Family Lehigh Valley
June 2013
Fun Things To Do! Tame Your Wild Wardrobe The Fresh Air Fund:
Thriving in our Community
SAT Prep: 4 Steps to Success
Water Sports: Have Fun, Get Fit, Be Cool
Pric take eless one!
.com
Family Lehigh Valley
OUR TEAM Publisher Jeff Tintle, II
FROM THE EDITOR
Photos:
Editor
Janet Sena Pix-Ology, LLC www.Pix-Ology.com
855-233-7034 x 702
Contributors
Laura Putt
Editor@ lehighvalleyfamily.com
Associate Editor Vicki Bezems
Jeff Tintle Sr. Art Villafane Denise Continenza Amanda Furbeck
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Contact 855-233-7034 x 700 or sales@lehighvalleyfamily.com
A Thrive, LLC Publication 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104 • Allentown 18103 855-233-7034 editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com
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Copyright© 2013 by Thrive, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher. Thrive, LLC assumes no responsibility for damages arising from errors or omissions. Thrive Media, 905 Harrison Street, Suite 104, Allentown 18103. www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily. com. Print issues are published monthly and are available at libraries, churches, health clubs, medical facilities, child care centers, preschools, educational centers, Giant Food Stores, and other locations where publications are generally found. Print subscriptions are available for $20 (6 issues).
R
ecently, I was browsing my latest obsession, Pinterest. I paused at a photo of a mom sitting on a step with her beautiful little girl, laughing. Next to it was text that read “You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow, they’ll be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift, breathe and notice. Smell and touch them, study their faces and little feet and pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today, it will be over before you know it.” How striking. I actually got a little choked up typing that. But how true it is, and how easy to forget on a busy day, that we will not have these little people for long. Soon they will be big, and no more will they long for our attention and approval. Today is the day we need to make a difference to them, and appreciate each phase they are in (yep, even those really annoying ones). As a person who is easily caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, I often forget to have fun with my kids. For this issue, I scoured the internet for fun ideas to do with my kids this summer. The blogs of other moms were amazing. I can’t help but wonder, are their lives are really fun-filled learning adventures every moment of every single day as they appear online? Am I seriously dropping the ball as a parent? More than likely, these women moms are just like me. Crazy busy but committed to having fun with their children. Either way, I feel very inspired to slow down and commit to having more fun with my kids. After all, they will only be this small today. Tomorrow they will be taller, smarter, and a little more independent. Every moment must be relished. This issue should provide you with a great starting point of ideas to have fun with your family. We have a lot of events listed on page 16, and there are even more listed on our website’s calendar of events. So this month, whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the precious little moments together.
- Laura
table of contents The Summer Fun Issue
For families of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and Beyond!
features 4 6 7 8 Summer is finally here! Time to kick back and relax.
On the Cover: Robert, Lehigh Valley Fresh Air Fund visitor from New York. Photo courtesy of Jenae Holtzhafer.
10 12 14 16
Run On! SAT Prep: 4 Steps to Success
Fun Facts Make a Splash: Water Sports in the Valley Fresh Air Fund Considering Cyber School? Tame Your Wild Wardrobe Fun Things To Do
Connect With Us Online! www.Leh i g h V a l l e y F a m i l y.c o m Lehigh Valley Family offers a monthly online magazine with fresh content, articles, listings, calendar of events, videos, links and more! It’s all free and available online. Also, sign up on the web site for a free email subscription to Lehigh Valley Family’s news and updates.
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SAT Prep: 4 Steps to a Better Score By Huntington Learning Center
T
he SAT is probably the most important exam a student will ever take. It can carry as much weight with college admissions officers as years’ worth of grades, and determine whether a student gets into a top-choice university. With pressure that intense, it’s easy for students to become stressed; some might even give up in the face of the challenge. However, the SATs don’t have to be a frightening experience. With the right preparation, students will go into the exam room with a confident attitude and come away with strong scores. Every student tests differently, but certain strategies are sure to lead to better SAT results. One of those strategies is to simply recognize that everyone gets stressed in high-pressure situations, but that coping with that stress, and turning it into a positive motivation, should be the goal. Learning to deal effectively with stress shouldn’t be up to the student alone; guidance along the way is important. With that in mind, these four steps can give students the confidence they need to take the SAT and show off their knowledge to the best of their abilities.
