Lehigh Valley Marketplace 2015 December

december 2015

O CH

S TREE MAPG 44 T S RI

this Holiday Season!

2 DECEMBER 2015

When you raise a glass to toast, do it with local wine The nine family-owned and operated wineries of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail invite you to drink local wine when you celebrate this holiday season.

Visit our wineries to sample a wide variety of red, white, blush, sweet, dry, sparkling, and desert wines. The staff members at our wineries can offer advice on which wines will pair best with the menus for your holiday meals.

Local wine also makes a great gift for the wine lover on your list. And it’s always ready for a holiday party, so buy a case to share with your friends, family, and colleagues.

From our winery owners to you, we wish you a happy holiday season and a great new year.

Thank you for buying local. Cheers!

Our Wineries AMORE, Nazareth

CLOVER HILL, Breinigsville

PINNACLE RIDGE, Kutztown

BIG CREEK, Kresgeville

FRANKLIN HILL, Bangor

TOLINO, Bangor

BLUE MOUNTAIN, New Tripoli

GALEN GLEN, Andreas

VYNECREST, Breinigsville

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

PRESIDENT

Dear Readers,

Matthew J. McLaughlin

EDITOR Amy Hines

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Westgate

ART DIRECTOR Keith Brinker

PRODUCTION ARTIST Megan Corcoran

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Shannon Welsh

WEB DESIGNER Ashley Reinhard

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, food to cook, family to see, and many fun ways to celebrate.

This time of year is supposed to be the most festive, fun and relaxing of all. But, as much as I enjoy the spirit of the season I often find myself feeling like I am on a fast moving amusement park ride and everything is happening at warp speed. Don’t get me wrong, I still hold the Christmas season high above all others. I relish in the reason for the season, the parties, the shopping, the baking, the cards, the friends and family; I just wish it weren’t so hectic and crazy. Then, right on the heels of our carb and cookie sugar high, comes New Year’s Eve when we are expected to slam on the brakes and reflect on what we've done during the last year and where we hope to go in the new year.

SALES MANAGER Tina Altieri

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Kristen Campione Beth DeFrancisco Jill McDonald

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Stacey Hartz

Well this year, I’m making an early resolution. I vow to stop the madness way before December 31. Instead of fostering the habit of quickly moving along and always asking, “What’s next?” I will relish the last few weeks of this year. I’m going to rejoice in the past year and all I have to be thankful for. I’m going to look forward to 2016, not just as a change in digits from 15 to 16, but as an opportunity for new beginnings, hopeful possibilities, and great moments.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kelly Cerimele Cezanne Colvin Lenora Dannelke Kathryn D’Imperio Frederick Jerant Cathy Kiley Liz Reph Mary Beth Schwartz Mallory Sweeney

I encourage you to do the same. Take time to reflect and feel a sense of accomplishment. My holiday wish for you is that you stop and savor the moment. Enjoy every second of the rest of 2015. Because that is the true gift of the holiday season.

Happy Holidays,

COVER ILLUSTRATION Scott Westgate Meris, Inc. prints and distributes 81,944 copies per issue of Lehigh Valley Marketplace 10x annually. The U.S. Postmaster distributes the majority of these copies.

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If you do not wish to receive this publication or you are moving, please send us a note with your current mailing label to the above address. Address changes and comments can also be received at publisher@meris.com. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Lehigh Valley Marketplace® and Because You Live Here® are trademarks of Meris, Inc.

4 DECEMBER 2015

Amy Hines, Editor amy.hines@meris.com

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Departments 8

GOOD TASTE

Alburtis Tavern and Lodge 16

LOCAL COLOR

A Tribute to St. Nicohlas 36

HOT TICKET

Last Minute Gifts 40

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation 48

BECAUSE YOU LIVE HERE

Christmas in the Christmas City 58

PRIDE OF PLACE

Allentown Cat Clinic 62

CALENDAR

69

SNAPSHOT

Features 20

Our Favorite Christmas Movies

26

Christmas Day Alternatives

32

Winter Activities in the Lehigh Valley

44

O Christmas Tree!

54

8 Ways to Ring in the New Year

6 DECEMBER 2015

LEHIGHVALLEYMARKETPLACE.COM

7

GOOD TASTE

Alburtis Tavern AN D LO D G E

106 S. MAIN ST I ALBURTIS I 610.928.0404 I ALBURTISTAVERN.COM WRITTEN BY CATHY KILEY I PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN HULVAT

8 DECEMBER 2015

Pan-seared Crab Cakes

Anyone looking for a friendly neighborhood pub “Where Good Friends and Good Food Meet” will not be disappointed in the Alburtis Tavern and Lodge.

The railroad that brought business and prosperity to the sleepy town of Alburtis in the early 1900s runs across the street reminding diners that where they now sit was once home to The American House.

Unfortunately, that original structure built in 1876 was destroyed by fire in 1895. Rebuilt with brick that same year, The American House quickly became a popular stop for railroad employees and today, with 12 completely renovated rooms, is the only remaining historical hotel in Alburtis.

Owners Hope and Terry Bender opened the Alburtis Tavern in November 2013 and have concentrated all of their ambitions here since their other popular restaurant, The Buckeye Tavern, was lost to fire last year. The buzzing atmosphere is nice and the crowd is very similar to that of The Buckeye.

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Alburtis Tavern Tom and I drove out to Alburtis after a round of golf on a crisp fall day and the Tavern was warm and welcoming. We were in the mood for some comfort food and that is exactly what we found.

The rustic atmosphere created by clean wooden tables and floors as well as hanging lanterns and railroad paraphernalia is pleasant.

Coupled with a friendly server named Amy and a beer for each of us, we settled into tasting two soups – Tom ordered the Jambalaya Soup which was the soup of the day. This spicy rich soup was chock-a-block with sausage, shrimp, veggies and rice with just the right zip. My Cheddar Ale soup was creamy hot and delicious, again with a little savory kick to whet the tastebuds. Both soups were perfect starters in the cool weather and very generous to boot.

There are 20 plus appetizers listed on the menu that include Nachos, Fried Banana Peppers, Wings and Buffalo Chicken Dip to name a few. These are in addition to five soups and eight salads. I really wanted to try Grandma’s Pierogies that are handstuffed with potato and cheese then sauteed with

10 DECEMBER 2015

Chicken & Waffles butter and onions but opted for a Crisp American House Salad instead. The salad was fresh and chilled with tomatoes, cucumbers, red cabbage, carrots, onions and croutons with a tasty honey mustard dressing.

The menu offers everything from burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, quesadillas and wraps to full entrees including Hand-Cut Angus Filet grilled to order and an 8-ounce skirt steak, marinated in teriyaki, which I understand is a pub favorite. There was also a 12-ounce Delmonico on special that night. Tom decided to have the Jagerschnitzel – pounded pork loin, breaded, fried and smothered with rich mushroom gravy. This was the epitome of comfort food with a portion large enough to feed a family of four!

I had the Pot Pie, which I enjoyed very much.

Again, the portion was very large with a casserole full of creamy chicken, potatoes, corn, peas and carrots all topped with a flakey crust. I took half of this meal home… it was even better the next day for lunch. There were three other specials added to the menu that night; Alburtis Pot Roast, Scallop and

Apple Cider Margarita Tuna Scampi and Hawaiian Chicken which only added to the eclectic choices available here.

As is customary for me, I simply had to try dessert.

I chose the Funnel Cake Fries. As I was sipping my coffee, a huge plate of aromatic, freshly-made Funnel Cake morsels was nearing my table making everyone around us take notice. This dessert was not only massive but delicious – the cakes were drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces and sprinkled with powdered sugar. I loved my dessert but, again there was enough for the entire dining room. Since, this fried dessert would never be as good the next day, I shared some of this dish with the table of 10 sitting next to us and received 20 thumbs up!

The main dining room seats about 40 people with about 12 at the bar. The back dining room seats about 60 and I can attest that this popular spot fills up pretty fast.

