BETHLEHEM PRESS

November 8, 2017

COVER STORY

A daily reminder

U.S. Air Force veteran Alan Yuknis and his wife, Carol, honor those in law enforcement and those who have served in America’s armed forces with this display on the corner of their property at their Bethlehem Township home.

By Dana Grubb

LV HOUSING-PART2

Helping the broken and hopeless

If you’ve been looking for a home or apartment in the Lehigh Valley recently, you may have noticed the high prices. These costs might not be an issue for your family, but housing costs place a high financial burden on low-income families residing in the Valley. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s “Out of Reach” 2017 report, the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area is the fourth most expensive area in Pennsylvania in terms of housing costs. The report states the average monthly price of a two-bedroom apartment in the Lehigh Valley is $1,038 and that in order to afford it, an individual would need an annual income of $41,520 or 2.8 full-time jobs at minimum wage.

By Katya Hrichak

COMMUNITY

100 years of unification

“Today is truly about Archibald Johnston, our first mayor of Bethlehem,” declared executive board member and founder of the Friends of Johnston, Inc., Victoria Bastidas while addressing a gathering at Camel’s Hump Farm on the Johnston Estate during the Founder’s Day Fair. State Senator Lisa Boscola (D), whom Bastidas described as the estate’s “patron saint” for her work on helping to preserve the property, presented a citation from the state recognizing 100 years of Bethlehem’s unification at the event. Photo: Jamie Brekus from Bethlehem views the back of the 22-room mansion designed by Curtis Lovelace for Archibald Johnston and his family in 1921.

By Ed Courrier

CLASSROOM

LHS students take part in ‘Showdown’

When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Miller Symphony Hall on November 30, the Liberty HS String Quartet will have the privilege of joining the professional musicians on stage to add some orchestral texture to the evening.

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands. Photo: Liberty HS student musicians Angela Rhee, Vivian Wong, Man Nguyen and Julia Zheng.

Contributed article

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Moving on

Despite a rough two-game stretch to close out the regular season, which included a 21-7 loss in the finale to Bethlehem rival Liberty, Freedom head coach Jason Roeder wasn’t concerned as his team prepared for the district playoffs. In fact, it was that recent stretch that Roeder believed would strengthen his team as postseason football got underway. And he was right. No. 6 seed Freedom went into Emmaus and defeated the No. 3 seeded Hornets, 26-15, on Friday night in the District 11 Class 6A quarterfinals. The Patriots scored the game’s first 19 points before holding off a late run from the host Hornets.

By Todd Kress

LV FOCUS

Galas galore

The season of galas draws to a close as the year 2017 comes to an end. Two of the most recent fun and fund-raisers benefited the Baum School of Art and Civic Theatre of Allentown. The Baum School “Fall Gala,” held on several levels of the school, honored the Baum Family for its support of the school and celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Russell E. Baum Building, Fifth and Linden streets, Allentown.The Civic Theatre “90th Anniversary Celebration” Gala, held at the NB Center Of Automotive Heritage, Allentown, honored Dr. Barry and Sharon Lee Glassman and celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Nineteenth Street Theatre, Allentown.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

BASD: Proposed legislation concerns board

Bethlehem: City council touts tech transparency answers

Bethlehem: HARB approves massage center sign

Valley: Boscola, Stefano win endorsements for restitution law

Saucon Valley: Homeschooled student’s participation in vo-tech examined

Fountain Hill: 2018 sewer, garbage fees unchanged

Lehigh County: Commissioners fight to retain cross on seal

Southside: Groups join in to ‘Clean to World’

State: PennDOT to phase in new licenses, ID cards

Classroom: St. Anne School gets Founders grant

Valley: ArtsQuest’s Linny Awards to be presented Nov. 8

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November 15, 2015

COVER STORY-VETERANS DAY

‘For all you have sacrificed’

Bethlehem Catholic HS hosted its seventh annual “Veterans Appreciation Breakfast” Nov. 10, honoring veterans related to students and staff at the school. Nearly 30 veterans from various branches of the United States’ armed forces were hosted by students, faculty and administrators in the school cafeteria for a Veterans Day ceremony followed by a light buffet breakfast. Photo:

By Dana Grubb

MILLER HEIGHTS-VETERANS DAY

Salute includes special moment

Miller Heights ES held its 17th annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 10 and patriotism was on display with music, readings and special moments that honored military veterans. The program contained musical numbers performed by the Liberty HS Brass Ensemble, Freedom HS Fife and Drum Corps and Men’s Choir. Also included was a rendition of “Taps” on trumpet by fourth grade teacher Louis Poczak.Perhaps the highlight for many was a reunion for Miller Height’s student Jaziah Morales whose father, Corporal Regolio Morales of the U.S. Army, was called into the ceremony to surprise his son after being away for almost eight months serving on active duty. Photo: Corporal Regolio Morales sees his son in person for the first time in almost eight months

By Mark Kirlin

AFFORDABLE HOUSING –PART 3

Success stories from Restoration House

“It’s sad to see that the program is shutting down. It’s sad to see that there will no longer be help for people who are stuck in a situation like me,” said Zynnia, one of New Bethany Ministries’ Restoration House Program participants forced to vacate the apartments at the end of October. After being defunded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, all current occupants of the Restoration House apartments on Third Street had to be moved out by the first of November, regardless of whether or not they have stayed for the full 18- to 24-month duration of the program.

Series by Katya Hrichak /Illustration by Ed Courrier

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Becahi tops Saucon Valley for District 11 title

You could see it from the opening whistle of the District 11 4A championship game Saturday night at Nazareth. There was no way Bethlehem Catholic was going to lose to Saucon Valley.

The Hawks bullied their Colonial League counterparts all over the field and throttled them en route to a 42-7 mercy-rule victory at Nazareth. Becahi (10-2) led 28-0 at halftime and never looked back, as they knocked off the Panthers in back-to-back years for the district crown.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

LV Art Council makes ‘ArtCount’ with grants

The Lehigh Valley Arts Council made “ArtsCount” with $39,711 in Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) grants awarded to 26 area artists, musicians and arts nonprofits. ArtsCOUNT 2017, run by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, was held at the National Museum of Industrial History, Bethlehem. “There are many stories about how the arts have made a difference in someone’s life,” said Lehigh Valley Arts Council executive director Randall Forte before he and grant coordinator Zach Kleemeyer passed out checks at the Oct. 18 event. Forte asked recipients to participate in the council’s “The Power of Story” advocacy project.

By Ed Courrier

OTHER STORIES

Bethelehem: School board at odds with Charter Arts

Bethlehem: HCC members sign off on signs

Bethlehem: City EMS gets award, new truck

Bethlehem: Moravian College event welcomes Peace Corps to campus

Lehigh County: 2018 taxes remain static

Lehigh County: Board welcomes new members

Valley: Wounded trooper saved his own life

Valley: First responders show their support for trooper

Valley: Unofficial election results

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November 22, 2017

COVER STORY

Starting the season

Third-graders from St. Anne School and Donegan ES in Bethlehem participated in the annual Mayor’s Tree Decorating program at city hall’s Payrow Plaza Nov. 17. Cold weather, with temps in the mid-forties, forced some of the activities to be held indoors at the Rotunda. The annual event is organized and sponsored by the Cops ‘n’ Kids Literacy Program. Photo: Santa Claus welcomes students from Donegan ES and St. Anne School to the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at city hall.

By Tim Gilman

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Graphic commentary by award-winning artist Ed Courrier

COMMUNITY

LV Foundation awards grants

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation awarded four Spark grants totaling $50,000 to community organizations addressing human trafficking in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Winners of the grants were announced during the foundation’s invitation-only program, “Hidden Crisis: Human Trafficking in Our Community,” held at the Third Street Alliance in Easton in partnership with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United. Photo: The Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley received $12,500 to support its 2018 Human Trafficking Conference. Representing the council at the awards ceremony are Melissa Ash, outreach education; Suzanne Beck, executive director; and Nikia Stith, victim advocate.

By Carole Gorney

HALLOWEEN

Bethlehem’s ‘Spook-tacular’ parade

Bethlehem’s Halloween Parade was held Nov. 5, after being postponed due to inclement weather the previous weekend. The six-division procession began at 15th Avenue and Broad Street, with spectators lining the parade route. A reviewing stand was set up on Main Street for the Parade Committee to select award winners for the annual event sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Department. The milder, dry weather attracted a healthy mix of participants and onlookers. The parade ended early at the Christmas City Fairgrounds under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge. Photo: Mabel Makovsky, Noah Stambaugh and Erika Broesicke carry the banner for their school.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Freedom falls to Parkland

It was a familiar sight in the District 11 6A championship game. A year after playing in the district final, the Freedom and Parkland football teams met on the gridiron once again in the big game, and once again the Trojans came out on top. Number one seed Parkland used the strength and legs of its senior running back Jahan Worth and its defense in keeping the sixth-seeded Patriots out of the end zone in winning its sixth straight district championship 30-6 last Friday night at Al Erdosy Stadium at Northampton High School.

By CJ Hemerly

LV FOCUS

Pop classics

Singing prodigy Jackie Evancho returns to grace the stage of the State Theatre Center for the Arts, 7 p.m. Nov. 29. The lauded classical crossover singer rose to fame after appearing on “America’s Got Talent” at age 10 and astounding audiences with her mature, rich sound. Now 16-years-old, she seeks to craft a career on her own terms. “I’m in the middle of figuring out who I am. I am looking to be outside of being defined by a certain genre. I think it would be really cool to kind of go, ‘One day, I want to sing classical; the other, I want to sing pop,’ to just kind of mix it up.”

