BETHLEHEM

HEALTH BUREAU: The City of Bethlehem is working with government agencies, hospitals, schools and businesses to prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Visit the Bethlehem Health Bureau’s coronavirus page, https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Health-Bureau, for the most current information, best practices, and resources.

CITY HALL: Based on Governor Wolf’s “Stay at Home” order issued for Northampton and Lehigh counties, Bethlehem City Hall was closed to the public effective until further notice. City Hall remains operational. City employees will be available to assist residents via phone, email and website. Bethlehem residents concerned with businesses operating in violation of the shutdown should to call the Bethlehem Service Center at 610-865-7000. Do not call 911.

JUST BORN: State health officials are predicting this coming week to be the worst, so we are extending the temporary suspension of our production facilities through May 3 and will continue to pay all of our Just Born associates during this time. Our internal COVID-19 task force will continue to regularly monitor the impact of the virus and unless the situation worsens, we plan to get back to producing our iconic candy on May 4. We have already been making changes to processes and procedures in our facilities to help optimize our associates’ health and safety when they return. We will also provide a temporary increase in pay for those plant associates who return to work.

CENSUS: Collected census results influence highway planning and construction; grants for buses and other public transit systems; financial allocations for Head Start programs and grants that support teachers and special education; funding of hospitals, fire departments and older adults housing assistance and determines our representation in Congress. Residents should receive the Census2020 form in the mail. The letter includes instructions on how to complete the questionnaire online. For more information, visit the government website at https://2020census.gov/ or call 1-844-330-2020. Per the law (Title 13 of the U.S. Code), the Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies.

PUBLIC COMMENT BY PHONE: During the COVID-19 public health emergency, Bethlehem City Council will temporarily allow public comment by phone during Bethlehem City Council meetings. During the emergency, in lieu of attending in person, if you have public comments that you would like to share at a Bethlehem City Council meeting, it is recommended that you watch the YouTube live-stream of the meeting and use the following public comment call-in phone number during the public comment periods: 610-997-7963 (“Public Comment Phone Number”).

ARTSQUEST: When Craig Thatcher learned his performance as part of Mercy School For Special Learning’s “Little Really Big Show” fundraiser on June 2 was postponed, he knew he still wanted to assist the Allentown-based school for students with special needs. Now, the iconic Valley artist will be the first performer ‘taking the stage’ as part of Mercy School’s new weekly virtual series, “Mercy Mondays,” which kicked off this week, at ArtsQuest@Home. .

Mercy Mondays will take place 7 p.m. April 27 and May 4 and 11; the school will announce upcoming performer information via its website, mercyschool.org, and social media. Everyone who tunes in to the webcasts will have the opportunity to support Mercy School students by making a financial gift during or after the show via a link on the show page. Funds raised will go toward the school’s scholarship fund, lunch program and more. The Mercy Mondays series is made possible through ArtsQuest, Air Products and ASR Media. The Little Really Big Show concert originally set for June has been rescheduled to March 11, 2021 at the Musikfest Café at SteelStacks. Established in 1954, Mercy School is focused on providing children and young adults with special needs the best opportunity to reach their utmost potential, both academically and in life.

LEHIGH COUNTY

“As we come together as a community during this global pandemic, be rest assured Lehigh County is remaining proactive as we closely monitor the COVID-19 virus,” Executive Phillips M. Armstrong said in a recent statement. “The situation continues to be extremely active and it is my role as county executive to keep the community informed on how Lehigh County will handle this crisis.

“Over the last week, as the federal and state government calls for more social distancing to help contain the virus, the government center has restricted all visitors. It is with this decision that we take a further step in allowing employees who are able to work from home to do so, while providing a flexible schedule for others who must remain in the building. This is to limit as much exposure as we possible can and keep our workers safe.”

Armstrong said the Government Center has not shut down and is still working diligently for residents.

“I would like to thank all of our dedicated employees and workers who work tirelessly around the clock for those vulnerable to this disease.

Thank you to:

• All 900 of our dedicated staff members of Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation, who provide outstanding care to our residents.

