The Home News March 2

Fire in Moore Twp. destroys Home and barn, injures 1

By HOME NEWS STAFF

A Moore Township home and barn were destroyed in an early morning fire on Monday, February 27.

At 12:42 a.m. the fire was reported, which occurred in the 400 block of English Road in Moore Township.

Klecknersville Rangers, Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Co. and other local fire crews were on the scene for several hours.

According to a family member, in an attempt to start a fire in the barn’s woodstove to keep the animals including goats, chickens and cats warm, the fire quickly spread throughout the barn and to the nearby home.

All seven members of the family and their two dogs were able to make it to safety, however according to a family member, the goats, chickens and cats perished in the fire.

One person was injured at the scene and local EMS responded.

The barn was completely destroyed and the home appears to be destroyed as well.

A Go Fund Me with a goal of $15,000 has been started by a family member as everything was lost in the fire, and Red Cross is also assisting.

If you would like to donate to the family, visit gofundme.com and search “Our family recover from a house fire.”

Northampton Area School District students Advance to Odyssey of The Mind State Finals

Submitted by RYAN BALTON

Thinking outside the box is the name of the game for Odyssey of the Mind, an international creative problem-solving competition. The program emphasizes teamwork and quick thinking, while giving K-12 students an outlet to nurture and showcase their STEAM skills – science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

It all came together as 350 students on 50 teams went head-tohead at the NEPA Odyssey of the Mind Regional Tournament at Pocono Mountain West High School on Feb. 25.

A total of 34 teams from 19 area schools and community organizations are now set to match up against teams from across Pennsylvania in April.

Thirteen teams from the Delaware Valley School District, six from Abington Heights, four from the Northampton Area, and one from Bangor Area earned their spots as state finalists.

Students started their journey in the fall when they formed

Memorial Library of Nazareth And Vicinity Celebrates Birthday Bash in honor Of Dr. Seuss

Submitted by JILL SILVIUS

Come to the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity at 295 E. Center St., Nazareth on Thursday, March 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a birthday bash in honor of Dr. Seuss.

Kicking off at 10 a.m. with a reading by Nazareth Mayor Lance Colondo, the celebration will include a four-hour marathon story time featuring guest readers from the community. The readings will be interspersed with songs, movement activities, games, and other fun literacy-based activities for children. Visitors can grab a take-home craft, join in on story times, enjoy a birthday cupcake, and even test out the library’s new custom-built talking book drop.

East Allen Fire Chief Josh Smith details Life as a firefighter

teams and received their longterm problems, ranging from engineering to theatrical performance in nature. The teams spent the school year developing an eight-minute performance to present their solutions.

This year’s long-term problems included designing a ride-on “pirate ship,” creating a Rube Goldberg machine, putting a creative spin on the “Trojan Horse” story, building a structure with multiple parts out of balsa wood and testing its strength with weights, and telling a humorous story about a character that overreacts to common events.

The region also presented its Karl Schneck, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the past NEPA regional co-director, to high school seniors Courtney Dorsey of the Northampton Area School District, Maisy Earl of Abington Heights, and Jessica Rhule of Delaware Valley.

Pennsylvania State Finals will take place at Lock Haven University on April 1. Nearly 200 teams

Mayor Colondo will be joined by nearly a dozen guest readers, who will read from picture books throughout the day. Readers include Nazareth crossing guard Bob Frings, Library Board Members Chris Crook and Laura Dunne, Nazareth Rotary Club Members Kathy Heller and Lynn Ratzell, Fidelity Bank Branch Manager Davene Perusso, a Nazareth Borough police officer, early educators from local nursery schools, and more.

The festivities will end at 2 p.m. with birthday cupcakes and an unveiling of the library’s new talking book drop. The book drop was custom-designed and built by retired engineer and library volunteer Brenda Reinert. Drawing upon her professional background, Reinert built the wooden drop box and the electronic, noise-emitting component of the box. As each book is returned, a laser sensor will trigger an everchanging variety of noises: from a barking dog, to a drumroll, to a quacking duck.

By SAVANNAH BROWN East Allen Township resident

Josh Smith was brought up in the firehouse with his dad being a fireman at the East Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years.

Growing up in the fire service, Josh knew he wanted to be a fireman when he grew up and officially started working at the fire station at just 13 years old. In fact, this May will mark his twentieth year as a firefighter at East Allen Township.

Josh even became the East Allen Township Fire Department Fire Chief in 2021, a lifelong dream that he is proud of.

However, since East Allen Fire Department is volunteer based, Josh also works full-time for the

Harrisburg International Airport Fire Department and part-time with the Emmaus Fire Department. Getting hired as a career firefighter is one of Josh’s proudest moments and he admits that he still gets excited when the pager goes off for fire calls.

