Bethlehem Press

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) raised around $150,000 at the nonprofit’s Hearts of Gold Gala Nov. 10. Guests decked out in tuxedos and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live auction of children’s artwork conducted by auctioneer Jason Douglas Houser. The stylish fundraiser was held at the Centennial Catering and Conference Center in Center Valley.

Guest speakers included actor-director Daniel Roebuck and teenage cancer warrior Jared Dowling. B104’s Mike and Steph emceed the celebration. DJ Keith provided dance music.

ArtsQuest returned to the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Dec. 17 with reworked plans for their major transformation of the Banana Factory complex.

Incorporating input from board advice and public comments gathered at the September hearing, ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert and MKSD architect Todd Chambers presented a revised plan that preserves a historic building previously slated for demolition. Although the proposal was tabled, they were told that the $16-18 million project was heading in the right direction.

“Bear and Buddy’s Wild and Crazy Adventures,” the sequel to Bud Cole’s “The Mystery of Little Bear” is now available for fans of the late nature writer’s books.

Cole, a retired Northampton Area School District elementary school teacher, found a new outlet for his love of science and the outdoors through writing.

Lehigh University alumnus Dallas Basha successfully petitioned the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Nov. 19 for a certificate of appropriateness to renovate the exterior of the historic Grace Mansion at 114 W. Fourth St. Basha’s proposal states, “He seeks to restore it to the Bethlehem landmark that it is,” for his recently purchased property.

Andrew J. Bisson, owner of Bisson Creative at 78 W. Market St., was granted a certificate of appropriateness for proposed window signage during the Historical and Architectural Review Board’s Nov. 7 meeting held in the Rotunda. The vote for the proposal was unanimous.

“Pip: The Mouse Before Christmas” has returned to its vintage stage for the 15th season at Allentown’s Liberty Bell Museum.

Pip and his holiday puppet show premiered at Hess’s, Ninth and Hamilton streets, in 1962. After the iconic Allentown department store closed, puppets, props and stage found a home at the Liberty Bell Museum where the seasonal show has been going on since 2003.

Community Action Development Corp. of Bethlehem (CADCB) Director Anna Smith updated the Mayor’s South Side Task Force members Oct. 30 on projects they are involved in for South Bethlehem. Smith explained during her presentation that CADCB operates under the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, a federally-funded anti-poverty organization. Their mission, she said, is to improve the quality of life in south Bethlehem by fostering economic opportunity, promoting community development, and empowering residents.

The City of Bethlehem received a certificate of appropriateness for proposed window signage for the outside plaza entrance to the Rotunda at 10 E. Church St. during the Historical and Architectural Review Board’s Nov. 7 meeting in the Rotunda. The commission unanimously approved a four-panel perforated window overlay installed on the outside glass for the two windows flanking the plaza access doors and the two above the doorway. Representing the project were Barbara Fraust and Vince Gentilcore from the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission.

The Martin Guitar Museum & Visitor Center hosted the Scouting Alumni & Eagle Gathering Oct. 17. Three generations of scouts were present at the annual get-together to enjoy a meal catered by Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and the opportunity to reconnect with fellow Eagle Scouts and friends.

Weary from dealing with a seeming parade of demolition proposals, the Bethlehem Historic Conservation Commission Oct. 13 unanimously tabled one by Larry Eighmy for the rear addition behind 409-411 Wyandotte St. Although the three-story commercial and residential buildings date back to circa 1880, the rear addition and three-story stair tower were built during the early-to-mid 20th century.