In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

✊🏾🕊 "I Have a Dream" Echoes in Bethlehem: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

🌪️❄️ Arctic Blast: Lehigh Valley Braces for Snowfall and Strong Winds Again This Week

🗣️🏛️ President Biden Visits Emmaus, Advocating for 'Bidenomics' in Local Community

🌬️🚧 High Winds Cause Over 12,000 Power Outages and Road Closures in Lehigh Valley and Berks County

🐥🌈 Exclusive Treats: Peeps Unveils Unique Flavors at Select Retailers for Easter

🍹🚫  Mocktails and More: Lehigh Valley Embraces Alcohol-Free January

🎭 This Week’s Trivia, Events, Weather, Daily Quotes, and More!

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

Arctic Blast: Lehigh Valley Braces for Snowfall and Strong Winds This Week 🌪❄️

Residents in the Lehigh Valley are gearing up for a winter storm that is predicted to deliver 2 to 3 inches of snow starting late Monday. Accompanying the snowfall are gusty winds and possible snow squalls, leading to reduced visibility and treacherous driving conditions. Furthermore, the region may face another winter storm towards the end of the week, continuing the snowy and turbulent weather pattern.

HOLIDAY TRIVIA QUESTION: 

What was Martin Luther King Jr.'s original given name at birth? 

A) Albert King Jr.

B) Martin Luther King Jr.

C) Michael King Jr.

D) James Albert King Jr.

(ANSWER NEAR BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER)

President Biden Visits Nearby Emmaus, Advocating for ‘Bidenomics’ in Local Community 🗣🇺🇸

During his visit to the Lehigh Valley, President Joe Biden focused on promoting his economic recovery plan, "Bidenomics." He toured several small businesses in Emmaus, engaging with local entrepreneurs and discussing the impact of his policies on small-scale enterprises. Accompanied by political leaders and local officials, Biden's visit was a blend of policy promotion and community interaction. The event drew attention from various groups, including supporters, protestors, and local residents, showcasing the diverse perspectives on the President's economic strategies.

High Wind Events Cause Over 12,000 Power Outages and Road Closures in Lehigh Valley and Berks County 💨 🚧

In the wake of a severe storm, over 12,000 residents in Lehigh Valley and Berks County faced widespread power outages, primarily due to high winds affecting multiple counties. PPL and Met-Ed reported significant outages in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks counties, highlighting the storm's extensive impact. Concurrently, the storm caused considerable disruptions on the roads, with fallen trees and downed utility poles leading to numerous road closures. Emergency services and Met-Ed worked diligently to manage the crisis, emphasizing safety around downed wires and striving to restore normalcy in the affected regions.

Exclusive Treats: Peeps Unveils Unique Easter Flavors at Select Retailers 🐥🌈

For Easter 2024, Just Born Quality Confections is introducing four new flavors of its popular Peeps marshmallow candies. These include Rice Krispies Treats (exclusive to Walmart), Icee Blue Raspberry (exclusive to Target), Sour Strawberry (exclusive to Kroger), and Peeps Delights S’mores Graham Cracker (available nationwide). This strategy of exclusive retail partnerships for certain flavors marks a new approach in the company's product distribution, aiming to create a unique and diverse offering for Peeps enthusiasts across the country.

Mocktails and More: Lehigh Valley Embraces Alcohol-Free January 🍹🚫

The Lehigh Valley is experiencing a cultural shift during Dry January, as local establishments embrace the challenge of providing non-alcoholic beverage options. This trend reflects a growing interest in healthier lifestyles and the social enjoyment of drinks without the effects of alcohol. Bars and pubs are innovating with creative mocktails and non-alcoholic craft brews, appealing to a wide range of customers. The movement highlights a change in drinking habits, focusing on the quality and experience of beverages rather than their alcoholic content.

“I Have a Dream” Echoes in Bethlehem: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day ✊🏾🕊

As Bethlehem joins the nation in commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on the enduring legacy of a man who reshaped the course of American history. Dr. King, a Baptist minister and civil rights leader, became the symbolic voice of nonviolent protest in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. His leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, marked pivotal moments in the struggle for racial equality.

Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolent resistance, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, not only challenged the systemic segregation and discrimination against African Americans but also left an indelible mark on the global fight for human rights. Dr. King's commitment to justice and equality was tragically cut short when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. However, his vision continues to inspire millions worldwide.

In Bethlehem, local businesses and community groups honor his legacy through various initiatives promoting equality, diversity, and community service. Today at 3pm, the NAACP of Bethlehem will be hosting their Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Sayre Hall, Cathedral Church of the Nativity to help us remember Dr. King not just as a historical figure, but as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society.

This Week’s Bethlehem Area Events…

Mon Jan 15

• Rockin* Trivia @ Pint & Pies Bethlehem: 8pm

Thurs Jan 18

• Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party @ PPL Center: 7pm

• Jazz Jam @ Palette & Pour (free): 7pm-10pm

  Local Sports Updates & Schedules:

• Lehigh University

• Moravian University

• Bethlehem Catholic High School

• Liberty High School

• Freedom High School

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The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

Correct Answer: C) Michael King Jr.​

Martin Luther King Jr. was originally given the name Michael King Jr. at birth. His father, Michael King Sr., was inspired to change both his and his son's names after a trip to Germany in 1934. This trip included attendance at the Baptist World Alliance Congress in Berlin. During this trip, King Sr. was influenced by the life and teachings of Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation leader. In response to the rise of Nazism and its racial policies, the Baptist World Alliance issued a strong resolution against racial oppression. Deeply moved by this experience, King Sr. changed his own name to Martin Luther King Sr. and his son's name to Martin Luther King Jr. upon returning home.