September 23, 2015
COVER STORY
911 softball: Firefighters regain bragging rights
Patriot Day is a sad day for many people, especially first responders. But Bethlehem’s police and firefighters have an unusual and particularly American way of remembering the 9/11 tragedy. They play ball. Life goes on. Photo: Police and firefighters offer a prayer and pledge allegiance before facing off.
By Bernie O’Hare
BETHLEHEM-ELIAS MARKET
The zoning case that won’t go away
Nearly two years ago, the Pa. Supreme Court declined to get involved in the proposed business expansion of Elias Market, located on Linden Street in Bethlehem. That should have ended a case that spawned multiple zoning hearing board decisions, a lost transcript that required more hearings and numerous court reviews along the way. Photo: Gus Elias is spending $100,000 for improvements above and beyond the conditions imposed by the Zoning Hearing Board.
By Bernie O’Hare
By Bernie O’Hare
COMMUNITY
The Bethlehem City Democratic Committee sponsored a tree planting recently, to honor and remember former city councilman and city controller Dave DiGiacinto. Known as “DiGi” to many friends and family, the 61-year-old DiGiacinto passed away unexpectedly this past January. Democratic committee chairwoman Olga Gonzalez remembered DiGiacinto for his many contributions to the city and party organization. The City of Bethlehem supported the initiative, which was attended by DiGiacinto’s mother Anne, son Luke, former wife Kelly, and a number of DiGiacinto’s friends.
By Dana Grubb
COMMUNITY
YWCA annual award winners at the conclusion of the banquet program are Mike O’Rourke, Women’s Empowerment; Frances Hesselbein, special honored guest as One of World’s 50 Greatest Leaders; Stacey Zaremba, Racial Justice; and Amy Koch, volunteer of the year.
By Tim Gilman
BUSINESS
Bethlehem has witnessed a pair of grand, celebratory business openings recently, but few beyond staff, managers and local officials were witness to the boisterous goings-on. That’s because in each case, first Wal-Mart and then England-based Primark, the facilities in question were massive new distribution complexes along Commerce Center Boulevard, between the city proper and Hellertown. Photo: This distribution center is the first North American expansion of European fashion retailer Primark. It measures 677,088 square-feet - the size of 12 football fields - yet is only half the size of Wal-Mart’s new internet-order-only distribution facility up the road.
By Nate JastrzemskiWAFFLES
Jeffrey Young: So many variablesA wise man once asserted, “Time is the greatest commodity. You can’t get more of it.” That wise man was Jeffrey Young, who teaches calculus and chairs the Math Department at Freedom HS. During the school year, he does that five days a week.
By Ross Sonnenblick
BETHLEHEM HISTORY
The judicious real estate transactions of Philadelphia attorney Tinsley Jeter enabled him to purchase “Fontainebleau,” the former estate of Charles Fiot. In 1866, Jeter parceled the 146-acre estate into building lots. Once developed, the neighborhood was blessed with “phenomenal sunsets,” reported the Bethlehem Times, “remarkably grand and glorious sunsets” that turned Fountain Hill to a “Golden Hill,” a name it had received many years earlier. Along Wyandotte Street, the eastern slope of Fountain Hill attracted commercial merchants and industrial managers of South Bethlehem.
By Ken Raniere
BETHLEHEM SPORTS
Liberty volleyball off to hot start
Liberty knew they had a good volleyball team heading into this season and it’s carrying that into this year as they’re 6-1 so far. Head coach Missy Lynn has seen improvement from a year ago, and hopes her team can push things even further heading into this week’s slate of contests against East Stroudsburg North and Allen.
By Peter Car
LEHIGH VALLEY FOCUS
Papal Mass viewing at SteelStacks
Fun family activities, delicious ethnic foods and selfies with a Pope Francis pop-up are among the many activities and attractions guests can enjoy as the Diocese of Allentown and ArtsQuest partner to host a special Viewing Event of the Papal Mass in Philadelphia on three outdoor screens at SteelStacks starting at noon Sept. 27. The Papal Mass Viewing Event at SteelStacks, First Street and Founders Way, Bethlehem, is designed to be an afternoon of fellowship and family coinciding with Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. The event, which is free and open to the public, culminates with the airing of the Pope’s Papal Mass for the World Meeting of Families, scheduled for 4 p.m.
By Paul Willistein
OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem: District readies parents for weak PSSA results
Bethlehem: Protestor picket Stefko adult book store
Bethlehem: CACLV keeps West Side program alive
Bethlehem: Illick Mills great fit for city, club
Bethlehem: HOM sweet HOM
Northampton County: Sheriff completes training
Northampton County: Drug forfeiture program tops $2M
Bethlehem Township: New fire marshal sworn-in
Bethlehem Township: Solicitor wants better pipeline information
South Bethlehem: A party for town & gown
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