As a fire chief, Josh has to manage the fire department operationally and is in charge of fire calls, training, and writing policies be-

Photo by Wetherhold Photography.

Letter to The Editor

If I remember right, when Northampton School District presented their budget, they said

there was a $1.8 million deficit, but they could transfer funds to offset the deficit for no tax increase this year. Then I read in the Morning Call that Northampton was one of the school districts that made requests to raise taxes above the index while holding millions of dollars in their Gen-

eral fund. It’s not a question of whether they raised taxes above the index or not, the question remains: is that where they kept the funds to pay over $1.8 million, so far, just to architects and engineers to develop a property on Seemsville Road that, I believe, is unsafe to house elementary school children? Seems like they had no problem paying those bills.

In the economic crisis that our country is in today, they are electing to build a $73 million complex after just completing a $34 million elementary school in Lehigh Township. When is enough, enough? Some of our residents are struggling now to pay their school taxes and they just keep spending and spending, while telling us that the State

Bingo March

government still does not provide enough funding. The complex they are presently looking to build is on property located in the middle of a five-mile radius of multi-million square foot warehouses, which will be showering us with thousands of tractor trailers daily, while closing an elementary school in Moore Township where there is little truck traffic and clean air. Is this not just plain stupid?

A former school board member had a wonderful letter in

Getting Out!

the local papers on how to elect school board members, as five of the present school board members are up for re-election this year. Twenty years ago an election stopped this unsafe money pit project and I feel that needs to happen again. We need to get back to the basics of providing a great education for our students and buildings do not educate, good teachers do.

Maggie Kemp

34th Annual Uptown Northampton Street Fair- Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1700-2100 blocks of Main Street, Northampton.

Bath Area Fish Committee’s Annual Kids Fishing Contest- Begins Saturday, April 29 at 8 a.m., ends Sunday, April 30 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.

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 13 and Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yard sale permit fees waived these dates only.

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 Spring Festival- Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bicentennial Park (East), 5450 Liberto Ln., Bethlehem. 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. Frauds And Scams Presentation- Thursday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 100 E. Beil Ave., Nazareth. Rep from office of Attorney Gen. will educate on frauds/scams that target seniors. Call 610-759-7036 with interest.

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 610837-1190 FMI. Leave message.

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.

Note - All proceeds from Bingo go to the ESYC Youth Recreation Development programs and for the maintenance of ESYC facilities.

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

Paw Prints on the Canal- Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Canal Park, Northampton.

Veterans Outreach Day- Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Queenship of Mary Church, 1324 Newport Ave., Northampton. Open to all veterans, their families and caretakers.

Odyssey of the Mind

Continued from page 1

from across PA will compete for the opportunity to advance to Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, which will be at Michigan State University in May. Seven NEPA teams competed at World Finals last year.

Local schools with teams advancing to state finals:

Bangor Area High School

4th place – The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!! Division III

Lehigh Elementary School

2nd place – Pirates and the Treasure, Division I

Northampton Area Middle School

2nd place – Classics… The Walls of Troy, Division II

3rd place – Where’s the Structure? Division II

Northampton Area High School

1st place – Classics… The Walls of Troy, Division III

Noteworthy Neighbors

Continued from page 1

hind the scenes, as well as being in charge of incidents. Depending on staffing levels, he can hand his hat off to someone else during incidents like mutual aid calls where there is another fire chief on scene, and just be a fireman, which is what he really enjoys.

Josh shared that the majority of the general public doesn’t know that all of the firefighters at East Allen Fire Department are volunteers. In this economy, the volunteer side of firefighting has really taken a hit because many people are working multiple jobs to make ends meet and don’t have the time to devote to being a volunteer firefighter.

This has created some problems with staffing and requires firefighters to sometimes perform multiple tasks or roles that would otherwise be done by two or more firefighters, such as throwing up the portable ground ladder, which is normally done with two people. However, if there are only two people riding on the fire truck, then this becomes a one-man job, Josh explains.

Due to these staffing shortages, the East Allen Fire Department has been considering creating an incentive or stipend program to attract new people and staff the fire station. One of the options they are considering is a live-in

type of program for college kids, which they can hopefully start this year or next.

Coming from home, volunteer firefighters can delay the response five to ten minutes in some cases, especially with traffic in the area.

“If everyone is at home, they have to drive to the fire station, get their gear on, jump in the truck, and go on the call. It’s a lot better having people at the station because response times are reduced,” Josh discloses.

Another challenging part of his job as a fire chief involves managing different personalities, which is often harder than the actual job.

“We all go through hundreds of hours of training to deal with an emergency that becomes second nature when we respond to calls, but back at the station, dealing with membership issues or when someone does something wrong and dealing with those personalities, that’s actually more challenging,” Josh describes.

