April 1, 2020
Vital virus lessons
Up until the current
COVID-19 pandemic, the two most momentous events in my lifetime were the
assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the terrorist attacks on Sept.
11, 2001.
A
third life-impacting event, the current public health crisis, has introduced an
invisible enemy that has manifested itself very quickly and has taken many
lives around the world while infecting untold others. It has required
adaptation by each of us and caused changes in our daily routines. Photo: People
have been flocking to the outdoors in search of calmness and to exercise during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Hikers and cyclists are traversing area trails such as
this stretch of the D&L Trail above in Northampton.
By Dana Grubb with Deborah
Corville
Bargain gowns help prep for
prom
Every year around this time, high school seniors’ and
juniors’ thoughts turn to the annual prom. Part of the enjoyment that goes with
the prom is selecting a gown and accessories. For that reason many young women
and their mothers have minimized the cost by shopping at the Pop-Up Prom Shop,
where “nearly new” gowns sell for a mere $15 apiece. This year the Bethlehem
YWCA hosted its thirteenth annual community prom dress day March 2, at the
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. Photo: Pop-up changing rooms were busy throughout the
sale. On their way in, girls passed tables of jewelry and other accessories
that were available for no charge.
By Dorothy and Dennis Glew
Spanish influenza knew no
boundaries
In the
autumn of 1918, all of South Bethlehem braced for a strange influenza that
traveled from town to town with a terrifying grip on the U.S. With continuous
World War I updates, Bethlehem Steel plant injuries and railroad accidents –
local newspapers were used to daily horrors, even as they struggled to keep up
with virulent cases in St. Luke’s and hastily built emergency hospitals. Map illustrated by Ken Ranier
By Roseamary Buffington
Staying close with stories
Bethlehem Area School
District treated Governor Tom Wolf’s March 16 mandatory, unprecedented school
closure aimed at slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19),
like an extended snow closure. No new material was taught – virtually or
otherwise – and students were not responsible for completing assignments. However,
the district did provide “academic continuity resources” online to keep skills
sharp during the unexpected break. (Beginning March 30 and continuing for as
long as schools remain shut down – at least through April 6 – instruction of
new material will move to a virtual model, using online resources with the
possible addition of physical materials distributed at free breakfast pickup
locations.) Illustration: Fifth-grade teacher Brad
Drey, whose popular Twitter videos (@FtHillDrey) showcase Fountain Hill’s
special events, is coordinating the teachers’ “bedtime stories” on Flipgrid, a
social learning tool used in the district. Classroom teachers and other FHE
staff recorded themselves reading some of their favorite children’s books so
they can be present virtually in their students’ homes.
By Theresa O’Brien
Grasso set to retire
Mike
Grasso has always been a mainstay at Bethlehem Catholic, but after 46 years of
coaching, Grasso has finally decided to retire. The long time baseball coach is
hoping that he gets one final ride this spring in the midst of the coronavirus
pandemic, but also understands that there are bigger things at work than
sports.
By Peter Car
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Coronavirus closings
“I can’t
wait until we can make music together again,” says Bach Choir of Bethlehem
Artistic Director and Conductor Greg Funfgeld. “Think how glorious that will
be.” Because of concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Bach Choir of
Bethlehem had to cancel its spring concert March 29, but the
internationally-renowned choir is hoping to keep spirits up with music in
whatever way it can.
By Kathy Lauer-Williams
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Bethlehem (BASD): Interviews
conducted; budget unveiled
Bethlehem (BASD): Alozie
selected to vacant board seat
Bethlehem: ‘We are thankful
for the great support’
Bethlehem (HARB): High Street
picket fence approved
Northampton County: County
seeks primary election delay
People say; ‘What do you
think about the Olympics being postponed to 2021?’
Saucon Valley (SVSD):
Discipline, technology addressed
Valley: Allentown Diocese
suspends Masses for Holy Week
Valley: Dorney, Knobels parks
delay opening for 2020 season
Student profile; Harvin
Duarte, LV Acedmy
High school news: LV Charter
Arts by Mercedes Lobb
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