1. Get an early start. Cramming for a short quiz is one
thing, but it should never be an option for the SAT. A test this important (and complex) means that studying should begin at least a couple of months in advance. Even if a student already does well in school, getting used to the SAT testing format and timing can lead to better results. Because the SAT is offered in October, November, December, January, March, May and June, many students opt to take it during the spring of their junior year. Some choose to re-take it in the fall of their senior year, after they’ve had even more time to prepare.
2. Use a tutor. Getting expert help can make all the
difference between average and outstanding SAT scores. Oneon-one tutoring from organizations like Huntington Learning Centers includes more than just sample questions. Students work with certified tutors to learn test-taking strategies that help them approach the test with self-assurance. Additionally, tutoring services from Huntington include the option to take multiple practice tests.
3. Provide family support. When a student is the only
one in the household preparing for the SAT, he or she might end up feeling alone in having to work so hard while everyone else is seemingly having fun. It’s important that families discuss the process of study and preparation, while assuring the student that his or her hard work is being noticed. Huntington Learning Center makes it easy for parents to take an active role by offering conferences together with the student and the tutor. For more information, students and parents can visit http://huntingtonhelps.com/program/sat.
4. Focus on wellness. A healthy mind and a healthy
body go hand-in-hand. Studying late into the night and munching on junk food snacks can leave a student run down and not as mentally sharp as he or she needs to be. Make healthy eating, reasonable amounts of sleep and regular, fun exercise a priority for the whole family. Everyone will enjoy the benefits and it’s a great way to make a student feel like there’s more to life than SAT stress. There’s no doubt about it – the SATs are important and can have an effect on a student’s future. With the right preparation, the test will look less like something to fear and more like an opportunity to succeed. Learn more at Huntington Learning Center, 3926 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, Pa. 18020. 610-866-4064 or by visiting HuntingtonHelps.com.
Fun, Useless Facts! • A spider has transparent blood. • Every acre of American crops harvested contains 100 pounds of insects. • The most common street name in the U.S. is Second Street. • Babies are most likely to be born on Tuesdays. • The Minneapolis phone book has 21 pages of Andersons. • Poland is the “stolen car capital of the world”. • Jefferson invented the dumbwaiter, the monetary system, and the folding attic ladder. • The S in Harry S. Truman did not stand for anything. • A horse can look forward with one eye and back with the other. • The word Pennsylvania is misspelled on the Liberty Bell. • NBA superstar Michael Jordan was originally cut from his high school basketball team. • You spend 7 years of your life in the bathroom. • A family of 26 could go to the movies in Mexico city for the price of one in Tokyo. • Approximately every seven minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls their hamstring. • Simplistic passwords contribute to over 80% of all computer password break-ins. • Dentists have recommended that a toothbrush be kept at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush. • Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin. • Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.
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www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
Make a Splash! Water Sports in the Valley By Art Villafane, Lehigh Valley Family
I
recently met with an interesting group of individuals from around the Valley. They are members of a kayaking group who are enjoying a sport that is growing in popularity.
Most of them met through a local kayak Meet Up group sponsored by LL Bean. My friend, Stu, joined it as a way to meet new friends and to get some good exercise. Many of the group echoed his sentiments. They meet regularly, often several times a week, to go kayaking around the Valley. They go out on Lake Nockamixon quite a bit. According to several, the lake is calm, large and quiet. In fact one of the attractions of the sport is the serenity that one finds while kayaking. They often see ospreys and eagles along with some “beautiful sunsets and sunrises”.
