INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Putting Away Summer, Getting Ready for Fall
By John Hall for Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
I like Fall. I like Fall a whole lot. It’s a beautiful season. The weather eases off in terms of heat, and of course the colors of the leaves change. The fall is a time of great beauty and a shift of energy. You can feel the change in the air.
Of course, it’s also a time for allergies and that can put the damper on things for sure. When I was pulling together the article on allergies I
stopped and wondered: do allergies ever take a break? Turns out there are seasonal allergies that most of us are probably well aware of, but for some – and I don’t envy them – there are also “perennial” allergies that can affect people yearround. We will look at both seasonal and perennial allergies in “The Arrival of Fall Allergies” later in this issue.
Now for some, allergies could be considered one of the first signs of fall, but in our article “The First Signs of Fall,” we look at the more traditional first signs. The birds start migrating and the leaves change to beautiful colors and drop underfoot,
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Putting Away Summer, Getting Ready for Fall
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while the days become shorter, the nights crisper and more; it’s just a great time of year.
Part of what makes fall so special are the very fall/autumn-specific activities that just don’t apply to the rest of the year. Everything from picking a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch after drinking hot cider or hot chocolate on a hayride, to football!
And if you focus on your yard or garden as I do, it’s time to prep it for the colder months ahead. For some that might be a chore, but if you focus on having a garden as a productive place for beauty and harvest, then it’s a pleasure to strategically clean it up for great results next growing season. In “Fall Yard Cleanup ‘Must-Dos’” we lay out a few key things to tackle soon.
Did I mention football? I think I did. And that involves the sport itself, and also food. Whether tailgating or watching it on TV, food is part of the overall football experience and we have a great soup recipe for you to consider for an upcoming Sunday. Read “Sunday Football ‘Souper’ Bowl Idea” for specs on a delicious Philly Cheesesteak Soup your team will love this fall.
And finally, it’s time to start getting your home ready for the autumn season and the colder days that will follow. In “Getting Your Home Ready for Fall and Beyond” we cut through the autumn busyness to lay out some of the very important home prep activities you shouldn’t ignore.
So that’s it – our first issue for September 2025. We hope you enjoy the content, including that Philly Cheesesteak soup recipe. And please join us next time when we focus even more on food and beverage.
The First Signs of Fall
SOURCE: Various
The first signs of fall include leaves changing color from green to vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, and the leaves beginning to fall from the trees. Shorter days and cooler temperatures, especially crisp mornings, are also indicators. Additionally, migrating birds, wild mushrooms emerging, and the appearance of autumn fruits and berries are common signs.
Changing Leaves / The most visually striking sign is the transformation of green leaves to a spectrum of colors, as chlorophyll production slows down and other pigments become visible. If you look up into the tree canopy even today you may already see the first leaves beginning to turn. This annual event is triggered by autumn's cooler temperatures and shorter days. When there's less sunlight, deciduous trees stop producing chlorophyll, which they use to convert light into energy to grow.
Falling Leaves / As leaves change color, they
also begin to detach from the trees and fall, creating a carpet of colorful foliage.
Cooler Temperatures and Shorter Days / The weather transitions to cooler temperatures, especially noticeable in the mornings, and the days become noticeably shorter with the sun setting earlier.
Migratory Birds / You will very likely see some bird species beginning their migration south for the winter, often flying in flocks.
Wild Mushrooms / The cooler, damp conditions of fall encourage the growth of various mushrooms and fungi, which will soon emerge.
The First Signs of Fall
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Autumn Fruits and Berries / According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, fruits like blackberries and berries on hedgerows will become ripe and abundant in the fall, along with fall fruits like apples and pumpkins.
Other Signs of Fall
Crisp air, morning dew, and the scent of fallen leaves are commonly associated with the arrival of autumn.
What signals the beginning of fall?
The start of fall (and spring) is determined by an astronomical phenomenon called an equinox, when the sun is positioned exactly above the Earth's equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox occurs in September; in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs in March.
Fall, or autumn, typically lasts for three months in the Northern Hemisphere, running from September 1st to November 30th. This is based on the meteorological definition, which divides the year into four seasons of three months each. The astronomical definition of fall, determined by the autumnal equinox and winter solstice, can vary
slightly from year to year but generally falls between September 22 or 23 and December 21. Therefore, while the exact start and end dates of fall can vary slightly, it generally encompasses the months of September, October, and November, and lasts for roughly three months or 89-90 days.
What is early fall considered?
Early fall is generally considered the period at the very beginning of the autumn season, often characterized by the transition from summer's warm temperatures to cooler, more comfortable weather. While the autumnal equinox (around September 22nd) marks the astronomical start of fall, meteorologists often consider September 1st as the beginning of the fall season. Therefore, early fall can be thought of as the first few weeks of September.
So the time is now to get your sweaters out and plan for cooler weather and a fresh chapter ahead. The fall can be a wonderful time to realign personal goals and strike a balance between activity and reflection.
The Arrival of Fall Allergies
SOURCE: health.clevelandclinic.org (edited)
Does allergy season ever end? Not for everyone. Although there are seasonal allergies there are also perennial allergies that some suffer from yearround.
Autumn allergens typically begin to bloom – and release their pesky pollen – sometime in August, so we are in the fall allergy season as you read this. If you’re feeling stuffy and congested and your eyes are watering and your nose is runny, you are most likely suffering from allergies. As beautiful as the autumn season can be, if you’re prone to allergies it can be a miserable time.
