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APRIL 14-20, 2022
Cement Worker of the Month: Robert E. Jones III, Buzzi Unicem, Stockertown
50 cents
Northampton Borough Council Approves short-term rental ordinance, Continues to explore grant options By KERI LINDENMUTH During their April 7 meeting, the Northampton Borough Council unanimously approved a short-term rental unit ordinance. Under this ordinance, the borough will have the ability to regulate short-term units rented out via sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. These popular sites have allowed individuals to rent out entire properties or single rooms on a short-term basis and earn passive income. The borough is seeking to address possible is-
By ED PANY Robert Jones was raised in Slatington, graduating in 1997. While in high school, he played hockey for the Lehigh Valley Comets and for Central Catholic because his school, Northern Lehigh High School, did not have a team. He attended Penn State, Allentown, and studied kinesiology. A neighbor informed him that Hercules (Buzzi Unicem) was hiring summer help. Mr. Jones said, “I enjoyed working there and saw an opportunity for longtime job security. Bruce Breininger, production manager, hired me.” He started on the labor gang and also worked as a process attendant, lubrication technician, repairman, millwright and presently is the maintenance manager. Men who shared their skills with Bob included oldtimers Rodney Rissmiller, Danny Schmalzer, Mike Drosnok, Bryon Keller, Ronald Smith and Wayne Werkheiser - all good, solid cement workers. His present supervisor is Fabiano Scalaro. Each day, he works closely with
Francis Schadler. Mr. Jones said, “We strive to ensure the plant operates in a reliable, safe and efficient manner. Each day, we have two meetings to coordinate plant operations and improve the work environment.” Mr. Jones is on call 24 hours daily. A hands-on man, he enjoys working in the plant, looking for solutions to plant problems. “I have received great support from everyone and am glad for the opportunity I have been given,” he said. He credits his brother Jason for his work ethic, as some of his days are long and challenging. Bob has been married for 12 years to Michelle Albold, a Northwestern High School graduate. They are proud of children Aiden and Chelsea, who are elementary students in the Northwestern Lehigh School District. The friendly family resides in Germansville. Mr. Jones is a humble, very amiable, dedicated cement worker. We wish him and his family and all our friends at the centuryold Buzzi Unicem, Stockertown plant a safe and prosperous 2022.
sues these rental units may cause while also ensuring that they are monitored for safety. This new ordinance will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. This will allow the borough to finalize the appropriate paperwork and educate property owners. In other news, community planner Victor Rodite appeared before council to outline several community development proposals. First, he recommended that the borough apply for a Community Development Block Grant to fund sewer plant
updates. He also suggested that the borough look at grant opportunities in 2023 for park surveillance cameras. Rodite also announced that he is looking for grants to support the River Front Garden proposed at Canal Park and traffic improvements at 21st and Main Streets. Rodite will continue to appear before council to outline his findings and aid them in the grant approval process. Another grant he is exploring would supContinued on page 9
Bethlehem Steel history Book now available
Submitted by TRACY BERGER-CARMEN A new local history book is now available, “Bethlehem Steel,” by Tracy L. Berger-Carmen. The Lehigh Valley Railroad established the Bethlehem Iron Company in 1860 along the Lehigh River in South Bethlehem. The Bethlehem Iron Company manufactured the largest steel axle to date to support the first Ferris wheel at the 1893 World’s Fair. Bethlehem Iron Company became Bethlehem Steel in 1899. In 1904, Charles Schwab incorporated the company, and ultimately, it became the secondlargest steelmaker in the United States. Bethlehem Steel built battleships, such as the USS Massachusetts and USS Missouri, and bridges, such as the Golden Gate and George Washington, and provided steel for iconic structures, such as the US Supreme Court Building and Madison Square Garden. About the Author The daughter of a steelwork-
er, Tracy L. Berger-Carmen of Moore Township, was a local media photographer, covering news assignments at Bethlehem Steel. She heard many stories about Bethlehem Steel and wanted to keep the historical memories alive with a book that made Bethlehem what it is today. Berger-Carmen went to school at George Wolf and graduated from Northampton High School. About Arcadia Publishing As the nation’s leading publisher of books of local history and local interest, Arcadia’s mission is to connect people with their past, with their communities and with one another. Arcadia is the home of unique hyper-local histories of countless hometowns across all fifty states, as well as books on local food, beer and wine; and stories of famous hauntings, all one American city and town at a time. Arcadia has an extraordinary catalog of 17,000 local titles and publishes 500 new books each year. Arcadia counts among its imprints Pelican Publishing, a 100-
year old independent press based in New Orleans, and the critically acclaimed Wildsam Publishing, publisher of highly curated travel literature and guides. Using its proprietary Store Match system, Arcadia can create a highly cusContinued on page 3
81st Year, Issue No. 15 www.homenewspa.com
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