March 25, 2020
COVER STORY-ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Virus dampen celebration
On a night that would ordinarily be a busy one for Bethlehem area restaurants and pubs, downtown Bethlehem was eerily silent on St. Patrick’s Day. A stroll along Main Street revealed many announcements on the doors of businesses due to, at that time, the recommended closures of non- essential businesses because of the coronavirus health threat. Photo: Due to the closings of non-essential businesses brought on by COVID-19, Main Street on St. Patrick’s Day was like a ghost town, unlike the normal celebratory atmosphere and activity one would expect on that day.
By Dana Grubb
RELATED STORIES
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Wolf’s orders hit businesses hard
Business owners make adjustments
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The 1918 Spanish influence epidemic
Emergency support groups cope with coronavirus threat
Wolf tries to ease burden of hospitals across the state
LV health networks issue joint message, advice to patients
Local hospitals set visitation policy
IF THERE’S NO WATER …
There’s no life
The Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley hosted a friendship dinner Feb. 20 to discuss various faith perspectives about the water we all share as a valuable natural resource. The session was hosted by the Lehigh Dialogue center in partnership with the Sierra Club Pennsylvania chapter, Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Conference of Churches, with over 220 area residents in attendance. Photo: A buffet-style dinner featuring healthy options such as butternut squash ravioli, salad and veggies was provided at the Friendship Dinner.
By Dana Grubb
SPORTS-HOPE FOR RETURN TO NORMALCY
Pates happy to top Mounties
Freedom’s boys’ tennis team was in the middle of a match at Pocono Mountain East on March 13 when the Patriots became aware that the season was being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Initially, I think we were all a little shocked, even though we were aware a postponement was possible, especially after the NCAA and NBA suspended their seasons,” said Freedom tennis coach Matt Potts. “I am not really sure anybody knew what to think. Ultimately, all of the kids are optimistic that they will be back on the courts to finish the season, but we are all pretty much in uncharted waters.”
By Katie McDonald
http://bethlehem.thelehighvalleypress.com/2020/03/26/pates-happy-top-mounties
FOCUS
Civic Theatre closes;
artistic staff laid off
The staff of Civic Theatre of Allentown has been laid off and the anchor of Allentown’s West End Theatre District is closed. Civic Theatre has launched a campaign, #IAMCIVICTHEATRE, to raise funds for operating expenses to reopen the historic theater which produces plays and musicals and screens arthouse, foreign and classic films.
By Paul Willistein
OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem Council: Semi-meeting held in empty room
Bethlehem Planners: Townhouse planned for Van Buren
Bethlehem Zoner: Four appeals are heard; 3 approved
Bethlehm Zoners; Board upholds ordinance as written in zoning challenge
Community Partner: Robert Schantz-Chump the Clown
Lehigh County: State of county is ‘excellent’
Mama’s Musings: ‘M’ is for mess
Classroom: Area robotics teams compete
WEEKLY FEATURES
Around town community calendar
Police logs
Area obituaries
Center for Animal Health and Welfare
Volunteers
Student profiles
High school news: BAVTS – Studying COVID-19 from Italy’s view by Liam Chavez
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