BETHLEHEM PRESS

January 2, 2019

COVER STORY

Camel celebrity visits city

The Bethlehem Police Mounted Patrol hosted a special guest appearance by the celebrity ‘snow camel’ Einstein Dec. 22, and an estimated 500 to 1,000 people attended to get a photo with the famed dromedary camel and visit the Quadrant Private Wealth stables that mounted patrol horses Grey, Asa, Pharaoh and George call home.

As the song “Einstein the Snow Camel” played in the background throughout the afternoon, a continuous line of Einstein’s fans waited patiently to have photos snapped with the camel, who sprang to fame after being spotted along Pa Route 309 during a sudden November snowstorm, when his owners, Peaceable Kingdom Petting Zoo, took him out of his travel trailer for safety as they tried to navigate a hill in frozen traffic. Photo: Bethlehem’s Deputy Police Chief Scott Meixell and Friends of of the Bethlehem Mounted Police board president Diane Mack read several proclamations and citations for Einstein, who listens along with his owner, Charis Matey.

By Dana Grubb

YEAR IN REVIEW

Another year has passed, and The Bethlehem Press has been happy to share in our community’s trials and triumphs. Each week we bring you stories about our local government, places and events of interest, and people you probably know as friends and neighbors. Here are highlights of items we brought you in 2018. Photo: “We shouldn’t have to be doing this.” Liberty HS students paricipate in the nationwide March 14 walk-out protesting the lack of gun control measures taken after the Parkland, Fla., school shootings.

By Nate Jasztremski

PCFLV 2018 GALA

Hearts of Gold shine

Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) raised around $150,000 at the nonprofit’s Hearts of Gold Gala Nov. 10. Guests decked out in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser. The stylish fundraiser was held at the Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley. Photo: Mackenzie, Madison and Caitlin Cleffi; Alexa and Jillian Sayre; Lexie and Annie Cable; and Cooper Bennett gather to greet guests at the Hearts of Gold Gala.

By Ed Courrier

COMMUNITY

Christmas house tour an delight

This holiday season the Bethlehem Garden Club and it’s 25 dedicated members organized a cheerful Christmas House Tour throughout the City of Bethlehem. Six gorgeous homes were showcased during the December event. The tour started at the Kemerer Museum, where tickets could be purchased and guests got their first taste of Christmas. Eleven trees, each inspired by a different piece of art at the museum, were all decorated by the Bethlehem Garden Club. Trees featured themes such as Bethlehem Steel, circus, abstract art, Bethlehem Star, and paperweights. Photo: Homeowner Johanna Ruest has shown off her classy decorations on three different Christmas House Tours the past few years while living in Bethlehem.

By Alli Proczak

SPORTS

Liberty crowns 3 champions

An announcer had to call for Matt Maloney to make his way to the podium on Saturday evening. The Liberty senior didn’t suddenly forget he won his 120-pound weight class in the Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic. He was just gathering some apparel to show off on the medal stand. Maloney was one of four Hurricanes to win individual titles as Liberty repeated as team champions of its annual holiday wrestling tournament. Liberty finished with 225 team points, followed by Northampton (211) and Nazareth (170.5), to round out the top three.

By Todd Kress

FOCUS-COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL

The right place

It’s the perfect location. Raub Middle School and Allen High School are within walking distance. Nearby is Allentown Public Library and the city’s West Park. It’s right across the street from the Scottish Rite Cathedral. And it’s hard to beat two acres of free parking. The new home of Community Music School of the Lehigh Valley (CMS) in a renovated historic mansion at 1544 Hamilton St. is everything CMS officials could have dreamed of.

By Kathy Lauer-Williams

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem:Contentious zoning amendment okay’d

Bethlehem: HARB approves signage

Bethlehem Township: Treasurer advocates investiment strategy change

Opinion: Let’s give the cold shoulder to song’s critics

South Bethlehem: Christkindlemarkt sets records

School: ‘Keep yourself in their thoughts’

School: Beatitudes Christmas program theme

High school news reports – Liberty and Freedom

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January 9, 2019

COVER STORY

The whole world’s watching

Peepsfest, the family-friendly New Year’s celebration in Bethlehem, has become as iconic as the yellow marshmallow chick it commemorates. The 2018 Peepsfest marked the 10th anniversary of the popular two-day event that partners ArtsQuest, Just Born Quality Confections and PBS39. It was also the 65th year since Just Born acquired its marshmallow chick line from the Rodda Candy Company of Lancaster. Photo: As soon as the chick drop was finished the sky over SteelStacks lit up with multi-colored fireworks. The pyrotechnics were held at the end of both nights of Peepsfest to mark the 10th anniversary of the event.

By Carole Gorney

BETHLEHM TOWNSHIP

Daughter-Daddy dance

Among the many wonderful programs at the Bethlehem Township Community Center – bingo and other activities for senior citizens, yoga, painting classes for people of different ages, to name a few -- the annual Daddy Daughter Dance is quite popular. This year 47 daddy/daughter couples registered to dance the night away on Dec. 1. Before the dance began, fathers and daughters lined up to have souvenir pictures taken. Then it was on to the dance floor where the dads and their dates, ages three to eight, improvised a variety of dance steps. Photo: To the cheers of the girls, a tall dad just makes it under the limbo stick.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

SPORTS

All State teams named

Bethlehem had a complementary contingent of football players being named to the Pennsylvania Writers 2018 All-State list, as Liberty, Freedom and Bethlehem Catholic had members selected to their respective squads.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

Ramsey stirs it up in Allentown

To say Joe Tatasciore is nervous is an understatement. At 8 p.m. Jan. 9, his restaurant, Shanty on 19th, is featured on the Fox-TV reality show “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back.” The Allentown bistro was given a makeover by the celebrity chef for for his television show, which began its second season Jan. 2. The Shanty is featured on the second episode of the 2019 season. “I’m definitely nervous to see how they portray us,” Tatasciore says. “Let’s just say it’s made for television.”

By Kathy Lauer-Williams

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Ringing in the New Year at the Sands

Bethlehem: Santa visits YWCA senior program

Lehigh County: DA Martin says he’ll seek 6^th term

Lehigh County: Capehart announces judge candidacy

Lehigh County: Deputy DA Marks seeks Common Pleas seat

Lehigh Valley: State seeks state hospital demolition bids

Lehigh Valley: McNeill takes seat in Pa. House

Northampton County: Early contenders announce

Northampton County: Morganelli requests bail be revoked for Yang

Opinion: Ed’s World by Ed Courrier

Opinion: Schlossberg on state hospital demolition

School: Charter Arts student receives science award

School: Historic look at arts and politics

School: Teens wanted for entrepreneur challenge program

State: Casey takes oath of office

Student profile: Patrick Adams, Liberty HS

High school news: LV Chater Arts by Molly Zimlich

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January 16, 2019

COVER STORY

Flu season arrives

If you’re feeling feverish, your nose is stuffy, your body aches and your throat is sore, it’s not just you. The flu season is underway, and according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s spreading fast. Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. According to the CDC’s weekly influenza report, high influenza activity levels are widespread across 14 states, including Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. “Widespread,” means outbreaks or increases of influenza and influenza like illnesses have been confirmed in at least half of the state’s regions.

By Danielle Derrickson

‘THE NUTCRACKER’

Celebrating 50 years

After the curtain closed on the final 2018 season matinee performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Zoellner Arts Center Dec. 16, cast, crew and supporters gathered for a special cast party hosted at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Nearly 250 guests celebrated 50 years of consecutive Lehigh Valley performances of the seasonal ballet scored by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. In 1968, the Ballet Guild of the Lehigh Valley (BGLV) and Pennsylvania Youth Ballet (PYB) brought “The Nutcracker” to the stage at Allentown Symphony Hall. It premiered under the direction of Alexi Ramov. Several cast members from that 1968 production and other past performances returned for the 50th Anniversary Nutcracker Celebration. Photo: Celebrants at “The Nutcracker” special cast party gather for a group shot. Front row from left, honorary chairman Dr. Joseph Roy, guest artists Lillian DiPiazza and Ian Hussey, and wardrobe mistress Kristin Dundon. Behind them are PYB board members, instructors, crew and cast from current and past productions.

By Ed Courrier

SPORTS

Thompson fired; Karam rehired

The Rick Thompson era at Bethlehem Catholic came to an expedited end last week, as he was fired roughly five weeks into the regular season. Becahi athletic director Chris Domyan sent out a press release shortly after 3 p.m. last Thursday, notifying of the change and reappointing former head coach Jeff Karam back in charge of the program.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

A tribute to Ella

When Aisha De Haas was growing up in Chicago, the jazz sounds of Ella Fitzgerald were part of her aural landscape. Her father was a jazz bassist, her mother a vocalist, and the family had moved to the Windy City to play jazz. “She sang and he played,” De Haas says. “I was introduced to this music in the womb.” De Haas is one of three singers paying tribute to the Queen of Jazz in “A Tribute to Ella,” 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. De Haas joins Capathia Jenkins and Nikki Renee Daniels, backed by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra as part of the ASO’s Pops Series.

