We Are Back!!

Recently I had my Covid Booster shot and I had a severe reaction. I ended up bedridden for almost a week - not a fun time. Anyway, that is why I missed several issues of this Newsletter. I hope it did not inconvenience anyone too much. I am back at my desk and typing away albeit at a slightly slower pace. I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and is getting ready for the new year. As always your questions and comments are appreciated.

Emmaus 2024 Budget Passed by Borough Council

With 2024 swiftly approaching, Emmaus finalized its budget on Monday, along with revised fees for its residents. The Borough Council, during its meeting, approved several resolutions establishing service rates, and keeping sewer and water rates unchanged. The unanimously approved 2024 budget, unveiled this month, set property taxes at 8.3155 mills—an increase of 0.134 mills or 1.6% from the 2023 rate of 8.1815 mills.

Disposal fees, refuse, and compost stand at $375 per unit if paid before Feb. 15. After this date, the fee rises to $440 per year, split into quarterly bills of $110 each. This marks a $25 increase for the lump sum payment and a $10 per quarter increase compared to 2023.

Discounts are accessible for low-income residents and seniors. Commercial dumpster contracts are fixed at $50 annually. To qualify for reduced rates due to low income, the borough manager must approve the forms by March 1, following the submission of income proof.

New COVID-19 Subvariant Has Emerged in PA

Pennsylvania officials have reported the emergence of a new COVID-19 subvariant known as JN.1, contributing to a growing proportion of coronavirus-related hospitalizations as the winter holidays draw near. Despite its rise, JN.1 has not supplanted HV.1 as the predominant variant in Pennsylvania or across the nation, as per public health authorities.

Man Who Walked Away From Upper Macungie Nursing Home Found

According to Upper Macungie Township Police around December 19 Timothy Cox, who suffers from dementia, walked out of Heather Glen Senior Living on Tuesday morning. Cox fortunately was found on December 25 with no apparent injuries.

LVHN and Jefferson Health Announce Merger

Lehigh Valley Health Network and Jefferson Health, based in Philadelphia, have revealed intentions to merge, aiming to broaden patient access to healthcare within the Lehigh Valley region. Leaders of both healthcare systems believe that the integration of the university and medical school will attract additional skilled professionals to the area. Furthermore, the extension of the health plan to LVHN patients is expected to enhance care standards, particularly for individuals presently underserved.

Details regarding potential downsizing resulting from the merger, including which positions or departments might be impacted, remain unclear. However, officials have indicated that any restructuring or related alterations would not take place immediately.

Allentown School District Teacher Charged with Dealing Drugs

Several months ago, a long-serving educator in the Allentown School District faced arrest on charges related to drug dealing following a raid at her residence in Whitehall Township. Following her arrest, the district acknowledged receiving her resignation and clarified that she had no further contact with students.

Jennifer Ann Bennis, aged 52, was charged with a felony involving possession with intent to distribute drugs. Court documents reveal that on March 29, agents from the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office executed a warrant at her home, discovering methamphetamine valued at approximately $5,300. Bennis also faced additional charges of possessing a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, both categorized as misdemeanors.

The Allentown School District verified Bennis' role as a social studies teacher at Allen High School. After her arrest, Bennis tendered her resignation. This resignation was documented in the school board records dated April 27, citing "personal" reasons. Her teaching certifications were suspended on November 22, preventing her from seeking employment in her certified fields until the suspension is lifted. Further actions might include the revocation of her certificates.

According to the arrest affidavit, authorities seized various items from Bennis’ residence, including slightly over 53 grams of crystal meth, a .22-caliber handgun, $778 in cash, and five digital scales containing traces of white powder. The affidavit specifies that the drugs were discovered in Bennis’ dresser drawer. Notably, there is no indication in the records that Bennis was implicated in selling drugs to students.

High School Varsity Schedules

Emmaus Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule

Emmaus Girls Varsity Basketball Schedule

Emmaus Boys Varsity Wrestling Schedule

Emmaus Girls Varsity Wrestling Schedule

Bring In the New Year

A few ways to ring in the new year. Call ahead for info, tickets, and reservations.

Fireworks

In Allentown, ring in the New Year with a Fireworks Celebration in downtown Allentown. The event begins at 9 p.m. at the southeast corner of 7th and Hamilton Streets in front of the Lehigh County Government Center.

Blue Mountain Resort Party, Palmerton

The festivities at the New Year’s Eve Party begin in the Slopeside Pub & Grill with a special menu for the occasion and then transition right into a dance party with a DJ beginning at 9 p.m. in the Last Run Lounge. Dance the night away to the balloon drop with noisemakers, hats, champagne toast, and continental breakfast after midnight. Cash bar available. Tickets are $25.

Tube in the New Year

Blue Mountain Resort, Palmerton
Ring in 2024 at this ever-popular family-friendly event. Join the family-friendly party from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. for a night of fun on the tubes at our Snow Tubing Park in the Valley Adventure Center. Tickets include unlimited snow tubing from 7 p.m. to midnight plus a buffet, giveaways, and a cash bar for adults 21 & over.

Gatsby Themed New Year's Eve Party

Wilbur Mansion 201 Cherokee St, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Make your reservations today and come in your best 1920s glamour to revel in an unforgettable evening of glitz and glamour!

Folino Estate Winery, 340 Old Route 22, Kutztown

Ring in 2024 at Folino Estate Winery with a memorable evening of dinner, dancing, and a little magic on New Year's Eve from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Enjoy cocktails, hors d' oeuvres, and gourmet food stations. Dance the night away with music by Amber Rae and the Swingin' Foxes.

Entertainment at the Emmaus Theater

Really?

Birds don’t sweat.

By the 4th century B.C., the Chinese were drilling for natural gas and using it for heat.

Only puppet in history to testify before Congress: Sesame Street’s Elmo.

Thomas Edison was homeschooled by his mom.

Ostrich leather is 7 times stronger than cowhide. Stingray skin: 25 times.

On average, daters will have their first kiss on the second date.

Keep an injection from hurting by pressing on the spot where you’re about to get the needle. By overloading the nerve endings in that area, you deaden the pain.

Humor - Some Good, Some Just Awful

1. Why don't oysters donate to charity? Because they're shellfish.

2. What does a baby computer call its father? Data.

3. What did the custodian say when he jumped out of the closet? "Supplies!"

4. Why are colds bad criminals? Because they're easy to catch.

5. How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.

6. Which knight invented King Arthur's Round Table? Sir Cumference.

7. What do you call a fly without wings? A walk!

8. What happens when you witness a shipwreck? You let it sink in.

 December 18