Some of the most rewarding things about being a firefighter for Josh are when he hears about good outcomes of certain incidents like bad motor vehicle accidents, when people stop by the firehouse to say thank you, and when kids ask to take pictures with the firefighters and the fire trucks.

Additionally, Josh explains that one of the things he loves most about his job as a fireman is the brotherhood and sisterhood that the job creates and the people that come along the way, creating Moore Township Community Days Committee presents…

bonds and friendships that last a lifetime.

However, being a fire chief also involves a fair share of politics or “volatics” as Josh calls them on the volunteer side, which requires him to deal with the township, township officials, and different personalities in the fire station.

“Working with everyone to come to a common agreement can be difficult. It’s easier to just be a fireman than deal with all the other stuff that comes with it,” Josh adds.

In terms of advice for individuals thinking about becoming a firefighter or that are just starting out, Josh says: “Take the leap, give it a shot, and don’t hesitate. Take the chance because if you don’t like it, you can always back out. You’ll be thankful for the lasting friendships that you make over time.”

To sum up firefighting, Josh shares that “it’s just fun” because of the excitement, adrenaline rush, and because “you never know what you’re going to see.” Individuals interested in do-

nating to the East Allen Township Fire Department can do so through their website: eastallenfire.org.

The volunteer fire service is struggling for firefighters. Interested applicants can go to the

East Allen Township Fire Department Facebook page, website, or stop by the firehouse Monday nights around 7 p.m. to fill out an application.

Lenten Friday Fish Dinners (Eat-in or take-out)

March 3 & March 31 4:30 to 7 p.m.

$13.00 per person

Children 6-12- $5.00

Children under 6- free

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Auditorium

117 Washington St., Bath

Sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Knights of Columbus Council #14464

HOUSEHOLD BINGO

The Home News

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OFFICE HOURS: Call for an appointment 255E South Best Ave., Walnutport, PA 18088 Content, including text, images, ads and online material may not be re-produced, copied, published either in whole or in part, without the consent of the Publisher(s).

Evelyn M. Kilpatrick

Evelyn M. Kilpatrick, 91 of Nazareth, Pa., passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at Morningstar Senior Living in Nazareth, Pa. Born June 12, 1931 in Nazareth, Pa., she was the daughter of the late William Kilpatrick, Sr. and the late Florence (Gorman) Kilpatrick.

Evelyn was a 1949 graduate of Nazareth H.S. who continued her education earning her B.S. degree in Business Education from Bloomsburg University in 1957. She was last employed as a Business Education Teacher at Nazareth Area Sr. High School for 30 years before retiring in 1990. Previously she taught at Parkland H.S. from 1957-1960. In her earlier years she was secretary to the former Nazareth Senior H.S. Principal, Dr. Lee Graver from 1950-1953. Evelyn was a life long member of St. John's U.C.C. Church, Naza-

reth, Pa., where she served as a pianist, teacher and Supt. for 26 years in the Kindergarten Dept.; Children's Divisional Leader; member of Sr. Choir for 45 years; Music Ass't. for 34 years; Financial Sec. for two and a half years for the Music Search Committee; member of Women's Assoc.; Sec. on Capital Campaign Fund; member of Spiritual Council; Chairperson for the Worship Committee, and member of Partnership Committee. She was a member of PA Assoc. of School Retirees (PASR) and served as secretary of Northampton County Chapter. She also served as a Volunteer at Nazareth Visitor's Center; Member of the Board of Directors at the Nazareth Museum Craft Shop, and member of Nazareth Blue Eagle Foundation.

Evelyn is survived by her sisterin-law, Shirley Kilpatrick of Nazareth, cousin, Susan Rundle of Nazareth, Pa., and, Aunt, Erma Kromer of Bethlehem, Pa. She was predeceased by her brother, William M. Kilpatrick, Jr. in December 2016.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday March 3, 2023 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 183 S. Broad Street Nazareth, PA., 18064. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service in Church. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Hecktown, Pa. BartholomewSchisler Funeral Home, 211 E. Center St., Nazareth, PA 18064

has been entrusted with her care and service.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. John's U.C.C. Memorial Fund c/o the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Christopher D. Kuntz

Christopher D. Kuntz, 60, of Walnutport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. Christopher and his wife, Diane (Hall), celebrated 32 years of marriage on October 6. Born March 9, 1962, in Allentown, he was the son of Donald Kuntz and the late Shirley (Oplinger) Kuntz. Christopher was a pipefitter with Steamfitters Local 420 for 34 years. He was a member of St. Paul’s U.C.C. Indianland and was active on the church board as a deacon. Christopher enjoyed camping and took great pride in mowing his lawn. In addition to his father and wife, Christopher is survived by daughters, Katie Ahner and husband, Kyron, and Lydia Kuntz and fiancé, Tanner; sister, Stephanie

Carbonell and husband, Larry; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 11 a.m. in St. Paul’s U.C.C., 787 Almond Rd., Walnutport. Family and friends may call Wednesday night from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will follow in Indiandland Cemetery, Walnutport.

