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COVER STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports