JUNE 3 AND 10, 2020
New Bethany: Pandemic increases needs
In a time when much of the Lehigh Valley was brought to a standstill, New Bethany Ministries has been busier than ever. The Southside Bethlehem nonprofit is used to difficulty, providing services for people who have nowhere else to turn. But, like everyone during the COVID-19 crisis, it has faced new challenges. Executive Director Marc Rittle calls New Bethany “a community of care and support.” Homeless and low income clients can be helped by a full range of services, including hot meals, a food pantry, showers, hygiene products, and laundry services, as well as varied housing programs and case management services. Photo: Volunteers Nicole Peluso and Josh Osowiecki, and Director of Operations Veronne Demesyeux prepare lunches in the New Bethany Ministries kitchen.
By David Howell and Dana Grubb
Something to look forward to
On the night of Nov. 23, 2012, Bethlehem resident Brian McCritcherd awoke screaming in pain from injuries to his back that happened during six years of service in the Army. His service had already left him with several crippled fingers; now, in addition to the pain he was suffering, the veteran was losing the ability to stand unassisted and walk. Five major surgeries on his back followed over the next few years, none of them fully successful. Today, thanks to a strong upper body, McCritcherd can pull himself to a standing position, but his left leg doesn’t respond at all. Photo: After his workout, Brian McCritcherd is joined by Jodi Evans, recreation director for the City of Bethlehem, who was instrumental in making the ice rink available for him for one hour each week. Next year, Evans hopes to attract more skaters with disabilities to the facility.
By Dennis Glew
Media named 4A Player of the Year
Bethlehem Catholic senior guard Taliyah Medina was named 4A Player of the Year and First Team All-State Girls Basketball Player on April 20.
The soon-to-be Villanova University Lady Wildcat finished her career at Becahi with 1,168 points, over 600 rebounds, and more than 200 assists despite missing her junior year due to injury.
By Katie McDonald
Toomey roundtable: Why not get outside
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Subcommittee on Health Care, convened a virtual roundtable about youth baseball and softball leagues safely resuming play.
The event took place on Thursday, May 21, and the public was invited to watch on YouTube. The roughly hourlong discussion can still be viewed on Sen. Toomey’s YouTube page.
By Scott Pagel
Tribute: Dixie White a cultivator of causes
Dixie Dugan White, who passed away April 18, was one of a kind.
It would be difficult to find anyone in the Lehigh Valley who was more of an activist. She worked with countless organizations for economic equality, human rights and the environment. She was determined, but she always kept her sense of humor.
Her many socially-active involvements included President, Pennsylvania Chapter, National Organization of Women; Senior Field Organizer, Chicago Chapter, National Organization of Women, and first director, AIDS Service Center of the Lehigh Valley.
By David Howell
Curtail rises: ‘Fresh Voices’
“Fresh Voices” is as innovative as ever this year, in one sense more than Southside Bethlehem’s Touchstone Theatre might have imagined.
As with its recent “Young Playwrights’ Festival,” this year’s “Fresh Voices” is going virtual because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic mandates.
By David Howell
OTHER STORIES - June 10
Bethlehem BASD: District prepared to reopen
Bethlehem BASD: Signing day/academic awards
Lehigh County: Voting, healthcare under review
Northampton County: County first to report election returns
State: Wolf – Our resolve is being tested
State: Wolf pandemic weekly update
Student profiles – Paige Zimmerman, LV Academy
OTHER STORIES – June 3
Bethlehem: ‘Open parks’ council asked
Bethlehem: Council reviews pandemic effects
Bethlehem: Limited services on Memorial Day
Bethlehem BASD: Draper named early learning head
Bethlehem BASD: District honors retiring ‘Built by Bethlehem’ leaders
Fountain Hill: Masks for those in need
Hellertown: Closures, postponements announced
Saucon Valley: Virtual graduation approved, then changed
State: Wolf – ‘We can’t isolate ourselves forever’
SteelStacks: ‘Levitt in your Livingroom’ premieres
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