• All 200 employees at Lehigh County Jail who provide protection for our inmates, families and loved ones

• Our devoted Emergency Operations Center staff and 60-plus 911 operators on standby ready to help those in need at this time.

• All members of our maintenance staff who work to sanitize and disinfect our buildings, office spaces and public areas.

“Our courthouse followed similar practices and put limitations to what is accessible to the public during this time. Please consult the homepage of their website for further instruction on what is closed.

“The health and wellbeing of Lehigh County is always of utmost importance. While the situation with the COVID-19 virus is changing every day, I will continue frequent communication with you all to keep you up to date on what’s happening within Lehigh County.”

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

COUNTY COUNCIL: Starting April 16 at 6:30 p.m., Northampton County Council will conduct its meetings by Skype. The meetings will continue to be livestreamed at Northampton County’s Youtube channel. The public may participate in these meetings by phoning 610-829-6605, and then entering Conference ID No. 2055694. The public is able to participate in these meetings by sending questions or comments to the Council Clerk, Linda Zembo, at LZembo@northamptoncounty.org. You will be able to review the agenda for each meeting on council’s webpage. Skype will show council members when they are speaking. Northampton County Council last met on March 19.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE: You can reach him online at the Northampton County web page under County Executive. His office has issued numerous statements, sometimes several in one day, as the county deals with the pandemic.

TESTING: Executive McClure is requesting the PA Department of Health to establish a Covid-19 testing site in Northampton County. Geographically, Northampton County is adjacent or near to three major coronavirus hot spots in the United States.

COUNTY COURTS: Currently operating under a judicial emergency in which all courts, including Magisterial District Judges, are closed to the public except for “essential” judicial functions like the protection of victims of domestic violence. Courthouse personnel are still working, though some are doing so remotely for social distancing reasons. Those with judicial emergencies can call ahead to Court Administration at 610-829-6700.

COUNTY TAXES: You can pay online, and the two percent discount period has been extended to May 31. The base rate applies from June 1 to Aug. 31. After that, there’s a 10 percent penalty. Dog licenses and fishing licenses may still be obtained online. (Statewide Opening Day of trout season was scheduled April 18, but the Fish and Boat Commission opened it April 7, with no advance notice to the public.)

LOAN RELIEF: Northampton County has established a $250,000 emergency relief loan program for small businesses, with a maximum $15,000 loan payable over 12 months with no interest. Contact Community and Economic Development for details at (610) 829-6306.

COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Remains closed to the public until at least April 30.

HUMAN SERVICES: Accepting donations of tents, sleeping bags and non-perishable food to assist the homeless. Donations may be dropped off at the Human Services Building, located at 2801 Emrick Blvd, Bethlehem, Pa. 18020.

RECORDER OF DEEDS: Though the courthouse is closed to the public, documents can still be e-recorded.

CIVIL DIVISION: Because the courthouse is closed to the public, the civil division is unable to process passport applications. Moreover, the office has no e-filing capability

ELECTIONS: Though the Elections Office is closed to the public, you can still register to vote, change your registration or request a mail-in ballot at www.votespa.com. The Presidential Primary has been delayed from April 28 until June 2.

OTHER MEETINGS: No meetings scheduled.

COUNTY PRISON: Six inmates have tested positive for Covid-19. All six are quarantined on the same tier and have been housed there since they first showed symptoms. Five employees have tested positive for the virus. One has finished their quarantine period and returned to work. As of April 20, at least 48 furloughs for non-violent inmates have been granted. There are currently 517 inmates in residence at NCP. To protect the health of inmates and employees, volunteers, visitors and tours were banned from the prison March 10. Inmates may still contact their loved ones via phone, tablets or mail.

SMALL BUSINESS TOWN HALL: Lamont McClure and the Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development will host a virtual town hall entitled “Small Business Solutions for Businesses Affected by the Coronavirus” on Thursday, April 23 at 10 a.m. Anyone wanting to take part in the town hall must register in advance: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-solutions-for-businessesaffected-by-the-coronavirus-tickets-102694130910.