Seasonal vs. Perennial Allergies
A fall allergy goes under the category of allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. Allergic rhinitis encompasses seasonal allergies – those that arrive with the onset of a particular season – as well as allergies you have all year round, known as perennial allergies.
Perennial allergens are with us year-round and can include animal danders (like cats and dogs), as well as dust mites, cockroaches and molds. Seasonal allergens include spring and fall pollens, as well as trees and grasses in the spring.
Fall Allergies
The most common fall allergen is ragweed, a member of the daisy family that starts to bloom in North America in late August and lives through the autumn. Ragweed flowers produce significant amounts of pollen – up to a billion grains of pollen from a single ragweed plant.
While ragweed is the most common fall allergen, the list is long. When you inhale an allergen’s pollen it’s your body’s immune system response that causes you to feel everything from congestion and itchy eyes, to sneezing, a runny nose and postnasal drip.
Getting Allergy Relief
The best way to try to prevent allergy issues is avoidance, but that can be difficult. The pollen blows in on the crisp autumn breeze and settles on everything in its path. Things you can do to limit your exposure to fall allergens include: Closing your windows / Open windows welcome pollen. In the fall, when your allergies are high,
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The Arrival of Fall Allergies
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use your home’s air conditioner or heat instead, if possible.
Wash your hands and face / Who doesn’t love autumn activities like apple-picking, hiking or trick-or-treating? But as fun as they are, they all expose you to pollen. After you’ve spent time outdoors, take care to wash your hands and face when you return indoors.
Change your clothes / Pollen also settles on your clothes. When you come indoors, consider
You Can Eat
changing your outfit, which will keep the sneezy stuff further from you.
Avoid outdoor chores that kick up allergens / Outdoor chores like pulling weeds and raking leaves puts you right into the pollen storm – consider delegating that work to someone else if you can.
Wear a mask / Covering your mouth and nose with a mask can also keep pollen from making contact.
Though these tips will help you come into contact with less pollen, pollen is just about impossible to fully avoid. If you’re still sneezy, get an assist from science and hit up a drugstore or pharmacy to try an over-the-counter medication designed to relieve your allergy symptoms.
Ultimately, there isn’t a cure for allergies. But by arming yourself with preventive measures, allergy medication and pollen forecasts, you can enjoy autumn more, rather than sneezing your way through it.
Slatington History Preservation Committee Presents Slatedale History Presentation
The public is cordially invited to attend a lecture entitled Slatedale: A Country Village At The Base Of The Blue Mountain, hosted by the Slatington History Preservation Committee (SHPC). The presentation will explore the founding of Slatedale, its slate industry, transportation, and include discussions on prominent buildings, businesses and people once located in the from its founding up until the 1980’s. Some highlights include J.P. Kern Slate Company, Shenton’s store, Lehigh Valley Railroad, LaBar family, Heintzelman Funeral Home and a rare film showing slate quarrying. The event will be held on Saturday September 27 beginning at 2:00 PM, at the Vigilant Fire Company, 110 S. Walnut Street, in Slatington. Business ads, maps, and photos will be shown along with the presentation. A question-and-answer session will follow the lecture. Refreshments will also be available. The event is free and open to the public. With this Slatedale presentation the SHPC ventures into Washington Township to explore the township’s largest village. The committee hopes people of all ages will attend to learn about Slatedale’s rich and interesting history and its contributions to the history of the Northern Lehigh area. For further information please visit our Facebook page Slatington History Preservation Committee or message us on Facebook Messenger.
Fall Yard Cleanup
SOURCE: safewise.com (edited)
Autumn means football games and visits to the local pumpkin patch. It also means it’s time to get your yard, including flower and vegetable gardens ready for winter. To get the most out of your garden next year, follow this checklist for fall cleanup before the weather turns wet and chilly.
1. Clean out debris
Fallen leaves and weeds are the perfect place for pests to settle in for the winter. Clear out flower beds to keep the critters away from your house, paying special attention to rose beds, as their foliage can foster disease over the winter.
2. Clean up the vegetable garden
After the final harvest, pull out old vegetable plants and remove debris. If you compost, now is the time to add a layer of compost to help nurture your soil for planting next spring.
3. Dry everything out
Drain all water from hoses, fountains, and other water features, and store them in a dry place. Water
left standing over the winter could damage your equipment if it freezes.
4. Don't forget to blow out those sprinklers! Sprinkler blowout is one fall step you don't want to miss. Blowing out the sprinklers uses pressurized air to remove all remaining water from sprinkler system pipes, preventing freezing, corrosion, rot, and pipe damage.
5. Rake and mulch
Left alone, autumn leaf litter can suffocate the grass. So, rake it up, shred it, and use it as mulch for young trees, shrubs, and flower beds to provide a boost of nutrients, help with weed control, and keep roots warm until spring.
Pew Pew & Purse Bingo
6. Prune trees and shrubs
Trim any dead branches and cut back overgrown trees and bushes during your fall clean up routine. If you have spring-blooming perennials like lilac or forsythia, now is the time to prune without risking blooms.
7. Divide and cut back perennials
If your perennials really took off this year, divide plants and add them to other beds where they will also do well. This saves money and time in the spring. Fall-blooming perennials like chrysanthemums shouldn’t be divided now – wait and divide them in the spring.
8. Plant bulbs, shrubs, and fall annuals
Some plants do best when planted in the fall. If
you want to add new shrubs or spring bulbs like hyacinth, now is the time to get them in the ground.