The Benders are in the middle of major construction at The Alburtis Tavern and Lodge. The adjacent building is being connected to the main structure where there will be a banquet hall and where they will host Dinner Shows that were so popular at The Buckeye Tavern. This space will have a second bar area and be able to accommodate overflow seating on busy nights.

I shared some of this dish with the table of 10 sitting next to us and received 20 thumbs up!

The Alburtis Tavern is located at 106 South Main Street in Alburtis and is open seven day a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is just the place if you are in the mood for hearty pub fare in friendly, welcoming surroundings. Give it a try! There are a lot of things going on at The Alburtis Tavern like Wing Day Tuesday and Wednesday Fiesta Night featuring many of your favorite Mexican dishes.

Call 610.928.0404 or log onto alburtistavern.com for complete menu and other information.

The Caboose

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GOOD TASTE

˜ jalapeno poppers

TAVERN TRIVIA

The state pepper of Texas, Jalapeños have flown in space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Astronaut Sherwood "Woody" Spring grew the peppers and sent them on board with William B. Lenoir who later wrote in the mission logs, "Tell Woody the jalapeños are outstanding.”

nachos onion rings According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest onion ever grown weighed 10 lbs. 14 oz. and was grown in England.

12 DECEMBER 2015

Although nachos were first created at the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, a school in Kansas holds the record for the largest plate of nachos in the world. According to Mobile Cuisine, the gigantic platter weighed a whopping 4,689 pounds and 2,200 of those pounds were nacho cheese alone.

mozzarella sticks The first documented practice of breading cheese and frying it in oil dates back to Medieval, France, when a basic recipe for fried muenster cheese appeared in a guidebook for maintaining a Parisian household, written to teach French women how to be good wives.

pierogies According to mobilecusine.com, the largest edible pierogie weighted in at 92 lbs. and was made during Pierogie Fest in Whiting, Indiana.

wings According to the National Chicken Council’s 2015 Wing Report, it was predicted that 1.25 billion wings would be consumed during the 2015 Super Bowl. To put that into perspective, 1.25 billion wings would circle the Grand Canyon 120 times.

sliders White Castle is the oldest burger chain in America.

It was started in 1921 by Walter A. Anderson and E.W. Ingram who sold their burgers for 5 cents apiece.

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GOOD TASTE

PUB FOOD & BEER PAIRINGS WRITTEN BY LENORA DANNELKE & AMY HINES

Beer brings so much to a table of appetizers and pub fare. Flavors that encompass bitterness, hoppiness, maltiness, and sourness, as well as caramel notes, enable beers to match, complement—or contrast—the taste of food in limitless ways.

The sheer over-abundance of both domestic products and imported brands can overwhelm someone trying to figure out what to drink with appetizers or dinner. There’s really just a few basic types of beer— there’s Belgian style, German style, wheat beers, Scottish, British, porters, stouts, and IPAs—and once you’re familiar with those, you can read any label and have a pretty good idea of what you’re in store for.

IPA proved to be the most versatile junk-food beer overall.

Recommended pairings that appear on menus also assist budding beer aficionados in learning how to marry flavors. If you want to be prepared before you head out for a bite to eat, consider these recommendations: Sliders: Sliders are classic bar food that you can make tastier by adding cheeses and sauces. You don’t have to pair them with a mass-produced light lager. Try a nice bold, crisp IPA from a good craft brewery. It pairs well because the bitterness of an IPA cuts through the fat of a burger.

˜ Poppers: Spicy Chicken Wings, Nachos or JalapeNo White ales and white beers, especially ones made with coriander and bitter orange peel, do a great job cutting through the spiciness instead of watering it down.

Salads: Wheat beers, German and Belgian, work well. But if you are looking at something like a Waldorf or a Cobb salad, try brown ales, because they go well with nuts and heavy cheese.

Bar Snacks and Junk Food: You might be surprised, but a bit of classic pairing advice actually applies to junk food, too. Things that work with cheese-flavored food, such as IPA and stout, also taste good with cheesy snacks. Beers like stout or a Belgian dubbel, will elevate your barbecue chips. Potato chips have a delicate crunch that doesn't want a heavy beer. While not great with everything, IPA proved to be the most versatile junkfood beer overall. It's a good palate cleanser and can handle lighter and coarser textures.

Sources: nightclubandbar.com; seriouseats.com

14 DECEMBER 2015

Sliders

BOLD IPA

SPICY CHICKEN WINGS

WHITE ALES

SALADS

WHEAT/BROWN ALES

BAR SNACKS

IPA/STOUT

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16 DECEMBER 2015

LOCAL COLOR

A T RI B U T E TO

St. Nicholas IN MEMORY OF CHARLES H. “BUD” BERGE, THE OFFICIAL ST. NICHOLAS OF CHRISTKINDLMARKT

WRITTEN BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ I PHOTOS BY MARK DEMKO & DAVID HAPPEL

When Christmastime comes around each year, I think back to my fond childhood memories. Gathering with my family under the Christmas tree sharing presents. Baking homemade cookies with my mother in the kitchen. Watching Rankin/Bass cartoons on television. But the one that stands out among them all is my annual visit with St. Nick. St. Nick could be at the local mall, a firehouse, heck, one year he actually came to visit at our house. (To this day I still don’t know how my parents pulled that off.)

Here in the Lehigh Valley, it is a tradition to visit with St. Nicholas at Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt.

Charles H. “Bud” Berge portrayed him for 22 years. Sadly, Bud Berge passed away on July 28 of this year.

This article is dedicated to him, his family, and the countless number of people whose lives he touched.

Bud brought joy to many and received it as well.

Bethlehem native Bud Berge was St. Nicholas for Christkindlmarkt since its founding. He wasn’t just someone who played St. Nick. He was St. Nick, and in many ways, he was Christkindmarkt. Bud had a special way of putting every child who visited him at ease. He would welcome guests with a wave and a warm smile. By the end of their visit, they were smiling, laughing and sharing all of their holiday wishes with him. “It amazed me how Bud always knew and remembered all of those children that came to see him year after year. He literally met thousands of children over two-plus decades. For my wife and I, it always was special when we brought our daughter Aine, who was an infant at the time, to see him. For the following eight years, she looked forward to seeing him year in and year out. Bud was an incredibly kind, compassionate, and caring person,” says Mark Demko of ArtsQuest.

in high school or college. People of all ages – from a 4-month old infant – to a 104-year-old man from Massachusetts – flocked to see Bud.

He had a gift of speaking with those with special needs. There was a woman who had cancer and Bud prayed for her. The next year she came and the cancer was in remission. She was widowed and ask St. Nick for a husband. She came back the following year and was engaged. The next year they were married. Bud helped coordinate marriage proposals. There was a bridal party who came for their photo with St. Nicholas. The bride and groom came back year after year. Groups of school children would come for their class photo with Bud. “He touched the loves of so many as St. Nicholas.

He was genuine, and could see the gifts in others.

He took his time with the children no matter how many were in line, and made them all feel special.

Donna told me of the numerous stories from the Bud took an interest in their lives, talents, activifamilies who came to visit Bud over the years. Chil- ties. He smiled so nicely for each photo. He truly dren would return year after year, even if they were loved them all.”

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St. Nicholas Along with St. Nicholas, Bud Berge was known for being an ambassador to the Lehigh Valley, specifically Bethlehem.

He served as floor coordinator at the DaVinci Science Center. Bud worked with First Night, the Advent Breakfast, and the Citizens Christmas City Committee. He portrayed Asa Packer for a City of Bethlehem event. Bud also was George Washington for Bethlehem’s 250th Anniversary. He coordinated all of the groups for Bethlehem Sings. Bud was very active in his church, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bethlehem Township. “He was a man of strong faith who lead a true Christian life. His love of God shone through in all that he did. His entire life was a ministry. My favorite word is JOY… to Bud, that meant Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last,” Donna Berge says.

Bud’s roles it seems were never ending. He was very much a family man. Bud was a loving husband to Donna for almost 35 years. He was a father to a son and three daughters. He was a grandfather of five. He was a brother. At one time he was a teacher, sports coach, sports radio announcer, counselor, and a member of the United States Army Reserve.

