Published December 02. 2020 02:44PM
c“These vital community members saw a massive amount of support this spring,” said Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Angela DelGrosso. “We want them to know that as the months have worn on, we haven’t forgotten them and we appreciate their dedicated service.”
Each Bethlehem star-shaped steel ornament is engraved with a healthcare worker’s name, title, and where that person serves.
The city outdoor exhibit featuring musical chimes with commemorative ornaments created by local artists first went up in 2015. Veterans and active service military have traditionally been honored with these.
With healthcare workers being in the front lines battling COVID-19, the committee decided to give these folks a shout out of appreciation. Family and friends nominated the healthcare heroes to be included on this year’s ornaments.
DelGrosso credited Waitz Corporation President Glenn H. Wampole II for coming up with the idea. The Lehigh Valley-based company created and engraved this year’s ornaments.
“In challenging times like these, traditions give us a sense of community and comfort,” DelGrosso said. “The trellis is outdoors in open air with plenty of room for physical distance so I’m thrilled we’ll be able to carry on this beloved community tradition.”
The trellis display will remain at Payrow Plaza through Jan. 2. Afterward, those honored by the engraved ornaments will get to take theirs home.
Sponsors include the Bethlehem Parking Authority, Alloy5, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and Unity Bank.
Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Angela DelGrosso holds an ornament engraved: “In appreciation of Susan Newhard, director of nursing, Moravian Village, Bethlehem, 2020.”
This Bethlehem Star ornament pays tribute to Lehigh Valley Health Network registered nurse Angela Sinker. Behind it is the Christmas City Christmas tree.
press photos by ed courrier Around 200 ornaments honoring local healthcare workers adorn the Christmas City Trellis in this view toward the Southside.
Gracedale Nursing Home employee Melissa Shafer's star is at center with the Bethlehem Area Public Library behind it.
Footage of the assembly of the Christmas City Trellis was included in the Nov. 25 virtual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.
Lehigh Valley Health Network physician Dr. David Scaff and his wife Laurie Strockoz-Scaff, a physician assistant at St. Luke's, check for names of co-workers at the Christmas City Trellis. The couple resides in Bethlehem.