By Kathy Lauer-Williams

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Rowdy Southside club brought to council’s atterntion

Bethlehem: Business start-ups get $405K in KIZ grants

Bethlehem: ArtsQuest’s 2019 events announced

Bethlehem ASD: State audits special ed programs

Bethlehem: Library book sale opens Feb. 2

Bethlehem: Protecting your most valuable asset – copyright

Bethlehem: Peepfest diorama winners

Bethlehem: Coats for Kids project

Northampton County: Heckman to preside over council

Northampton County: Local election candidates update

Lehigh County: Commissioners race through brief agenda

Valley: PPL grant benefits Littles and Bigs

School: Pre-schoolers aid food banks

Student profile: Jayden Brown, Charter Arts HS

High school notes: Moravian Academy by Logan Maeding

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January 23, 2019

OVER STORY

Have a heart; buy a heart

As part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, Truth for Women (TFW) and a Penn State Lehigh Valley arts class have joined forces on an awareness and fundraising project involving the sale of silver heart charms meant to symbolize healing for sex trafficking victims. The hand-crafted charm was designed by PSU-LV’s Gallery Director and Art Coordinator Ann Lalik, whose arts project class in jewelry making and metal work volunteered to do the sanding, polishing and other finishing work on the charm. The Arts Project at Penn State Lehigh Valley allows community members to take non-credit arts classes in various areas of interest and at levels from beginner to advanced. Photo: Two hundred charms are being completed for the first grouping that will go on sale Jan. 30, although the plan is to have the charms available for purchase “forever.”

By Carole Gorney

STEELSTACKS

A party fit for 3 kings

It’s a tradition that includes singing, dancing, feasting and receiving a visit and present from three men who have traveled a very long way for a very important reason. Three Kings Day is especially popular in Latino culture, and was celebrated Jan. 6 at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Photo: Presenting many upbeat songs, the group Herencia Jibara performs in the Musikfest Café during the Three Kings Day celebration.

By Stepehn Althouse

LV CHARTER ARTS HS PRESENTS

‘She Kills Monsters’

Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts presents “She Kills Monsters,” which has been rescheduled for Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Charter Arts Theater at 321 E. Third St. in Bethlehem. “She Kills Monsters” is written by Qui Nguyen and chronicles one sister’s adventures as she enters into her deceased sister’s fantasy world. The Charter Arts production is directed by ‘Rip’ Cantelmi with fight choreography by J. Alex Cordero, costumes by Cynthia Foraker, Cheryl Vlasak and Robert Ippolito, hair and make-up by Cheryl Vlasak, lighting by Emma Ackerman, and set design by Peter Wrenn-Melek. Photo: Agnes (Alex Koehl) comes across Kaliope (Alexa-Nichole Villafana), Tilly ((Madison Ledergerber) and demon queen Lilith (Lydia Wilson), characters in her sister’s fantasy world.

By Dana Grubb

SPORTS

Liberty gets another shot a Nazareth

The last time Liberty and Nazareth met at the Virginia Duals, both teams took away seven wins apiece until the Blue Eagles managed to sneak out a 27-26 criteria victory. This weekend the Hurricanes will have a chance at redemption with the EPC title on the line when they get a rematch with Nazareth Saturday night at Easton Area Middle School in the EPC Championship Day.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

American-made music

George Gershwin and Aaron Copland are two of the most recognized and respected American composers of the last century. They were born in Brooklyn, N.Y., just two years apart: George Gershwin, in 1898, and Aaron Copland, in 1900. Both composers were known for exemplifying and developing the “American sound” in music: Copland, for capturing the folk and pioneering spirit, and George Gershwin for incorporating jazz and saxophones into his orchestral pieces. Each traveled extensively, and for a time each lived in Paris. Copland studied with the famous composition teacher Nadia Boulanger.

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: School board asks city council for support

Bethlehem: BASD audit report in the black

Bethlehem: Book sale opens Jan. 30

Bethlehem: Voices from the African Diaspora

Bethlehem: Holiday ham donations

Bethlehem: Wells Fargo grant support ‘The Leader in Me’ program

Lehigh Valley: Project hope keeps spirit of Christmas alive

Student profiles: Kiara Stevens, LV Charter Arts

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January 30, 2010

COVER STORY-MARCHES WITH A MESSAGE

‘We need to get past the cliches’

Bethlehem residents honored the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 21 with a Civil Rights Movement March. At around 11:30 a.m., members of the Civil Rights Movement in Bethlehem met in front of St. Bernard’s Beneficial Society on Broadhead Avenue in preparation to march to Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue. The event was organized by Frankie West, president of the Civil Rights Movement and member since 1967. He explained his involvement with the organization and why he enjoys doing the marches year after year. “These marches bring us unity,” he said.

Photo: The Reverend Timothy Smith leads marchers on their way to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

By Hanna O’Reilly

‘Women’s rights are human rights’

Though the temperature was a chilly 32 degrees, a crowd of some 200, mostly women, gathered at Payrow Plaza beside Bethlehem City Hall for the third annual Women’s March of the Lehigh Valley. This year, however, the Bethlehem Women’s March was not affiliated with the National Women’s March because of a desire to express disapproval of what was seen as anti-Semitism and ties to the Nation of Islam of some of its leaders. The lead organizer of the Bethlehem event was Liberty HS senior Georgia Skuza. Georgia is no stranger to protests: last year she led the “Walk Out” at Liberty in the wake of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS in Florida. Co-organizer of the event was Tara Zrinski, the first woman to be elected to Northampton County Council, who declared, “Women’s rights are human rights.” Photo: Signs everywhere! A lively, engaged crowd came to the Women’s March prepared to make their opinions known. Coverage of the Bethlehem rally begins on page A3.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

LEHIGH VALLEY

LVIA ‘Fills the Bus’

Hours after it was announced New York’s LaGuardia would cease operations due to a federal shutdown-related workforce crisis Friday, Lehigh Valley International Airport was stocking entire rooms with food and necessities donated by local businesses and community members for airport staff who have been working for more than a month without pay. It was the second day of the event; the first being the Wednesday before. The “Fill the Bus” drive was a wild success thanks to everyone’s efforts, and LVIA saw no disruption to the many necessary positions - such as TSA and controllers - during the shutdown, said Public and Government Relations Director Colin Riccobon.

Photo: A steady stream of donors and volunteers brings bags and packages of groceries and paper goods to fill the bus.

By Nate Jastrzemski’

CLASSROOM

Learning about the locks

Fourth grade students throughout the Bethlehem Area School District got some firsthand canal experience using the book “Tales of the Towpath,” which was written by canal education manager Dennis Scholl, for the curriculum. Each class also visited the Freemansburg Canal Education Center on a class field trip. The story is told through the eyes of a 10-year-old and depicts life along the canal during the 18th Century. Photo: Volunteer Steve Capwell demonstrates how a lock operates to move a canal boat from one level to the next in the waterway.

By Dana Grubb

SPORTS

‘Canes are champs!

The Liberty Hurricanes captured their first league wrestling title since 1986 by winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship with a 33-26 win over Nazareth Saturday night at Easton Middle School. Head coach Jody Karam reflected on the first league championship of his 26-year Liberty tenure.

By Tom Wenborg

FOCUS

The Oscars: Snub hub

The Academy Awards nominations always leave something to be desired. There are films, actors, directors and others you think deserved nominations, but did not receive them.So it goes with the 91st Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents the 2019 Academy Awards ceremonies honoring 2018 movie releases, 8 p.m. (EST) Feb. 24, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood and Highland Center, Los Angeles, televised live on the ABC-TV. Oscar snubs shouldn’t be surprising, and yet, somehow, they always are.

By PaulWillistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Annual MLK breakfast draws 130

Bethlehem: Cops ‘N Kids spring schedule announced

Lehigh Valley – Times News/LV Press buy semi-annual Kids Closet Sale

Lehigh Valley: District files challenge to LVHS’s tax-exempt status

Lehigh Valley: Stabler Foundation grants $22K to Center of Humanistic Change

Lehigh Valley: CHEMO Bag volunteers are ‘priceless’

Lehigh Valley: Trial date set for officer in fatal shooting

Northampton County: Gracedale’s low rating concerns council

Opinion: Observations on the Womens March

Opinion: Allentown State Hospital needs serious developer

Saucon Valley: Comprehensive plan will be updated

South Bethlehem: Arts district hopes for national recognition

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February 6, 2019

COVER STORY

Dent to NCC graduates: ‘Pursue your passions’

To hear Charlie Dent tell it, his father gave him some great advice when he was a young man about to enter college. “My father thought I should study one of three things – science, medicine or engineering,” he told an audience gathered Jan. 26 for the 2019 winter commencement at Northampton Community College. “I went to Penn State and started out studying industrial engineering, but I decided to switch majors to political science.”