There are as many women as there are men in the group. Kayaking does not require strength so it is ideal for people of all ages and levels of fitness. For those who go regularly they find that they can get into really good shape relatively quickly. It is not expensive to dip your toe into kayaking. Instead of buying equipment you can rent it. If you like it you can buy a new kayak for as little as $400 – or you can find a used kayak for even less. As with all hobbies you can quickly spend quite a bit of money, but it is not necessary. There are hundreds of enthusiasts throughout the Valley spread out among the different kayak groups. If you have even a little bit of interest I urge to go to a Meet Up group and chat with the members. Then go out and give kayaking a try. You may very well find it become a favorite way for your family to spend time together, enjoying nature, having fun,
Where to go:
Bucks County River Country 2 Walters Ln., Point Pleasant Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, or just dabbling www.RiverCountry.net into places to kayak, canoe, swim or dive - the Lehigh Tubing, rafting, kayaking, or canoeing down the Delaware Valley is laden with places to go within a short drive. River. The more adventurous should try the Full Moon night
May 2013
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www.LehighValleyFamily.com
time trip. Visit the website for $10 tubing specials and coupons. Delaware River Tubing, Inc. 2998 Daniel Bray Hwy, Frenchtown delawarerivertubing.com Tubing, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Delaware River. Each rental includes an exclusive free BBQ meal with “The Famous River Hot Dog Man.” Driftstone On the Delaware 2731 River Rd., Mt. Bethel www.driftstone.com Enjoy camping at our beautiful riverside location or canoeing, kayaking, rafting, boating, pool swimming and other planned activities. Dutch Springs 4733 Hanoverville Rd., Bethlehem www.dutchsprings.com Featuring an Aqua Park, a water park on the water, and the Sky Challenge, a wall climb and high ropes adventure course, and scuba diving. Jim Thorpe River Adventures
1 Adventure Ln., Jim Thorpe www.jtraft.com The Lehigh River Gorge in Jim Thorpe is great for whitewater rafting, easy family rafting trips, whitewater kayaking and mountain biking. Whether you want kayaking lessons, Lehigh River rafting trips, or rail-trail bike rides. Pocono Whitewater Adventure 1519 State Rt. 903, Jim Thorpe www.poconowhitewater.com Choose your own pace – mild to wild rafting and kayaking trips, family trips, scenic and relaxed rail-trail biking excursion and adrenaline-filled action in our skirmish paintball games. Whitewater Challengers, Inc. 4480 State St., White Haven www.WhiteWaterChallengers.com Enjoy rafting on world-class whitewater in the “Adirondacks,” or challenge the awesome rapids of the “Black River Canyon”. Whitewater Rafting Adventures 101 W. Adventure Trail Rd., Nesquehoning www.adventurerafting.com Offering kayaking, rafting, paintball, ziplines, mountain biking, and more!
www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
Coming Up for Air:
Inner City Kids Get a Chance to Breathe Fresh Air in the Lehigh Valley By Vicki Bezems, Lehigh Valley Family
O
ne hundred thirty-six years ago, New York City was overcrowded with children living in housing tenements. Many were suffering from a tuberculosis epidemic, and “fresh air” was considered a cure for respiratory ailments. The Reverend Willard Parsons, a minister in Sherman, Pennsylvania, asked members of his small, rural parish to provide country vacations as volunteer host families for New York City’s neediest children. The Fresh Air Fund, an independent notfor-profit organization, was created with one simple mission – to give children living in low-income communities an opportunity to get away from the hot, noisy streets of New York and experience the country. Today, the Fresh Air Fund is thriving. In 2012, close to 9,000 boys and girls benefited from the Fresh Air experience by visiting the homes of families in 13 states and Canada. We spoke at length with Jenae Holtzhafer, Lehigh Valley Fund Representative and Chairperson for East Penn and Lower Lehigh Friendly Towns, who gave me a first hand account of the Fund and what it does. LVF: How long have you been involved with the Fresh Air Fund? Jenae: Officially, I’ve been the chairperson since the fall of 2010. My family has hosted an 11-year old boy, Robert, for the last four years. LVF: How has the Fresh Air Fund grown in the Lehigh Valley? Jenae: It was very active many years ago, and then died down
May 2013
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Photos courtesy of Jenae Holtzhafer