By Makenna Masenheimer

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Barber offers free clips for veterans

Bethlehem: Harvest Fest a popular fall event

Bethlehem: Farmers’ Market ends season

Bethlehem: Anniversary ornament goes on sale

South Bethlehem: Mayor’s Task Force welcomes hurricane victims

South Bethlehem: Christkindlmarkt opens 25^th season

Classroom: Hanover ES honors veterans

Northampton County: Gaming grants awarded

Fountain Hill: Council passed 2018 budget

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November 29, 2017

TREE LIGHTING

Christmas City shines

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez and Chief of Police Mark DiLuzio officially kicked off the Christmas season at Bethlehem’s annual tree lighting ceremony Friday afternoon. Carols, a community sing, hot chocolate, cookies, PEEPS and a visit from Santa Claus completed the holiday tradition. Liberty HS’s Grenadier Band, the St. John AME Zion Choir, DeXperience, Cunningham and Associates and Luke DiGiacinto also performed at the ceremony. Photo: Hundreds of spectators kick off the holiday season in Bethlehem at the annual tree lighting. Music filled the air as the people marveled at the tree during the community event.

By Lori Patrick

COMMUNITY

Valley responds to storm victims’ needs

When a hurricane called Maria knocks your homeland to its knees, strips the shade from the trees, and leaves the land devastated, destitute and down, what do you do? If you’re a Lehigh Valley Puerto Rican, you get busy. On Nov. 5 at ArtsQuest SteelStacks in Bethlehem, area Hispanics – Puerto Ricans and their simpatico brothers and sisters, the Dominicans, joined hands with other Lehigh Valley residents and raised money to help the families back home. They organized a free concert featuring live music by several popular Latin groups, including Grupo en Secuencia, Lehigh Valley Urban Orquestra, Orquestra Xariz and other music presented by DJ Baby J & Star. Photo: oncilo Deputy Director Julie Alvarez, Director of Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs Lucy Colon, Director of Special Projects for Pennsylvania and Secretary of State Norman Bristol Colon, Director of Partnerships for the Salvation Army Rev. Bonnie Camarada, HGSK Law partner Attorney John Beichert and Allentown Police Detective (Retired) Luiz Garcia with a mockup check for $9,000 raised by the Nov. 5 fundraiser.

PEOPLE

Bethlehem Press writer honored

Bethlehem Press freelance writer Bernie O’Hare was among journalists honored by the Pa. Bar Association recently at a luncheon in downtown Philadelphia. O’Hare won first place in the weekly division for his reporting on the gerrymandering issue. Front row: Susan Schwartz, co-chair, Bar/Press; Holly Lubart, Bar/Press; Melissa Melewsky, Bar/Press; Bernie O’Hare, Bethlehem Press; Nicole Brambila, Reading Eagle; Stephanie Weaver, Reading Eagle; Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times; Sharon R. López, PBA president; Kevin E. Raphael, representative of award sponsor Pietragallo, Gordon, Alfano, Bosick & Raspanti LLP and James McClure, York Daily Record, accepting on behalf of Ed Mahon, Dylan Segelbaum and Scott Fisher also from YDR.

Back row: Riley Yates, The Morning Call; Jon Marks, Jewish Exponent; P.J. D’Annunzio, The Legal Intelligencer; Kyle Grimes, PBA Bar/Press Committee; Don Gilliland, Bar/Press; and Michael Berry, Bar/Press.

LEHIGH VALLEY

Guest speakers laud Literacy Center

The success of The Literacy Center’s education efforts were on proud display Oct. 5 at the Great Room on the Allentown campus of Muhlenberg College. Three guest speakers showed off their public speaking skills in English as they each made brief remarks before a roomful of fellow students, teachers and board members and sponsors of The Literacy Center. A smattering of political representatives and well-wishers, plus some proud family members of the speakers, rounded out the audience. “This evening represents what America has always stood for: a nation built on the strength of immigrants, slaves, seekers, adventurers, hard workers and those willing to do what needs to be done to support our families, get ahead to realize the American dream,” said Nikki Gutgold, who opened the evening’s events. Gutgold is a professor of communication at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Photo: Allentown resident Grace Affonso, a student at The Literacy Center from the Philippines, Whitehall resident Judit Garger from Hungary and ESL Coordinator, Maryam Mohammed Ali from Morocco and student at The Literacy Center, and Orefield resident and The Literacy Center student Miyuki Matsushima from Japan.

By Douglas Graves

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Another step closer

Survive and advance. That’s the name of the game at this point of the PIAA football season and Bethlehem Catholic epitomized that mantra in last week’s 33-32 victory over Selinsgrove. With 11 seconds to play in last week’s PIAA 4A quarterfinal at Shamokin, Becahi faced the survival aspect of the state playoffs. And back and forth affair with Selinsgrove provided a 34-point fourth quarter between both teams. The Seals (11-3) used a big play approach all night to hang with the Hawks (12-2), as quarterback Logan Leiby hit wide receiver Jarrett Inch for four touchdowns on the night, the last one coming from 30-yards out to pull Selinsgrove within 33-32 with 11 seconds to play.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

‘Christmas Wonderland’ kicks off holiday season

“Christmas Wonderland: A Holiday Spectacular,” one of the most delightful and enchanting Christmas shows this side of the North Pole, will be presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Dec. 3, State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton. The show features a cast of 24 singers and dancers who are hand-picked from London, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. The dazzling cast of high-kicking chorus girls transforms the stage into a winter wonderland filled with more than 1,000 glittering costumes. Adorned by spectacular sets and scenery, this show brings the excitement of Christmas to the stage.

By Erin Ferguson

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Council to limit short-term housing

Bethlehem: Council takes residents seriously

Bethlehem: Residents support Breast Cancer Coalition

Bethlehem: YWCA seniors donate art to MOMA

Bethlehem: Class of ’47 meets for 70^th time

Bethlehem: St. Theresa students honor veterans

Bethlehem: Alumna helps students learn to sign

Bethlehem: SPotlighton the dark side of U.S. foreign policy

BASD: High schools to offer more courses

Business: Nazareth Pike McDonalds reopens

Northampton County: Proposed 2018 budget holds firm

Northampton County: Council weighs $1M DaVinci grant

133^rd District: Meet the candidates in Dec. 5 special election

Valley: Sixth Street Shelter families guests at party

Hellertown: Mascaro gets 3-year contract

Hellertown: Borough hires part-time officer

Valley: Boscola announces 5 grants for local projects

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December 3, 2017

SPECIAL ISSUE

Battling the opioid crisis

Drug overdose deaths have increased sharply in the Lehigh Valley since 2014, according to records maintained by both the Northampton and Lehigh county coroners. These fatalities have increased sharply, even though drug overdose reversal kits have been widely available and have been used by first responders over the past year. In Northampton County, drug overdose deaths have tripled since 2014. There were 31 deaths that year. This year, as of Oct. 25, 91 Northampton County residents have succumbed to opiates. In Lehigh County, there were 73 drug overdose deaths in 2014. That soared to 126 in 2016 and 108 as of Oct. 22 this year.

By Bernie O’Hare/Illustrations by Ed Courrier

ADDITIONAL STORIES

City, Bath police offer new program by Nate Jastrzemski

Terms to know by Katya Hrichak

Valley Help & Support by Katya Hrichak

Telling stories reduces stigma by George Taylor

How NORCO deals with opioid crisis by Bernie O’Hare

Malvern Clinic opens on Stefko by Dana Grubb

Drug take-back boxes available at many state police stations by Nate Jastrzemski

Creating pathways to hop by Heather Nigrone

Doctor rethinking narcotics by John Usalis

Doctors highlight pain management alternative by Brian Downs

BETHLEHEM

Holiday house tours return Dec. 9

The Bethlehem Historic District Association (BHDA) Holiday House Tour 2017 offers tour participants a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while becoming better acquainted with Bethlehem’s history. The Dec. 9 tour will explore nine homes in Bethlehem’s Historic District, enlightening visitors with historically-appropriate decorations and information about each home’s specific history. In the past, the BHDA arranged Holiday House Tours on a semi-annual basis. After a three-year break, newer BHDA members decided to welcome the responsibility and re-establish the tour tradition. Photo: This Federal style home at 129 E. Market St. was once owned by Archibald Johnston, president of Bethlehem Steel Corp. and first mayor of Bethlehem.

Buy Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Imhotep runs past Becahi

They say speed kills in sports and that sentiment was true for Bethlehem Catholic in their quest to take down Imhotep Charter in last Friday’s PIAA 4A semifinals in Philadelphia. The Panthers size and speed proved to be no match for the Hawks, as Imhotep pulled away for a 34-14 victory. The win pushes the Panthers to this Thursday’s state championship game against Erie Cathedral Prep, a rematch of last year’s state final, while the Hawks saw their season end to the Panthers for a consecutive season in the state’s final four.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Icing on the holiday

With the advent of the month of December, the mood around the country has changed. We have entered “the holidays,” a time when we look forward to spending time with family and friends, shopping for gifts, and perhaps relaxing and taking a little time off from work. Sometimes during December, we get trapped in the bustle of errands, shopping, cleaning, and cooking, and we forget that really the most important thing we can do during this time of year is to spend time with the people we care about.

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Portoff claims found to be inaccurate

Bethlehem: Police seek sexual predator

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December 13, 2017

CHRISTKINDLMARKT AT 25

It just keeps growing

For the past quarter century, the annual holiday artisan marketplace Christkindlmarkt has been an integral part of the celebration of Christmas in the Lehigh Valley. Through the years, it has grown in size, scope and popularity from its humble origins under the Hill to Hill Bridge in downtown Bethlehem, to its current expansive home at SteelStacks on the Southside. Today, Christkindlmarkt and its ArtsQuest sponsors can boast that it has attracted a total of more than a million visitors and has gained the distinction of having twice been named one of the top holiday markets in the country by Travel + Leisure Magazine. Photo: Christkindlmarkt customer Nanette Lutz from Doylestown couldn’t resist this hand-painted Santa Claus. She said she collects Santas, and this one was really unique. She was another first-time visitor to Bethlehem’s annual Christmas market.