GRACEDALE: As of April 20, 50 residents have tested positive for the virus. Six are in recovery in an isolation ward, pending a return to their units. Unfortunately, four residents have passed away. Out of the 700 employees which work at Gracedale, twenty-three have tested positive for the Coronavirus. Five have finished their quarantine periods and are back at work.

SENIOR CENTERS: Closed pursuant to Governor Tom Wolf’s directive. Referrals for Meals on Wheels will be made for seniors who require that service.

PROTECTIVE SUPPLIES: On April 20, Northampton County Emergency Management Services (EMS) distributed, N-95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, MediClean Sanitary Solution, and protective clothing to the Coroner’s Office, Juvenile Probation, Bangor Borough, Bethlehem Township, Forks Township, Hanover Township and the City of Easton. Donations of hand sanitizer, MediClean Solutions and masks came from a local companies. Masks, etc. came from PEMA.

UNEMPLOYMENT: Workforce Lehigh Valley reports 21,453 unemployment compensation claims between March 29 and April 4.

COUNTY PARKS: Closed as of April 7 until further notice.

RECYCLING EVENTS: All events scheduled through April have been canceled.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY FESTIVAL: Rescheduled for Oct. 10, Louise Moore Park.

MUNICIPAL COOPERATION: County officials are working closely with local, state and federal officials.

CORONER: This data comes from the Northampton County Coroner’s office and only reflects the number of people who have died of COVID-19 within the county’s borders as of April 17. It does not reflect those Northampton County residents who died of the virus in another county. Three of the 34 deaths recorded in Northampton County were residents of other counties or states.

HANOVER (NORCO) TOWNSHIP

STREET SWEEPING: All the main roads, LVIP and LVCC was completed by the close of business on April 16.

YARD WASTE: The township’s yard waste collection program has been suspended and the City of Bethlehem Compost Center continues to be closed until further notice.

COMMUNITY CENTER: The Community Center remains closed. All summer camps and parks programs are canceled for summer 2020.

TOWNSHIP OFFICE: Continues to be closed to the public.

TOWNSHIP STAFF: Continues to maintain public property and buildings, respond to emergencies and perform all office and administrative functions on a daily basis.

GARBAGE: Continues on the normal schedule. Refrain from placing bulk items out for collection. Any issues, please contact Republic Services directly at 484-273-3940.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Northampton County Association of Township Officials is offering a scholarship for graduating seniors. Township residents having someone graduating from high school this year, email hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org or call 610-866-1140 and leave a message. An application will be mailed to you.

PERMITS: The township will continue to accept applications for permits but, under the governor’s orders, they may only be reviewed. A permit can’t be issued. Any questions, contact zoning at zoning@hanovertwp-nc.org.

FIRE COMPANY: Will continue Birthday Parade drive-bys on Saturdays and Sundays to make stay at home Birthdays memorable. Contact the Fire Chief at firechief@htvfc.org.

OTHER ITEMS: If you have a specific question, email hanover@hanovertwp-nc.org or call 610-866-1140 and leave a message. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

LEHIGH VALLEY

LANTA: Under guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, LANTA is posting signs on all buses and paratransit vans, as well as using social media and other public communications recommending riders wear masks while using LANTA services. LANTA bus drivers are currently separated from the public by a Plexiglas shield. Drivers have also been issued cloth surgical masks.

SECOND HARVEST: The Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania reported that the network of volunteer-operated, mostly faith-based food pantries that are supplied by the Food Bank, is reporting rising demand and expecting that demand to continue to increase long before it retracts, as unemployment rises sharply. The Food Bank also reports that the community it serves is rallying around its struggling neighbors, as donations have escalated in response to the expected surge in demand.

Second Harvest’s director, Katarah Jordan, expressed her gratitude to the many donors who sacrificed their own resources to “help people most of them will never know. I knew this community was generous, but the scale of that generosity is remarkable. The shortage of food and the rising costs are shocking us. But the scope and depth of the kindness is reassuring.” She cited Truist (formerly BB&T) for leading the way among businesses, contributing $200,000. Leadership gifts also came from Wegmans and Highmark Blue Shield; many individuals wrote checks for $10,000, while kids offered their savings. Second Harvest also will receive $499,000 from the $110 million Amazon’s Jeff Bezos contributed to Feeding America, with which Second Harvest is affiliated.

