March 28, 2018

COVER STORY

Welcome spring?

The fourth nor’easter of March dropped the most snow for the month. ABE airport recorded 12.3 inches and Bethlehem netted 9-10 inches, according to AccuWeather reports. The storm was the biggest snowfall this winter, ironically coming the day after the official start of spring. The Bethlehem Area School District shuttered its facilities on Wednesday and Thursday for the first two-day closing of the school year. Snow removal trucks were circulating throughout the Christmas City during and after the storm. Rising temperatures and sunshine helped melt the heavy snowfall during successive days. Photo: Lance Priestas and Byron Haydt walk along Elm Street with their shovels in search of customers during the March 21 snowstorm which closed Bethlehem ASD facilities for two days. The ninth graders at Liberty HS team up to shovel when it snows, according to Haydt.

By Tim Gilman

 

CLASSROOM

Liberty student wins research competition

This year, 600 high school students from around the country submitted essays on the importance of cancer research, and how science can find a cure for cancer. It was with great joy that BASD Superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy announced that Liberty HS student Katie Neary was selected as one of the 100 student winners. Katie, along with Liberty Principal Harrison Bailey III and Assistant Principal Amanda Hinkel, appeared at the March 19 school board meeting, to receive praise from the board and audience alike for her outstanding accomplishment.  Photo: Liberty Assistant Principal Amanda Hinkel, Principal Harrison Bailey III, student Katie Neary, and board director Craig Neiman celebrate Katie’s accomplishment.

By Heather Nigrone

 

CLASSROOM

Sparks fly at NCC welding competition

The 48th American Welding Society welding competition took place March 9 for regional high school students attending technical institutes. The event was hosted by Northampton Community College at its Center for Advanced Technology. Participating schools included  Career Institute of Technology, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Monroe Career & Technical Institute, Upper Bucks County Technical School, Warren County Technical School and Lackawanna County Career Technology Center. NCC hosted the annual welding competition last year for the first time and has plans to continue at the centrally located college site in Northampton County, according to Dino Forst, who coordinated the event as program manager of the welding program in the Center for Advanced Technology. Photo: Joe Fronti watches Joe Kessler from the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County using a welding gun to assemble a “pressure vessel” in an indoor booth. Fronti, a volunteer judge at the event, is a graduate of the NCC Technology Program and also of Northampton HS.

By Tim Gilman

 

COMMUNITY

Bethlehem egg hunt this Saturday

 

ANOTHER VIEW

Marching for their lives

Since the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS in Parkland, Fla., a phenomenon many of us have never seen before is occurring before our eyes.Students have become empowered and have successfully rallied peers, parents and grandparents to help find a solution to school shootings.Just a month later, on March 14, students across the nation showed their solidarity with Parkland, Fla., students by rallying at their schools for 17 minutes to honor the 17 killed in the school shooting and to ask for a solution to this senseless violence. Rallies were held both inside and outside the schools with student speakers and administrators talking about school safety. Some students were supported by their school administrators – others, such as more than 200 Pennridge HS students, served Saturday detention for defying school orders to stay inside the school during the rally. Photo: Thousands attend the March for Our Lives event along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., March 24.

By Deb Galbraith

 

PEOPLE

Cookie Crunch features local female chefs

It’s that time of year for those delicious hand-delivered cookies, and ArtsQuest Steelstacks celebrated by hosting the fun and tasty Girl Scout Cookie Crunch Feb. 25.The event kicked off with a Girl Scout-only portion with four local female celebrity chefs.  They were: Ashley Sherman, who is the executive sous chef for Aramark at SteelStacks and a 2014 Hell’s Kitchen contestant; Heather Williams, who was the 2017 Hell’s Kitchen runner-up; Lucy Chelton, who is a Chopped Jr. winner and a former Girl Scout herself; and Sarah Sobers, who is a sous chef at Buddy V’s Ristorante at the Sands Casino. Photo: Celebrity chef Ashley Sherman shows a group of Girl Scouts how to make Peanut Butter Patty cannoli.

By Mark Kirlin

 

MISS AMAZING PAGEANT

All contestants are amazing

The word “amazing,” meaning something that causes great surprise or wonder, is one of those terms that has become trendy, and greatly overused.  Far too many things today are called “amazing,” but in the case of the Pennsylvania Miss Amazing pageant, held recently at Easton HS, the use of the adjective is entirely appropriate.   The pageant is truly amazing because it provides opportunities for girls and women with disabilities to build their self-confidence and self-esteem in a supportive environment, while redefining in positive ways what it means to be beautiful. Photo: Contestant Mileena Schaffer gets lots of support from pageant volunteers Alyssa Nelson from Wisconsin, and Joan Anagnostou of Lower Nazareth. Each girl or woman in the pageant has at least one volunteer helper.

