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🎨💫 Artistic Renaissance, Dazzling Geminids, Health Alert, Rite Aid Closure

Issue #036- December 14th, 2023

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Bethlehem Local Buzz
14 Dec

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🎄🦌 A Full Week of Holiday Events in the Bethlehem Area
🎨🏗️ Bethlehem's Artistic Renaissance: $23M Cultural Arts Center to Replace Banana Factory
💫🔭 Celestial Showtime: Geminids Peak with Dazzling Display Over Bethlehem
🌡️🤒 Children's Health Alert: Strep and Scarlet Fever on the Rise in Bethlehem
 📉 🛒 South Bethlehem Rite Aid to Close Doors in January Amid Nationwide Cutbacks
🤩 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

Bethlehem’s Artistic Renaissance: $23M Cultural Arts Center to Replace Banana Factory

The new South Side Bethlehem Cultural Arts Center, costing $23 million, is replacing the Banana Factory to meet the growing demand for ArtsQuest's programs. The center will feature a 73,500-square-foot main building and a 5,500-square-foot glass studio, increasing space by 30%. It will offer a range of activities, including artist studios, gallery spaces, and a digital production lab. Over $17 million has been raised for the project, which is expected to create jobs and have a significant economic impact. The center's design aims to create an active cultural environment, with completion expected by mid-2026.

Celestial Showtime: Geminids Peak with Dazzling Display Over Bethlehem

The Geminids meteor shower, active from November 19 through Christmas Eve, is expected to peak on December 13-14. This year's shower is particularly promising due to the new moon phase, enhancing visibility. The Geminids, originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, can produce up to 150 meteors per hour in dark locations. Following the Geminids, the Ursids meteor shower will peak on December 22-23 but may be affected by moonlight. For optimal viewing, a dark location and time for eyes to adjust are recommended.

Children’s Health Alert: Strep & Scarlet Fever Surge

Bethlehem health officials warn of an increase in strep throat and scarlet fever among children. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fever, and a "strawberry tongue," while scarlet fever features a sandpaper-like rash. Both are treatable with antibiotics. Flu cases are also rising, making it important to distinguish between flu and strep symptoms. Good hygiene practices are recommended to prevent the spread of these infections.

South Bethlehem Rite Aid to Close Doors in January Amid Nationwide Cutbacks

The Rite Aid store in South Bethlehem is set to close in January 2024, with a clearance event already underway. This closure is part of a larger trend affecting Rite Aid, which plans to close 150 stores nationwide, including over 35 in Pennsylvania. The closures are influenced by factors like business strategy, lease considerations, and competition. The company, facing debt and legal challenges, is also selling several store leases.

A Week of Holiday Events in Bethlehem Area…

Thurs Dec 14

Fri Dec 15

Sat Dec 16

Sun Dec 17

  Complete Local Sports Updates & Schedules:

“Sometimes when you’re in a dark place you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.”

-Christine Caine

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