One of Bud’s last wishes was to hear from the many people who had their photo taken with him over the years. Hundreds of people sent him photos and letters, or made phone calls.

Dan’s Camera City and the blog Lehigh Valley With Love took several photos from St. Nicholas fans and published a photo book, which was presented to Bud. “He received a call from Mike Metheny, the manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, his favorite baseball team, which he delighted in. Bud also got a St. Louis Cardinals baseball autographed by a little girl from our congregation. He loved the visits from those who visited Christkindlmarkt. He would say the more, the merrier,” says Donna.

In the words of Donna Berge, “Bud brought joy to many and received it as well. He was a caring and giving person with a pure love of people. Bud embodied the very spirit of St. Nicholas.”

This year at Christkindlmarkt, many will be remembering Bud Berge. ArtsQuest will be honoring his many years of St. Nicholas service. Christkindlmarkt is open Friday through Sunday, November 20-22 and 27-29. It is open Thursday through Sunday, December 3-6, 10-13, and 17-20.

18 DECEMBER 2015

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R FAV O R I T E OU

Christmas Movies

BY FREDERICK JERANT

20 DECEMBER 2015

Cable viewers, TV streamers and DVD watchers are faced with an annual flood of Christmas-themed movies in practically every genre – drama, spiritual, comedy, horror, animation, documentary, and musicals. Quality-wise, they range from the sublime (Alastair Sim in “Scrooge”) to the ridiculous (“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians”).

In other words, there’s something for everybody. If you’re like me, it would be tough to pick one favorite; I spoke with several Lehigh Valley notables, and, fortunately, most of them are not like me. Here are their top picks, as well as the reasons they’re so special.

Christmas tree & Decorations Fresh greens & Swags Custom wreath - Mom & Dad Cemetery log - Grandpa Joe Fairy garden - Aunt Sue Scout tote bag - Emily Poinsettias - Andy’s teachers catwalker / Shutterstock.com

Centerpiece - Christmas dinner

THE WHO: KASSIE HILGERT

president and CEO of Artsquest THE WHAT:

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” & “Home for the Holidays.”

THE WHY:

Hilgert grew up watching the Charlie Brown special. And it really was special then. “These were the days before DVRs,” she said. “It would air only once, so you marked the date on the calendar to be sure you wouldn’t miss it.” It became a family tradition, and its basic message – take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – still resonates with her.

From an adult perspective, Hilgert picked “Home for the

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Christmas Movies Holidays” (1995). Although it takes place at Thanksgiving time, it reflects the humor, tragedy and messiness of family reunions, especially during the holiday season. “It has a dark sense of humor,” Hilgert said, “and depicts the dynamics of relationships among siblings and their parents, and how they deal with them. Everybody in the movie comes apart in their own ways, but they also learn to be more tolerant, forgiving and patient. It captures the joy and friction of being among family members for just a bit too long, moments that we all experience in one way or another.”

THE WHO: SHELLEY BROWN

president and CEO of the State Theatre Center for the Arts THE WHAT:

“White Christmas” & “It’s a Wonderful Life” THE WHY:

The Bing-and-Danny extravaganza has been a family tradition for many years. “My husband and I love it – it marks the start of our holiday season. We know all the songs, the lyrics and the dances – it’s just lots of fun. There’s a more sentimental side to it, too – “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing” was played for her stepdaughter’s “daddy and daughter” wedding dance.

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Her personal fave is the classic tale of George Bailey and his bumbling guardian angel. “I have to sit and watch and cry with it every year,” she said. Although it was a box-office disappointment when released, it’s become an absolute classic, and was voted as one of the 100 best American films ever made, by the American Film Institute.

Brown said that teaches a good lesson – greatness isn’t always recognized at the moment it’s in the public’s view. “It also shows that ‘the richest man in town’ isn’t always wealthy or famous; the respect and love of the people around you is much more important than money,” she said.

THE WHO: BILL WHITE

Morning Call columnist and Christmas lights connoisseur THE WHAT:

“A Christmas Story” THE WHY:

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For years, White’s had a lot of affection for the late humorist and raconteur Jean Shepherd. So it’s no surprise that White’s pick is a movie based on Shepherd’s writings, particularly “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” and “Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories and other Disasters.” (Shepherd co-scripted and narrated the film.)

“It’s a very nostalgic and funny movie,” White said. “It means a lot to me, because it evokes many of my own Christmas memories.”

It carries over to his professional life as well: His annual Christmas light tours usually include a display on Third St. in North Catasauqua that includes (what else?) a young boy with his tongue stuck to a flagpole.

THE WHO: ANDREW CASSANO

administrative director of the Zoellner Arts Center THE WHAT:

“The Snowman” (1982) THE WHY:

This animated, essentially wordless short tells about a boy whose snowman comes to life and guides him on a magical adventure; you’re probably familiar with its song, “Walking in the Air.” Cassano saw it frequently while living in London from 198085, and the music and animation stuck with him over the years. In the U. S., he produced several special performances of it, adding live musicians and a children’s choir. “Each year, I’d show ‘The Snowman’ as we prepped for the performance; and each year, the kids would catch some detail that they’d missed before,” he said.

“The ending is bittersweet,” Cassano said, “and many people feel like that at the end of a holiday.”

THE WHO: MATT LEWIS

co-owner of video production house Post-Sputnik THE WHAT:

“Gremlins” THE WHY:

“My wife [co-owner Sarah Fulton] and I had both loved the movie since childhood, and watching it was an annual traditional from 2002 to 2012,” he said.

Lewis added that the quirky horror-comedy, directed by Joe Dante and executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, takes place during December 24 and 25. “Many people forget about that time frame,” he said. “And ‘Gremlins’ is a fun one to throw into the mix, instead of the usual ‘Holiday Inn,’ or ‘A Christmas Story.’

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The movie’s been shelved since the birth of their three-yearold daughter. “But when she’s old enough to handle it, we’ll put it back on!” he said.

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Christmas Movies THE WHO: SAMANTHA LAYNE

afternoon drive-time host, WZZO THE WHAT:

“A Christmas Story�

THE WHY:

Young Samantha lived in Cleveland during ďŹ lming, and remembers that the city was buzzing – and so was she. “One of my classmates had a cousin with a small part in the movie [David Svoboda;: “I like The Wizard of Oz. I like the Tin Man.â€?], and that was my ďŹ rst brush with fame,â€? she laughed.

But the movie is also ďŹ lled with relatable moments, she said. “Even if you didn’t go through it yourself, you knew someone who did – the bullying, the humiliation, the desire for something you’ll never get. “And Jean Shepherd’s narration is just perfect. He really becomes the adult character, and gets inside Ralphie’s head. He’s not just someone doing a voice-over,â€? she added.

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Naturally, its marathon Christmas day showing on TBS is a standard backdrop in her household.

THE WHO: JASON OVERDORF

ďŹ lmmaker and owner of Jay and Brian’s Excellent Video Store THE WHAT:

“Love Actually�

THE WHY:

This star-studded ďŹ lm focuses on love and relationships among eight couples in London during the holiday season. “It’s not an anthology,â€? Overdorf explains.â€?All of the stories intertwine – certain characters in one tale will be connected somehow to charac-

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$ ters in another. It focuses on the various stresses of the holidays, but also shows how having someone with you can help alleviate that stress.”

Overdorf added that all of the characters end up in the same room at some point – and all of them find love. That’s the key message of the movie, he said: Love actually is all around us.

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THE WHO: JOHN WILLIAMS

president of Muhlenberg College

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THE WHAT:

“It’s a Wonderful Life” THE WHY:

“It’s a heartwarming story of compassion, rewarded,” he said. “You see someone who’s been selfless throughout his life – and then everyone rallies around him when he’s in trouble.” It’s a strong lesson about relationships, he added: “The more you give into a relationship, the more you’ll get back – often when you need it the most,” he said.