By Carole Gorney

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Spring sports previews: Baseball and softball

By Peter Car and katies McDonald

 

LV FOCUS

Chock-o-block of photos

Lydia Panas began collecting blocks of chocolate in 2000. She would find time to focus on her “Chocolate, Hair + Lint” still-life series back then, when she wasn’t busy with family life and raising three young children. Photographing the combination of lint, chocolate, and her own hair, the work was, “Symbolic of my daily life,” according to the artist.

By Ed Courrier

 

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Council approves vacating street

Bethlehem: Wind project drifts towards approval

Bethlehem ASD: IU seeks more funding

South Bethlehem: Spring cleaning tops task force to do list

Saucon Valley: Student walk-out raises questions

Lehigh County: Fiscal officer reviews 2017 budget

Northampton County: Council gives next controller a raise

 

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Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

 

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March 21. 2018

COVER STORY

Remembering victims; demanding change

The United States is no stranger to mass protest marches. One need only think of all the marches against the Vietnam War, the Women’s marches in Washington, The Million Man March to unite the black community, the annual March for Life, and countless others. But the nationwide marches that took place March 14 were different: participants were primarily high school students. In the wake of yet another school shooting, this one at Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS a month ago, students in nearly 3,000 schools across the nation left their classrooms to send the nation a message.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

 

Teachers share safety ideas

During a state House Education Committee  meeting last Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Education Association President Dolores McCracken shared suggestions from educators and support professionals aimed at making Pennsylvania’s public schools safe from violence.

Contributed article

 

‘Err on the side of safety’ say school officials

“Awareness is the key.” It was the common refrain of the night; nearly every response by the panelists can be related directly or indirectly to the idea. Awareness. Administrators and experts in their fields spoke frankly during a panel discussion on school safety at the Lehigh Valley HS for the Arts the evening of March 14. Though only about 20 people were in the audience, the panelists took seriously the opportunity to speak candidly and openly.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

At LVA: Kindness and promise

We Stand With Our Students,” was a message Lehigh Valley Academy emphasized March 14. While LVA did not partake in the nationwide school walkouts that took place to commemorate the 17 lives that were taken in the Parkland, Fla., school shooting, students and faculty decided to take a different approach to spread awareness of this movement. Photo: Students in Jeremiah Lormand’s math class discuss their perspective of a video on school shootings and possible actions that could have been done to prevent this from occurring.

By Rana Moawad

SPRING MUSICALS

Saucon Valley presents ‘The Music Man’

A divine stage performance of “The Music Man,” book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson was offered at Saucon Valley HS in four showings March 8 through 11. The musical was produced and directed by Chad A. Miller who also directed the music and vocal sections. Joanellyn Schubert was choreographer. Kimberly Tassinaro was assistant director-choreographer. Also involved were technical director Patrick Mertz, pit director Herb Payung, and acting coach Eric Hersh. Costume design was provided by Scaramouche Costumes. There were 16 players in the orchestra positioned directly below the stage. Photo: At the end of the song “Seventy-Six Trombones,” Harold Hill (Ben Johnson) stands on the piano while being cheered on by cast members.

By Lori Patrick

 

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Wintry weather greet flag raising

Bethlehem’s annual Irish flag raising ceremony bowed to a cold and windy morning and was held mostly in the warmer confines of city hall March 16. Mayor Bob Donchez welcomed participants, telling them them that Irish heritage is very important to the community. “I’m honored to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Donchez said. Bethlehem piper James Ruhf and drummer “Jimmer” Propst performed “America the Beautiful” prior to a quick venture out onto Payrow Plaza, where Bethlehem Police Captain Anthony Leardi and mayor’s assistant Kelley Andrade raised the Irish Flag as flurries swirled on a stiff breeze. Returning indoors, students from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance entertained attendees. Refreshments were served following the ceremony. Photo: As snow flurries swirl around Payrow Plaza, Bethlehem Police Captain Anthony Leardi and Kelley Andrade, assistant to the mayor, hoist the Irish flag at the March 16 ceremony.

By Dana Grubb

 

Sharing the Irish spirit

Clients of the Bethlehem YWCA’s Adult Day Services Center enjoyed a lively St Patrick’s Day party, thanks to a guest performance by dancers from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance. The festivities occurred a day early to accommodate the center’s schedule. Fifteen performers – one of them very experienced, another new to the art – danced a tribute to the work of Michael Flatley, the Irish-American who choreographed ”Riverdance,” “Lord of the Dance” and “Celtic Tiger,” among other popular works. (Several of these have been shown on PBS 39.) A solo turn by one of the youngest dancers, who has not yet begun to wear the distinctive shoes of an Irish dancer, was very well received. The athleticism of the more experienced members brought applause from the audience. Photo: Irish dancing is a young person’s activity. It requires athleticism and excellent conditioning.