because of a lack of volunteers. When I first got involved, there were only a few host families. Between 2010 and 2011, it grew from 15 families; in 2012, to 67 families; and this year our goal is 100 families. We’ve been able to grow because we’ve been able to add trips for the children to come to the area to suit host families’ schedules -- this is the first year we’ve offered four trips -- and because we’ve been able to offer some fun group events. For instance, as a group we go wading in Jordan Creek, the Lehigh Valley Zoo gives us free tickets, and Shankweiler’s Drive-in gives us discounts. We’re hoping to get more volunteers in addition to host families to help with these events. LVF: How do the children benefit from their trips outside the city? Jenae: This program exposes the Fresh Air children to experiences and opportunities that are different from what they encounter in the city. For example, seeing a sky full of stars, going to the drive-in movies, or making their first s’more over an open fire are all moments they may never otherwise experience. The families of these children are also impacted by the program, by knowing that someone cares about them and supports them. When we first started hosting Robert, he was eight years old. He came to us very smart, and with good manners, but he, his mother, and his sister live on the tenth floor of an apartment building in a housing project in the Bronx, without a yard or many safe places to go outside. In
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the four years that Robert has been visiting us, his mom has become motivated to make a better life for her children. She has just graduated with a degree in Medical Administration and is going on to get a bachelor’s degree. The kids love the simple things: going to the pool, going fishing, and just being outside. When we asked Robert last summer what his favorite thing to do is, he said, “Every day is my favorite thing. Just driving in the car is fun. We never get to go in the car in the city.” LVF: How are host families and children selected for the program? Jenae: Anyone can host: families with children, empty nesters, singles, retirees, or young couples. We take an application, visit the family and see the home, and contact references they supply. Very rarely do we have to deny a family. There are about 6,000 kids who apply, and 3,000 host families. The visiting children must be between six and 12 years old and come from families of a certain income level. Their families go through a screening process that is very thorough and not easy. We try to make the best matches between host family and Fresh Air child because we hope that the family will invite him or her back, year after year. Sometimes a host will invite the child to extend his or her stay. If a child and the family are not a good match or the host can’t invite the child for a second summer, we’ll re-assign the child to a different family. Our family invites Robert to come out on the bus and visit us at various times during the year. He came out for the Emmaus Christmas Tree Lighting, and we made Christmas cookies. He came for President’s Day weekend, which was also his birthday. He had the opportunity to shadow my son, Addison, at Lincoln Elementary for a day. We are planning to invite his mother and sister to come, so we can give his mom a graduation party. LVF: What are some of the ways the host family benefits from the program? Jenae: You’re teaching your own kids something very personal and important. There will be cultural differences, and they will learn about diversity. You want them to understand that not everybody has what we have here in the Lehigh Valley. Part of the reason we decided to host originally was so that we could give back to someone less fortunate and gain a better appreciation for what we have.” It’s very gratifying to know that you’ve helped someone in this way. At our fundraiser at Iron Lakes Country Club in April, the photographer that we hired came to me after the event and told me his story. Now in his 60’s, he was a Fresh Air
Fund kid. His host family kept him for two weeks and then called his mom and asked if he could stay for another two weeks. When he grew up, he moved to the Poconos and has lived there ever since. At the benefit dinner, a former host family shared the story of their relationship with their Fresh Air child, Shane. They built a relationship with Shane as he grew and taught him how to swim and play baseball. He went on to swim and play baseball for his high school. Now in college, he was unable to attend the dinner because of his exam schedule, but he sent a video telling this family how grateful he is for what they’ve done for him. LVF: Is it hard for the children to return home after spending time away from the city? Jenae: The way we look at it, it’s hard but it’s better than never having had the opportunity. They have it to look forward to year after year. I tell Robert to look at it as a vacation. I have a good time when I go on vacation, but then it’s time for it to end. When I asked Robert what his friends in the Bronx think when they see photos of his friends, my two sons, Robert answered, “Weston and Addison are not my friends. They are my brothers.” The Fresh Air Fund in the Lehigh Valley is accepting applications from host families through June. If you feel that you would like to host or volunteer for an event, contact Jenae Holtzhafer at lvfreshair@gmail.com. You can learn about the program at http://www.freshair.org or watch videos of some of last summer’s events at www.wfmz.com (search for Fresh Air Fund). After my interview with Jenae, I was so excited about the Fresh Air Fund, I told my own family about it. We couldn’t wait to sign up as a host family. Our Fresh Air Fund child will be with us in early August.
