In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🌬️❄️ Freezing Forecast: Lehigh Valley to Face Icy Roads as Temperatures Plunge

🔬🏥 Innovative Treatment Options Arrive with LVHN's Stem Cell Transplant Program

🎬🏅 The Freddy Awards Return: A Celebration of Young Talent in High School Theater

👕🛍 Fashion Forward: J.Crew Factory Set to Enliven Saucon Valley Shopping

🚫🏭 Residents' Concerns Prevail as Bethlehem Township Rejects Massive Warehouse Plan

🌿🏙️ Bethlehem and Neighboring Areas to Benefit from State Environmental Grants

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

🤩 Support Bethlehem Local Business

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

 🥶  Albert Camus 🌞

Freezing Forecast: Lehigh Valley to Face Icy Roads as Temperatures Plunge 🌬️❄️

Following a recent snowfall, the Lehigh Valley is expected to experience icy roads due to rapidly dropping temperatures. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has lifted speed limit restrictions post-snowfall. The National Weather Service recorded 3 inches of snow at the Lehigh Valley International Airport and forecasts temperatures to remain below freezing until next Monday.

Question: What was the record low temperature recorded in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?

A) -5 °F (-21 °C)

B) -12 °F (-24 °C)

C) -16 °F (-27 °C)

D) -22 °F (-30 °C)

(ANSWER NEAR BOTTOM OF NEWSLETTER)

Innovative Treatment Options Arrive with LVHN’s Stem Cell Transplant Program 🔬🏥

LVHN's new Stem Cell and Transplant Therapy Program, part of the Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, offers advanced treatment for various blood disorders and cancers. Led by Dr. Amir Toor, the program was established with a specialized team and dedicated facilities for stem cell collection and patient care. The program focuses on restoring blood-forming stem cells, benefiting patients with conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. This development places LVHN at the forefront of future stem cell research and treatment opportunities.

The Freddy Awards Return: A Celebration of Young Talent in High School Theater 🎬🏅

The Freddy Awards, in its 22nd year, has announced the participation of 29 schools in its high school musical theater awards program. The season features a diverse array of musicals, with a notable trend towards the Rodgers + Hammerstein version of "Cinderella". Last year's standout, Emmaus High School, is also set to perform this year. The season, showcasing young theatrical talent, will culminate in the Freddy Awards show on May 23. Read More Here

Fashion Forward: J. Crew Factory Set to Enliven Saucon Valley Shopping 🛍️👕

J.Crew Factory is opening a new store at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, offering classic and colorful styles for the whole family. This addition is part of the shopping center's expansion, which includes various unique boutiques and top brand names. The new store will feature exclusive styles, in-store events, and a loyalty program with special perks.

Resident’s Concerns Prevail as Bethlehem Township Rejects Massive Warehouse Plan 🚫🏭

The Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners unanimously turned down a proposal from Freemansburg Industrial for an 866,350-square-foot warehouse on Freemansburg Avenue. The project, led by Trammell Crow of Texas, faced public opposition and concerns about traffic congestion, particularly at key intersections. Despite potential legal challenges, the commissioners stood by the public's overwhelming disapproval of the development.

Bethlehem and Neighboring Areas to Benefit from State Environmental Grants 🌿🏙️

Senator Lisa Boscola has secured $323,500 in state funding for environmental and recreational projects in the 18th Senatorial District. This funding, part of the Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund Grant Program, will support the development and improvement of parks, recreation plans, watershed protection, and sewage facilities in various municipalities, including Bethlehem, Hellertown, Easton, and Palmer Township. The initiative is financed by fees from the state's unconventional natural gas wells.

Savor the Flavor: Local Eateries Shine in Hellertown-Lower Saucon Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township is offering residents a delightful culinary journey this winter. All are serving up special menus and unique dishes. This event highlights the rich culinary landscape of the area and provides an excellent opportunity for the community to come together and support local businesses. With a range of dining options, from cozy cafes to historic hotels, Restaurant Week is a celebration of local flavors and community spirit.

Participating restaurants, include:

• Art Cafe

• Black River Farms

• Braveheart Highland Pub

• Drip - The Flavor Lab

• Hellertown Crossroads Hotel

• Plaza Aztec

• Springtown Inn

• Taste of Italy

• Vassi’s Drive-In

• Yianni’s Taverna

• Wings on Main

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

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 know our community is brimming with hard-working solopreneurs and businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. Let's connect and let the community know what makes your business special.

✅ OWN a Bethlehem Area Business » Apply to be Featured!

  Local Sports Updates & Schedules:

• Lehigh University

• Moravian University

• Bethlehem Catholic High School

• Liberty High School

• Freedom High School

The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

Correct Answer: C)  -16 °F (-27 °C).

FYI: The coldest temperature ever recorded in Pennsylvania was -42 degrees Fahrenheit. This record low was observed in Smethport, Pennsylvania. Smethport is located in McKean County in the northern part of Pennsylvania, a region popularly known for its cold winter temperatures.