By Dennis Glew

 

CLASSROOM

Daddy-Daughter Dance: Special event for special cause

Young girls across Bethlehem Area School District put on their dresses and dancing shoes for a fancy night out with their dads Feb. 25. BASD Mini THON Daddy Daughter Dance was held at Liberty HS in the upstairs gymnasium from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The invitation was given to elementary school girls, who were encouraged to bring their dads or even grandfathers, uncles, or older brothers. All four of these were also in attendance, enjoying their time with their special girls. Photo: The Bradleys were among the many fashionable couples dressed in matching colors at the dance.

By Allison Poczak

 

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks fall in state semis

Bethlehem Catholic went through a roller coaster ride in Monday’s PIAA 4A boys basketball semifinal against Imhotep Charter, but when the final buzzer sounded it was time for the Hawks to get off the ride on their 2017-18 season. Donta Scott scored a game-high 27 points to help lead Imhotep to a 65-60 victory at Reading’s Geigle Complex. The Panthers (30-2) carry a 21-game winning streak into Thursday’s state championship against District 7’s Sharon, but you can say that Monday’s mathcup might have been the real state championship contest.

By Peter Car

 

LV FOCUS

Kathleen Madigan: Her comedy is outside the box

The comedy album was a staple at adult gatherings during the mid to latter 20th century. Known informally as “party records,” these stand-up comedy recordings rivaled popular music as the background sound of choice at house parties. Albums by the likes of Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, George Carlin and other popular stand-ups and comedy duos often featured bawdy riffs on controversial topics, as well as X-Rated or so-called “blue” material. These were the records that found their way to the turntable and needle after the children were tucked in bed and the drink cart was rolled out.

By Deb Boylan

 

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Police arrest 6 for scamming elderly

Bethlehem: Van Wert sworn in to council

Bethlehem: Library book sale opens today

Hellertown: Resident asks council to change coop ordinance

Saucon Valley: Phys. Ed. Dept. proposes climb wall

Saucon Valley: Board grilled over choir trip funding

 

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March 14, 2018

COVER STORY

‘I put Freemansburg out front’

“They’re not my rats.”

Those four words, delivered with a practiced indifference to a father of two concerned for the safety of his children, propelled a man already dedicated to common causes to a life in local politics.

Gerald Yob went for help with an infestation in his neighborhood – rats visible in the streets where his kids were playing – and was not impressed with the response by a member of Freemansburg Borough Council. He decided to run for office to provide the community with a better example in leadership. And he said pointedly, “I’m going to get rid of all the rats.”

By Nate Jastrzemsky

 

SPRING MUSICALS

Moravian Academy presents ‘Into the Woods’

A marvelous presentation of “Into the Woods” was performed in Dyer Auditorium, Moravian Academy last week. The opening night performance was moved to Sunday evening due to a winter storm and poor driving conditions. The production played March 3 and 4 and was directed by Jarrod Yuskauskas, along with associate director Elizabeth Burke. Photo: The Witch (Logan Kelley) pulls off Rapunzel’s (Emma Lamberti) hair as yellow as corn to teach her a lesson.

By Lori Patrick Photos by Kalli Miller and Lindsey Woodruff

 

COMMUNITY

Saving Lehigh County’s hex signs one barn at a time

Take a long drive around Lehigh and nearby Berks counties, and you’re sure to spot at least one brightly painted disk on the side of a barn. Known more correctly as barn stars, today they are commonly called hex signs. These colorful disks are a very visible and important reflection of the state’s distinctive Pennsylvania Dutch culture, but with the loss of farms and increases in housing and commercial development, they are at risk of becoming an endangered “species.”  Photo: Some hex signs come in multiple colors and contain various symbols, such as the pointed star, the distlefinks (stylized goldfinches) and a more personalized shamrock representing the owner’s ancestry.

By Carole Gorney

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Anderson is state champ

Ryan Anderson was sitting in the Giant Center floor seats designated for competitors at last week’s PIAA wrestling championships and calmly undressed from his singlet and put on a dry warmup and gathered his wrestling bag. He joked with fellow wrestlers and went about his routine just like he has for every other match this season. The only difference this time was that Anderson had just become a state champion.

By Peter Car

 

LV FOCUS

Bach Choir celebrates 120^th anniversary

In celebration of its 120th birthday, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem makes it debut performance at 7:30 p.m. March 17 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton.

Greg Funfgeld, Bach Choir Artistic Director and Conductor, says that the concert is part of “a very special anniversary season.

By Dawn Ouellette

 

OTHER STORIES

South Bethlehem: Native American group buys Sands for $1.3B

Bethlehem Area SD: ‘First in Math’ program adding up to success

Bethlehem Area SD: Board celebrates FBLA accomplishments

Bethlehem: Hurry up spring!