“At every stage of your life, there is always someone who can be of aid to you, to help you along. But at the same time, you must realize that you also have opportunities to help someone.”

In his short time at Muhlenberg, Williams said, he’s seen many “George Baileys” among the faculty and students. No, not in despair, ready to give up – rather, people who generously give of themselves without asking for (or expecting) anything in return.

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Alterna ives HOW TO SPEND DECEMBER 25 IF YOU AREN'T OPENING PRESENTS & DRINKING EGGNOG

BY KATHRYN M. D’IMPERIO

No matter what your reason – religious, occupational, personal, or just plain taking a break this year – not celebrating on Christmas Day doesn’t have to be a bummer. You can create your own traditions, make it a day of great productivity, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, save the day for rest and relaxation. Whatever you decide, you can still make the most of the day, either by yourself or in the company of those you love.

If you want to try something new and different on December 25 this year, aside from all the gifts and holiday cheer, consider these Christmas Day alternatives, with a selection of both small activities and grand plans.

Play in the Snow If the weather permits, plan to spend some time outside enjoying the wintry wonderland. A snow-covered Lehigh Valley leaves us with options to go skiing, cross-country skiing, 26 DECEMBER 2015

snowboarding, sledding, or even to get together with some friends for a game of snow football. Without the snow, you may still be able to go ice skating if you have your own skates and if the weather is cold enough. If you don’t have your own patch of ice nearby, you can search for local ponds and lakes – just be sure they are frozen and safe for skating – or even Allentown’s own synthetic ice rinks that are suitable no matter what the weather. ®

Get Your Sports Fix The professional sports leagues certainly have their own traditions for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Take advantage of

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Alternatives the televised sports on December 25 by tuning into the NBA’s Christmas Day scheduling. You can enjoy hours of basketball in a fun day of relaxation.

If you start to feel the itch to play, try to get together with friends to throw together a backyard game of football, rugby, or another sport of your choice.

You may also enjoy shooting some hoops or playing a little tennis at the local courts.

Catch up on Your To-Do List As the end of the year approaches, most of us still feel as though we have things to do before the New Year arrives. If you aren’t celebrating in traditional style, you can use the day to get organized, plan for the future, evaluate your goals, or do any other number of productive activities. You might also find December 25 to be an excellent day to jump-start your New Year’s resolutions a little early. Who says you have to wait until January 1 to get cracking?

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Just because you aren’t celebrating the holiday doesn’t mean you can’t be with the ones you love. December 25 is a great day to spend time with people your care about, even without focusing on the holiday. Most people have off from work no matter what day of the week Christmas falls on, so it’s an ideal time to schedule a little family time, even if it’s only for an hour or so over dessert. Why not get together for a nice meal at one of the Lehigh Valley’s restaurants that are open on Christmas Day?

Travel and Explore December travel plans can be worth their weight in gold, especially if you’re ditching the cold for a warmer 28 DECEMBER 2015

climate. Plan a cruise for an all-inclusive excursion with little hassle or put together your own dream vacation just the way you like it. You can also stay relatively local, visiting a nearby monument or landmark, which will likely be accessible even on Christmas Day. Even if you don’t go very far, you can still pamper yourself by booking a hotel and treating yourself to some room service and movie marathons.

...consider these Christmas Day alternatives, with a selection of both small activities and grand plans Try Your Luck at the Casinos Whether you go to Atlantic City, Vegas, or at the Sands right here in our own backyard, a trip to the casino can be a fun way to pass the time while taking a chance on your luck. Some games, delicious food and drinks, and a lively nightlife will surely keep the time flying by, so be sure to rein it all in and enjoy.

Enjoy Chinese Food Chinese restaurants are known to stay open on Christmas Day, making them a wonderful option for a hot and satisfying meal. Whether you choose takeout or prefer to dine in, the Lehigh Valley has many great Chinese food restaurants to consider. You can make this delicious cuisine a part of your own annual tradition when this time of year approaches.

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Alternatives Catch a Flick Movie theaters often remain open on Christmas, giving friends and family another option for a fun and memorable activity. Even if you go solo, seeing a good movie can be the perfect relaxing activity during the coldest months of the year.

Take a Walk around Christmas City You don’t have to celebrate Christmas with all the bows and presents in order to appreciate the beauty of lovely downtown Bethlehem and surrounding areas. Enjoy the lights, the decorations and the crowds of people all enjoying each other’s company in the spirit of the season. A simple walk through Bethlehem taking in the evening air can be the perfect way to wind down after a long and tiring year.

Volunteer See if you can find a local soup kitchen or food bank in need of a little extra help Christmas Day. You can use the handy search feature at the website of Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania (shfblv.org) to find organizations located in or near your own zip code. You can also inquire with area animal shelters ahead of time to see if they will be open on Christmas or in need of someone to come and help with care and compassion for the animals.

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Winter Activities I N T H E L E H IG H VAL L E Y WRITTEN BY CEZANNE COLVIN

Nobody does jazz like John Coltrane, wine like Burgundy, or improv like Will Farrell, and nobody does winter like the Lehigh Valley. From holiday-related festivities to season-specific activities, there’s nowhere we’d rather be but nestled in our cozy corner of Pennsylvania – at least until someone steals the parking spot we just shoveled out. ’Tis the season to get bundled up and explore the Valley we call home.

Christkindlmarkt / ABOVE PHOTO BY CRAIG ROBERTS Enjoy a holiday potpourri of ice sculpting and glassblowing demonstrations, comfort foods, and shopping.

Endless rows of handmade works and retail vendors from near and far sit nestled under white tents on the SteelStacks campus. With a notable appearance by renowned German artisan Käthe Wohlfarht, your only dilemma will be deciding which seasonal token to take home. For more information, dates, and hours, visit christmascity.org.

32 DECEMBER 2015

Downtown Bethlehem’s Live Advent Calendar Now in its 10th year, this one-of-a-kind event celebrates both the tradition of advent calendars and the thriving small businesses in our community.

The daily door-opening event, which features a variety of local businesses and performers, brings the anticipation and interaction of the advent calendar to life. For more information, dates and hours, visit downtownbethlehemassociation.com.

Christmas Classic Matinees

An Open-Sleigh Adventure Step back in time and witness the winter like never before: from inside a carriage. The horsedrawn rides wind around town for about fifteen minutes, just long enough to savor the experience before being released from the season’s frosty bite. For more information, dates and hours, visit bethlehemcarriage.com.

Ice Skating at Steel Ice Rink Life is all about balance, isn’t it? Take a day to play and glide across the icy National Hockey League sized surfaces at the Steel Ice Center. While you’ll be safe from the wind while visiting the indoor facility, you won’t be able to blame it when you wobble – but that’s all part of the fun. For more information, dates and hours, visit steelicecenter.com.

Get in the holiday spirit by catching a daytime showing of Christmas classic films on the big screen. Frank Banko Alehouse presents the old favorites White Christmas, Meet Me In St. Louis, and It’s a Wonderful Life. If you haven’t been to the Frank Banko theaters yet, you’re in for another PeepsFest treat: a bar next to the concession stand lets you enjoy a glass of beer or wine while you watch the Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, there’s a picture. For more information, dates and hours, certain charm to the festival devoted to honoring the locally produced iconic marshmallow candy. visit steelstacks.org.

Stuffed full of entertainment like family-friendly Pennsylvania Playhouse bands, magicians, clowns, balloon-making, and If live action is more your scene, the non-profit the long-awaited giant Peep drop, the festival is a community theater Pennsylvania Playhouse will sweet note to end the year. Better yet, there’s no be putting on the musical favorite White Christ- need to feel guilty about indulging: the event also mas this season. The Playhouse, which celebrated includes an optional 5K run. For more information, its 50th anniversary this year, offers an intimate dates and hours, visit steelstacks.org. setting for entertainment – with less than 200 seats Go Swimming in December in the house, you’ll almost feel like you’re part of the performance. For more information, dates and Many of us leave the Valley and escape north to the slopes for the weekend during the winter, hours, visit paplayhouse.org. but sometimes we need to recharge in warmth Lights In the Parkway to make it through the season. With over 50,000 When the sun goes down, the Lehigh Parkway is square feet of water attractions ranging from reborn as Lights In the Parkway. From the comfort slides to wave pools to play structures, you can of your car, you’ll take yourself on a seasonal sa- leave the city and the winter behind for a night at fari spanning over a mile, spying glittering trees, a heated indoor water park just outside the Valdynamic displays, and lit tunnels from your win- ley. For more information, dates and hours, visit dows. For more information, dates, and hours visit splitrockresort.com. lightsintheparkway.com.