Arrangements are under the direction of Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton.

Online condolences may be offered at www.reichelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the church, P.O. Box 969 Cherryville, PA 18035 in loving memory of Christopher.

David F. Schramel

David F. Schramel, 64 of Bethlehem, Pa., formerly of Bath - Moore Township, Pa. passed away on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at his residence. Born Aug. 21, 1958 in Allentown, Pa., he was the son of the late Frank Schramel and the late Arlene (Herber) Schramel.

David was a 1976 graduate of Northampton High School who continued his education and earned an Associates Degree in Business from Northampton Community College. David was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bath, Pa. Even though he had many physical challenges he had a zeal for life and was very outgoing, to the point he was a former Church property committee member, he served on church council, and was a past Sunday School and Bible School Teacher. He volunteered his time and enjoyed Musikfest, Bethlehem, Pa. as a team leader for over 21 years. He also volunteered his time at Christkindlmarkt, Bethlehem.

David is survived by aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 7, 2023 at Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3175 Valley View Drive Bath, PA 18014 with the Pastors Rachel Ziese-Hacker and Chris Druckenmiller officiating. Interment will follow in Emmanuel’s Union Cemetery-Valley View, Emmanuelsville, Pa. Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave. Northampton, PA 18067 has been entrusted with his care and services.

Contributions: May be made in his memory to Emmanuel Evan. Luth. Ch. memorial fund c/o the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Northampton School Board Hears budget Presentation From NCC By

SAVANNAH BROWN

During the Monday, February 13 school board meeting, the board heard the 2023-2024 Northampton Community College budget presentation by NCC President David A. Ruth.

During the presentation, Ruth shared that nearly one in four Northampton County high school graduates enrolls at NCC where the average annual tuition cost for full-time students is approximately $5,070 and per credit tuition is $169, which is consistently among the lowest in the state.

A spring 2022 NCC survey found that 98% of students said NCC prepared them to transfer to a four-year college, 96% agreed that NCC prepares students well for careers in trade and technical fields, and 91% rated academic quality as good to excellent. Additionally, 96% of NCC graduates are either employed or continuing their education.

NCC also has more than 50% of students enrolled in online classes because they offer 34 online degree programs and over 250 online classes. Newsweek ranked NCC one of its 2023 top online colleges, ranking NCC as number one in Pa. community colleges and number two in Pa. colleges.

In 2022, 592 NASD students enrolled at NCC, with 40.7% being full-time students, 59.3% being part-time students, 57.4% of which were female, and 16.8% being minority.

To break down funding, the presentation explained how the Community College Act was established in 1963 with the funding formula being one-third state, one-third local, and onethird student, so each would pay approximately one-third of the local student’s tuition. Out of county students would pay

Submitted

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is bringing back the most delicious week with their annual restaurant week.

From Sunday, March 5 to Saturday, March 11, food lovers from across the Lehigh Valley can get a taste of everything

that the Greater Northampton Area’s food and beverage scene has to offer. Participating locations will offer a variety of specials that include, but are not limited to, “set-price” or “prix fixe” menus, gift card deals, and discounted specials.

Patrons will have a chance to return to their favorite spots with added incentives or to try new eateries during GNACC Res-

taurant Week. As of February 24, 12 outstanding restaurants and eateries are participating. There are so many wonderful restaurants and eateries in the Boroughs of Northampton and Bath and their surrounding townships, and this is a great way for them to gain the exposure they deserve. There are plenty of dining options, something for everyone.

Greater Northampton Area Restaurant Week is also a great opportunity for the community to come together and break bread with one another, all while

Submitted by LAUREN FORSTER

Fishing Equipment

Available

When: Monday through

Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Jacobsburg Visitor Center, 400 Belfast Rd., Nazareth New this year, we now loan fly

We specialize in:

Trimming

Snow

PA Lic. #3937

484-903-3295

fishing equipment. Borrow fly rods, spinning rods, fly boxes, and tackle to use in Jacobsburg’s creeks. To borrow equipment, you must provide a driver’s license or other form of state issued identification. Persons age 16 and older must possess a cur-

At

As an artist, Marcie can use the extra space as an art studio, which gives her the freedom to express her creative side, and when she finishes her masterpiece, where better to put it on display?

Her provisional art studio also serves as a guest room for out-of-town or overnight visitors. They can forgo the hotel expense and enjoy her hospitality instead!

SHERRY: Botanical Room

Sherry’s second room allows her to appreciate her collection of plants and enjoy the extra sunlight too.

