July 18, 2018

COVER STORY-EAGLE PROJECT REMEMBERS

Bethlehem first veteran

Did you know that 500 American soldiers once died in Bethlehem while in service and were buried here? Did you know that a few of them – four, to be exact – are still interred in the city, while the others’ bones were scattered who knows where? Does it matter? It matters to Robert Henry, a rising senior at Bethlehem Catholic HS, and he did something about it. A Boy Scout since kindergarten and a member of Troop 352 of Notre Dame Catholic Church of Bethlehem, Robert completed scouting’s final challenge, the Eagle Project, on the Fourth of July. Photo: Robert Henry next to the crypt containing the remains of the soldier whose grave was found in 1934.

By Dennis Glew

 

ED’S WORLD

Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier

 

ROTARY CLUB-ACTION AGAINST SLAVERY

Demand for commercial sex

“Many of you know that sex trafficking occurs in India, in Russia, in Thailand, in China, but it happens right here in Pennsylvania, right here in your community in Bethlehem,” said Dee Dee Foran, a Bethlehem Rotary Club member and Accredited Pension Representative at GF Pension Corp. “Raising awareness is crucial and it often leads to action.” Raising awareness is exactly what the Bethlehem Rotary Club’s Rotarian Action Group Against Slavery aimed to accomplish the evening of June 26. Those interested in learning more about this issue’s presence in the Lehigh Valley gathered in Moravian College’s Priscilla Payne Complex to attend the talk, titled “Harm of Demand for Commercial Sex,” which featured five speakers addressing different sides of the issue. Photo: Christi Domingues, executive director of the Valley Against Sex Trafficking, urged everyone in the room to begin changing their language and the way they talk about sex trafficking.

By Katya Hrichak

 

PEOPLE

Bethlehem teen an early Eagle

On Saturday June 23 Peter Garrett Docteroff was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.  The Eagle Scout ranking is the highest advancement ranking in the Boy Scouts. The ceremony was attended by PA State Representative Marcia Hahn and Jake Glessner who is an assistant to PA State Senator Lisa Boscola.  Photo: Eagle Scout Peter Docteroff with parents Paul and Diana Docteroff.

By Mark Kirlin

 

BOUTIQUE AT THE RINK

Volunteers thanked at luncheon

The 2018 Boutique at the Rink cancer fundraiser is in the books and the efforts of over 300 volunteers and support of a far reaching community raised over $273,000 to fight cancer. The event is held at the Earl E. Schaffer Skating Rink where volunteers accept and sort donated items for resale to the public. Proceeds are shared with three area charities: the Cancer Support Community; St. Luke’s Hospice; and the St. Luke’s Cancer Center. Photo: Boutique patrons circle the blouse and shirt tables searching for the perfect style and color to add to their wardrobes.

By Dana Grubb

 

COMMUNITY

Butterflies to remember

In ancient Greek mythology and art, the butterfly frequently represents the spirit of a dying person, escaping the body. The Greek word “psyche,” or soul, also meant butterfly. On a beautiful Saturday morning, this historical link was the focal point of a memorial service organized by Aseracare Hospice Allentown in honor of individuals for whom they cared this past year. Called “A Butterfly to Remember,” the event offered prayer, encouragement, song and, finally, butterflies set free in the sunshine. Photo: Donna White, RN, director of Aseracare Hospice Allentown, releases 100 Painted Beauty butterflies, each representing an individual whom the hospice staff attended to their end of his or her life.

By Dennis Glew

 

EDUCATION

‘Never forget who you are’

Not everyone can have a legacy such as the one left by Dr. James F. Goodwin Jr.; one that continues to influence the lives of young men and women long after his passing. The African-American physician, who practiced medicine in Bethlehem in 1935, had struggled to get his education. According to a biography, the experience led him to start a scholarship program to “help deserving Negro students who needed financial assistance.” That legacy has continued to this day as the J. F. Goodwin Scholarship Fund, in ceremonies at The Meadow of Saucon Valley in Hellertown June 23, awarded scholarships to students, all from the Bethlehem Area School District. Photo: U. Harold Levy, chair of the Democratic Committee of Bethlehem, his wife Dr. Sharon G., Levy, a professor of English at Northampton Community College and (no relation) Bethlehem Area Public Library librarian Rayah Levy attend the scholarship ceremony where the Levy’s daughter, Nicole, delivery a speech.