9. Clean tools and store them
Plants get diseases just like humans and animals. Even if your gardening tools retire for the fall and winter, be sure to clean them thoroughly before storing them for the off season. All-purpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol can disinfect small tools like pruners and loppers while you can use bleach for larger metal tools like shovels.
If you follow this checklist, you’re bound to have a wonderfully winterized yard that will be ready to wow you with lush, green bounty once the warm weather returns.
and
each.
Lehigh Valley Fall Kickoff Gun Raffle
Lehigh Township Historical Society News
Submitted by Ruth Hall Kent
Fall is upon us and it’s time for cooler weather. Our Gravestone Preservation Workshops have suffered due to a lack of interest and unpredictable weather this summer. The workshop scheduled on Saturday September 6th at 10 am at the Berlinsville Cemetery may be the only one we do this year depending on interest. If you are interested in attending this week, please call LTHS (answering machine) at 610-440-0151 and leave a message or send us a message on Facebook messenger.
LTHS will hold its final Open House at the St. Paul’s One-Room Schoolhouse in Indianland on Sunday, September 21st from 1 to 4 pm. If you haven’t visited before, come see this fully restored school built 160 years ago. One of your greeters will be LTHS Director Earl Bloss who attended this schoolhouse during the 1940’s and can answer questions about going to class in a one-room school.
On the same day you can stop by the Society’s Historical Centre Museum in Pennsville on Lehigh Drive (Rt. 248) and see a huge collection of items used by your ancestors. Check out our resources with old news items and small collection of information about Lehigh Township’s early families. We will also have our new selection of
LTHS t-shirts and sweatshirts available.
The Society’s Annual Fall Mum Sale and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, September 20th starting at 9 am to 2 pm on the porch at the Historical Centre in Pennsville. Our ad in this issue gives prices and color selection available. We encourage you to order by the 13th to reserve your favorite color plants. Call our office (leave message with order details) or send us a message on Facebook. There will be plenty of mums and baked goods for walk-ins the day of sale. Come early – Rain or Shine! We will close up at 2 pm or sooner if we sell out. If we have leftover mums and baked goods, they will be for sale on September 21st during Sunday’s Open House at the museum from 1 to 4 pm.
We are always looking for volunteers and interested new members willing to give a few hours a week to help out at the museum. If you have an interest in local history, stop in and check us out at 3811 Lehigh Drive, Northampton, (next to Indian Trail Park along Rt. 248) on most Tuesday mornings from 9 am to Noon. Give us a call at 610-440-0151 or stop in and visit to find out how you can help.
Coloring Page
Sunday Football “Souper” Bowl Idea
SOURCE: delish.com (edited)
With football season starting up, it is time to think “tailgating” or maybe having people over for the game. And although chips, dips and beer are go-to crowd pleasers, sometimes you need more. Especially when the games start taking place in colder weather, something hot might be nice. Soups come to mind, especially good hearty soups that warm the stomach, fill the stomach and just taste good!
There are a lot of thick, wonderful soups out there for the fall, but for Football Sundays in our region we settled on a “Philly Cheesesteak Soup” we found at delish.com that should really keep your crowd satisfied.
Philly Cheesesteak Soup
This easy Football Sunday soup takes all the classic parts of a Philly cheesesteak – steak, onions, cheese and peppers and combines them into one incredibly cozy and hearty bread bowl. The recipe yields up to four servings and takes just 15 minutes to prepare with a total “to serving” time of 50 minutes.
While the cheese specified in this recipe is provolone, another cheese such as cheddar or American could easily be substituted. Also, while this recipe uses both red and green bell peppers, some prefer their cheesesteaks without peppers at all, so feel free to modify the ingredients the same way you would in the classic sandwich.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
2/3 lb. chuck roast, cut into cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 Tbsp. heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded provolone, divided
2 sourdough bowls, for serving
1 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
1. Step 1: Preheat oven to broil and line a small
baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add steak and season with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides until meat is deeply golden and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove meat and set aside.
2. Step 2: Add remaining oil to pot and add in onions and peppers. Cook until onions are partially translucent and peppers have softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then season with salt and pepper and sprinkle all over with flour. Cook 2 minutes, until flour turns slightly golden.
3. Step 3: Add in broth, cream, and 1/2 cup provolone. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes to allow soup to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, cut the top off breads and scoop out the inside bread to create a bowl. Cube bread removed from top of loaf. Place on a prepared baking sheet.
5. Step 5: When soup is thickened, stir in beef and ladle into bread bowls. Top with cubed bread and remaining cheese and broil until cheese is melty and golden.
6. Step 6: Garnish with parsley before serving.
SOURCE: weather.com (edited)
From apple picking to leaf peeping and from Sunday football to fires in the fireplace, autumn brings with it a variety of exciting seasonal activities – many of them outdoors. And there's fun to be had indoors as well, with the scent of apple pie wafting through the home and gourds adorning the windowsills.
But with so much to keep us busy and enjoy during the fall, it can be easy to neglect our homes – but we shouldn’t. Autumn signals the coming of colder weather, and without some planned upkeep, homeowners could face serious aggravation when the colder months arrive.
Here are six of the most important things to keep your eyes on and take care of before winter arrives.
Clean Out Those Gutters
During the summer months, there's a very good
chance that leaves and grime will have built up in your gutters. According to Energy.gov, clogged gutters can form ice dams in the colder months that prevent your drainage systems from working properly. Then, leaks can happen within the home, causing all sorts of issues. Get in front of the problem by simply clearing out your gutters. As those beautiful autumn leaves fall, your gutters are only going to fill up again, so be sure to keep your eyes on the situation.
