January 24, 2018

COVER STORY

Chaos or Community?

Although it was frigid outside Jan. 15, those gathered inside the Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s Sayer Hall felt the warmth of friendship and purpose while celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The free annual breakfast event was co-sponsored by the NAACP’s Bethlehem branch and the Bethlehem YWCA. Rev. Thomas Sweatt, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church in Allentown, served as keynote speaker. He expressed gratitude that the celebration of Dr. King’s memory “could bring together such a multi-ethnic, inter-generational, cross-section of community.” Sweatt said through these gatherings, “We shall be changed, we shall be elevated, and we shall overcome. Photo: Winston Alozie from St. John AME Zion Church plays “God Bless America” as the audience stands and sings along at the Jan. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Cathedral Church of the Nativity’s Sayer Hall.

By Ed Courrier

 

BUSINESS

Bethlehem hosts Pa.’s first medical marijuana site

The very first medical marijuana site in Pennsylvania has officially opened, and it is in Bethlehem. Keystone Canna Remedies’ new dispensary on Stefko Boulevard will soon offer an array of cannabis products to those suffering from various ailments from multiple sclerosis to PTSD. It’s also the first of four planned KCR dispensaries in the state, which should by mid-February begin to serve some of the 12,000 Pennsylvanians already registered for the program. Forms of the medicine allowed to be dispensed in Pennsylvania and to be dispensed from Keystone Canna Remedies include oils, topical agents, pills, vaporization, tinctures and liquids. Photo: Keystone Canna Remedies is now open on Stefko Boulevard and offers educational workshops to the community.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

CLASSROOM

‘Art that’s active’

The Ice House was alive with artistic expression during Northeast Middle School’s (NEMS) Rally 4 Peace Jan. 15. NEMS students and alumni came together to present a program centered on injustices in the world and pathways to peace.“It’s a variety of media making their way out from our middle school children and seeing what they’re seeing, and they’re giving us their glimpse [of] the traumas, the successes, the hopes, all of that,” said Denise Parker, vocal music teacher at NEMS. “Some of it will be inspirational, some of it will be graphic, some of it will be unsettling, and it’s what our kids are seeing today.” Photo: Nela Collier presents an empowering spoken word message, “You will be okay.”
By Katya Hrichak and Dana Grubb

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Seminary blanks Bethlehem Catholic

There’s one thing you never see from a wrestling boxscore and that’s Bethlehem Catholic having a zero beside their final score. For the first time in Jeff Karam’s 10 years as head coach of the Golden Hawks, a team shut them out over the weekend. Wyoming Seminary’s 56-0 victory over the Hawks on Saturday night was certainly an eye-opener, even for the most seasoned Becahi observer. Facing the third-ranked team in the country on the road was never going to be an easy task, but not coming away with a victory certainly humbled the Hawks (7-1) in their first defeat of the season.

By Peter Car

 

LV FOCUS

Artistic inspiration

I think that some of the best music ever written was often inspired by a picture, a story or a melody that someone else wrote. That leads us to question: Where does artistic inspiration come from?  We often think of the artist, the composer, or the writer sitting in his or her little hovel, desperately trying to come up with some new creative idea that will set the world on fire. In reality, though, many artists, writers, and musicians are often inspired by other creative people, and they build upon artwork, stories, or music of the past.

By Diane Wittry

 

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Evans resigns from council; takes city job
Bethlehem: HARB elects officers; signs off on signs

Bethlehem: Rotary speaker stresses teamwork

Bethlehem: Library book sale opens Jan. 24

Bethlehem: Santa visits YWCA daycare

Hanover Township: New commissioner seated

Saucon Valley: AP chem changes despite pushback

 

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January 17, 2018

COVER STORY

Visit of the Magi

The seventh annual Three Kings celebration took place in the Musikfest Cafe at the ArtsQuest Center in South Bethlehem Jan. 7. The free, three-hour event includes live Latin music and food from a Holy Infancy Church concession stand. The highlight of the program features gift-giving from the three kings in colorful regal costumes who also visit with the children’s families and encourage picture-taking. Photo: Sisters Amanda and Angelique Roque wear paper crowns they made for the Three Kings celebration as they pose with Gaspar (Ramon Rodriguez), Melchior (Nelson Matos) and Balthazar (William Cintron). Mother Michelle Roque of Bethlehem Township said it was the family’s third time attending the Christmas season’s final event.

