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Thursday, July 23, 2020


July 22, 2020

COVER STORY-SCHOOL REOPING

Shifting guidance poses challenges

On Friday, March 13, Gov. Wolf ordered all Pa. schools closed from March 16 through March 27; Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) treated these two weeks as an extended snow closure, with no formal education being delivered, although skill review materials were made available. Photo: Children who participated in YMCA childcare during the spring of 2020 were taught to make “airplane arms” to maintain social distancing. A June 24 NPR feature by Anya Kamenetz explored the methods YMCA childcare centers used to protect children and staff from coronavirus transmission, including cloth face coverings for staff, daily temperature checks, and grouping children into “pods” of nine children per adult.


 


AUCON VALLEY SD

Tentative reopening plans reviewed

The July 14 Saucon Valley School Board meeting centered on the same challenge that districts across the country are facing: What will school look like come fall? Before the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Craig Butler held two virtual parent information meetings on Zoom July 13, one in the morning and the other in the evening, on their Summary Outline of the Health and Safety Plan. Butler indicated that the finalized version of the plan is anticipated to be approximately 60 pages. Photo: Saucon Valley School Board discusses reopening plans virtually through Zoom.



ANOTHER VIEW – ED’S WORLD

Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier


SPORTS – FREEDOM ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

Mims brothers leave as greatest hoop duo

By Peter Car

Katie Flynn a natural leader for Pates

By Katie McDonald


FOCUS

An ‘Epiphany’

When sisters Koula Sossiadis Kazista and Katina Sossiadis were growing up in Bethlehem, they say their father was “always trying to shove our Greek culture down our throats.” Their father, who emigrated from Greece to the United States at age 24, had started taking them every year to a town in Florida that boasts the largest percentage of Greeks in the nation.

By Kathy Laure-Williams


OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem Township: Sports may reopen soon, with limits

Hellertown: Heroes & Lifesavers event

Hellertown: Council covers fireworks, youth sports

Northampton County; Council approves pandemic plan

Saucon Valley: Tentative reopening plans reviewed

State: Wolf, legislature bolster law enforcement rules

Virus: Surge forces unpopular decisions

 

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Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

 

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Thursday, July 9, 2020


July 8, 2020

DESPITE COVID-19

City marks July 4th

Bethlehem’s annual Fourth of July fireworks display went off as scheduled, providing a backdrop to the belfry of the Moravian Bell House along historic Church Street. The city’s fireworks presentation was one of few that were held due to COVID-19 restrictions affecting large gatherings. The ninth annual reading of the Declaration of Independence also took place on the morning of July 4 at Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza.

By Dana Grubb

 

COMMUNITY

A reason to smile

Many of the charities in the Lehigh Valley have been joining forces to provide food and clothing for local families hard hit by school closings and job losses during the coronavirus pandemic. Project Hope of Easton, noted for its annual Christmas generosity, has spearheaded a weekly, summer-long program that so far has provided more than 2,000 meals to needy families with children. Photo: More than a dozen volunteers from Project Hope and New Bethany Ministries sorted and bagged summer clothing for children a week before the distribution date in mid-June. Seventy families registered in advance to receive the bags of clothes, food, toys and produce.

By Carole Gorney

 

WOMENS’ SUFFRAGE

League celebrates 100th anniversary

In 1920, Carrie Chapman Catt, activist and suffragette, founded what was to become the League of Women Voters. To commemorate this event and to mark the 100th anniversary later this summer of the 19th Amendment, the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County hosted a Hot Topics luncheon earlier this year featuring an appearance by regional actress Pat Jordan in the role of Carrie Chapman Catt. Photo: Actress Pat Jordan gives a spirited performance as League of Women Voters founder Carrie Chapman Catt. 

By Beverly Springer

 

ISSUES

Policing the police

The June 30 edition of PBS 39’s Community Conversations series featured a discussion on the recently trending topic of police misconduct and accountability. The program featured a panel of five local officials, along with PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who offered pre-recorded comments. Joining host Monica Evans were Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz, Allentown criminal defense attorney Ettore Angelo, Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, Executive Director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley Dr. Hasshan Batts and Pa. State Trooper John Scott. Photo: Program host Monica Evans with Allentown criminal defense attorney Ettore Angelo.