By Stephen Althouse

BETHLEHEM

Community business grads celebrate

“The entrepreneurial spirt is alive and well in the Lehigh Valley,” Pa. Rep. Steve Samuelson told a motivated group of mostly young businesspeople who received certificates for mastering one or more business courses taught by Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem last month. As inspiration, Samuelson quoted one of America’s most famous early businessmen, Benjamin Franklin: “Energy and persistence conquers all things.” Photo: Kevin McCloud receives a certificate of completion from PA Representative Steve Samuelson. CADC Bethlehem’s Business Development Coordinator Juliana Bolivar assisted with the program. Bolivar is from Colombia.

By Douglas Graves

CANDIDATES

Student runs for school board seat

Freedom HS senior Kyle Miceli has announced his candidacy for an open position on Bethlehem’s school board in the 2019 election. Miceli decided it was time for a change after observing the effects the school board’s decisions have had on students’ lives over the last four years. His focus for his Student First Campaign is to shift the board’s priorities to the students before any other issues. He said, “The board is out of touch with our students’ needs. They haven’t even been to a high school in years. I believe I can fix these issues – I can be the one to make a difference on the board.” Miceli has strategized a four-step plan to raise Bethlehem schools to higher standards.

By Hannah McMullan

CLASSROOM

Fountain Hill kids, volunteers celenrater MLK

Though postponed by severe weather, the principle, “Do what is right,” is too important to let lapse. It was the theme to which students and teachers at Fountain Hill ES welcomed community volunteers for a morning of education and reflection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 25. Photo: Beverly Bradley, president of the Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program (right), greets the Moravian College athletes and provides a brief review of the program and its importance.

By Dennis Glew

SPORTS

Hawks merge with gold

The Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks avenged their only regular season dual meet loss by defeating the Liberty Hurricanes 34-22 to win the District XI AAA team wrestling title. The Hawks head to Hershey looking to claim their second consecutive state team championship and their third in four years. Beca reached the final on the strength of 41-13 win over Northampton in their semifinal. Liberty got a final bout pin at 152 by Jason Rezac to get by Nazareth 26-24 in the other semi.

By Tom Wenborg

FOCUS

Memoir charts Rick Levy’s rock ‘n’ roll career

Like many teens in the 1960s, when Richard “Rick” Levy first saw the Beatles, he was inspired to start his own band. But unlike most youths, Levy went on to not only play guitar in various rock ‘n’ roll bands, but also to manage some of the era’s biggest pop-rock artists, including Herman’s Hermits, Tommy Roe, Freddy Cannon, Jay & the Techniques, The Tokens and Bo Diddley. He is now the manager and a guitarist for Memphis legends The Box Tops.

By Kathy Lauer-Williams

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Callahan’s proposal targets wage disparity

Bethlehem Township: High-end gas station pitched

Bethlehem Township: Commissioners consider refinancing

Lehigh County: Cedarbrook to get new director

Lehigh County: County to get DCNR grants

Saucon Vallery: Andres replaces Leewright on board

Soputh Bethlehem: PBS49 wins national education awards

State: Bill 897 clarifies restitution law

Valley: Boscola announces bridge grant

Valley: McNeill pleased with committee assignments

Valley: Stockings for Soldiers collection breaks record

Valley: Dunkin Brands’ grant aids Second Harvest

Valley: Giant begins deploying robots

Student profiles – Jaden Freeman, LHS

High school news reports – LV Academy

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February 13, 2018

COVER STORY-R.K. LAROS SILK CO.

Keeping the story alive

The R. K. Laros Foundation and the Industrial Archives and Library hosted a joint reception at the Industrial Archives and Library to thank the nearly 30 individuals who have participated in the organizations’ joint Laros Oral History Project and to provide an interim report on the results of the project to date. Launched in March 2017, The Laros Oral History Project is documenting 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.

PEOPLE

Freedom senior earns Eagle

Christian Michael Jancsarics has achieved Boy Scout immortality by earning the organization’s most distinguished honor of Eagle Scout. “Scouting taught me about leadership,” Jancsarics said during an interview at his Eagle Scout ceremony Nov. 24 at East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem. “I think it has helped me grow as a person. I think it will help me later on in life.” Photo: Christian Jancsarics earned the Boy Scouts of America’s prestigious Eagle Scout award. During a ceremony for the honor, he is with his parents, Joseph and Cindy, at East Hills Moravian Church in Bethlehem.

By Stephen Althouse

SPORTS

Hawks win 7^thstate title

It was a bit of a shock when Bethlehem Catholic senior Ryan Anderson, the nation’s top-ranked wrestler at 145 pounds, lost a close decision to Northampton’s Jagger Condomitti in the state championships. The upset kept Northampton’s title hopes alive and certainly seemed to swing momentum to the Konkrete Kids, even if momentarily. But it didn’t last long. Junior Cole Handlovic left no doubt in Hershey’s Giant Center that there wouldn’t be any more upsets or hiccups. Handlovic’s fall, the Golden Hawks’ second of the match, sealed Becahi’s seventh PIAA team championship with a 31-19 win over Northampton on Saturday.

By Todd Kress

FOCUS

Mister Valentine: Tamaqua museum features vintage cards

They say still waters run deep. Late artist John G. Scott was a prime example of that adage. Those who remember Tamaqua’s most famous commercial-art illustrator say he was a quiet, humble man who touched hearts, not through bravado, but quiet brush strokes. Descendants of Scott from Oregon, California, Delaware and other states gathered Nov. 11, 2018, to unveil an extensive collection of Scott’s creativity, the inaugural exhibit at the newly-opened Tamaqua Historical Society Museum Annex, 114 W. Broad St., Tamaqua.

By Donald Serfass

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: 911 deal made
Bethlehem: $405K in KIZ grants go to start-ups

Bethlehem: Ben Franklin reports continued growth

Bethlehem: Contest winner gets peek at PEEPS

Bethlehem: Laros grants aid 8 local organizations

Bethlehem: Retired firefoighter seeks city council seat

Bethlehem: Book sale ‘great srt’ for new year

Classroom: Rep. McNeill reads to Calypso students

Classroom: Charter Arts hosts honors breakfast

Hellertown: Class-1 e-bikes get thumbs up

Lehigh County: Hanna announces bid for 2^nd term

Lehigh County: Grassroots organizer seeks commissioner’s seat

Lehigh Valley: Registration open for recovery high school

Lehigh Valley: LVHN welcome newborns with Red Hate

Lehigh Valley: Baby names show trends

Lehigh Valley: Mickey Mouse visitis pediatric patients

Letter: Adaptive reuse saves our history

Northampton County: Gracedale rating concerns continue

Northampton County: Terry Houck seeks district attorney job

Opinion: Dorney Parklawsuit: Wait until all the facts are in

South Bethlehem: Sands gets AAA’s 4 Diamond rating

Student profiles: Lean Fastenau, Freedom HS

High school news reports: Saucon Valley news by Maddie Schaffer

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February 20, 2019

COVER STORY-NIGHT TO SHINE

Unforgettable prom night experience

The Riverbend Community Church went all out to give some of the community’s most excluded people a chance to dress up, be feted, and have fun at a prom just for them. The Night to Shine celebration at the Palace Center on Hanover Street in Allentown gave 140 special needs guests the chance to dance, eat and socialize. The lobby of the Palace Center was transformed to create the atmosphere of a grand hotel lobby, complete with red carpet, where arriving guests strutted their finery as they entered the building. Photo: Kelsey and Kyle enjoy a slow dance at the gala evening, A Night to Shine, sponsored for the third year by Riverbend Community Church in Allentown.

By Douglas Graves

REIGNITING THE DREAM

Women lauded at MLK Day breakfast

More than 150 people attended the annual free community breakfast held Jan. 21 in celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and in recognition of the role women play in society. Co-sponsored by the Bethlehem branch of the NAACP and the Bethlehem YWCA, and held at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, the program included a panel of four women who spoke on the theme of “Reigniting the Dream: The Power of Women.” Photo: Discussion panel members include YWCA Executive Director Stephanie Hnatiw, Tracie Springer, Amanda Sutter, Bethlehem Councilwoman Olga Negrón, Judy Lappen and Bethlehem NAACP President Esther Lee.