By Carole Gorney

COMMUNITY

La Borinqueña to the rescue!

“That cargo plane’s engine just failed! If it crashes, it’ll wipe out most of Luquillo!” shouts La Borinqueña as she attempts to protect the Puerto Rican coastal city from catastrophe. The newly-minted comic book superhero is the self-published creation of Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, a Marvel Entertainment writer and art director/owner of Somos Arte, a Brooklyn-based production studio. Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez recently introduced Marisol Rios De La Luz, a fictional Columbia University earth and environmental sciences undergraduate student whose alter ego is “La Borinqueña” to new fans at the main Bethlehem Area Public Library. Photo: Marvel Entertainment writer Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez with Bethlehem resident Deborah Cruz, who teaches at Broughal MS. Miranda-Rodriguez holds a current comic book adventure of his creation “La Borinqueña.” Cruz displays a poster of the Puerto Rican superhero’s first cover.

By Ed Courrier

COMMUNITY

Steaks , burgers help touch lives

The Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club’s annual Steak and Burger Dinner was held recently in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s main ballroom with about 100 club members, staff, sponsors and supporters in attendance. The club’s chief executive officer, Gary Martell, said the event remains one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. Guests are served hamburger dinners and club members steak dinners, but inevitably many of the Boys and Girls Club kids end up making trades with the adults because they prefer burgers. Photo: Over 30 Boys and Girls Club members were feted at the Steak and Burger Dinner. They arrived in a bus courtesy of Trans-Bridge Lines and paused for a group photo on the steps of the main entrance of the Hotel Bethlehem.

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks favored in EPC

Bethlehem Catholic is the team to beat this year on the hardwood. That’s the sentiment around the East Penn Conference and District 11, as the EPC runners-up from a year ago and the defending District 11 4A champions bring back a bevy of returning talent from last year’s 21-7 campaign, which saw them lose in the first round of the PIAA tournament. With the expectations high, head coach Ray Barbosa enters his third season at the helm looking to keep his team focused on nightly basis.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Holiday brass

You can ring in the holidays with world-class brass at Allentown’s Miller Symphony Hall. The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass (RMPBB) presents “Holiday Brass” at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. The ensemble is composed of some of the United States’ top brass musicians and aims to celebrate peace and the unity of the human spirit through a variety of holiday music. There will be 11 musicians on stage: five trumpets, three trombones, French horn, tuba, drummer, and, for the Allentown concert, a narrator.

By George Vandoren

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: City council limits temporary housing

Bethlehem BAPL: Book sales total over $60,000 for year

Bethlehem HARB: Skylights, roofing proposal approved

Bethlehem Moravian College: Bernstein on politics, past, present
Fountain Hill: Borough gets new mayor, council member

NORCO: $10M for DaVinci Center

Saucon Valley: School board presents special recognition

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December 20, 2017

COVER STORY

Around the Christmas City

Hellertown Light Up Night

Gingerbread houses at Coun try Meadfows

Southside tree lighting

Fountain Hill’s new Christmas tree

Community Advent Breakfast

20^th Luminaria Nigh

COMMUNITY'Souper’ day for New Bethany Ministries

Donors and supporters came together to celebrate New Bethany Ministries’ accomplishments in the community by hosting a soup luncheon at The Event Center at Blue in Bethlehem Township. Rabbi Emeritus Allen Juda of Brith Sholom Congregation delivered the invocation. After lunch, New Bethany Ministries Executive Director Diane Elliott welcomed her guests and reviewed some of the accomplishments and programs of NBM. Photo: New Bethany Ministries aid recipient Jose Carrasco helps himself to the soup at the Souper Day luncheon. Carrasco shared his experiences with the attendees at the Souper Day luncheon.

By Douglas Graves

LEHIGH VALLEY

Organizations seek to help struggling Puerto Rico

“The Lehigh Valley has shown time and time again that we take care of our own,” said Allentown Councilman Julio Guridy speaking Nov. 21 at a rally in Fountain Hill asking for money to help area charitable organizations to meet the challenges of providing help to the refugees from Puerto Rico fleeing the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria. “I’m not too proud to beg,” said Guirdy, who was born in Dominican Republic. “I beg us all to consider how lucky we are to be spared the devastation and who have the resources to help. If you can afford to $5 or $500 or even $5,000, we need that contribution today.” Photo: City of Bethlehem Councilwoman Olga Negron said, “This is personal.” Negron was there with her recently-arrived elderly and ailing parents.

By Douglas Graves

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Book recounts city’s firefighting heritage

“Firefighting in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania” co-authors Karen Samuels and Nancy Rutman presented a slide show of some of the 200 images from their new book to a standing-room-only audience in Seidersville. Sponsored by the Lower Saucon Township Historical Society, the presentation also discussed the extensive research that helped uncover some of the most interesting and revealing stories of the city’s early firefighters and the challenges they faced. Chris Eline, a Bethlehem firefighter for the past 24 years, is also a co-author of the firefighting book. He is noted for having gathered photographs and related artifacts from the fire department’s history, and created display cases for the items throughout the city.

By Carole Gorney

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks aim for dominance

It may be a different group of wrestlers for Bethlehem Catholic this year, but many people expect more of the same. The Hawks enter the season with a preseason national ranking of No.13 by Intermat and look to push their way towards the top of the PIAA dual meet podium after falling to Nazareth last year in the district and state dual meet championships. Head coach Jeff Karam comes back for his 10th year leading the program that looks to stay in the conversation of the state’s best.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

A family Christmas

Multi-Dove and Grammy Award winner David Phelps performs classic Christmas songs at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, 7 p.m. Dec. 22. The former member of the renowned Gaither Vocal Band for 20 years will lend his powerful tenor to the sounds of the season. “This is our nineteenth annual Christmas tour. I can’t believe I’ve been doing anything that long. Every year in November we pull out the Christmas music and dust it off and we come up with some new arrangements to add to it.

By Makenna Masenheimer

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: HCC board rejects ‘pencil-like’ structure – again

Northampton County: Gaming board issues final grants

Lehigh County: Commissioners review financial forecast

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December 27, 2017

COVER STORY

‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’

The Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, a re-enactment of historical and Biblical events surrounding the birth of Christ, held its 39th annual performance Dec. 9 and 10 at the Rose Garden Park band shell in northwest Bethlehem. The Lehigh Valley’s first snowfall on Dec. 9 reduced the pageant’s attendance to 100 spectators, but higher temperatures and some sunshine attracted more than 300 people to the event the next afternoon, according to pageant officials. A cast of some 100 costumed participants, live animals and musical accompaniment makes the admission-free event a family-oriented attraction.

By Tim Gilman

PEOPLE

ArtsQuest presents second Linny Awards

The 245 people who attended the second annual Linny Awards at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Cafe were treated to a surprise announcement at the beginning of the arts awards ceremony. ArtsQuest Foundation Chair Jac Yaissle introduced Jane George as the new and first full-time executive director of the foundation. Photo: Posing after the dinner and awards presentations are, left to right, front: Alice Kwiatkowski, Connexions Gallery; Bria Pickel, Student Artist Scholarship; and Alexandra Pobiedzinski, Emerging Artist of the Year. (l-r rear) Richard Shemonsky, Arts Educator of the Year; Anthony Marricinni, Connexions Gallery; Emil Lukas, Visual Artist of the Year; Joe Feilmeier, Lafayette Ambassador Bank; Craig Larimer, accepting for Daniel Dae Kim; Dolores Laputka, Lifetime Achievement Volunteer in the Arts; and Walt Groller, Performing Artist of the Year.

By Carole Gorney

PEOPLE

Tucker Toy Run delivers

On Nov. 4, over 630 motorcyclists made their annual ride through the Lehigh Valley, from Northampton to the Fountain Hill campus of St. Luke’s University Health Network, participating in the seventh Tucker’s Toy Run to deliver nearly 1,000 toys for the hospital’s pediatric patients. Organized by Rick Nauman, the annual event is a tribute to Tucker Stuart, a motorcyclist who died in a 2011 motorcycle accident. Four vehicles filled with toys accompanied the bikers, who in some cases also transported toys on their motorcycles. Photo: Riding the farthest to participate in this year’s event are Tammy Belldina, Jamie Burch and Doug Burch from Morgantown, West Virginia.

By Dana Grubb

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

New Street parking deck opens

After a year of construction and nearly a decade of planning, the city has opened its new car park on New Street; a six-story, 626-spot tower that officials hope will help reinvigorate the neighborhood. Mayor Bob Donchez said at an afternoon gathering Nov. 29, one year after the project groundbreaking, “This has been a long time coming. The opening of this garage will change the parking dynamic in South Bethlehem, especially on the western end of the Southside.” He said the partnership between the city, Lehigh University and St. Luke’s University Hospital will prove an anchor for renewed interest and excitement in the area, and that the garage will ease parking congestion for visitors, shoppers, students and local employees.

