LEHIGH VALLEY PENNSYLVANIA | VOL. 7
INSIDE
RETIREMENT • INVESTING
RECOMMENDED SERVICE DIRECTORY FEATURED ARTICLES
VACATION
TRAVEL • LIVING • HEALTH • DINING
WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
FENG SHUI
IN COLOR & DESIGN
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
2024 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LEHIGH VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
AUGUST
AUG 4
| 2ND STREET FESTIVAL
The Northern Liberties 2nd Street Festival draws people to a sixblock stretch of North 2nd Street. All afternoon and into the night, a Philly-centric lineup of live bands plays across three stages. Guests find plenty of food and drink vendors providing an array of eats and drinks and merchandise vendors selling crafts, clothes and more! For more info visit: 2ndstfestival.org
AUG 17 - 18 | CORN FESTIVAL
The Museum of Indian Culture invites you to Pennsylvania’s oldest Native American Indian festival.The festival includes various opportunities for people to learn more about Native American cultures. Activities include Native American style crafts, life skills demonstrations including Atlatl and Tomahawk throwing, fire making, flute making, Native Cooking demonstrations, and so much more! For more info visit: museumofindianculture.org
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 6 -
7 | CHILE PEPPER FEST
The Chile Pepper Festival is held each year the weekend after Labor Day. This event is the largest of its kind anywhere in the United States and is host to chili pepper food, crafts, a Jalapeno eating contest, a salsa contest, a chile pepper field excursion and much more. Lots of variety in heat and food for everyone, expect fiery fun! For more info visit: pepperfestival.com
SEPT 7 - 8 | MUSHROOM FEST
Mushroom lovers across the nation converge in historic Kennett Square each year on the weekend after Labor Day. Over past years, festival events have included the National Fried Mushroom Eating Championship, an Antique and Classic Car Show, a Mushroom 5k Run/2-mile Walk winding past local mushroom farms, an Amateur Mushroom Cook-off and more! For more info visit: mushroomfestival.org
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LEHIGH VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 10)
SEPT 27 - 29 | HIGHLAND GAMES
Since 1988 Celtic Cultural Alliance has been hosting the Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival in Bethlehem each September. The goal of this dedicated group was to create an event that symbolized the Celtic spirit and history, and to provide the impetus for an organization that focused on promoting the Celtic culture. So come on down and enjoy a weekend full of Celtic Culture! For more info visit: celticfest.org
OCTOBER
OCT 1 - 6 | BOOK OF MORMON
The greatest time of a Mormon kid’s life is his mission,’ sings Elder Kevin Price before finding out where and who with, his journey starts. But things are not as the handsome and pious Elder Price predicted when he’s paired up with the hapless and dumpy Elder Cunningham and sent to Uganda for their first mission! Sorry boys, Disneyland, this ain’t. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4av28ftm
OCT 9 | CHILIFEST
ChiliFest is an annual chili-cooking competition that takes place every October in South Bethlehem! Our local restaurants and businesses compete to win your vote in hopes of capturing a coveted chili pepper trophy. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycyj4kvu
NOVEMBER
NOV 2 - 3 | BACON FEST
Located in historic downtown Easton, PA Bacon Fest has grown into one of the region’s most popular events. Celebrate the event’s with 150+ vendors, 15+ musical acts, and two-days of all things bacon at this festival made for food lovers. For more info visit: pabaconfest.com
NOV 10 - 30 | WINTER LIGHT SPECTACULAR
Stroll through tree-lined paths lit up by over 1.2 million twinkling lights and themed animated displays at Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular. Warm up next
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE LEHIGH VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 12)
to the cozy outdoor fire pits, while enjoying hot cocoa. Don’t forget to say hi to Santa, Anna, Elsa, Belle, Cinderella, and friends!