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Winter Activities

Holiday Train Exhibit at America On Wheels PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMERICA ON WHEELS

Transportation museum America On Wheels, which boasts 23,000 square feet of exhibit space, features historic displays of antique and current cars and vehicles. During the winter months, a variety of elaborate model holiday train exhibits will wrap around the museum to celebrate the holiday season. For more information, dates and hours, visit americaonwheels.org.

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

M ARI N E

Toys for Tots F O U N DAT IO N WRITTEN BY CEZANNE COLVIN

40 DECEMBER 2015

Few things are as sacred to some children as their holiday wish lists.

Of course, there’s never a guarantee that their wishes will be granted, but as children set out a tray of milk and cookies before pretending to fall asleep for the evening, the overwhelming sense of hope hangs in the air that someone – Santa, mom, dad or grandpa – will deliver their dreams come morning. It is this hope that keeps

them in line as daylight continues to wane, and it is this hope that lets them interpret each floorboard creak in the night as a very invited guest.

For some underprivileged children, this hope does not exist. There is no need to set out milk and cookies – items they may not even have at all – and there is no need to make a wish list. They may never know what it is like to wake up and find a box with their name on it, wrapped and ready to be opened.

Toys for Tots, a charitable organization run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, has set its sights on helping to give that feeling of hope back to as many children as possible.

For some underprivileged children, this hope does not exist.

“It’s not about me or other Marines or the parents – it’s about the kids,” Sgt. Craig Green, the Allentown Toys for Tots coordinator, says. “Every child deserves a Christmas.”

In 2013, approximately 22% of American children lived below the poverty line. The U.S. Department of Human and Health Services defined the poverty line as $23,624 for a family with two adults and two children. For many of these families, organizations like Toys for Tots are the only chance their

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Toys for Tots children have to be able to experience the magic of Christmas.

The organization serves over 700 communities spanning all 50 states, but relies on rallying the support of these communities for success. During your holiday hustle and bustle, you may have noticed that boxes reading “Toys for Tots” have been popping up at local businesses. These boxes serve as community drop-off sites, where any member can brighten a child’s day by donating a new, unwrapped toy appropriate for ages 12 and under. These boxes are then collected by Toys for Tots and distributed to children in time for Christmas morning by local charities.

Green reports that last year’s bounty rounded up 75,000 toys, and only hopes to see these numbers grow.

“We’re shooting for 80,000 this season,” he says.

Toys for Tots believes that these gifts will not only give children hope for the holidays, but also for their futures. As U.S. Marines, they aim to be positive role models for children who may not have a mentor or anyone to look up to.

The organization believes that Toys for Tots will allow children to find positive role models in the Marines – which they say can be attributed to their adherence of the highest standards of discipline, grooming, patriotism, physical fitness, and moral character – through this form of passive mentoring. This positive example set forth by the Marines will, they hope, motivate children to blossom into productive and patriotic citizens who will always remember the value in helping those who are less fortunate.

42 DECEMBER 2015

The idea of Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks’ wife Diane created a homemade doll to give to a child in need as a Christmas gift. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find an organization designed to collect holiday presents for less fortunate children, a realization that prompted her to suggest to her husband that he create one. Toys for Tots is that suggestion in action.

The Hendricks’ philanthropy has since expanded to distribute over 400 million toys to more than 188 million children in need. Toys for Tots has earned accolades such as “America’s Best Children’s Charity” and remains a symbol of hope and positivity during the holiday season that provide experiences that children will carry with them into their adult lives.

While Toys for Tots doesn’t put many requirements on toy donations other than that they be new and unwrapped – Green says a 15 ft. swimming pool was donated one year – they do ask for toys without realistic weapons, as well as no food products.

Beyond donating a toy at any of the toy drop locations, you can also host a Toys for Tots event at your home, office, or other venue to collect toys.

Because some age groups may receive fewer donations than others, monetary donations are always appreciated and can be made through their official website.

For more information or a list of donation sites, visit allentown-pa. toysfortots.org, or contact Sgt. Craig Green at 484.661.9029 or t4tallentown@gmail.com.

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O Christmas Tree!

O N E FAMI LY’S Q U ES T F O R T H E PE RFECT T RE E WRITTEN BY KELLY DICESARE

We are gearing up for Christmas in our house. I campaigned hard for a real tree this year because in my dream world, it seemed like a perfect idea. Be careful what you wish for.

The Dream: My perfect world included us all dressed in Christmas sweaters, singing carols as we made our way to the Christmas tree farm. We would hike and hold hands.

Then we would find the perfect tree… and we would know this because there would be angels hovering above it.

A photographer would hop out from behind a tree and beg us to let him take our picture for his upcoming, “Families That Love Each Other” coffee-table book.

My husband would cut the tree down in one fell swoop and tie it to the truck with minimal effort. Once home, we would get it in the house and decorate it while drinking hot cocoa by the warm and roaring fire.

Well, it didn’t quite happen that way.

The Reality: We did make it to a Christmas tree farm and that’s where the similarities ended. Here’s how it did happen.

Yes, you have to wear a coat – it is winter.

Get in the truck.

Ok, I know it TECHNICALLY is not winter, Joe Calendar, but you still need to wear a coat.

Get in the truck.

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Get IN THE TRUCK. I told you to go to the bathroom before we left.

No, I did not pack snacks. We are going to be gone two hours.

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What did I just say? Get out of that tree.

No, I do not know the difference between a Douglas fir and a blue spruce.

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Yes, I know real Christmas trees are expensive.

That tree is 15 feet tall. We cannot get it in our house.

No, we are not cutting it in half.

No, I do not know the difference between a hemlock and a white pine.

No, there will not be any squirrels in our Christmas tree.

Stop writing, “help me” in the snow.

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Phone down, eyes up!

These are REAL trees; they will not be perfect.

Get away from the saw!

I know you are cold but let me refresh your memory… who told you to WEAR A COAT?

Stop trying to tie your sister up with the rope.

No, we can’t make syrup from our tree.

Well, I guess we can have pancakes for dinner anyway.

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Yes, I know what we could have done with that money we just spent. You don’t have to list them.

Stop picking. It is all funny now, but in 3 seconds, it will turn ugly.

Why is it that when we have a Christmas tree tied to our roof, you go 80 mph, but when we are late for a ball game, you go 12 mph?

I TOLD YOU! Laughing leads to crying every time!

YES, we are almost home. Eyes up, phone down!

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Everyone pick a Christmas song.

Holy smoke – when was the last time we cleaned out the fireplace? Is the house on fire?

No, Uptown Funk is not a Christmas song.

Just ram the tree in the stand.

Move it left… no MY left.

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All About the Bass is not a Christmas song either.

Right… no, not right as in correct, right as in direction.

I can’t see anything. The smoke is burning my eyes out.

Whatever. Just leave it where it is. It is standing, isn’t it? I can’t see. I didn’t hear it fall over though.

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I know you are cold. We had to open all the windows to get the smoke out. It will clear in a day or two.

Whew. I can see! Wasn’t that fun? Kids, wasn’t that fun? Paul?

Anyone? How fun was that? Where did everyone go?

And I stood in my cold, smoke-filled living room alone with our dog, who was suspiciously interested in the tree. I was feeling sorry for myself. Why can’t we do anything NORMAL in our family?

But one-by-one, they all came back. Granted, he did have his headphones on and she was dancing to Watch Me Whip and my husband had a glass of something big and brown that was not hot cocoa, but they came back to check out our tree. I guess that is our normal. The Misfits. My Misfits. I’ll take them any day.

