Christmas in Bethlehem - by Lynn Cunningham

My office is located on the second floor of the Main St. Commons overlooking Main and Broad Streets. Throughout the year, I am filled with pride at what a terrific community it is that I grew up in, live in and work in: when I walk outside to see a slew of Musikfest volunteers, employees and vendors setting up for the upcoming 10 day festival; when I’m working late in September and I can hear the clear sound of a lone bagpiper practicing somewhere in the neighborhood for the Celtic Classic and when I see my staff and the merchants of the downtown helping decorate the streets with hay bales, corn stalks and pumpkins to prepare for the Fall shopping season and Harvest Festival.

As the Vice President of Bethlehem for The Chamber my focus is centered on tourism, marketing and the overall financial health of the business community. Much of the work we do in the office revolves around Christmas – the logistics of bringing Christmas to the Christmas City – most of which doesn’t really involve the birth of Christ.  It is the business of Christmas: building, decorating and managing the Christmas City Village, coordinating the 100 details that go into The Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, raising the funds to pay for the 800 trees that go up throughout the town, marketing the many events that occur here during the Christmas season; and finding sponsors and managing The Christmas City Trolley. Much is riding on the success of the Christmas season and in this 75^th year of Bethlehem being designated as “Christmas City, USA” it is more so.  The one event that does involve the spiritual aspect of Christmas - the Community Advent Breakfast – must be handled as a business venture; ordering  beeswax candles, Moravian Sugar Cake, booking speakers, and marketing this  47 year old tradition. Year after year since I’ve had this job, the warmth that I should feel during this holy season is delayed because of my role in making sure that Christmas happens in the Christmas City… and is paid for.

That ended this year. The Citizens Christmas City Committee – one of my committees - has been raising funds for the City of Bethlehem’s Christmas decorations since 1964 with the Christmas City Seal. Every year we mail out thousands of envelopes with a sheaf of stamp-like seals and hope that the residents of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley send us a donation. Every year these donations decrease. The population that donates to the Christmas City Seals is getting older and their income has been fixed for almost two decades. This year, because of staffing changes, I took on the task of opening these envelopes for the first time. What I thought was going to be a drudgery job turned into a joy. Hundreds of names that I have heard from my 53 years of growing up here kept coming before me: Petraglia, Meixel, Uhler, Buzzard, Kessler, Pongratz, Barnett, Ytsma and to my utter delight - my own mother - who has been donating to this committee for most of the last 48 years. There were a few checks for $100 or $25 but most of the checks were for $10 and some envelopes had just one dollar stuffed inside. I cannot begin to tell you the warmth and affection that I felt while opening every single one of these envelopes.

Vernon Melhado, the President of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce in 1937 said “Bethlehem didn’t create Christmas, Christmas created Bethlehem” referring to the Moravian’s christening of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania  in 1741. When “O Little Town of Bethlehem” is sung, it has a double meaning to all of us. With Bethlehem’s many churches, Vesper concerts and Christmas putzes, the spirit of Christmas is prevalent. I now know that this community is also invested in Bethlehem as the Christmas City. Christmas is in the hearts of its residents which is interwoven with their faith, their pride and sense of community.  I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contribute - day in and day out - to make Bethlehem, Pennsylvania a great place to work, live, raise a family…and celebrate this holiday. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Lynn Collins Cunningham, born and raised in Bethlehem, is the Vice President of Bethlehem for the Greater Lehigh Chamber of Commerce

Work Address: 561 Main St, Suite 200, Bethlehem, Pa 18018

Mobile Phone: 610-739-1510

Email Address: lynnc@lehighvalleychamber.org

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Today's Business News in the Lehigh Valley, 12/21/12

Good morning, and happy Friday Lehigh Valley! Today is the first day of winter, and luckily for all of us the world has not ended! Today is the first day of the winter season.

Bethlehem's city council adopted a budget of $71 million for 2013, which includes a 7% property tax hike and an entertainment tax on certain concert tickets. Much of the debate around the budget focused on the rising pension costs the city is facing.

Air Products has expanded their operations in China, opening a new lab within its Asia Technology Center in Shanghai. "The advanced gas applications laboratory will further strengthen the center's research and development capabilities to support the increasing needs in China and across Asia, officials said."

