BETHLEHEM PRESS

May 6, 2015

COVER STORY

What the public hears

It was little more than a month ago that Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz deliberately crashed his commercial airliner into a mountain in the Alps in France, killing himself and 149 passengers and fellow crew members. News coverage at the time focused on reports that Lubitz suffered from depression – an assumption supported by the discovery of antidepressants and a doctor’s note in his home, and claims that he had been treated in psychiatric and neurology clinics. Photo: Jenna O’Connell takes lunch orders at The Lodge, which offers flexible jobs at the café and daily educational and recreational programs. Café the Lodge serves gourmet coffee, wholesome breakfasts and lunches and offers a flexible catering service.

By Carole Gorney

COMMUNITY

YWCA’s volunteer honorees

Bethlehem’s YWCA of Bethlehem celebrated the volunteer achievements of seven local women at the 40th annual Women and Teens of the Year Award ceremony recently at the Event Center at Blue. Photo: Golden laurel honoree Susan Yee is the chief executive officer of Active Data, a software company that develops event community engagement platforms for the education, healthcare, government and enterprise markets throughout North America.

FOUNTAIN HILL

Bacchanalia: 12 years and going strong

Friends and residents of Fountain Hill wined and dined at the Comfort Suites Hotel April 11 to raise money for the Fountain Hill playground and surrounding recreational area. Photo: Guest of honor Pauline Moser lived on the Hill for over 60 years and raised her family here.

By Joanna Ireland

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

Facelift for Flatiron’s fifth floor

It’s a surprisingly nice view.

The Southside’s Flatiron building, towering over the small businesses and residences of the surrounding neighborhood, is little more than an awkwardly skinny oddity for most passersby; a five-story wedge that suddenly looms above motorists and peels apart the roadway, splitting small businesses on Broadway from residences on Fourth Street. Photo: Community members and officials gather in the delapidated front hall.

By Nate Jastrzemski

NEWS/VIEWS

Council candidates share views

All seven Bethlehem City Council candidates were in church, but they were not praying. At least not yet. They were there for a recent candidates’ night hosted by the Northwest Block Watch, which meets monthly at the Church of the Manger on Greenview Street.

It was standing room only, as about 60 people crowded into the nave, including State Rep. Dan McNeill and Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dan Hartzell. Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Gus Loupos served as facilitator. He just got back from Ireland and claimed to have a piece of Blarney Stone for any candidate who was bashful about speaking. None of them needed any help. For a little over an hour, the candidates fielded some excellent questions.

By Bernie O’Hare

SOUTH BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Asa packer: Rags to riches

Asa Packer’s life was one of the finest examples of an American “rags to riches” story. His early days consisted of little formal education with only the local tannery offering employment. By the time of his death, in 1879, he was the richest man in Pennsylvania. Packer’s political influence reached as far as Washington, D. C., and he had provided the leadership for several important enterprises, all of which spurred the development of South Bethlehem.

By Karen M. Samuels

CLASSROOM

Liberty presents ‘Aida’

Liberty HS Theatre presented a dramatic rendition of the modern day musical “Aida” April 23-25. Director Mark McKenna led a talented student cast of nearly 60 players in a challenging presentation of the original production by musician Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice. Photo: Aida (Brielle Rivera), princess of the enslaved Ethiopians living in Egypt with their conquerors, leads her captive people in a singing dance routine during a dress rehearsal for the Liberty HS musical “Aida.”

By Tim Gilman

THIS WEEK IN BETHLEHEM SPORTS

White goes 7th; Coccia signs with Eagles

Kevin White became the highest drafted player ever from the Lehigh Valley in the modern day NFL, when the Chicago Bears took the former Emmaus and West Virginia wide receiver with the seventh selection of the 2015 draft. Freedom graduate, Mike Coccia, joined a long list of players from the area to then sign as an Undrafted Free Agent, following the conclusion of the draft Saturday evening, as the Philadelphia Eagles picked up his rights.

By Peter Car

THIS WEEK IN FOCUS

Travel writing has been an education

This year marks the 16th anniversary of my first published work. It’s a pursuit a few of my high school friends find somewhat surprising, especially the buddies who shared time with me in English classes.

By Bud Cole

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: DAR’s 2015 citizenship honorees

Bethlehem: Bach Festival sounds off

Bethlehem: City finances fair, says Brong

Bethlehem: Zoners grant Holy Ghost home variance

Bethlehem Township: Board to let public continue to speak

Bethlehem Township: Resident worried about scavengers

Fountain Hill: Apartments get housing award

Northampton County: Controller reviews spending

Northampton Couty: Vacancies concern board members

South Bethlehem: Lead-based paint still a concern

Saucon Valley: School board to explore facility upgrades

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

The Bethlehem Press online

Where to buy the Bethlehem Press

To subscribe:New start

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May 13

COVER STORY

Marking Mother’s Day

A large steel butterfly attracts Deb Chorney of Coopersburg and her mother Dorothy Surman of Allentown at the 50th annual Fine Art and Craft Show along Main Street in historic downtown Bethlehem. Chorney said they come “just about every year” and it serves “as a memorable Mother’s Day activity.” The outdoor steel sculptures for the home and garden are shaped by metalsmith Sandra Webberking.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM

Gov. Wolf visits Gov. Wolf (ES)

During what was surely a long day on the road, Gov. Tom Wolf made a pair of Lehigh Valley stops May 8 to stump for his hefty education plan and hear out the concerns of local school administrators. Photo: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf walks into Governor Wolf ES’s library, greeting teachers and administrators.

By Nate Jastrzemski

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

NMIH hires new director

At this time last year, the National Museum of Industrial History was on life support. Despite the infusion of $17-19 million in both public and private funds, the museum was no closer to opening than it had been 17 years before, when it was first formed. A Northampton County investigating grand jury had cast a glaring spotlight on a pattern of mismanagement, conflicts of interest and excessive salaries at the Steel Museum on Bethlehem’s Southside. Photo: Amy Hollander is the new executive director at the National Museum of Industrial History.

By Bernie O’Hare

ELECTION

Bethlehem Area primary candidates

Candidates in the May 19 primary Bethlehem Press coverage area were invited to answer the following question: “What makes you uniquely qualified for the position you seek?”

COMMUNITY

Bethlehem Farmers’ Market opens

Bethlehem native Laurel Attanasio stocks up on fresh local produce at the Bechdolt’s Orchards stand run by Denise Filo, market manager of the Saucon Valley farm on Leithsville Road. “I love everything here, especially the fresh-made applesauces,” said Attanasio, who visits the South Bethlehem market regularly.

By Tim Gilman

CLASSRROM

Bethlehem area Freddy nominations

The 2015 Freddy Award nominations were announced by Ed Hanna and Shelly Brown, of WFMZ -TV and The State Theater, on May 7. The ceremony will be televised live at 7 p.m. May 21 on WFMZ channel 69 from the site, the Easton theater. Photo: “I have always been a woman who arranges things,” says Mrs. Dolly Levi (Megan Keller) to Nathanael McDowell (Ambrose Kemper) in Moravian Academy’s production of “Hello, Dolly.”

THIS WEEK IN BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Freedom wins team tennis title

For the first time in school history, Freedom High School’s boys tennis team were crowned district champions after defeating Parkland 3-1 at the District XI Class AAA Team Tennis Championships on Saturday at Winning Touch in Allentown.

By Katie McDonald

THIS WEEK IN FOCUS

‘Les Miz’ opens 24^th season

When “Les Misérables” was announced as the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) 24th season-opener, the Lehigh Valley theater community was all abuzz.

Tickets are selling at nearly triple the rate of any previous production and more than half of the 10,400 tickets have been sold, according to PSF officials.

“Les Misérables,” also known as “Les Miz,” culminates years of effort by Patrick Mulcahy, now in his 12th year as PSF Producing Artistic Director, to stage the iconic musical.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: City council reviews negotiations

Bethlehem: Police have new contract, fire department does not

Northampton County: Gaming Board awards $1.66M in grants

News&Views: Morganelli calls Doughert his ‘first choice’ for Pa. Supreme Court

News&Views: Many NorCo job vacancies remain

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

The Bethlehem Press online

Where to buy the Bethlehem Press

To subscribe:New start

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May 20, 2015

COVER STORY

‘We leave you our deaths’

Despite threatening skies, Hanover Township celebrated its fourth annual Armed Forces Day May 16 at Armed Services Park dedicated to the men and women who are serving and have served in all branches of the military.

By Bernie O’Hare

COMMUNITY

Comforting kids

This mound of stuffed animals – more than 800 of them – is being distributed to police cruisers, fire trucks and ambulances. Donchez explained that in times of trauma, such as house fires, when family members suffer injury or illness, or following criminal incidents, children may be afraid of police officers or firefighters covered in gear. Having a new toy to clutch can help relieve some stress as they receive care.

By Nate Jastrzemski

SOUTHSIDE

Hispanic Center breaks ground for expansion

When Damaris Torres first came to the Basilio Huertas Senior Center in 2013, she immediately created a wish list. That list included someone to lead exercise and coordinate activities for the seniors, medical staff to monitor their health, and room to grow. Now, with increased programming at the senior center she manages and the recent groundbreaking for an expansion of the senior center, which is part of Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley (HCLV) at 520 E. Fourth St., Tores said, “My wish list came true!” PHOTO: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, 520 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem, breaks ground on the expansion of the Basilio Huertas Senior Center April 17 to the delight of seniors, HCLV’s staff and board, and several elected officials in attendance.