By Carole Gorney

THE CLASSROOM

All-City MS Orchestra 141 strong

The 2019 All-City Middle School Orchestra performed its annual concert in the Nitschmann MS auditorium before several hundred parents, families and friends Feb. 6. Comprised of 141 student musicians from the Bethlehem Area School District’s four middle schools, Broughal, East Hills, Nitschmann and Northeast, the concert was directed by middle school instrumental directors Adam Stoltz, Christy Davies, Daniel Zettlemoyer and Brian Rupnik. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva was guest conductor for the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner” to open the concert. Photo: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva directs the All-City Middle School Orchestra as they perform the National Anthem.

By Dana Grubb

SPORTS

Becahi EPC champions

Bethlehem Catholic’s boys’ basketball team has had their fair share of close contests throughout the season, but the Hawks may have saved their best for last in the EPC championship Saturday at Easton Area Middle School when they took down Emmaus 46-44 for the league title. Justin Paz’s layup with 2.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference in the finale and helped push Becahi (22-3) to its second-straight conference crown.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

High school musicals

With the spotlight on Lehigh Valley high school musicals on the road to the 2019 Freddy Awards at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section begins its annual preview series.

The 17th annual Freddys recognize accomplishments in musical theater in high schools in Lehigh and Northampton counties, and Warren County, N.J.

The list of the 30 schools participating in the 2019 Freddy Awards, along with productions, performance dates and ticket information, is at: freddyawards.org

The 2019 Freddy Awards ceremony will be broadcast at 7 p.m. May 23 from the State Theatre on WFMZ-TV and wfmz.com.

By Ed Courrier

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: BASD preliminary budget shows no tax increase

Lehigh County: Budget revision allows Cedarbrook hiring

Lehigh Valley: $21K grant aids computer science programs

Lehigh Valley: New LVHN childrens pediatric unit opens

Salisbury Township: Survivor tells of hiding from Nazi oppression

State: New school safety option sees early successes

South Bethlehem: ‘Don’t touch that dial’ at NMIH

Traditions of Hanover: Couple renews vows for 70^thanniversary

Opinion: Speak up and save lives

Opinion: More Trumans, fewer show horses

Student profile: Larent Weintraub, Saucon Valley HS

High school news reports: BAVTS by Alexandra Hutchinson

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February 27, 2019

COMMUNITY

Isis Irizzary goes to Mexico

"I’m my mother’s daughter,” said new lawyer Isis [pronounced Ee-sis in Spanish] Irizarry when explaining why a local woman now working in Connecticut would go to the West Coast, and then to Tijuana, Mexico, to help asylum seekers. Irizarry is the daughter of Olga Negrón, a Bethlehem city councilwoman and high-profile spokesperson for the Latino community in the Lehigh Valley, “She’s not one to sit idle while there is an injustice,” Irizarry said of her mother in a recent interview. Irizarry, a 2006 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic HS, decided to take direct action. She flew to the border at Tijuana, Mexico, to help at-risk immigrant asylum seekers when the opportunity arose late last year. She appealed to friends via social media for help and raised most of her expense money for the trip. Photo: The Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The reddish cement is on the U. S. side of the border. This is the area we were corralled into, where we waited overnight.

By Douglas Graves

ST. LUKE’S HEALTH NETWORK

Art as healing art

The healing properties of art, whether from making or participating in it, or from just observing and enjoying it, are well documented. The list of benefits ranges from alleviating depression to reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and actually alleviating symptoms. With that in mind, the St. Luke’s University Health Network officially established a Healing Arts Program last fall for cancer patients at its Bethlehem, Allentown and Anderson campuses. That was only the beginning, though. In addition to the cancer centers, the program is being expanded to the St. Luke’s Baby and Me Support Center, where new mothers have worked on art projects. Soon it will also be available to the inpatient pediatric department at the Bethlehem campus. Photo: Vicky Picard and Heather Nieves-Ramos were cheerleaders together with Erica Curtis at Liberty HS. They were on hand for the dedication of “Erica’s Art Carts.” Picard lives in Bethlehem, and is sports coordination for Service Access & Management (SAM). Nieves-Ramos, from Philadelphia, is Erica’s best friend.

By Carole Gorney

ANOTHER VIEW

What did I learn from the March for Life

“Who loves babies?” “We love babies!” This was one of the many chants I heard one month ago when in Washington, D.C., for the March for Life. Along with about 20 of my fellow students from Bethlehem Catholic, I had gotten on a bus the morning of Jan. 18 prepared to walk, to pray, and to have (hopefully) a good time.We got to D.C. after the March had begun, racing to take a photo with Notre Dame and Central Catholic students before finding a spot to blend into the stream of protesters. To someone who had never attended a march before, it seemed like the whole nation had turned out to lobby for the unborn’s right to life. This obviously wasn’t the case, but a thousands-strong crowd impressed me in a way I doubt anything has. Photo: Senior Issaiah Lopez was one of 20 Bethlehem Catholic HS students making the trip to Washington, D.C., for the March for Life.

Mary Frances Scheidel

SPORTS-DISTRICT 11 WRESTLING

Hawks advance 9 to regionals

It was probably not a coincidence that Ryan Anderson and Jagger Condomitti were slated as the final matchup of last Saturday’s District 11 3A wrestling finals. The 145-pound showdown set up a rematch of Condomitti’s upset victory at the PIAA team championship and Anderson knew this would be an opportunity at redemption and he took care of business. Anderson scored a four-point in the second period with a takedown and two back points to control with a 4-1 lead and held on for a 5-3 decision to give Bethlehem Catholic their second gold medalist on the night, as Cole Handlovic (152) started the finals with a 16-7 major decision over Northampton’s Michael Kistler for his first district title.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

Shakespeare meets the classics

William Shakespeare is often considered the most influential writer in the English language. We studied Shakespeare in school and some of us can even recite famous quotes from his plays: “To be or not to be: that is the question” from “Hamlet”; or “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” from “Romeo and Juliet,” or ”If music be the food of love, play on.” from “Twelfth Night.”

By Diane Wittry

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: New city website brings promise of transparency

Bethlehem: Locals honored by 10,000 Friends of Pa.

Hellertown: Long-time public works director retires

Bethlehem Township: ‘Frozen’ comes alive

Classroom: MATHCOUNTS – even on weekends

Northampton County: Election commission looks to 2020

Northampton County: McClure questioned about Gracedale

State: Sunday hunting makes some progress

High school news – Liberty HS by Elisabeth Lee

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March 6, 2019

SPECIAL SERIES

Too many opioid cases

Long before President Donald Trump declared the opioid crisis a national public health emergency, local authorities were dealing with the fallout. Drug overdose deaths had risen precipitously over several years as local authorities sought answers – both to why this was happening and how to stop it. In Bethlehem alone, reported overdoses increased from 79 in 2015 to 209 in 2018, according to Health Bureau Director Kristen Wenrich.

By Jarrad Hedes and Nate Jastrzemski

SPECIAL SERIES

Parents Left Behind

Silence filled the room and tears flowed as three parents spoke at Northampton Community College’s panel, “Parents Left Behind,” Feb. 26. Tina Ralls, Chuck Deprill and Donna Jacobson told their stories about living with addicted children. For Ralls and Deprill, their children lost their long-fought battles with opioid abuse. For Jacobson, her daughter is still here and in recovery after a long and difficult journey with addiction. Photo: Tina Ralls of Emmaus with a picture of her son, James Ralls. She said his relapse was triggered when was treated for burns and given morphine at a hospital. She later learned that a different medicine would have been more appropriate for an addicted patient. Ralls has found inspiration to write a book about her son’s experience. She said that her son’s legacy is in the form of lyrics that he wrote documenting his struggle. “He was trying.” Some of the lyrics were prayers and others were dedicated to his parents.

By Hanna O’Reilly and Douglas Graves

COMMUNITY

Church, chapel tours celebrate history

Historic Bethlehem’s Church and Chapel tour is a look at the Moravians who founded Bethlehem more than 270 years ago, and the churches and chapels they built. These buildings represent some of the oldest in the city. The tour begins with guide Loretta Hein, who outlines the creation of the 1741 Gemeinhaus, where the early Moravians lived, worshiped and conducted everyday life. The Moravian religion is the oldest Protestant denomination that is still in existence today. Much of their traditions of worship and life revolve around music. They were the first to bring trombone musical instruments to the new world. Photo: The original Oriel Pulpit, which was removed in 1851 for design changes in the church. As a way to preserve the pulpit, it was hung on a wall inside a winding staircase. Pictured from ground level is a view looking up toward the pulpit that hangs on the wall (center) with the staircase that winds around it leading to an upper floor.

By Mark Kirlin

SPORTS-DISTRICT BOYS BASKETBALL

BC boys knock off rival Central

Scott McClary knew Bethlehem Catholic’s battle against Central Catholic in last Friday’s District 11 4A championship would be emotional. One thing he may not have predicted would be the contest being a blowout. The Hawks jumped on Central early and never looked back, coasting to a 65-49 victory at Freedom High School. It was the third straight district title for the Hawks, who improved to 25-3 this year and added another championship to their resume this season after winning the East Penn Conference title as well.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

More HS spring musicals

By Ed Courrier

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: City prepares for March 16 Parade of Shamrocks

Bethlehem: Demolition begins at Guardian Life site

Bethlehem: Van Wirt and Carpenter run for council seats

Bethlehem: Asa Packer ES student learn importance of helping others

Holy Name School: Author gives some storytelling tips

Lehigh County: Armstrong delivers State of The County … then apologizes for story that fell flat

Lehigh Valley: Polar plunge benefits Special Olympics

Northampton County: Governor wants voting machines updated

Northampoton County: Zrinsky wants farmers to grow hemp

Student profiles: Curtis Dai, Notre Dame HS

High school news: Freedom HS by Carson Swick

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March 13, 2019

BATTLING ADDICTION

An addict’s mother reaches out

Ruth Plebani used to feel shame over her sons’ addiction to drugs, but after one nearly died from an overdose, she decided it was worth sharing her story if it helps others get into rehab. Her son Keith Goosman had been confined to a hospital bed after an overdose of methamphetamine. He temporarily lost control of basic bodily functions. Thankfully, Keith has made considerable progress, but he still has a long way to go. As she looked at him hooked up to a ventilator, Plebani decided that she wanted to share her story and Keith’s, and hopefully reach at least one person and convince them to seek help for addiction.

By Chris Reber

BATTLING ADDICTION-BLUE GUARDIAN

County considers program an early success

As the drug crisis continues countrywide, legal and medical professionals at every level are seeking new means of reducing opioid prescriptions, monitoring their use, saving lives and promoting treatment for those becoming dangerously addicted. In Lehigh County, officials’ experiment with a support program has seen early success. Blue Guardian is a program devised more than a year ago to help guide addicts and their loved ones after near-tragedies through continued communication and broad support. In fact, officials said the support system on the governing end as encompassing the district attorney’s office, the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center, Department of Drug and Alcohol, 15 municipal police departments, two state police barracks, six hospitals, treatment providers, certified recovery specialists and the Center of Excellence.

By Nate Jastrzemski

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem HARB: Book shop to get exterial floor tiles

Bethlehem SSTF: Task Force walks through model

Bethlehem BASD: Power outtages caused no damage to buildings

Bethlehem NIMH: Pump house tour offered March 24

Classroom: Northeast MS presents ‘Lion King Jr.’

Lehigh County: Judge petitions for additional grandy jury power

Lehigh County: Commisioners talk term limits

Northampton County: Election commission chooses new machines

South Bethlehem: LUGA springs forwards with new exhibits

Student profile: Madeline Wickel, Bethlehem Catholic HS

High school news: Charter Arts

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March 20, 2019

COVER STORY-BATTLING ADDICTION

The littlest victims

A baby boy born at Reading Hospital in 2017 came into the world the fourth child of a woman struggling with addiction to methamphetamine and heroin. The little one had a tough road ahead, but was blessed with a dedicated hospital staff and loving adoptive parents. The hospital staff held and soothed him as he was weaned from the drugs passed to him by his mother. Once home, his adoptive parents, Millicent M. and Steven C. Himmelreich, continued the love and patience he needed to thrive.

By Chris Parker

RELATED STORIES

Help available for addicted mothers

A cascade of illicit drugs

Opioid treatment bills in state house hearing

Gov. Wolf: Warm hand-offs help transition many overdose survivors

BETHLEHEM

Police dept. reports a decade of falling crime

Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio released a report recently outlining his department’s many successes in recent years, beginning with what amounts to a 22 percent overall drop in crime from 2007-18.

By Nate Jastrzmeski

CLASSROOM

Moravian Academy presents ‘The Boyfriend’

Students of Moravian Academy performed “The Boy Friend” March, 1, 2 and 3 uder the direction of Jarrod Yuskauskas. Sandy Wilson’s musical, which takes place at a boarding school on the French Riviera in the 1920s, put a smile on everyone’s faces. The small cast and lively musical numbers made for an intimate and exciting experience. The performances took place on Moravian Academy’s campus in the Dyer Auditorium. Above: The young girls of Madame Dubonnet’s Finishing School sing “Perfect Young Ladies,” a song about how they must act based on society’s standards and their desire to find husbands.

By Leslie Regan

SPORTS

Becahi girls hoping to advance to state finals

Editor’s note: The Becahi girls semifinal game took place after Press deadlines.

Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team cruised again this past Saturday when they defeated Danville, 60-37, in the PIAA State Class 4A quarterfinal at Hazleton High School. Becahi guard Jaleesa Lanier came out in the second quarter firing two consecutive threes, and the Hawks were off and running.

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

Crowded Kitchen Players premier addresses ‘Unspeakable’ topic

“’Unspeakable’” describes a system that often finds itself inadequate to help the very individuals it has been created to serve,” says Ara Barlieb about the genesis of his new play.The Crowded Kitchen Players’ “Unspeakable” has its world premiere March 22, Charles A. Brown Ice House, Bethlehem, where it continues March 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31.

“Unspeakable” tells the story of a boy, Adam Shane (represented by a Doug Roysdon-designed and built marionette handled by Pamela Wallace), who is part of a fragile framework formed by a working single mother, Naomi (Florence Taylor), a trusted caregiver, Uncle Henry (David Oswald), as well as a stranger, and the authorities who try to find out the truth.

“It [the play] describes a society that often finds itself complicit in the endangerment of its most fragile members,” Barlieb says.“’Unspeakable’ has been created through years of interviews and collaboration with dedicated and caring child-welfare and law-enforcement professionals who themselves often share in these feelings of helplessness,” says Barlieb.“The purpose,” Barlieb continues, “is to encourage widespread involvement in the protection of children. It takes only the slightest disregard to endanger a child, but it takes constant effort, fearless accountability, and tireless vigilance to protect them.”

By Douglas Graves

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: State of the city ‘strong’ says Donchez

Bethlehem: Book sale opens March 27

Great Decisions Lectures: Roots of European populism complex

Hellertown: Lost Tavern expansion approved

High school musical calendar

Lenten events calendar

Lehigh County: Term limit referendum fails, 5-2
Northampton County: Gracedale passes inspection

Saucon Valley: Shoe collection

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March 27, 2019

COVER STORY-CELTIC DOGGIE PARADE

Companions strut their stuff

Wearing their finest Irish attire, 35 purebred and mixed breed dogs from around the Lehigh Valley shared in some St. Patrick’s Day fun. They strutted their stuff in a friendly Celtic canine costume competition in historic North Bethlehem March 16. Photo: Donegal Square owner Neville Gardner and Betsy Daley hold Glen of Imaal terriers, Fergus McCarthy and Daithi. Standing beside the dog owners is Beth Barry, emcee for the Celtic Doggie Parade.

By Cindy O’Brien

COMMUNITY
Prayers at Packer Chapel

Students, faculty and others were drawn together in solidarity and grief Friday at the Asa Packer Memorial Church on the edge of the Lehigh University campus. They were there to express their concerns and thoughts and to show their support of the victims killed in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15, when 50 people were murdered and 50 wounded by a white Australian man espousing white supremacy as a reason for his massacre. Photo: “It was a horrendous attack on a peaceful religion,” said Terri Ball-Nicholas, left, of Bethlehem. She is with her friend, Em Finney. “I felt tremendous sadness – sorrow,” said Finney, also of Bethlehem.

By Douglas Graves

RELATED: ‘We will continue to stand together’

CLASSROOM

Saucon Valley Theatre presents ‘Curtains’

“Curtains,” from the creators of “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” is a musical comedy whodunit taking place in Boston 1959. Saucon Valley’s theater program performed “Curtains” to enthusiastic audiences between March 14 and 17. Photo: Lt. Frank Cioffi (Evangelos Hahalis) reviews a copy of the score from “Robin Hood” with the play’s cast. Hahalis is a senior performing in his third high school production.

By Mark Kirlin

SPORTS

Hawks bring home the gold

“Too happy to even cry,” said Bethlehem Catholic guard Jaleesa Lanier after the Hawks were crowned PIAA State Class 4A girls’ basketball champions by defeating North Catholic, 60-49, on Saturday at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa. Screams and squeals filled the arena as time ran out in the state final and the Hawks’ emptied the bench to celebrate.