Light the Night
Fall and winter means less daylight. So, if you don't have lights outside your home and lining
your driveway, make your home a little safer by illuminating the area. Lights around the perimeter of your driveway can mean fewer accidents. And lights along your pathway can mean fewer falls. Also, because outdoor lights are typically left on for long periods of time, buying LED and energy saver bulbs will save energy and money.
Check the Heating System
Fall signals the first time in months that you will be using your home's heating system. Schedule an annual heating system check-up, and also manually survey your home's heating vents to make sure they aren't blocked by anything. Also, now is a great time to dust off those vents and clean filters as well.
Clear Out the Fireplace
If you're planning to start using your fireplace again, clear out any lingering debris and ash to start with a clean slate. Leave the chimney checking to a professional and have them also check your damper to make sure it can fully close, preventing drafts.
Check for Drafts
Drafts in the cold weather months can be a drag. In preparation, go to all the windows and doors
in your home and feel for drafts. One trick is to use a candle and if the flame flickers near the door or window, a draft is likely coming in. Repair seals and caulking where the drafts occur and consider purchasing heavier drapes for those areas.
Store Summer Items
Finally, now is the time to put outdoor summer accessories away. Drain and store outdoor hoses and wrap up wall air conditioning units and put in the basement. That way, you're decluttering your home for the winter months and at the same time, you'll have these items ready to go when the warm weather comes around again.
OFF THE SHELF
Slatington Library News
Submitted by Louise Bechtel
Preschool story hour will return on Tuesday, November 4th at 11:00am. It will run for six weeks through December 9th. Come join us for stories, singing, crafts and a small snack.
Last month two members of the Board of Trustees presented a short program to the Slatington Senior Center. They talked about the benefits of having a membership to the library. That not only is there access to what the library has on its shelves, but there is access to material from twelve libraries. A game about the participant’s knowledge about the library was
played. Prizes were presented to the winners. A fun time was had by all.
The Genealogy group will begin meeting again on September 13th at 10:00am. They will meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month.
The library is now accepting donations for its annual basket social which will be held on Saturday, September 27th at the Slatedale Fire Co.
1,000 Books before Kindergarten, do you think you can read that many to your child? The library is sponsoring the 1,000 books before kindergarten program. Just stop in, sign up your child/children and pick up an information packet. The funding for the program was provided by a grant from the Rotary Club of Slatington. For more information, please contact the library.
The Book Club members are reading “A man called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. They will meet on September 2nd (due to Labor Day) to discuss the book. The Book Club meets in person, and on Zoom, at the library at 1:00pm. on the first Monday of the month. If you are interested in joining the book club, please contact the library.
There’s always a book sale at the library. We also have some puzzles and other odds and ends.
The library provides many services to the
Drawing begins at 2 pm.
At the Citizens Fire Co. #1 (Slatedale) 3922 Main St., Slatedale, PA
Kitchen open. Advanced sale 5 tickets for $20.00 until Sept. 17th. After, all tickets $5.00. Public may stay for drawing, otherwise winners will be contacted by phone on Monday afternoon, Sept. 29th.
For more info. call the library
610-767-6461
40 Second Street, Slatington
Seatings at 4:00, 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, & 7:00 P.M.
(Take-out orders also available)
Menu: Baked Ham, Chopped Dandelion with Bacon Dressing, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Vegetables, Bread & Butter, Homemade Desserts, Coffee, Tea, Iced Tea, & Water
faxes. A free library card gets you access to books, e-books, magazines, e-magazines and audio books from 12 libraries as well as links to 12 online databases. There are also public access computers from which you can print for a fee.
Tickets: Adults – $10.00, Children (6-12) – $4.00, Children 5 and under – Free
Library hours are Mon. & Wed. 9am to 7pm, Tues. 9am to 3pm, Fri. 9am to 5pm, Sat. 8am to 2:00pm. The library is closed Thursday and Sunday.
Call church office at 610-767-6361 for tickets.
Any questions concerning this information please contact Louise Bechtel at the Library at (610) 767-6461. Thank you.
Howl & Prowl Halloween
Costume Dance Fundraiser Event for Furry Feet Rescue
Saturday, Oct 25, 2025 • 5:00pm - 10:00pm
3980 Mountain View Drive, Danielsville
Costumes highly encouraged. We will be hosting a costume contest, 50/50, basket raffle and door prizes. It will be cash bar and kitchen. Our DJ for the night is Crazy K’s Entertainment.
TICKETS ARE $10 PER PERSON
ALL TICKETS MUST BE PRE-PURCHASED, on Furry Feet Rescue Facebook page
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR!
We are open every Saturday to the public from 12-2.
Terrier Mix New Tripoli, PA Young Female Medium Bicolor Coat length: Short House-trained: Yes
PLEASE NOTE: At this time we are following CDC guidelines and practicing social distancing and wearing masks in our buildings
Health: Vaccinations up to date, spayed/neutered. Good in a home with other dogs, children. This super sweet year old terrier mix pup is ready for her forever!
Wonderful temperament, super sweet, good with dogs and humans. Adorable!
The Sanctuary at Haafsville 901 Nestle Way, Breinigsville, PA 18031 dogadoptions@ thesanctuarypa.org Country Clippers Pet Grooming Professional All Breed Dog and Cat Grooming
Contact Stacy Goldberg or Jennifer Frable 610-824-2626
*Bands Sponsored by Rentschler’s Auto Dealerships Bring a Hygiene Product (examples: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Deodorant) to “Fill the TRUCK” to help others in need.