By Jennifer Lader

DOWNTOWN

Tunes at Twilight opens season

This year’s annual Tunes at Twilight on Thursday nights has been extended an extra three weeks, according to the Downtown Bethlehem Association of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce which puts on the free musical performances. Guest bands will perform Thursdays to July 23. Photo: Mike Coll of Bethlehem with his son Ellis during the Tunes at Twilight concert. “We come every Thursday,” Coll said.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM

Tribute paid to fallen workers

Chairman of the Lehigh Valley Workers’ Memorial Committee John Werkheiser addresses the crowd at the Workers’ Memorial Ceremony at the Bethlehem Rose Gardens April 26.

By Amanda Ruth

CLASSROOM

Team Nova delivers

At the beginning of February, Nitschmann MS’s eighth grade Team NOVA launched a sustainability-based service learning project utilizing local and national outlets to reuse and recycle shoes and sneakers. In addition to recycling sneakers through Nike Reuse-A-Shoe, students donated shoes to New Bethany Ministries, a homeless shelter located in Bethlehem’s Southside. Above: Team Nova arrives at New Bethany Ministries in South Bethlehem.

BETHLEHEM AREA SPORTS

More gold for Aminu

A total of eight gold medals was awarded to competitors from Bethlehem Catholic, Freedom, and Liberty High Schools at the District XI Class AAA Track and Field Championships last week at Whitehall High School. Liberty sprinter Jaylyn Aminu repeated her EPC Track and Field Championships performances, clinching first place in the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the 4x1 relay.

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

Mayfair: Seven festivals in one

Mayfair Festival Of The Arts has always been viewed as an unofficial kickoff to the Lehigh Valley’s busy festival season. Mayfair, now in its 29th year, has continued to evolve much like the changing seasons it heralds.

By Deb Broylan

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Front Porch Project targets child abuse

Bethlehem Township: Commissioners focused on campaigning

Northampton County: Retirees dine with judicial candidates

Northampton County: Council suspends raises

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

The Bethlehem Press online

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To subscribe:New start

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May 27, 2015

COVER STORY
The bell returns to Liberty

Liberty HS athletes carry the bell they won back from Freedom HS up the steps at the school’s main entrance. The bell will be stored in the principal’s office for at least the next year. Michael Mittl and Harrison Cann lead the way as Ryan Brong, Ryan McGuire, Precious Torres and Nicole Nelson follow. The bell returned to Liberty after Hurricane teams won more games this year over their cross-town rivals, according to Liberty Athletic Director Frank Harris.

By Tim Gilman

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

Remembering a legend

Like most days, April 26 was filled with drivers scurrying around Southside Bethlehem, subconsciously enjoying the freedoms of democracy.

But at the busy intersection of Brodhead Avenue and Third Street, dozens paid homage to a Revolutionary War hero who still deserves respect more than two centuries later. Photo: Revolutionary War hero Kazimierz Pulaski was celebrated by the Polish Community of the Lehigh Valley April 26.

By Alex Green

LEHIGH

The deterioration of democracy

When Bill Moyers talks about the state of democracy in the United States today, he speaks of a loss of control in the management of our affairs. He laments that “the flame of democracy is almost extinguished today,” and he recalls a time back in the sixties when he visited the Lehigh campus to recruit students for the Peace Corps. Back then, there was “a strong sense of optimism” among young people and “a pervasive belief in the prospect of a better life.” Photo: Bill Moyers blames the current state of affairs on a failure of nerve in confronting the opponents of democracy, the wealthiest Americans who are getting richer at the expense of the workers.

By Dorothy Glew

COMMUNITY

‘Pay attention to your dreams’

Love, feelings, God, dreams and self-healing were among the many topics explored by best-selling motivational author Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, speaking recently on “The Psychology of Illness and the Art of Healing” before a near-capacity audience at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem. His presentation marked the fifth anniversary of annual lectures sponsored by the Dr. and Mrs. Max Littner Memorial Lecture Series for Bereavement and the St. Luke’s University Health Network. Photo: After his lecture, Dr. Bernie Sigel signed dozens of copies of his best-selling paperback, “Love, Medicine and Miracles.” He has authored a total of 12 books and is a frequent lecturer on the benefits of hope and love in treating illness.

By Carole Gorney

CLASSROOM

Sharing the love of reading

Coinciding with Dr. Seuss’ birthday, National Read Across America Day experienced a one-day delay due to inclement weather, but nonetheless volunteer readers showed up in force at Bethlehem Area School District schools. Photo: Donegan fifth grade leaders join by Principal Sonia Vazquez, volunteer members of the Sands Bethlehem management team, FamilyWize representatives and Thing #1 and Thing #2.

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Aminu third at states

Jaylen Aminu came into the state track and field championship meet with something to prove. The Liberty sophomore had broken the 12-second mark at districts and went to states as the top seed in the 100-meter dash. She wanted to prove she could do it again. And she did.

By Mike Haines

FOCUS

National Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum

Kennedy. The Challenger. 9/11.

You may remember where you were when you heard about, witnessed on television, or maybe in person, the Nov. 23, 1963, assassination of President Kennedy, the Jan. 28, 1986, explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Photo: One World Trade Center, aka Freedom Tower, rose from the ashes of the World Trade Center in New York City.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Callahan suggests more lighting

Northampton County: Council, Brown at odds over salaries

Elections: Unofficial primary results

Fountain Hill: Council argues when to draw the line

PHOTOS

Swinging musical time at Moravaian

Yard sale entrepreneurs

Volunteer gardeners

Marking National Police Week

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

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June 3, 2015

COVER STORY

‘Part of something special’

Over three decades ago, a group of recent law school grads traveled to Philly every day in a broken-down car to study for the Bar exam. That crew included noted child advocate Phil Hof, District Attorney John Morganelli, Superior Court Judge Jack Panella, and now U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Joseph “Jay” Leeson. Photo: Wearing his judiciary robe for the first time, the Honorable Joseph J. Leeson Jr. addresses the courtroom: “I am filled with gratitude.”

By Bernie O’Hare/Photos by Dana Grubb

MEMORIAL DAY

Bethlehem

LaRohn Deysher, a 93-year-old World War II musician first class who served on the U.S.S. Pennsylvania, performs in Memorial Park Cemetery during the “Taps” Over Bethlehem event prior to the parade and service. Deysher also played “Taps” at the conclusion of the remembrance program.

By Dana Grubb

MEMORIAL DAY

Fountain Hill

A Memorial Day ceremony was sponsored by the American Legion and held at the Fountain Hill flagpole May 22. Fountain Hill ES fifth grade students participated by writing essays on patriotism or what a hero is to them. The best essays were read during the ceremony. Photo: Fountain Hill ES classes take part in the Memorial Day ceremony May 22 at the Fountain Hill flag pole. The event was also open to community members.

By Katya Hrishak

MEMORIAL DAY

Sands Event Center

The Sands Bethlehem Event Center’s free admission SBECFest on Memorial Day offered kids’ activities, entertainment, vendors and food trucks for the third consecutive year. Culminating with a free evening concert inside featuring bluegrass band Cabinet, activities for families in attendance included face painting, beer pong, basketball, an appearance by the City of Bethlehem’s Mounted Police, firefighters giving tours of a fire pumper, chances to win concert tickets, a visit by the Just Born Peep, and refreshments. Photo: The free evening concert featured Cabinet, a Pennsylvania-based bluegrass, country and folk band. Opening for Cabinet were Sons of Izzy and Dave Hangley. Above: Cabinet banjo player and vocalist ‘Pappy’ Biondo.

By Dana Grubb

MEMORIAL DAY
SteelStacks

Olivia Lunger of Bethlehem shows her drawing at the Sketch-a-thon with comic book illustrator Scott Hanna. Artists had a chance to draw live models and superheroes.

By Michelle Meeh

STEELSTACKS
Soccer party begins June 6

ArtsQuest has decided to host another Lehigh Valley SoccerFest and Viewing Party this summer, but this time for the Women’s World Cup. According to ArtQuest’s Curt Mosel, this is due in part to the success of last year’s events surrounding the Men’s World Cup. Photo: Soccer fans from all over the area cheer on the U.S. men’s team at last summer’s World Cup SoccerFest and Viewing Party at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. ArtsQuest officials are hoping for a similar turnout to this summer’s viewing party for the Women’s World Cup.

By Katya Hrishak

BETHLEHEM

Recreation plentiful this summer

As the school year comes to a close, Bethlehem Parks and Recreation youth summer programs will soon start. The list of programs is slightly varied from previous years, but Recreation Coordinator Mark Atkinson said the majority has remained unchanged. Photo: The Yosko Splashpark on Atlantic Street is a great location to cool off during the hot summer months for free. Open daily.

By Katya Hrishak

GRADUATION-MORAVIAN ACADEMY

‘Joyful and passionate souls’

Family members and friends of the 67 Moravian Academy graduating seniors filled the lawn of the Bethlehem Merle-Smith Campus at commencement May 30. Photo: A standing tradition at Moravian Academy commencement ceremonies is the recognition of the successive classes of students.

By Katya Hrishak/Photos by Tim Gilman

GRADUATION-NOTRE DAME

‘Laughing in the rain’

Even the Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown was unable to prevent the skies from opening up. Despite the presence of Bishop John O. Barres, Notre Dame HS’s graduation ceremony for the class of 2015 was subjected to a sudden downpour that will indelibly mark it in the minds of graduates, families and guests. More than 600 people were drenched at the outdoor event, conducted at the school’s stadium along Green Pond Road in Bethlehem Township. Photo: The graduating seniors make it official as they cheerfully toss their caps.