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

Still more spring HS musicals

By Ed Courrier

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Council approved $6M general bond

Bethlehem: Helping people come top answers

Bethlehem: Seven Sirens signage approved

Bethlehem: 5 x 5 Exhibit opens March 28

Bethlehem: Irish flag raising, Shamrock Parade

Bethlehem: Authority makes plans for Earth Day

Lehigh Valley: Summit explores equitable school funding

Lehigh Valley: Lending a hand on President’s Day
Lehigh Valley: Women aren’t finished making a difference

Lehigh Valley: $2.5M literacy campaign under way

Moravian College: Fleeing to America

Northampton County: Nurse cite ‘horrifying staff shortages’

Northampton County: Despite ethics sanctions, member reappointed

Student profile: Liz Cartier

High school news – Notre Dame HS

WEEKLY FEATURES

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April 3, 2019

BATTLING ADDICTION

‘This is a disease’

On April 1, 2016, John Sienkiewicz spoke three words to his daughter, Alexandria, known as Alex, as she headed out with friends. “I love you.” Hours later, Alex, 23, would be found in her bedroom, dead from an overdose of fentanyl, a powerful narcotic painkiller.

By Chris Parker

BATTLING ADDICTION

Toomey: Stop fentanyl at source

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey met with officials at Bethlehem city hall during a tour of the area March 20, where he announced proposed legislation geared toward fighting the opioid epidemic. While ever more laws, programs and resources are directed toward this effort, the Blocking Deadly Fentanyl Imports Act in particular is meant to curb sale and delivery of the drugs from their sources; notably China and Mexico, where fentanyl is manufactured. Photo: Sen. Pat Toomey in city hall, with Police Chief Mark DiLuzio (left) and others.

By Nate Jastrzmeski

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Great Decisions-Cyber conlflict and politics

Bethlehem: LVCF announces several grants

Bethlehem: Crampsie-Smith seeks council seat

Bethlehem: Carpenter announces for city council

Bethlehem: Chesterbrook opens new facility, new site

Bethlehem: Fundraiser supports hospice house meals program

Bethlehem: Moravian full scholarships presented to 2 BASD seniors

Lehigh County: Employees vocal over contract delay

Lehigh County: Minnich announces bid for coroner

Lehigh County: Record clerk Naugle seeks re-election

Northampton County: County buys Human Services building

Primary election: Both parties want to win back districts

WEEKLY FEATURES

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April 10, 2019

HANOVER TWP. EGG HUNT

Sun and fun for all

Hanover Township held its annual Easter egg hunt both indoors and out March 30. The day was filled with sun and unusually mild temperatures in the mid-70s. There were a total of three egg hunts broken down by age groups of 0-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Photo: Kids in the 6-to-8-years-old category run toward the eggs at the start of the egg hunt.

By Mark Kirlin

COMMUNITY

Loud at the library

Photo: Matt Molchany of Shards Studio in Bethlehem helps with the digital mixer and software set up of Studio 11. Molchany operated all equipment for the attendees during the Feb. 23 open house.

By Alli Poczak

BECAHI PRESENTS

‘Meet Me in St. Louis’

“Meet Me in St. Louis” will be performed at 7 p.m. April 12 and 13 in Bethlehem Catholic HS’s auditorium, 2133 Madison Ave., Bethlehem. Reserved seats can be ordered online at http://bit.ly/becatheater. Call 610-866-0791 for general admission seats. They may also be purchased at the door. Photo: John Truitt (Connor Murphy) jumps on board just as the trolley sets out for the Fair, to the happiness of Esther (Zara Smith). The rousing Trolley Song (“Clang, clang, clang goes the bell”) sends them off.

By Dennis Glew

LIBERTY PRESENTS

‘Beauty and the Beast’

Liberty High School Theatre presents the musical “Beauty and the Beast “ April 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and at a Saturday, April 13 2 p.m. matinee, in the school auditorium. Tickets may be purchased at ShowTix4u.com or by calling the Box Office Call Center at 1-866-967-8167. Photo: Lumiere (Addyson Hamilton) and Mrs. Potts (Lindsey Sommons) tell the Beast (Ricardo Gonzalez), “Above all you must control your temper.”

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Grasso reaches 1,500 career games

Mike Grasso has been a mainstay at Bethlehem Catholic since 1974 and has spent the majority of his adult life coaching sports for the Golden Hawks. This week the 68-year-old Grasso was slated to add another feather in his cap when the Hawks were slated to take on Pocono Mountain West on Friday, in what would be Grasso’s 1,500th career game coaching at Bethlehem Catholic. Grasso has coached baseball for the past 44 years, but also spent 21 years as a soccer coach, five years coaching girls basketball and 10 years coaching football.

By Peter Car

LV FOCUS

True to life

Renowned actor, screenwriter, producer and playwright Chazz Palminteri brings his legendary one-man show, “A Bronx Tale,” which spawned a critically-acclaimed film of the same title, to the State Theatre Center for the Arts for one performance, 7:30 p.m. April 12.

The 1993 movie that starred Robert De Niro, who directed the film, is based on Palminteri’s 1989 play, directed by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks.

By Camille Capriglione

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Outlaw riders threaten villagers

Bethlehem: Southside Task Force prepares for ‘Cleanup’

Bethlehem: Celebrating a birthday at the library

Bethlehem: ArtsQuest announced 2019 trustees

Bethlehem: City to revamp Christmas display

Bethlehem HCC: ‘Lara Bly’ fashions can fancy-up window sign

Great Decisions: Former ambassador dishes on life as a diplomat

Lehigh Valley: Survery says ‘life is good’

Lehigh Valley: McNeill named economic development chair

Northampton County: Correction class graduates

State: Attorney general issues Social Security scam alert

Student profile: Matt Miller Brown, LV Charter Arts

LV Academy news by Isabella Trauger

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April 17, 2019

COVER STORY

Attendees voice support for legalized marijuana

Pennsylvania Lt. Governor John Fetterman brought his 67-county recreational marijuana legalization tour to Bethlehem April 7, drawing about 150 to the ArtsQuest Center. Fetterman has been soliciting feedback from Pennsylvania residents.

“It’s an issue people feel very passionate about for and against,” Fetterman said as he established ground rules for the 90-minute session in which residents could state their case. Nearly two dozen did. Photo: Prior to beginning, Lt. Governor John Fetterman emphasizes, “We want to create a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their opinions.” He was joined by PA Senator Lisa Boscola and Easton Mayor Sal Panto.

By Dana Grubb

ANOTHER VIEW by Julie Swan

Gateway drug or relatively benign?

SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

‘What everyone should know’

Educators, students, and Lehigh Valley community members gathered in Packer Auditorium on Lehigh University’s campus March 5 to talk about a horrific issue: school shootings. The Crucial Conversations “A Focus on a School Shooting: What Everyone Should Know” was composed of Dr. Joseph Roy, superintendent of Bethlehem schools, and psychologist Dr. Peter Langman. Psychologist and Lehigh professor Dr. Nicole Johnson moderated the panelists as they addressed major concerns regarding school shootings and gave their expertise on how to avoid school shootings, as well as protect students and the community in all shooting related circumstances. Photo: Dr. Joseph Roy and Dr. Peter Langman discuss common warning signs to look out for in order to prevent shootings. They spoke about the need for early intervention. Roy said he understands the need to keep schools safe from shooters and is hopeful new safety interventions will lead toward fewer shootings. Langman is the author of “School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators.”

By Leslie Regan

SPRING MUSICALS-FREEDOM HS PRESENTS

‘Anything Goes’

The Freedom HS Theatre Company presented the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes” April 4, 5, 6 and 7 in the school auditorium. Based on the original book by P.G. Wodehouse, Guy Bolton, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, “Anything Goes” chronicles a man’s pursuit of the woman he loves as all sorts of high seas hijinks surround their cruise on the ocean liner SS American. Justin Amman directed and was assisted by Natalie Parker, choreographer Vanessa Ruggiero, pit director Michael Moran, set designer Yoshi Tanokura, prop mistress Priscilla Salazar, stage manager Michael Mattia and costumer Mary Catherine Bracali. Photo: The sailors and passengers on the SS American sing “Bon Voyage” as the liner casts off.