Winnie is about a year old. She is about 50 lbs. UTD on shots a nd is spayed.
Have questions? Want to visit?
Please contact reboundhounds@ gmail.com and her rescue will get right back to you, thanks!
WINNIE IS IN FLEMINGTON, NJ
Considering WINNIE for adoption? Start Your Inquiry
Rebound Hounds
100 Main St., New Tripoli, PA 18066 reboundhounds@gmail.com
We are excited to announce our MYSTERY BINGO event! If you receive a bingo prize that you don’t like, no problem—you can exchange it for our swap prize. The swap prize will change regularly as people swap their prizes for something else. It’s going to be a fun-filled day! Get your tickets now while they last.
Pre-sale tickets are available for $30, with a limit of 75 tickets. Additional tickets will be sold at the door for $35 until we reach capacity. Support
Mural at Becky’s Drive-In now On display to honor founders
Submitted by Cindy Beck Deppe
Becky’s Drive-In wanted to honor the founders of the drive-in, William “Becky” Beck and Alice Beck, with a special area at the drive-in to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work while owning the drive-in from 1946 to 1982. They made a great team working together running the drive-in. That’s where they spent their summer months, working day and night to make sure
LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO - Thursday, September 18 Rain Date: September 25
Our group will meet at the church at 1:00 PM to carpool tot he Lehigh Valley Zoo. We will got for an early dinner after our tour of the zoo. DOWNSIZING SEMINAR - Thursday, October 16
Join us for a seminar presented by The Walden & Randall Team (RE/ MAX Realtors) to learn about local real estate prices and how to downsize. Pizza will be provided by the Waldens. BOARD GAME SOCIAL - Thursday, November 20
Join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church for an afternoon of board games, card games, and dominoes! Snacks and beverage provided. WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGEThursday, December 18
Join us for a holiday celebration at the church. Bring a wrapped gift (an item found around your home) to participate in a White Elephant exchange. Bring your favorite holiday treat to share!
QUESTIONS? CALL ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (610) 767-6361 OR FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
everything was ready to show movies on nights they were open. Becky and Alice were never able to take a vacation, due to running the drive-in
during the warmer months. In their later years, our uncle and aunt took them on trips.
The drive-in has been in the same family since its opening in 1946. Becky and Alice’s children, Darrell, Dale, Mary, Dennis and Cindy, took over in 1982. Becky passed away in 1987, Dale Beck in 1997 and Alice in 2007. At the present time, there are four generations of the Beck family working and helping with operations at Becky’s Drive-In.
Becky and Alice’s great-granddaughter, Margot Deppe, a senior at Northampton Area High School, was recently asked if she would paint a portrait of them on the concrete wall outside the main stand. Margot also attends Bethlehem Area Vo-
Charles J Breidinger Broker
Benjamin Real Estate 2254 Skyline Dr. Slatington, PA 18080
Office 610-767-1293
Cell 484-951-2468
Fax 610-767-9488
cjbreidinger@gmail.com www.bhhsbre.com
Text: bhhscjb to: 87778
Tech School for commercial art courses and takes art classes at Baum School of Art.
Margot was very excited and honored to paint their portrait on the wall for Becky’s Drive-In patrons to view. Margot painted the portrait of them freehand from a photograph. She spent this summer painting and recently completed the finishing touches. Margot never had the opportunity to get to know her great-grandparents personally, but has heard nice stories about them. Route 248 today was Route 45 when the drivein opened for business in 1946.
The drive-in, originally called Route 45 Drive-In,
Mural at Becky’s Drive-In now On display to honor founders
NOW AVAILABLE!
Our Own Premium Quality Sweet Corn
later became known as Becky’s Drive-In, mainly because the locals referred to the drive-in by William’s childhood nickname, Becky.
William “Becky” got interested in movies when attending an indoor theatre in Slatington. He fell in love with movies and decided to get into the movie business.
His film career had humble beginnings. With the help of his parents, Edith and Earl Spadt, Becky used a white bed sheet for his movie screen and showed some Charlie Chaplin comedies and Tom Mix Westerns on his parent’s living room wall to the neighborhood kids.
In 1936, Becky’s showed movies to the residents at Uncle Charlie’s Lunch, approximately 1 mile west of the present location. That’s when he started showing movies to the public. They sat on benches to watch the movies. The movies were free to the public, but Becky sold candy for income.
Becky met his bride-to-be, Alice Hartzell, while showing movies at Uncle Charlie’s. The couple married on May 29, 1937. That evening, Becky showed movies in Mauch Chunk, now known as Jim Thorpe. There wasn’t time for a honeymoon.
In 1939, Becky rented the land where the Bryfogle Memorial Park is presently located. That was the original location of the Route 45 Drive-In, where movie-goers sat in cars to watch the movies. There was only one large horn speaker on top of the screen for everyone to hear the movies. Back then, RCA car speakers had not been invented yet.
In the early 1950s, Becky showed movies to the students in the one-room and two-room schoolhouses in the Lehigh Valley area. Some of
Continued from page 27 Petersville Rod & Gun Club
the students had never seen a movie before. When the students saw Becky drive up to the school, they knew they didn’t need to do schoolwork anymore and could watch a movie instead. Some of the movies shown at schools were Shirley Temple movies and “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Students closed the shutters, so it was dark enough in the schoolhouse to view the movies better.