By TimGilman

 

BUSINESS

Emeril’s Chop House get fresh cut

Emeril’s Chop House at the Sands Bethlehem Casino has been renovated with a new and cozier seating layout, new wall treatments, new carpeting and new menu items. The revamped 180 seat restaurant, which is rated among the top 13 casino restaurants in the country by Wine Spectator Magazine, was closed and remodeled for two months prior to its reopening on Thanksgiving. Photo: The newly remodeled Emeril’s Chop House at the Sands Bethlehem Casino seats 180 and includes new carpeting, chairs, wall treatments and several cozy banquettes. Head Chef Victor Bock said the changes were coordinated with Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Homebase.

By Dana Grubb

 

CLASSROOM

Humans of Liberty HS

When Liberty HS social studies teacher Adam Reitz noticed how many different types of students walked Liberty’s halls, he knew he wanted to find a way to highlight this diversity. Inspired by the Humans of New York Instagram account that features interviews collected on the streets of New York, he decided to create his own: Humans of Liberty High School. “There’s just so many interesting kids at Liberty,” Reitz said. “You hear about the same kids over and over again, the kids who are involved in sports, kids who are involved in the arts and things like that, and when you think about it, there’s a lot of interesting kids sitting in your classroom that have things going on that you would never even know.”

By Katya Hrichak

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

FHS knocks off BC

Freedom did Freedom last Friday night, and they did it just fine. That was the plan, going into their home girls’ basketball game against Bethlehem Catholic, where the Patriots came up with a 66-59 victory over the Hawks. “I’m a senior, and I know I can speak for all the seniors when I say this was a very good win, and I’m so happy we got this, and I’m overwhelmed with how great I feel right now,” said Kyra Jefferson. “Yes, doing Freedom. This is definitely one of our high points in the season, and I’m excited to see more.”

By Katie McDonald

 

LV FOCUS

‘Follow your dreams’

“Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’” is an ice-skating extravaganza based on the Academy Award-winning 2013 animated feature film that captivated fans the world over and continues to be a favorite among audiences. “Disney on Ice Presents ‘Frozen’” is presented at 7 p.m., Jan. 17- 19, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jan. 20 and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Jan. 21, PPL Center, 701 Hamilton St., Allentown. “Frozen” is the story of Anna and Elsa, two royal sisters. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded.

By Camille Capriglione

 

OTHER STORIES

Front: Governor declares war on drugs

Bethlehem: First book sale of year opens Jan. 24

Bethlehem: Native celebrates 100 years

Bethlehem: Project’s height concerns HCC

Bethlehem: City council begins new year

Bethlehem Township: New commissioners take their seats

South Bethlehem: Laros grant goes to Charter Arts HS

Valley: Boscola announces local grants

 

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January 10, 2018

C

OVER STORY

B-r-r-r-r: 2018 off to frigid start

Sam Velez of Northeast Bethlehem uses a leaf blower to edge the sidewalk outside his home on Elm Street after last Thursday’s morning snowfall. Bethlehem Area School District announced its first snow day in anticipation of the predicted storm. “It’s cold,” said Velez who was bundled up against the bitter air. Velez, who moved to Bethlehem 10 years ago with his family, and the leaf blower had been idle in the garage with leftover gasoline from fall yard duties. The local snow was a mild offshoot from Winter Storm Grayson, which traveled up the East coast from Florida, intensifying along the way. The winter season’s previous snow total was 9.6 inches according to Lehigh Valley AccuWeather. Last season’s snowfall total to this date was 0.7 inches with milder weather. The bitter cold temperatures forecast after Thursday may set records.

By Tim Gilman

 

LEHIGH COUNTY

County invests in opioid fight

Lehigh County officials Dec. 20 introduced the newest initiative in their effort to meet the opioid crisis plaguing county residents; a website that shows parents how to look for drugs that may be hidden in a child’s bedroom.  Outgoing County Executive Tom Muller introduced the topic, telling reporters gathered in a basement room of the administrative building that the problem of opioid abuse is rampant in Lehigh County.  Alluding to a recent visit to one of the county’s school districts, he said that a student said his or her high school is referred to as “Heroin High.” Photo: J. Layne Turner, Lehigh County’s Drug and Alcohol Administrator, said that the county’s budget to operate his department and to fund the education program comes from a variety of sources to include state and federal money.

By Douglas Graves

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Celebrating at the Sands

The Sands Bethlehem Event Center’s Vision Nightclub hosted a New Year’s Eve bash for the sixth year in a row featuring DJ Matt Fly spinning music to the capacity crowd. A midnight balloon drop welcomed in 2018. Angela Duprey (second from right) and her friends partied throughout the evening at their private table in the nightclub’s mezzanine ringing in the New Year together.