By Dana Grubb

SPORTS

LHS set for another test this week

You can say that Liberty is the best baseball team around, but that won’t change the Hurricanes mindset moving forward. Liberty (8-1, 6-0) stands at the top of the District 11 6A power rankings coming into the week and are one of only two East Penn Conference schools that are undefeated. With a nonleague win over Parkland last week, the ‘Canes get a chance to test their mettle again this week when they host Emmaus (8-2, 7-1) on Wednesday afternoon.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

14^th annual Student Poetry Contest winners

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Linny Award winners named

Fountain Hill: Students celebrate Dr. Seuss Day

Hellertown: Council approves road, traffic projects

Lehigh University: Panel discusses changing nature of ‘work’

Lehigh Valley: Residents address water quality threats

Lehigh Valley: Boscola backs Jordan Creek Greenway project

Lehigh Valley: Veterans reminded to check their benefits

Lehigh Valley: Mess Night honors service members

National: Toomey talks about voting against Trump’s declaration

Saucon Valley: Error complicates HVAC contracts

State: Voter registration deadline April 22

Wildlands Conservancy: Creating many more fish sories

WEEKLY FEATURES

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April 24, 2019

COVER STORY

A very classic Easter

Decked out in Easter finery, long- time friends Nancy Sharp and Deborah Courville wore Edwardian style vintage dresses, hats and accessories to the Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s Easter brunch on Sunday. Sharp lives in Port Elizabeth, N.J. and Courville in Laceyville, Pa. They were in Bethlehem visiting over the Easter holiday.

By Dana Grubb

COMMUNITY

Selling books for a good cause

For book lovers, the annual AAUW Book Fair at the Bethlehem Ice Rink is a much-anticipated event. This year’s sale, the 57th, will begin April 25 and continue through April 29. Customers can purchase gently used books that have been donated and are divided into 19 categories, including children’s books, biographies, cookbooks, mysteries, books about art, music, photography, science, geology, etc. Proceeds from the sale will fund scholarships for college-bound girls in their senior year of high school. Photo: Olga Coneen (right), an AAUW member who formerly directed the library at Northampton Community College, and her sister, Marika Symons, check books for sale in the Kids and Young Adults section.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

COMMUNITY

Chasing eggs at Memorial Park

If the sky was gloomy early in the morning of the annual Easter egg hunt at Memorial Pool on Illicks Mill Road, by the time the children had assembled with baskets in hand, the sun had come out. As they waited for the hunt to start, one young attendee murmured “three minutes to go.” At the sound of the police siren, children rushed onto the field to gather up the candy, all of which was donated by Just Born. In no time at all baskets were full. For some of the youngsters, there was a bonus in store. If a candy wrapper in their basket had a sticker on it they could claim a large chocolate Easter Bunny. Photo: They’re off! Race strategies varied, with some kids sprinting far ahead of the pack, where they had unimpeded access to maximum candy. Others grabbed every prize they came to.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

CLASSROOM

Developing leaders at Fountain Hill ES

Who knew a bunch of elementary school students could possibly plan over an hour’s worth of material to showcase, all on their own? Fountain Hill ES Leadership Day Prep Club had its first ever ‘student only’ planned Leadership Day Feb. 22 and it was spectacular. This year’s event was planned by students under the supervision of kindergarten and first grade teacher Victoria Knepp and themed around Dr. Seuss and his children’s books. Photo: Student from the Student Lighthouse Committee: Julian Olmeda. Jenna Chinda, Jartiza Caytuiro, Ivona Negron, Ben Brandt and Kyle Brandt.

By Selena Cintron

PORTS

LHS stifling opponents

They say pitching is the key to baseball and Liberty’s staff has certainly devoured teams through the team’s 11-1 start to the season. The Hurricanes completed another unblemished week, after handling Whitehall, Freedom and Emmaus last week. It pushed them to five-straight wins coming into this week, as the pitching staff has allowed only 2.5 runs per game this season.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

Stand-up at Penn’s Peak

Comedy superstar and “Domestic Goddess” Roseanne Barr brings her comedy tour to Penn’s Peak, 8 p.m. May 4. Barr, an award-winning actress, producer, talk-show host, “Last Comic Standing” judge (2014), best-selling author, 2012 presidential candidate, activist, Full Moon and High Tide production company owner, wife, mother and grandmother of six, continues to astound with her real-life, tell-it-all, comedy by using her personal experiences that impact everybody, every day.

By Erin Ferguson

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Council lauds career

Bethlehem: Candidates’ responses requested

Bethlehem: Cop ‘n’ Kids annual celebration this Saturday

Bethlehem: Authority to repopulate watershed with native tree species

Great Decisions Lectures: Mexico’s mercurial relationship with the U.S.

Lehigh County: Drug collection set for April 27

Northampton County: Hotel tax grants now available

Saucon Valley: Student accomplishments recognized

South Bethlehem: Arts & Music Festival line-up for 2019

High school news report: BAVTS by Alexandra Hutchinson

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May 1, 2019

COVER STORY

Church arson suspect arrested

Police arrested a man allegedly responsible for two fires at a Pembroke Road church last week. Forty-three-year-old Wilmer J. Ortiz Torres of West Chew Street in Allentown, arrested Friday, is a former member of the Iglesia Pentecostal de Bethlehem (Pentecostal Church of Bethlehem) and faces charges of trespassing, burglary and arson. Photo: Pastor Carmen L. Cruz says the church is fully paid off and they do have insurance. She expects the rebuilding process could take two to three months, but additional help has been arranged by parishioners using a fundraising site, gofundme.com/iglesia-pentecostal-de-bethlehem.

By Nate Jastrzemski

COMMUNITY

‘Walk a mile in her shoes’

Penn State Lehigh Valley’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event kicked off on April 16. This was the fifth annual walk hosted by the campus’s RISE club, a national organization with the mission to “rise up against sexual violence, abuse, trafficking, and exploitation in the community, through awareness prevention, action and aftercare.” Photo: The organziation’s iconic red heels were worn by all who participated in the Walk a Mile event.

By Alli Poczak

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Judge Zito stepping down

It’s hard to think of anyone more closely connected to Northampton County government than Leonard Zito has been since he first began practicing law in 1971. As a lawyer in Bangor, his hard-hitting style attracted attention from both the public and other lawyers. For many years, he was the man to see if you were from the Slate Belt and had a problem. He’s been chief public defender, county council’s solicitor and was both appointed and then overwhelmingly elected as judge. On the bench, he quickly reorganized criminal court and developed a reputation as the hardest-working judge in the Lehigh Valley. But if you talk to him, he still considers himself an “outlier” from Roseto. “We came from nothing,” he said, but is very proud of the “fierce independence” of the Slate Belt, and Roseto, in particular. Photo: Judge Leonard Zito in the “boiler room” with secretary Anne Goetz.

By Bernie O’Hare

CLASSROOM

Charter Arts students make
Fukashima documentary

Forty years ago, on March 28, 1979, there was a partial meltdown of the Unit 2 core at the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor on the Susquehanna River south of Harrisburg. Advances in scientific assessments over the four decades have confirmed that 50 percent of the core had been destroyed, and ionized radiation was released as steam into the atmosphere. The “but” in this, however, is that experts from the federal government and the nuclear industry have remained steadfast in their assessment that the exposure levels of 100 millirems of radiation from TMI were far below the average annual rate of 620 millirems of radiation that most people are exposed to from x-rays, medical treatments and flying in commercial airplanes. Photo: 2018 Charter Arts graduate David Jerry demonstrates some of the technical methods used by his fellow students to produce “The Fukushima Legacy.” The students worked under the direction of broadcast production teacher Damian Righi, seen here with Jerry.

By Carole Gorney

SPORTS

BC closes in on play-off berth

While Liberty may be on cruise control heading into the final two weeks of the baseball regular season, Bethlehem Catholic will be fighting for every last drop with four games left on the calendar. The Golden Hawks (8-7) squeezed out a 5-4 win over Dieruff on Saturday afternoon, scoring a bottom of the seventh inning victory off a Nate Petke RBI double to push them a game over the .500 mark. The win also increased their chances of solidifying themselves as a District 11 4A playoff qualifier and kept them sneaking around the eighth and final playoff spot in the East Penn Conference standings.

By Peter
Car

FOCUS

Polka rocks on

The Alex Meixner Band performs a celebration of the “Roots of the Lehigh Valley,” 7:30 p.m. May 7, Rodale Community Room, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. The multi-talented Meixner, a Lehigh Valley native, literally learned music at his father’s knee. He represents the fourth generation of the Meixner family in the music business. Starting piano at age three, he made his stage debut in his father’s band at age six playing the accordion. There followed multiple gigs on multiple instruments: drums, bass, keyboards, piano, accordion and trumpet. Then he was off to Ithaca College.

By George Van Doren

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Candidate address local issues in NAACP forum

Bethlehem: New members join HARB

Lehigh County: Former coroner Grimm honored

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MAY 29, 2019

COVER STORY

City honors 35 lost in Vietnam

The Vietnam War officially ended in 1975, and today represents a tumultuous period of American history. The politics and social upheaval resulted in an era we now reflect on with anger, shame, regret or simple bafflement. But unlike the conflicted feelings of the time, in which soldiers were drafted and sent overseas to fight a war often against their will, only to return to wholesale spite for their actions while there, today Americans largely honor their service. And that’s why, after almost 45 years, the 35 Bethlehem men who lost their lives in Vietnam will be celebrated with a permanent memorial, which will be officially dedicated June 1. Photo: Bob Moll of Monumental Crafts in Hellertown works on the design of the $10,000 memorial.

