January 13, 2016
Parent seeks special alert system
Like many others in the Lehigh Valley and beyond, Erik and Kelly Weiner followed the New Year’s Eve disappearance of Jayliel Vega Batista and hoped for a good outcome. The 5-year-old autistic Allentown resident was eventually found drowned in the Lehigh Canal. With two daughters, 7-year-old Kendall and 3-year-old Devan, who was born with Down Syndrome, the Weiners understood how difficult it must have been for Batista’s family. Photo: Erik Weiner would like to see an alert system in place for special needs kids who go missing, and has begun a petition on change.org to draw legislative interest.
By Dana Grubb
BETHLEHEM
Spring fever in JanuaryBethlehem resident Bob Mayer jogs past the Penn State Nittany Lion mascot outside Hotel Bethlehem. Mayer said he runs regularly for 30 minutes to stay in shape. Sunday’s reported 63-degree temperatures were enjoyed, as much colder weather is expected this week.
By Tim Gilman
EPIPHANY
A day fit for kingsThree Kings Day was held Jan. 3 at the ArtsQuest Center in South Bethlehem.The free family-oriented event was attended by several hundred mostly Latin celebrants from the Lehigh Valley. Children made and wore paper crowns in honor of the three kings from the Orient who came to present gifts to the Christ child on Epiphany – 12 days after the birth of Jesus. Photo: Jessica Witbro and Darien and Andrew Serrano of Bethlehem, with the costumed Three Kings, William Centron, Nelson Matos and Ramon Rodriguez, all of Holy Infancy Church.
By Tim Gilman
PEEPFEST
Diorama winners announcedArea students had a sweet start to the New Year when their dioramas were chosen as winners in the 2015 PEEPS® Scholastic Diorama Competition during PEEPSFEST®, the free family festival presented by Just Born Quality Confections and ArtsQuest Dec. 30-31. Photo: Kindergarten-second grade - first place: Remembering Paris (above); Calypso ES, Bethlehem – second grade – Allison Shook; second place: Peeps on Ice Calypso ES, Bethlehem – Kindergarten – Megan Shook
Courtesy ArtsQuest
OPINION
Ed’s World
Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier
BETHLEHEM HISTORY
J. Stewart Allam, Bethlehem builderWe may know the names of the architects of our favorite buildings, however, we often neglect to credit the builders. John Stewart Allam built many of Bethlehem’s finest structures from 1877 until his death in 1896. Photo: Comenius Hall of Moravian College was built in 1892 then survived a fire in 1913. This is a postcard of the building before the fire.
By Karen M. Samuels
BETHLEHEM SPORTS
Hurricane end 5-game skid
Liberty’s five-game losing streak finally came to an end last week when the Hurricanes thumped Nazareth 63-49 at home. It helped push the ’Canes to 5-7 overall, but maybe more importantly, bumped their mark in the East Penn Conference to 4-3.
By Peter Car
LV FOCUS
‘Musicians of Silence’ perform at Symphony Hall
Mummenschanz is a Swiss mime theater troupe that pioneered a daring new form of visual theater. Their performances in abstract masks and use of surreal, colorful stage props and everyday objects create a playful and intriguing theater experience. Mummenschanz’s newest show is an anniversary program highlighting 40 years of the troupe’s extraordinary creativity.
By Camille Capriglione
OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem: Reynolds remains council president
Bethlehem: Veterans among those honored by Landis Family Foundation
Northampton County: DA targets dealer in user death
Northampton County: Charges filed in 2012 Lower Saucon home invasion
Northampton County: Ferraro our, Cusick in
Lehigh County: Police officers will soon use overdose antidote
Fountain Hill: Exchange Club honors Becahi students
Lehigh Valley: Wreaths Across America-Volunteers honor veterans
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