www.LehighValleyFamily.com • Lehigh Valley Family
Anti-Boredom Guide
By Laura Putt, Lehigh Valley Family This list is certain to keep kids busy, happy, and most of all, having fun! - Shaving Cream Slip and Slide: Got a plastic slide and a large plastic tablecloth? Place the tablecloth under the end of the slide, coat slide portion of sliding board with shaving cream and you are in ready for a messy, but thrilling activity! - Rainy Day Painting: Let the kids find a picture they love on the internet. Using an inkjet printer, print a large photo onto watercolor paper, we recommend card weight. Set the print out in the rain. Wait till it gets good and wet, bring it in and dry! Enjoy the new runny colors. *This will also work with acrylic paint if you put it out in the rain before the paint dries. - Search for Sea Life: Cook some spaghetti. Use a lot of salt in the water to prevent sticking. Run it under cold water, coat with oil, and dye it with a few drops of blue food coloring. Dump into a large bin, or if you are feeling wild, in a baby pool. Within the noodles, hide plastic “creatures”, shells, and other treasures. Let the kids dig, squish, and hunt for the hidden treasure.
- Hot day? Make Freezy Dough! All you will need: Shaving Cream, Food Coloring, Freezer space. (Optional- Koolaid, cocoa powder, extract, or any other product you desire for adding scent. Optional- substitute Cool Whip to make an edible freezy dough.) So fun for kids and so simple for parents. Mix shaving cream with a bit of food coloring and scent in a bowl and freeze. After a few hours you can pull your dough out and play! Like Playdough, there are tons of ways to play with Freezy Dough it is icy cold and feels exactly like ice cream. Just be careful they don’t eat it if you use shaving cream! - Stuck inside? Have a snowball fight! Just use sock balls. - Make Lava Bottles: This is really fun and a mini science lesson about oil and water not mixing! What you’ll need: clear plastic or glass bottle; baby oil; water; food coloring; alka seltzer. 1. Fill the bottle about 1/8th with water. 2. Fill the rest of the bottle with baby oil until nearly full - watch the oil and water separate. 3. Slowly add drops of food coloring a couple at a time - this step is really neat - the food colouring stays in little balls as it drops through the oil and then pools where the water and oil meet - gradually these little balls burst and fill the water with color. 4. When the food colouring has mixed with the water, break up an alka seltzer tablet into a few pieces and drop the pieces in and watch the magic happen. Repeat step four to your heart’s content! When finished, put lid on the bottle and save for another day.
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Considering Cyber School? Visit PA Cyber’s Open House!
F
amilies in the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Pennsylvania interested in learning about cyber charter school are invited to attend any of four open house events this summer at PA Cyber’s local satellite office. Last fall the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School opened its Lehigh Valley office at 974 Marcon Blvd., Suite 200, Allentown, PA 18109. PA Cyber teachers, administrators, students and parents will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate how cyber school works. “Though cyber students go to school online, PA Cyber provides many in-person educational enrichment classes, tutoring and administrative services to our students and families through our local offices,” said Dr. Michael J. Conti, PA Cyber CEO. Programs at the Lehigh Valley office include ArtsReach enrichment classes two days a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Recent arts classes included beginning guitar, songwriting and comic book drawing. In the Clicks and Bricks program, students in grades 5-12 can bring their laptops to the office Mondays and Wednesdays and do their schoolwork scienc
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in a secure learning environment, with a certified teacher present to provide individual tutoring and study help.
Dates and times for open houses: • June 4, 6-8 p.m. • July 9, 3-5 p.m. • July 25, 6-8 p.m. • Aug. 15, 3-5 p.m. No pre-registration is necessary.
The Allentown office may be reached through the PA Cyber toll-free phone number, 1-888-722-9237 (1-888-PACYBER), extension 1422. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bill Haas is the office coordinator. Families unable to attend the open houses may arrange individual tours or enrollment meetings by appointment. PA Cyber requires a face-to-face meeting with students and parents for enrollment. The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is Pennsylvania’s largest and most successful cyber charter school, with an enrollment of 11,500 students from every corner of the Commonwealth. Recognized as a national innovator and leader in online education, PA Cyber holds full K-12 accreditation from the Middle States Association for Schools and Colleges. Learn more at www.PACyber.org.
