Modern medicine can do wonders for the chronically and seriously ill—providing radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients, for example. But the powers of science don’t always address the internal stresses that often accompany major illnesses. That’s where St. Luke’s Healing Arts program comes in, says Kristen Ward, program coordinator. “Artistic activity helps ou... »
Because of its name, it’s easy to picture the Lehigh Conference of Churches (LCoC) as a solemn, deliberative body that concerns itself with deep theological concepts. But it’s much more than that, says executive director Dr. John “Jack” E. Felch Jr. “We are a Christian organization with an ecumenical mission,” he said. “So by definition, we work across all theological divi... »
SPOTLIGHT ON THE VOLUNTEER CENTER OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED Did you know volunteering brings physical and psychological benefits all around? The charities and beneficiaries enjoy the obvious philanthropic effects, but when you volunteer your time, you also benefit. Studies have shown that the volunteers feel many health and wellness benefits like lower b... »
Athletic pedigree hasn’t been a problem in the Arnold’s household in Coopersburg. Susan and Mike Arnold’s three daughters, Kristin, Katelyn, and Maddie—human progeny—were each first-team All-State and All-Colonial League field hockey stars at Southern Lehigh High. Between 2006-17 they collected five league, and seven District XI championships. Kristin, a three-sport athlet... »
This month, 14-year-old Ryan Baki will embark on an incredible adventure: Hiking to the peak of the tallest freestanding mountain in the world—the 19,340-foot Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. But he isn’t doing it just for the experience; it’s the linchpin of his efforts to raise money for a global charity that benefits people in third-world countries. He arrived at this point... »
RCN’s annual telethon helps make childhood magic happen for those who deserve it most. In 1984, Lehigh Valley businessman Kostas Kalogeropoulos overheard a conversation at a restaurant about a child with cancer who wanted to go to Disney World. He vowed to find out who the child was and help the child get there. “The only thing he wanted was for the family to tell him how... »
Healing the psychological wounds of war with a wagging tail Jason, a veteran and volunteer, spends some quality time with Loftus, a Tails of Valor service dog in training. Anyone who’s owned a pet can agree that animals have a soothing, supporting, and healing impact on a person’s life. The organization Tails of Valor—which trains rescue pups to be service animals for war ... »
Cultivating new farmers when we need them most Thanks to a special conservation program that began in Pennsylvania 30 years ago—one that helps limit development on farmland—Lehigh County has now preserved over 23,000 fertile acres on more than 300 farms, in perpetuity. But over the years, as the amount of preserved land grew, there was a new challenge: finding farme... »
Bringing musical yoga and mindfulness to underserved kids in the Lehigh Valley. If you ask children’s yoga instructor Kira Willey the career milestone she’s most proud of, the answer may surprise you. The singer-songwriter has recorded four award-winning albums of children’s music and mindful moments, published a children’s book, had multiple yoga and mindfulness episodes ... »
Providing support for preemie babies and their families The best laid plans of mice and men—and storks—do sometimes go awry! Most pregnancies last 40 weeks, but about 12 percent of babies don’t complete their 40 week gestation. These babies are born prematurely and they (and their parents) need a lot of help and hope. Here in the Lehigh Valley, an agency offers just... »