By Chris Haring

 

ANOTHER VIEW

Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier

 

SPORTS

Karam new Easton wrestling coach

Jody Karam had a regret. After resigning from the Liberty wrestling job following the 2018-19 season, Karam suddenly felt the void in his life this past January when he told Liberty athletic director Fred Harris that he made a mistake. That point was only exacerbated in February as he watched the District 11 dual tournament in Memorial Gymnasium.

By Peter Car

 

FOCUS

Crowded Kitchen Players

The Crowded Kitchen Players release of “Twelveness: A Play in Three Scenes” by Charlie Barnett as an audio file retains the dramatic impact of the original stage production. Plus, it has the advantage of portability and convenience. You can listen to it wherever and whenever you want. Ara Barlieb and Pamela Wallace, cofounders of Crowded Kitchen Players, co-directed the audio version, recorded at Westwires Recording USA, Allentown, a few days before the coronavirus (COVID-19) shutdown.

By Dave Howells

 

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Drive thru book sale exceeds expectations

Bethlehem: Burnside bees and berries

Saucon Valley SD: Staffing cut questions tabled for now

School: Coronavirus teaches us how to handle opiod crisis

Sports: NASCAR This Week

State: ‘Wear a mask, Pennsylvania’

Student profile: Elena Hume, LV Academy

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

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Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

 

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Tuesday, June 30, 2020


July1, 2020

COVER STORY

FIREWORKS: An explosive problem

Imagine this scenario: It’s a warm and muggy June evening, roughly 11 p.m. It’s been a long day of work and childcare, which has been particularly stressful over the last three months, thanks to Covid-19. You and your partner just let the dogs out one last time, checked in on the kids (they’ve been in bed since 9), and locked up the house.You brush your teeth and climb into bed. You hope you can fall asleep soon - your 6 a.m. alarm always comes fast. You turn the lights off, lay your head down on the pillow and close your eyes. Just as you start to drift off - BOOM! - an explosion!


COMMUNITY

Racism: One man’s thoughts

When he was only 4 years old, Frankie West’s parents decided to move their family north and ended up settling in Bethlehem. They had suffered one of the ultimate discriminatory experiences when, because of the color of their skin, they were refused admittance to the beach at Myrtle Beach, S.C. That was when they decided to move. West carries that scar deep inside and has only returned to Myrtle Beach once since, to watch his niece play basketball in a game at Coastal Carolina University. Photo: rankie West takes a knee in memory of George Floyd, repeating out loud, “I can’t breathe.” West continues to organize the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Civil Rights March, which ends at Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue. West began participating in the march as a teenager and helped raise funds for the installation of monuments to Dr. King and his wife, Coretta.

By Dana Grubb


COMMUNITY

Valley marks Juneteenth

“They didn’t educate me in Allentown High School about Black people,” said Disley Mendez, past president of the Black Student Union at William Allen. “They said we were slaves and that Martin Luther King came in and saved the day. They didn’t tell me we were descended from kings and queens.” The recent high school graduate spoke at Resurrected Life Church in Allentown as a crowd of about 125 gathered on the North Ninth Street campus of the church to celebrate Juneteenth. Photo: Kari Holmes of Allentown shows off her African culture in a colorful blouse and flag. She said she is with the Rising Sun Initiative, which is recording the history of African-Americans in Allentown.

By Douglas Graves


SPORTS

Local softball teams look forward to tournament

While plans are still be made for the Lehigh Valley Softball Showcase scheduled for July 14, 15, and 16 at Northwest Little League fields, players from Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic are looking forward to the opportunity to play after their high school season ended before it began. “All of our girls are going to participate,” said Coach Sam Carrodo. “I miss being with the kids and being on the field, but I don’t want to forget the damage the coronavirus has done. We are going by every single guideline mandated and more.”

