Development of senior living community on former Rodale campus continues.

Phoebe Ministries, a nonprofit specializing in senior care, is progressing with its plans for Chestnut Ridge at Rodale, a wellness-focused senior living community, five years after acquiring Rodale Inc.'s former corporate campus in Emmaus.

While some construction has faced delays, more than half of the 126 apartments for those aged 60 and older have already been sold. The project involves repurposing a 166,000-square-foot Rodale office building and reimagining a separate building as a four-story, horseshoe-shaped apartment complex with scenic views. Both structures will feature amenities like outdoor dining, an indoor pool, a pub, a wellness studio, and community gathering spaces, along with parking, gardening areas, walking and biking trails, and green spaces.

Mack workers vote to authorize strike

While the United Auto Workers are already striking against Detroit’s three automakers, the union and Mack Trucks also are in negotiations on a new contract. Members of UAW Local 677, which represents workers at Mack’s Lehigh Valley Operations plant in Lower Macungie Township, have voted to authorize a strike when their contract runs out Oct. 1. The vote was 98% in favor.

Lehigh Valley - Major Road Work and Inspections Scheduled for October 2023

Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, has plans for road work on several roads. The first project, on Interstate 78 between Exit 55 (PA 29) and Northampton County Line, starts on October 2, 2023. PennDOT Contractor will carry out the work, expected to finish by October 7, 2023. There will be lane restrictions from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

When will peak fall foliage arrive in the Lehigh Valley?

This year's fall foliage season has arrived in the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania, and "leaf peepers" may be in for a more colorful show than last year. Despite a dry start to summer, there was enough rain to create good conditions for fall colors. Experts expect foliage to be very vibrant this season, with peak colors arriving in mid- to late October. The PA Department of Natural Resources recommends checking state parks and forests once peak happens. While an early drought threatened colors, timely rains brought relief. Visitors bureaus are reporting high interest in foliage tours. Though weather could affect timing, foliage reports will help visitors plan trips to see nature's autumn show. Overall, conditions seem right for a beautiful display this fall foliage season.

$3 Million Dollar Winning Lottery Ticket in Emmaus

A $3 million scratch-off lottery ticket was sold in Lehigh County, according to the Pennsylvania Lottery.

The scratch-off was sold at Don’s Food Market at 217 E. Harrison St. in Emmaus, according to a news release from the lottery. The store will get a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket. The ticket was part of the $3 Million Mega Stacks, a $30 game that offers up to $3 million.

This is not the first time a big winning lottery ticket was sold in the Lehigh Valley this year. A winning Match 6 ticket sold in February in Stockertown. It was worth $2.75 million.

An Allentown man will serve 20-40 years in prison for a deadly shooting in the city. 
Raymond Bryan Gourgue, 36, was convicted in July of third-degree murder for gunning down 43-year-old Jose Bermudez of Allentown on May 14, 2021.

Gourgue fired four shots into Bermudez’s back during an altercation on the 100 block of North Hall Street. Prosecutors had sought a first-degree murder conviction. Gourgue was sentenced Wednesday by Lehigh County Judge Robert Steinberg.

Mom, 35, Killed In Allentown Shooting Was 'Happy Spirit'
Giselle Karen Trabal was shot around 2 a.m. on the 600 block of North Law Street, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said. She was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest, where she was pronounced dead at 4:49 a.m.The cause of death was found to be a gunshot wound to body. Buglio ruled Trabal's death a homicide.

• The House and Barn Live music by The Royal Picks Duo - 29th October, 03:00 pm, Rising River Brewing Co in Macungie

• Special Event: John Caparulo Sat, Oct 14, 8:00 PM
  The Emmaus Theatre • Emmaus, PA Starts at $30.00

• Not Us live at Triple Sun Spirits
  This month, 20th October, 06:00 pm, Not Us live at Triple Sun Spirits Co. in Emmaus. Come hear your favorites from the ‘70s to today - covers of Fleetwood Mac, Arethra Franklin, Little River Band, PLUS holiday songs from the Pretenders, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell too! Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater!

• The Business of YOU: Confidence Workshop
  Give yourself (or someone else) the gift of confidence! Do you lack the confidence to move forward in your life? Have you been struggling with Imposter Syndrome? Are you convinced every other woman is smarter, prettier, or more qualified than you? If so, join Shelley Maley from Dreamcatcher Career Coaching. Sat Oct 14 09:30 am to 12:30 pm Soul Sisters’ Studio 23 S. 4th St. Emmaus Cost - $50.

• Grim's Orchard & Family Farms

  Grim's Fall Festival is the Lehigh Valley's premiere fall harvest experience! Through October 29.
  grimsorchard.com/fall-attractions/

• The Great Pumpkin Fest
  Great Pumpkin Fest at Dorney Park offers one-of-a-kind Halloween events for kids and families! Through October 29.
  discoverlehighvalley.com/event/the-great-pumpkin-fest/55642/

• America on Wheels - More than just a car collection, the museum features cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles as it tells two very important regional stories – the history of Mack Trucks and the early development of the automobile industry and highway system in Pennsylvania. americaonwheels.org

Emmaus 10, Bethlehem Catholic 0

September 29 - In a closely contested game, the Emmaus Green Hornets defeated the Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks 10-0. Emmaus got on the board first with a 37-yard field goal from kicker Will Buck in the first quarter. The Green Hornets extended their lead in the second quarter when quarterback Josiah Williams connected with wide receiver Rafael Terrero for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

The two teams battled through a scoreless third quarter. Emmaus' stingy defense held strong for the remainder of the game, not allowing the Golden Hawks to put any points on the board. This shutout handed Bethlehem Catholic their first loss of the season against the formidable Green Hornets. While Emmaus' offense was contained after the first half, their tenacious defense sealed the victory.

Parkland girls volleyball moves to 11-0 with win over Emmaus

September 26. The Emmaus girls volleyball team may have picked the wrong night to go to Parkland High School as the Green Hornets walked into a celebration of the Trojans senior players.

Emmaus took an early lead in the first set at 5-2, but Parkland got the serve back and senior Maggie Smith kept going until the Trojans were up 6-5 and after the Hornets broke serve, Maddie Siggins got the serve back with a block and Parkland went on a spree to take a 10-6 edge. From there, the Trojans never looked back. A kill by Ava Best made it 23-16 and Meghan Haines took over on serve and made it 24-16, but Emmaus broke serve to give itself one last shot, but Parkland immediately put the set away with a 25-17 win.

Trivia & Stuff - To Keep You Entertained

One billion years ago, days were only 18 hours long.

“When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you.” Nora Ephron