• Bethlehem Local Buzz
  • Posts
  • 🎄🚂 Railroad Legacy, City Retirees, LV Growth, Sam's Restaurant, Armed Teen Arrest

🎄🚂 Railroad Legacy, City Retirees, LV Growth, Sam's Restaurant, Armed Teen Arrest

Issue #042- December 22nd, 2023

Author

Bethlehem Local Buzz
22 Dec

In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz


đŸŽ„đŸ›· Final Weekend of Holiday Events in the Bethlehem Area
đŸš‚đŸ›€ Tracks Through Time: Exploring Bethlehem's Railroad Legacy at the Model Railroad Museum
đŸ›ïžđŸ• Transitions in Bethlehem: Solicitor Steps Down, Beloved K9 Officer to Retire
🏭🌟 Manufacturing Drives Historic Economic Growth in Lehigh Valley
🍔🌭  From Puerto Rican Delights to Classic American: Sam’s Restaurant Revives Beloved Pete’s Hot Dog Shop
🚔🚹  Teen Arrested in Bethlehem Car Break-In, Armed with Stolen Gun
đŸ€© We Want to Spotlight Your Business!

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

- Burton Hillis đŸŽ„đŸ‘šâ€đŸ‘©â€đŸ‘§â€đŸ‘Š

BETHLEHEM HOLIDAY TRIVIA QUESTION: 

Which of these events is a unique Christmas tradition in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

A) Christmas City Village: An area with charming, holiday-themed wooden huts filled with unique holiday gift ideas.

B) Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour: A guided tour offering an overview of the town's historic aspects and customs.

C) The Citizens Christmas City Committee: A group formed in the 1960s to enhance the Christmas aesthetics of Bethlehem.

D) All of the above

(Answer at bottom of Newsletter)

Tracks Through Time: Explore Bethlehem’s Railroad Legacy at the Model Railroad Museum

In the heart of Bethlehem, the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum offers a unique glimpse into the region's rich railroad heritage. Established in 1994 and located at 705 Linden Street, this museum is not just a showcase of model trains but a celebration of the local railroading history that shaped the Lehigh Valley.

The museum's impressive layout, covering over 5,000 square feet, meticulously recreates the routes of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Reading Railroad, and the Central of New Jersey from the 1950s to the 1970s. With over 7,000 feet of track and more than 250 turnouts, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the era through detailed models and authentic recreations of historical landmarks.

More than a collection of model trains, the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum serves as a community hub, intertwining history, technology, and artistry. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it's a place of learning and discovery, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the bygone era of railroading that continues to influence our present. Whether you're a rail enthusiast or a family seeking an engaging outing, this Bethlehem treasure offers an unforgettable journey through the region's past.

Transition in Bethlehem: Solicitor Steps Down, Beloved K9 Officer to Retire đŸ›ïžđŸ•

In Bethlehem, significant changes are underway with the resignation of City Solicitor Brian Panella and the retirement of K9 Officer Rico. Panella, known for his dedicated legal service to the city, is stepping down to assume a new role as a judge in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Meanwhile, the Bethlehem Police Department bids farewell to Rico, a Dutch Shepherd who has been an integral part of the force since 2016. Rico's retirement, overseen by his handler Matthew Steidel, marks the end of a distinguished career in patrol and narcotics, highlighting the invaluable contributions of K9 units to community safety and law enforcement.

Manufacturing Drives Historic Economic Growth in Lehigh Valley 🏭

In 2022, the Lehigh Valley's GDP reached a record high of $50.2 billion, with manufacturing as a leading driver. The region's economy grew by 1% from 2021, ranking it within the top 15 markets for GDP among similar-sized regions and 68th nationally. The growth is attributed to factors like a growing population, strategic location, and diverse economic sectors, including finance, real estate, and professional services.

From Puerto Rican Delights to Classic American: Sam’s Restaurant Revives Beloved Pete’s Hot Dog Shop 🌭

Sam’s Restaurant, previously successful in Catasauqua, is relocating to the historic site of Pete’s Hot Dog Shop in South Bethlehem. Run by Sam and Carlos Rodriguez, the restaurant will maintain the site's classic feel while introducing a diverse menu featuring Puerto Rican and American dishes, including pastelillos and alcapurria, burgers and cheesesteaks, as well as New York-style hot dogs. Read More Here


Teen Arrested in Bethlehem Car Break-In, Armed with Stolen Gun 🚹

A teenager was caught by police in the 1300 block of East 5th Street following an attempted car break-in. The 17-year-old, who shattered a car window, was seen discarding a stolen Glock 9mm handgun while fleeing. He was apprehended by police officers and faces several charges, including possession of a stolen firearm and evading arrest.

A Week of Holiday Events in Bethlehem Area


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 â€ïž 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.

We could use your help

We’ve recently started this local newsletter and have big plans as we get up to speed in January 2024! But we need your help!

Besides our survey and other polls, another huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Bethlehem Region and would benefit from being kept in the know?

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

The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

D) All of the above

  1. Christmas City Village: This event creates a quintessential holiday shopping experience in Bethlehem. The charming, holiday-themed wooden huts offer a wide range of unique holiday gift ideas, and visitors can also explore retail stores, fine dining establishments, and historical Moravian museums in a festively decorated downtown setting​​.

  2. Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour: This is a wonderful way to get an overview of Bethlehem's different historic aspects and customs. The tour is conducted in a warm bus, guided by a guide dressed in period attire. It includes going behind the famed Star of Bethlehem to see the star from a different angle, providing a unique perspective on this iconic symbol​​.

  3. The Citizens Christmas City Committee: Formed in the 1960s, this committee works to enhance the Christmas look of Bethlehem. The committee raises funds to purchase and light over 800 trees during the Christmas season, with sparkling white lights adorning trees in the Historic Moravian District and LED colored lights in the South Side Arts District​​.

Additionally, Bethlehem is known for its prominent Star of Bethlehem decoration on South Mountain, an iconic symbol of the city during the Christmas season. The star design features a five-pointed star with eight rays and is illuminated with LED lights, visible from over 20 miles away​

Reply

or to participate.