Blairstown News

Their debut album is called "Which Way World,'' and their fans would tell you, this way.

Yards Creek Scout Reservation was the site of the Pahaquarra District Klondike Derby Jan.

Young people ages 16 – 21 who hail from Sussex or northern Warren counties are encouraged to check out the Youth Connections training and education program which was recently launched at Project Self-Sufficiency. The free service is designed for youth who are no longer enrolled in school, or those who have graduated from high school but who may be struggling with literacy. Youth Connections helps guide participants through GED testing, job training, and placement at a work site, in college or the military. The program helps to fill a gap for those who have dropped out of high school, or high school graduates who may not have achieved a sufficient level of literacy, and who are consequently struggling in the current job market, noted Project Self-Sufficiency’s Executive Director, Deborah Berry-Toon. “Youth Connections program utilizes all of the tools we currently have in place at Project Self-Sufficiency, and targets them to high school drop-outs, learning disabled students, those who are recovering from substance abuse, young people who are currently living below the poverty line, or those who are struggling in other areas. From intake to job placement, this program gives these young participants the keys to a new and productive future.” Once a participant is accepted into the program, they can expect to undergo a battery of assessment testing followed by help with attaining their GED, life skills training, pre-employment training, and other remedial education efforts. Childcare, lunch and limited transportation assistance is available to all participants. Upon completion of their education, participants will be placed in internships, followed by placement in paid employment, college or the military. Follow up support will be provided by Project Self-Sufficiency staff to ensure that the newly-minted workers are faring well in their positions.

After his wife died in January 2010, the 6-foot-4-inch Phillipsburg man dropped nearly 50 pounds in a year and a half.

Budding entrepreneurs are invited to attend a free seminar on Tuesday, February 28th, at 10:00 a.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency to help them decide if starting a business is appropriate for their personality and lifestyle. The session is free and open to the public, but registration is required. “Starting your own business can be an exciting and rewarding experience that offers numerous advantages, such as the ability to be your own boss, set your own schedule and make a living doing something you enjoy,” commented Patrice Green, Coordinator of the Career & Employment Center at Project Self-Sufficiency. “Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires sound planning, creativity and hard work. It also involves taking risks because all businesses require some form of financial investment. This workshop will explore the qualities required of entrepreneurs and provide participants with the tools necessary to get started.” Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including more than 30,000 children. The Entrepreneur seminar will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, on Tuesday, February 28th at 10:00 a.m. Attendance is free, but registration is required. To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

It may only be February, but if you haven't enrolled your kids in summer camp yet, time is running out! "We have a lot of people getting information right now and taking tours" said Tom Riddleberger, director of Campus Kids New Jersey in Blairstown.

Project Self-Sufficiency will sponsor a free seminar about the expungement of prior criminal records on Tuesday, February 21st from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The forum will discuss the steps necessary for officially erasing a defendant’s criminal record, as well as the procedure for initiating the process. The presentation, which will be facilitated by Carmen Liuzza, Esquire, is free and open to the public but advance registration is required. The seminar will be offered at Project Self-Sufficiency’s campus, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Project Self-Sufficiency provides a variety of legal education services to participants, including one-on-one consultations, pro se divorce workshops, legal clinics for assistance with the preparations of family law motions, and monthly legal forums. Funding for the agency’s legal education services programs are provided in part by the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 18,000 families, including more than 30,000 children. The Expungement seminar will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, 127 Mill Street in Newton, on Tuesday, February 21st. Attendance is free, but registration is required. To register, call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Project Self-Sufficiency will sponsor a free seminar about issues related to Family Law on Wednesday, February 8th, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the agency’s campus, located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The program will address child support, grounds for divorce, court procedures, custody, alimony, parenting time, equitable distribution of assets, and other topics related to divorce. The presentation, which will be facilitated by Ann Pompelio, Esquire, is free and open to the public. Project Self-Sufficiency provides a variety of free legal education services to participants, including one-on-one consultations, pro se divorce workshops, clinics for assistance with the preparation of child support motions, and monthly forums on a variety of topics. Funding for the agency’s legal services programs is provided in part by the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including more than 30,000 children. The Family Law seminar will be held at the agency’s Newton campus, which is located at 127 Mill Street. Attendance is free, and open to the public, but registration is required. To register call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

