The Home News April 11

The Home News

Military helicopters visit ABE A glimpse of the Solar eclipse

Northampton Area School District Discusses future of Moore Elementary at public meeting

By SAVANNAH BROWN

The Northampton Area School District held a special public meeting on Thursday, April 4 regarding the district’s elementary configuration and specifically, on whether or not to keep Moore Elementary School open as a fifth elementary school in the district.

The meeting was strictly meant to provide residents with information about the financial impact for district residents, as well as the personnel impact, redistricting of students, and transportation impact that keeping Moore Elementary open would create.

Later, during the Aug. 14, 2023 school board meeting, the board took an informal straw poll vote in which all board members unanimously voted to keep Moore Elementary open and for the district to have five elementary schools.

However, since then, no formal vote regarding the future of Moore Elementary has been made other than to set aside $2 million of the district’s general fund/assigned fund balance to be designated as committed fund balance for future Moore Elementary potential renovations, which would offset the

To clarify, Moore Elementary is being considered the fifth elementary school in the district due to the school board’s previous majority vote decision during the Sept. 12, 2022 meeting to build a new elementary school and administration center on the district’s Route 329 property and close Franklin Elementary, Moore Elementary, the Washington technology building and the current administration building, but to keep Moore Elementary open for sections of the building to be used by the community and district. At that time, Directors Kim Bretzik, Doug Vaughn and Robert Mentzell voted not to close Moore Elementary.

potential millage impact based on how the board decides to move forward.

This caused many residents to question when the board would formally vote on whether to keep Moore Elementary open or continue with its closing per the original majority decision.

As it stands, Moore Elementary is in need of dire repairs and renovations to the facility. The capital improvements needed include the mechanical system such as the cooling and heating plants, automatic temperature control system and classroom, gymnasium, administration and library heating/ventilation/air conditioning, as well as the interior and exterior lighting system, communication system and safety/security systems. Other necessary improvements include the plumbing system such as the water service system, piping system, plumbing fixtures and fire

Moore Township Supervisors hear Girl Scout project Proposal and Water’s Edge appeal updates

By SAVANNAH BROWN

The Moore Township Supervisors met Tuesday, April 2 with a busy agenda that began with the swearing in of Adam Heckman as Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company’s assistant fire chief.

Following, supervisors unanimously granted two waivers for the Faust land development to prepare a combined preliminary and final plan and to substitute evergreen trees in place of the required deciduous trees under the SALDO.

Under reports, Police Chief Gary West stated that the police department had 317 total calls for the month of March, with five written and verbal warnings issued, 29 traffic citations issued, two non-traffic citations issued for dog violations, two arrests for

DUI, one arrest for theft by unlawful taking, six reportable accidents and four non-reportable accidents.

Klecknersville Rangers Vol. Fire Co. Fire Recorder Jason L. Harhart reported that for the month of March, the fire department responded to 96 ambulance calls and 48 fire calls, including three fires, eight motor vehicle accidents, one fire police, six automatic fire alarms, 10 ambulance assists, five wires down, three trees down, one

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This past weekend, 70 military helicopters used the Lehigh Valley International Airport as a staging area for refueling. Photo by Gregory Morgan Photography

Taken

Pa. State Police Troop M

Announces sobriety Checkpoint results

Submitted by TROOPER BRANOSKY

From 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 until 3 a.m. on Sunday, April 7, the Pa. State Police conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoint and roving patrol on State Route 512 in the area of Short Lane in East Allen Township. The results from the checkpoint/roving patrol were five DUI arrests, 21 traffic citations and 24 warnings issued.

The goal of a sobriety checkpoint is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related fatal and serious crashes, and to re-

duce the number of DUI drivers on Pennsylvania’s highways.

The Pa. State Police is committed to maintaining a safe environment for the motoring public.

Motorists are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, which stipulates that any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop, or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a Felony of the 3rd Degree, which carries

The GETTING OUT section of The Home News is open to events that are FREE for the community to attend and participate in. If you have an event and are not sure if it qualifies for this section, call us at 610923-0382. We also offer low cost classifieds for those events that do not qualify.

2nd Annual Memorial Library of Nazareth Pet Parade- Saturday, May 18 at 10 a.m. beginning at Veterans Memorial Square (Green Street and W. Center Street) rain or shine. Visit nazarethlibrary.org/petparade to register and find out more.

7th Annual Nazareth Adult Soapbox Derby- Saturday, June 1 at noon on West Prospect Street. 46th Annual Moravian Historical Society Arts and Crafts Festival- Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lawn of the 1740-1743 Whitefield House, Nazareth.

Bath Area Fish Committee’s Annual Kids Fishing Contest- Begins Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m., ends Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. at the Monocacy Creek in Bath.

Bath Area Food Bank- Distributes food second Tuesday of each month, starting around 9:30 a.m. on lower level of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bath, 206 E. Main St. Please do not arrive prior to 9:30 a.m. due to safety reasons.

Bath Business Forum- Thursday, April 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bath Municipal Building. Topic is security, includes presentation by Pa. State Police.

Bath Museum- Open third Saturday Jan-Nov. and first Saturday in Dec., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 121 S. Walnut St., Bath. Volunteers needed, call 484-284-0313.

Borough of Bath Community-Wide Yard Sales- Saturday, May 4 and September 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yard sale permit fees waived these dates only.

Community Dinner at The Table- First and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at 1769 Newport Ave., Northampton. All are welcome.

Dementia Support Group- Held third Thursday every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem. Designed for families and caregivers of dementia patients.

East Allen Township Historical Society- New committee, meets third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd., Northampton.

East Allen Township Open Space and Farmland Preservation Committee- Meets third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 5344 Nor-Bath Blvd., Northampton. New committee members welcome.

Gov. Wolf Hist. Society- Tours of historic buildings, grounds and new museum on third Saturday AprilNov. from 1 to 3 p.m. 6600 Jacksonville Rd., Bath.

Helping Homeless Vets- Weave mats for homeless vets every second and fourth Wed. of the month from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Prepping for weaving every first and third Wed. of month 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Mountain View Wesleyan Church 1001 Deemer Rd., Bath. Call 610-837-1190 FMI. Leave message.

Moore Twp. Assoc. for Families in Need- Meets second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Covenant United Methodist Church, 2715 Mountain View Dr., Bath.

Nazareth Winter Farmers Market- Held second Saturday through April from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nazareth Center for the Arts, 30 E. Belvidere St.