By Bernie O’Hare/Photos by Tim Gilman

LETTERS FROM READERS

This is not smart development

Only six months after the Bethlehem City Council voted 4-2 that a nine-story building was “historically appropriate” in the South Side Historic District of two- and three-story buildings, there is now an attempt on the North Side Historic District.

By Bill Scheirer/Cartoon by Ed Courrier

SOUTH BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Thomas inspired the Industrial Revolution

It is very likely that if Erskine Hazard, of the Lehigh Crane Iron Co., had not convinced the Welshman David Thomas to immigrate to Catasauqua in 1839 the industrial revolution might have bypassed South Bethlehem. Thomas’ invention, a blast furnace that burned anthracite to smelt iron ore, was the first furnace of its kind in the United States.

By Karen M. Samuels

CLASSROOM

Freddy Awards

Bethlehem area schools were well represented at this year’s Freddy Award show at the State Theatre May 21 and three schools had award winners. Notre Dame’s Patrick Davis won Best performance by a lead actor and and best solo performance. Notre Dame’s “A Tale of Two Cities... the musical” was also named best overall production by a small school. Freedom’s “Hairspray” cast members Kelly Donah, Lizzie Trostle, Olivia D’Aprile, Brady Hill, Nikki Slavic and Victoria Scovens won best performance by a small ensemble for “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now.” Ryan Kuna of Bethlehem Catholic HS was awarded the Express-Times/lehighvalleylive.com Student Achievement award. Photo: Lehigh Valley area high school students performing the opening production number at the 2015 Freddy Awards.

By Debra Boylan

THIS WEEK IN BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Three Straight!

Bethlehem Catholic High School’s softball team was crowned District XI Class AAA champions with a 6-4 victory over Southern Lehigh last Tuesday at Pates Park in Allentown. It marks three-straight district titles for the Hawks, four in the last five seasons, and five titles in the last seven seasons

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

Allentown Bach at noon

“Bach at Noon,” a well-attended free concert series held since 2005 in Central Moravian Church in downtown Bethlehem, makes its debut in downtown Allentown with two events in June and July. “Allentown Bach at Noon” premieres at noon June 9, St. John’s Lutheran Evangelical Church, 37 S. Fifth St., Allentown. A second “Allentown Bach at Noon” concert is set for noon July 14, also at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

By Debra Boylan

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Library book sales total just shy if $1M

Bethlehem: School board proposes math curriculum changes

Bethlehem: Water Authority-Burns continue, water abounds

Bethlehem: Liberty band shows support for Boutique

Bethlehem Township: RAT candidates fall short

Letters: More important than winning/Mike Recchiuti

Letters: Attitudes have evolved/Julia Swan

Saucon Park: Old, new rules to be enforced

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

The Bethlehem Press online

Where to buy the Bethlehem Press

To subscribe:New start

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June 10, 2015

COVER STORY

Cool pool on opening day

The usual opening day crowd at the City of Bethlehem pools Saturday was thwarted by a breezy, overcast morning with abnormally cool water from the recent unseasonably cool nightime temps which kept the first hour quiet with about a dozen visitors at Memorial Pool. Photo: Siblings Tyler and Madison Bauer are the first to enter Memorial Pool on Illick’s Mill Road.

By Tim Gilman

SOUTH BETHLEHEM
SteelStacks a 'Great Place' to be

Revitalization efforts on former Bethlehem Steel Plant property at the SteelStacks complex have received another prestigious award, this time being honored as one of the “Great Places in Pennsylvania.” Photo: Mayor Bob Donchez and ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert accept the “Great Places” Award from Pa. Chapter of the American Planning Association board member Tina Roseberry.

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM

Press team honored

When the Bethlehem Press was selected to be the Pa. News Association Keystone Sweepstakes Division VII winner for the second year in a row, editor George Taylor was speechless. Accepting the award in his place was cartoonist Ed Courrier, assisted by Abe Lincoln, who took time away from his Gettysburg Address to attend the May 30 event. Corrier, who was presented with a Keystone First Place award in the Division VII Graphic/Photo Illustration category for the second year in a row, and rarely speechless, shared a park bench with Old Abe the next day. Bethlehem Press journalists receiving 2015 Keystone Press Awards include Karen Samuels (Column: Second Place); Bernie O’Hare (General News _ Weeklies Only: First Place); Bernie O’Hare, Nate Jastrzemski and Dawn Nixon (Ongoing News Coverage: Second Place); Katya Hrichak (Series: First Place); Carol Smith (Business or Consumer Story: First Place); Paul Willistein (Feature Beat Reporting: Second Place and Headline Writing: First Place); and Nate Jastrzemski (Photo Story/Essay: Second Place).

By Ed Courrier

COUNTRY MEADOWS

Troop 76 conducts flag retirement

oop 76 conducted a flag retirement ceremony before about 100 guests and residents of Bethlehem Township’s Country Meadows on Memorial Day weekend. Old Glory was lowered for the last time, methodically cut and incinerated by scouts who have yet to serve their nation. A new flag was also raised for the first time. Photo: Nazareth Boy Scout Troop 76 ready the flag at Country Meadows in Bethlehem Township for official retirement.

By Bernie O’Hare

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP
Remembering the fallen

Boy Scout Troop 317 joined the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bethlehem Township May 24 for a pre-Memorial Day event to remember the fallen. Photo: Left: To conclude the ceremony, the names of all fallen military members in the cemetery were read in chronological order of the wars they fought in, beginning with the Civil War and ending with the War on Terrorism.

By Katya Hrichak

LIBERTY HS GRADUATION

‘Diplomas are earned, not given’

According to the graduation ceremony’s theme, a popular quote by author J.K. Rowling, magic isn’t necessary to change the world. But Liberty HS’s renowned choral and orchestral performers lifted the thousands of students, staff and family members to near divine heights with their remarkable sounds at Stabler Arena June 3. Photo: Members of Liberty’s Class of 2015 celebrate during the Commencement Recessional.

By Nate Jastrzemski and Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM CATHOLIC HS GRADUATION

‘Challenges make life interesting’

Graduation speakers as well as those they address need to be prepared for life’s rainy moments, Bethlehem Catholic HS graduates were told at their graduation ceremony June 4. Photo: Members of the Bethlehem Catholic HS National Honor Society stand to face the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem.

By Michelle Meeh and Ruth Grady

FREEDOM HS GRADUATION

‘It’s how we lead by example’

The eagerness of an occasionally unruly audience proved unintentionally apropos for the Freedom HS graduation theme espoused at Stabler Arena June 4. Photo: The eagerness of an occasionally unruly audience proved unintentionally apropos for the Freedom HS graduation theme espoused at Stabler Arena June 4.

By Nate Jastrzemski and Dana Grubb

NORTHSIDE/SOUTHSIDE

Spring clean-up: Both sides now

A Donegan ES Spring Clean-up team of students led by principal Sonia Vasquez proceeds along Fourth Street in South Bethlehem during the Southside community litter removal program. Vasquez said a group of 54 children, teachers and parents, divided into several clean-up teams, combed parts of the Southside.

By Tim Gilman

SOUTH BETHLEHEM HISTORY

The Bethlehem Iron Company

In 1830, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company made possible the transport of anthracite from the Carbon County coal regions to Easton and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. In time, iron mills flanked the Lehigh River fueled by anthracite. In 1854, the Thomas Iron Company produced anthracite iron under the guidance of David Thomas. During that same period, canal boat builder Asa Packer (1805-1879) of Mauch Chunk, Carbon County, sought a faster method of transporting Anthracite by means of the Lehigh Valley Railroad.

By Ken Raniere

NEWS/VIEWS

‘Become what you never dreamed possible’

Martin Luther King Jr. once called the Rev. James Lawson “the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world.” Lawson became familiar with the concept when, as a freshman at Baldwin Wallace College, he joined the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), which advocated nonviolent resistance to racism. Photo: The Rev. James Lawson urges audience members to exercise the power they have to make change. Lawson’s presentation at Moravian College capped a three -day visit during which he engaged students and faculty both in classes and during informal conversations.

By Dorothy Glew

CLASSROOM

All City Chorus 300 strong

The Bethlehem Area School District All City Middle School Choral Concert featured the combined voices of nearly 300 students from the district’s four middle schools. The event is scheduled every other year and the 2015 performance took place in the Northeast MS auditorium in front of the students’ family members and friends. Photo: East Hills vocal music teacher Keith Quelet exhorts the students to give their best effort as they rehearse the “Star Spangled Banner.”

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Panuccio paces Bethlehem Catholic

As Bethlehem Catholic’s softball team celebrated its 1-0 victory over Villa Maria Academy in the quarterfinal game of the PIAA State Class AAA Softball Championships last Thursday, Becahi pitcher, Alexa Panuccio, wasted no time, running straight to coach Rich Mazza for a celebratory hug.

By Katie McDonald

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

How to get to ‘Avenue Q’

“Avenue Q,” which opens the 35th season of Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre (MSMT), is a cute albeit raunchy take on “Sesame Street,” with puppet and human characters singing about pornography and racism. However, the musical ultimately has a sweeter and more meaningful message than one would expect at first glance, focusing on identity and finding oneself.