Becky also showed movies in the 1960s and 1970s at Gracedale County Home, showing “Laurel and Hardy” and other comedies. Becky also showed movies to the Hope Lutheran Church Senior Citizen Center, such as “Gone with the Wind.”
Alice was a hard worker and very dedicated to
the drive-in. She spent her summer days peeling and slicing potatoes to serve her delicious fresh cut French fries at night at the drive-in. Some people would stop by just to eat her fries. People still remark how they loved her fries and never tasted any better than hers. Alice fried her fries in lard and made sure all the black eyes were cut out of the potatoes.
She didn’t just make fries; she made sure the drive-in was spotless, and she walked around picking up all the cigarette butts from the ground. People still remark how the grounds are well kept. We think of her every day, wondering if they would pass her inspection.
Big Buck Contest 2025-2026
• Entry Fee is $25.00
• You do not need to be a club member to enter this contest
• Contest runs from September 20th, 2025 till January 17th 2026
• Registration is now open and ends September 13th 2025
• You must be registered by the start of Pa. Archery Season
• Only legally shot PA deer allowed
• All Pa Game Commission rules must be adhered to Prizes:
1st place - A mount from Hills Wildlife Taxidermy and name on club wall 2nd place - Cash prize • 3rd place - Cash prize
Scoring:
Number of points plus inside spread (example 10 points with 16 inch inside spread = 26 points) In case of a tie the inside spread from point to point of the brow tines.
Judges:
Dan Neff - 484-523-1934
Tim Oswald - 484-223-9013
Initial call to a judge must be made within 48 hours of tagging your buck. Also, within the first 48 hours text a picture of you and your buck along with your name to either of the judges. If you are out of the area, your buck must be scored within seven days of initial call.
Please return this part, a receipt will be sent to you as proof of entry
Name:___________________________________
Address:________________________________
Town:______________ State:____
Phone#: ________________________________
Entry fee for Adult & Junior Hunter is $25.00
No separate Junior Hunter prize Need not be a club member to enter!
Return to Tim Oswald BBC 4177 Independence Dr. Walnutport, PA 18088
Make checks out to: BMFG
Lehigh Valley Health Network distributes Sensory bags to EMS partners Bags provide simple yet powerful
tools to help children in crisis
Submitted by Priscilla Turbitt
Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, held a sensory bag pick-up “party” for EMS and first responder partners Aug. 22 at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg. The sensory bags include a few key items – things like noise-reducing earmuffs, a weighted blanket and nonverbal cue cards – to help calm and support people with sensory and behavioral health issues during a crisis.
Keith Micucci, CRNP, Chief Operating Officer of LVH–Muhlenberg and Administrator of Emergency Medical Services, says the sensory bags help deescalate situations and can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.
“Originally created for EMS teams to help children on the autism spectrum, the sensory bag items can really help any child in a stressful situation who is dealing with anxiety, depression or trauma,” Micucci said.
The idea for sensory bags came about in 2019
when a detective in Michigan noted a need for police, fire and EMS vehicles to have tools to help them when they arrive at a scene with a special needs child. The detective’s son has autism spectrum disorder.
Kyle Albrecht, Senior EMS/Interfacility Liaison, received philanthropic support to purchase 175 of the bags to distribute to LVHN’s EMS partners. Albrecht’s wife is a clinician with LVHN ExpressCARE. She saw the sensory bag in action
with a patient they were considering sedating. Instead, using the sensory bag allowed EMS to calm the patient and get the situation under control.
“I thought, wouldn’t it be amazing if all of our EMS partners had access to these?” Albrecht said. “We’re pleased to be able to increase awareness and understanding around these important issues, and we greatly appreciate our EMS partners for their participation.”
A similar project introduced last year was LVHN’s Blue Envelope Program, an initiative that assists drivers with ASD in their interactions with police. Drivers carry a blue envelope which they give to police during a traffic stop. The envelope
explains the program, indicates if the driver is verbal or nonverbal and offers tips for a smooth interaction.
The regions of Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties (and all LVHN EMS units) were chosen for the sensory bags as they are aligned with the ongoing Blue Envelope Program.
“Education and training around these initiatives leads to so much understanding,” Micucci said. “The sensory bags provide us with simple yet powerful tools that can dramatically change the outcome of a situation and the lasting effects it may have on a child.”
Shapiro Administration Reminds Students: Be REAL ID
Ready for internships, Job interviews, and
Holiday travel
Online services can help customers save time and save a trip to the driver license center
Submitted by RONALD YOUNG
As college students head back to campus for the fall semester, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reminds young drivers and their families to prepare now if they may need to fly domestically for internships, job interviews, holiday travel or other life events.
REAL ID enforcement is now in effect, which means a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally-accepted identification, like a valid U.S. Passport, is required to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Currently, about 21% of driver licenses and photo IDs issued to people between the ages of 17 to 22 are REAL IDs. Overall, more than 32% of driver license and photo ID holders in Pennsylvanians have a REAL ID.
“With the school year starting and the holiday season quickly approaching, it’s a great time for
students and their families to determine whether a REAL ID is right for them,” said PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services Deputy Secretary Kara Templeton. “We encourage students not to wait until they’re booking a flight for an internship or holiday travel to think about REAL ID. If you think you might need to fly domestically in the next few months and you don’t have a REAL ID, visit our website today to learn more.”
Students who received their first Pennsylvania driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID card after Sept. 5, 2003, may already have their REAL ID documents on file with PennDOT. Customers can visit PennDOT’s website and complete the online pre-verification form. If they are eligible, customers may be able to order their REAL ID product online and receive it by mail within 15 business days.