Plus, the additional living space meant Sherry could hold on to a few of her priceless furniture pieces—some things are just too precious to part with!

rent fishing license to fish. Adults can help children under 16 fish without a license. Bait is not provided. For more information call 610-746-2801 or email jacobsburgsp@pa.gov.

Project FeederWatch Monitoring

“How would you use your extra space?”

to share with a loved one like a family member or best friend.

Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 23 and Friday, March 24 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

You must have already participated in Birds and Bagels - Citizen Science and Monitor Training to register for this volunteer opportunity. Volunteer as a citizen scientist to observe and record bird observations at Jacobsburg’s feeders. You can choose what times you would like to monitor between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., all day commitment is not required. Register to let us know what hours you are available to monitor.

Volunteer Event: Bogsucker Search, Invasive Species Removal, and Earth Day Prep

Saturday, March 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.

After lopping and chopping invasive species to prepare for our Earth Day tree planting event, we will celebrate our accomplishments with an evening hike to look for courting American Woodcocks. Registration is required. Hike for Health

Wednesday, March 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Get moving after work with a brisk hike at Jacobsburg. These guided monthly hikes are 2 to 2.5 miles over uneven terrain. Dogs are welcome to hike on a leash. Meet at the Visitor Center flagpole at 400 Belfast Rd. Join the email reminder list by contacting us at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. Registration is not required.

Family Science NightTantalizing Timberdoodles

Friday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The “sky dance” or courtship display of the American Woodcock is a spectacle which is known to take place at Jacobsburg each year. This program will cover some of the interesting biology of the American Woodcock followed by a quiet meander at sunset as we look and listen for these twirling courtship flights. Registration is required.

Trees in Early Spring

Saturday, March 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Join us to learn how to identify trees without their leaves. We'll use bark, buds, branches, and other clues to help us differentiate common species found growing in Pennsylvania. Please wear warm layers and comfortable walking shoes. Registration is required.

Celestial Wildlife

Saturday, March 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Did you know that the night sky is filled with all sorts of wildlife? Join us for this nighttime adventure as we use our imagination and search the sky for bears, lions, dogs, bulls and even dragons. Please dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes. Bring a blanket to

By SAVANNAH BROWN

The Northampton School Board met Monday, February 13 with a discussion regarding the Pennsylvania Auditor General Report, the Taxpayer Relief Act 1 Index, fund balances, 2023-2024 preliminary budget deficit, and a possible tax increase to cover the deficit.

Although the district was not in violation, Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik took time to explain the Pennsylvania Audi-

tor General Report and the Act 1 Index, which is used to determine the maximum tax increases for each tax the school district levies. For the 2023-2024 school year, the Act 1 Index for NASD is 5.1%, which means the board can raise taxes up to 5.1%. Additionally, school districts can go above the index and ask the state for an increase in funds if special education and/or retirement costs are high.

Breaking down costs, Koval-

Myster Tree and Shrub Service

chik explained that the district’s current special education costs will be close to $23 million due to 19% of the NASD population being special education students, but the state only subsidizes $3.7 million. Since special education costs have increased, this could warrant the district to ask the state for an increase in funds. However, during the January 9 school board meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution indicating that the Board of School Directors will not raise the rate of any tax for the 20232024 fiscal year by more than the Act 1 Index of 5.1%.

Kovalchik also explained that school districts have two fund balances, which are assigned/ committed and unassigned where the district has to maintain a 5-8% overall fund balance. The committed fund balance is for the board to designate future expenditures that they know are coming within the next few years, such as capital projects, heating systems, and fences. The unassigned fund balance is similar to a savings account and for rainy-day expenses that arise.

The Pa. Auditor General picked 12 school districts to audit, and NASD was one of the districts selected due to the district continuously filing for extra funds going above the Act 1 Index and having a large fund balance. However, NASD has not gone above the Act 1 Index in the past five years because the district filed for exceptions but never used them.

“We don’t raise taxes to just have extra money lying around, which is what the Auditor General basically accused us of,” said Kovalchik.

Over the last three years the district has increased the general fund balance by approximately $8.2 million. Moreover, the average tax increase over the last four years is 0.87%.

Since the proposed 2023-2024 budget presentation has a $1.8 million deficit, the board could choose to cover the deficit using funds from the unassigned fund balance, but this would leave the balance under the 5% minimum that the district is required to maintain under Policy 620.

The 2023-2024 budget must be approved by June 30 and the board can choose to raise taxes to cover all or some of the deficit with the remaining funds coming out of the unassigned fund balance in order for the district to maintain a general fund balance of 5-8% of budgeted expenditures.

Board member Kim Bretzik explained that the final recommendation from the auditor was to consider knocking the fund balance down to 5% since the

NAZARETH AREA

of book lovers.”