By Luke Muench

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Mail carriers told to ‘stand tall, like a tree’

Bethlehem: Backyard boat send-off party

Bethlehem NAACP: Canaries in the mine impact us all

Bethlehem Township: Vote ticks off Bulldogs’ critics

Northampton County: Council limits terms to three

Northampton County: Brown working new small-town grants

St. Luke’s: 28 graduate in first class

Another View: A nation of millennial entitlements

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June 17, 2015

COVER STORY

Goodbye Mr. Reese

Our Lady Principal Harry Reese gets a goodbye hug from kindergarten student Emily Lynch, of Bethlehem, while her classmates gather around. Reese was given a hand-made golden ticket as a special pass for the day to visit each class (grades K-8) for different Disney-themed good-bye parties.

By Katya Hrichak/Diane Peliggi

BETHLEHEM AAUW

29 scholarships presented

Student recipients, their high schools and colleges: (Front) Helen Hsu, Freedom HS-Senior Women’s Club Award-Cornell University; Emily Barbella, Liberty HS-Kings College; Emily Ledyard, Liberty HS-Quinnipiac University; Chelsea DeFrancisco, Liberty HS-DeSales University; Sienna McNett, Liberty HS-Penn State University; Caitlin Kennedy, Liberty HS-St Joseph’s University; Elizabeth Bucchin, Liberty HS-Dickinson College; (back) He Lee (Kelsey) Ko, Freedom HS-Johns Hopkins University; Paula Escott, Liberty HS-University of Maryland; Emily Kessler, Liberty HS-Moravian College; Allison Kundrik, Liberty HS-Lehigh University; and Lilla Feher, Liberty HS-Wilkes University.

GRADUATION-CHARTER ARTS HS

‘Embrace the differences’

The Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts celebrated the class of 2015 at the school’s 12th commencement ceremony June 11 at Packer Chapel on Lehigh University’s campus. One hundred-five seniors filed into the chapel to music performed by the brass quintet, taking their seats before Executive Director Diane LaBelle rose to speak. Photo: PRESS PHOTOS BY NATE JASTRZEMSKI

Graduates pour from a steamy Packer Chapel into the thick crowd of teachers, administrators, family and friends awaiting personal moments of tenderness and encouragement.

By Katya Hrichak/Nate Jastrzemski

GRADUATION-SAUCON VALLEY

‘Make memories along the way’

Dressed in caps and gowns of red and black, the Saucon Valley HS class of 2015 slowly filled the six rows of chairs waiting on the stage in the auditorium as the familiar tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” was played and repeated.

The 183 students recognized at the commencement ceremony were invited by various speakers over the course of the night to recall memories from their years at Saucon Valley. Photo: Class of 2015 members are officially recognized as graduating seniors of Saucon Valley HS by changing the position of the tassels from one side of the mortarboard caps to the other.

By Kayta Hrichak/Tim Gilman

GRADUATION-LV CHRISTIAN HS

‘Hold on to what was taught’

It was a time of gratitude and reflection Friday evening as 30 members of the Lehigh Valley Christian HS Class of 2015 officially crossed over from student to graduate.

The commencement exercise, held at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, Allentown, began with the soft tolling of the bell and the new graduates walking in twos down the aisle of the church and ultimately taking their seats in the front of the sanctuary. Photo: LVCHS class of 2015 Valedictorian Adeline Guthrie offers words of advice to her classmates.

By Mark Reccek

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Wetherill, Wharton and Lehigh Zinc Co.

In the early 1800s, Andrew K. Wittman, a surveyor, observed a strange mineral that he thought might be gold on the Jacob Ueberroth farm, located in Friedensville. In 1845, Wittman brought a specimen of the mineral to William T. Roepper. Roepper was a local metallurgist who identified it as zinc, in the form of calamine ore. Roepper later became the first professor of mineralogy and geology at Lehigh University.

By Karen M. Samuels

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks bring home the gold

What do you do when you win a PIAA State Class 3A softball title?

“You say a little prayer; then you jump up and down,” said Bethlehem Catholic High School softball coach Rich Mazza, after the Hawks clinched the state softball championship by defeating Trinity High School 2-0 last Friday at Beard Field, Nittany Lion Softball Park in University Park, Pa. The 3A state final, which started an hour late due to a rain delay in the Class 4A final won by Parkland, was halted for over an hour after 5 1/2 innings due to thunderstorms.

By Katie McDonald

FOCUS

Bud’s View: Rocky the Flying Squirrel

It’s been several years since I’ve written about our neighborhood problems. I hope you are free from troublesome neighbors: Neighbors who steal and damage possessions and show no signs of guilt. We try our best to put up with these annoyances, but they continue year-round. As much as we try to ignore these situations, with the goal of being good neighbors, it grows more and more difficult. We don’t want a feud like the infamous Hatfields and McCoys, but eventually we lose our patience and fight back.

By Bud Cole

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Charter schools wants to relocate

Bethlehem: Flowers in bloom at the Rose Garden

Bethlehem: Beer in the Cchristmas City

Bethlehem: Dorothy Saby remembered by housing board

Bethlehem: Zoning - Residents get free tutorial

Macungie: Press cartoonist gives history lesson

Fountain Hill: Organizations award scholarships

Classroom: Students enjoy School 2 Life event

Classroom: ‘As Times Goes By’ skating performance

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June 24, 2015

COVER STORY

Graduation season ends

Our annual graduation section is included in this week’s Bethlehem Press. In addition we offer more photos that were not included in the supplement or our regular graduation coverage. Photo: Umbrellas come in handy for parents like Bob and Linda Williams of Bethlehem Township, who came to see their daughter Kimberly graduate.

By Dana Grubb, Tim Gilman, Nate Jastrzemski, Mark Reccek

COMMUNITY

Pat Kesling remembered and celebrated

She wasn’t from around here, but she made it her home. Pat Kesling, a longtime reporter, city employee and community volunteer, is remembered throughout the Lehigh Valley following her loss to a long, difficult illness June 13 at the age of 71.

By Nate Jastrzemski

BETHLEHEM

24 years of independence

Bethlehem area residents of Slovenian ethnicity celebrated Slovenia’s 24th anniversary of independence with a June 19 flag raising ceremony on Bethlehem’s City Center Payrow Plaza. The Slovenian Ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Bozo Cerar, attended and expressed his gratitude for the successful collaboration of the Bethlehem/Murska Sobota Sister Cities Association and continuing support given by area Slovenians. Photo: Bethlehem/Murska Sobota Sister Cities Association representative Stephen Antalics Jr. is joined by His Excellency Dr. Bozo Cerar, Republic of Slovenia Ambassador to the United States and Mexico, for the Slovenian flag raising during the playing of the Slovenian National Anthem.

By Dana Grubb

GRADUATION EXTRA

‘The past does not define us’

A valediction address by Bethlehem Catholic HS graduate

Andrew Shaffer

SOUTH MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

Cub Scout race time

Brothers Chris and Jason Van Camp from Cub Scout Pack 346 look over some of the handmade miniature racing cars entered in the South Mountain District Pinewood Derby held recently at First Baptist Church in Bethlehem.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Red outlasts Gold in McDonald’s Classic

It was the last scoring play of the McDonald's Lehigh Valley All-Star Classic and the first passing touchdown of Josiah Wright's football career.
Wright, a wide receiver for Liberty, threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Palisades' Devin Ramsden late in the fourth quarter of last week's contest to make things interesting, but ultimately have the Gold squad fall short of their bid to knock off the Red team.
When it was all said and done, the Red team (Lehigh, Carbon and Monroe Counties) took home a 29-27 over Wright and his Gold team (Northampton County, Palisades and Phillipsburg) in a passionate affair at Nazareth's Andrew S. Leh Stadium.

By Peter Car

FOCUS

Side by Side Civic

“Follies” has stood the test of time to place several of the musical’s songs by Stephen Sondheim firmly in the firmament of the American Songbook: “Broadway Baby,” “I’m Still Here,” “Too Many Mornings,” “Could I Leave You?” and “Losing My Mind.”

As is often the case with great works of art, “Follies” was ahead of its time. While the musical was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and received seven Tonys, the original 1971 Broadway production, which ran for 522 performances, lost money for its investors.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Council tackles financial matters

Bethlehem: Movies in the Park open season

Bethlehem Township: Divided board seeks $250K grant for Bulldogs’ bathroom

Fountain Hill: Fall festival planning continues

Hellertown: Works emplyees to get raises

Northampton County: Council, Brown call a truce

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July 1, 2015

COVER STORY

Vigil focuses on hope, solutions

“This community stands together in solidarity with the community of Charleston, South Carolina,” Esther Lee said. “We come together, praying as we open our hearts, to join with people of the world and those who continue to hate.”

Lee, president of the Bethlehem NAACP, was one of 12 speakers at the June 24 prayer vigil held for the nine victims of the recent shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. Photo: Melvin Tatem, senior pastor of Grace Deliverance Baptist Church in Bethlehem, sings passionately during the prayer vigil held in memory of the Charleston victims.

By Katya Hrichak and Linda Anthony

ANOTHER VIEW

Let’s begin to look inside ourselves to end racism

Fifty-one years after passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, America still suffers from the devastating social cancer of discrimination and racism.

Recently, the news inundated us with images and stories of the Charleston, S.C., church massacre and the announced removal of the Confederate flag from the State House grounds in South Carolina.