Northampton Area Food Bank- Food distribution first three Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and second and third Saturday 9 to 11:30 a.m. 1601 Canal St.

Northampton Borough Crime Watch Meeting- Typically held second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Northampton Borough Fire Dept.

Veterans Outreach Day- Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hungarian Hall, 1300 Stewart St., Northampton. Open to all veterans, their families and caretakers.

Call today if you think your pet is suffering from allergies

Common symptoms include itching of the skin, coughing, sneezing/wheezing, and runny discharge from the eyes/nose. SKIN ALLERGIES are the #1 reason for vet visits!

Mako to host ‘Scam Jam’ And shredding events

Submitted by TRACY POLOVICK

Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/ Northampton) has announced he will host two community events later this month to protect people from becoming victims of fraud.

On Thursday, April 18, in conjunction with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church’s and Queenship of Mary Catholic Church’s Young at Heart group, a Scam Jam with Fraud Bingo will be held to protect senior citizens from scams. It will be in Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary’s social hall, 2181 Washington Ave., Northampton, from 1 to 3 p.m. RSVP is required by calling 610-

760-9805 or by visiting www. RepMako.com/events.

The Scam Jam event will include speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the Area Agency on Aging, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Northampton Police Department.

On Saturday, April 20, in conjunction with the Borough of Northampton, a free shredding event will be held to help safeguard residents against identity theft by having their personal documents securely destroyed. It will be at the Northampton Memorial Community Center, 1601

Northern R&S

Laubach Ave., Northampton, from 10 a.m. to noon. No RSVP is required for this event.

“I’m pleased to host both of these events,” Mako said. “They tackle the issue of becoming a victim of fraud by different avenues. Unfortunately, identity theft and scams continue to be a problem.”

Acceptable items at the shredding event include all paper and manila folders. No more than four bags or boxes per household are permitted, and no businesses, please. Staples or paper clips do not need to be removed. Examples of items that can be brought to the event include documents that contain personal information, including birth dates, Social Security numbers, bank account information and credit card numbers. Information also will be provided about consumer protection and identity theft at the events. Please enter Smith Drive and take Pany Drive to the event. Exit on Laubach Avenue. For more information, contact Mako’s offices at 610-502-2701 or 610-760-9805, or visit www. RepMako.com.

For more information and additional senior centers in Northampton County, visit www.northamptoncounty.org.

Cherryville- Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville. FMI call 610-767-2977.

Lower Nazareth- Open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 306

Butztown Rd., Bethlehem. FMI call 610-297-3464.

Nazareth- Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 15 S. Wood St., Nazareth. FMI call 610-759-8255.

Northampton- Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 902

Lincoln Ave., Northampton. FMI call 610-262-4977.

Joan Marie Cheesbrough

Joan Marie Cheesbrough, 76, of Ft. Pierce, Fla., formerly of Lehigh Township, Pa. for 50 years, passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 13, 2024. She was the wife of Harry B. Cheesbrough III for 27 years at the time of his death in 2019.

Joan was born Nov. 15, 1947, to the late Mary (Speck) and John Austin in Philadelphia, Pa. She graduated from Chichester High School in Boothwyn, Pa., where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Future Secretaries Association. She also played field hockey and basketball. Joan worked for Phillips Feed Service (Phillips Pet Supply) for 26 years. Then, she went to work for the Borough of Slatington, where she worked for 12 years, retiring as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer of the Borough. She was a former member of the Lehigh Township Lions

Club. She will forever be loved and missed by her children, Tina Carnathan-Marx (Joe) of Florida and Richard Carnathan (Donna) of Pennsville, Pa.; stepdaughters, Melissa Koch (Trevor) and Mindy Cheesbrough of Slatington; sister, Sandy Carroll (David) of South Carolina; eight grandchildren and two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harry in 2019, her first husband, James Carnathan in 1987, and her brother, John Austin in 2016. Services: A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 12 at 11 a.m. in the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St., Northampton, followed by interment at Zion Cemetery in Pennsville. Contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Beatrice “Bea”

Snyder

Beatrice "Bea"

Snyder, 70, of Bethlehem, Pa., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest Campus in Allentown, Pa. Born April 19, 1953 in Key West, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Rudolf Wylk and the late Eleanor (Charnley) Wylk. She was the wife of the late Jack C. Snyder who passed away in May 2008.

Beatrice was a Childrens' Services Case Manager for the Catholic Charities of Allentown for 18 years before retiring in 2011. Beatrice was a longtime parishioner and Choir member of Sts. Simon and Jude Roman Catholic Church, Bethlehem, Pa. She and her husband Jack were foster parents for many children throughout the years. Beatrice volunteered her time at the former East Allen Twp. Ambulance Corps., Northampton, as a first responder, EMT and as past president for years, along with volunteering at

Bethlehem Musikfest and Celtic Fest. She also enjoyed being part of her community book club.

She is survived by her son, Michael Snyder and wife Stephenie of Saylorsburg, Pa., daughters, Heather M. wife of Chris Bellis of East Allen Twp., Pa., Tara wife of Jeff Nichol of Hellertown, Pa. and Jess Allen of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and her feline companions, Goose and Maverick.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Sts. Simon & Jude R.C. Church, 730 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 with the Rev. Msgr. William F. Baver officiating. The family received friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the Mass in the church. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery, Northampton, Pa.

Contributions: May be made to the ALS Foundation c/o the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Dennis Dale Warnken

July 20, 1957 to Dec. 30, 2023

Dennis Warnken, aka Jags, 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep with the care of his loving wife of 28 years, Lisa Hochrine Warnken, on Dec. 30, 2023, after a long battle with Alzhiemers. Born July 20, 1957 to William and Elizabeth Warnken, he lived in Northampton until his move to Bath in 2002. A Northampton High School graduate in 1975, he was an accomplished athlete on the track team, as well as running back for the football team #20, hence the nickname "Jags.” He went on to work in road construction, then machinist at Ingersoll Rand for several years before joining the Local 420 Steamfitters Union in 1984 and retiring as a pipefitter after 35 years of dedicated service in 2015. He was admired by his co-workers for his skills of perfection and knowledge and adored

by his friends for his witty jokester character and "life of the party" personality, infectious beautiful smile and his willingness to help anyone in need at a moment's notice. His passion for trout fishing was unwavering, whether it be maneuvering the small creeks with a bait pole in hand or after mastering the art of fly fishing in the local rivers. He was also an avid hunter and Eagles fan. Depending on the time of year, he was either fishing, hunting or watching football and spending time with his best friends, but never without a Rolling Rock in hand. The Grateful Dead was his music of choice, although he did enjoy The Beatles and other ‘70s bands. He knew every word to every song The Grateful Dead ever recorded, and it was those songs that brought a smile and rhythmic nod to his face during the end stage of his disease process, when he was no longer able to communicate. He was most grateful to "special friends" Jeff Campbell, Fran Bensing, Tom Sakovitz, Rick Burger, Domenico Ruggiero "Dom" and Ray Jones "Too Tall,” who took the time to assist him in going out places when and where he could no longer manage on his own, which allowed him to make the most of his last years by reminiscing the past, laughing about old times together, sharing a meal and a beer, or dipping a line in the water.