REAL IDs are a permanent part of PennDOT’s
Pennsylvanians can determine if a REAL ID is right for them by visiting PennDOT’s REAL ID online wizard. Visit pa.gov/REALID for information on how to get a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card today.
Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the below documents to issue a REAL ID:
Proof of Identity: Examples include an original or certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Records/Statistics with a raised/ embossed seal, or a valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
Proof of Social Security Number (proof must display currently legal name and full nine digits of the Social Security Number): Examples include a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a SSA-1099 form, a non-SSA-1099 form, or a pay stub
Two Proofs of Current, Physical PA Address: Examples include a current, unexpired PA driver’s license or identification card, vehicle registration, or a utility bill with the same name and address
Proof of all Legal Name Changes (if current legal name is different than what is reflected on proof of identity document): Examples include certified marriage certificate(s) issued by the County Court for each marriage, court order(s) approving a change
in legal name, or adoption decree issued by your county’s family court
Note: If current name is the same as what is reflected on the proof of identity document (usually birth certificate or passport), proof of legal name change does not need to be shown.
More information about REAL ID document requirements can be found on PennDOT’s REAL ID website, www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driverservices/real-id/real-id-document-check.
When a customer gets their first REAL ID, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the applicable
Young Heart AT
Be REAL ID Ready
Continued from page 33
renewal fee. Visit PennDOT’s website for a complete list of fees. The expiration date of a person’s initial REAL ID will include any time remaining on their existing non-REAL ID, plus an additional four years, unless the customer is over 65 and has a two-year license. This expiration date structure means that the customer won’t lose time that they’ve already paid for. After the initial REAL ID is issued, the customer will pay no additional fee beyond the regular renewal fees for future renewals of the product.
If a customer can’t get their REAL ID through pre-verification, they may obtain a REAL ID by:
Applying for REAL ID at one of PennDOT’s 15 REAL ID Centers and receiving it over the counter at the time of service.
Applying for REAL ID at a PennDOT driver license center and receiving it in the mail within 15 days.
For a full list of driver license centers, REAL ID Centers, and services offered, please visit the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv and click on Find a Location.
*Any
A-Treat unveils Lemon Twist seltzer,
Submitted by Michael Schmid
A-Treat is proud to announce the launch of its newest seltzer flavor: Lemon Twist — a crisp, all-natural lemon lime seltzer with a refreshing taste. This new seltzer is also supporting a dynamic Lehigh Valley foundation. To help unveil the new Lemon Twist seltzer, 20% of all proceeds from the sales will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, a nonprofit organization that provides critical support to local families impacted by childhood cancer.
“This is more than a product launch — it’s a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families facing the unimaginable,” said David Jaindl, CEO of Jaindl Beverage Company, producer of A-Treat. “We’ve always believed in the strength of
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Tel: 610-767-8008
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community, and Lemon Twist gives us an opportunity to bring people together around a flavor they’ll love and a mission that truly matters.”
Crafted with zero calories, no sugar and no artificial flavors or sweeteners, Lemon Twist joins the growing A-Treat seltzer lineup as an exciting new addition aimed at today’s health-conscious consumer — while channeling the brand’s nostalgic flair for bold, authentic flavors.
Michelle Zenie, Executive Director of PCFLV, shared her appreciation: “We are so honored and grateful to partner with A-Treat. Every bottle of Lemon Twist purchased helps fund the programs and services that give hope and comfort to local pediatric cancer families. It’s heartwarming to see a local brand not just give back, but truly stand alongside our kids and families.”
She continued, “Regarding the name and the product design, the word ‘Twist’ is especially
Continued on page 43
American Red Cross offers safety Checklist as students head back to school
Reminder
Cross
Submitted by Nicole Roschella
parked cars.
If your student takes the bus to school, teach them to:
If your student is younger or going to school for the first time, teach them:
• Their phone number, address, how to get in touch with their parents at work, how to get in touch with another trusted adult and how to dial 911
• Not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know
If your child walks to school, teach them to:
• Walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic.
• Stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming.
• Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
• Never run out into the street or cross between
Baked Chicken or Pulled Pork Dinner
• Get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed them to get on. And only board their bus, never an alternate one
• Stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
If your student rides their bike to school, teach them to:
• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
If you drive your child to school, teach them to:
• Always wear a seat belt. Younger children
Safety checklist as students
Head back to school
Continued from page 37
should use car seats or booster seats until the lapshoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”), and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
If you have a teenager driving to school, make sure they:
• Use seat belts
• Don’t use their cell phone to text or make calls and avoid eating or drinking while driving
If you are considering getting your student a cell phone:
• Download the free Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps to give them access to first aid tips for common emergencies and real-time weather alerts. Find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
If your student is joining a sports team, make sure they:
• Wear protective gear, such as helmets, protective pads, etc.
• Warm up and cool down
• Watch out for others
• Know the location of the closest first aid kit and AED
Drivers should also follow their own back-toschool checklist for safety on the road:
• Slow down
• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is getting ready to stop and slow down and be prepared to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign indicate the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off.
• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. This includes two-and four-lane highways.
• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
Did You Know?
Lehigh Township Education History
By Robert Mentzell, former NASD social studies teacher & former NASD school board member
Lehigh Township had its own independent school district from 1950-1969.
Lehigh Township School Board oversaw as many as 22 one-room and two-room schools
Most of these survive today as private homes. For many years, when your teacher was sick – no school!
