In this issue of Bethlehem Local Buzz…

🍴🎉 Taste the Best of Bethlehem: Exclusive Menus & Discounts at Winter Restaurant Week

🦦🏈 Experience the Charm of Otterbowl at Lehigh Valley Zoo

✈️📦 Lehigh Valley Airport Hits Milestone: Busiest in Two Decades

🏓🚑 Playing it Safe: Tackling the Rise of Injuries in Pickleball

❤️🐾 Meet Nala: A Gorgeous Anatolian Shepherd Awaiting Her Fur-Ever Home

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

- B.L.B. Monthly Update: Bottom of Newsletter -

“Do the best you can until you know better, then, when you know better, do better.”

- Maya Angelou

Question: What pivotal role did Archibald Johnston play in the formation of modern Bethlehem, PA?

A) He founded the Bethlehem Steel Corporation
B) He led the campaign for the consolidation of Bethlehem's three boroughs
C) He established the first public waterworks in America in Bethlehem

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Experience the Charm of Otterbowl at Lehigh Valley Zoo 🦦🏈

The Lehigh Valley Zoo invites the community to its 13th annual Otterbowl celebration on February 10th. This unique event features the zoo's North American River Otters, Luani and Piper, who will offer their playful prediction for this year's big game winner. Set to begin at 11:30 AM at the otter exhibit, the Otterbowl is more than a sports event; it's an opportunity for the otters to engage in enriching activities and for visitors to learn about these fascinating animals. The event also underscores the zoo's commitment to conservation, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Get Your Tickets Here!

Lehigh Valley Airport Hits Milestone: Busiest in Two Decades ✈️📦

Lehigh Valley International Airport has reached a notable high, experiencing its busiest passenger traffic in 20 years. This increase in travelers highlights the airport's enhanced appeal and operational capabilities. In addition to the passenger traffic milestone, the airport has also achieved a record in cargo handling, demonstrating a substantial rise in its commercial activities. These achievements are indicative of the airport's strategic development and its crucial contribution to the economic development and connectivity of the region.

Playing it Safe: Tackling the Rise of Injuries in Pickleball 🏓🚑

With Pickleball's increasing popularity, especially among somewhat older individuals, there has been a notable rise in orthopedic injuries within this age group. This development points to the necessity for increased safety awareness and injury prevention strategies that cater to older or unfit players. Experts advise not just older, but all participants, to focus on proper playing techniques, engage in appropriate strength and flexibility training, and use suitable equipment to reduce the risk of injuries. These preventive measures are crucial for ensuring that all players can safely enjoy Pickleball, emphasizing the broader importance of sports safety in activities that are commonly attracting a growing number of enthusiasts.

Taste the Best of Bethlehem: Exclusive Menus & Discounts at Winter Restaurant Week 🍴🎉 

The Downtown Bethlehem Association is hosting Winter Restaurant Week from January 28th to February 3rd, offering a culinary journey through the city's finest restaurants with exclusive pre-fixed menus. Diners can also enjoy a 20% discount at select retailers by showing their restaurant receipts. Additionally, parking promotions are available, including free parking today and complimentary first-hour parking in the North Street Garage until February 3rd. Participating Restaurants:

Meet Nala: A Gentle Giant's Plea for a Forever Home - At 117 lbs, Nala, a majestic 2-year-old Anatolian Shepherd, yearns for a life beyond the confines of her lonely outdoor kennel. Imagine transforming her world with your love, where belly rubs and blueberry-peanut butter treats are daily delights. This well-mannered, obedient soul, who's blossoming with each patient step on the leash, seeks a compassionate heart to guide her. Will you be the hero in Nala's story, offering her the loving, forever home she so deeply deserves? Do you know someone else that could be?

Read More About Nala Here!

The Answer to “Did You Know” Trivia: 

B) He led the campaign for the consolidation of Bethlehem's three boroughs

Archibald Johnston, known for his long career with the Bethlehem Iron Company and its successor organizations, played a significant role in the civic development of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. One of his notable contributions was advocating for the consolidation of the boroughs of Bethlehem, South Bethlehem, and Northampton Heights. In 1917, following a successful consolidation election, these boroughs merged to form the modern city of Bethlehem. Johnston served as the first mayor of the newly consolidated city from 1917 to 1921

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B.L.B. Monthly Update:

In our continuous endeavor to enhance the quality and relevance of our content, we have recently embarked on a phase of moderate formatting adjustments. Over the past week, as well as upcoming weeks, we will have diligently tested various aspects of our newsletter to better align with our readers' preferences. We are grateful for the diverse range of feedback received, encompassing many appreciative yet some critical perspectives. It's important to reiterate that as an email newsletter, our format inherently differs from a content-rich website. This distinction necessitates a thoughtful curation of content, ensuring that we deliver the most pertinent and engaging material within our space constraints.

We understand that changes in format or content can evoke varied responses. Therefore, we actively seek your honest, yet respectful feedback on these modifications. Although some changes take time to implement, your insights are invaluable in shaping a newsletter that resonates with the majority of our readers. If you notice the absence of a particular section, it is likely due to observed low engagement or a period of inactivity. However, we are open to revisiting such decisions based on your input and suggestions.

Looking ahead, we are excited to introduce interactive elements like engagement polls, trivia submitted by our subscribers, and other dynamic resources. These initiatives are part of our commitment to providing fun and substantive content, steering clear of the 'fluff' often seen in other media outlets. This approach requires significant effort and dedication.

In line with these developments, we are also exploring sponsorship opportunities. This will not only enhance our ability to deliver high-quality content, but also offer businesses a platform for brand exposure. We look forward to your continued support and engagement as we evolve and grow together.

Lastly, if you find that our newsletter no longer aligns with your interests, we understand. We appreciate the time you've spent with us and respect your decision. You always have the option to unsubscribe at any time from the bottom of every email we send. Be aware that by taking such action, the Monday through Friday Bethlehem news and events updates you personally signed up for will quickly come to an end.

Looking forward to a Great Year in Bethlehem… and thank you for all your support!

Ali & Rich - Owners: Bethlehem Local Buzz

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