October 21, 2015
COVER STORY
Pa. Health Study: County by county
Think you need to take better care of yourself? Locally, we’re actually doing better than many Pennsylvanians. A recent study ranked each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties in matters of health, and Lehigh and Northampton, which contain the state’s third largest metropolitan area – the Lehigh Valley – both finished toward the top third.
By Nate Jastrzemski and Chris Parker
Illustration by Ed Courrier
COMMUNITY
Classic Celtic moments
A lively Irish band performs on the Main Street stage during the 28th annual Celtic Classic in downtown Bethlehem. The popular outdoor performance site returned to the festival for its second year. The Celtic Cultural Alliance of Bethlehem organizes the popular festival, said to be the largest free Celtic event in the United States.
By Tim Gilman, Carol Gorney and Ed Courrier
PEOPLE
Centenarian birthday partyCentury Club celebration attendees gather outside the Borchert home for a historical photo with some 45 family members and friends as the party was coming to a close. Margaret Cerne Firuta sits in the center of the large group with her sister-in-law Florence Firuta and daughter Linda Borchert on each side.s
By Tim Gilman
DOWNTOWN
Penn Staters party in Bethlehem
Several hundred visitors came to downtown Bethlehem for Penn State Lehigh Valley Day Aug. 1 for a downtown party on historic Main Street. Besides a variety of activities including food and live music, the second-year event for Penn State alumni, students and friends served as a fundraiser to support the fight against pediatric cancer. The Penn State Lehigh Valley campus, Hotel Bethlehem and Downtown Bethlehem Association with its stores and businesses partnered together and raised a reported $3,600. Photo: The Nittany Lion greets young Mary Ann Lutz held by her grandmother Mary Grace Bruemer of Allentown. Mary Ann’s mother, Laura Aruenter, is a Penn State graduate.
By Tim Gilman
BUSINESS
Accessibility is key at this fitness center
Distancing itself stylistically from the cavernous and expensive gyms popularized on TV, Fit City recently opened in Easton, stressing a warm, personalized experience welcoming to any and all. Emily Schneider, trained in kinesiology, manages the business which her family dreamed of for nearly a decade. Photo: Co-owner Liz Schneider and sister and Manager Emily Schneider demonstrate how one of their overhead presses can easily accommodate a wheelchair. Emily says their recombination bikes and skier machines are likewise rearrangeable for disabled patrons’ needs. Her favorite is a fit-light trainer, which monitors and analyzes usage through a tablet to customize workouts.
By Nate Jastrzemski
CLASSROOM
Shockingly fun: Students get a safety lessonStudents at William Penn ES on Main Street were treated to a safety lecture they actually laughed though Oct. 7. Sponsored by PPL Electric, The Safety Detectives in Hot Pursuit! - a delightfully goofy show designed to teach kids all about electricity dangers and appliance safety - came to several area schools all the way from Minneapolis, Minn. The two young actors were from the National Theatre for Children, which produces many educational productions and materials. The performance was developed by the Electrical Safety Foundation International nonprofit.
By Nate Jastrzemski
BETHLEHEM SPORTS
District tennis: Peterson, Conrad win
Samantha Peterson and Madelyn Conrad were crowned District XI Doubles Tennis champions on Monday afternoon at Lehigh University where they won their matches 6-0, 6-1 against Kaitlyn Swint and Natalie Sinai. Peterson said, “It’s just awesome. We’ve been playing doubles together for three years, and we were determined to get here.” The Liberty pair began the tournament with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Emmaus, followed by a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Freedom, a 6-1, 6-3 victory over Nazareth, and a 6-0, 7-6 win over Southern Lehigh.
By Katie McDonald
LV FOCUS
Chillin’ with history
The Moravian Book Shop candlelit evening tours journey into the intriguing paranormal history of Bethlehem. “Historic Haunts Of Downtown Bethlehem,” now in its seventh year, is hosted by 13 tour guides who, dressed in full period costume, regale attendees with fascinating facts and folklore about 10 local establishments.
By Camille Capriglione
OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem: PSSA scores are in
Bethlehem Township: Board decides to use ‘common sense’
Fountain Hill: Council agrees to help fill hole
Hanover Township: HYDAC adds jobs to meet demands
Northampton County: Donaher seeks hotel tax grant control
Around town community calendar
Police logs
Area obituaries
Center for Animal Health and WelfareVolunteers
Student profiles
High school news reports
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