Dear Readers, Several months ago a friend introduced me – through YouTube – to Robby Novak. Eleven-year-old Robby has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a brittle bone condition that has caused him to endure more than 70 broken bones since birth. What is so amazing and awe-inspiring about Robby is that he doesn’t let it keep him down for a second. He doesn’t want people to think of ... »
By Frederick Jerant Visit any decent-sized city, and you’ll probably find some “destination” neighborhoods – special shopping districts, ethnic strongholds, or historically significant zones. And in the west end of Allentown, you’ll find the West End Theatre District, a bustling enclave of residential properties, merchants and artistic venues that’s like no other place in ... »
By Kathryn M. D’Imperio April is Autism Awareness month, reminding us to do what we can to support those affected by autism. Autism Speaks is the leading autism science and advocacy organization that focuses on funding research to learn more about the causes, prevention and treatments for autism. The organization also works to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders w... »
By J.F. Pirro Rodale – the Lehigh Valley mega-publisher and the famous family name – has always stood as a symbol of sustainability, creativity and healthy living. The Rodales, and their progeny, are artists and activists, photographers, poets and painters, cyclists, growers, environmentalists, out-of-the-box progressive thinkers and sensible traditionalists as well. Today... »
By Kathryn Finegan Clark An American soldier in Afghanistan carries a book he’s reading – and another, for younger eyes, to give to a small child. A mother in Allentown, who can barely afford food, accepts a book to read to her pre-school child. Another holds a new board book she promises to read to her baby. A patient in a hospital chooses a book from a special red librar... »
By Andy Cook Are there are some home improvement projects on your To-Do list this year? If so, consider this: according to the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value report, which is an annual collaboration between Remodeling Magazine and REALTOR Magazine, adding a deck or patio is #2 on the list of top 10 most cost-effective projects. “With many factors to consider such as cost a... »
By Andy Cook One of the nicest things about living in the Lehigh Valley is that we get to experience four distinct seasons. Having been born and raised here, I have an appreciation for each time of year, as we live in a great part of the country and the scenery is vibrant and varied. Given that, as we move into spring, it’s the perfect time to prepare for warm weather. Com... »
By Ruth Heil Few people will argue: there’s no place like home. We may live in different houses, but we all share one address. And this home planet called Earth, as far as we know, is unmatched in the universe. April 22 is Earth Day, when we collectively celebrate our terrestrial home. Like an annual maintenance contract, it reminds us to take care of humankind’s greatest ... »
By Laurie Teter Synergy (syn-er-gy): the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. Carol Landis is not a golfer. She is, however, passionate about giving back to the community, recognizes the Lehigh Valley is flush with golfers and knows a little something about synergy. ... »
SOTA’s Bethlehem Show House Benefits Allentown Art Museum By Ann Wlazelek Whether you are a fan of the hit British TV series “Downton Abbey” or not, there is plenty of history, intrigue and style to beckon you inside the Society of the Arts (SOTA) Show House in Bethlehem when it opens to the public during a fund-raising event this month. The house – a large, white 1870s fe... »
