OUR 10TH YEAR OF SERVICE
TO THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM, BETHLEHEM AND HANOVER TOWNSHIPS AND THE BOROUGHS OF FOUNTAIN HILL, FREEMANSBURG AND HELLERTOWN

Phone: 610-625-2121 FAX: 610-625-2126 gtaylor@tnonline.com

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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