That $1 million, at 80 cents per pound, will enable Second Harvest to purchase 1.25 million pounds of food. At the current pace of food distribution (which is 185,000 pounds per week), that million dollars will take Second Harvest through the end of May. Many of the pantries are seeing big increases (some are as high as 50%). Consequently, Second Harvest will exhaust its supply sooner. Betsy Storey-Bono, chair of the Food Bank’s advisory board, pleaded with her neighbors throughout the six-county area Second Harvest serves, “Please do not let up! This crisis will not pass quickly.”

PPL TREE PROGRAM: PPL Electric Utilities’ popular Community Roots tree program will open for orders for 2021 on Earth Day, April 22, 2020. The goal of this program is to give trees to county and municipal parks, environmentally focused groups and schools. In schools, Community Roots will be available to fourth graders, provided the school they attend is in the service area and successfully applies for trees. Including orders that will be delivered this spring and fall, Community Roots has distributed more than 80,000 free trees since it launched in fall 2017. Trees are available in three types - bare-root seedlings, container seedlings and gallon container seedlings - and are given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested groups or schools can order trees online at pplcommunityroots.com.

PENNSYLVANIA

NORTHEAST PA TESTING SITE: The Wolf Administration has announced a COVID-19 testing site at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, to provide much-needed testing for symptomatic first responders, health care workers and residents 65 or older throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The drive-thru testing site will be held in the parking lot of the Mohegan Sun Pocono Arena and pre-registration is required. Beginning Tuesday, April 21, the site will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily to test up to 200 Northeastern Pa. residents over 65, first responders and health care workers each day. Registration is required one day in advance and can be found on the Department of Health’s website, health.pa.gov. No onsite registration is available.

PRIMARY ELECTION: Pennsylvania state lawmakers voted recently to delay the primary election from April 28 to June 2. Legislators were also considering a move to conduct the June 2 primary election entirely by mail.

PENNDOT: PennDOT closed all state approved driver and photo license centers on March 16. Driver licenses, photo ID cards, learner’s permits, vehicle registrations, persons with disabilities parking placards and safety and emissions inspections scheduled to expire from March 16 through April 30, have been extended through May 31.

REAL ID: The Department of Homeland Security has postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from Oct. 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021. REAL ID is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and ID cards if they are going to be acceptable for federal purposes. A federally-acceptable form of identification (whether it’s a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card, a military ID, etc.) must now be used on and after Oct. 1, 2021, as identification to board a commercial flight or visit a secure federal building that requires a federally acceptable form of identification ID for access. REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania. PennDOT will continue to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs once issuance has resumed.

Customers may complete various transactions and access multiple resources by visiting www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.

PANDEMIC BENEFITS: Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced April 18 Pennsylvania’s self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation (UC) can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. PUA is included in the new federal expansion to unemployment benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Visit the commonwealth’s Responding to COVID-19 guide for the latest guidance and resources for Pennsylvanians or the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s dedicated coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

GIANT MARKETS DONATIONS: As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, a growing number of families and seniors are facing food shortages or worries of food shortage. To help address this urgent problem in the communities it serves, Giant Food Stories LLC, announced it is donating a total of $250,000 to four local hunger relief organizations, including the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Philabundance, Maryland Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Pennsylvania.

VETERAN BENEFITS: The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to assure veterans that state and federal benefits processing are still on-going. The DMVA and the Federal VA both continue to work remotely to provide veterans’ information, enroll for benefits, and serve other veterans’ needs throughout this difficult pandemic emergency. Veterans, family members and people who work with veterans can connect with DMVA to request information related to the valuable state benefits, programs and services offered by also signing up on the Veteran’s Registry at www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

PA STATE POLICE CAMPS: The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has announced the cancellation of upcoming youth camps, which had been scheduled throughout the spring and summer months. Cancellation of the 2020 Elmer Hafer American Legion State Police National Guard Youth Camp (State Police Youth Week) was announced by the American Legion earlier this month.