Merry Christmas everyone, from my family to yours.

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BECAUSE YOU LIVE HERE

C

IST HR

MAS IN T HE

WRITTEN BY CEZANNE COLVIN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TOUCHSTONE THEATRE

Christmas City Follies

48 DECEMBER 2015

bank street annex There is perhaps no better place to enjoy the holidays than the Lehigh Valley’s own “Christmas City”. A simple stroll downtown reveals a winter wonderland of elegant Christmas displays and beautiful holiday decorations, while the rhythmic sound of horsedrawn carriages and the quaint sight of the Christmas City Village create an enchanting atmosphere. Crossing the bridge over to Southside, where the brightly colored lights exude a cheerful Christmas glow, the hustle-andbustle of Christkindlmarkt generates a joyful feeling of holiday excitement.

Indeed, all of Bethlehem truly comes to life during the Christmas season

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Indeed, all of Bethlehem truly comes to life during the Christmas season.

So if you’re looking for a way to make the holidays special, here is a short list of some of the many wonderful activities the city has to offer. Take an evening and enjoy a gourmet dinner or cocktails at one of the many upscale

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Christmas City restaurants, including Corked Wine Bar and Steakhouse, where you’ll find a fresh menu of certified prime Black Angus steaks, chops, duck and seafood. You can also shop for handcrafted gifts in the boutique stores and oneof-a-kind Christmas markets; catch a live show at Southside’s critically acclaimed Touchstone Theatre; or sit back and watch one of the “Christmas Classic Matinee” films at SteelStack’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

But most of all, just spend some time delighting in the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a truly wonderful, and truly unique, Christmas City.

Christmas City Follies The Touchstone Theatre’s annual holiday variety show, the Christmas City Follies weaves together wonderfully entertaining characters in highspirited sketch performances. Now in its 16th year, it has become a holiday tradition of “merry music, holiday hilarity, and seasonal sweetness”.

Performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 20.

Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For more information, call 610.867.1689 or visit touchstone.org.

Bethlehem By Night Bus Tour A beautiful way to explore the history and traditions of Bethlehem, the bus tour leaves from Main Street and takes passengers on a picturesque journey through both the North and South sides, including a stop at the famous Star of Bethlehem atop South Mountain. Tours depart Thursdays through Sundays at 5pm and run through December 27. For more information, call 1.800.360.TOUR.

50 DECEMBER 2015

Christkindlmarkt Presented by ArtsQuest, this year marks the festival’s 22nd year of operation and features more than 125 different vendors. Shop for beautiful, handcrafted gifts while enjoying delicious holiday treats and entertainment. Daily admission fees are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 years old and under.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through December 20th.

Christmas City Village An authentic German “Weihnachtsmarkt”, the Christmas City Village is nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Bethlehem near the Central Moravian Church, Sun Inn Courtyard and Sun Inn Patio. Enjoy a delightful stroll through the thirty-five wooden huts while browsing the unique selection of handmade holiday gifts.

The village is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 20th.

Hotel Bethlehem A popular tourist destination, visitors are welcome to walk through the hotel and take a self-guided tour of its stunningly elaborate Christmas displays.

Enter through the main lobby and delight at the sight of a handcrafted gingerbread replica of the hotel, twenty-six fully decorated Christmas trees, thirty-six holiday wreaths, six 7-foot-tall toy soldiers, two 6-foottall nutcrackers, a nativity scene and more than 35,000 Christmas lights.

Each Sunday in December leading up to Christmas also features a visit by Santa Claus during the Musical Sunday Brunches, which are held between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

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Christmas City Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant

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52 DECEMBER 2015

Performed in the Rose Garden in West Bethlehem, the pageant is an emotional re-enactment of the events surrounding the birth of Christ. As fully costumed actors and live animals portray the action, a narrator and chorus of singers recount the story. The pageant is performed Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13 at 1:45 p.m.

Carriage Rides on Main Street Feel as if you’re taking a ride back in time as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic downtown.

Each carriage seats up to four people and departs from Main Street.

Rides last approximately 20 minutes and cost $55.00. Carriage rides end January 10. For more information, contact the Visitor Center by calling 1.800.360.TOUR.

Christmas Putz and Star & Candle Shoppe at Central Moravian Church A holiday tradition since 1937, the Christmas Putz at Central Moravian Church features antique German figurines displayed amidst driftwood and live moss. Illuminated by tiny white lights, these beautiful miniature scenes illustrate the story of Christ’s birth, which is told through narration and music. The Putz is shown every half-hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Putz is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and then reopens daily from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through December 31. Entrance is free, but donations are gratefully

accepted. On the same level, and operating on the same hours, is the Star & Candle Shoppe, where you can purchase handcrafted Moravian items such as German stars, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, unique greeting cards, baked goods and more.

Live Advent Calendar

Think outside the toy box.

Children’s Shop 3301 Bath Pike | Bethlehem 610.866.2505

A truly unique Bethlehem event, the 10th annual Live Advent Calendar takes place daily at the historic 1810 Goundie House. Crowds gather at 5:15 p.m., and at 5:30 p.m. one lucky visitor is chosen to open the door and reveal a special guest and Christmas treat.

Doors and Windows of Bethlehem A wonderful way to view the downtown’s elegant holiday decorations, you can stop by the Visitor Center at 505 Main Street and pick up a map for a self-guided tour. This year’s theme is Victorian Christmas, so be sure to vote for your favorite.

Bethlehem House Gallery Holiday Show Located at 459 Main Street, the Bethlehem House Gallery showcases original art in a variety of contemporary styles. The Holiday Show features the work of Karel Mikolas, a renowned artist whose stone, steel, wood and glass works have been exhibited throughout the United States. Larger pieces, as well as smaller items that are ideal for holiday gifts, will be on display through January 9. The gallery is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Items can be purchased in store or online at bethlehemhousegallery.com/shop/.

LEHIGHVALLEYMARKETPLACE.COM

53

8 W AY S T O IN THE RI NG

New Year WRITTEN BY FREDERICK JERANT PHOTO BY RYAN HULVAT

54 DECEMBER 2015

ZIONSVILLE

ANTIQUE MALL 7567 Chestnut St • Rte 100 • Zionsville PA 610.965.3292 • zionsvilleantiques.com Open p 6 days/wk y • Closed Wed.

ss

He

s 40 19 ca r i c nta Sa

rediscover Christmas past

New Year’s Eve! The occasion practically begs for silly hats, slinky dresses, champagne by the jeroboam, noisy revelry and midnight smooches. But if you want something that’s a bit different, check out the venues in our holiday round-up.

Many of them include the standard party accessories, but all of them emphasize fun – a good change-of-pace from squeezing into a loud and crowded bar, or milling around someone’s living room.

PEEPSFEST Party They take New Year’s Eve seriously at PEEPSFEST – so much so that it takes two days to fit everything in! The family-centric festival takes place at SteelStacks, on December 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on December 31 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..

The final day will feature Dave Fry and magician Eddy Ray; music demonstrations; fairy and wizard wand-making; facepainting; tie-dyeing; performances by the Little Rockers band; a mascot dash, and way more fun stuff than we have room to list.

But things move into high gear at 4:30 p.m. as We Kids Rock get everyone fired up for the PEEPS chick drop at 5:15 LEHIGHVALLEYMARKETPLACE.COM

55

Ring in the New Year p.m.. The lighted iconic figure (standing 4-1/2 feet tall and weighing 85 pounds) slides down a pole to help send 2015 on its way. A round of fireworks caps off the evening. Check out the full schedule at steelstacks.org.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort Pack up your skis for some family-friendly indoor and outdoor fun. Hit the slopes for open skiing until midnight (tubing until 10 p.m.), or dance the night away in the lodge, with a DJ from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., party favors, three different bars, fireworks before midnight – to accommodate families, group sales manager Jake Henschel said – party favors, and more. Ask about hotel room availability. Visit bcmountainresort.com for more information.