A free seminar about Non-Traditional Careers will be offered to teens and adults on Thursday, February 23rd, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Project Self-Sufficiency. New Jersey Superior Court Judge Lorraine Parker and Rabbi Cathy L. Felix will be joined by Corporal Sue Parkes and Heavy Equipment Operator Christine Carman for a discussion of their background, education and the tasks that accompany their unique professions. Questions from the audience will be welcome. “Becoming You: Non-Traditional Careers” will touch on positions in law enforcement, the judiciary, construction and the ministry. The seminar is free and open to teens and adults, but registration is required. “Anyone weighing their career options or thinking about post-secondary training and education would benefit from the ‘Becoming You’ series,” notes Deborah Berry-Toon, Project Self-Sufficiency’s Executive Director. “We are particularly grateful to the professionals in our area who have taken time out of their busy schedules to offer hope, inspiration and direction to those in attendance.” “Becoming You: Non-Traditional Careers” will be held at Project Self-Sufficiency, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton, on Thursday, February 23rd from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to teens and adults, but registration is required. To register for “Becoming You: Non-Traditional Careers” call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500.

Project Self-Sufficiency was proud to award graduation certificates to 18 women who successfully completed the agency’s “Higher Opportunities for Women” program recently. The 16-week training program combines computer training with courses in workplace etiquette, and eventually places all of the participants in an internship at a local job site. More than 700 women have graduated from the program since its inception in 1986. “The comprehensive ‘HOW’ program prepares participants to seek entry-level office administrative positions,” explains Project Self-Sufficiency’s Career Center Coordinator Patrice Green. “In addition to 80 hours of computer skills training, the HOW Program includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours at an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares participants to successfully venture into the job market.” Participants learn basic Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and Excel in Project Self-Sufficiency’s state-of-the-art Career Center. Classroom time is devoted to careering instruction, life skills training and interviewing strategies. Participants are then placed in local workplaces to hone their new computer skills with hands-on learning experiences at facilities like Sussex County Community College, the Sussex County Courthouse and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “Project Self-Sufficiency externs have been a valuable addition to our office staff at Rutgers Cooperative Extension,” commented Brian Olesak, Agricultural Program Associate at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. “The externs are well-trained, professional and ready to assist us in our outreach and research efforts. We have been very satisfied in our partnerships with Project Self-Sufficiency.”

A 41-year-old Blairstown woman was charged with driving while her license was suspended and driving an unregistered, uninsured vehicle, police said.

Project Self-Sufficiency will be offering a variety of computer classes in February, including a basic Introduction to Personal Computers, an advanced class in Microsoft Excel, an introductory course in Microsoft Word, as well as a course in Quickbooks. The agency also offers a course designed specifically for men. All classes will take place in the agency’s Career Center, which is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. The fee for each class is $10, with the exception of the free “Careering 101” and “Careering 102” courses. Computer class students must be registered Family Success Center or Project Self-Sufficiency participants; members of the public are welcome to use the agency’s computer labs for job searches, and receive assistance with career and financial management skills, through the agency’s Universal Access program. A basic Introduction to Personal Computers will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 7th – 23rd, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. This introductory course is designed for first-time computer users or people with limited computer experience. Students will learn computer basics, including the different components of the computer and the performance of simple procedures. Fundamental keyboarding skills and a brief overview of popular software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Access will also be discussed. An introductory course in Microsoft Word will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, February 6th – 27th, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 7th – 23rd, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Students will learn word-processing techniques, including the creation of professional-looking letters, faxes, newsletters and other documents, as well as the use of mail merge features used to print address labels and address letters to multiple recipients. Participation in the introductory level Microsoft Word course is required prior to registration in the advanced class.