Continued from page 1

“One of the most meaningful gifts we can offer our children is a life-long love of reading,” said MLNV Executive Director Holly Bennett. “We appreciate the generosity of community members who will give their time and talents on March 2, and every day, to help inspire a new generation

Starting in 1998, the National Education Association declared Dr. Seuss’ birthday Read Across America Day. Since then, libraries and schools across the United States have recognized this day by planning fun and inspiring events designed to nurture a love of reading in children.

The Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity’s birthday bash in honor of Dr. Seuss is free and

Memory Lane

Morningstar Living is dedicated to providing education to caregivers, professionals and community members about dementia-related diseases. Memory Lane is an initiative aimed at providing information and education to the public, specifically about dementia.

If you are caring for someone who is at the middle stages of dementia you likely have many questions - What is known about the middle stages of dementia? What changes can we expect? What approaches can we use? What coping skills can make it less stressful for care partners? Join us for this seminar when Dr. Kelly O'Shea Carney will answer these questions and many more. Leave with a better understanding of what you can expect at this stage of the caregiving journey.

Let's Talk About the Middle Stages of Dementia

THURSDAY, MARCH 16th | 6:00 PM

GUEST SPEAKER: Kelly O'Shea Carney, PhD, ABPP

LOCATION: Kortz Hall Moravian Hall Square, 175 West North St., Nazareth PA

Reservations are required. Call 610.746.1000 or online at https://morningstareventfull.corsizio.com/

open to the public. For more information about this celebration, or any of the library’s programs, please call 610-759-4932 or visit www.nazarethlibrary.org.

Andy’s Corner

By ANDY WEAVER

The Nazareth Girls Basketball team went to Catasauqua High School for the District XI Quarterfinals vs. Emmaus and won 41-34. They competed in the Semifinals vs. Easton on Tuesday, February 28 at Allen High School. The results are unknown at time of print, however the Championship or Consolation would be on Friday, March 3. For ticket information visit https:// districtxi.hometownticketing. com/embed/event/440.

The Nazareth Wrestling team participated in the Individual Tournament at Liberty High School on February 24 and February 25 and finished in second place. Eleven wrestlers advance to Regionals; they are: Charlie Bunting, Sonny Sasso, Jake Doone who got win 100 on Saturday, Tahr Paarkins, Sean Kinney, Domonic Wheatley, Marco Malerba, Cade Campbell, Brayden Zuercher, Jack Campbell and Remy Trach. The Regional Tournament will be at Liberty High School on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4. Tickets can be found at: https://www.piaa.org/sports/ tickets.aspx?from=mobileNav.

The tournament schedule is as follows: Friday, March 3 at Liberty- 5 p.m. preliminary round, quarterfinals at 6:30 p.m. and first cons. round at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, March 4 at Liberty,

the second cons. round will be at 9:30 a.m., the second round will be at 11 a.m., the semifinals/third cons. round will be at 12:30 p.m., fourth cons. round at 3:50 p.m., Parade of Cham-

pions at 4 p.m., and finally the cons./championship finals also at 4 p.m.

For up-to-the-minute sports news, visit https://nazarethsports. webador.com/.

Northampton County Senior Centers

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.

double plus a capital fee and out of state students would pay triple plus a capital fee. The act also established that local taxpayers must pay one-half of the community college’s annual capital expenditures.

However, the original one-third intent has changed due to state and local budget challenges, so the funds are now closer to 51% paid for by the student, 29% paid by the state, and 20% paid for through local taxes by the city, county, or school districts.

Based on 2021-2022 data, NCC’s student tuition and fees for a two semester, full-time stu-

WASTEWATER GENERAL LABORER

The Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority seeks qualified candidates for an entry-level full-time general laborer position. Applicant must be able to lift up to 75 pounds repetitively. General knowledge of wastewater and collection system maintenance is helpful but not necessary. A Class B CDL license with air brake and tank endorsement must be obtained within six months of starting. Hourly rate will be commensurate with qualifications. Pre-employment requirements include a physical, criminal background check, and drug/alcohol testing. The NBMA offers a comprehensive benefits package. Interested candidates should submit their resume to NBMA, PO Box A, Nazareth, PA 18064, email DMinnich@thenbma.com, or fax 610-746-0277.

PART-TIME EMPLOYEE

The Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority is looking to hire a part-time clerical employee to work four hours a day, five days a week. The hours will be 10:00 AM -2:00 PM daily. The job will require daily processing of sewer payments. Employee will be required to pick up mail daily from the post office and post the payments to customer accounts. Job requires computer data entry skills and knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word. Employee will also be required to answer phones and assist the office manager when necessary. Organizational skills and attention to detail are imperative to this position. Pre-employment requirements include criminal background check and drug/alcohol testing.