CAR SALES: The governor signed Senate Bill 841 April 20 that approves qualified Pennsylvania notaries public to perform remote online notarizations, which will allow auto dealerships to conducted limited car sales and leasing operations through online sales, as a notary is required to complete the transaction. Auto dealerships may continue to remain open for certain activities, such as repairs to passenger and commercial vehicles and sales of auto parts, but in-person car sales or leases are still considered non-life sustaining and remain prohibited at this time.

CONSTRUCTION: Public and private residential and non-residential construction may resume statewide starting Friday, May 8, in accordance with safety guidance that will be issued by the administration shortly. Construction projects already deemed life-sustaining may continue while adhering to social distancing, personnel limits and other guidance as announced by the administration.

PLCB SPECIAL ORDER PROGRAM: Beginning Wednesday, April 22, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is re-opening its Special Order program, which offers items not stocked by the PLCB, in a limited capacity for retail licensees that also have a wine expanded permit since they are the only retail licensees that can sell wine to go. Licensees will be able to pick up Special Orders from 14 designated PLCB locations beginning Friday, April 24 by appointment. The Lehigh Valley site is in Bethlehem. The PLCB is not considering reopening stores to the public at this time.

PLCB CURBSIDE PICKUP: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) today began accepting orders by phone for curbside pickup at 176 locations. Phone orders can be placed between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or until reaching a store’s maximum order capacity each day. Curbside pickups will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a few days of order placement. Callers will be guided through each store’s unique inventory. There is a limit of six bottles per order, and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. At pickup, customers will be required to present identification before the order is delivered. The PLCB website (FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com ) lists the stores offering curbside pickup. PLCB anticipates expanding the service at more locations in the future. The PLCB website is also increasing order capacity.

PENN STATE EXTENSION

During the COVID-19 crisis, more people are cooking more meals at home. In response, the Pennsylvania State University Extension is posting easy healthy low cost recipes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons on www.Facebook.com/PennStateExtensionNutritionLinks/.

The recipes were submitted by local and state-wide nutrition education advisers who work with income-stressed families. For more information, visit https://extension.psu.edu/nutrition-links.

This French Toast recipe was submitted by Kim Munden, Nutrition Education Adviser in Crawford and Erie Counties. She states, “This recipe is a tasty way to start your day or as an inexpensive, simple lunch or dinner! It is a great way to use older bread instead of throwing it away.”

French Toast (makes 8 servings): •4 eggs, beaten; •1 cup skim milk; •½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg; •½ tsp vanilla extract; •8 slices whole-wheat bread (day-old is better);• 1 tbs margarine.

In a large bowl, beat eggs with fork, add milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat together until mixed well. Melt margarine in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Dip one slice of bread at a time in the egg mix to coat both sides. Place in hot skillet. Brown each side about two minutes or more. Serve with pancake or fruit syrup or applesauce.

Optional fruit sauce:(makes 8 servings): •3 cups sliced strawberries or other fruit; •? cup lite maple-flavored syrup; • dash of cinnamon.

Crunchy French Toast: •1 large loaf (1 pound) bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (can use day old or whole-grain); •4 eggs; •3 cups milk (made from dry); •1 tsp vanilla extract; •½ tsp ground cinnamon; •½ cup dried cranberries or raisins.

The night before, spray a 9x13 baking dish, add bread and spread evenly. Break eggs into large bowl, beat lightly. Add milk, vanilla, cinnamon and dried fruit; mix well. Pour egg mixture evenly over bread. Cover pan tightly, refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, melt margarine; add remaining topping ingredients and mix. Drop by spoonfuls onto bread, bake 30 minutes.

Topping: •3 Tbsp margarine; •2 Tbsp honey or syrup; •¾ cup brown sugar; •½ cup low fat granola or chopped walnuts.

Wild berry syrup: Heat additional 1 cup syrup with ½ cup blueberries just until boiling. Drizzle over French toast.