Dressed in Arctic-themed Halloween costumes, student and community activists rallied in Bethlehem to press Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to oppose oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Organizers said more than a thousand Pennsylvanians have taken action this fall by signing petitions, writing letters, and calling lawmakers. They encouraged more residents to join.
If you’ve spent time in Historic Downtown Bethlehem, chances are you’ve seen Ty Versocki out and about! As manager of the Downtown Bethlehem Association, Ty has been visiting shops, restaurants, and organizations for the ongoing video series Tea with Ty, giving viewers an inside look at the people and stories that make downtown special.
From conversations with Knobs ‘N Knockers to tours of Hand Cut Crystal, The Bethlehem Food Co-Op, and Franklin Hill Vineyards, Ty shares a slice of life from every corner of the city. The series also spotlights local favorites like Bethlehem Brew Works, The Melting Pot, and Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, showing how each contributes to Bethlehem’s creative and welcoming downtown community.
Housing is one of the hottest topics in the Lehigh Valley right now. On this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with two leaders on the frontlines:
Gina Loiacono, Director of Community Engagement and Grants at Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley
Marc Rittle, Executive Director at New Bethany
We talk about:
• Habitat’s 142 homes in the Valley and what it takes for families to qualify
• The reality of transitional housing and how New Bethany is adapting programs to meet demand
• The difference between affordable housing and attainable housing
• The stigma around low-income housing and how nonprofits are working to change it
• Habitat’s ReStores in Hellertown and Whitehall and how donations fuel more homebuilding
“No child should ever wonder where to lay their head at night.” — Gina Loiacono
“At the end of the day, there is more power in the private sector than the public sector when it comes to housing.” — Marc Rittle
Links
Subscribe for more conversations about the people and issues shaping the Lehigh Valley.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is one of five cities or towns selected to host a live webcam on the Hallmark Christmas website this holiday season. A comment by a Philadelphia FOX News anchor started us on a journey to find the perfect Hallmark Christmas story in downtown Bethlehem.
Join us as we ask “Who would YOU be in a Hallmark Movie?” and let us know who you’d be in the comments.
Cams https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/chris…