Bethlehem: Recent sale ‘music’ to library’s ears

Bethlehem: Gov. Wolf PTA hosts ‘Mommy Market’

Bethlehem, HARB: Board approves two business signs

Colonial Regional: Officers honored for saving lives

Lehigh Valley: Community Foundation marks 50^th anniversary

Lehigh Valley: Valley Youth House gets Weinberg grant

Northampton County: Two charged in 2017 gang slaying

 

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March 7, 2018

COVER STORY

School safety issue

Local politicians, school superintendents, law enforcement, an advocacy group, and high school students came together for a question and answer discussion on school safety March 1 at PBS 39’s studio. The National Rifle Association declined to attend the forum in Bethlehem, even though they were invited, according to host and moderator Tracy Yatsko. An empty chair on the stage represented the absent pro-gun organization, Yatsko said. Photo: Representative Mike Schlossberg (D-132nd)  tells students school safety has become an issue because we haven’t addressed the root problems.

By Douglas Graves

 

STATE OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Gov’t goal: Serve most vulnerable

When Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure was first asked to deliver a “State of the County” address, he wondered what he’d be able to say because he’s been in office for two months. So he decided instead to speak about the challenges he’s facing. In conversational style, he made his focus pretty clear in his March 2 address to a packed house of at least 150 people at Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

By Bernie O’Hare

 

NAACP BANQUET

‘We’re all in this together’

The Bethlehem NAACP held its 73rd annual Freedom Fund Banquet Feb. 18 at The Meadows in Hellertown. The banquet featured songs, speeches and awards celebrating the arts, all with the theme “Pursuing Liberty in the Face of Injustice” in mind. In his welcome, Chief of Police Mark DiLuzio stressed the importance of communication in today’s society, a belief also fundamental to Mayor Bob Donchez, who could not be present at the banquet. Photo: Representative Steve Samuelson presents each of the Celebrating the Arts Award recipients with certificates.

By Katya Hrichak

 

LEHIGH VALLEY

DeSales hosts housing summit

The 2018 Regional Housing Summit, “A Home for Everyone” took place at the DeSales University Center Feb. 8, convening employees from organizations across the Lehigh Valley. Presented by Lehigh County and New Bethany Ministries, the summit addressed issues of affordable housing, homelessness, the economy and the interrelatedness of these issues.

New Bethany Ministries Executive Director and Affordable Housing Committee Chair Diane Elliott began by asking the audience a question: “Why are we here?” Over the course of her presentation, she answered this inquiry, drawing on recent newspaper headlines, statistics and reports. Photo: The DeSales University Center was filled with employees from organizations across the Lehigh Valley attending the 2018 Regional Housing Summit: “A Home for Everyone” on Feb. 8.

By Katya Hrichak

 

BETHLEHEM

Laros Foundation seeks information

The R.K. Laros Foundation and the Industrial Archives & Library have announced their ongoing collaboration on The Laros Oral History Project to document the history and impact of the R.K. Laros Silk Company on the Lehigh Valley community from the perspective of the everyday lives of employees and their families, and to make information recorded available to the public. “So many people have been favorably touched by the Laros legacy in the Bethlehem area,” said Sharon Jones Zondag, executive director of the R.K. Laros Foundation. “Russell K. Laros, founder of the company, was a true innovator, shrewd businessman and a forward thinking community icon and philanthropist who cared deeply for his employees and his community,” she said. “But despite all this, his life and legacy are somewhat hazy in the public conscience today. Through this project, we are hoping to begin changing that before the Laros story is completely lost to time.” Photo: Laros Silk Mill – Sewing operators on the production floor.

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

City of Champions!

Freedom girls District champs

Bethlehem Catholic girls, boys take District title

By Katie McDonald and James Bunting

 

LV FOCUS

She tells it like it is – in rhyme

It seems to Lehigh Valley author Shirley Binkley that everything she thinks about or experiences turns into a poem. Actually, more than 300 and counting. At 82, Binkley has published her first book of poems, “One Size Fits All:  Poetry for Every Mood,” a compilation of 198 poems written during the past two decades. How it all got started is a story in itself. “My writing began on a dare,” Binkley recalls.

By Carole Gorney

 

OTHER STORIES

Another View: Real news is democracy’s foundation

Bethlehem: Van Wirt to fill council seat

Classroom: Salisbury opioid crisis program

Hellertown: Council to end junk car permits

Lehigh County: Anti-discrimination wording a concern

Lehigh Valley: Boscola commends Ohio redistricting compromise

Lehigh Valley: Argentis Foundation marks 5 years of providing meals for hospice families

Lehigh Valley: Meals on Wheels gets Laros grant

St. Luke’s: Boy Scouts honor CEO

Tradition of Hanover: Resident compiles 4,000 volunteer hours

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

 

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The Bethlehem Press online

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