By Katie McDonald

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FOCUS

A tribute to Lance Metz

Lance E. Metz dedicated himself to preserving the heritage of the Lehigh Valley. Metz, 72, died in May of complications from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Metz was an historian for the National Canal Museum for 29 years. Martha Capwell Fox, archives coordinator for the museum, which is operated by the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, says, “Lance broadened the scope and mission of the Canal Museum.” Hugh Moore Park, Easton, where the museum is located, is noted for scenic trails along the Lehigh Canal, The Emrick Technology Center, Locktender’s House Museum and the canal boat ride, Josiah White II. Metz’s goal was to emphasize what the canal meant historically beyond its picturesque beauty.

By Dave Howell

 

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OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem Area SD: Garcia new Lincoln principal

Bethlehem Council: Lack of oversight led to problems

Bethlehem: A Rose Garden cleanup

Bethlehem HCC: Flying V discussed in virtual meeting

Bethlehem Planners: Lehigh expansion targets 3 buildings

Bethlehem: Charter Arts’ ‘Park and Circumstance’

Feature: Sister’s long search comes to an end

Feature: Postponing the walk down the aisle

Lehigh Valley: Racial justice, equality initatives get PPL grant

Mama’s Musings: What’s in a name?

Pandemic: Canine coronavirus differs from human Covid-19

Pennsylvania: State reopening a cautious success

Student profile: Astrid Ortega, LV Academy

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WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

 

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Tuesday, June 23, 2020


June 24, 2020

COVER STORY

Pandemic project: The Woods

Bethlehem Township resident Dave Jacoby has put his creative juices to work during the 2020 pandemic, creating artwork for his outdoor gallery and backyard retreat among a stand of evergreens he and his wife, Carol, planted 45 years ago as seedlings. They call it “The Woods.” Photo: Dave Jacoby has created a quiet meditative spot under the evergreen trees in a corner of his home in Bethlehem Township. A fire pit, chairs and bench allow for conversation and relaxation, with artwork on display all around.

By Dana Grubb


 

 
COMMUNITY

Reopening churches

Knowing what is open or closed, as well as what restrictions apply, has been a challenge for the past 10 weeks. Beginning at 8 p.m. March 25, Northampton and Lehigh counties have been under a “stay at home” order. For people of faith – who might have expected First Amendment protections to afford houses of worship at least the same level of openness as grocery stores – the situation has an additional layer of frustration and confusion.

By Theresa O’Brien


 

CLASSROOM

Homeschooling during the pandemic

An estimated 55 million school children in the United States remained out of their classrooms the past few months because of the coronavirus.  Parents already overwhelmed with the responsibility of homeschooling are faced with having to continue home studies this summer and possibly into the fall term. Photo: Nancy Elkoury is homeschooling her children at their home in the Lehigh Valley, using supplies provided by their school systems.  Seven-year-old Chelsea will enter third grade in the fall, and her brother Caesar, who is finishing preschool, will graduate to kindergarten.  Adding to her teaching responsibilities, Elkoury works full time, spending two work days a week at the office. Her husband owns his own business and also works full time. Like so many parents in the same situation, she does the best she can.

By Carole Gorney


 

SPORTS

Wolf issues sports guidelines

Lehigh Valley sports programs are on the verge of getting back together following preliminary guidelines released last week by Gov. Tom Wolf. The press release stated that members of the PIAA can resume activities for programs in the yellow and green phases of the COVID-19 plan.

By Peter Car

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FOCUS

The Sound of Summer

For almost 200 years, the sound of the Allentown Band has been one of the beloved sounds of summer. But this summer, the familiar drums, brass and woodwinds of the oldest civilian concert band in the United States have been silenced. The Allentown Band was founded in 1828. “I miss it so much,” says Ronald Demkee, conductor of the 60-person Allentown Band. “I miss making music and sharing music.”