Dennis is survived by his wife Lisa (Hochrine) Warnken; Jeremy Hochrine step-son; Ashley daughter; son Matt; two grandchildren and many other loving family members. He will be forever in our hearts and missed by all who knew him. RIP My Love.

Ceremony For Donate Life Month

Held at St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus

Submitted by SAM KENNEDY

St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus marked National Donate Life Month on April 3 to raise awareness about how donation can improve or save lives. Testimonials were given by families who have experienced organ donation from each side and a candle-lighting and flag-raising ceremony was held to honor organ, eye and tissue donors.

National Donate Life Month is held every April to raise awareness of the critical need for donors and encourage everyone to register as an organ, tissue and cornea donor. In the U.S., 100,000 people are awaiting a lifesaving transplant, 5,000 of them in the Lehigh Valley region alone.

Bethlehem resident Donna Mains recounted how her late 23-year-old son, Gavin Zaun, who had chosen to be an organ donor, died unexpectedly from complications of Type 1 diabetes on April 30 three years ago.

“Luckily they could use most of his organs,” she said.

Mains, a St. Luke’s staff member in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine program, explained how this heart-wrenching loss impacted her family and described the positive side for them and others like them who become donor families.

“I think a lot of people know what organ donation does for the person who needs an organ, but it’s also a blessing for the donor family, because that is the one positive that came out of this, and it gives us something to focus on that’s positive.”

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as the roof system, interior finishes, site items, building envelope items and a playground replacement.

Per the financial portion of the presentation, Moore Elementary’s options for a partial replacement would cost approximately $25,262,021, whereas a full renovation would cost upwards of $51,414,018, with both options amassing $3,224,495 in operating expenses.

Moreover, Business Administrator Craig Neiman presented that a partial renovation of Moore Elementary would create an estimated millage impact of 4.83 mills or an 8.67% increase over the current millage rate, whereas a full renovation would create an estimated millage impact of 5.92 mills or a 10.63% increase over the current millage rate.

The average assessed homestead in the district is valued at $63,000, with those homeowners paying $3,510 in school property taxes. Therefore, the annual cost to the average assessed homestead for a partial renovation of Moore Elementary would increase by $304.29, whereas with a full renovation, residents would see a $372.96 increase in their school property taxes, which would require a multi-year tax strategy to support the required millage impact.

Residents had many questions, comments and concerns for the district including fu-

ture enrollment rates declining, housing developments being built throughout the district, the lengthy bus ride students will endure from Moore Elementary’s closure, class sizes, where students will be provided instruction during renovations and the increase in costs to renovate Moore Elementary throughout the various presentations on the Route 329 project.

Many residents also spoke out against the building of the Route 329 elementary school and education center project that is currently underway, expressing they have felt manipulated by previous and current school board members.

When asked about his opinion on the future of Moore Elementary, Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik expressed that he believes current elementary schools are too packed, so he would love to keep Moore Elementary open to allow for smaller class sizes without cutting staff and resources. Kovalchik added that he believes the district will need five elementary schools in the future and that the school board must make the best decision with the information they have that is in the best interest of the district.

Residents were informed that the school board will discuss and vote on the proposed budget for the following school year in May and will vote on the adoption of the budget at the June meeting, which is when the board would need to make their formal choice regarding the future of Moore Elementary.

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rescue, one gas leak, one carbon dioxide alarm, mutual aid calls with Bath for three dwelling fires and two motor vehicle accidents, one dwelling fire with Allen Township, two dwelling fires with Lehigh Township and one motor vehicle accident with Bushkill Township.

In other business, supervisors unanimously approved the Public Works Department promotions of Spencer Tacker and David Flick from municipal workers to equipment operators based on their hard work over the past year.

Supervisors were then presented with a Girl Scout project for Troop 8189 by a young lady named Gabriella, who plans to create a butterfly garden near the Recreation Center. Gabriella informed the board that the butterfly garden will be a landing spot with water and specific plants that provide a food source for Monarch butterflies. She also explained that her troop would help create the garden for the township, but once completed, it will be self-maintaining.

The board expressed that they welcome the project and look forward to hearing about how the project comes along.

Next, supervisors unanimously approved funding of up to $2,000 for the Recreation Commission’s 2024 Playground in the Park, which will be held on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon starting mid-June through July.

In other news, the board unanimously appointed Sandra Williams-Eckhart to fill the vacant seat on the Historical Society based on her provided letter of interest.

Supervisors also approved the agreement of sale for the Hager open space preservation of 25.34 acres, the Bealer conservation easement contract for $57,032, the D. Miller conservation easement for $60,533 and the K. Miller conservation easement contract for $46,625.

Following, Township Solicitor David M. Backenstoe presented

the board with the idea to adopt a regulation of files that would prevent a loss of documents, where all persons would sign in or out of the records area and records would be prohibited from being removed from the township’s file and municipal building. Records would be maintained by the township manager.

Cause for concern came about when Zoning Hearing Board Chairman Jeffery Ayers noticed that there were documents missing from a file predating the year 2000. Ayers explained that a record was torn out that showed the board’s deliberation on a development plan but not the decision or the board’s signatures.

Planning and Zoning Secretary Lois Kerbacher expressed that this may have been done deliberately, but there is no way of knowing because the Zoning Hearing Board did not maintain good records back then. Additionally, Kerbacher noted that this was the only file that was in this condition or missing documents.

The board discussed possibly switching to an electronic document filing system. Township Manager Stephen Nowroski and

Backenstoe will continue to discuss options.