If interested in joining our office staff, please send your resume to: Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority PO Box A Nazareth, PA 18064

Email to nromanishan@thenbma.com or drop off at our office at 872 Tatamy Rd., Nazareth, PA during the business hours of 7:30AM-4PM. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023.

dent was $4,890, or 51% of the total cost, whereas state appropriations covered $2,829 or 29% of the total cost, and local support accounted for $1,947 or 20% of the total cost of a student’s tuition.

NCC’s strategy is to increase revenues outside the sponsored area by diversifying the enrollment mix in order to minimize local sponsor share annual increases and keep tuition costs down for in-county students. This has allowed NCC to subsidize tuition costs for in-county students, keeping their cost of tuition low, which is currently one of the lowest in the commonwealth, and it has also allowed NCC to keep district budget increases low.

NCC has requested smaller increases over the past few years due to district budget challenges with a 10-year average of a 2.3% increase annually for NASD.

During the January 9 school board meeting, NASD estimated a 3% NCC budget increase for a total of $918,000 during the 20232024 preliminary general fund budget due to the 3.3% increase that NCC requested the previous two years, which amounted to $870,599 during the 2022-2023 school year. However, NCC has requested a 2.93% increase for the 2023-2024 school year, which amounts to $896,370.

Since school boards must approve budgets for the following school year by June 30, the Northampton School Board would have to approve their budget by the June 12 meeting. More information about the NASD 2023-2024 Preliminary General Fund Budget can be found on the district website.

Registrants will be contacted with the meeting location prior to the event.

Weekly Weeders

Thursday, March 30 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Interested in learning more about gardening with native plants? Volunteer to work alongside our education staff as they mulch, pull weeds, divide plants, and amend soil in the center's native plant garden. We provide instruction, tools, and weeding mats. Registration is required.

You can view and register for community programs online at https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ search/events?order=date&sear ch=jacobsburg. If you need accommodation to participate in a program please contact the park office at 610-746-2801 or jacobsburgsp@pa.gov. Interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs with at least five days notice.

Natural Perspectives For the healthMinded individual 3 Days Ago

by DR. GLENN CLEARIE, DC

sit on, a flashlight (with a red filter if available), snack, water, and binoculars if you have them. This program is best for families with children ages 8 years old and up. Please note that the park will not provide telescopes at this program. Registration is required.

14th Annual Governor Wolf Historical Society Antiques Show

Speaking to many individuals over the years, I can tell you with relative authority that what has occurred in our past does clearly have an impact, a clear bearing on our lives today. Nothing appears to be more impressionable in our later years than the circumstances of childhood years. Would you mostly agree with this assertion? I have seen this truth play out repeatedly.

Someone might lament about how a parent was hard on them or abandoned the family at some point which has had a very real impact even to this day, which is understandable. Still others had rock solid fathers and mothers, yet some other variable entered their lives that transformed their outlook forevermore and not in a good way. We have all seen positive impacts that can last a lifetime as well. The blessing of having a godly grandmother strikes deep to my heart. So yes, what we went through decades ago can, may and will affect us in some way today.

This said, we also need to understand that we do not need to go back 20, 30 years to see where “stuff” has been embedded into our psyche and could be affecting us this very minute. No, we can look to recent memory for that. Simply give thought to your life about 72 hours ago.

Go ahead and take a quiet minute and recall what was going on about three days ago. If you are feeling lousy today, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, do a selfcheck and see what was going on then. Since it was only three days you should be able to reasonably recall details.

Carbon Model Railroad Society's Spring Train Meet

Submitted by GARRY

The Carbon Model Railroad Society is sponsoring its Spring Train Meet on Sunday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The meet will be held at the Diamond Fire Co. Bingo Hall, located at 120 Main St., Walnutport. This is a model railroad, toy train and railroadiana sale for the serious and amateur railroad and model train

collector. Food will be available for purchase from the kitchen. on the district’s website, www. nasdschools.org.

School Board

Continued from page 7

current balance is at 6.3%.

“If we feel that 5% is adequate, then we should go down to that before we pull the pin on a tax increase,” said Bretzik.

Kovalchik maintains that the school board has been transparent regarding budgets and has not violated any laws or policies because the district follows the procedures and rules that the state has in place.

A copy of the 2023-2024 preliminary general fund balance budget presentation can be found

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LAWN MOWING, EDGING, MULCHING,

on social media!

Morningstar Living invites you to visit our Moravian Hall Square campus in Nazareth to enjoy a variety of programs.

EventFULL Living is a series of programs to enrich life’s journey. Reserve your place today in as many programs as you like.