By Nate Jastrzesmki

COMMUNITY

Hanover Twp. Carnival a welcome spring attraction

The weather could not have been better for the Hanover Township Community Days Carnival, which ran from May 8-11. It was particularly sunny and mild May 10 as children, parents and some grandparents came for numerous rides, refreshment stands and booths at which they could compete for prizes. Photo: A balloon artist dazzles kids with her productions. Here she welcomes twins Gavin and Landon, who are with their cousin Mackensie.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

OPINION: PRO LIFE FEDERATION

Town hall tackles controversial issue

Legislation legalizing late-term abortion on demand in New York and other states has sparked national controversy and focused attention in the Lehigh Valley on pending legislation in Pennsylvania. Michael Ciccocioppo and Bonnie Finnerty of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation addressed legislative and cultural issues, ranging from abortion to assisted suicide, at a Pro-Life Town Hall on Friday, May 3, at St. Simon & Jude Church Hall in Bethlehem. The town hall was part of a seven-city tour in Pennsylvania that Ciccocioppo and Finnerty are doing to generate greater awareness of the pro-life perspective. Photo: Executive director of the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, Michael Ciccocioppo: “We have to elect candidates to office who will enact public policy that defends and respects life.”

By Cindy O’Brien

OPINION: LGBT AND RELIGIOUS LIFE

The two can co-exist, says Muhlenberg professor

Today, religious identity within the LBGT community is not solely focused on religious participation as much as it is about crafting one’s own spiritual experience, according to Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, assistant professor of clinical psychology at Muhlenberg College. Lassiter researches the intersections of faith, sexuality, and race/ethnicity. From having researched several studies and co-edited a book with Lourdes D. Follins in 2017 titled, “Black LGBT Health in the United States: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation,” Lassiter is a leading scholar on the experiences of religious and spiritual LGBT people in the United States. Photo: According to Muhlenberg faculty member Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, “There are religious organizations that are the front lines of social justice and there are religious organizations that are more conservative, which does not speak to the desires of the congregation.”

By Chloe Goldstein

CLASSROOM

Liberty HS teacher uses ‘DonorsChoose’

Timothy Treweek, music teacher at Liberty HS, recognizes the importance of music and has dedicated his career to instilling that into his students. Treweek teaches music production classes at the high school, an elective course where students learn about music and technology while also seeing the business side of things. “I teach them skills that they would need to get hired in the musical production industry,” explained Treweek. Photo: Teacher Timothy Treweek explains to senior Edward Velazco, “the idea is to have the tools and the knowledge to achieve the sound you want.”

By Hanna O’Reilly and Dana Grubb

SPORTS

Tackett takes 5^th at states

Athletes from Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic competed at the PIAA State Track and Field Championships this past weekend at Shippensburg University where Liberty junior Christian Tackett won a fifth place medal. Tackett medaled in the 300 meter hurdles with his time of 38.60. Liberty senior Darlyn Fermin just missed a medal in the 3200 meter run. Fermin placed ninth with a time of 9:23.90, missing the eighth place medal by .76 seconds.

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

DeSales: Curtain rises on 2019 season

When curating the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) season, Patrick Mulcahy looks for themes, resonances and connections between the plays by William Shakespeare and classic works of theater and the Broadways stage. For PSF’s 28th annual season, Mulcahy’s 16th season as PSF Producing Artistic Director, beginning in 2003, he says, “The season is stacked to be a blast, just a lot of fun. There’s also this thread throughout the season of rebellion.”

By Paul Willistien

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Scam prevention program targets seniors

Bethlehem: Troop M honors fallen brethren

Bethlehem: Spring book sale tops $9K

Hellertown: Traffic lights sought from PennDOT for Main, Walnut, Water streets

Northampton County: New county deputy a trained tracker

Northampton County: Senior awards presented to county residents

South Bethlehem: SSTF meeting highlights library programming

South Bethlehem: NMIH’s ‘Innovators Fund’ gets a boost

Valley: Pediatric Cancer fund raiser tops previous total

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June 5, 2019

COVER STORY

Keeping their memory alive

Bethlehem’s war dead were remembered Saturday morning in a solemn and emotional ceremony in front of Bethlehem City Hall. A new Vietnam War memorial now stands on East Church Street as a mute testimonial to the 35 men of Bethlehem who were killed in action during that war. Some of the families of the fallen attended, several holding portraits of sons or brothers who gave their lives for their country. Photo: Salutes by members of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club welcome the unveiling of the Bethlehem Vietnam KIA Memorial.

By Douglas Graves

GRADUATION-LV ACADEMY

‘Many more mountains’

“It‘s been an honor to be here on behalf of the board of trustees,” said Board President Martin Smith as he praised the Lehigh Valley Academy graduating seniors at the Zoellner Arts Center May 28. For him, Smith announced, it was personal; his daughter, Madalyn, was one of the 61 receiving high school diplomas from the regional charter school that day. Photo: At left, LVA Board of Trustees President Martin Smith beams as his daughter, Madalyn, receives her diploma from LVA CEO Susan Mauser, with Principal Jennifer Nonnemacher assisting.

By Ed Courrier

GRADUATION-MORAVIAN ACADEMY

‘Leave a lasting legacy’

“Never forget to leave a lasting legacy,” class of 2019 President Michael Schellenberg concluded his remarks to his graduating classmates at Moravian Academy’s commencement June 1.The ceremony had been moved indoors to the gymnasium due to the threat of evening showers. The showers never materialized, but the move didn’t seem to dampen the high spirits of the 82 graduates and the packed house of their friends and families. Photo: All smiles after graduation: Grace Nixdorf will attend Furman University; Rebecca Donahue, Haverford College; Sophia Carosella, High Point University; Isha Mohapatra, Carnegie Mellon University; Elizabeth Stifel, University of Notre Dame; Jamie Karras, Wake Forest University.

By Julie Swan and Cindy O’Brien

MEMORIAL DAY 2019

Remembering the fallen

Hundreds of area residents turned out along the parade route and in Memorial Park Cemetery as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation were honored on Memorial Day. The annual parade and service was sponsored by United Veterans of Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council and the City of Bethlehem. United Veterans president Ken Nichols conducted the service. Photo: Buglers who participated in “Taps over Bethlehem” perform several selections en masse at Memorial Park Cemetery, including the Navy Hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save.”

By Dana Grubb

SPORTS

Liberty takes District 11 baseball title

Many times, the district final comes down to the top two seeds. As the number two-seed, Liberty had better than average odds of being in the final and could have figured to play top-seed Northampton. With top-seeded Northampton eliminated early, the Hurricanes took on an Emmaus team that not only took out the Konkrete Kids, but had been beating a number of top teams throughout the playoffs. In the end though, the Hurricanes came away with a 3-1 win to take gold in District 11.

By Chuck Hixson

FOCUS

Curtain rises on Muhlenberg’s 39^th summer season

The 2019 season is the 39th step for Charles Richter on his way to the 40th anniversay of Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre (MSMT), which he cofounded. “They’re already planning the 40th celebration,” says Richter, Professor of Theatre Arts, Muhlenberg College, where he has been teaching for 41 years, with 25 years as chair of the college’s Department of Theatre and Dance. When asked about retirement, Richter, who will be 68 on June 16, quips, “I’m not thinking that far ahead.”

By PaulWillistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Mortavian Bookstore has tasty new partners

Bethlehem Area SD: Future Chef winner honored

Classroom: Student volunteer leads renovation at Camel’s Hump Farm

Lehigh County: Board supports farming inducements

Lehigh University: TE Venture Fair – Entrepreneurial ideas abound

Lehigh Valley: Girl Scouts’ ‘Take the Lead’ honorees

Lehigh Valley: Boscoal announces opioid service grants

Lehigh Valley: Keeping Pa. music, art forms alive

Northampton County: New offices for agency

Saucon Valley SD: Mission statement revisited

Saucon Valley SD: Elementary assistant principal introduced

South Bethlehem: New Bethany’s Elliot Cetner turns hopes into reality

South Bethlehem: Fond memories of veterans

WEEKLY FEATURES

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Dent to NCC graduates: ‘Pursue your passions’

Community business grads celebrate

Student runs for school board seat

Fountain Hill kids, volunteers celenrater MLK

Hawks merge with gold

Memoir charts Rick Levy’s rock ‘n’ roll career

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