Commentray by Mark Reccek and Ed Courrier

COMMUNITY

Stopping the ‘summer slide’

Advocates for youth summer programs pose with the Summer Learning Day banner colored by Horizons for Youth participants. The Cops ‘n’ Kids program was involved in the Learning Day events, hosting story time and a movie screening. NCC offers the Horizons for Youth program.

By Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM

Bikes back on patrol

City and Lehigh University officials announced recently they had worked out another in a string of cooperative arrangements in May to put officers back on regular neighborhood bicycle patrols. Photo: Bethlehem and Lehigh University police ready to hit the streets.

By Nate Jastrzemski

COMMUNITY

Wimmer Wag Fest goes to the dogs

It was dog day Sunday - literally - at the first-ever Wimmer Wag Fest held recently at the Animal Therapy Center in Bethlehem. The outdoor animal adoption event celebrated the work of 25 non-profit shelters, rescue centers and advocacy groups that participated with a variety of adorable adoptable pets from puppies and kittens to more mature animals. Photo: Retired Greyhounds lay around in the shade to rest from the May heat at Wag Fest. They have exchanged the rigors of the racetrack for what they hope will be a loving home.

By Carole Gorney

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hillard selected in NBA 2^nd round

Darrun Hilliard got a phone call from his agent and left his Bethlehem living room right before the Detroit Pistons selected him with the 38th pick in the second round of Thursday’s NBA Draft. The Liberty graduate knew his name was going to be broadcast across the country, but wanted to watch the reaction of his family through the window of his home. Shortly before midnight, you can say that the Hilliard household made a lot of noise and Hilliard took it all in from a distance. It was a surreal night for one of Bethlehem’s sons, and one that he will always remember.

By Pete Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

‘Hello,’ spectacle

The wonderful thing about an iconic show like “Hello, Dolly!” is that it pretty much sells itself. Since opening on Broadway in 1964, Jerry Herman’s 10-time Tony Award-winning classic has enchanted the eyes, tickled the funny bone and touched the heart.

By Makenna Masenheimer

OTHER STORIES

BASD: A tax hike is coming

Bethlehem: Book sales near $1M mark

Bethlehem Township: Board appoints new fire police

Colonial Regional: Freshpet donates to K-9 unit

Fountain Hill: Business reopens after fire

Lehigh Valley: Turning Point gets Verizon grant

Lehigh Valley: Medical Academy Charter School graduation

Lehigh Valley: Students participate in ‘Reality Fair’

Northampton County: Open space handout tables

Northampton County; Five deputies commended

Northampton County: One of four new contract approved

Saucon Valley: Students to get new iPads

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Bethlehem Area School District

Honor rolls

4th marking period

July 8, 2015

COVER STORY

What a magnificent view!

But what is a Hoover-Mason Trestle anyway?

The recently opened Hoover-Mason Trestle walkway alongside the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces attracts a crowd of visitors to the elevated city mini-park which is in the heart of SteelStacks and former Bethlehem Steel plant remnants in South Bethlehem. The half-mile elevated pedestrian city park provides a refreshing view of former Bethlehem Steel buildings and structures in various stages of redevelopment. The South Bethlehem walkway is accessible by three staircases and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday with extended hours to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. See the PBS39 video at https://vimeo.com/ 131541788.

By Karen Samuels, Nate Jastrzemski and Tim Gilman

JULY 4^TH

Reading the Declaration

The fourth annual reading of the Declaration of Independence was forced indoors due to inclement weather on July Fourth with 10 readers reading the document in Bethlehem’s Town Hall. Photo: Jean Beauchner, Terry Geiger and Donna Rovito, lead the singing of the Star Spangled Banner prior to the reading.

By Dana Grubb

JULY 4^TH

A family affair

Soloist Barbara Kemmerer sings patriotic favorites during the July 4th performance of the Bethlehem Municipal Band before the fireworks at Payrow Plaza City Center. The Bethlehem resident is the wife of the band’s longtime director Don Kemmerer.

By Tim Gilman

BETHLEHEM

Celebrating ‘Restaurant Week’

Downtown Bethlehem Association manager Tim Brooks stopped into the Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s Tap Room to enjoy lunch during restaurant week. Here server Rondo Jenkins hands off Brooks’ poached shrimp appetizer. “For 2015 we’re now including our DBA members on the Southside to make it a true DBA restaurant week,” said Brooks. The Hotel’s director of restaurant operations, Kathleen Brown, said that “restaurant week is incredibly well-received here at the Hotel. We always look forward to showcasing executive chef Michael Adams’ culinary skills.”

By Dana Grubb and Bernie O’Hare

CLASSROOM

Arts Day at William Penn

Jonathan DeRaymond teaches William Penn ES students a thing or two about self-defense during Arts Day that took place this spring. A multitude of instructors from both inside the school and outside gave lessons on martial arts, theatre and just about everything in between.

By Alex Green

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Bethlehem loses wrestling legend Tony Iasiello
The Lehigh Valley lost a wrestling legend last week with the passing of former Bethlehem Catholic coach Tony Iasiello.
Iasiello, 72, was buried on Monday and the heavyweights of the sport all came to pay respects to a man that has given so much, not only to Bethlehem Catholic, but to the sport of wrestling and the Lehigh Valley.

By Peter Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

It’s still rock ‘n’ roll to Dion

Dion has a seven-decade career, equivalent to the careers of at least seven recording artists. There’s Dion of Dion and the Belmonts of doo-wop fame and the hits “A Teenager In Love,” hitting No. 5 on the charts, and “Where Or When,” hitting No. 3, both in 1959. There’s Dion the solo pop star, with “Runaround Sue,” No. 1 in 1961; “The Wanderer” and “Ruby Baby,” both hitting No. 2 in 1962, and “Donna The Prima Donna,” No. 6 in 1963.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Mayor’s walk-in sessions a success

Northampton County: Former probation officer cited for lewdness

Northampton County: Council weighs in on gaming grant uses

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July 15, 2015

COVER STORY-PART 1

Heroin addition: A growing epidemic

Heroin use is hitting an all-time high in the United States.

Between 2007 and 2012, the numbers of people using the drug each year rose from 373,000 to 669,000, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In 2011, 4.2 million Americans aged 12 or older (or 1.6 percent) had used heroin at least once in their lives, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

By Chris Parker

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Council approves pay raises

On April 16, Northampton County Council voted unanimously to approve across-the-board pay hikes, averaging 4.5 percent, for 228 county workers in 14 different clerical job titles. Deputy Administrator Cathy Allen told council it would cost about $307,000, and would be above and beyond whatever was being negotiated in union contracts. A human resources memo complained that “the county has struggled in recruiting and maintaining staff in many of the clerical positions t

Photo: After the meeting, Executive John Brown listened to Bob Werner (left), Scott Parsons (behind him) and magisterial employees who believe they are entitled to a 4.5 percent raise.

By Bernie O’Hare

COMMUNITY

‘Kind of like a family’

The 2015 Boutique Cancer fundraiser raised more than $230,000, which will be shared with local organizations which provide cancer treatment and support services. The Cancer Support Community, St. Luke’s Cancer Center and St. Luke’s Hospice are those beneficiaries. At a volunteer luncheon following the late May sale held at the city’s municipal ice rink, volunteers learned the results of their efforts. More than 250 volunteers, set up, sorted, displayed, priced and assisted patrons, giving more than 10,760 hours of their time, the equivalent of 62 full-time employees. Representatives of each recipient organization lauded the efforts, citing the benefits derived from the Boutique’s support. Photo: Co-chairs Karen Hein, Jan Connell and Sharon Kunsman receives floral bouquets in gratitude for the countless hours they gave to the 2015 Boutique at the Rink.

By Dana Grubb

CLASSROOM

‘It’s a love form, not just a job’

When Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School literacy coach Linda Moyer chose former White House Chef John Moeller’s book “Dining at the White House” to help bolster culinary arts students’ writing and reading skills, little could she have anticipated that Moeller himself would join the students for an in depth dinner preparation learning experience. Photo: Culinary students Thomas Benak Jr. and Kelly Von Steuben listen as Moeller explains how ingredients in the tomato, mustard and shallot dressing need to be chopped as finely as possible so that they “come together to make it more flavorful.”

By Dana Grubb

COMMENTARY
Ed's World
By Ed Courrier

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Moulton, Rose Kleckner, photographers

Moulton A. Kleckner’s photographs of Bethlehem during the 1870s give us a glimpse of recreation in Bethlehem during in those years. His photographs reveal a peaceful community whose residents enjoyed fishing, boating, and men smoking pipes while appreciating beautiful vistas. Groups of tourists are shown reading the gravestones in the Moravian God’s Acre cemetery. The women in the photos wear hats and dresses with long skirts puffed out by layers of petticoats. The trees and lawns are neatly trimmed and the buildings and fences are well maintained.

By Karen M. Samuels

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Beachi and Freedom shine at Stellar

It would be fair to say that last weekend’s Stellar Basketball Tournament at Cedar Beach brought some surprises and two of Bethlehem’s teams were right in the middle of fortunate performances. Both Freedom and Bethlehem Catholic reached Sunday’s semifinal rounds to the surprise of many, including their own head coaches, to make a lasting impression in the summer’s marquee tournament.

By Pete Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Alien vs. Native

There are several meanings that the word alien might trigger. Children might visualize creatures from outer space. Adults might think of someone crossing a border. I’m using the word to refer to alien critters and plants that are not native to a region. When you choose plantings, choose wisely and buy native plant species.

