as fog, mist, clouds and glacier lakes - is a seasonless and versatile hue that features a mid-tone blue with warm undertones and can be used in outdoor living spaces and fourseason rooms alike.

"This mid-tone shade has become popular for wellness environments over the years due to its low saturation level, which evokes a sense of rest and calm," said Sue Kim, Valspar's director of color marketing. "The harmonious green and blue open the possibility for outdoor applications, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior."

To help elevate the mood in your home, consider implementing Renew Blue into one of these popular design trends that can update the look of nearly any of your indoor or outdoor spaces.

Coastal

Coastal looks are timeless designs that have remained relevant for years because of their positive correlation to calming beach locations. Perfect for outdoor spaces like the backyard, you can implement a more curated and personal take on the trend by shifting from "typical" coastal design that pairs beachy hues with natural textures like rope, driftwood and wicker to something more classic and natural like the Cape Cod variation by working in some nautical touches like anchors, oars or seashells.

Modern Farmhouse

In the entryway, using beautiful and functional decor, such as unique ceramics and handwoven textiles, helps usher in a modern rustic style. By using timeless tones and accents, as well as layering heritage art, you can create visual

mystery while elevating the ordinary to make your home feel warm and welcoming to guests from the moment they walk through the door.

Nordic Comfort

Modern Traditional is a style that came together over time, and the Hygge look is a refined take. It pulls elementary cues from traditional farmhouse style but has shakerinspired elements mixed in and is done with a slightly modern twist. It can make a larger space like the kitchen feel welcoming, open, carefully curated and warm.

Modern Boho

Boho is a nature-loving and freespirited style connected to earthy and botanical elements. From handmade decor to vintage metallic finishes, this style reimagines the past and elevates everyday spaces like bathrooms into personal retreats designed with wellness in mind.

Pastel Wabi-Sabi

Leaning into the modern sentiment of "less is more," this style reflects a naturally minimalist design aesthetic and showcases

color coordination with mood-boosting hues and joyful color. Perfect for nurseries and other spaces that should be bright and welcoming, pieces with pared-back, welcoming shapes and silhouettes that allow quality natural materials to shine are perfect for decorating the room.

Visit Valspar.com to find more on-trend home design inspiration and order up to 10 free paint chips to be delivered to your home to see how your favorite colors will fit your space.

How To Protect Your Deck To Keep It Lasting Longer

(BPT) - If you have a deck, it's probably one of your favorite - and most used - spaces, especially when it's warm outside. But time, usage and weather can all take their toll on your family hangout spot. The good news is, even if you're a novice DIYer, it's easy to protect your deck and keep it looking great in just a few simple steps, and doing the job yourself can save money and help you avoid more work on it in the future.

Now is a great time to clean, stain and seal your deck. Here's how to ensure the job is done well.

1. Check your deck -When was the last time you assessed the condition of your deck? Look for issues like dirt, mildew, algae or old stain coating that's peeling - plus damaged, cracked or warped wood that may need to be replaced. Try the "splash test" - splash a

little water on the deck and watch how quickly the water is absorbed. If the water is rapidly absorbed into the wood, that means it's no longer protected from the elements and needs attention.

2. Clean it up - While you might be tempted to rent a power washer to clean your deck, it's not recommended, as power washing can damage wood - especially if you're inexperienced in using this tool. Instead, choose a deck cleaner designed specifically to clean decks in preparation for staining and sealing.

If you see dirt and stains but no coating peeling off, an exterior cleaner like Thompson's WaterSeal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner will work on any type of wood. If you see old peeling coating, however, Thompson's WaterSeal Maximum Strength Deck Stripper is the strongest option to help remove old stain.

Make sure to follow the instructions on whatever product you use for cleaning your deck, and don't forget the rails or benches. If you have several boards that vary in color, a solid color stain would get you a more consistent color, transparent stains will show more

wood grain, and semi-transparent stains add more color and protection while keeping some of the wood grain visible.

3. Refresh and protect - Once your deck is cleaned, you can start to envision the effect you want. Would you like to see more natural wood grain, a little grain, or almost none? Design experts often choose a dark or light deck color to provide a strong contrast to the color of the home's exterior. You can also use different color stain on the railings and benches of your deck for visual interest. If you're unsure what look you want, try a small sample area first to see how it appears once the stain is dry.

To make staining and protecting your deck easier, Thompson's WaterSeal products provide yearround protection in just one coat - with specialized water-beading formulas to help prevent water damage. Choose from four stain and wood sealer products depending on the look you want: Clear Wood Sealer shows all wood grain, Transparent Wood Sealer shows the most wood grain, Semi-Transparent Wood Sealer shows some wood grain and Solid Color Wood Sealer shows little wood grain.