By Douglas  Graves

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

Hawks fall in finals

Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team made it to the finals of the A-town Throwdown Divaz Tournament this past weekend, but lost in its last game to Northampton, 38-29. The Hawks beat Northwestern in the quarterfinal, 28-24, and then went on to beat Allen, 22-18, in the semifinal. “I really like the way our girls are playing defense, and that’s one thing we talked about,” said Becahi coach Jose Medina. “We did a good job of getting in the gym for two months in terms of weight training, strength and conditioning, and it shows. It shows out here as these girls are scrapping in some tough conditions. We scrap for loose change, and today we got a couple of loose change baskets, and we prevailed.”

By Katie McDonald

 

LV FOCUS

A fab tribute

Tony Kishman has a job to do. He does it well and gives the other Paul McCartney impersonators hell. Kishman’s “Live And Let Die: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Paul McCartney” lands at 7:30 p.m. July 21, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown, and many Beatle and McCartney fans have got to get him into their life because he’s considered one of the best replicas around. The concert is the first in the 2018-19 Allentown Symphony Orchestra Pops Series. “Some nights I could be inclined to sit back and take it easy,” Kishman notes in a phone interview. “But I don’t. Everyone is looking at every move you make.”

By Stephen Althouse

 

OTHER STORIES

Bethlehem: Ordinance outlaws conversion therapy

Bethlehem: Summer book sale opens June 18

Bethlehem HARB: Skyline West project denied, overturned by city

Bethlehem Area SD: Districy undergoes positive changes

Lehigh County: Worker is opposed to union dues withdrawl

Opinion: Tender age children

Opinion: Student need access to summer learning

Northampton County: DA wants misconduct report made public

Northampton County: Law firm disputes Norco resolution

Saucon Valley: Board hires high school principal

State Police: $7M in drug confiscated in second quarter

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

 

MEET THE PRESS

The Bethlehem Press online

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July 11, 2018

COVER STORY

‘We hold these truths’

For the seventh year, area residents gathered at Bethlehem’s Payrow Plaza to listen to public officials and others read the document that provided the basis for our nation’s independence from Great Britain. About 200 people were in attendance, many dressed in red, white and blue, some waving and carrying American flags, and even a couple sporting the tri-cornered hats emblematic of the colonial era. Photo: Patriotic colors, flags and even colonial-era tri-cornered hats were evident among those in attendance.

By Dana Grubb

 

And fireworks too!

Despite late-day thunderstorms and low cloud cover, Bethlehem’s Independence Day fireworks went off as planned, to the delight of many area residents. Launched from Sand Island alongside the Lehigh River, they lit up the night sky, bringing “oohs” and “aahs” from spectators at SteelStacks, with the iconic blast furnaces silhouetted against their brilliance.

By Dana Grubb

 

OPINION

Tragedy hits too close to home

The tragedy at the Capital Gazette in Annapolis hit close to home for me and two of my colleagues. Brad Simpson, chief financial officer, PA NewsMedia Association, Robin Quillon, publisher of The Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown and myself were meeting in a conference room just outside of the newsroom at the same newspaper that would be the topic of breaking news just a couple of hours later.  I remember one victim who walked by me. Sunglasses, hat and a grumpy hello and I said to myself… yeah, he is a news guy.

