By Kathryn M. D’Imperio Few things are as cute and cuddly as cats and dogs, two of America’s favorite pets. For many of us who have pets at home, love at first sight – not to mention unconditional love – truly does exist. That special bond typically sparks when we first bring a pet into the home and continues to grow stronger over the years shared together as a family. No ... »
by Liz Reph In the spring of 1968 America was in turmoil. Demonstrations protesting the war in Vietnam and the draft, that many believed unfairly targeted poor and minority people, were erupting throughout the nation, while racial tensions, already frayed from years of Civil Rights struggles, were becoming increasingly volatile. In April of 1968, this explosive atmosphere ... »
by Ann Wlazelek Contrary to American economist Milton Friedman’s warning, there is a free lunch: It happens every Thursday at St. Luke’s Hospice in Lower Saucon Township. There, about 30 family members and staffers gather round a table for pizza, homemade soup or even a gourmet meal from some of the Lehigh Valley’s finest restaurants, including the Apollo Grill and Emeril’... »
By Liz Reph It’s a place where kids can momentarily forget about the endless routines of hospitals, doctors and medication… a place where parents can connect with one another over their shared fears and difficulties… a place where all of them can come together and realize that they are not alone in their struggles. This place is Camelot for Children – a non-profit organiza... »
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 Kathryn Finegan Clark Rescuing a horse from slaughter and finding a good home for the animal is actually what she lives for. It’s also a happy ending, although a bit different, from a wish she had as a child – a pony. Now Laurie Wuchter and her husband, Dan, who shares an enduring passion for horses and ponies, own Chincoteague ponies named Apple Jack and Brownie, and a... »
By Nancy Moffett As children grow up, they also grow out… out of their clothes, out of their toys, out of their strollers, their play yards and high chairs. Meanwhile, many non-profit organizations across the Lehigh Valley are looking for just these outgrown items for the children they serve. Putting the donor and the organization together is the mission of Paper Bag Child... »
Empowering persons with disabilities to choose independence. By Nancy Moffett Imagine you’re a young adult with a disability. You have graduated from high school or gone as far in your schooling as you can. What’s next… a job?… a place to live on your own?… what are your goals as you transition into adulthood? These are important questions that all young adults face,... »
by Sara Vigneri photo by Deb Cummins At the height of the real estate bubble of 2007, homeownership was suddenly accessible to everyone. Mortgages were handed out to anyone with a pulse and families who never imagined owning a house were able to snag a bank loan and move in to their dream home. Unfortunately, too many people bit off more than they could chew during that ma... »
By Nancy Moffett Inspiring kids of all abilities to share the message of inclusion… Mikayla Resh was five days old when doctors told her parents, Kimberly and Michael Resh, that she had severe, permanent brain damage. Mikayla is now 18 and the inspiration for Mikayla’s Voice, an organization whose purpose is to promote inclusion for children with disabilities. Our society ... »