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Taming the Wild Wardrobe Beastie: 8 tips to trim the fat from your overflowing wardrobe. By Amanda Furbeck, Lehigh Valley Family Fashionista
W
hen was the last time you looked deep into your closet, only to decide you have nothing nice to wear? Chances are, your closet is stuffed to the breaking point with lots of wonderful clothes, but you just can’t seem to find the right outfit because it’s too full of the wrong ones. Don’t wait for a New Year’s resolution or a fresh spring cleaning to get your wardrobe in its best shape; start now. Even small changes will go a long way towards alleviating your fashion frustration. Mend it, give it, trash it. First things first, right? Sort through your closet for anything that needs mending. Is it worth fixing? Will you wear it if it actually is mended? Take it to a tailor and get it fixed or just get rid of it; otherwise it’s just taking up much needed closet space. As you work through your closet, keep your eye out for anything that is beyond repair (how many pairs of gardening jeans do you REALLY need, especially if you don’t even have a garden?) and anything that doesn’t fit your style and body type (keep a donation box on hand as you work). Fit and flatter trumps trend and style. The most important rule of a great wardrobe is to remember that wearing what looks great on you is far more important than wearing what is trendy. Even the latest, greatest fashion piece isn’t worth it if you don’t look and feel fabulous when you are wearing it. Keep the pieces that look terrific on you, and if it doesn’t look
so hot, put it in the pass it on pile. If it highlights your muffin top, bulges at the bra, or hangs on you like a hanger, it’s not the right size and needs to go. It never hurts to get an honest friend’s opinion, but remember that she may not share your style preferences. Forget those fifteen pounds. Who doesn’t have a few items stashed in their closet that they are convinced they will wear again knce they’ve lost those last fifteen pounds? If you’ve just had a baby, this probably won’t apply. But the rule to remember is: if it doesn’t fit then forget it! Pass it on. Besides, when you do lose those last fifteen pounds, you’ll want something new and spectacular to show off all your hard work. Turn it around. If you’re not sure if you’re going to wear certain items again, turn your hangers backwards. As you wear the items in your closet, turn the hangers back the right way. If the hanger is still backwards after six months (winter outerwear and bathing suits notwithstanding) it’s time to pass it on. Store it right. Classic formal wear may live in your wardrobe for two years without being worn, but if you absolutely love it, keep it! Have it professionally dry cleaned, and then store it in a garment bag in a clean, dry closet away from bugs, dampness, or dirt. Have it dry cleaned and try it on before you wear it again, just in case. If you don’t love it, ditch it! How often do you re-wear a bridesmaid dress, prom dress, or
formal gown anyway? Ditch anything that despairs you. Remember that suit you wore to the job interview that flubbed? Chances are, it won’t bring you any amount of confidence at your next one, so if you can afford it, get rid of it and find something new for the next one. Sort your shoes. Use the same keen eye on your shoes as you do on the rest of your wardrobe. If they’re worn out, if you haven’t worn them in over six months, if they are ugly, or if you bought those crazy shoes on sale but don’t love them – pass them on and don’t look back. Can shoe polish make those old favorite heels look great? Do you just need some shoe inserts to make them more walkable? Then fix them up; they’re keepers. Keep it. If it fits great and you feel confident in it, keep it! If its classic trousers, a simple shift dress, a wrap dress, or a button blouse, keep it! If it is last year’s high fashion accessory, think about it. If it improves your life, makes you feel great, or goes with your favorite sweater, it’s probably a keeper. If that article of clothing is in great shape, flatters your figure, and suits your style, it deserves a spot in your closet. If it deviates from your favorite style, favorite color, or taste in
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clothes, turn the hanger around to see if you actually do wear it. Seriously consider your lifestyle. If you work all the time, you probably don’t need a ton of play clothes. If you never exercise, you don’t seventeen pairs of running shoes. And if you’re a stay at home mom or work in a casual environment, do you really need a month’s worth of business suits? Or just a few exceptional outfits for special occasions? Is it truly sentimental? Then keep it! But if it’s not worn regularly (think wedding dresses and college T’s) you might want to store it somewhere safe. If it isn’t truly sentimental, someone else may just love to wear it. Donate. Salvation Army, Goodwill, Twice Blessed, and local shelters are all terrific ideas. They are usually in need of gently used clothes for women. If you have business clothes in great shape, consider The Perfect Fit for Working Women – an organization in the Lehigh Valley that helps disadvantaged women enter the workforce. Finally, if it’s broken- fix it. If it’s stained or tattered beyond repair, throw it away. If it looks great on the hanger but not on you, then donate it. And if fits, flatters, and figures into your lifestyle, find it a special spot in your closet. Next month: What every wardrobe needs: surefire staples for super style.