Solicitor Backenstoe also updated the board on the Water’s Edge at Wind Gap warehouse development’s notice of appeal, which the applicant filed against Court of Common Pleas Judge John M. Morganelli’s decision to uphold most aspects of the township’s Zoning Hearing Board decision.

The Water’s Edge appeal states their belief that the court misinterpreted or misstated the law with an itemized list of each instance. After a briefing schedule is ordered, the appellant will be granted a span of time to file a brief that criticizes and challenges the decision of the lower court that will then be heard by a three-judge panel from the Commonwealth Court. The panel will provide a written decision that either upholds or reverses the lower court’s decision. More to come as the appeal continues.

The next Moore Township Board of Supervisors meeting will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. in the township’s municipal building, located at 2491 Community Dr.

Northampton Borough Police Report

MARCH 24

Domestic in the 100 block of W. 27th St., the 100 block of Frank Dr., and the 400 block of E. 9th St. Reports of domestics involving a male and a female.

EMS ambulance assist in the 200 block of W. 14th St. Officers assist EMS with the transport of a female.

Civil matter in the 100 block of E. 17th St. Report of a civil issue. Juvenile problem in the 1500 block of Newport Ave. Report of a juvenile issue.

Traffic stop, W. 26th St. and Cherryville Rd., and the 600 block of Main St. Traffic stops were conducted.

EMS ambulance assist in the 1300 block of Newport Ave. Officers assist EMS with the transport of a male.

MARCH 25

Traffic stop in the 2300 block of Main St., Main St. and E. 16th St., W. 9th St., and E. 14th St. and Washington Ave. Traffic stops were conducted.

Noise complaint in the 1300 block of Newport Ave. Report of loud music.

Check person/welfare in the 1900 block of Lincoln Ave. Request to check the welfare of a male.

EMS ambulance assist in the 1400 block of Dewey Ave. Officers assist EMS with the transport of a male.

MARCH 26

Domestic in the 1300 block of Stewart St. between a male and a female.

Traffic stop, Laubach Ave. and Hudson Ct. A traffic stop was conducted.

Check person/welfare in the 1800 block of Lincoln Ave. Request to check the welfare of a female.

MARCH 27

Domestic in the 100 block of Cedar Alley between a male and a female.

Disturbance in the 1000 block of Wynnewood Dr. Report of a disturbance.

MARCH 28

Traffic stop in the 1000 block and the 1700 block of Main St., and E. 15th St. and Main St. Traffic stops were conducted.

Check person/welfare in the 100 block of Main St. Request to check the welfare of a female.

Assist person/welfare in the 500 block of Coventry Ct., and the 1700 block of Main St. Officers assist females.

Theft, retail, Northampton Exxon in the 2400 block of Main St. Report of a male shoplifting.

Fraud in the 700 block of E. 18th St. Report of ID theft.

Agency assist in the 200 block of Hollow Ln. Request to assist Bethlehem State Police locate a female.

Agency assist in the 2300 block of Main St. Request to assist Colonial Regional Police Department locate a female.

MARCH 29

East Allen Township resident receives Recognition in quilt competition

By HOME NEWS STAFF

Jo Evans, East Allen Township resident and DAR member, was recently awarded recognition for her embroidery of the Liberty Bell for a 250th quilt competition for the Daughters of the American Revolution. The quilt is composed of a symbol of each of the 50 states in the United

Domestic in the 500 block of Banks St. between a male and a female.

Assist person in the unit block of E. 4th St. Officers assist a male.

Non-reportable accident in the 100 block of Held Dr. involving two vehicles.

Suspicious act in the 1000 block of Main St. Report of a suspicious act.

Traffic stop in the 800 block and the 1400 block of Main St.

States plus France, Mexico and units overseas. Evans’ embroidery of the Liberty Bell represents Pennsylvania.

The quilt will hang in the Daughters of the American Revolution building in Washington, D.C. and will be displayed at various locations during the semiquincentennial.

Traffic stops were conducted.

Civil matter in the 1300 block of Atlas Ln. Report of a civil issue.

Unwanted person in the 800 block of Main St. Report of an unwanted female.

EMS ambulance assist in the unit block of E. 7th St. Officers assist EMS with the transport of a male.

Jo Evans

Apartment developer appears before Northampton Borough Council to Address questions over waste disposal

By KERI LINDENMUTH

Stephen Hardy, Vice President of Real Estate for The Hyman Group, appeared before Northampton Borough Council on Thursday, April 4 to answer questions and concerns over waste disposal at 1204 Main St. The property will be the home of a future 14-unit apartment building. In March, council denied The Hyman Group’s request to contract with a private hauler for trash and recycling pickup. This was the first time council has denied this request for a developer, which prompted the company to reach out for clarification. Hardy stressed that The Hyman Group would work hard to maintain a clean property, contracting with Republic Services and proposing a 4- to 8-yard dumpster with two to

three toters. Service would take place weekly and would be adjusted based on volume.

“[We want to] ensure council is confident [we can] maintain this agreement,” Hardy said, adding that the developer has over 20 properties across the Lehigh Valley with similar agreements. Any issues would be addressed with “utmost urgency.”

Hardy added that other properties in the neighborhood have their own private hauler. In addition, The Hyman Group is currently developing a 70-unit complex in the borough. Should council deny private trash pickup there as well, Hardy worried the borough would be taking on a “burden.”

Councilman Ronald Glassic clarified that council’s main objective is to be sure residents are

treated fairly, especially when homeowners are paying garbage fees to the borough.

Councilman Ronald Knopf said he would like to see the dumpster fenced in. Councilwoman Judy Kutzler agreed, saying it would make the property look “neater.” Hardy also said a property supervisor will be there regularly.

“You explained it better so that we all understood,” Kutzler said to Hardy. “We will need time to think about it.”

The item will be added to the April 18 agenda.

In other news, the borough is applying for two grants in the hopes of repaving a portion of the D&L Trail. One grant is a matching $50,000 grant. The second is a $245,000 grant with a 15% match. Funding for the match would come out of the general fund if awarded.

Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said some parts of the trail are in “bad shape” and materials alone could cost $100,000. Mayor Anthony Pristash added that this project would be to the benefit of everyone in the borough. Northampton is home to the only paved portion of the popular trail.

“People love it,” he said.

Finally, the borough awarded

the bid for a new bucket truck to Lehighton Ford in the amount of $178,288.23. Out of the three bids received in March, this was the only complete bid.

