Emmaus Spotlight Newsletter Issue #032

Emmaus Spotlight Newsletter Issue #032

In this Emmaus Spotlight Issue…
Friday, December 1, 2023

  • Local Business Spotlight

    • Want to Feature YOUR Local Business?

  • Local News

    • December 2nd - Old Fashioned Christmas in Emmaus

    • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

    • UGI Customers Get Major Discount

  • Crime

    • Man, 84, Kills Wife, 85 - You Will Not Believe Why

  • 🌞Emmaus PA Weather

  • Sports

    • Emmaus Boys Have High Basketball Hopes

    • Eagles Are Underdogs This Coming Weekend - Why?

  • Local Events

    • Tree Lighting Ceremonies Around the Lehigh Valley

    • Emmaus Entertainment

  • Trivia/Humor

  • Emmaus Spotlight Polls

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December 2nd - Old Fashioned Christmas

12:00 - 5:00  - Cheers Trail presented by Kleckner & Sons and ServPro of Allentown
12:00 - 4:00  - Candy Cane Lane
3:00 - 4:30 - FREE entry to Emmaus Theatre for Holiday Movie with a donation of canned goods presented by Edward Jones
4:00 - 7:00 - Old Fashioned Christmas Festivities at Triangle Park

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

According to the PA Site website:
The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may also file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in the claim year and meet all other eligibility criteria.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975.

UGI Customers Get Major Discount

Substantial reductions in UGI natural gas bills are set to take effect this Friday. UGI has announced that the average residential heating customer supplied by UGI will experience a notable decrease of 20.2% in their bill.

According to regulations, utilities must transfer the cost of the natural gas they procure directly to customers, devoid of any additional markup.

Covid Test Kits are Still Available

Once more, individuals nationwide can access four complimentary COVID tests via COVID.gov. Those who haven't yet requested free tests during the autumn period now have the opportunity to order a maximum of eight tests, which will be shipped directly to their residence.

Man, 84, Kills Wife, 85 - You Will Not Believe Why

Barton Seltmann stands accused and was taken into custody, facing charges of first-degree murder in connection with the tragic demise of his wife, Margaret Seltmann. This information comes from a collaborative press release issued by the Montgomery County District Attorney on Wednesday.

Details from court records reveal that Seltmann dialed emergency services, informing the 911 operator that he suspected his wife was deceased and their residence had been ransacked. Throughout the call, he appeared unaware of the circumstances surrounding his wife's fate.

Upon the arrival of law enforcement at 2:26 p.m., Seltmann was found on the back porch of their home, visibly covered in blood on his hands, face, and attire. Inside the residence in the kitchen area, authorities discovered the lifeless body of Margaret Seltmann, bearing injuries to her head.

During subsequent police questioning, Seltmann recounted a heated argument with his wife regarding finances for their pet cat's veterinary care. He alleged that the altercation escalated when she grabbed a knife and threatened him with death, as per court documents.

Seltmann claimed to have reacted by using a chair to force her backward, causing her to fall and hit her head. While she was on the ground, he confessed to repeatedly striking her with his fists and a candle jar, as detailed in court records.

The accused appeared before Magisterial District Judge Emmett Madden, facing charges of first-degree murder and third-degree murder. Given the severity of the charges, bail was not an option for first-degree murder, leading to his immediate confinement at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Sports News of Interest

Emmaus Boys Have High Basketball Hopes

Leading the team is Will Barber, a returning standout player. He earned recognition as a first-team all-Eastern Pennsylvania Conference selection in the previous year and stood among the league's highest scorers, averaging 17.3 points per game. His contributions were pivotal to Emmaus' success, aiding the team in securing 20 victories last season. The team advanced to the EPC and District 11 6A semifinals and participated in the state tournament, though suffered a heartbreaking loss to Hempfield.

Joining Barber in the lineup of significant returnees is Jametric Harris. Harris, who averaged 12 points per game in the prior season, poses a threat both inside and outside the court with his scoring abilities. Additionally, he significantly contributes as a formidable presence in rebounding for the team.

Eagles Are Underdogs This Coming Weekend - Why?

The 49ers are displaying increasing strength and resilience with each passing week.

Since their bye week, the 49ers boast an impressive 3-0 record, maintaining an average of 30.7 points per game while conceding just 10.0 points per game. Their turnover differential stands at a commendable plus-7. Following the acquisition of Chase Young, San Francisco's pass rush has notably dominated, achieving a remarkable 61% pressure rate and a 15% sack rate. Notably, no opposing quarterback has managed to throw a touchdown pass against the 49ers since Young's arrival, resulting in a mere 56.4 passer rating across three games with Young in the lineup.

The Eagles have proven their ability to secure victories.

Despite their success against formidable opponents (a 4-0 record against teams with winning records), the Eagles have forged their last four wins through remarkable come-from-behind performances. Notably, the Eagles have scripted a historic start to their season by becoming the first team in NFL history to clinch victories in their initial four games of a season despite trailing by 10 or more points. Moreover, they have become just the fourth team in NFL history to secure four consecutive wins, all achieved after trailing at halftime.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies In the Lehigh Valley

Emmaus’ Christmas Dec. 2, 4 -7p.m.
Triangle Park, Main St., Emmaus
South Whitehall Township Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m.
Covered Bridge Park 2465 Wehr Mill Road
Whitehall Township Tree Lighting Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
3219 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall
North Whitehall Township Tree Lighting Dec. 10, 5-7 p.m.
3256 Levans Rd., Coplay

Soul Sisters’ Studio 
Snow Globe Photo Ornament December 1st - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
https://www.soulsistersemmaus.com/events/

Entertainment

Pip the Mouse Lives On
Pip the Mouse lives on even though it loses its former home.
The Liberty Bell Museum used to put on “The Mouse Before Christmas,” a popular puppet show starring “Pip the Mouse.” The museum, which closed in March hosted the show since 2003.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will continue the Pip the Mouse show, although with a limited schedule. “The Mouse Before Christmas” will come to the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum on Saturday, Dec. 16 and 23, and daily between Dec. 26 and 30. 3 shows are scheduled each day: 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Winery Comedy Tour At Sleepy Cat
Fri Dec 29 2023 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
Sleepy Cat Urban Winery, West Allen Street, Allentown, PA

Monty Python and the Holy Grail 48½ Anniversary
Sun Dec 03 2023 04:30 pm to 06:00 pm
The Emmaus Theatre, 19 S. 4th Street, Emmaus

Really?

What does it mean if a dog licks you?
Licking is a natural and instinctive behavior to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!

What does it mean when a dog stares at you?
This expression, along with a relaxed posture, is a sign that they're giving you a look of love. If you take a moment to stare back at your dog, it can be a bonding moment for both of you. Mutual staring between dogs and their owners releases oxytocin. This is a hormone that gives you a feeling of love and well-being.

Why is my dog growling at my puppy but wagging his tail?
In fact, in some cases, growling may indicate that your furry friend is merely engaging in playful behavior! Dogs may growl during playtime to show their enthusiasm or excitement. If you observe that your dog is wagging its tail while growling, it's a good indication that they are enjoying themselves.

Humor

Pets, Our Adorable Pets
When a golden retriever owner changed her afternoon routine once, her dog was not having it. "My dog, Bitty, rides with me to pick up my kids from school, and she knows exactly what time we leave. The kids had an after-school activity so I needed to pick them up an hour later than usual. When we didn't leave at the normal time, she started whining at me. Then barking. Then she swatted my shoe with her paw, hard, so it flew through the air and hit me. She threw my shoe at me!"

 December 1

Emmaus Spotlight Polls