By Bud Cole

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: City zoners approve renovation variances

Bethlehem Township: Traditions suffers a minor setback in Green Pond plans

Lehigh Valley: Responses vary to proposed overtime changes

Fountain Hill/Hellertown: Local firefighters complete raining

Northampton County: Council approve pay raises

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July 22, 2015

COVER STORY

Heroin addition: A growing epidemic – Part 2

In the late 1880s, the modification of natural substances in pharmacological sciences was important work. Pneumonia and tuberculosis were then the leading causes of death worldwide, and in an effort to alleviate the suffering of so many sick and wasting people, Germany’s Bayer Corporation introduced a fast-acting painkiller it called “heroin.”

• Signs of addiction

• Getting help locally

By Nate Jastrzemski, Chris Parker and Katya Krichak

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

Lynn Avenue bridge closed

Lynn Avenue has been closed from Route 412 to Sixth Street as the South Bethlehem roadway undergoes surface renovation and related work by PennDOT. A detour for local vehicles has been posted in the area. According to the Bethlehem Department of Public Works, the city is planning to demolish the antiquated and rusty bridge structure “likely, late this year.” The construction of a new and wider bridge is scheduled to start in the early spring of 2016. The completion of the bridge project and reopening of Lynn Avenue is expected to follow in the fall of the same year in time for the busy holiday season in the Christmas City, USA. The present 1925 truss bridge is listed on Bridgehunter.com as a “historical and notable bridge of the United States.”

By Tim Gilman

COMMUNITY

Sally’s a ‘beacon of hope’

“Sally,” a 53 year-old pink firetruck dedicated to raising awareness of women’s health issues, was dedicated during a brief ceremony at SteelStacks recently. Though no longer making fire calls, this vehicle will now make home visits to women battling illness. Photo: State Rep. Marcia Hahn, cancer survivor Mae Trexler, daughter Linda Trexler and LV Pink Heals founder Bill Andress.

By Bernie O’Hare

PEOPLE

Olympic teams earn medals

After their participation in the Big Sectional Games in May, three Bethlehem Special Olympics basketball teams were selected to compete in the Penn State University Special Olympics Summer Games in June. There, the Bethlehem participants earned five total medals: One of the three teams and one skills player earned gold medals and the other two teams and second skills player earned silver medals. The teams practiced each Monday night at Northeast Middle School from January until the beginning of the games. Members were coached by Emily Mulicka, Ryan Moll, Ami Bedics, Melissa Pedone, Austin

SCHOOL

Bridges to the future

If you needed a cabinet built, or a health assessment, or a web page designed, the recent Bridges Foundation “Celebration of Excellence” was a good spot to be.

These are just a few of the many eclectic talents possessed by area high school students who received scholarship money from the foundation to continue their education.

By Alex Green

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Freedom HS Athletes of the Year

Jake Young: Freedom’s Jack of All Trades

Helen Hsu: focused, goal-oriented, humble

By Peter Car and Katie McDonald

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Notre Dame summer theatre back with musical classic

For many, “Jekyll and Hyde” is a classic piece of literature and theater that transcends time and tells the gripping story of a rather torn man who struggles with his own identity. But for Rody Gilkeson, director of the Notre Dame Summer Theatre-Revelations Productions’ “Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical,” July 24 - Aug. 2, Notre Dame High School, Bethlehem Township, it also stands as an exciting opportunity.

By Luke Muench

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Southside trash haulers ready to go

Bethlehem: It was his luck day at the library

Bethlehem Water Authority: Martin Tower zoning proposal decried

Bethlehem: ’22,000 acres, 115,000 people’

Lehigh Valley: Officers recognized for aggressive driving enforcement

South Bethlehem: 150^th anniversary plans reviewed

Northampton County: Council tables name change

Fountain Hill: Council debates TV disposal

Fountain Hill: Council considers hiring bill collection agency

Bethlehem: 32^nd annual block party

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July 29, 2015

COVER STORY

Let’s go for a bike hike

It didn’t sound that monumental at first. All you had to do was get on a bicycle and ride 335 miles over abandoned rail lines and canal towpaths from Pittsburgh to Washington in nine days. But our confidence became tainted slightly as the game plan details unfolded. Starting at Pittsburgh’s Point, a magnificent water fountain, was easy enough. Lots of people were walking around. One of them volunteered to take a photo which quickly went up on Facebook. Photo: Once bustling with mules hauling canal boats, the towpaths now mirror the colors and sounds of nature. Allan J. Wilkins (left) is a former journalist and semi-retired IT systems analyst, residing in Bethlehem. Len Barcousky is a former Lehigh Valley journalist, now with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. They have been friends for almost 35 years.

By Allan Wilkin

HISTORIC BETHLEHEM

A berry good time
The 29th annual Blueberry Festival July 18 and 19 at the historic Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem offered visitors of all ages music, family activities, crafts, demonstrations and assorted food. Photo: The John Sebastion Goundie booth features local beer historian Chris Bowen and his assistant Adam Kolman. The 19th century brewers in period clothing re-enact the beer making process for John Halko and his two sons, Michael and John, who live within walking distance of the festival.

By Tim Gilman

COMMUNITY

'Service brings out the best in us‘

Rebecca Neafcy views life from a different perspective after working side-by-side with Nicaraguan families during an April Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip. Rebecca Neafcy fully expected to work hard building homes and changing the lives of Nicaraguan families. While these expectations were met, it came as a surprise that she was also personally and strongly impacted by the experience. Photo: Rebecca Neafcy helped build a community of homes for families in Nicaragua. Neafcy traveled to Central America in mid-April as part of a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity trip.

Contributed story

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

R.F. Sell: Innovative sportsman

If the crowds pouring into Liberty HS Stadium an hour and a half before game-time gave any indication of the level of success big-time sporting events would receive in the Lehigh Valley, the results were going to be huge. Professional football made its debut in Bethlehem on Sept. 19, 1945 before a capacity house of 20,000 gridiron enthusiasts.

By Jason Rehm

CLASSROOM

Learning world cultures through sports

James Buchanan ES students had a chance to celebrate diversity near the end of the school year by participating in a Sports Fest that featured games indigenous to other cultures. Field hockey (Scotland), lacrosse (Native American), hurling (Ireland) and cricket (India) were featured as students learned from participants who play each. Guidance counselor Maryann Kearns said she hoped the elementary students would “learn about other cultures and develop respect for each by participating in the not so well known and unique athletics.” Third and fourth graders participated as fifth grade videographers recorded the event for a later presentation. Photo: Coach Dave explains to James Buchanan students that hurling is 3,000 years old and that it is Ireland’s national sport.

By Dana Grubb

PBS39

Academy inspires future journalists

If she had to choose one word to describe PBS39’s Media Academy, camp director Carly Dontas would choose “intensive.” Funded by a grant from the Lehigh Valley Business/Education Partnership, the camp was held at the PBS39 public media and education center at 839 Sesame Place on the SteelStacks campus. Although it only ran from June 15 through 19, the hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. were packed with different activities focused on the business of broadcast journalism. Photo: On the final day of the camp, students, parents and employees watch the finished video resumes in the studio. Camp participants were awarded certificates to conclude the final day of the Media Academy.

By Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Bethlehem Catholic Athletes of the year

• Michael McDaniel quieted BC doubters

• Kalista Walters worked hard to be the best

By Peter Car and Katie McDonald

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Jerry Blavat, ‘The Geator,’ holds court in Bethlehem

He may not have been “America’s oldest teen-ager.” That would have been Dick Clark. He may not have been one of WAEB’s “Good Guys.” That would have included Gene Kaye whose “Notre Dame Bandstand” concerts brought pop stars of the day to the Lehigh Valley during the 1960s’ AM radio heyday. He is “The Geator With The Heator,” “The Big Boss With The Hot Sauce.” That would be Jerry Blavat, whose “The Discophonic Scene” (1965-’67), a teen dance show on Philadelphia’s WCAU-TV, had quite a following in the Lehigh and Delaware valleys.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem Township: Board battles water issue

Bethelehem Township: Residents seek relief from invasion bamboo

Bethlehem: Ramadan

Bethlehem: Zoners approve new tech center

Bethlehem: Council approves zoned hauling program

Bethlehem: State mayors gather

Bethlehem: Head Start gets PNC grant

Lehigh Valley: Volunteer Center hosts networking event

Lehigh Valley: LANTA to discuss fare increase

Lehigh County: New security for domestic violence victims available

National: Sen. Casey seeks stronger campus safety

West Bethlehem: A yard sale tradition continues

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August 5, 2015

COVER STORY

Season’s change: Bethlehem loses
longtime kings of summer and winter

Musikfest and Christmas are two of the most exciting and wholly Bethlehem events each year for many people. And each year those events, their roots delving deeply into the public consciousness, were intertwined with the two men who personified them. Last week, the city lost “Jolly” Joe Timmer, king of the Polka and spirit of Musikfest, and Charles “Bud” Berge, who embodied St. Nicholas for more than two decades at the Yuletide Christkindlmarkt. Top: “Jolly” Joe Timmer, king of the polka and spirit of Musikfest. Bottom: Charles “Bud” Berge brought Christmas joy to many children.

By Nate Jastrzemski

That was ‘Jolly’ Joe

I am writing about “Jolly” Joe Timmer not only because he was the King of Polka, or the owner and general manager of WGPA, or the producer and host of The “Jolly” Joe Timmer Show on television, but because that larger-than-life personality we saw and heard was, in reality, a person who looked out for the little guy, the underdog.