The programs for March include:

THURSDAY, MARCH 16th | 6:00 PM

Memory Lane: Let's Talk About the Middle Stages of Dementia

If you are caring for someone who is at the middle stages of dementia you likely have many questions - What is known about the middle stages of dementia? What changes can we expect? What approaches can we use? What coping skills can make it less stressful for care partners? Join us for this seminar presented by Dr. Kelly O'Shea Carney.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21st | 10:30 AM

Beginning is Half Done

If your family has been bugging you to “write this stuff down!” for years, here’s your chance to finally get started. Renowned author and writing instructor Joe Kita, will guide this 90-minute workshop in which you will learn the difference between memoir and autobiography, the three basic ingredients of a great story, how to write a riveting first chapter, two easy ways to instantly improve your writing, and much more. And if all this sounds like too much work, you’ll even learn how to write a six-word memoir and be done with it. Join us for this fun and informative class.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24th | 7:00 PM

TimeWhys

TimeWhys performs the great music of the 1960s & 70s, recreating those captivating times when AM radio ruled supreme and pop rock gems filled the airwaves. TimeWhys takes pride in authentically reproducing many of the intricate details of the original performances in the songs they play, because they believe you should hear these songs as you remember them. Band members, Frank, Tom, Mark & John, are multi-instrumentalists, using technology to reproduce sound that would take six or eight musicians to replicate. Audiences are always captivated by TimeWhys’s vocals and harmonies. Voted the BEST band in the Valley for many years!

THURSDAY, MARCH 30th | 2:00 PM

Al Grout Juggler & Magician

Whether he’s juggling knives and apples (eating apples as he goes) or balancing nine cigar boxes on his chin, his pacing is quick, his jokes are witty and his audience is involved. Al Grout’s riveting show will fascinate audiences of all ages.

Rest. week

Continued from page 5 supporting the local economy and uniting the neighborhoods that make up the Northampton Area School District. It is a fun week to gather together with friends and loved ones to wrap up the winter months, too.

“During this week our hardworking restaurants extend special deals and added menu items to the community so that its members have an even more enticing and affordable way to dine out and support the local ‘mom and pop’ eateries. It means so

much to them to have a successful week and have added opportunities to interact with an increased number of patrons. Get out and taste a new place. Make a date or bring the family,” said Nicole Miles, manager of the Greater Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, the Chamber is offering another enticing way to engage in this special week. Take the chance to be a winner.

Check our GNACC Facebook page for a chance to win gift cards to the participating eateries and listen to WAEB and B-104 on your radio or iHeart app for a chance to call in and win gift cards.

Restaurant Week Participants (as of February 16):

Mattie's Strudel Haus, 126 W. Main St., Bath

Byron Place Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant , 124 S. Walnut St., Bath

My Place Pizza, 270 E. Northampton St., Bath

Seemsville Pub & Grille, 3819 Seemsville Rd., Northampton

The Gin Mill & Grille, 1750 Main St., Northampton

Bean Bath Cafe, 2425 Plaza Ct., Bath

Palermo's Italian Grill & Pizza , 11 E. 24th St., Northampton

The Bath Exchange, 204 W. Main St., Bath

Town & Country Restaurant, 350 S. Walnut St., Bath

Red Wolf Bar & Grille, 210 W. Main St., Bath

Assante Ristorante Italiano, 2050 Main St., Northampton Point Phillips Hotel, 943 Point Phillips Rd., Bath

Participating restaurant specials can be viewed here: https:// www.lehighvalleychamber.org/ northamptonrw-582940.html/.

Natural Perspectives

Were you sick with a head cold?

Did you travel or sleep somewhere atypical? Did you have an argument with someone you love? Did you feel an injustice of sortsscammed, angry, hurt deep to the core by something or someone? Ask yourself what was going on then that could potentially be affecting you now.

If you are feeling really good right now, I could almost bet that three days ago things were probably decent. Maybe you slept in, exercised, felt cherished, honored. Maybe you did some good things for other people. Perhaps a situation was finally handled; a burden lifted.

Clearly this is not always the case, yet I want you to take a look at the generality of what I am speaking to here and understand we are a collection of much, whether 30 years or three days embedded. What has occurred in our past affects us all in turn some way or another.

I want to make you aware that while something good or not so great a couple days ago can be affecting things right now, you should also know that food choices back then affect you presently as well. What I am saying is if you ate a ton of garbage, sugar, or alcohol three days ago, it is no doubt impacting your world right now. That intake is altering your bowel, stomach, joints, and of course your emotions and reasoning skills. Can

you relate to this? Can you also see this for the truth it is? I hope you can.

When we take care of ourselves today, it is actually an act of love for our future selves. That actually sounds a little strange to say, yet this is a truth I have seen borne out over and over.

I would encourage you to journal what’s been going on in your life the past few days and perhaps anticipate, script in, how you

would like the next couple days to play out. Then stick to the script as best able. That way you can reflect on these words and determine yourself if a correlation does in fact exist in some fashion. What you find may be surprising. My best to you.

"Natural Perspectives" is a health commentary only and does not claim to diagnose and/or make treatment recommendations. Always seek the advice of your health care professional.