By Dana Grubb

 

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

McClure takes the helm

On Jan. 2, before a standing room only crowd of over 300 people packed into Historic Courtroom One, Lamont McClure was sworn in by President Judge Stephen Baratta as the eighth Northampton County Executive since the inception of Home Rule in 1978. “Being elected county executive is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do in public life,” McClure would eventually tell this throng of well-wishers. That’s similar to what he said in 2006 when he was first appointed to a seat on county council after two unsuccessful attempts. At that time, he said his sole interest was county government. He would go on to serve for 10 years. After a two year break, he’s back. This time, after running a textbook campaign that relied heavily on social media, he stands at the forefront of a strangely united Democratic party. Photo: Lamont McClure with his cabinet: Charles Dertnger, Steve Barron, Nuria DiLuzio, Melissa Rudas, Elizabeth Kelly, Lamont McClure, Tina Smith, Michael Emili and Sue Wandalowski.

By Bernie O’Hare

 

BETHLEHEMN TOWNSHIP

Officers honored for stand-off response

On Dec. 22, shortly before students were being released from school, Justin Kephart, age 35, emptied 11 bullets into his mother, Marylouise Meixell-Moyer, as she left a family home on Dennis Street. Officer John Meehan was the first police officer on the scene, along with neighbor Douglas Wallace. They were forced to duck behind a car as they both began taking fire. One of the bullets fired at Meehan whizzed between his hand and head. Sgt. Daryl LaPointe, who was supervising officer, quickly arrived on location and  made decisions to secure a perimeter and warn students about to be released from school. Five Bethlehem Township police officers responded to this standoff with a shooter who fired at least 115 rounds at them after he had already killed his mother. They were honored Jan. 2 by Bethlehem Township Commissioners. Photo: Flanked by Chief Dan Pancoast and Capt. Greg Gottschall, the officers honored are Grimaldi Gonzalez, Robert Stametz, John Meehan, Sgt. Daryl LaPointe and Gretchen Kramer.

By Bernie O’Hare

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Yasso-Rothrock games take center stage

Freedom High School hosted the annual Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic girls’ basketball games this past Saturday when Bethlehem Catholic won the day’s first game against Stroudsburg 55-34, Bangor won the second game against Liberty 33-31, and Freedom won the third over Phillipsburg 67-50. Phillipsburg took the early lead against Freedom, but all that changed when Patriot guard Corrin Gill came up with a turnover and scored.

By Katie McDonald

 

LV FOCUS

Bobby Collins: Bi-partisan laughs return to State Theatre

Bobby Collins may be one of America’s favorite comedians. He’s performed his stand-up before the Clintons at the White House for Chelsea Clinton’s birthday in 1999 and appeared in front of guests at President Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Winter White House, Palm Beach, Fla., in early 2017. He’s played rooms in the deepest of red states as well as liberal enclaves in blue states and has proven that well-crafted observational humor results in bi-partisan laughs.

By Deb Boylan

 

OTHER STORIES

Lehigh Valley: Dent meets with ‘Dreamers,’ business owners

Bethlehem ASD: At year’s end, board lauds students

Bethlehem HARB: Several signage proposals discussed

Lehigh County: Several commissioners bid farewell

Bethlehem: Rotary Club’s Taste & Tunes generates $50K donation

News analysis: ‘Your government is here … working’ by Bernie O’Hare

School: Sharing the Christmas spirit

Bethlehem APL: ‘A story waiting to be told’

Bethlehem: NCC’s Criminal Justice program #11 in nation

 

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January 3, 2018

COVER STORY

2017: A year in review

It was a year of continued tragedies and devolving political and social discourse nationwide, yet the Lehigh Valley and Bethlehem in particular remain quiet and prosperous. But that is not to say there have not been many highs and lows. Here is a reminder of what we at The Bethlehem Press have covered in 2017.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks take top spot

Jared Papcsy was wrestling in his fourth and final Tony Iasiello Christmas City Wrestling Tournament, while Nate Lackman was in the event for the first time. Both picked up gold medals as host Bethlehem Catholic crowned six champs and had six runners-up in the 50th annual edition of the tournament to cruise to first place with 301 points. East Stroudsburg South placed second at 166.

By Mike Haines

 

LV FOCUS

Upper Saucon girl plays Annie
in Philly Walnut Street theatre

 “Annie” was the first stage show that Upper Saucon Township actress Jenna Seasholtz saw and her babysitter was playing the title role. Seasholtz has been starring in the title role in “Annie,” through Jan. 7, Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia. Seasholtz plays Annie weekends and for select matinees. “Annie” opened Nov. 7 at the Walnut.