Measuring your deck, including railings and benches, helps you determine the amount of stain you'll need. Read the product instructions carefully before using. You'll find useful information including weather guidelines and recommended temperature ranges for application. For example, it's best to avoid windy and rainy days as well as high temps when your deck boards are very hot.

Also check product labels for recommended wait times between cleaning and staining. Thompson's WaterSeal Wood Sealers require waiting 48 hours before applying deck coating.

4. Maintain your beautiful new deck - To help ensure that your deck stays looking great even longer, keep your deck free of leaves, dust, dirt and snow. Visually check your deck for trouble spots and do the "splash test" every year, so it will stay in good condition as long as possible.

Using these tips, you should be able to protect and revitalize your deck so you and your family can continue enjoying it for years to come.

Pro tip: You can seal and protect other surfaces in your outdoor space beyond decks and fences, including concrete and stone patio pavers, using products like Thompson's Multi-Surface Waterproofer.

Ready to get started? Learn more about how to protect your deck at ThompsonsWaterSeal.com.

How Auto Retailers Across The Country Are Making Wishes Come True

(BPT) - For Elijah, age 6, of Westchester County, New York, life hasn't been easy since he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, a recent surprise has given him and his family a bright spot in an incredibly challenging time in their lives.

Elijah arrived at Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru, thinking he was going to look at cars with his family. But when he walked in, he was surprised by a large group of friends, family and community members with a party to celebrate his wish reveal.

Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru partnered with Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley to host a send-off party in its showroom, featuring an oversized "boarding pass" for Elijah's first time on an airplane, along with cake, favors and exciting gifts for his upcoming trip to a major theme park in Orlando.

"We know how physically and emotionally difficult medical treatments can be for children and their families," said Christopher Flood, general manager of Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru. "As a supporter of MakeA-Wish Hudson Valley, we hope to provide local children like Elijah with strength and positivity to fight against

a critical illness."

Changing lives, one wish at a time

According to Make-A-Wish, approximately 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year and research shows that granting wishes can improve children's quality of life and produce better health outcomes. When a wish is granted, it brings lasting impact to wish kids, their loved ones and their community.

Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru is one of a dozen Subaru retailers across the country helping to grant children's wishes as part of its national "Week of Wishes" initiative to make a lasting impact for wish children, their families and entire communities.

"Subaru and its retailers continue to provide support and exceed expectations for creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses nationwide," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "We are incredibly thankful for our longstanding partnership and look forward to continuing to work together to provide hope to wish kids and their families through initiatives like Week of Wishes, the Subaru Share the Love® Event and more."

Sharing the love

Elijah is just one inspiring example of the children across the U.S. whose wish has been granted thanks to the partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish. Some of this year's "Week of Wishes" surprises also included:

* Chloe, age 12, who wished for a "cheer cave" basement makeover. Quality Subaru in Wallingford, Connecticut, hosted a cheer-themed celebration where Chloe, her friends and family got a sneak peek of what her cheer cave will look like when complete.

* Alejandro, age 13, who wished to go on a shopping spree. He arrived at Garcia Subaru North in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for a red-carpet surprise party before being whisked away in a limo for his shopping adventure at a local mall.

* Lillian, age 4, who wished to play in the sunshine on St. Johns Island. AutoNation Subaru Hilton Head, in Hardeeville, South Carolina, hosted a beach-themed send-off party to surprise the Bluffton resident.

* Goel, age 14, who wished for a gaming system. Autobarn Subaru of Countryside in Countryside, Illinois, hosted a gaming-themed bash along with exciting gifts for his brand-new console.

Through the annual Subaru Share the Love Event, more than 600 Subaru retailers across the country have partnered with Make-A-Wish to help support children and families impacted by a critical illness. Since 2011, the automaker and its retailers have helped grant more than 3,300 wishes in the U.S.

Subaru is the largest automotive donor to Make-A-Wish, and this partnership is just one of the many ways the automaker realizes its vision to show love and respect to all people at every interaction. To learn more about the automaker's long-standing partnership with Make-A-Wish, visit Wish.org/Subaru.

How To Choose The Right Car Seat

(Family Features) As a parent, one of the most important purchases you'll make for your child is a car seat. It's important to choose a car seat that properly fits both your child and your car, as car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 12 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As your children grow, you'll need to change the mode of their car seat to accommodate their weight and height. There are four recommended stages of child restraint usage: rear-facing harness, forward-facing harness, belt-positioning booster seat and seat belt. Different car seats offer different varieties of these modes of use, so families can choose a product that fits best with their child's needs.

For example, the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat is a firstin-market seat that provides added longevity and value with its kidcentric design that accommodates children from 4-120 pounds and up to 12 years of age. The car seat features five modes of use to help children

through each stage, including a rear-facing harness, forwardfacing harness, both high-back and backless boosters and a removable seat belt trainer. Additional features include a space-saving slim design, SnugLock technology for quick and easy installation, a 10-position headrest and harness, removable inserts and rotating cupholders.