By Nate Jastrzemski

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Wrestling takes center stage

The 49th Annual Tony Iasiello Memorial Christmas City Tournament will take place on December 29 and 30 at Bethlehem Catholic. The Golden Hawks will look to maintain their dominance in the event after last year’s performance saw them crown 10 champions, 13 medals and collecting 314 points for the team title to runner-up Cranford’s 180.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Theatre continues to draw crowds

With so many platforms competing for your time and dollar, the depth, range and success of the platform that is Lehigh Valley stage is rather remarkable. Yes, theater is live and well and entertaining in the Lehigh Valley. In its 90th year, Civic Theatre of Allentown continues its “The Next Act” capital campaign. For its 26th season, The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival set new attendance records. Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre filled its venues for its 37th season. In its 90th year, national touring theater productions and other shows filled the State Theatre Center for the Arts. Children’s theater and stage shows drew crowds to the 118-year-old Miller Symphony Hall. Pennsylvania Playhouse noted its 52nd season. Touchstone Theatre is in its 36th season. Munopco was back for its 90th season. Further afield, Bucks County Playhouse continued its mix of new plays and classics in its 78th year.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Berthlehem: School board reorganizes; Faccinetto remains president

Bethlehem: Nativity sets on display

Bethlehem: BAVTS celebrates student achievement

Bethlehem: PPL safety detectives entertain and teach at St. Anne’s

South Bethlehem: Banana Factory hosts Guzy event

Bethlehem Township: New labor contracts approved

Northampton County: Brown goes out on a high note

Northampton County: Brown introduces last-minute tax cut

Lehigh County: Electronic copies of budget approved

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January 3, 2018

COVER STORY

2017: A year in review

It was a year of continued tragedies and devolving political and social discourse nationwide, yet the Lehigh Valley and Bethlehem in particular remain quiet and prosperous. But that is not to say there have not been many highs and lows. Here is a reminder of what we at The Bethlehem Press have covered in 2017.

By Nate Jastrzemski

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks take top spot

Jared Papcsy was wrestling in his fourth and final Tony Iasiello Christmas City Wrestling Tournament, while Nate Lackman was in the event for the first time. Both picked up gold medals as host Bethlehem Catholic crowned six champs and had six runners-up in the 50th annual edition of the tournament to cruise to first place with 301 points. East Stroudsburg South placed second at 166.

By Mike Haines

LV FOCUS

Upper Saucon girl plays Annie
in Philly Walnut Street theatre

“Annie” was the first stage show that Upper Saucon Township actress Jenna Seasholtz saw and her babysitter was playing the title role. Seasholtz has been starring in the title role in “Annie,” through Jan. 7, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia. Seasholtz plays Annie weekends and for select matinees. “Annie” opened Nov. 7 at the Walnut.

By Makenna Masenheimer

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January 10, 2018

OVER STORY

B-r-r-r-r: 2018 off to frigid start

Sam Velez of Northeast Bethlehem uses a leaf blower to edge the sidewalk outside his home on Elm Street after last Thursday’s morning snowfall. Bethlehem Area School District announced its first snow day in anticipation of the predicted storm. “It’s cold,” said Velez who was bundled up against the bitter air. Velez, who moved to Bethlehem 10 years ago with his family, and the leaf blower had been idle in the garage with leftover gasoline from fall yard duties. The local snow was a mild offshoot from Winter Storm Grayson, which traveled up the East coast from Florida, intensifying along the way. The winter season’s previous snow total was 9.6 inches according to Lehigh Valley AccuWeather. Last season’s snowfall total to this date was 0.7 inches with milder weather. The bitter cold temperatures forecast after Thursday may set records.

By Tim Gilman

LEHIGH COUNTY

County invests in opioid fight

Lehigh County officials Dec. 20 introduced the newest initiative in their effort to meet the opioid crisis plaguing county residents; a website that shows parents how to look for drugs that may be hidden in a child’s bedroom. Outgoing County Executive Tom Muller introduced the topic, telling reporters gathered in a basement room of the administrative building that the problem of opioid abuse is rampant in Lehigh County. Alluding to a recent visit to one of the county’s school districts, he said that a student said his or her high school is referred to as “Heroin High.” Photo: J. Layne Turner, Lehigh County’s Drug and Alcohol Administrator, said that the county’s budget to operate his department and to fund the education program comes from a variety of sources to include state and federal money.

By Douglas Graves

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Celebrating at the Sands

The Sands Bethlehem Event Center’s Vision Nightclub hosted a New Year’s Eve bash for the sixth year in a row featuring DJ Matt Fly spinning music to the capacity crowd. A midnight balloon drop welcomed in 2018. Angela Duprey (second from right) and her friends partied throughout the evening at their private table in the nightclub’s mezzanine ringing in the New Year together.

By Dana Grubb

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

McClure takes the helm

On Jan. 2, before a standing room only crowd of over 300 people packed into Historic Courtroom One, Lamont McClure was sworn in by President Judge Stephen Baratta as the eighth Northampton County Executive since the inception of Home Rule in 1978. “Being elected county executive is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do in public life,” McClure would eventually tell this throng of well-wishers. That’s similar to what he said in 2006 when he was first appointed to a seat on county council after two unsuccessful attempts. At that time, he said his sole interest was county government. He would go on to serve for 10 years. After a two year break, he’s back. This time, after running a textbook campaign that relied heavily on social media, he stands at the forefront of a strangely united Democratic party. Photo: Lamont McClure with his cabinet: Charles Dertnger, Steve Barron, Nuria DiLuzio, Melissa Rudas, Elizabeth Kelly, Lamont McClure, Tina Smith, Michael Emili and Sue Wandalowski.

By Bernie O’Hare

BETHLEHEMN TOWNSHIP

Officers honored for stand-off response

On Dec. 22, shortly before students were being released from school, Justin Kephart, age 35, emptied 11 bullets into his mother, Marylouise Meixell-Moyer, as she left a family home on Dennis Street. Officer John Meehan was the first police officer on the scene, along with neighbor Douglas Wallace. They were forced to duck behind a car as they both began taking fire. One of the bullets fired at Meehan whizzed between his hand and head. Sgt. Daryl LaPointe, who was supervising officer, quickly arrived on location and made decisions to secure a perimeter and warn students about to be released from school. Five Bethlehem Township police officers responded to this standoff with a shooter who fired at least 115 rounds at them after he had already killed his mother. They were honored Jan. 2 by Bethlehem Township Commissioners. Photo: Flanked by Chief Dan Pancoast and Capt. Greg Gottschall, the officers honored are Grimaldi Gonzalez, Robert Stametz, John Meehan, Sgt. Daryl LaPointe and Gretchen Kramer.

By Bernie O’Hare

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Yasso-Rothrock games take center stage

Freedom High School hosted the annual Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic girls’ basketball games this past Saturday when Bethlehem Catholic won the day’s first game against Stroudsburg 55-34, Bangor won the second game against Liberty 33-31, and Freedom won the third over Phillipsburg 67-50. Phillipsburg took the early lead against Freedom, but all that changed when Patriot guard Corrin Gill came up with a turnover and scored.

By Katie McDonald

LV FOCUS

Bobby Collins: Bi-partisan laughs return to State Theatre

Bobby Collins may be one of America’s favorite comedians. He’s performed his stand-up before the Clintons at the White House for Chelsea Clinton’s birthday in 1999 and appeared in front of guests at President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Winter White House, Palm Beach, Fla., in early 2017. He’s played rooms in the deepest of red states as well as liberal enclaves in blue states and has proven that well-crafted observational humor results in bi-partisan laughs.

By Deb Boylan

OTHER STORIES

Lehigh Valley: Dent meets with ‘Dreamers,’ business owners

Bethlehem ASD: At year’s end, board lauds students

Bethlehem HARB: Several signage proposals discussed

Lehigh County: Several commissioners bid farewell

Bethlehem: Rotary Club’s Taste & Tunes generates $50K donation

News analysis: ‘Your government is here … working’ by Bernie O’Hare

School: Sharing the Christmas spirit

Bethlehem APL: ‘A story waiting to be told’

Bethlehem: NCC’s Criminal Justice program #11 in nation

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January 17, 2018

COVER STORY

Visit of the Magi

The seventh annual Three Kings celebration took place in the Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest Center in South Bethlehem Jan. 7. The free, three-hour event includes live Latin music and food from a Holy Infancy Church concession stand. The highlight of the program features gift-giving from the three kings in colorful regal costumes who also visit with the children’s families and encourage picture-taking. Photo: Sisters Amanda and Angelique Roque wear paper crowns they made for the Three Kings celebration as they pose with Gaspar (Ramon Rodriguez), Melchior (Nelson Matos) and Balthazar (William Cintron). Mother Michelle Roque of Bethlehem Township said it was the family’s third time attending the Christmas season’s final event.

By TimGilman

BUSINESS

Emeril’s Chop House get fresh cut

Emeril’s Chop House at the Sands Bethlehem Casino has been renovated with a new and cozier seating layout, new wall treatments, new carpeting and new menu items. The revamped 180 seat restaurant, which is rated among the top 13 casino restaurants in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, was closed and remodeled for two months prior to its reopening on Thanksgiving. Photo: The newly remodeled Emeril’s Chop House at the Sands Bethlehem Casino seats 180 and includes new carpeting, chairs, wall treatments and several cozy banquettes. Head Chef Victor Bock said the changes were coordinated with Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Homebase.

By Dana Grubb

CLASSROOM

Humans of Liberty HS

When Liberty HS social studies teacher Adam Reitz noticed how many different types of students walked Liberty’s halls, he knew he wanted to find a way to highlight this diversity. Inspired by the Humans of New York Instagram account that features interviews collected on the streets of New York, he decided to create his own: Humans of Liberty High School. “There’s just so many interesting kids at Liberty,” Reitz said. “You hear about the same kids over and over again, the kids who are involved in sports, kids who are involved in the arts and things like that, and when you think about it, there’s a lot of interesting kids sitting in your classroom that have things going on that you would never even know.”

By Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

FHS knocks off BC

Freedom did Freedom last Friday night, and they did it just fine. That was the plan, going into their home girls’ basketball game against Bethlehem Catholic, where the Patriots came up with a 66-59 victory over the Hawks. “I’m a senior, and I know I can speak for all the seniors when I say this was a very good win, and I’m so happy we got this, and I’m overwhelmed with how great I feel right now,” said Kyra Jefferson. “Yes, doing Freedom. This is definitely one of our high points in the season, and I’m excited to see more.”

By Katie McDonald

LV FOCUS

‘Follow your dreams’

“Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’” is an ice-skating extravaganza based on the Academy Award-winning 2013 animated feature film that captivated fans the world over and continues to be a favorite among audiences. “Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’” is presented at 7 p.m., Jan. 17- 19, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jan. 20 and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 21, PPL Center, 701 Hamilton St., Allentown. “Frozen” is the story of Anna and Elsa, two royal sisters. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded.

By Camille Capriglione

OTHER STORIES

Front: Governor declares war on drugs

Bethlehem: First book sale of year opens Jan. 24

Bethlehem: Native celebrates 100 years

Bethlehem: Project’s height concerns HCC

Bethlehem: City council begins new year

Bethlehem Township: New commissioners take their seats

South Bethlehem: Laros grant goes to Charter Arts HS

Valley: Boscola announces local grants

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January 24, 2018

COVER STORY

Chaos or Community?

Although it was frigid outside Jan. 15, those gathered inside the Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s Sayer Hall felt the warmth of friendship and purpose while celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The free annual breakfast event was co-sponsored by the NAACP’s Bethlehem branch and the Bethlehem YWCA. Rev. Thomas Sweatt, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Allentown, served as keynote speaker. He expressed gratitude that the celebration of Dr. King’s memory “could bring together such a multi-ethnic, inter-generational, cross-section of community.” Sweatt said through these gatherings, “We shall be changed, we shall be elevated, and we shall overcome. Photo: Winston Alozie from St. John AME Zion Church plays “God Bless America” as the audience stands and sings along at the Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s Sayer Hall.

By Ed Courrier

BUSINESS

Bethlehem hosts Pa.’s first medical marijuana site

The very first medical marijuana site in Pennsylvania has officially opened, and it is in Bethlehem. Keystone Canna Remedies’ new dispensary on Stefko Boulevard will soon offer an array of cannabis products to those suffering from various ailments from multiple sclerosis to PTSD. It’s also the first of four planned KCR dispensaries in the state, which should by mid-February begin to serve some of the 12,000 Pennsylvanians already registered for the program. Forms of the medicine allowed to be dispensed in Pennsylvania and to be dispensed from Keystone Canna Remedies include oils, topical agents, pills, vaporization, tinctures and liquids. Photo: Keystone Canna Remedies is now open on Stefko Boulevard and offers educational workshops to the community.

By Nate Jastrzemski

CLASSROOM

‘Art that’s active’

The Ice House was alive with artistic expression during Northeast Middle School’s (NEMS) Rally 4 Peace Jan. 15. NEMS students and alumni came together to present a program centered on injustices in the world and pathways to peace.“It’s a variety of media making their way out from our middle school children and seeing what they’re seeing, and they’re giving us their glimpse [of] the traumas, the successes, the hopes, all of that,” said Denise Parker, vocal music teacher at NEMS. “Some of it will be inspirational, some of it will be graphic, some of it will be unsettling, and it’s what our kids are seeing today.” Photo: Nela Collier presents an empowering spoken word message, “You will be okay.”
By Katya Hrichak and Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Seminary blanks Bethlehem Catholic

There’s one thing you never see from a wrestling boxscore and that’s Bethlehem Catholic having a zero beside their final score. For the first time in Jeff Karam’s 10 years as head coach of the Golden Hawks, a team shut them out over the weekend. Wyoming Seminary’s 56-0 victory over the Hawks on Saturday night was certainly an eye-opener, even for the most seasoned Becahi observer. Facing the third-ranked team in the country on the road was never going to be an easy task, but not coming away with a victory certainly humbled the Hawks (7-1) in their first defeat of the season.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Artistic inspiration

I think that some of the best music ever written was often inspired by a picture, a story or a melody that someone else wrote. That leads us to question: Where does artistic inspiration come from? We often think of the artist, the composer, or the writer sitting in his or her little hovel, desperately trying to come up with some new creative idea that will set the world on fire. In reality, though, many artists, writers, and musicians are often inspired by other creative people, and they build upon artwork, stories, or music of the past.

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Evans resigns from council; takes city job
Bethlehem: HARB elects officers; signs off on signs

Bethlehem: Rotary speaker stresses teamwork

Bethlehem: Library book sale opens Jan. 24

Bethlehem: Santa visits YWCA daycare

Hanover Township: New commissioner seated

Saucon Valley: AP chem changes despite pushback

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January 31, 2018

COVER STORY: SICK STATE

LVHN handles flu surge

Large tents have been set up outside the emergency rooms at the Cedar Crest campus of Lehigh Valley Health Network, in Salisbury Township, and at the network’s Muhlenberg Campus, in Bethlehem, to handle the surge of patients visiting the hospitals with flu-rlated symptoms. “We set up a surge hospital outside the ER at our LVH-Cedar Crest site Jan. 15 due to high patient volume,” said LVHN spokesman Brian Downs. “The last time we had done that was in January, five years ago. Photo: A “surge” tent was erected Jan. 15 outside the emergency room at the Lehigh Valley-Cedar Crest campus to help handle the large number of patients visiting the hospital with flu-related symptoms.

By Jim Marsh

Flu widespread in Pa.

It looks like Pennsylvania is a little under the weather. According to the Department of Health, the state is experiencing widespread flu activity. “According to the data posted on health.pa.gov, Pennsylvania’s current influenza activity code is “widespread,” meaning the outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenzalike illness and recent laboratory-confirmed influenza occurred in at least half of the regions of the state,” said Diane Lesher, BSN, RN, director of Emergency Services at St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses.

By Bryan Myszkowski

STATE

State supremes want new congressional districts now

For years, good government groups like the League of Women Voters have lobbied state legislators to end the gerrymandering that occurs every 10 years when state and Congressional districts are redrawn. This has been attacked as a rigged system by which our legislators pick the voters instead of the other way around. It provides incumbent protection, providing job security for legislators who toe the line with party leaders while punishing any who dare rebel. Editorial cartoon by Ed Courrier.

By Bernie O’Hare

BUSINESS

Christkindlmarkt marks successful season

Nearly 90,000 people enjoyed the holiday cheer and unique shopping experience at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem during the event’s six-weekend run, Nov. 17-Dec. 23 at SteelStacks. The 2017 attendance of 88,923 was up 28 percent from the 69,439 who attended last year, and marked the third year in a row the holiday marketplace has set a new attendance record. Photo: Christkindlmarkt companions Katie Emmus, Emily Berlin and Erin Fagan look over products from Oil Creations by Gail in the retail tent. The young women live in Princeton, N.J., and came to the holiday market for their first time with Emily Berlin, a Bethlehem native.

Contributed article/Press photo by Tim Gilman

CLASSROOM

LV Charter Arts students present ‘Dance Soup’

The Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts performed its annual “Dance Soup” concert to capacity audiences Jan. 26 and 27 in the Charter Arts performance auditorium. Featuring the choreography, costume design and lighting design of Charter Arts students, the two act performance involves over 80 students in 36 individual numbers. The conceptual designs began last summer according to artistic director of dance Kimberly Maniscalco morphing into auditions as part of the Charter Arts curriculum. Maniscalco said performances are the actual collegiate auditions for seniors. “Dance Soup” is directed by Jennifer Weaver and Peter Wrenn-Meleck was director of production and lighting design. Photo: Dancers fill the stage on the opening number in Act One, “As One,” which was choreographed and performed by Emme Ahn, Olivia Corsello, Bryelle Deemer, Christiana Lenzer, Morgan O’Donnell, Michayla Pannullo, Julia Ramirez, Emma Smith and Tara Vigiolto.

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks win 7^th EPC crown

It was business as usual for Bethlehem Catholic, as the Golden Hawks won their seventh straight East Penn Conference championship over the weekend knocking off Nazareth 47-12 Saturday evening at Easton Area Middle School. The Hawks have owned the EPC since the inception of the conference, but Saturday’s victory is now the telltale caution of how winning a league title may not mean so much a week later when district duals roll around.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Funny ladies

Stand-up comedy is often a man’s world. Although female comedians have had greater representation on stages during this latest comedy boom, males still comprise most successful working stand-ups. The “Ladies of Laughter: Funny and Fabulous” aims to prove the naysayers wrong. The second installment of the series tour pays a visit to Miller Symphony Hall’s Rodale Community Room, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, in Allentown.

By Deb Boylan

OTHER STORIES

Lehigh County: Veto over-ridden; commissions demand electronic budget copy

Bethlehem: Donaher to run for state office

Bethlehem: Church and chapel tours begin Feb. 3

Bethlehem: Congregation moves to temporary home

Bethlehem Area SD: New program announced; honest financial reporting lauded

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February 7, 2018

COVER STORY

ArtsQuest’s Souper Bowl IX

Super Bowl IX attracted some 500 ticket holders to the Musikfest Cafe Jan. 27 to sample 29 soups from 19 local restaurants during a three-hour culinary event. The annual ArtsQuest fundraiser netted more than $20,000 for its Arts Education Fund. According to Julie Benjamin, vice president of Community Partnerships for ArtsQuest, the ninth annual Souper Bowl was a sellout. Photo: Ashley Sherman, an Aramark chef, and assistant Christina Mejlas, left, serve soup samples to Bob Nolter of Catasauqua. Nolter said he’s a regular at Souper Bowl, this being his seventh year. Aramark is a South Bethlehem catering company with ArtsQuest as a major client.