A panel of health care professionals recently shared their insights and experiences with teens and adults at Project Self-Sufficiency’s “Becoming You: Health Care Careers” seminar. Surgeon Dr. Michelle O’Shea was joined by Occupational Therapist Michelle Mahoney, Surgical Technician Christine Slater, and Registered Nurse Patty Kemper for an informative discussion which encompassed descriptions of their background, typical day and the challenges each have faced during their careers. The “Becoming You: Career Explorations” series consists of monthly forums highlighting career opportunities in a variety of disciplines. Successful professionals from the area have been invited to speak about their education, background, and current job description, as well as offer answers to questions posed by the audience. Upcoming subjects will include Non-Traditional Careers, Culinary Careers and Helping Professions. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children through the achievement of personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,500 families, including over 30,000 children. The “Becoming You” events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information about upcoming “Becoming You” seminars, for information about the programs and services available at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

The Antics Roadshow sketch comedy troupe has started a residency at the Nyack Village Theater , which will include their first shows this weekend and feature classes beginning in February.

Mr. Biebelberg is going to Washington. Dayton student, Patch contributor and Springfield First Aid Squad volunteer Brett Biebelberg has been chosen as one of two delegates representing New Jersey at the United States Senate Youth Program in March.

Love is in the air during the month of February, when all thoughts for teenage girls turn to their upcoming prom. However, given the current economic climate, not every family will be able to afford fancy dresses, shoes and accessories for their teens. For those who are unable to afford a suitable dress for the occasion, Project Self-Sufficiency will be hosting their annual “Sister-to-Sister” Prom Shop during the months of March and April. The agency is currently seeking donations of new and gently-used formal wear, including prom dresses, bridesmaids’ dresses, gowns for mothers-of-the-bride, evening bags, jewelry, wraps and shawls, as well as shoes in good condition. Dresses must be dry cleaned and on a hanger. “The prom is a once in a lifetime event for many girls, and we are hopeful that local residents who may have extra prom dresses in their closets will seize this opportunity to donate them to the ‘Sister-to-Sister’ Prom Shop,” commented Deborah Berry-Toon, Executive Director of Project Self-Sufficiency. “The Prom Shop has been a huge success year after year because of the support we receive from the community. We are confident that the public will step up once again to help these girls enjoy a memorable evening.” Donations will be accepted Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Those who are unable to make a donation during these hours are encouraged to call the office to make special arrangements. Donations are requested by March 1st, so that the items can be properly arranged for display. However, formal wear will gladly be accepted through the duration of the Prom Shop, if necessary. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. For information about the Sister-to-Sister Prom Shop, or to find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.

Have you ever thought about tuning-up your driving skills and updating your knowledge of the rules of the road? Learn defensive driving techniques.

Two women were arrested and charged with trespassing and criminal mischief following a disturbance call at the 10 block of Mingle Road on Friday, Jan.

Project Self-Sufficiency will offer free parenting classes for families with children from birth through the age of ten on Tuesdays, February 7th - March 13th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Learn about the different stages of emotional and physical development during childhood, as well as techniques for positive discipline and improved communication. Snacks and childcare provided. Free and open to the public; registration required. Call 973-940-3500 to register.

Project Self-Sufficiency announces that a limited quantity of children’s hats, mittens and scarves are available to income-eligible families in need. Interested families are invited to call Project Self-Sufficiency at 973-940-3500 to schedule a time to pick up the winter accessories. Project Self-Sufficiency is located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Project Self-Sufficiency is a private non-profit community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families residing in northwestern New Jersey. The agency’s mission is to provide a broad spectrum of holistic, respectful, and comprehensive services enabling low-income single parents, teen parents, two-parent families, and displaced homemakers to improve their lives and the lives of their children while achieving personal and economic self-sufficiency and family stability. Since 1986 Project Self-Sufficiency has served more than 19,000 families, including over 30,000 children. To find out more about any of the programs at Project Self-Sufficiency, call 973-940-3500.