Save Our Swifts: Modeling a Solution between Conservation and Development

Throughout Bethlehem, the story of the collaboration between activists and developer John Noble to save a chimney swift migration habitat has spread. Southsider has previously published articles that feature details about these incredible birds and the project to help them flourish. In this third panel about the Save Our Swifts initiative, panelists explored more broadly…

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Women in Bethlehem’s History: All About Mary Penry

The Moravians and their faith community are part of the history of Bethlehem’s creation. Yet besides having seen the Moravian architecture that still survives, many Bethlehem residents don’t know all that much about the historic Moravian community or individuals who lived within it. As part of Women’s History Month, Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) offered…

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Exhibit Features Young Artists in Our Community

*Cover artwork is by Sammy Wendland. The students at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) are pursuing something beyond a traditional education. They are pursuing the integration of their artistic development with all of the comprehensive education that we require of high school students. As they take risks and explore the…

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Review: IceHouse Tonight’s “Dogcatcher”

As national news outlets highlight the efforts of lawmakers to protect voting rights, artists and activists from Bethlehem’s IceHouse Tonight have created a thought-provoking virtual play that responds to these attacks on democratic processes and the racism that still shapes election and voting participation. The seven part series, called Dogcatcher, follows a small-town PA football…

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Fight Against Mariner East and PennEast Pipelines Continue as Public Hearing Approaches

*Map courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Bethlehem is not immune to the trouble that plagues many communities in Pennsylvania: fracked gas pipelines. Here, Southsider takes a look at the ongoing fights against the Mariner East II and the PennEast pipeline, which highlight a common concern that unites Pennsylvanians across counties. This article will…

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