The next borough council meeting will be Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.

Spring into The NAPL

Now that the rain showers have begun, it's easy to tell we're finally in spring. On rainy days, afternoons or evenings, we invite you to join us at the library for programs, comradery and the collections of books, DVDs, music and audiobook CDs, and board and card games available to you. Want to stay at home instead? We understand. Check out our E-collections using your library card. You can access a variety of E-books and E-audiobooks through CloudLibrary, E-magazines through Flipster and all the

news you could ever want from a variety of American and worldwide newspapers, including The Morning Call, through Access World News.

For children this month, Miss Tessa continues storytimes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through May 2. Lapsit Storytime (0 to 24 months) is Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Toddler Storytime (18 to 36 months) is Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and Preschool Storytime (3 to 5 years) is Thursdays at 10 a.m. Kids crafts are available to take home on a first-come first-served basis. April 1 began with the potato Easter egg stamps craft, and on April 15 a handprint butterflies craft will begin.

The 3-5 clubs and K-2 Storycraft are back this month on Thursday evenings. Game Club is April 11 at 6 p.m. and STEAM Craft Club is April 18 at 6 p.m. This month we'll be experimenting with stormwater runoff. K-2 Storycraft is April 25 at 4:30 p.m. We'll be reading "Ants in Your Pants, Worms in

Nazareth author publishes Bike tour memoir

Submitted by BRITTANY BAKER

“The Alaska Journal,” a new book by Lincoln Steward, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.

“The Alaska Journal” is an exciting day-by-day account of author Lincoln Steward’s fourmonth-long solo bicycle tour from Nazareth to Homer, Alaska, and back again.

Join him in discovering the planning of the trip, the routes he traveled, the places he ate and

slept and the people he met along the way. Cyclists with an interest in long-distance touring, and non-cyclists as well, will enjoy seeing how Lincoln tests his own physical and mental fortitude by getting out of the comfort zone of his normal everyday surroundings while having interactions with people of all walks of life. For cyclists thinking about trying a similar adventure, this is an opportunity to learn from his experience.

About the Author

Lincoln Steward is a 51-yearold, single, self-employed man who lives alone, which is a big reason why he had the opportunity to take the time for such an experience as his bicycle tour. Aside from being an avid cyclist, he remodels homes, mostly bathrooms and kitchens, specializing in tile setting. He tunes up bicycles as a side gig and occasionally does some artistic woodworking as a hobby.

Mostly known for bicycling, Lincoln has ridden over 10,000 miles a year for the last decade, including many endurance events, several multi-day “bikepacking” adventures and three self-sup-

ported cross-country tours. He rides with a few different cycling clubs in the Lehigh Valley and has worked in different bicycle shops.

For more information about “The Alaska Journal,” visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/the-alaska-journala-bicycling-adventure-acrossnorth-america/.

Nazareth Police Investigate

Several car Break-ins

By HOME NEWS STAFF

The Nazareth Borough Police Department is searching for suspects in regards to recent car break-ins of over 25 cars, and the theft of a motor vehicle.

The break-ins occurred between the hours of 1:15 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 7 on numerous streets in the borough. Money, purses, wallets, school book bags and electronics were among the items that were stolen. All of the vehicles were unlocked. A motor vehicle, a white Honda Accord, was also stolen. However, it was recovered a few hours later.

Sunday morning’s string of car break-ins follows several other car break-ins that occurred in the borough in the early morning hours on Tuesday, March 26. All residents should ensure to lock their vehicles and remove any valuables as needed from their vehicles. The Nazareth Borough Police Department is currently investigating this matter and if anyone has any further information in regards to the recent vehicle thefts, please contact the Nazareth Borough Police Department at 610-759-9575.

Suburban Darts

Week 27

With a pair of wins over Emmanuel 10-6 and 4-2 after a 3-2 in the opener, Dryland holds on to win the “Suburban League Championship” for the fourth year in a row (their 11th overall). Leading the way for Dryland were Larry Golick 6 for 12, Bernie Yurko 6 for 13, Shawn Sigley 5 for 13, and Trevor Zavacki with a HR. Bob Bast was 9 for 13, Jon Rice 5 for 11, with Al Nesbitt and Chuck Achenzie each with a HR for Emmanuel.

St. Paul’s came up a bit short despite beating Blessed Trinity 1-0 and 6-4, losing the nightcap 4-2. Top hitters included Jennifer Erkinger 7 for 12 for St. Paul’s and Terry Knauss 5 for 13 for Blessed Trinity.

In other action, Christ UCC

‘sandwiched’ 3-2 and 5-1 wins around a 5-4 loss to Ebenezer. For Christ UCC, Garry Hunsicker was 5 for 7, Steve Hunsicker 6 for 11, A.J. Renn 4 for 11, George Gasper 4 for 13, and Jason Matula with a HR. For Ebenezer, Brendan Blevins was 6 for 12 (2 HR’s), Joe Kish 4 for 11, and Jim Voortman with a HR.

The final match of the night saw Farmersville ‘sweeping’ Star of Bethlehem by scores of 1-0, 7-1, and 6-5. Leading hitters for Farmersville were Rick Kittek 5 for 13 (2 HR’s), Sue Grim 4 for 10, Gene Grim 4 for 13, with HR’s from Kyle Campbell, Tom George, and Wade Chilmonik. Bill Hoke Sr. was 5 for 11, Bryan Frankenfield 5 for 13, and Walt Hoffert 4 for 12 for Star of Bethlehem.

for as little as $10/week. Call 610-923-0382 or place your ad online at www.homenewspa. com. Mention this ad to receive $1 off. (TN)

Letters have been granted on the estate of each of the following decedents to

Letters have been

payment without delay:

WHITESELL, MICHAEL T., deceased, of Easton, PA, Northampton County No. 0449 of 2024. Jeffrey Michael Whitesell, Executor, 1823 Ferry Street, Easton, PA 18042. (3/28-4/11)

TRUST NOTICE

Notice of the death of Shelba J. Fogel, late of Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Settlor/Trustor of The Fogel Family Trust, is hereby given. All persons indebted to said Settlor/Trustor or Trust are requested to make prompt payment and those having claims to present the same, without delay to:

Successor Trustees: Bradley S. Fogel and Bonnie J. Werley Care of: Attorney: Charice D. Chait Peckman Chait LLP 29 Mainland Road Harleysville, PA 19438 (3/28-4/11)

ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS

BOROUGH OF NORTHAMPTON

NORTHAMPTON BOROUGH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY BOROUGH OF NORTH CATASAUQUA

Notice To Bidders:

Sealed bids will be received by the Borough of Northampton, the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority and the Borough of North Catasauqua at the office of the undersigned, in the Municipal Building, 1401 Laubach Avenue, Northampton, Pennsylvania, until 4:00 P.M., prevailing time, on Thursday, April 21, 2024, for the furnishing of asphalt and stone materials for a period of one (1) year from the date of the bid award.