To help choose the right car seat for your child with safety top of mind, Graco curated a stage-by-stage guide to help meet first-time and growing family needs, following guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Stage 1: Rear-Facing Harness

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in a rear-facing car seat in the vehicle backseat for as long as possible, until they reach the specified weight or height limit of the car seat for optimal protection while riding in the car.

While many parents bring their children home from the hospital in an infant carrier, which is a portable seat with a stay-in-vehicle base, designed specifically for newborns and small babies, there are other rear-facing options. Convertibles and all-in-one seats have higher weight limits than infant carriers, allowing children to remain rear-facing up to 40-50

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pounds.

Stage 2: Forward-Facing Harness

When children outgrow their rearfacing car seats, they should be buckled in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and top tether in the vehicle backseat until they reach the maximum height or weight for the seat, typically around age 5-6.

Stage 3: Belt-Positioning Booster Seats

Once children outgrow their forward-facing car seats with a harness, they should be buckled in a high-back belt-positioning booster seat (for children 40-100 pounds) to provide added neck and head support followed by a backless beltpositioning booster seat (for children 40-120 pounds) in the backseat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly across their laps and shoulders without a booster seat, which usually occurs between 9-12 years old.

Stage 4: Seat Belt

Approximately 31% of parents

transition their children from a highback booster directly to a vehicle seat belt, according to a survey fielded by Ipsos. To ride safely, many children need assistance with seat belt fit until age 8-12. The 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat features a removable Seat Belt Trainer that helps guide the seat belt into the correct position to help keep children safer for longer while still allowing them to feel like big kids.

Once the seat belt fits properly, children no longer need to use a booster seat. This means that they can sit all the way back against the vehicle seat with knees bent at the edge of the seat, the lap belt sitting low on their hips and upper thighs (not the stomach), the shoulder belt fitting across the collarbone and sitting flush with the torso - they can stay seated this way for the entire ride.

To learn more and find the right car seat for your child's needs, visit gracobaby.com.

PennDOT reminds motorists that wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost are a few driving hazards they will encounter this fall, but there are steps drivers can take to help make their commutes safer.

As leaves begin to fall, wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They also can obscure traffic lines and other pavement markings, making driving in unfamiliar areas particularly difficult. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution on leaf-covered roadways.

Other fall hazards for motorists can be fog and sun glare. When driving in fog, motorists should use low beam headlights since the high beam setting creates glare and reduces visibility. Not only will headlights enhance visibility of your vehicle, state law requires headlights be on when wipers are in use.

Sun glare can be most problematic during sunrise and sunset, which coincide with morning and evening rush hours. The intense glare from the sun on the horizon can blind a driver, causing an unexpected traffic slowdown. Drivers can prepare for the glare by keeping a set of sunglasses handy, removing clutter from their sun visors and keeping the inside of their vehicle's windshield clean.

Also, morning frost and icy spots on the road can also cause problems as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Motorists should pay particular attention to bridges, overpasses and shaded areas on roadways where icy spots can form on the pavement. In addition to exercising caution while driving, motorists should clear their vehicles' windows of frost before

PennDOT offers the following fall driving tips:

Increase your following distance in severe weather, at dusk and dawn and when in an area with wet leaves. If you are being tailgated, let the other driver pass.

Check your vehicle's headlights, taillights and turn signals to ensure they are working properly since darkness will be a part of many driver's morning and/or evening commutes. Make sure you turn on your headlights as the sunlight fades.

Have your vehicle's heating and wiper systems checked to ensure they are working properly.

Be sure you have tires with sufficient tread depth in case of an early season snow.

Fall Roadway Hazards Include Deer

Autumn brings an increase in deer activity, and drivers are reminded to watch carefully for deer darting across and along roadways.

Fall marks the deer's breeding season, and deer pay less attention and become bolder as they move around more and travel greater distances seeking mates. Primarily nocturnal feeders, deer are most active between sunset and sunrise. Other factors that affect the travel patterns of deer in the fall are farmers actively harvesting the last of their crops and preparing for spring planting, increased activity

in the woods from hunters seeking game and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the last remaining days of good weather.

By following a few safety tips, motorists and outdoor enthusiasts can help reduce the possibility of being involved in a crash with a deer.

Remember to:

Slow down and use caution, particularly where deer crossing signs are posted and increase following distance between vehicles;

Make young drivers aware of increased deer movement;

Be especially watchful during morning and evening hours when wildlife is most active;

Exercise caution when one deer crosses a roadway. Since deer often travel in small herds, one deer

will usually be followed by others; Always wear your seat belt; Never drive impaired; and Turn on your headlights if your wipers are on — it's the law.

If a dead deer presents an obvious safety hazard on state roadways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.