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3 1 0 2 e Jun
Beauty and the Beast
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, DeSales University, Schubert Theatre. The traditional fairytale comes to life with the help of an Enchantress who brings the magic of dreams, imagination, and romance. Meet the cast after each performance. www.pashakespeare.org. May 31 – August 3rd. Kid’s Day, Pocono International Raceway Friday and Saturday, June 7 - 8. Admission free for kids 12 and under. This includes full access to Fan Fair and the Kid’s Zone, as well as NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice & Qualifying, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Practice and more! www.poconoraceway.com. First Friday Family Fun Night June 7, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy children’s musician Dave Fry at Emmaus Community Park on the June calendar? 6-9pm and free to anyone. Picnics are encouraged! Chik-Fil-A and Sugar So Sweet cupcakes will be available on-site too! Hollingshead Celebration, Becky’s Drive-In Theatre June 8 at 6 p.m.
Fireworks display at intermission, in honor of Richard Hollingshead the founder of the first drive-in theatre in 1933, pony rides, moon bounce, trackless fire engine rides. Rain date June 15. www.beckysdi.com.
Kutztown Folk Festival, June 29-July 7 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest folklife festival in America. Demonstrations of traditional crafts by 200 juried American craftsmen, folklife demonstrations, historical reenactments, antiques, traditional music, and dancing associated with the PA Dutch. Children experience traditional, handson enjoyment in exciting new ways. Noah’s World animal park, hay mazes, do-it-yourself mural paintings, rides, and their own children’s stage. The best Pennsylvania Dutch food and treats to be had anywhere! 225 N. White Oak St, Kutztown, Pa. Saturday Music Showcase The Lehigh Valley Mall will host Saturday Music Showcase concert series, starting June 8 with Bethlehem-based rock group Billy Bauer Band. The concerts will take place 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays in June at the Lifestyle Center at the Whitehall Township mall. The rest of the lineup is: June 15 -
The Large Flowerheads; June 22 - She Said Sunday; June 29- Mike Dugan and the Blues Mission. lehighvalleymall.com. First FridayJune 7, 6 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. A monthly celebration of arts and culture in the Southside Shopping and Arts District of Bethlehem. Peruse the art galleries, unique boutiques, salons and shops, while enjoying food and wine samples, live music, and special deals. Art Walk June 29th, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Come stroll through the Historic Shopping District along Main and Broad Streets, of Bethlehem while local artists and musicians line the streets! Kids Corner will be at 60 West Broad Street on the outdoor patio area in front of ESU and Blink27! Kids crafts, tie-dye, pottery, coloring, and more! Doggie Day Sunday, June 30 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bethlehem’s Main Street is going to the dogs and will again feature the “Mutt Strutt” Doggie Parade. Parade registration begins at 11 a.m. in the Sun Inn Courtyard, behind the Historic Sun Inn. The parade will begin promptly at 1pm. Proceeds will be shared with Animals in Distress and the Center for Animal Health and Welfare. Doggie Day will also feature
a marketplace of nearly 50 dog-related businesses that will have information, giveaways and more throughout the afternoon! Annual Lehigh Valley Food & Wine Festival. May 31 - June 2. 12 - 4 p.m. Enjoy a Grand Tasting featuring over 20 of the Lehigh Valley’s best restaurants and over 30 varieties of wine from around the world, as well as champagne and spirits tasting rooms and live entertainment. Includes a Burger & Beer Bash on Friday night and a wine dinner on Saturday night. Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem. 35th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival June 8- 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Don’t miss one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts festival in the state! Over 100 vendors on our historic property. Live entertainment will feature local entertainers including the Craig Thatcher band, a pie eating contest, youth activites, and much more. 214 E Center Street, Bethlehem. www.moravianhistoricalsociety.org. Artifest 2013 June 8-9 Family-friendly celebration of culture and tradition through Art, Music, Dance and Food. At Kids Place, children can paint the Kaleidoscope Mural and create crafts from piñatas to Chinese lanterns. Lehigh Parkway, Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery
Rd., Allentown, PA 18103. www.artifest.org. Bark for Life of Lehigh Valley June 8 at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. A noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. Join for a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games. Rodale Cycling and Fitness Park, 1151 Mosser Road, Breinigsville Pennsylvania. www.relayforlife.org/barklehighvalleypa Southside Film Festival June 13 - 15. The SouthSide Film Festival is a great week of films, friends, food and spirit Children’s Films at 10:00 am, 11:30, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pa. Bethlehem. www.southsidefilmfestival.com. Oklahoma! June 12 - 30. A vibrant musical celebration of the pioneer spirit that built America. With a rousing score, exuberant dances, and passionate love story, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration resonates with themes of progress, community, and freedom. Iconic songs capture all the joy and hope beyond the struggles of the settlers’ life in the Midwest. Recommended for ages 6+. www.pashakespeare.org. Back To Your Roots: Messy Mud Pies June 15 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Enjoy down-on-the-farm fun
with the young ones in your life. Hands-on learning in a historical context. 1461 Schoenersville Road. www.historicbethlehem. “Aloha Art” Summer CampJune 17-21 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at JellyBean Town, USA. This week’s art program will take us to the beach to practice our art skills. Sand, water, and shells offer endless possibilities. This week ends with a Luau. Ages 4-10 – Children must be fully potty trained. 52 South Main Street, Nazareth, PA 18064. www.jellybeantownusa.com. UCI Festival of Speed The World Series of Bicycling returns to Trexlertown bringing Olympic caliber competition every Friday night this summer. There will be around 2,500 spectators in the crowd, to watch international superstars compete with local hometown heroes. In addition to the great races, our Breakaway Café will be serving food and beverages. 1151 Mosser Road, Trexlertown, Pa. Beginning Jun 21, 2013 at 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm. www.thevelodrome.com Merchants Square Model Train Exhibit The main display is more than 78 feet long and 36 feet wide and other displays are only somewhat smaller, with …model trains … and hundreds of intricately detailed and electrified little buildings and other structures. Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street, Allentown PA. www. merchantssquaremall.com.
St. George Orthodox Church Annual Heritage Festival June 20-23. Middle Eastern Food, Live Music, Rides and Games, Prizes. Begins at 5:00 p.m. Daily. 1011 Catasauqua Ave. Allentown, Pa 18102. www.stgeorgeallentown.com Latin Festival June 20-23 Experience three days of sizzling music, food and fun celebrating the region’s Latino culture. At the ¡Sabor! Latin Festival™, you’ll enjoy the best in salsa, merengue, reggaeton, Latin jazz and other sounds as you dance the night or day away. Plus look for great, free family programming; interactive exhibits and activities all weekend long! SteelStacks. Bethlehem, Pa 18015. 17th Annual Lehigh River Sojourn June 21 – June 24, 2013. Registration deadline is Friday, June 7, 2013. An educational whitewater rafting, canoeing or kayaking trip down the Lehigh River. Experience all of the treasures of nature – scenic views, visits from resident wildlife, amazing recreational opportunities and a shared appreciation for preserving the environment through educational stewardship opportunities. The trip stretches from the rapids of the Lehigh Gorge and ends in the calming waters at Northampton Canal Park. Fees include campsite, shuttle service, delicious meals, education programs and entertainment for each day registered. Participants have the option of registering for one, two or all three days. Register online at
www.wildlandspa.org. Preregistrationis required. Hawk Mountain Located near Kempton in Berks County, this 2,600-acre wildlife sanctuary is known for its fall migration of hawks and eagles, but it’s also a great destination during the summer as well. Family fun abounds, with outdoor education programs galore, including warbler walks, opportunities for kids to see live birds of prey and even a Monarch butterfly tagging session in early September. There are more than eight miles of hiking trails available, complete with stunning vistas, as well as free weekend tours in the native plant garden, which features more than 250 species of plants. hawkmountain.org Learn to kayak. An outdoor sport that continues to grow in popularity, kayaking offers plenty of benefits including the opportunity for exercise, stress reduction and getting close to nature. If you’ve never tried this form of paddling before, a great way to learn about it is by taking an on-thewater introductory workshop. Both LL Bean in Center Valley and Paddlers Cove in Washington offer very affordable, hands-on kayaking sessions that will introduce you to the sport. Experienced kayakers looking for a different sort of thrill know to check out some of the whitewater options in the region such as the Lehigh River’s class II and III rapids in the Lehigh Gorge just north of the Lehigh Valley. www.paddlerscove.com.
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