Detailed Specifications, Information to Bidders, and Official Bid Forms for the abovementioned items, to be used by all bidders, are available at the office of the undersigned on or after April 4, 2024.

All proposals shall be submitted in a sealed envelope on the forms provided, clearly marked with the name of the bidder and identifying the item(s) for which the bid(s) is being submitted.

Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Northampton Borough Council Meeting at 7:00 P.M., prevailing time, on Thursday, April 21, 2024, and the awards made at a subsequent meeting of the Borough Council of the Borough of Northampton.

The Municipalities and the Authority reserve the right to increase or decrease the quantities specified and to reject any or all bids, and to consider its own experience as well as the experience of others as a factor in determining bid awards, and to make the awards in the best interests of the Boroughs and the Borough Authority.

Bid proposals are to remain for a period of one (1) year after award of bid. Escalation clauses are acceptable. Bidders are required to provide, as bid guarantee, a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten (10) percent of the proposal made payable to the Borough of Northampton.

LeRoy E. Brobst Borough Manager-Secretary 1401 Laubach Avenue, P. O. Box 70 Northampton, PA 18067 610-262-2576 (4/4 & 4/11)

(4/11)

Church Directory

** REMINDER **

If your FALL/WINTER SCHEDULE has changed, please contact our office at 610-9230382 to update the Directory listing at no charge.

The Home News Church Directory is an alphabetical listing of community churches and synagogues. If you would like to make a change to your listing below, please email it to: cstroh@homenewspa.com or call 610-923-0382. The Church Directory is always available on our website at www. HomeNewsPA.com.

ASSUMPTION BVM

PARISH, Northampton. 610-262-2559

Sun. – Mass 8 a.m.,

Sat. – Mass 5:30 p.m.

ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-2882

Sat. – Vesper services 5 p.m.

Sun. – Divine Liturgy 9 a.m.

BETHANY WESLEYAN, Cherryville. 610-767-1239

Sun. – Worship 9/10:45 a.m.

BUSHKILL UNITED METHODIST, Bushkill Twp. 610-759-7132

Sun. Worship 9:15 a.m., SS 10:30 a.m.

CHAPMAN QUARRIES

UNITED METHODIST, Bath. 610-837-0935

Sun. – Worship 9:30 a.m.

We Care, Days of Prayer every fourth Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CHRIST CHURCH OF BATH, U.C.C., S. Chestnut St. Bath. 610-837-0345

Sun. – Worship 10:15 a.m.

CHRIST U.C.C., Schoenersville. 610-264-9325

Sun. – Worship 10:15 a.m., SS 9

a.m.

CHRIST U.C.C. LITTLE

MOORE, Danielsville. 610-837-6051

Sun. – Worship 8:45 a.m.

SS 9 a.m.

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN

CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-8500

Sun. – Worship 9:30 a.m.

with HC, SS 9:40 a.m.

COVENANT UNITED METHODIST, Bath. 610-837-7517

Sun. – 9 a.m. Worship (and online), SS for all ages 10:30 a.m.

DRYLAND U.C.C., Nazareth. 610-759-4444

Sun. – Worship 8/9:30 a.m.,

SS 9:30 a.m.

EGYPT COMMUNITY

CHURCH, Whitehall (Egypt). 610-262-4961

Sun. – Worship 10:30 a.m.,

SS 9 a.m.

EL SHADDAI

ASSEMBLY OF GOD, Nazareth.610-759-6557

Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship –10:45 a.m. Youth Ministry –Sunday – 6:30 p.m.

Kids Ministries –Wednesday –7 p.m.

EMMANUEL’S LUTHERAN

CHURCH, Bath. 610-837-1741

Sun –Traditional 8:45 a.m.,

Contemporary 10 a.m., SS 10 a.m.

FAITH FAMILY FELLOWSHIP, Bushkill Twp. 484-635-1200

Sun.- Contemporary Worship 10 a.m.

FAITH REFORMED, Walnutport. 610-767-3505

Sun. – Worship 10 a.m.

GOOD SHEPHERD

LUTHERAN, Northampton. 610-262-9517

Sun – Worship 9 a.m., SS 10:15 a.m.

GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

CHURCH, Nazareth. 610-759-7036

Sun. – Worship 11 a.m.,

SS 9:30 a.m.

GRACE EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH, Nazareth. 610-759-9080

Sun.- Worship 9 a.m., Sunday Morning Adventures 10:15 a.m.

GRACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Northampton. 610-262-7186 (HA)

Sun. – Worship 10:30 a.m.

SS 9:15 a.m.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Pen Argyl. 610-863-4811

Sun. – Worship 8:30/10 a.m.

HOLY CROSS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN, Nazareth. 610-759-7363

Sun. – Worship 8/9:30 a.m., SS 9:30 a.m., Youth Group 6:30 p.m.

HOLY FAMILY ROMAN

CATHOLIC CHURCH, Nazareth. 610-759-0870

Sun. – Mass 7/9/11 a.m.

M-F – Mass 8:30 a.m.

Sat. – Mass 5 p.m.

HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-2668

Sun. – Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9 a.m.

HOLY TRINITY SLOVAK LUTHERAN, Northampton. 610-262-3365

Sun. – Worship 10 a.m.

HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH, Cherryville. 610-767-7203

Sun. – Worship 8/10:30 a.m., SS 9:15 a.m.

MOUNT EATON CHURCH, Saylorsburg. 570-992-7050

Sun- 8 a.m. Traditional, 10:30 a.m. Contemporary

MOUNTAIN VIEW

WESLEYAN CHURCH

Bath. 610-759-7553

Sun. –Worship 10:30 a.m.

NAZARETH MORAVIAN CHURCH, Nazareth. 610-759-3163

Sun. – Worship 8:15/10:45 a.m., SS 9:30 a.m.

NEW JOURNEY

COMMUNITY CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-8101 (HA) Worship 10:15 a.m., SS 9 a.m.

