December 18, 2019
‘Vanish your fears’
Advent’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, when it was a pre-Christmas season devoted to prayer and fasting before the coming of Jesus. Here in Bethlehem, Advent is commemorated with the lighting of giant outdoor candles – one for each of the four weeks before Dec. 25. For the past 54 years, the Christmas City has also held an annual non-denominational Advent breakfast to bring the community together to celebrate the beginning of the sacred season. Photo: A total of 225 people attended this year’s 54th annual Advent breakfast, sponsored by the Citizens Christmas City Committee of the Bethlehem branch of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
By Carole Gorney
Hearts of Gold gleam
Around $147,000 was raised by The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) at their 2019 Hearts of Gold Gala Nov. 9. Guests nattily dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser. The not-for-profit’s chic fundraiser was held at the Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley. Photo: In front, from left, Hailey Mientus, Owen Wilt, Madison and Caitlin Cleffi gather to greet guests at the Hearts of Gold Gala Nov. 9. Assisting them are, from left, Mckayla Lawley and Sherlyn Cerrato.
By Ed Courrier
Shopping at Christkindlmarkt
ArtsQuest’s annual holiday season extravaganza shopping experience, Christkindlmarkt, benefited from excellent weather Dec. 7 as thousands of people visited the four tent complex at SteelStacks looking for just the right gifts, grabbing a bite to eat or just listening to entertainment. Over 150 artisans offer almost anything imaginable for the discriminate holiday shopper. Photo: At the Fowler & Pena creations stand, Beal Fowler points out stained glass stars for Shay Joy and her husband Matt Miller. It was the second Christkindlmarkt visit for Joy and Matt who live in Center Valley. “It’s the Christmas City so you have to come,” Matt said.
By Dana Grubb
Board members support Roy
Bethlehem Area School Board members addressed at their Dec. 16 meeting a recent controversy around charter schools and race. On Dec. 5, BASD hosted a press conference to discuss charter reforms. A reporter from another media outlet asked why parents choose charter schools, and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy’s response included a long list of items, including a longer school day and busing. The last item Roy mentioned was that some parents may choose charter schools to avoid their children attending school with students from other races or from poverty backgrounds. “The fact is, when an uncomfortable topic is raised,” BASD Board President Mike Faccinetto said, “we often hear these reactions.”
By Theresa O’Brien
Werner wins Penn Manor title
Brandon Hall is looking for growth with the Liberty wrestling program and the Hurricanes demonstrated some of that over the weekend with their performance at the Penn Manor tournament in Millersville. The Hurricanes finished second as a team with 152.5 points, coming behind team champion Council Rock North (190.5 points).
By Peter Car
‘Swinging in the holidays’
An actress and singer known for her roles on iconic television series “Happy Days” and “The Office” joins the Lehigh Valley’s own Rob Stoneback Big Band for “Swinging the Holidays with Linda Purl and the Rob Stoneback Big Band,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at Miller Symphony Hall in Allentown. Linda Purl joins Rob Stoneback and his band for a mix of Christmas music, American standards and swinging jazz in their first collaboration.
Kathy Lauer-Williams
Another view: Holiday Hope Chests seeks continued help
Bethlehem: Vandals strike Kings’ memorial
Bethlehem: Callahan publicly calls out city hall
Bethlehem: Statewide outcry: Charter reform
Bethlehem: Shop ‘til you drop at NCC
Lehigh Valley: Rt. 22 still too long a drive for state
Mama’s musings: Friends at Christmas
Northampton County: ‘Human error’ cause voting system issues
Northampton County: Independent voting machine investigate sought
Sacon Valley: Teacher contract awarded to 2023
Southside Task Force: Free holiday parking on Saturdays
Southside: KIZ awards $80K in grants
Student profile: Abigail Mack, Liberty HS
High school news: Liberty HS by Ethan Christman
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