Downtown Allentown Center-city will be jumping on New Year’s Eve. Miriam Huertas, senior vice president, Allentown Initiatives for event sponsor the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, welcomes everyone to this community event.

Take advantage of the many fine eateries downtown and then go to Center Square at 10 p.m. for a free performance by the B. C. Combo, featuring Bev Conklin. There will be activities for the youngsters, as well as fireworks at midnight (from the Wells Fargo building, a new location) and a Liberty Bell drop at midnight. Get up-to-date info at downtownallentown.com.

KidsQuest The last night of the year often presents a quandary for parents – hire a sitter? Take the kids? Just stay home and miss all the fun? KidsQuest has the solution.

While the adults enjoy all that the Sands Casino has to offer, the youngsters can romp through a winter wonderland at KidsQuest. Manager Danielle Robinson said the facility will have a “Polar Express” theme. There’s plenty to do all day and all night long – triple-story play pieces, scavenger hunts, relay races, a “snowman dress-up” relay, karaoke, arts’n’crafts, free-play arcade games and much more.

But there’s also a balloon drop at midnight, with hats, streamers, noisemakers, “snacktivities,” and other events to make the evening really special.

Robinson added that KidsQuest stresses non-violent, education-based activities, and features doublegated security and barcode ID for each guest. Rates are $11.00 per child for the first hour, and subsequent quarter-hours are billed incrementally; pay when you leave. Get more information at kidsquest.com.

PEEPSFEST 5K Looking for a more-healthful alternative to a night of drinking and eating? Then consider signing up for ArtsQuest’s 6th annual PEEPSFEST 5K, at 1 p.m. The route begins and ends at SteelStacks, and takes you through the north and south sides of the city. Each participant gets samples of various PEEPS products; the first 500 registrants also receive a PEEPSFEST™ 5K long sleeve t-shirt. There’s also an awards ceremony, on the TD Bank community stage, at 2:15 p.m. (time approximate). Admission Fee: $30 before December 22, $35 day of the event. Runners can register in advance at active.com, or at the Bethlehem visitor center, 711 E. First St., Bethlehem. Info: steelstacks.org.

56 DECEMBER 2015

Happy Holidays!

The Red Elvises New Year's Eve Spectacular Perennial crowd-pleasers “Igor and the Red Elvises” return to the Musikfest Café on December 31 at 9 p.m. (doors open for dinner at 8 p.m.).

Fronted by Igor Yuzov, the international party band will perform its (un) usual mix of funk rock, surf, rockabilly, reggae, folk rock, disco and traditional Russian music. Expect to be surprised! For details, visit steelstacks.org.

Gift Cards Available

Sands Bethlehem While the little ones are at KidsQuest, spend your New Year’s Eve rockin’ out to the sounds of “the Geator with the Heater,” “the Big Boss with the Big Hot Sauce,” the one-and only Jerry Blavat. The legendary Philly broadcasting figure appears at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, supported

by DJ Joel. The package includes a cocktail reception; a three-course dinner; dancing and open bar all night long. $125 per person. For more info, visit pasands.com.

Swim In Zone No need to stay up late to have fun – Swim In Zone’s party runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A single $40 charge covers a family of five (additional guests: $7 per person), and includes swimming, pizza, beverages, kid-friendly activities, a “cannonball countdown,” party favors and more. Bring an appetizer, dessert or snack for the potluck meal at 6 p.m.. Sign-up forms and additional information are on the website: swim-inzone.com.

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Pride of Place

AL L E

NTOWN

WRITTEN BY LIZ REPH

The Allentown Cat Clinic has been providing ex- by Dr. Michael Obenski. Its current owner, Dr. Miceptional veterinary care to felines in the Lehigh chele Paul, began working with Obenski in 1994, Valley for nearly forty years. and eventually purchased the practice in 2007. “I actually started working with Dr. Obenski right Dedicated exclusively to cat medicine and surgery, after I graduated from the University of Pennsylthe clinic strives to create a stress-free atmosphere vania Veterinary School,” explained Paul. “So I’ve for its animal patients. “We believe that being a been here at the clinic for about 21 years now.” ‘feline only’ facility helps the cats feel more comfortable,” explained Terri Zuber, Practice Manager. Prior to attending the University of Pennsylvania, “They don’t have to worry about interactions with Paul had completed her undergraduate work in dogs, or become agitated by any of the smells or the pre-vet program at Wilson College in Chamsounds associated with other species. So it’s a bersburg, PA. Her passion for cats, however, stems much calmer environment overall.” all the way back to childhood. “When I was a kid, there was a woman in my neighborhood who did Located at 4090 West Tilghman Street in Allen- cat-only house calls,” she said. “And I thought that town, the clinic was originally established in 1978 was the coolest job in the world. So I guess I’ve just

58 DECEMBER 2015

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Cat Clinic always been a cat person!”

Among the medical services offered at the Allentown Cat Clinic are wellness and sick exams, dental procedures, digital radiographs, immunizations and parasite control, as well as surgical procedures such as spay, neuter, declaw, bladder stone removal, and tumor removal. By dedicating themselves to a single species, the clinic staff is able to streamline much of what they do and build upon their years of experience. “Since all we see are cats, the repetitiveness sticks in your head,” said Zuber.

“And because of this, we are often able to diagnose certain things much faster than other veterinarians, which is an added benefit to our clients.”

In addition to providing top-quality medical attention, the clinic also offers short and long term boarding, geriatric care and dietary planning assistance. Educating the cat owners is considered

a vital component of keeping the animals healthy and preventing future illnesses. “We really emphasize teaching people about their cats,” explained Zuber. “What are the signs of illnesses, what do certain litter box habits mean, what is the best food to feed your cat, etcetera. Our goal, really, is to help people understand their pets and learn the best ways to keep them healthy.”

The impact this education has on the overall health of the animals is already evident – particularly through areas such as dietary planning. “We teach people to feed their cats a diet of canned food,” said Paul. “This has not always been the conventional wisdom; in fact, for a long time it was thought that dry food was better for cats. However, what we’ve found is that wet food is actually much healthier because of the moisture content. Male cats, in particular, can get stones in their bladder that can lead to urinary track blockage. But by ad-

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60 DECEMBER 2015

justing their diet to canned food, we have seen a through the door each month, the clinic serves 99% decrease in these blockages, as well as a 50% the needs of people throughout the Lehigh Valdecrease in diabetes.” ley and as far away as the Pocono Mountains and Philadelphia region. “Sometimes we see these cats Dr. Paul’s emphasis on preventative health care is for their entire lives – from beginning to end,” also coupled with a more recent shift towards inte- said Zuber. “So we really develop a bond with grated medicine, which involves the use of herbal both the animals and their owners, and it can be and natural medications. Essentially a combina- quite emotional.” tion of conventional and alternative approaches, integrated medicine is often viewed as a more “I have the greatest staff members on the planet,” “holistic” approach to treatment. “What we have added Paul. “We work with cats day-in and day-out, seen is that natural medications often work better and yet there isn’t a moment that goes by that they than conventional ones,” explained Paul. “You can aren’t loving on every animal here. They all have a get the same desired effect with little, if any, of the passion for what they do, and I think we know cats side-effects.” better than anyone else in the Lehigh Valley.”

But perhaps the best measure of the Allentown For more information about the Allentown Cat Cat Clinic’s success is the overwhelming satis- Clinic and its services, please visit their website at faction of its clients. With more than 3,000 pa- allentowncatclinic.net. tients, and approximately 45 new cats coming

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CALENDAR

Thursday, December 10 Christmas at the Pines (runs selected days through December 27) Pines Dinner Theatre 448 N 17th St Allentown 610.433.2333 12:30 p.m. pinesdinnertheatre.com

A Christmas Carol, the Musical

(runs through December 13) Charles A. Brown Ice House 56 River St Bethlehem Times vary 123pyt.org

Live Advent Calendar

Join the conversation.