NORTHAMPTON ASSEMBLY OF GOD,

Northampton. 610-262-5645

Sun – Worship 11 a.m./ 6 p.m., SS 10 a.m., Wed. – Worship 7 p.m.

NORTHAMPTON GOD’S

MISSIONARY CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-4412 (HA)

Sun. – Worship at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (ngmc.church)

PROMISED LAND

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, Bethlehem. 610-759-7243

Sun.- Worship 10 a.m., SS children/adults 9 a.m.

QUEENSHIP OF MARY CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-2227

Sun. – Mass 10:30 a.m., Sat. – Mass 3:30 p.m.

RADIANT CHURCH, Easton/Nazareth. 484-597-1440

Sun. – Worship/meeting 10 a.m.

SACRED HEART

CATHOLIC, Bath. 610-837-7874

Sun. – Mass 7/9/11 a.m., Mon.-Fri. – Mass 8 a.m., Sat. –Mass 5 p.m., Holy Days – Mass 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

SALEM U.C.C.

Moorestown. 610-759-1652

Sun. – 10:15 a.m., SS 9 a.m.

SALEM UNITED

METHODIST, Danielsville. 610-767-8003

Sun. – Worship 9:30 a.m., SS 11 a.m.

SCHOENECK MORAVIAN

CHURCH, Nazareth. 610-759-0376

Sun.- Worship 8/10:30 a.m., SS 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

livestream via Facebook. ST. BRIGID’S EPISCOPAL, Nazareth. 610-746-3910

Sun. – SS/Holy Eucharist 10 a.m.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

UKRAINIAN

CATHOLIC CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-4104

Sun.- Mass 9 am., Mon-Fri- Mass 8:30 a.m., Sat.- Mass 8:30 a.m./5 p.m.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN

CHURCH, Bath. 610-837-1061

Sun. – Worship 8/10:15 a.m., Masked/Vaccinated Service 11:45 a.m.,SS 9 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN

CHURCH, Nazareth 610-759-3090.

Sun. – Worship 8/10:45 a.m., Sat. – Worship with HC 5:30 p.m.

ST. JOHN’S U.C.C., Howertown. 610-262-8666

Sun. – Worship 9 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S U.C.C. Nazareth. 610-759-0893

Sun. – Contemporary Worship 9 a.m., Christian Formation 10 a.m., 11 a.m.- Classic Worship

ST. NICHOLAS R.C. Berlinsville. 610-767-3107

Sun.- Mass 8:30/10:30 a.m.; Mon., Wed., Thurs.- 8:30 a.m.; Sat- 4:30 p.m.

Latin Mass Tues.- 6:30 p.m.

ST. PAUL’S THIRD

LUTHERAN CHURCH, Palmer Twp. 610-258-0875

Sun. – Worship 10 a.m., SS 8:45 a.m. All welcome.

ST. PAUL’S UCC, Northampton. 610-261-2910. HA

Sun. – Worship 10:30 a.m. (with child care), SS 9 a.m.

ST. PAUL’S U.C.C., of Indianland, Cherryville. 610-767-5751

Sun. – 9 a.m. Christian Ed, Trad. Worship 10:30 a.m., Contemporary Praise Worship second Sunday 7:30 a.m.

ST. PETER’S U.C.C., Seemsville, Northampton. 610-837-7426

Sun. – Worship 9 a.m., SS 9 a.m.

TRINITY EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH, Hecktown. 610-759-6377

Sun.- Worship 8/10:30 a.m., SS 9:15 a.m.

VALLEY VIEW BAPTIST, Northampton. 610-837-5894

Sun. – Worship 10:45 a.m./ 6 p.m. BS 9:30 a.m., Wed.- BS and Prayer 7 p.m.

WALNUTPORT SEVENTH

DAY ADVENTIST, Walnutport. 610-767-8939

Sat. – Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. Worship 11 a.m.

ZION’S STONE U.C.C., Kreidersville. 610-262-1133

Sun. – SS 9 a.m., Worship 10:15 a.m.

ZION E.L. CHURCH, Northampton. 610-262-6636 (N)

Sun. – Worship 10 a.m., SS 8:45 a.m.

Continued from page 2

a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine and restitution for damages and/ or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.

For more information on the Pa. State Police, visit www.psp. pa.gov.

(where the kidneys are transplanted) and the selfless donors who have given life and hope to our children on this ‘wild journey,’” said Schuyler, who is a critical care nurse practitioner at St. Luke’s and has had to speak with families about organ donation when their loved one is dying or deceased. Her husband and children were in attendance at the ceremony as well.

Continued from page 4

Her son’s liver, kidneys and lungs were removed for donation at St. Luke’s—also where he was born—and transplanted among three recipients. Mains accidently met the woman, “Michelle,” from New Jersey who received his liver and kidneys at a Gift of Life event. She and Michelle will be doing the Gift of Life walk together on April 28. Mains and her family have been in touch with the man who has her son’s lungs and hope to meet him.

“Knowing that someone benefitted from Gavin’s untimely death helps keep his memory alive,” said Mains, whose husband also attended the event.

Stephanie Schuyler, CRNP, of Easton, detailed the challenging medical and emotional journey her family is on having two children, Molly and Benjamin, ages 6 and 7 respectively, who already are kidney transplant recipients. Their third child, the youngest age 1, Oliver, will need a kidney in the near future.

Schuyler and her husband carry the recessive genes for a congenital renal disease, congenital nephrotic syndrome, which poses only a 25% chance of being passed on, yet all of their children are afflicted with the illness.

“We are so fortunate for the Gift of Life program, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The flag-raising ceremony is part of a national initiative by Donate Life America to raise awareness and encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and celebrate those who have saved lives through the gift of donation. St. Luke’s campus hospitals will be bathed in blue and green external flood lights on April 12 to call attention to the need for organ donations.

Continued from page 6

MARCH 30

Traffic stop in the 1400 block of Canal St. and the 2100 block of Main St. Traffic stops were conducted.

Assist person in the 2300 block of Dewey Ave. Officers assist a male.

Noise complaint in the 100 block of Frank Dr. Report of loud music.

MARCH 31

Traffic stop in the 1400 block of Main St. A traffic stop was conducted.

Noise complaint in the 600 block of E. 20th St., and the 1800 block of Newport Ave. Reports of loud music.