By Tim Gilman

LEHIGH VALLEY

Learning about collective impact

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the Rider-Pool Foundation and Penn State Lehigh Valley came together to offer community members a session on collective impact Jan. 18. The session, which was part of a larger three-day event, educated attendees about practices that can help address societal issues. Photo: Particpants in the recent United Way coomunity problem solving workshop included community leaders, professionals and elected officials.

By Katya Hrichak

OMMUNITY

Minsi Council honors veteran scouters

Minsi Trails Council Boy Scouts of America held its special recognition dinner and annual business meeting at East Hills Moravian Church Jan. 26. The evening consisted of distinguished awards handed out to individuals who exemplified scouting traits through their character and actions. Some of the highlights included the Alumnus of the Year Award, Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards and Silver Beaver Awards. Robert K. Smith of Emmaus received the Alumnus of the Year Award. Smith is a coffee maker, Arrowman and Head Commissioner of the Trexler Scout Reservation. Photo: Seated are this year’s Silver Beaver Award Winners. From left to right are: Chadd B. Gray, T. Sten Oswald, Ryan N. Possinger, Richard A. Silvius, Tamie H. Swain, David B. Wandersee, Kelli F. Webb.

By Mark Kirlin

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks handle Nazareth in D11 3A final

To say that revenge wasn’t on the mind of Bethlehem Catholic wrestlers heading into last weekend’s District 11 3A finals would be an understatement.The Hawks were out to take back the district crown that has reigned in their trophy case for much of the duration of their stay in the 3A bracket following last year’s defeat to Nazareth. Last Saturday at Freedom, Becahi took back their crown in a dominating 43-12 victory. The Hawks won 12 of 14 bouts and controlled the match from the start with Kenny Herrmann’s 4-3 win over Sean Pierson at 126.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

‘Getting Grace’ film premiere

The Lehigh Valley is “Getting Grace.” “Getting Grace,” written, directed and produced by and starring Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck, will have its Lehigh Valley debut March 3 at three venues in a benefit for several area nonprofits. Roebuck made the announcement at a Jan. 30 press conference, punctuated by his trademark Roebuckian wit, at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, Bethlehem, where he was joined by some of the film’s actors, producers and crew, as well as Lehigh Valley tourism and business officials.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

State: Plan to shrink Pa. House advances

Bethlehem: Authority elects new officers, retains staff

Bethlehem: Mayor announces Monocacy plan

Bethlehem Area SD: Early Spanish learning finally a go

Bethlehem HHC: Commission discounts mansion plan

Hellertown: Progress made on Water St. bridge project

NorthamptonCounty; McClure’s cabinet quickly confirmed

Lehigh County: Hozza selected as director of administration

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February 14. 2018

COVER STORY

March for Life

“Love Saves Lives” was the theme of the 45th annual March for Life Jan. 19 – a theme that emphasized the work of volunteers nationwide who help women and children in need. Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, said in November 2017 when the theme was unveiled that when children are adopted from foster care, love saves a life. When people volunteer to help support a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy, love saves lives. And when people, mainly volunteers, work in crisis pregnancy centers to help women seeking help and support for another option instead of abortion, this is love saving lives. Photo: Members of St. Stephen of Hungary Church were among thousands of pro-life supporters at the 45th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

By Kristine Porter

HELLERTOWN

Coffee with a Cop

Christ Lutheran Church in Hellertown hosted “Coffee With A Cop” Jan. 22 The occasion is the start of a community outreach program designed to allow members of the public to meet and interact with the Hellertown Police Department. On hand was Mayor David Heintzelman, Chief of Police Robert Shupp, Pastor Phil Spohn of Christ Lutheran Church, as well as other members of the Hellertown Police. According to Heintzelman, this was a chance to “engage the community” and allow “everyone to understand what the police force means to our town.” The plan is to continue the meet and greets every three months. Christ Lutheran Church is located at 69 Main St., Hellertown. Photo: Hellertown Chief of Police Robert Shupp meets kids from the Christ Lutheran Children’s Learning Center.

By Mark Kirlin

ED’S WORLD

Graphic commentary by award-winning artist Ed Courrier

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks back on top

Chalk up another state championship for Bethlehem Catholic. The Golden Hawks came away from Hershey with their sixth PIAA wrestling title (four in 2A, two in 3A) over the weekend following a 38-22 victory over Kiski Area Saturday afternoon at the Giant Center in the 3A finals. Saturday’s achievement also marked the 300th career victory for head coach Jeff Karam, who relished the celebration of winning a state title with this year’s team. “This is the best,” said Karam. “This is the best because this isn’t the most talented team we’ve ever had here, but these guys have a lot of heart and coming into the season, a lot of people thought we were on the decline. That’s far from happening. This is a young team and our motto is to keep working. I love these kids and they deserve this.”

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Inspiring young people to sing

Stage and screen veteran Lynnie Godfrey is looking for a few good friends, young friends, to accompany her in a holiday concert. Godfrey is holding vocal auditions 1 - 4:30 p.m. Feb. 24, St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, 37 S. Fifth St., Allentown, for kindergarten through fifth grade students in Allentown School District to perform with her in a December holiday concert at the church.The Broadway actress and lauded vocalist seeks to provide a community music education program that will culminate in a professional-caliber performance. In 2016, Godfrey presented a successful solo show at Miller Symphony Hall backed by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.

By Makenna Masenheimer

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem Authority: Board PennEast reach pipeline agreement

Bethlehem Authority: Penn Forest won’t appeal turbine decision

Bethlehem: Council approves street vacation

Bethlehem Area SD: District celebrates kindergarten literacy success

Bethlehem: Lirary hosts ‘Massive Music Sale’ Feb. 17

Saucon Valley: Board ponders tax increase options

South Bethlehem: Gerrymandering, hurricane resettlement SSTF topics

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February 21, 2018

COVER STORY

Every guest a queen. King at Night to Shine

It surely was a Night to Shine during the Tim Tebow Foundation annual prom held Feb. 9 in churches around the world for persons with special needs. The Lehigh Valley host church was Riverbend Community Church on Roble Road in Allentown. Pastor Joe Velarde was the master of ceremonies. This year, 700 churches hosted the event. Emotions of pure joy were apparent the entire evening among the guests, from the moment they entered onto the red carpet before cheering observers. Caregivers, volunteers, businesses offering their services for free, such as several photographers acting as paparazzi and photo booth set-ups. DJs played music that kept the guests running to the dance floor. Make-up and hair styling services were set up, even a shoe shine station. Photo: A highlight of the Tim Tebow Foundation proms is the crowning of the king and queen. The beauty of Night to Shine’s concept is every guest receives a crown and feels like royalty.

By Lori Patrick

ED’S WORLD

Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier

FLORIDA SHOOTING

Pleasant Valley mourns graduate’s death

Pleasant Valley School District, Monroe County, is mourning the loss of one of its own. Chris Hixon, a 1986 graduate and athlete at the Brodheadsville school, was among those killed in the shootings last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS in Parkland, Fla. Hixon was the athletic director at the school. News sources close to Parkland say Hixon was one of the first to be identified after a former student entered the school brandishing an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and numerous magazines.

By Judy Dolgos-Kramer

LEHIGH VALLEY

PCFLV strikes gold at Hearts gala

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) raised more than $100,000 at its Hearts of Gold Gala recently. The swanky fundraising event was hosted at the Iron Lakes Country Club in Allentown. Guests in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a wine pull, and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser. Other items up for bid included an oil painting of SteelStacks by Banana Factory artist Lauren Kuhn, glassware centerpieces donated by Warner Art Glass Center, as well as gift baskets from Crayola Adventure and others. A mixed media work, “Be YOU Tiful,” by young brain cancer warrior Jillian Sayre fetched $5,000, the highest bid for any of the artwork. Ashley Russo emceed the affair. Russo is the Emmy Award-winning executive and president of ASR Media. Photo: Andrew and Abbe Abrams, Sarah Miller, Kris Buss and Emma Rawlins staff the check-in table.

By Ed Courrier

LEHIGH VALLEY

50^th anniversary ‘sparks’ new project

The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation recdently celebrated its 50th anniversary as a public charity. Wanting to commemorate the past 50 years in a special way, the foundation created the “Be the Spark” grant-making project. Its success was observed by the community during a 50th anniversary Capstone Event Jan. 24 in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room at the ArtsQuest Center. Photo: 50th Anniversary Vision in Philanthropy Award winner Luther J. Hottle, Jr. (center) with Lehigh Valley Community Foundation grant recipients Erik Ruth from the Kellyn Foundation (left) and Diane Elliott from New Bethany Ministries (right).

By Allison Poczak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

This time, Becahi boys come out on top

It was Round 2 for Bethlehem Catholic with their date in the East Penn Conference championship and the Hawks made sure they didn’t go through the same emotions they endured a year ago when Allen thumped them 84-62 in the league championship. Instead, a Holy War battle against Central Catholic Friday night at Liberty’s Memorial Gymnasium came down to the buzzer as Central point guard Jay Vaughan’s three-point attempt to push the game to overtime smacked off the rim, preserving a 47-44 victory.

By Peter Car

Becahi girls claim back-to-back league title

It was just one of those shots, the kind that would change everything one way or another, and it did for Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team when Taliyah Medina hit a three pointer with 40 seconds left in a one-point game with Allentown Central Catholic last Friday night at Liberty High School.“My teammates were telling me my dad [coach Jose Medina] said pull it out, but you know, the adrenaline and momentum of the game, you don’t hear anything sometimes, so if I would have missed that, oh, I would have been dead. So when I made that, all I could do was just pump my fist. He was yelling, everybody on the bench jumped up. It was absolutely amazing,” Taliyah Medina said. Forty seconds later, the Hawks were crowned East Penn Conference champions with a 40-37 victory over the Vikettes.

By Katie McDonald

LV FOCUS

Moving ‘Pictures’

Art inspiring music, inspiring more music, which inspired more art. Sounds like a tongue-twister, or a lesson in cause and effect. It all started in 1874 with a gallery exhibition of the drawings and paintings of Victor Hartman, an artist and architect who was a good friend of the Russian composer, Modest Mussorgsky. Victor Hartman had recently died, and Mussorgsky, looking for a way to honor the memory of his friend and his work, decided to try to capture the essence of some of his paintings and sketches in music. He wrote a piece for solo piano with 10 sections, each focusing on one of the pieces of Hartman’s art in the exhibition. Years later in 1922, Maurice Ravel decided to “colorize” the original version for piano by orchestrating it to be played by a full symphonic orchestra with all the different instruments. Over the years, more than 90 composers have written orchestrations and versions based upon the music of the original “Pictures at an Exhibition” for piano.

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem APL: Remembering The Beatles

Bethlehem Area SD: ‘NCC still creamof the crop’

Bethlehem Area SD: Planning begins for summer

Bethlehem: Rotunda exhibit opens March 7

Hellertown: Council revisits junker ordinance

School: BAVTS students first in LV competition

School: Students showcase skills in District competition

Lehigh Valley: United Way grant helps combat human trafficking

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February 28. 2018

COVER STORY

Bethlehem residents dance in THON 2018

Each year Penn State students volunteer countless hours to organize and fundraise for the biggest student-run philanthropy in the world: THON. Starting Feb. 16 at 6 p.m., over 700 students, or “Dancers,” started the 46-hour-long stretch consisting of no sleeping and no sitting. Throughout the event, the Bryce Jordan Center in State College fills to capacity as students, family, friends, alumni, THON children and their families, and many more cheer on the dancers. THON’s purpose is to raise money for children battling pediatric cancer, which is what keeps these dancers motivated during the three-day event. This year Bethlehem residents and THON Dancers Preeti Patel and Anuj Shelat were excited to share their THON journey. Photo: Bethlehem residents Anuj Shelat (right) and Preeti Patel (left), wear THON shirts with this year’s theme,“Discovering Tomorrow’s Wonder.” They are representing the South Asian Student Association and dancing for the Schultz family.

By Allison Poczak

VALLEY

Traveling Resource & Information Fair

Tables full of informational pamphlets and the sound of conversation filled the Fifth Street Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) Community Room at the traveling resource and information fair Jan. 23. The fair, assembled by the Pa. Department of State, was designed to assist those relocating to the area due to hurricane damage in Puerto Rico. “After the disaster on the island, Pennsylvania became the number two state that Puerto Ricans are moving [to],” said Norman Bristol Colón, director of special projects and special assistant to the secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of State. “The administration, the governor, the cabinet members, they thought that it was a good idea to make sure that we have a traveling resource and information fair for those families moving into Pennsylvania, [so] that we could help them directly.” Photo: Tracy Robinson speaks with Janine Santoro and Rayah Levy from the Bethlehem Area Public Library.

By Katya Hrichak

LEHIGH VALLEY ISSUES

DA proposes common-sense approach to gun violence

John Morganelli may be a candidate for Congress, but he’s also Pennsylvania’s most senior district attorney. He sees firsthand what guns can do. The most recent mass shooting of students at a Florida high school has prompted him to once again propose legislation he originally advocated back in the 1990s. It’s part of a nine-step agenda that he wants the law enforcement community to consider and advocate in Harrisburg and, if necessary, in Washington. He is also requesting that immediate steps be taken in Northampton County to reduce gun violence.

By Bernie O’Hare

RELATED ITEMS

Let’s get real about gun violence

Is it time to change the Constitution?

CLASSROOM

Squaring off in the ‘Olympics of Math’

For anyone who’s ever wondered how many 2-by-2-by-2 cubes must be added to an 8-by-8-by-8 cube to make a 10-by-10-by-10 cube, ask any of the middle schoolers who plowed through dozens of similar head-spinning math problems all morning Feb. 10 at Nitschmann MS. They’ll answer in about 45 seconds. These students were competing in the 34th Lehigh Valley MATHCOUNTS competition sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE). Photo: Most improved team- Saucon Valley MS: Back row: Coach Herb Van Helmondt, Rudra Thakkar, Maia Merriman, Zac Rex, Brennen Van Helmondt and Coach Cedric Dettmar;. Front row: Amanda Dettmar, Benny Broadhead, Claire Phillips, Daniel Lanning, Will Maynard, Joey Moser and Jeffrey Holzbaur.

By Elizabeth Kemmerer

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawk earn three District titles

When Ryan Anderson found out he was named to the second team of the East Penn Conference wrestling all-stars, it’s fair to say that it provided a bit of fuel heading into last weekend’s District 11 3A tournament. Anderson, who is ranked fourth in the country at 138 according to Intermat, had little trouble dispatching through his bracket at Liberty’s Memorial Gymnasium, producing a fall, technical fall and two major decisions en route to winning his first district title.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Composition contest winners
to be pictured in ASO concerts

As Music Director and Conductor of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, I am always looking for new projects we can do and ways that we can partner with other arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley. Creating new music for today’s audiences is one of my passions, and is one way that we can reflect our times and leave a legacy of music for future generations. bIt is challenging for composers today to have their works performed by a symphony orchestra, and so we created the 2018 Composer’s Contest with several age categories to create opportunities for their music to be heard.

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Filbert Street vacation on hold

Bethlehem: It’s official- Beef Jerky Outlet is open

Fountain Hill: Park vandalism a tricky subject

Fountain Hill: Mayor Gifford hits ground running

Lehigh County: County, valley economic leaders

Lehigh County: Commissioners hear 911 briefing

Lehigh Valley: Flu gets grip on the region

Northampton County: Szulborski is new county controller

Northampton County: DaVinci forced back to drawing board

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March 7, 2018

COVER STORY

School safety issue

Local politicians, school superintendents, law enforcement, an advocacy group, and high school students came together for a question and answer discussion on school safety March 1 at PBS 39’s studio. The National Rifle Association declined to attend the forum in Bethlehem, even though they were invited, according to host and moderator Tracy Yatsko. An empty chair on the stage represented the absent pro-gun organization, Yatsko said. Photo: Representative Mike Schlossberg (D-132nd) tells students school safety has become an issue because we haven’t addressed the root problems.

By Douglas Graves

STATE OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Gov’t goal: Serve most vulnerable

When Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure was first asked to deliver a “State of the County” address, he wondered what he’d be able to say because he’s been in office for two months. So he decided instead to speak about the challenges he’s facing. In conversational style, he made his focus pretty clear in his March 2 address to a packed house of at least 150 people at Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

By Bernie O’Hare

NAACP BANQUET

‘We’re all in this together’

The Bethlehem NAACP held its 73rd annual Freedom Fund Banquet Feb. 18 at The Meadows in Hellertown. The banquet featured songs, speeches and awards celebrating the arts, all with the theme “Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice” in mind. In his welcome, Chief of Police Mark DiLuzio stressed the importance of communication in today’s society, a belief also fundamental to Mayor Bob Donchez, who could not be present at the banquet. Photo: Representative Steve Samuelson presents each of the Celebrating the Arts Award recipients with certificates.

By Katya Hrichak

LEHIGH VALLEY

DeSales hosts housing summit

The 2018 Regional Housing Summit, “A Home for Everyone” took place at the DeSales University Center Feb. 8, convening employees from organizations across the Lehigh Valley. Presented by Lehigh County and New Bethany Ministries, the summit addressed issues of affordable housing, homelessness, the economy and the interrelatedness of these issues.

New Bethany Ministries Executive Director and Affordable Housing Committee Chair Diane Elliott began by asking the audience a question: “Why are we here?” Over the course of her presentation, she answered this inquiry, drawing on recent newspaper headlines, statistics and reports. Photo: The DeSales University Center was filled with employees from organizations across the Lehigh Valley attending the 2018 Regional Housing Summit: “A Home for Everyone” on Feb. 8.

By Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM

Laros Foundation seeks information

The R.K. Laros Foundation and the Industrial Archives & Library have announced their ongoing collaboration on The Laros Oral History Project to document the history and impact of the R.K. Laros Silk Company on the Lehigh Valley community from the perspective of the everyday lives of employees and their families, and to make information recorded available to the public. “So many people have been favorably touched by the Laros legacy in the Bethlehem area,” said Sharon Jones Zondag, executive director of the R.K. Laros Foundation. “Russell K. Laros, founder of the company, was a true innovator, shrewd businessman and a forward thinking community icon and philanthropist who cared deeply for his employees and his community,” she said. “But despite all this, his life and legacy are somewhat hazy in the public conscience today. Through this project, we are hoping to begin changing that before the Laros story is completely lost to time.” Photo: Laros Silk Mill – Sewing operators on the production floor.

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

City of Champions!

Freedom girls District champs

Bethlehem Catholic girls, boys take District title

By Katie McDonald and James Bunting

LV FOCUS

She tells it like it is – in rhyme

It seems to Lehigh Valley author Shirley Binkley that everything she thinks about or experiences turns into a poem. Actually, more than 300 and counting. At 82, Binkley has published her first book of poems, “One Size Fits All: Poetry for Every Mood,” a compilation of 198 poems written during the past two decades. How it all got started is a story in itself. “My writing began on a dare,” Binkley recalls.

