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🎬 💸 Hallmark Premiere, USPS Issues, 2024 Budget, Police Bonus, Dog Illness

Issue #041- December 21st, 2023

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Bethlehem Local Buzz
21 Dec

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🎄🛷 Final Week of Holiday Events in the Bethlehem Area
🎬🎄 Hallmark's Holiday Magic: 'Miracle in Bethlehem, PA' Premieres
📭🤔  Boscola Questions USPS's Lehigh Valley Mail Shift Strategy
🏛️💸 Bethlehem Approves 2024 Budget: Property Taxes and Sewer Fees to Rise
🚔💰 Boosting Bethlehem's Blue Line: Police Department to Offer $5,000 Sign-On Bonuses
🐶🩺 Alert for Dog Owners: Respiratory Illness aCIRDC Spreads Among Dogs in Pennsylvania
🤩 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

“Peace on earth will come to stay when we live Christmas every day.”

- Helen Steiner Rice 🕊 🌟

TRIVIA QUESTION: 

How many points did the first Moravian Star, created in the 1830s, reportedly have?

A) 26 Points… B) 50 Points… C) 110 Points… D) 165 Points…

(Answer at bottom of Newsletter)

Hallmark’s Holiday Magic: ‘Miracle in Bethlehem, PA’ Premieres Tonight ✨

"Miracle in Bethlehem, PA," a new Hallmark holiday movie, tells the story of Mary Ann and her daughter Natalie, who find shelter in Bethlehem, PA, during a storm. The film, which wasn't shot locally, portrays the warmth and spirit of the Christmas City through the experiences of its characters. The movie, part of Hallmark's holiday lineup, premieres at 8pm tonight and focuses on themes of faith, family, and the magic of Christmas.

Boscola Questions USPS’s Lehigh Valley Mail Shift Strategy

GIF by Looney Tunes

State Senator Lisa Boscola has expressed concerns over the USPS's proposal to transfer some mail processing duties from the Lehigh Valley to Harrisburg. This plan, part of a national modernization effort, could lead to mail delivery delays and logistical inefficiencies. Boscola also raised issues regarding the potential impact on jobs and the necessity of a full-service processing center in the Lehigh Valley.

Bethlehem Approves 2024 Budget: Property Taxes and Sewer Fees to Rise 📈

Bethlehem's City Council has approved a $113.27 million budget for 2024, increasing property taxes and sewer rates. The tax hike will result in higher bills for residents in both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. The budget includes significant allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act for capital expenditures and pandemic-related revenue losses.

Boosting Bethlehem’s Blue Line: Police Department to Offer $5,000 Sign-On Bonus

The Bethlehem Police Department is set to receive a $75,000 state grant, enabling it to offer $5,000 sign-on bonuses to new police hires. This move aims to address recruitment challenges exacerbated by recent events and the city's educational requirements for officers. The department plans to fill several vacancies in the coming year, continuing the trend set in 2023 when new hires also received sign-on bonuses.

Alert for Dog Owners: Respiratory Illness aCIRDC Spreads Among Dogs in PA

Pennsylvania is among 16 states experiencing an outbreak of aCIRDC, a respiratory illness in dogs. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. The Lehigh Valley Humane Society advises vigilance and veterinary treatment for such symptoms, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations for dogs. While no cases have been reported in the Lehigh Valley, dog owners are encouraged to take preventive measures. Read More Here

Sick Dog GIF by Refinery29

A Week of Holiday Events in Bethlehem Area…

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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The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

C) The Moravian star, an illuminated decoration representing the Star of Bethlehem, originated in the 1830s at the Moravian Boys' School in Niesky, Germany, initially as a geometry lesson or project. The first recorded Moravian Star is known to have had 110 points and was created for the 50th anniversary of the school's Paedagogium. The tradition of Moravian stars is popular in regions with Moravian Church congregations, notably in parts of Germany, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The stars are also known as Herrnhut stars, named after the Moravian Mother Community in Saxony, Germany, where they were first commercially produced​.

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