By Mark Cohen/Graphic commentary by Ed Courrier

 

COMMUNITY

Rally protest border policy

The Statue of Liberty proclaims the United States a home for those seeking freedom from political oppression and the opportunity for a better life. For many Americans those values were challenged when President Trump announced that a wall would be built on our southern border to keep immigrants out and when the Supreme Court supported his denial of entry by people from six Muslim nations.  Dismay at these measures mounted when the administration began to separate parents and their children as they sought  asylum on the southern border. On June 30, thousands of Americans, finding this policy intolerable, took to the streets across the nation to stop the process. Bethlehem was the site of one of those demonstrations. Photo: Protesters particularly targeted the actions of ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in the separation of immigrant families.

By Dorothy and Dennis Glew

 

REMEMBRANCE

Jean Beinski: Dedicated public servant

On July 2, before a small gathering of family and friends, former Councilwoman Jean M. Belinski was laid to rest during a brief graveside service performed by Father Anthony Mongiello of St. Anne Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Mayor Bob Donchez and business administrator Eric Evans, both former city council colleagues, were in attendance with Donchez offering his memories and condolences on behalf of the city government in which Belinski served on council for 16 years. She passed away June 28 at the age of 83.

By Dana Grubb

 

BUSINESS

Mexican eatery opens in downtown

Urbano Mexican Kitchen and Bar at 526 Main St. in Bethlehem made its opening official at a ceremonial ribbon cutting on May 8 with public officials and members of the local business community in attendance. “Thank you for your investment, commitment and faith in our downtown,” Mayor Bob Donchez said. The 75-seat restaurant and bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Brunch is offered on Sundays at 11 a.m. and dinner from 4to 10 p.m. Sundays. More information is available at www.urbanobethlehem.com. Photo: Director of operations Todd Pasini and owners Juan Carlos and Cara Paredes show off Urbano’s dining room.

By Dana Grubb

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

‘Pates reach sweet 16

Freedom may have fell in Sunday’s sweet 16 of the A-town Throwdown, but that didn’t take away from the Patriots weekend at Cedar Beach. The Pates came away from pool play with a 3-0 record, but lost to Constitution 51-42 in Sunday’s round of 16 to be eliminated. They were the only local school to reach Sunday’s action, as Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic both couldn’t advance from pool play through the first three days of the tourney. For Pates head coach Joe Stellato, the tournament was another opportunity for the team to show the potential they have this winter.

By Peter Car

 

LV FOCUS

A Grande return

Frankie Grande, of Broadway, television and social media fame, stars in the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre (MSMT) production of the classic Broadway musical, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” July 11 - July 29, Baker Theater, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance, Muhlenberg College, Allentown. “I wanted to study biology and theater and dance and that was impossible at every other college,” says Grande, a Muhlenberg College graduate, Class of 2005, who triple-majored in biology, theater and dance.

By Dawn Ouellette

 

OTHER STORIES

Another View: Whose ox is being gored?

BASD: Budget healthy, increase minimal

Bethlehem: Edgeboro celebrates July 4^th

Bethlehem: Golfers support Boys & Girls Club

Bethlehem HCC: Developers seek commissioner’s advice

Bethlehem Chamber: Where Are We Headed?

Bethlehem Township Emergency staff honored for saving life

Business: Wells Fargo employee’s efforts benefit Marvine ES

Hellertown: Summer community activities announced

Letter: Curbing canine carrier attacks

Northampton County: Veteran NYC, county officer new sheriff

Valley: PPL’s ‘Cover to Cover’ fosters summer reading

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

 

MEET THE PRESS

The Bethlehem Press online

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July 4, 2018

COVER STORY

Restoring the respect

U.S. Air Force veteran Alan Yuknis puts the finishing touches on his display, after having had to replace parts of it that were removed by somebody over Memorial Day weekend. He says he has installed a security camera and is looking into other security measures to deter any future dishonoring of his family’s salute to military veterans and those who serve in law enforcement.