By Kathy Lauer-Williams

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OTHER STORIES

Analysis: Law enforcement and healthy living

Bethlehem: July 4th fireworks guidelines

Bethlehem Area SD: New budget-No tax increase

Bethlehem: Rose Garden farmers market opens

Bethlehem: Chief DiLuzio’s statement on Floyd’s murder

Community Partner: Roger Hudak

Freemansburg: BBQ food distribution
Lehigh Valley: Area turns green on Friday

Northampton County; Council to oversee CARES funds

Saucon Valley: Budget deficit may prove painful

Student profile: Isabella Lopez, LC Academy

High school news report: Charter Arts by Mercedes Lobb

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WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

 

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Tuesday, June 16, 2020



June 17, 2020


COVER STORY-SAUCON VALLEY GRADUATION


‘Not every moment a victory’


The 123rd class of Saucon Valley High School held graduation Saturday, June 6 in a unique ceremony in the parking lot of the district’s campus. Families sat in their festively decorated vehicles as they watched the ceremony on the big screen and tuned their car radios to hear audio from speakers on this sunny, warm and breezy late spring afternoon. The ceremony was posted one day due to predicted storms. Photo: Talitha Diggs joyously receives her diploma at the Saucon Valley High commencement. Diggs, who was the event’s student-selected speaker, plans to attend the University of Florida to study business and sports management.


By Chris Haring and Ed Courrier


bethlehem.thelehighvalleypress.com/2020/06/16/‘not-every-moment-victory’-honking-horns-salute-saucon-valley’s-class-2020







NAACP GEORGE FLYOD RALLY


‘A moral emergency’


A multi-ethnic and multi-racial group of about 200 people gathered in Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza June 6 to hear speeches by officers of local NAACP chapters and                                  some religious leaders. All spoke in support of continued action in support of justice in the nation’s judicial system, especially at the hands of police. The need for accountability of police for their actions was a central theme. Photo: Teenagers Madi Trout of Center Valley and sign-holding Brianna Tyler, a student at Northampton High School, listen to speakers.


By Douglas Graves


bethlehem.thelehighvalleypress.com/2020/06/16/‘-moral-emergency’-naacp-hosts-rally-memory-george-Floyd







ANOTHER VIEW


Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier


bethlehem.thelehighvalleypress.com/2020/06/16/another-view-ed’s-world





SPORTS




Uhler takes over Liberty girls soccer


Former Liberty boys’ soccer assistant coach Andrew Uhler will take over as Liberty girls’ soccer head coach for Scott Rodenbach who retired at the end of last season. “I knew Scott was going to retire, and we coach together at Nitschmann [Middle School],” said Uhler, who played soccer at Freedom from 2005 to 2007. “Since I already knew a fair amount of girls, I hit the ground running pretty quickly.” But Uhler was only able to conduct just one voluntary practice before schools were shut down in March.


By Katie McDonald


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FOCUS


Buckeye and Alburtis taverns adjust to pandemic


Restaurants across Pennsylvania had to shutter their dining areas because of Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive order to close non-essential businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To keep the food service businesses afloat while protecting workers and customers during the Red Phase, eateries were permitted to offer take-out and delivery only. With Lehigh and Northampton counties moving from the Red Phase to the Yellow Phase June 5, outdoor dining, but not indoor dining, is allowed.


By Ed Courrier


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OTHER STORIES


Bethlehem BASD: Tax increase unlikely


Bethlehem: Business cleaners prep for reopenings


Bethlehem AVTS: Bridges awards recognize exceptional work


Hellertown: Borough audit reports a positive fiscal year


Lehigh County: Zanelli’s BLM support cause friction


Lehigh County; Board eager to move to ‘yellow’


Mama’s Musings: Temple of the Familiar


Pennsylvania: Wolf says reopening caution a necessity


Student profile-Isabell Lopez, LV Academy


 










WEEKLY FEATURES


Around town community calendar


Police logs


Area obituaries


Center for Animal Health and Welfare


Volunteers


Check out our website at




 


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Tuesday, June 9, 2020


JUNE 3 AND 10, 2020

COVER STORY – June 10

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




COVER STORY – June 3

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

 

SPORTS – June 3

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

 



FOCUS – June 10

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

 

FOCUS – June 3

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

 

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

 

MEET THE PRESS





The Bethlehem Press online

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