For more info visit: winterlightspectacular.net
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 29 | ELF THE MUSICAL
Based on the beloved movie starring Will Ferrell and Zoey Deschanel, this show first premiered on Broadway in 2010, and has since been inducted into the canon of classic Christmas shows. This critically acclaimed musical is a joyful addition to holiday theatre, with enough hi-tech wizardry and songs to keep the kids engrossed, as well as plenty of jokes for the adults. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/369btvfy
DEC
1 - 31 | LIGHTS
IN THE PARKWAY
This long-running drive-through holiday light display spans more than a mile of beautiful Lehigh Parkway in Allentown, Pa. Add
this tradition to your Lehigh Valley holiday bucket list and wow your family with lighted trees, tunnels, characters, and animated displays in a winter wonderland. For more info visit: lightsintheparkway.com
JANUARY
JAN 8 - 19 | MJ THE MUSICAL
Michael Jackson fans rejoice as a brand new musical all about the iconic superstar is here! With Jackson’s plethora of moon-walking hits in tow, MJ the Musical is set to explore the star’s life and his stratospheric rise to fame. Now touring North America! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/fdprc6xw
FEBRUARY
FEB 21 - 23 | PHILLY
HOME SHOW
Whether you’re joining us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with a specific project in mind or just looking for some inspiration, our local home professionals have you covered. With 200+ booths to explore and several unique
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
LEHIGH VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
feature displays to enjoy, this is a valuable event for all Philadelphia homeowners! For more info visit: phillyhomeshow.com
MARCH
MARCH TBA | ST. PATRICK’S DAY
The West End St. Patrick’s Day 5K is a Running race in Allentown, Pennsylvania consisting of a 5K. You’ll run the same course as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and get cheered on by hundreds of people lining the streets and partying in their front yards. Then hang around after the awards for the Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the largest in the Lehigh Valley. For more info visit: westendstpats5k.com
APRIL
APRIL 1 - 30 | DREAMGIRLS
First debuting on Broadway in 1981, Dreamgirls has since become an iconic modern classic. Loosely based on the story of The Supremes, follow the triumph and torment of show business as the
trio rises from backup singers to the toast of the town. Featuring showstopping Motown-inspired numbers including “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” “Cadillac Car” and “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”, Dreamgirls is the ultimate showbiz musical, with glamour, glitz, love, and drama intact! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/42vxzyz2
MAY
MAY TBA | FLEADH FESTIVAL
The Fleadh is the Philadelphia area’s biggest annual Irish-American Festival with multiple stages featuring live Celtic Rock, Traditional Irish music and dance, shopping, vendors, food, spirits, kids activities and more. Bring your dancing shoes to join the sessions with world renowned experts and jam with other like minded musicians. For more info visit: phillyfleadh.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
LEHIGH VALLEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JUNE
JUNE TBA | FILM FESTIVAL
The Philadelphia Latino Film Festival showcases feature films, shorts, youth films, animations and documentaries by established and emerging Latino and Latin American filmmakers, screened in English or Spanish with subtitles. For more info visit: phlaff.org
JUNE 28 - 30 | FOLK FESTIVAL
One of America’s most celebrated festivals, the Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest folklife event in the nation. The festival features over 200 folk artists and craftsmen, as well six stages of entertainment, folklore and folklife programs, and the best Pennsylvania Dutch food found anywhere. It truly is fun for everyone! For more info visit: kutztownfestival.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
It’s time to break out the red, white and blue for Independence Day. It’s hard to pick what’s best
about the Fourth of July – is it the picnic food, All-American spirit, or the fireworks? No matter what your favorite part is, fireworks are a classic. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3uw0bGM
JULY 9 - 13 | ARTS FESTIVAL
The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is an art lover’s dream! Whether shopping for a unique gift, or looking for something for yourself, our Sidewalk Sale and Exhibition is the place to be. You’ll find over 300 of the country’s best artists selling a wide variety of fine art and fine craft. For more info visit: arts-festival.com
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles
JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’
JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single
JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single
JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single
DATE
2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 30 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 1 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round
JULY 2 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 3 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 4 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 6 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 7 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 8 - TUE 11:00 AM
JULY 9- WED 11:00 AM
JULY 10 - THU 1:00 PM
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals
Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final
JULY 11 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals
JULY 12 - SAT 2:00 PM
JULY 13 - SUN 2:00 PM
Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final
Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final
2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.
William
Emanuel
Glenn’s
William
Healing
