Mayor J. Williams Reynolds invited students from Calypso and Clearview elementary schools to kick off the holiday season for the Mayors Tree Decorating Event Nov. 21 at city hall. The tree is outdoors near the large candle display overlooking the Southside region. The areas well needed rain decided to flow causing the event to be held inside the Rotunda which did not dampen the spirit of the day. It was a well organized day of activity and good cheer in coordination with the “Cops ’n‘ Kids Children’s Literacy Program of the Lehigh Valley” under the direction of it’s President, Beverly A. Bradley. Activities included, catered lunch provided by ShopRite of Bethlehem, The City of Bethlehem Health Bureau provided water and healthy snacks where the kids could make fruit shapes as a culinary craft. Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School, Retail Baking Department baked and decorated cupcakes for dessert. Free books were provided by Cops ’n’ Kids with PPL. New Backpacks for each student were a surprise by Bethlehem Business Forms / Working Dogs. Marlene Lakey gifted each child with their choice of one of her hand crocheted headbands or scarves. Just Born, Inc passed out treats and there was an appearance of the Peeps chick mascot too. Holiday music played inside the rotunda by Liberty HS Grenadier Marching Band conducted by Allan Frank. The Bethlehem Police and Fire Departments were on hand to give a good sense of community. To learn more of the Cops ’n’ Kids of the Lehigh Valley events and activities, find them at copsnkidslv.org/.