April 15, 2020
Working together
When Bethlehem resident Jane Florenz started constructing a project in her home workshop last December, she envisioned it being a little free library that would offer books for anyone who wanted one. When she finished it two weeks ago, however, she realized that she needed to shift gears with the coronavirus pandemic advancing and the fallout from it affecting many Bethlehem residents’ employment, so she put it to better use. It’s now a miniature food pantry, and she has installed it in the front yard of her home at 1040 Cumberland St. Above: Jane Florenz adds some food items to the miniature free pantry she built and installed in her front yard at 1040 Cumberland St. “We have to take care of each other,” says Florenz.
By Dana Grubb
Feeding workers; helping others
Billy Cyr is the CEO of Freshpet. The company’s corporate office is located at 176 N. Commerce Way in Bethlehem. Freshpet produces all natural, preservative- and additive-free foods for dogs and cats, as well as dog treats. How they are doing during the shutdown/isolation period: “Freshpet is an essential business; we are still operating at full capacity. With more people staying home, we have seen a surge in demand,” Cyr said. Above: Stephanie Behrends, Freshpet human re-sources assistant, holds a gift certificate with Freshpet employee Richard Picone
By Lani Goins
Pandemic impacts how living mourn the dead
The current COVID-19 pandemic has made saying farewell to lost loved ones and friends even more heart-wrenching. Although “Death Care Services” are considered “essential” and are permitted by Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to “continue physical operations,” large gatherings of any kind are forbidden. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has mandated funeral directors to, “delay these events or limit these events to 10 people or less.” These directives align with what’s recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), and Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA).
By Ed Courrier
Faith bridges the distance
Challenged by social distancing recommendations – keeping six feet between people, and not gathering in groups of more than 10 – local faith communities are doing their best to stay connected. Two local religious officials, Rabbi Michael Singer of B’nai Abraham Synagogue and Rev. Patrick Lamb of Queenship of Mary Church, spoke with us about their special efforts during this unprecedented time of physical separation. Information about other Lehigh Valley houses of worship follows the in-depth discussions with Rabbi Singer and Father Lamb. Above: Video courtesy of Rabbi Michael Singer. “Live from New York and Bethlehem, PA, it’s Friday afternoon!” Cantor Sam Kunstler (left) and Rabbi Michael Singer (right) from B’nai Abraham offer a Shabbat message prior to the Friday night service.
By Theresa O’Brien
http://bethlehem.thelehighvalleypress.com/2020/04/14/faith-bridges-distance
High school sports cancelled
The inevitable news that the spring sports season would eventually never happen due to the coronavirus pandemic became official Thursday, April 9. Following Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement that schools would be closed for the rest of the year, the PIAA followed suit by ending hope of resuming the interrupted winter championships and ceasing any spring sports.
By Peter Car
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Freddy awards off
While the 18th annual Freddy Awards per se will not be presented, an April 9 press release statement from Shelley Brown, President and CEO, State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, seems to raise the curtain on some possibilities.
“With Governor Wolf’s school-closure announcement today [April 9], it has become impossible for us to present our annual live television special in its usual form,” Brown, Executive Producer, Freddy Awards, stated in the press release, adding, “We are working with our production partner, WFMZ, right now to determine what is possible this year.”
By Paul Willistein
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OTHER STORIES
Bethlehem (BASD): School closed the rest of the year
Bethlehem: St. Luke’s uses command center for response
Hanover (NORCO) Twp: Residents show their appreciation for responders
Lehigh Valley: PBS39 launches K-5 learning program
Pennsylvania: State stockpiles for expected surge
Around town community calendar
Police logs
Area obituaries
Center for Animal Health and Welfare
Volunteers
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