(runs through December 23) Main St Bethlehem 5:30 p.m. downtownbethlehemassociation.com

Christmas City Follies XVI

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62 DECEMBER 2015

(runs through December 20) Touchstone Theatre 321 E 4th St 8 p.m. touchstone.org

A Rockapella Christmas State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St Easton 7 p.m. statetheatre.org

Confidence & Convenience

Friday, December 11

Chriskindlmarkt (runs Thursday through Sunday through December 20) ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way Bethlehem Hours Vary artsquest.org

Winter Light Spectacular (runs through January 2) Lehigh Valley Zoo 5150 Game Preserve Rd Schnecksville 5:30 p.m. lvzoo.org

A Christmas Carol (runs through December 19) Civic Little Theatre 527 N 19th St Allentown Times vary civictheatre.com

Saturday, December 12 37th Annual Live Bethlehem Christmas Pageant Rose Garden Band Shell 8th Ave Bethlehem 1:45 p.m discoverlehighvalley.com

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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker State Theatre Center for the Arts 453 Northampton St Easton 3 p.m. statetheatre.org

Friday, December 18 Jimmy and the Parrots’ Holiday Parrot Party ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way Bethlehem 8 p.m. steelstacks.org

LEHIGHVALLEYMARKETPLACE.COM

63

CALENDAR

Monday, December 21

For Savvy Travelers GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

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Rainforest Adventure at DaVinci Science Center (runs through January 18) 3145 Hamilton Blvd Bypass Allentown 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. davincisciencecenter.org

Wednesday, December 23 The Magic Flute

J&J Transportation 610-776-1516 • AIRPORTS • CITIES • PARTIES • CONCERTS • SPORTING ORTING EVENTS

Miller Symphony Hall 23 N 6th St Allentown 6:30 p.m. millersymphonyhall.org

Sunday, December 27

Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown 7:05 p.m. pplcenter.com

Monday, December 28 WWE Live PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown 7:30 p.m. pplcenter.com

64 DECEMBER 2015

Wednesday, December 30

JOY TO YOUR DIGITAL WORLD! Peeps Fest (runs December 30 and 31) ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 101 Founders Way Bethlehem 10 a.m. christmascity.org

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Thursday, December 31 Downtown Allentown New Year’s Eve Celebration 7th & Hamilton Sts Allentown 10 p.m. lehighvalleychamber.org

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Saturday, January 2 Indoor Auto Racing PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown 7 p.m. pplcenter.com

All names, logos, images and service marks are property of their respective owners. Visit rcn.com for terms and conditions. The Netflix ratings reflect the average speed for all Netflix streams from October 2014. Internet access is required to access Netflix. Customer must have a Netflix-ready device.

Netflix streaming membership required. © 2015 YouTube, LLC. RCN was YouTube HD Verified on 8/13/2014. Reprinted from pcmag. com with permission. © 2015 Ziff Davis, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Readers’ Choice logo is a trademark of Ziff Davis, Inc. used under license. © 2015 RCN Telecom Services (Lehigh), LLC. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 22 Saturday, January 23 AMSOIL Arenacross (runs through January 24) PPL Center 701 Hamilton St Allentown 7 p.m. pplcenter.com

Sunday, January 31

M-Pact

TAO: Seventeen Samurai

Zoellner Arts Center 420 E Packer Ave Bethlehem 7 p.m. zoellnerartscenter.org

Zoellner Art Scenter 420 E Packer Ave Bethlehem 4 p.m. zoellnerartscenter.org

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_ _

_

CALENDAR

Benefit Recital for Community Music School Miller Symphony Hall 23 N 6th St Allentown 3 p.m. cmslv.org

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PHOT

snapshot

GRAPHY Tips

With so many great holiday moments to capture, you may be asking the question, “How do I take better photos?” Keep reading for some picture-taking tips and then grab your camera and start shooting your way to great photos.

MOVE YOUR SUBJECT OFF CENTER Center-stage is a great place for a performer to be, but the middle of your picture is not the best place for your subject. Bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject off-center. Start by playing tic-tac-toe: imagine a tic-tac-toe grid in your viewfinder or LCD screen. Now place your important subject at one of the places where the lines meet. This will help you create a much more appealing photo.

USE YOUR FLASH OUTSIDE

CHOOSE A SIMPLE BACKGROUND

Use your flash during the day. You might think that you should only use your flash at night or indoors, but that’s not the case at all. If it’s a bright sunny day outside and the sun is creating harsh shadows on people’s faces, switch on your flash. By adding extra light, you can fill in those dark shadows and make a more appealing photo.

A simple background shows off your subject better.

When you look at the camera screen, be sure to look at the whole picture. Look at the area surrounding your subject, and try to keep distractions out of the background. Make sure there aren’t and poles or tree branches growing out of anybody’s head!

Snapshot is brought to you by

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snapshot

If you have a photo you’d like to share, simply visit our Facebook page facebook.com/lehighvalleymarketplace and click the Snapshot tab. Our only requirement is all submitted photos must be taken within the Lehigh Valley.

By submitting your photo you give Lehigh Valley Marketplace permission to publish it in print and digital forms.

Clockwise: Alyssa Drosnock, Bake Oven Knob. Jonathan Drago, Bethlehem. Mannie Samuels, Forks.

70 DECEMBER 2015

Clockwise: Mark Osborne, Hellertown. Teresa Pekarik, Macungie. Jennifer Sarik, Sieple Farms, Bath.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Amerigas ..........................................................................................46 Lehigh Valley Wine Trail ..................................................IFC, 1 Assembly 88....................................................................................27 Maxim's 22 .......................................................................................43 Bank Street Annex.......................................................................49 Medicap Pharmacy .....................................................................30 Blink Optical Boutique..............................................................25 Morningstar Senior Living ............................................... OBC Brown-Daub Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram .........................68 Pearly Baker's Alehouse ........................................................... 61 Casa Toro.............................................................................................2 People First Federal Credit Union.......................................63 Copperhead Grille .......................................................................25 The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley ............................5 Coringrato Insurance .................................................................51

RCN.....................................................................................................65

CORKED Wine Bar & Steak House .................................... 21 Richards Window Fashions ....................................................29 Country Meadows........................................................................24

Riverview Country Club...........................................................64

Dan's Camera .................................................................................66

Rodale Aquatic Center ..............................................................22

deLorenzo's Italian Restaurant & Catering ....................47 Ross Plants & Flowers................................................................ 21 DeSales University Act 1 ..........................................................59

Sands Bethlehem Event Center...............................................3

Dunkelberger's Sports OutďŹ tter .......................................... 19

Saranda's on Broadway ............................................................. 57

Easton Outdoor Company ...................................................... 41

Savory Grille ...................................................................................27

Edge ....................................................................................................43

Segan's Bloomin' Haus..............................................................47

Edible Arrangements.................................................................53

Sette Luna ........................................................................................ 41

Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley ....................................7 Social Security & Retirement Planning (SSARP) ........30 Evolve Salon & Spa ......................................................................23

Something Different Boutique.......................................22, 59

Fegley's Brew Works...................................................................28

Spinnerstown Hotel ....................................................................46

Gail Gray Home ............................................................................68

State Theatre Center for the Arts ........................................45

Gebhardt's........................................................................................49

Susan Bella Jewelry .................................................................IBC

Grille 3501 ........................................................................................66

Sweet Pea Children's Shop......................................................53

The Hamilton Kitchen & Bar ..................................................51

Turfpro Lawn & Landscape .....................................................59

Hartzell's Pharmacy....................................................................55 Unangst Tree Farms ...................................................................28 Iyer Plastic Surgery..............................................................35, 67 Weinstein Kitchen & Bath .......................................................29 J&J Luxury Transportation ....................................................64 Westminster Village...................................................................52 Janney Montgomery Scott .....................................................60 Youell's Oyster House ...............................................................23 Jumbars ............................................................................................45 Zionsville Antique Mall ............................................................55 Kirkland Village............................................................................62 Zoup!...................................................................................................24 Lehigh Valley Health Network ............................................. 31

72 DECEMBER 2015

Indulge in Sparkle this season

Susan Bella Jewelry LLC

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73

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