By Makenna Masenheimer

 

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December 27, 2017

COVER STORY

‘O Come Let Us Adore Him’

The Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant, a re-enactment of historical and Biblical events surrounding the birth of Christ, held its 39th annual performance Dec. 9 and 10 at the Rose Garden Park band shell in northwest Bethlehem. The Lehigh Valley’s first snowfall on Dec. 9 reduced the pageant’s attendance to 100 spectators, but higher temperatures and some sunshine attracted more than 300 people to the event the next afternoon, according to pageant officials. A cast of some 100 costumed participants, live animals and musical accompaniment makes the admission-free event a family-oriented attraction.

By Tim Gilman

 

PEOPLE

ArtsQuest presents second Linny Awards

The 245 people who attended the second annual Linny Awards at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Cafe were treated to a surprise announcement at the beginning of the arts awards ceremony. ArtsQuest Foundation Chair Jac Yaissle introduced Jane George as the new and first full-time executive director of the foundation. Photo: Posing after the dinner and awards presentations are, left to right, front: Alice Kwiatkowski, Connexions Gallery; Bria Pickel, Student Artist Scholarship; and Alexandra Pobiedzinski, Emerging Artist of the Year.  (l-r rear) Richard Shemonsky, Arts Educator of the Year; Anthony Marricinni, Connexions Gallery; Emil Lukas, Visual Artist of the Year; Joe Feilmeier, Lafayette Ambassador Bank; Craig Larimer, accepting for Daniel Dae Kim; Dolores Laputka, Lifetime Achievement Volunteer in the Arts; and Walt Groller, Performing Artist of the Year.

By Carole Gorney

 

PEOPLE

Tucker Toy Run delivers

On Nov. 4, over 630 motorcyclists made their annual ride through the Lehigh Valley, from Northampton to the Fountain Hill campus of St. Luke’s University Health Network, participating in the seventh Tucker’s Toy Run to deliver nearly 1,000 toys for the hospital’s pediatric patients. Organized by Rick Nauman, the annual event is a tribute to Tucker Stuart, a motorcyclist who died in a 2011 motorcycle accident. Four vehicles filled with toys accompanied the bikers, who in some cases also transported toys on their motorcycles. Photo: Riding the farthest to participate in this year’s event are Tammy Belldina, Jamie Burch and Doug Burch from Morgantown, West Virginia.

By Dana Grubb

 

SOUTH BETHLEHEM

New  Street parking deck opens

After a year of construction and nearly a decade of planning, the city has opened its new car park on New Street; a six-story, 626-spot tower that officials hope will help reinvigorate the neighborhood. Mayor Bob Donchez said at an afternoon gathering Nov. 29, one year after the project groundbreaking, “This has been a long time coming. The opening of this garage will change the parking dynamic in South Bethlehem, especially on the western end of the Southside.” He said the partnership between the city, Lehigh University and St. Luke’s University Hospital will prove an anchor for renewed interest and excitement in the area, and that the garage will ease parking congestion for visitors, shoppers, students and local employees.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Wrestling takes center stage

The 49th Annual Tony Iasiello Memorial Christmas City Tournament will take place on December 29 and 30 at Bethlehem Catholic. The Golden Hawks will look to maintain their dominance in the event after last year’s performance saw them crown 10 champions, 13 medals and collecting 314 points for the team title to runner-up Cranford’s 180.

By Peter Car

 

LV FOCUS

Theatre continues to draw crowds

With so many platforms competing for your time and dollar, the depth, range and success of the platform that is Lehigh Valley stage is rather remarkable. Yes, theater is live and well and entertaining in the Lehigh Valley. In its 90th year, Civic Theatre of Allentown continues its “The Next Act” capital campaign. For its 26th season, The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival set new attendance records. Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre filled its venues for its 37th season. In its 90th year, national touring theater productions and other shows filled the State Theatre Center for the Arts. Children’s theater and stage shows drew crowds to the 118-year-old Miller Symphony Hall. Pennsylvania Playhouse noted its 52nd season. Touchstone Theatre is in its 36th season. Munopco was back for its 90th season. Further afield, Bucks County Playhouse continued its mix of new plays and classics in its 78th year.

By Paul Willistein

 

OTHER STORIES

Berthlehem: School board reorganizes; Faccinetto remains president

Bethlehem: Nativity sets on display

Bethlehem: BAVTS celebrates student achievement

Bethlehem: PPL safety detectives entertain and teach at St. Anne’s

South Bethlehem: Banana Factory hosts Guzy event

Bethlehem Township: New labor contracts approved

Northampton County: Brown goes out on a high note

Northampton County: Brown introduces last-minute tax cut

Lehigh County: Electronic copies of budget approved

 

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