Yes, I was one of them, but there were many. Photo: Some of the WGPA staff broadcasting live from Festplatz at Musikfest 2006: (front) Mark Thomas, Jarret Brown (back) Bob Kauffman, Jolly Joe Timmer, Katie McDonald.

By Katie McDonald

BETHLEHEM

Getting ready for Musikfest

A scaffolding tower for Musikfest’s Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza is assembled by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees before the Preview Night of Musikfest 2015. The IATSE local 200, based in Bethlehem, is responsible for erecting Musikfest’s South Bethlehem major concert ticketed stage and the two towers which contain the sound system and hold up the venue’s roof. An assembly crew of some 30 IATSE stagehands was on hand Friday. This year’s Preview Night, Aug. 6, features Duran Duran which returns to Musikfest for the first time in 15 years.

By Tim Gilman

ANOTHER VIEW

Ed’s World

By Ed Courrier

SCHOOL

Carnival benefits school activities

Students, parents, school staff and neighbors of Nitschmann MS enjoyed an inaugural school and community carnival this past spring, one filled with traditional fun activities like a dunking booth, cake walk, bean bag toss, football throw, 50/50 raffle, music, food, refreshments and vendors. School resource officer Sean Conley said monies raised by the event would be used to support students participating in the Junior Police Academy Program and other school activities such as field trips. Conley, who said the original goal was to raise $2,000, later reported proceeds nearly double that amount.

By Dana Grubb

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Liberty HS Athletes of the Year

• Kaylin West: The engine for Liberty

• Lou Csaszar: A force to be reckoned with

By Pete Car and Kathy McDonald

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Musikfest preview

Musikfest, which takes place in Downtown Bethlehem’s Historic District and Southside Bethlehem’s SteelStacks, has 325-plus artists performing for its 32nd year, Aug. 7 - 16, Bethlehem. The festival has free music on 15 of its 16 stages, with 550 free music and art performances, the most in the event’s history.

OTHER STORIES

Lehigh Valley: Casey hopes to fill WIC gap

State: Kise to head state group

Bethlehem: Beating the heat

Bethlehem: Camp Cadet

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August 12, 2015

COVER STORY

Musikfest: A catalyst that brings us together

ArtsQuest CEO and president Kassie Hilgert welcomes festgoers to the opening ceremony of the 32nd annual Musikfest at Americaplatz (Levitt Pavilion) at SteelStacks in South Bethlehem.

By Katy Hrichak and Tim Gilman

Musikfest Preview Night

Local band Post Junction plays at the Musikfest Preview Night on the Community Stage at Air Products Town Square outside SteelStacks. Performing Post Junction funk musicians are Vernon Mobley (drums) of Coopersburg, Peter Fritz (bass guitar) of Bethlehem, Terri (vocals) and John Fadem (guitar) of Hellertown.

By Tim Gilman

Musikfest Preview Concert

Duran Duran members Dom Brown, John Taylor and Simon Le Bon play their 1984 hit, “The Wild Boys” on the Musikfest Sands Steel Stage during preview night Aug. 6. When Duran Duran asked to play a day earlier than Musikfest was scheduled to open, ArtsQuest officials happily accommodated the British pop band, making it the first main stage preview night in Musikfest’s 32-year history. The 4,000-plus attendees were lucky with the beautiful summer weather and a great show by Duran Duran.

By Karen Samuels

PASSINGS

John B. Cornish, research engineer

John B. Cornish, 86, of Bethlehem, died August 1, 2015. Born in Uniontown, he was a son of the late Harry Emmett and Mildred (Terry) Cornish. He was the husband of the late Nancy (Ritter) Cornish.

SAUCON VALLEY

Celebrating Restaurant Week

Server Lacy Stem delivers lunch to retired Saucon Valley HS teachers Pat Monahan from Allentown and Athena Newman from Bethlehem, who agree about DiMaio’s Family Ristorante and Pizzeria: “It’s our place to go, we’ve been coming here for years.” Manager Anna DiMaio said, “Just the thought of restaurant week brings in customers.”

By Dana Grubb

CLASSROOM

Scholarships the old-fashioned way

Bethlehem Area School District held its second annual academic signing event as the top 23 graduating seniors signed their letters of intent in front of family, friends and district officials June 1 in the BASD Education Center. Photo: The Bethlehem Area School District’s 23 top academic high school seniors put pens to letters of intent as their families and friends record the moment.

By Dana Grubb and Alex Green

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Some clarity reached on PIAA classifications

The saga of expanding the PIAA football classifications from four to six classes will continue into the fall. The PIAA’s two committees responsible for the matter — the strategic planning committee and the football steering committee — met in late July to discuss the eight proposals on the table for football classification expansion.

By Peter Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Musikfest’s 32^nd edition continues

The 32nd annual Musikfest continues through Aug. 16 in Downtown Bethlehem’s Historic District and Southside Bethlehem’s SteelStacks. Musikfest showcases a world of music and food. This year, the official Musikfest Mug showcases a world of great savings with special offers by 11 area restaurants and attractions.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Zoned hauling trial gets trashed

Bethlehem: Provident grant benefits after-school program

Bethlehem: Board hires 23 teachers for 2015-16

Classroom: Supply chain management puts students on fast track to success

Fountain Hill: Open sewer concerns residents

Freemansburg: Council ponders new fire marshal

Northampton County: Council hears EastPenn pipeline details

Northampton County: Court order sought over raises

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August 19, 2015

COVER STORY

‘We challenged the system’

Local Community Action Committee marks half a century in its fight to end poverty

This year-2015-we are commemorating several momentous historical anniversaries. One-hundred-fifty years ago the Civil War ended and President Lincoln was assassinated. One hundred years later, the country embarked on yet another war - the “War on Poverty.” In his State of the Union address to Congress in January 1964, President Lyndon Johnson called for legislation that expanded on the policy ideas initiated by President John F. Kennedy before his assassination only months before. PHOTO: CACLV Executive Director Alan Jennings has been the voice for fairness and justice for the valley’s poor.

By Carole Gorney

COMMUNITY:

YWCA to honor four area residents

Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller will attend the YWCA’s 88th Annual Meeting Aug. 20 at the Hotel Bethlehem and present proclamations announcing August 20, 2015 as YWCA Day in Bethlehem, Allentown, Northampton and Lehigh counties.

Photo: Larry Holmes will be the keynote speaker at the YWCA’s 88th Annual Meeting.

Contributed story

LEHIGH VALLEY

Arts Council honors community supporters of access to the arts

Three community cultural leaders were honored recently by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council for their efforts to provide access to the performing and visual arts for persons with hearing, visual and physical disabilities. During the annual Arts Council membership reception at the Good Shepherd Health and Technology Center, Executive Director Randall Forte praised the work that is being done, and then presented certificates of congratulation to the honorees from the Pa. Senate. Photo: SATORI Executive Director Nora Suggs was one of three cultural community leaders receiving a special congratulatory document from the state senate for her work to provide improved access to musical performances for the deaf.

By Carole Gorney

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

43 towns vie for grants

Northampton County’s Community Investment Partnership Program (CIPP) was just announced in January, but is going full speed ahead. Executive John Brown plans to use table games revenue from the Sands Casino for a variety of grants and revolving loans, with an emphasis on its aging boroughs and townships. Photo: Diane Donaher and John Brown announced CIPP Program in January.

By Bernie O’Hare

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

New facility hosts ‘Gala of Dreams’

The 2015 Gala of Dreams to benefit the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) in early June at the school’s new facility located at the corner of Third & Polk Streets in south Bethlehem was an exciting milestone for the school as it prepares to move into the new facility in August. Photo: The Charter Arts Touring Choir, Wind Ensemble and Writing Club deliver a beautiful and moving performance to open the event.

Contributed story

THIS WEEK IN BETHLEHEM HISTORY

Packer Campus at the Lehigh University

In 1863, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia assigned Rev. Mchael C. McEnroe to Holy Infancy Roman Catholic Church, a 2,650-member congregation primarily of Irish workers and other ethnic Catholics who lived in South Bethlehem.

Two years later in 1865, the Episcopal Nativity Cathedral was built with the support of William H. Sayre, his son, Robert and other residents in Fountain Hill. Many members of this congregation held supervisory positions at the Bethlehem Iron Company and the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Photo: A engraving of Packer Hall, located “On the general declivity of the Lehigh [South] Mountain range in South Bethlehem . . . in the midst of forest trees, . . . three hundred and sixty feet above the river,” decorated the first brochure advertising Lehigh University, printed in the spring of 1866.

By Ken Raniere

LEHIGH VALLEY

Focus on the fun factor

The Color Fun Fest, held July 11 at Coca Cola Park in Allentown, showered all of its participants in color, whether they were involved in the 5K or came just for the festival. The Color Run 5K and Holi Festival and electric dance movement were combined to maximize the color and fun. The festival, located in the parking lot in front of the stadium, featured a stage with dancers, food stands and merchandise tables. The start and finish lines for the 5K were situated on either side of the stage.

Photo: As daylight fades, the black lights are turned on and glow sticks are worn. Special night color packets were given out and used to enhance the color underneath the lights and the enjoyment of the event.