Speaker Boehner's "Plan B" to avert the fiscal cliff failed to gather enough Republican support and was taken off the table yesterday. His proposed plan would have extended tax cuts that are set to expire at year's end for most people while allowing rates to increase to 1990 levels on income over $1 million.

Don't forget the Coca-Cola Caravan tomorrow in downtown Bethlehem, right in front of the Main Street Commons building. The truck will be decorated with 25,000 twinkling lights and will be parked on Main St. from 2 - 8 p.m. More information in the flyer below.

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How to Eat Your Way through the Holiday!

Today's guest blog is from Dr. Kristen Bentson is the creator and owner of YouAnew Lifestyle Nutrition.

Caution—Holidays Ahead. Okay, get ready; here comes Santa, Sleigh Rides, Snow and all that food, glorious food!! If there was one question I answer the most, it’s how to get through holidays. Why? Because every holiday (whether it be Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas) revolves around food. I've got a couple tips to get you through (and of course you are always welcome to join the YouAnew Program and get one-on-one coaching individualized to meet your needs!!).

Here we go!

Tip 1: SMALL PLATES!! Face it, you’re gonna fill it, right?!? I’m guessing you won’t want to appear piggy, so you don’t load your plate to the point that mashed potatoes and gravy overflow onto the holiday table cloth. If you have a small plate, you will probably eat just the right amount. If grandma already set the table with mondo sized dinner platters, envision that your plate has a border and is half the size.

Tip 2: GO SLOW!! The tendency is to wolf food down. I know, I know…It’s all your favorites and in anticipation of the feast, you haven’t eaten for days. Here’s the deal, if you move slowly, savor your food and enjoy the company, you will not only enhance your holiday experience, you will eat less. When you eat less, you have less work to do to shed those post party pounds.

Tip 3: MORNING RUN!! If you know you are going to eat (a little) more than a typical day, add an ADDITIONAL ½ hour or 45 minutes of morning exercise. This will help to offset the extra calories. Plus, you’ll have more energy, feel happier and better enjoy your day!

Tip 4: STEER CLEAR OF MARSHMALLOWS!! Most holidays feasts are made up of super nutrient rich foods! I LOVE turkey, corn, green beans, sweet potatoes, and pearl onions. YUMMY and HEALTHY! Here’s what I don’t love is the “enhancers” like gravy, butter, French fried onions, candied topping and cream. Skip those add-ons and avoid the post party pooch.

Tip 5: DON’T STUFF YOURSELF!! Stuffing is for turkey only. Don’t ever allow yourself to get totally full. Shoot for comfortable satisfaction.

Keep calm, stay in control and focus on your family! Enjoy every minute with those you love the most.

About The Author: Dr. Kristen Bentson is the creator and owner of YouAnew Lifestyle Nutrition. Her mission is to show people how to change their lives, how they look and how they feel by changing their approach to food. 

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Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce - Letter from the President

- Dave Dyson, Hampson Mowrer Kreitz Agency

BCC President

Main: 610-868-8507 • ddyson@hmk-ins.com

Christmas preparation is in full gear right now. With the Christmas City designation in its 75th year, we wanted to do something special to celebrate this milestone. Our tree lighting ceremony will be filled with surprises - none of which I am able to reveal today - but be sure to attend on Friday, November 23. It will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Payrow Plaza just outside on the steps of the Public Library. The Bethlehem Catholic High School Band will be playing, there will be a Christmas carol singing and FREE treats and hot chocolate. Headed by Natalie Miller, owner of Looper’s Grille and Bar, The Christmas tree lighting ceremony involves the entire community from the high school musicians to the elementary school children who decorate the Mayor’s Christmas Tree the week before the ceremony (and a few who actually flip the switch to turn on the lights). In addition, area businesses contribute free treats to attendees and sponsor the event. Natalie is assisted by Beverly Bradley from the Cops-n- Kids program and the Citizens Christmas City Committee.

Before and after the ceremony, be sure to go into the downtowns to take in the Christmas atmosphere. The Bethlehem downtowns will be decorated for the holiday season.Christmas music fills the air, there is an abundance of places to shop and dine, and for the second year in a row, we will have two German inspired Christmas markets: Christkindlmarkt at Steel Stacks and the DBA’s Christmas City Village in the Historic District Downtown. Ride the Christmas Trolley - for no charge - and you can experience all of Bethlehem’s Christmas offerings.

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