As late as 1947, some schools had no electricity.
Lehigh Township has its own high school in the Berlinsville School building from 1948-1960. In 1944, during WWII, Lehigh Township students collected 48,640 cans of food for the war effort. Previous Lehigh Township Elementary School – Ground was broken February 12, 1955, and the
doors opened for classes 366 days later. It housed the first public kindergarten in Lehigh Township.
Longest
Serving Lehigh Township Teachers
During the One Room School House Era
Elda Bachman- 50 years
Katie Bachman- 45 years
Thomas Arndt- 45 years
Tessie Oplinger- 38 years
Marion Burkhardt- 37 years
Pearl O. Bryan- 37 years
photo by William “Becky” Beck
Bookfest 2025
Lemon Twist Seltzer
Continued from page 36
meaningful to us — it not only reflects the refreshing ‘twist’ of lemon lime flavor, but also symbolizes the twist in the cancer ribbon, an emblem of the journey these children and families endure. And the lemon imagery is no coincidence — the golden yellow hue is associated with the color of pediatric cancer awareness.”
A-Treat Lemon Twist seltzer will be available for a limited time in stores throughout the region and online. Each bottle helps fund hope, support and strength for Lehigh Valley children battling cancer.
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE TO CLASSIFIED ADVERTISERS: ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PAID FOR BEFORE PUBLICATION. This means you must send your payment with your ad when placed by mail, pay for your ad when placed in person at the office, or mail your payment to reach our office before we go to print if your ad was faxed or called in. If payment is not received BEFORE press time, your ad will NOT be included in that edition of the Gazette. HOW TO USE OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION: Mail your ads, with a check for $10 per ad (up to 25 words), to T&C Gazette, 255E S. Best Ave., Walnutport, PA 18088, or call in your ad to 610-767-9600 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR fax anytime to 610-767-9612. PRICING: $10 for first 25 words; $15 for 26-45 words; $20 for 46-65 words; $25 for 66-85 words; $30 for 86-105 words; $35 for 106-125 words. NOTICE: There will be no refunds after a classified advertisement is placed and paid. If an ad runs erroneously at the fault of the paper, we will offer a complimentary ad in the next edition of the publication.
Help Wanted
Bus Trip: Vermont & New Hampshire, 5 days & 4 nights, September 21-25, 2026, $1,399 p/p. 5 breakfasts, luncheon at the Trapp Family Lodge, 3 dinners, including dinner aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cabot Cheese & Lake Champlain Chocolate Shops, Covered Bridge, Quechee Gorge, Franconia Notch Visitor’s Center, Narrated Cruise on Squam Lake, View of “The Basin”. Call Eileen 610-762-7156. (9/4)
Halloween Car Show: Egypt Memorial Park 4549 Main St. Whitehall, (With or without decorations) October 4 2 - 8 p.m., “Trunk or Treat” 5 - 7 p.m., under cover yard sale 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Car registration $15 donation at gate. Trophy for best of show, adult costume, kids costume and spookiest ride. All proceeds go to Pa. Outdoor Veterans and Egypt Memorial Park. FMI Keith 484-239-7388 for cars and yard sale Lisa 484-3502245 or Lynne 484-951-5078. (9/4)
Chicken BBQ September 13, 4 to 7 pm at St. John’s UCC, Laurys Station. (1 mile west off Route 145 on Rising Sun Road) First 300 served, eat in or take out. Call church office for tickets, 610-262-8061. Adult $12 (1/2 chicken, baked potato, corn on cob, lettuce w/bacon dressing, beverage and dessert), kids $6 (2 drum sticks, Mac N Cheese, applesauce , cookie and beverage). ((9/4)
M&M Paving looking to hire CDL Class A Truck Driver. Call 484-239-5537 or 610-778-2152 (9/4)
Real Estate for Rent Events
Room For Rent: Walnutport, Furnished, WIFI and Cable, Utilities inc. Use of deck and grill, full size refrigerator, convenient parking. Clean and quiet. Laundry on premises. No pets. One person only, call 610-7675864 after 10 a.m. Appt. only (9/4)
Apartment Slatington: New 2 bedroom, spacious, eat-in kitchen, living room, bathroom with linen closet, one-piece tub shower. NO PETS and no smoking, W/S/G included. $900 + utilities, security required. Call 610-390-8691.
Slatington Hotel: Clean, safe, quiet, nicely furnished rooms, $155-$250/week. Private and shared bathrooms. Color TV and
cable incl. Up-charge for A/C and on-premise parking. Internet avail. Furnished effic. apts also available. 610-577-0898. (12/17)
Slatington/Walnutport area: 1 bd apt., appliances, W/S/G included. Very responsive landlord, clean and safe, no pets. Background check, conformation of income, $800-$1000. Call 732-309-9671 (12/17)
Don Hartwig Sharpening Service: Saw Chain, Mower Blades, Scissors, Knives, Clipper Blades, Carbide Tip Saws, and much more. 4728 Mountain Rd. Slatington. 610-248-7988. (12/17)
Tim’s Sharpening Service: Let me take care of your sharpening needs. Circular saws, carbide circular saw blades, planer blades, scissors, electric hedge fence trimmers, lawn mower blades, axes, chisels, chain saws, etc. Call 610-767-5171 or 610-751-6182 (10/16)
ADVERTISER INDEX
BEERS
•Numerous styles of vinyl siding, including insulated
•Vinyl Shutters •Shakes & Scallops
•Roofing
•Full line of replacement windows and steel doors
•Our
