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❤️🤝 Peaceable Kingdom, LVHN Merger, Holiday Record, Shamrocks and Cheesecake

Issue #040- December 20th, 2023

Author

Bethlehem Local Buzz
20 Dec

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🎄🛷 Final Week of Holiday Events in the Bethlehem Area
🐾❤️ Peaceable Kingdom: A Haven for Bethlehem's Needy Animals
 🏥🤝 LVHN and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals Eye Historic Merger
🎄🎉 Record-Breaking Joy: Bethlehem's Christkindlmarkt Draws Over 117,500 Visitors
🎶🍀 Marching Again: Bethlehem's Parade of Shamrocks Set for 2024 Return
🍰🎈 Cheesecake Factory's Grand Opening Sweetens Lehigh Valley's Dining Scene
🤩 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

- Norman Vincent Peale 🎄✨

TRIVIA QUESTION: In what year did Bethlehem, Pennsylvania officially adopt the nickname "Christmas City USA"?

A) 1937… B) 1941… C) 1953… D) 1960…

(Answer at bottom of Newsletter)

Peaceable Kingdom: A Haven for Lehigh Valley’s Needy Animals 🐾 ❤️

In the Lehigh Valley, Peaceable Kingdom stands as a testament to compassion and community service. Founded in 1998, this no-kill shelter has evolved from a small operation run by volunteers into a comprehensive facility providing care for mistreated, injured, and abandoned animals. Over the years, Peaceable Kingdom has expanded its footprint, adapting its facility to include a veterinary clinic, and various rooms for dogs, cats, bunnies, and puppies, alongside adoption areas and essential support spaces. Despite these improvements, made with limited funds, the shelter now faces the challenge of an outdated and inefficient layout.

The building's history dates back to the 1950s, starting as Zimmerman’s Market and later a pet store before becoming the shelter. The current structure, pieced together over time, limits the number of animals the shelter can assist. Recognizing the need for a major overhaul, Peaceable Kingdom is embarking on an ambitious renovation plan. This includes a redesigned veterinary clinic, reconfigured rooms for animals, improved public adoption areas, a special kitten adoption room, and enhanced storage and laundry facilities. The exterior of the building will also receive a facelift, all within a more efficient layout to maximize space and ensure the ongoing safety of the animals.

However, this extensive renovation comes with significant costs. Updating outdated systems, walls, and flooring is a substantial financial undertaking. While Peaceable Kingdom has been fortunate to receive donations over the years, additional financial support is crucial to bring these plans to fruition in 2024. The community's generosity has always been the backbone of Peaceable Kingdom's success, and once again, the shelter is reaching out for help.

As we spotlight Peaceable Kingdom in our "Local Business Spotlight," we recognize its invaluable contribution to animal welfare throughout the Lehigh Valley. We encourage our readers to consider supporting this remarkable local non-profit. Your donations can help transform this facility into a state-of-the-art shelter and clinic, continuing to serve animals in need and providing a vital resource to our community for years to come. 🐾🏗️🤝

LVHN and Thomas Jefferson Hospitals Eye Historic Merger

LVHN announced a planned merger with Philadelphia's Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, aiming to create a large integrated healthcare system. The merger focuses on enhancing care access and reducing costs through Jefferson Health Plans. While it promises efficiencies and better care coordination, concerns about increased healthcare costs and job security have been raised. The merger process is expected to take about a year, pending regulatory approvals.

Record-Breaking Joy: Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt Draws over 117,500 visitors

The 31st annual Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, hosted by ArtsQuest, saw record attendance, with over 117,500 visitors. The event featured extended hours, a diverse range of vendors, live music, and various food options. Highlights included the ArtsQuest Glass Studio's Glass Blowing Experience, Breakfast with St. Nick, and an Ice Carving station. The event also served as a filming location for upcoming productions and was complemented by the popular SteelStacks Ice Skating Rink.

Marching Again: Bethlehem’s Parade of Shamrocks Set for 2024 Return

The Parade of Shamrocks, a key cultural event in Bethlehem, will return in March 2024 after a hiatus since 2019. Supported by the city council, the parade is organized by the Celtic Cultural Alliance and is expected to boost local business and celebrate the area's Celtic heritage. The parade route will go through Broad and Main Streets, ending under the Hill-To-Hill Bridge, and is anticipated to draw significant crowds to downtown Bethlehem.

Cheesecake Factory’s Grand Opening Sweetens Lehigh Valley’s Dining Scene

The Cheesecake Factory celebrated its opening at the Lehigh Valley Mall, marking the chain's first foray into the Lehigh Valley. The opening attracted a significant crowd, reflecting the restaurant's popularity and its potential impact on the local economy. The location features a large staff, a variety of seating options, and a late-night kitchen, making it a unique addition to the mall's lifestyle section.

A Week of Holiday Events in Bethlehem Area…

Wed Dec 20

Thurs Dec 21

Fri Dec 22

Sat Dec 23

Sun Dec 24

We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Bethlehem area residents in an upcoming issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!
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.

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Please share Bethlehem Local Buzz with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇

The Answer to Bethlehem “Did You Know” Trivia: 

A) In 1937, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce declared Bethlehem "Christmas City USA," recognizing its first Christmas in 1741 and solidifying its association with the holiday​​. Additionally, Bethlehem presents a unique live Advent calendar event, which takes place from December 1 – 23 each year at the 1810 Goundie House, further enhancing its Christmas-themed identity.

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