By Carole Gorney

OTHER STORIES

Another View: Real news is democracy’s foundation

Bethlehem: Van Wirt to fill council seat

Classroom: Salisbury opioid crisis program

Hellertown: Council to end junk car permits

Lehigh County: Anti-discrimination wording a concern

Lehigh Valley: Boscola commends Ohio redistricting compromise

Lehigh Valley: Argentis Foundation marks 5 years of providing meals for hospice families

Lehigh Valley: Meals on Wheels gets Laros grant

St. Luke’s: Boy Scouts honor CEO

Tradition of Hanover: Resident compiles 4,000 volunteer hours

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March 14, 2018

COVER STORY

‘I put Freemansburg out front’

“They’re not my rats.”

Those four words, delivered with a practiced indifference to a father of two concerned for the safety of his children, propelled a man already dedicated to common causes to a life in local politics.

Gerald Yob went for help with an infestation in his neighborhood – rats visible in the streets where his kids were playing – and was not impressed with the response by a member of Freemansburg Borough Council. He decided to run for office to provide the community with a better example in leadership. And he said pointedly, “I’m going to get rid of all the rats.”

By Nate Jastrzemsky

SPRING MUSICALS

Moravian Academy presents ‘Into the Woods’

A marvelous presentation of “Into the Woods” was performed in Dyer Auditorium, Moravian Academy last week. The opening night performance was moved to Sunday evening due to a winter storm and poor driving conditions. The production played March 3 and 4 and was directed by Jarrod Yuskauskas, along with associate director Elizabeth Burke. Photo: The Witch (Logan Kelley) pulls off Rapunzel’s (Emma Lamberti) hair as yellow as corn to teach her a lesson.

By Lori Patrick Photos by Kalli Miller and Lindsey Woodruff

COMMUNITY

Saving Lehigh County’s hex signs one barn at a time

Take a long drive around Lehigh and nearby Berks counties, and you’re sure to spot at least one brightly painted disk on the side of a barn. Known more correctly as barn stars, today they are commonly called hex signs. These colorful disks are a very visible and important reflection of the state’s distinctive Pennsylvania Dutch culture, but with the loss of farms and increases in housing and commercial development, they are at risk of becoming an endangered “species.” Photo: Some hex signs come in multiple colors and contain various symbols, such as the pointed star, the distlefinks (stylized goldfinches) and a more personalized shamrock representing the owner’s ancestry.

By Carole Gorney

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Anderson is state champ

Ryan Anderson was sitting in the Giant Center floor seats designated for competitors at last week’s PIAA wrestling championships and calmly undressed from his singlet and put on a dry warmup and gathered his wrestling bag. He joked with fellow wrestlers and went about his routine just like he has for every other match this season. The only difference this time was that Anderson had just become a state champion.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Bach Choir celebrates 120^th anniversary

In celebration of its 120th birthday, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem makes it debut performance at 7:30 p.m. March 17 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton.

Greg Funfgeld, Bach Choir Artistic Director and Conductor, says that the concert is part of “a very special anniversary season.

By Dawn Ouellette

OTHER STORIES

South Bethlehem: Native American group buys Sands for $1.3B

Bethlehem Area SD: ‘First in Math’ program adding up to success

Bethlehem Area SD: Board celebrates FBLA accomplishments

Bethlehem: Hurry up spring!

Bethlehem: Recent sale ‘music’ to library’s ears

Bethlehem: Gov. Wolf PTA hosts ‘Mommy Market’

Bethlehem, HARB: Board approves two business signs

Colonial Regional: Officers honored for saving lives

Lehigh Valley: Community Foundation marks 50^thanniversary

Lehigh Valley: Valley Youth House gets Weinberg grant

Northampton County: Two charged in 2017 gang slaying

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March 21. 2018

COVER STORY

Remembering victims; demanding change

The United States is no stranger to mass protest marches. One need only think of all the marches against the Vietnam War, the Women’s marches in Washington, The Million Man March to unite the black community, the annual March for Life, and countless others. But the nationwide marches that took place March 14 were different: participants were primarily high school students. In the wake of yet another school shooting, this one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS a month ago, students in nearly 3,000 schools across the nation left their classrooms to send the nation a message.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

Teachers share safety ideas

During a state House Education Committee meeting last Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Education Association President Dolores McCracken shared suggestions from educators and support professionals aimed at making Pennsylvania’s public schools safe from violence.

Contributed article

‘Err on the side of safety’ say school officials

“Awareness is the key.” It was the common refrain of the night; nearly every response by the panelists can be related directly or indirectly to the idea. Awareness. Administrators and experts in their fields spoke frankly during a panel discussion on school safety at the Lehigh Valley HS for the Arts the evening of March 14. Though only about 20 people were in the audience, the panelists took seriously the opportunity to speak candidly and openly.

By Nate Jastrzemski

At LVA: Kindness and promise

We Stand With Our Students,” was a message Lehigh Valley Academy emphasized March 14. While LVA did not partake in the nationwide school walkouts that took place to commemorate the 17 lives that were taken in the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, students and faculty decided to take a different approach to spread awareness of this movement. Photo: Students in Jeremiah Lormand’s math class discuss their perspective of a video on school shootings and possible actions that could have been done to prevent this from occurring.

By Rana Moawad

SPRING MUSICALS

Saucon Valley presents ‘The Music Man’

A divine stage performance of “The Music Man,” book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson was offered at Saucon Valley HS in four showings March 8 through 11. The musical was produced and directed by Chad A. Miller who also directed the music and vocal sections. Joanellyn Schubert was choreographer. Kimberly Tassinaro was assistant director-choreographer. Also involved were technical director Patrick Mertz, pit director Herb Payung, and acting coach Eric Hersh. Costume design was provided by Scaramouche Costumes. There were 16 players in the orchestra positioned directly below the stage. Photo: At the end of the song “Seventy-Six Trombones,” Harold Hill (Ben Johnson) stands on the piano while being cheered on by cast members.

By Lori Patrick

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Wintry weather greet flag raising

Bethlehem’s annual Irish flag raising ceremony bowed to a cold and windy morning and was held mostly in the warmer confines of city hall March 16. Mayor Bob Donchez welcomed participants, telling them them that Irish heritage is very important to the community. “I’m honored to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Donchez said. Bethlehem piper James Ruhf and drummer “Jimmer” Propst performed “America the Beautiful” prior to a quick venture out onto Payrow Plaza, where Bethlehem Police Captain Anthony Leardi and mayor’s assistant Kelley Andrade raised the Irish Flag as flurries swirled on a stiff breeze. Returning indoors, students from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance entertained attendees. Refreshments were served following the ceremony. Photo: As snow flurries swirl around Payrow Plaza, Bethlehem Police Captain Anthony Leardi and Kelley Andrade, assistant to the mayor, hoist the Irish flag at the March 16 ceremony.

By Dana Grubb

Sharing the Irish spirit

Clients of the Bethlehem YWCA’s Adult Day Services Center enjoyed a lively St Patrick’s Day party, thanks to a guest performance by dancers from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance. The festivities occurred a day early to accommodate the center’s schedule. Fifteen performers – one of them very experienced, another new to the art – danced a tribute to the work of Michael Flatley, the Irish-American who choreographed ”Riverdance,” “Lord of the Dance” and “Celtic Tiger,” among other popular works. (Several of these have been shown on PBS 39.) A solo turn by one of the youngest dancers, who has not yet begun to wear the distinctive shoes of an Irish dancer, was very well received. The athleticism of the more experienced members brought applause from the audience. Photo: Irish dancing is a young person’s activity. It requires athleticism and excellent conditioning.

By Dennis Glew

CLASSROOM

Daddy-Daughter Dance: Special event for special cause

Young girls across Bethlehem Area School District put on their dresses and dancing shoes for a fancy night out with their dads Feb. 25. BASD Mini THON Daddy Daughter Dance was held at Liberty HS in the upstairs gymnasium from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The invitation was given to elementary school girls, who were encouraged to bring their dads or even grandfathers, uncles, or older brothers. All four of these were also in attendance, enjoying their time with their special girls. Photo: The Bradleys were among the many fashionable couples dressed in matching colors at the dance.

By Allison Poczak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks fall in state semis

Bethlehem Catholic went through a roller coaster ride in Monday’s PIAA 4A boys basketball semifinal against Imhotep Charter, but when the final buzzer sounded it was time for the Hawks to get off the ride on their 2017-18 season. Donta Scott scored a game-high 27 points to help lead Imhotep to a 65-60 victory at Reading’s Geigle Complex. The Panthers (30-2) carry a 21-game winning streak into Thursday’s state championship against District 7’s Sharon, but you can say that Monday’s mathcup might have been the real state championship contest.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

Kathleen Madigan: Her comedy is outside the box

The comedy album was a staple at adult gatherings during the mid to latter 20th century. Known informally as “party records,” these stand-up comedy recordings rivaled popular music as the background sound of choice at house parties. Albums by the likes of Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, George Carlin and other popular stand-ups and comedy duos often featured bawdy riffs on controversial topics, as well as X-Rated or so-called “blue” material. These were the records that found their way to the turntable and needle after the children were tucked in bed and the drink cart was rolled out.

By Deb Boylan

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Police arrest 6 for scamming elderly

Bethlehem: Van Wert sworn in to council

Bethlehem: Library book sale opens today

Hellertown: Resident asks council to change coop ordinance

Saucon Valley: Phys. Ed. Dept. proposes climb wall

Saucon Valley: Board grilled over choir trip funding

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