By Katya Hrichak

CLASSROOM

Expanding horizons … baking

A cake baking and decorating class for students entering grades six through nine was held as part of Northampton Community College’s Horizons for Youth summer programs. The course was held at the Fowler Family Center on the Southside from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 through 23. Photo: Phebe Ann W. watches Alyson D. mix their fondant to the proper shade of blue before removing their cake from the fridge to ice it.

By Katya Hrichak

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Professional soccer to return to the Lehigh Valley

Professional soccer will be back in Bethlehem and the Philadelphia Union will make things official on Wednesday afternoon at Lehigh University’s Goodman Stadium.

A press conference is set to announce that the Union will continue their player development structure by launching their own team in the lower division United Soccer League.

By Peter Car

LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS

Celebrating 150 years of art at Lehigh
Lehigh University is celebrating its Sesquicentennial Anniversary as a teaching institution through the arts. As part of its 150-year celebration, Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) is opening three art exhibits this fall: “Object As Subject: The LUAG Teaching Collection,” “Of The Americas: Contemporary Latin American Art” and “Revisiting South Bethlehem: 150 Years of Photography.” The three exhibitions were curated from The Lehigh University Art Galleries Teaching Collection.

By Nelson Quinones

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Group supports garden diversity

Northampton County: Commandments plaque missing … again

Bethlehem: Gofling supports the Boys & Girls Club

Bethlehem: Edgeboro Moravian’s outdoor worship

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August 26, 2015

COVER STORY

Rise and shine
Researchers question early school starting time
The issue of school start times and sleep-deprived youth is not new. Back in the early 1990s, researchers at Brown University found that the onset of puberty creates a shift in sleeping patterns. Teens tend to go to bed later and get up later than younger children to get the eight to 11 hours of sleep they need.
By Katya Hrichak, Nate Jastrzemski and Ross Sonnenblick

MUSIKFEST
Attendance once again tops 1M
From Arizona to Africa and Texas to Turkey, guests from across the nation and around the globe made their way to Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley for the 32nd annual Musikfest, enjoying 10 days packed with free music, art and family fun. Photo: Giant-sized ants and children at Handwerplatz work together to arrange large breadcrumb-like shapes in various patterns. The Polyglot Theatre troupe of three costumed actors from Melbourne, Australia, put on an interactive performance which encourages the festival’s children to participate in the activity in the downtown historic area of Bethlehem.
Photo by Tim Gilman

MUSIKFEST

The hottest commodity
In Casa De Jorge’s pineapple habañero salsa, one can expect to find pineapple and habañero peppers. In its roasted garlic and olives salsa (Casa De Jorge’s top seller), the ingredients are equally straightforward. These examples then beg an entertaining question – what exactly is in the ominously christened “Stupid Hot” salsa? Photo: Patrick Barron laughs before answering yet another question about the Stupid Hot salsa.
By Ross Sonnenblick

COMMUNITY

Kids meet community heroes
Local community heroes recently visited to the Southside Branch of the Bethlehem Area Public Library, connecting children participating in the summer reading theme of “every hero has a story” to real life. Four firefighters from the Schweder Fire Station’s Company 1, the city’s mounted police patrol and the canine police patrol each visited over a three-week period to explain the roles that they play in public safety to the youngsters participating in the reading program. Photo: After listening to Officer Mike Leaser’s presentation, the children have an opportunity to pose questions to the officers.

By Dana Grubb

BUSINESS

Libby's Thrift opens on Southside

A new business has opened at 414 E. Fourth St., fulfilling a dream for Bethlehem resident Linda Terrick. Libby’s Thrift, named for Terrick’s granddaughter, will specialize in “quality second hand clothing” at affordable prices according to Terrick. Photo: Friends and supporters turn out in a show of support for Libby’s Thrift owner Linda Terrick during her Aug. 3 grand opening.

By Dana Grubb

PEOPLE
Celebrating new families
Courthouses are rarely happy places, but the recent sight of four young children, dressed in their Sunday best and running and laughing outside, brought smiles to Northampton County deputy sheriffs and courthouse visitors alike. They were at the county courthouse for a good reason. They had just been adopted.
By Bernie O’Hare

FAMILY
Henrys celebrate 60 years of marriage
When William Henry met Leah at Franklin Junior HS in Bethlehem, he knew he didn’t want to let her get away. He was persistent, but he faced a challenge. “She didn’t want anything to do with me,” Henry recalls. “When I came to mow the lawn for her father, I came in the front door and she went out the back. Photo: William and Leah married in Bethlehem July 30, 1955. Their five daughters arranged the anniversary celebration attended by 70 people.
By Carole Gorney

BETHLEHEM SPORTS
USL franchise comes to LV
Professional soccer will return to the Lehigh Valley in March of 2016 and the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer are hoping to go all-in on the prospects of success the region can offer. The Union made the announcement last Wednesday during a press conference at Lehigh’s Goodman Stadium, officially announcing the Lehigh Valley as the 27th franchise of the United Soccer League.
By Peter Car

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: School district braced for state budget woes
Bethlehem: State budget crisis forces delays in charter school funds
Bethlehem: Council approves 911 system study
Bethlehem: Second-quarter finances ‘beating plan,’ says Brong
Bethleham: Self-portrait show ends soon
Bethlehem Township: Board wants running bamboo to run away
Bethlehem Township: Zawarski’s apology offends Hudak
Northampton County: Brown commends West Easton Borough
Fountain Hill: Council chooses new tech provider
Lehigh Valley: Wanted for murder – Quadir Taylor

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September 2, 2015

COVER STORY

John Cornish: Not just a name on a list

When he played the innkeeper during the Christmas City’s annual pageant, he would say there was no room in the inn. But there was always room in John Cornish’s heart for anything that would help others in his beloved city of Bethlehem. Seth Cornish watches as the Military Forces Honor Guard from Fort Indiantown Gap conducts the traditional retiring of the American flag. The late John B. Cornish served in the Korean War as a U.S. Army officer. The triangular-folded flag was presented to Noel Cornish, Seth’s brother.
By Michelle Meeh andTim Gilman

DOWNTOWN BETHLEHEM

Moravian pulls out of Boyd project
The road for a refurbished Boyd Theatre in center city just got a lot longer. After months of discussion between owner Joyce Heydt and partners J.G. Petrucci Co. of New Jersey and Moravian College, a damaging heavy rain in May sunk the most recent plan. Photo: The Boyd’s triangular marquis remains blank and in disrepair. Weather damage first closed the historic 600-seat theater in 2011, and it has sat unused ever since.

By Nate Jastrzemski

BETHLEHEM

A new Christmas venture

An artist’s depiction of the Payrow Plaza trellis and hanging ornaments. In its inaugural year, the Christmas Trellis’ ornaments are wind chimes - which Collins Cunningham said can be considered an experiment where Church Street neighbors are concerned.

By Nate Jastrzemski

PEOPLE

Trying to save the world

Len Frenkel of Bethlehem, wrote “Will We Survive Climate Change? One Last Chance” with hopes of providing the general public with information on climate change and helping to save the world.

By Katya Hrichak

FREEMANSBURG

National Night Out brings out smiles

Miriam Castellano, of Miriam’s Take Out on Main Street, offered free empendads. Her daughter, also named Miriam, looks exactly like her mother. Another big hit at this free Musikfest were the free chicken wings offered by Bethlehem Township’s Outback Steakhouse. Charissa Caliolio and Karen Lovero gave them a thumbs up.

By Bernie O’Hare

OPINION

Ed’s World

Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier

BETHLEHEM HISTORY

South Bethlehem public schools
The 1800s, South Bethlehem has been the place where our most recent immigrants choose to settle. When South Bethlehem became a borough in 1865, the newest immigrants were German, Irish, English and Belgian. It was a bustling town of less than 2,000 people. The adults found work at the Lehigh Zinc Company, Bethlehem Iron Works, the Lehigh Valley or North Penn railroads and in various trades. The children attended one of three small schoolhouses. One was a brick school, built in 1858, near Packer Avenue, between the present Adams and Webster streets. Another school was built in 1860, east of the first school and nearer the Lehigh River. A third school was conducted in the grain house of A. Wolle and Company at the northwest corner of New and Second streets. Photo: Owen R. Wilt was the first superintendent of the South Bethlehem schools. He served from 1886 until his death in 1915.

By Karen M. Samuels

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Keystone Games: LV wins junior division

The Lehigh Valley baseball contingent at the Keystone State games proved to have another successful tournament this summer, as the Junior Division team took home the gold medal in this year’s tournament. Lehigh Valley earned the championship with a 16-8, extra-inning victory over Delaware Valley last month to claim this year’s title.

By Pete Car

LV FOCUS

‘Season of celebrations’

It’s a “Season of Celebrations” for 2015-16 at Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. That’s certainly true for the season-opener of the “Classical Series,” with the Allentown Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the acclaimed pianist Emanuel Ax.

By Paul Willistein

OTHER STORIES

South Bethlehem: Charter Arts HS dedicate set for Sept. 3

South Bethlehem: Event promotes university-community understanding

Bethlehem: Musikfest memories

Hanover Township: Pipeline-Steer clear of watershed

Hanover Township: Finnegan henpecked over fowl ban

St. Luke’s: Charity bike ride creates memories

Lehigh Valley: Celebrating folk art

Northampton County: ‘The Colonial’ is running for controller

Classroom: St. Theresa’s Class of 1980 reunites

Lehigh County; Cedarbrook plan unveileing Sept. 9

Saucon Valley: Board votes down teachers’ contract

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