🏡 Community Crossroads: Elections, Hospital Grades, and Bethlehem's Development

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🗳️ Lehigh Valley at a Crossroads: Pivotal Local Races Shape Election Day 2023!

🏥 Leapfrog's Biannual Safety Study: Lehigh Valley Hospitals Shine!

⛪ From Sacred Grounds to Homes: Bethlehem's New Development Proposal!

🍷🥫 Sip and Support: Lehigh Valley Wine Trail's Charitable Food Drive!

🌰 From Ancient Recipes to Modern Delights: The Chocolate-Almond Legacy!

☀️ Today’s Weather Report

🎭 Bethlehem & Regional Area Events

🤩 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

And more…

"Work for a cause, not for applause. Life life to express, not to impress." 

— Anonymous

Lehigh Valley at a Crossroads: Pivotal Local Races Shape Election Day 2023!

The Lehigh Valley has been gearing up for today, Election Day 2023, with several key local races that could influence the region's trajectory. Lehigh County sees a tight competition for county commissioner seats, while Bethlehem has Republicans challenging Democrats for city council seats after a decade. Issues like the Hellertown Library and Bethlehem Landfill expansion are influencing other local races. School board elections across the region are also drawing significant attention due to crowded candidate fields. Additionally, statewide judicial contests, including a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, hold broader implications for the state.

Sip and Support: Lehigh Valley Wine Trail’s Charitable Food Drive

The Lehigh Valley Wine Trail is set to host its 5th annual "Giving Before Thanks" food drive, blending the spirit of charity with the region's rich viticulture. On the weekend of November 11-12, wine enthusiasts can visit any of the five member wineries—Black River Farms, Blue Mountain, Franklin Hill, Tolino Vineyards, and Vynecrest—to participate in this altruistic event. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will be donated to local food pantries, including New Bethany in Bethlehem and the Portland/Upper Mount Bethel Food Pantry in the Slate Belt.

In a gesture of gratitude, each winery will offer a complimentary wine sample to patrons who contribute to the food drive. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, is not only a chance to give back but also an opportunity to enjoy the local flavors. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail will donate $1 for every pound of food collected to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA, pledging up to $1,000.

The food drive is part of a broader schedule of events at the wineries, with a full lineup available on the wine trail’s website. This initiative is a testament to the region's commitment to community support and the shared joy of wine tasting.

Leapfrog’s Biannual Safety Study: Lehigh Valley Hospitals Shine!

The national nonprofit, The Leapfrog Group, released its hospital safety grades for the second half of 2023. Lehigh Valley health institutions continued their trend of good performance. The evaluation, which focuses on healthcare-associated infections, saw St. Luke’s University Health Network mostly receiving A grades, while Lehigh Valley Health Network had varied A or B graded results. Pennsylvania maintained its fourth position in state rankings, while New Jersey witnessed a decline.

Former Church Site in Bethlehem Eyes Residential Transformation!

A Bethlehem proposal is under consideration to transform the site of the former Church of the Manger into a residential area. The Bethlehem Planning Commission is set to review plans for the construction of 24 homes in the Kaywin neighborhood, located near the Westgate Mall. The church, situated at 1411 Greenview Drive, held its final service in October and has since merged with St. Thomas UCC at 902 E. Macada Rd.

The proposed layout for the site includes three blocks of four townhouses on each side of the development, totaling 12 townhouses on each side. This design would provide 48 parking spaces, equating to two per home. The housing blueprint closely mirrors the church's existing layout, with plans indicating a "vegetative buffer" on each side. The Kaywin neighborhood, where the development is proposed, is nestled between Schoenersville Road and Route 378, south of Catasauqua Road and the Westgate Mall.

The Planning Commission's meeting to discuss this proposal is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. in Town Hall and will also be available for online viewing.

Savoring a Timeless Pairing: Bittersweet Chocolate Meets Almonds!

Celebrated annually, National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day pays tribute to a culinary combination with deep historical roots. The pairing, which has been a part of English-speaking recipes for centuries, is promoted by organizations like the National Confectioners Association.

The day encourages enthusiasts to explore various ways to enjoy this blend, from simple snacking to intricate dishes. Beyond the taste, the health benefits of bittersweet chocolate, rich in antioxidants, and almonds, packed with essential nutrients, are emphasized.

Complete Local Sports Schedules:

Lehigh University

Moravian University

Bethlehem Catholic High School

Liberty High School

Freedom High School

This Week’s Events in Bethlehem Area…

Tues Nov 7

• Taco Tuesdays: Black & Blue - 7pm

• Tool - Tour 2023 @ PP&L Center - 7:30pm

Wed Nov 8

• Jordan Klepper: Suffering Fools (Comedy) - 7:30pm

Thurs Nov 9

• Open Mic Night - Hosted by Billy Bauer: SteelStacks - 7pm-10pm

Fri Nov 10

• Christmas City Village - 11am-8pm

• Synced Up: SteelStacks - 8pm

Sat Nov 11

• Christmas Huts on Main Street - 11am-8pm

• LV Phantoms vs. Hershey Bears: @ PPL Center - 7:05pm

• Winter Light Spectacular: Support LV Zoo - 5pm-10pm

Have an Event you want us to list?

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We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! Bethlehem Local Buzz is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Bethlehem together!

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