April 1, 2020
Vital virus lessons
Up until the current COVID-19 pandemic, the two most momentous events in my lifetime were the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
A third life-impacting event, the current public health crisis, has introduced an invisible enemy that has manifested itself very quickly and has taken many lives around the world while infecting untold others. It has required adaptation by each of us and caused changes in our daily routines. Photo: People have been flocking to the outdoors in search of calmness and to exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hikers and cyclists are traversing area trails such as this stretch of the D&L Trail above in Northampton.
By Dana Grubb with Deborah Corville
Bargain gowns help prep for prom
Every year around this time, high school seniors’ and juniors’ thoughts turn to the annual prom. Part of the enjoyment that goes with the prom is selecting a gown and accessories. For that reason many young women and their mothers have minimized the cost by shopping at the Pop-Up Prom Shop, where “nearly new” gowns sell for a mere $15 apiece. This year the Bethlehem YWCA hosted its thirteenth annual community prom dress day March 2, at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Photo: Pop-up changing rooms were busy throughout the sale. On their way in, girls passed tables of jewelry and other accessories that were available for no charge.
By Dorothy and Dennis Glew
Spanish influenza knew no boundaries
In the autumn of 1918, all of South Bethlehem braced for a strange influenza that traveled from town to town with a terrifying grip on the U.S. With continuous World War I updates, Bethlehem Steel plant injuries and railroad accidents – local newspapers were used to daily horrors, even as they struggled to keep up with virulent cases in St. Luke’s and hastily built emergency hospitals. Map illustrated by Ken Ranier
By Roseamary Buffington
Staying close with stories
Bethlehem Area School District treated Governor Tom Wolf’s March 16 mandatory, unprecedented school closure aimed at slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), like an extended snow closure. No new material was taught – virtually or otherwise – and students were not responsible for completing assignments. However, the district did provide “academic continuity resources” online to keep skills sharp during the unexpected break. (Beginning March 30 and continuing for as long as schools remain shut down – at least through April 6 – instruction of new material will move to a virtual model, using online resources with the possible addition of physical materials distributed at free breakfast pickup locations.) Illustration: Fifth-grade teacher Brad Drey, whose popular Twitter videos (@FtHillDrey) showcase Fountain Hill’s special events, is coordinating the teachers’ “bedtime stories” on Flipgrid, a social learning tool used in the district. Classroom teachers and other FHE staff recorded themselves reading some of their favorite children’s books so they can be present virtually in their students’ homes.
By Theresa O’Brien
Grasso set to retire
Mike Grasso has always been a mainstay at Bethlehem Catholic, but after 46 years of coaching, Grasso has finally decided to retire. The long time baseball coach is hoping that he gets one final ride this spring in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but also understands that there are bigger things at work than sports.
By Peter Car
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Coronavirus closings
“I can’t wait until we can make music together again,” says Bach Choir of Bethlehem Artistic Director and Conductor Greg Funfgeld. “Think how glorious that will be.” Because of concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bach Choir of Bethlehem had to cancel its spring concert March 29, but the internationally-renowned choir is hoping to keep spirits up with music in whatever way it can.
By Kathy Lauer-Williams
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Bethlehem (BASD): Interviews conducted; budget unveiled
Bethlehem (BASD): Alozie selected to vacant board seat
Bethlehem: ‘We are thankful for the great support’
Bethlehem (HARB): High Street picket fence approved
Northampton County: County seeks primary election delay
People say; ‘What do you think about the Olympics being postponed to 2021?’
Saucon Valley (SVSD): Discipline, technology addressed
Valley: Allentown Diocese suspends Masses for Holy Week
Valley: Dorney, Knobels parks delay opening for 2020 season
Student profile; Harvin Duarte, LV Acedmy
High school news: LV Charter Arts by Mercedes Lobb
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