By Dana Grubb

 

HELLERTOWN

Church garden continues to grow

Christ Lutheran Church’s “Love Grows Here” community garden in Hellertown is a multi-faceted organic only garden intended to provide fresh vegetables for those in need in the community, as well as to teach responsible planting techniques. Originally, the church had a garden half the size in the front. In October 2017, the church started construction to move the old garden to a larger area in the back of the church property. The new site  allows for more crop planting and easier access for vehicles bringing supplies in and out. Photo: The garden has a wide variety of crops, including both fruits and vegetables. Each crop bed is labeled for identification purposes.

By Mark Kirlin

 

BUSINESS

60 years and still motoring

Dave & Wayne Auto Center at 318 W. Union Blvd. is celebrating its 60th year as a business in the city of Bethlehem. The family-owned shop began in 1958 by friends Dave Gehman and Wayne Shollenberger, and moved to its larger location in 1975 to take advantage of their success. Gehman retired in 1994, but three generations of Shollenbergers now work side-by-side - including 86-year-old Wayne, who still comes in four days a week. Photo: Taking a brief moment away from their busy day are (from left) Tom Lenner, Todd Atkinson, Bradley Fly, and Kyle, Bill, Wayne, Beth, and “Big Wayne” Shollenberger, and bookkeeper Charlotte Gross.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

ANDERSON CAMPUS

St. Luke’s to double in size

Groundbreaking participants included  Dr. Israel Zighelboim, chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Luke’s University Health Network; Dr. Sam Giamber, chairman of the St. Luke’s University Health Network board of trustees; Ed Nawrocki, president, St. Luke’s Anderson Campus; Dr. Elizabeth Dierking, program director, OB/GYN Residency, St. Luke’s University Health Network; Julia Tolentino, M.D., surgical resident, St. Luke’s University Health Network; Ray Midlam, vice president of business development and strategy, St. Luke’s University Health Network; and Richard A. Anderson, president and CEO, St. Luke’s University Health Network.

By Allison Poczak

 

SOUTHSIDE

Charter Arts continues to brighten streetscape

Those walking along East Third Street the last few years will have noticed significant changes in cleanliness and vibrancy, as entities such as the Ambassadors, Southside Arts District and the Charter HS for the Arts have worked to brighten the neighborhood. The school in particular recently began installing 14 new murals along its streetfronts. The art was created cooperatively with the community, but was actually made by teams of students. Photo: This piece is an homage to local art legend Keith Haring. Charter Arts’ Public Relations Manager Ann Gillette says Haring’s sister attends the school for master’s classes.

By Nate Jastrzemski

 

BETHLEHEM SPORTS

‘Pates bring home awardes

Freedom’s varsity cheerleaders recently returned from Pine Forest cheerleading camp where they won multiple awards. The Patriots took the top spot as overall game day champions. “That’s a pretty big one. There were a lot of good teams,” said Patriot coach Breanna Bishamber. “The girls work on a new routine and build on their skills, and then get evaluated on that and perform it.”

By Katie McDonald

 

LV FOCUS

America on Wheels

When Dave Bausch told me 20-plus years ago that there was a move underway to build a new automotive museum in Allentown, I was thrilled. Bausch said they were looking into property at Lehigh Landing and the museum would be the keystone of the Allentown waterfront development. Cars, driving and drag-racing have been part of my life, starting as a teenager on the team operating drag races at Convair Airport (Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport) in 1955-56 as a member of the Lehigh Valley Timing Association. I operated a car wash-gas station and vehicle rental company in the 1970s. Then in retirement, I worked for an area Chevrolet dealership, transporting vehicles between dealerships and auctions.

By Wally Ely

 

OTHER STORIES

Fountain Hill: Firefighters complete training

Lehigh Valley: Press journalists honored

Northampton County: Council rebukes its GPA

Opinion: Finding freedom every day

State: State police begin bodycam program

 

WEEKLY FEATURES

Around town community calendar

Police logs

Area obituaries

Center for Animal Health and Welfare

Volunteers

Student profiles

High school news reports

 

MEET THE PRESS

The Bethlehem Press online

Where to buy the Bethlehem Press

To subscribe: New start

Send news to the Bethlehem Press

To advertise: Ad staff

Follow us on Facebook

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