Child custody in the 1300 block of Stewart St. Report of a custody issue. Domestic

Continued from page 7

Your Plants" by Diane De Groat and completing a related Earth Day craft.

For tweens and teens, Game Club and Anime Club were on Tuesday, April 9. Registration has already begun for May 6's Trinket Dish Take-Home, and the Tween and Teen Advisory Board will be back on June 4 at 5 p.m. Don't forget that TAB is also considered a volunteer opportunity for any service hours you may need to collect.

For adults, Laid-Back Book Club is reading "Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame" by Olivia Ford in April. Our Adult Craft Hour will be creating a variety of paper flowers for the gorgeous vases created last month on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. Our own Georgia will be presenting the program “Five Love Languages Among Friends and At Work” on Monday, April 22 at 6 p.m., and, of course, Once Upon a Crime will be discussing kidnapping on Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m. Finally, if you've recently gotten your hands on new technology, please don't forget about our tech tutoring, which is available on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon by appointment only.

On a final note, we have not forgotten about our annual fund drive. We have every intention of sending out our yearly letter, but due to unforeseen circumstances we will be delayed to May or June. Thank you for your continued support; we hope to see you soon.

Route 611 Bridge

Replacement Project Begins in Northampton County

Submitted by RONALD YOUNG

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 5 recently announced that work has begun to replace the

Route 611/North Delaware Drive bridge over Oughoughton Creek in Washington Township, Northampton County.

The existing single-span steel I-beam bridge is being replaced with a single-span concrete box culvert.

As of Monday, April 8, Route 611 is closed and detoured while crews replace the bridge. Traffic is being detoured on Richmond Road, Martins Creek Belvidere Highway and Mount Pleasant Road.

Grace Industries, Inc. of Bath is the general contractor on the $1,723,708 project that is

Continued on page

Continued from page 11

anticipated to be complete in November.

The Route 611 bridge was constructed in 1926. It is 38 feet long and 26.3 feet wide. The new bridge will be 30 feet long and 33.5 feet wide. This section of Route 611 has an average daily traffic volume of 3,747 vehicles.

For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the department's four- and 12year plans, visit www.projects. penndot.gov.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

Join The Pack

by Jan Schott

Our late dog Rex, who was part Beagle, part Labrador Retriever, loved to be part of our pack. That's the Schott family pack. He was in his element on the weekends when everyone was home most of the time, petting him, playing with him and taking him for walks. We had adopted him at 6 months old from an animal shelter near where we lived in West Virginia.

We lived across the street from a large park which included a small pond and a one-mile trail through a wooded area. We would take Rex for a walk in the park every evening, even during the winter months when it was dark outside.

One December evening about nine months after we adopted Rex, my daughter Becky, who was 8 years old at the time, accidentally dropped Rex's leash when he suddenly picked up a new scent and jerked away into the darkness. It all

happened so fast. One minute we were a happy family unit admiring the Christmas lights in the park, and the next we were standing in shock yelling, “Rex! Rex!” and hearing only the distant yelp of a Beagle on the hunt. We were suddenly missing one of our pack and it was a horrible, empty feeling.

My husband told me to take Becky and drive home and he would continue to look for Rex. With great sadness, Becky and I started back toward the car, but hadn't gone very far when we heard Michael yelling, “Rex, Rex! Oh Rex, you came back!” We rushed back to meet Michael and what a joyous reunion we had with our excited puppy. The pack was together again.

To me, being a Christian is like being in a big pack. We're all going in the same direction (to heaven) and we all have the same instructions. A big part of being in that pack is being part of the smaller sub-pack, the local church. I find it hard to understand why some believing Christians drift from one church to another, only spending a few months or even a year or two, at each one. Or, they're faithful to one church, but only show up once every few months. What's the point? Why bother at all? What are they teaching their children about commitment, service to God and the love of and fellowship with our fellow believers?

Of course, there can be a variety of problems with a church that after prayerful consideration, might result in members leaving to find a church that is a better fit for their family. We had to leave a church and move on to a new church when we lived in West Virginia. If someone feels anxious and stressed when they think of their church, then I'd say it's time to move on if the problem can't be resolved. God wants us to have “the peace that passes all understanding,” not feeling stressed about our church.

For me, I'll always want to be a member of a church, even if I have to visit several different churches to find the one where God wants me to be. I want to be part of the pack, a member of “God's household,” not the lost dog wandering alone in the dark.

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:19-20

US East Coast earthquake Rattles millions, but Region escapes sweeping Damage

By JENNIFER PELTZ AND MIKE CATALINIAssociated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — An unusual East Coast earthquake shook millions of people from New York and Philadelphia skyscrapers to rural New England on Friday, April 5, causing no widespread damage but startling an area unaccustomed to temblors, including the Lehigh Valley.

The U.S. Geological Survey said over 42 million people might have felt the midmorning quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8, centered in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, or about 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia.

People from Baltimore to Boston and beyond felt the ground shake. Nearly 30 people were displaced when officials evacuated three multifamily homes in Newark, New Jersey, to check for damage. Officials around the region were inspecting bridges and other major infrastructure, some flights were diverted or delayed, Amtrak slowed trains throughout the busy Northeast Corridor, and a Philadelphia-area commuter rail line suspended service as a precaution.

Earthquakes are less common on the eastern than western edges of the U.S. because the East Coast does not lie on a boundary of tectonic plates. But 13 earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or stronger have been recorded since 1950 within 311 miles of Friday’s temblor, the USGS said. The strongest was a 5.8-magnitude quake in Mineral,

Virginia, on Aug. 23, 2011, that jolted people from Georgia to Canada.

Rocks under the East Coast are better than their western counterparts at spreading earthquake energy across long distances, scientists note.

“If we had the same magnitude quake in California, it probably wouldn’t be felt nearly as far away,” said USGS geophysicist Paul Caruso.

Over a dozen aftershocks were reported in the ensuing hours in the region, including a 4.0-magnitude quake early Friday evening, according to the USGS.

A 4.8-magnitude quake isn’t large enough to cause damage, except for some minor effects near the epicenter, the agency posted on the social platform X. By comparison, the temblor that killed at least 12 people and injured more than 1,000 in Taiwan last Wednesday was variously measured at a magnitude of 7.2 or 7.4.

Still, Friday’s quake caused some disruption.

Flights to the New York, Newark and Baltimore airports were held at their origins for a time while officials inspected runways for cracks.

Multiple flights en route to Newark were diverted and landed at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown.