35¢
69th Year, Issue No. 51 USPS 248-700
DECEMBER 23-29, 2010 A General Circulation Newspaper Serving The Community Since 1942
Holy Christmas!
SERVING BATH, CHAPMAN, NORTHAMPTON, NAZARETH BOROS; ALLEN, E. ALLEN, MOORE, LEHIGH, BUSHKILL, LOWER NAZARETH & UPPER NAZARETH TWPS.
Board approves Gay-Straight Alliance club at senior high By BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
SILHOUTTED FIGURES of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in his manger crib are the basis of the real meaning of Christmas. May we all grasp the true significance of this season in our celebration.
Lehigh Twsp. passes budget; Settle park basepath debate Lehigh Township’s Board of Supervisors okayed the township’s 2011 budget at a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14. There will be no increase in real estate taxes, with property owners continuing to pay at the rate of 4.68 mills on their assessed valuation. The total budget amounts to $3.2 million. And a debate that has gone on and on for several meetings was finally settled in a 4-0 vote, when the board
went with Supervisor Keith Hantz’s motion that base paths at the Berlinsville Park baseball field be kept at 90 ft. Earlier, the length was 80 ft., but volunteers changed it to 90 ft. without board permission. Now that Berlinsville is 90 ft., other fields can be used in the township for baseball games at the length they wish to play – 60, 70 and 80 feet. “It’s time to move on,” Hantz said, and the other supervisors present agreed.
CRPD officers shop With kids for toys Saturday, Dec. 4 was a special day – for needy youngsters from Bath and officers and volunteers with the Colonial Regional Police Department in Hanover Township. They enjoyed a morning
In another matter that has been discussed at two recent meetings, the property of David and Carol Diehl at 3747 Mangrove Rd. has been cleaned up to the satisfaction of neighbors, especially Diane Muthard, who lives across from the abandoned mobile home on the Diehl property. If the Diehl’s provide a title to the mobile home, and do so in writing that they want to get rid of it, the township could arrange that, according to solicitor David Backenstoe.
By an 8-1 vote the Northampton Area School Board on Monday gave approval to the Gay-Straight Alliance, a club that was formed two years ago. It had been listed in the student handbook, but paperwork filed with the administration did not reach the board for final action. Of more than 20 persons in attendance on the issue, more than 10 of them spoke in support of the group, and asked that the board do so. The action came after 501 students signed a petition to that effect. Early on, director and vice president Jean Rundle said she supports the group for the good of the school district. Ms. Ann Snyder, one of two advisors of Gay-Straight Alliance, said they teach tolerance, diversity and respect for all. She said some students are struggling over their sexuality and are often being bullied. Others signed on because they are interested in civil rights. “We want Northampton to be a safe school for everyone, where there is respect and dignity.” She concluded that she is honored to be a club advisor. An Allentown man could not offer his support verbally because he is not a district resident, but provided a written statement. One parent said the group has met for two years without board approval, and in the past he has sought a definition or answer from the administration on harassment. While he said he applauds the group for stopping harassment, he complained that nothing was done when his daughter was attacked by other youths on at least two occasions.
Others who went to the podium, signing their names, said GSA provides a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere; people should be more accepting; and the club supports students who are struggling with their sexual identity. A Northampton woman said her son recently discovered that he is gay, and she supports him fully. “Things are getting worse with people bullying,” she said. “This group is about being together, and who and what they are.” Elaina Spottinger, a wife and mother of two, said she had a gay brother who died. She is an advisor for GSA, which is an extracurricular activity. A Lehigh Township man said people are bullied and intimidated over the gay and lesbian issue, but questioned the qualifications and guidelines of the two teachers who lead this sexually oriented club. The club is available to all students who have respect for others. It has a suicide hotline to offer support, for there have been cases where bullying was done to such an extent, young people have taken their own lives. An English teacher quoted a former student who is now an assistant principal in a New York school. He was bullied as a student at NASHS, but feared to report it to adults. He, too, considered suicide, and notes that GSA is a support group that provides self-esteem. A 2009 graduate from Bath said that the group supports students who are struggling with their identity. A Wesleyan University Continued on page 8
of shopping together for toys and games at the Walmart store in the Northampton Crossings Mall in Lower Nazareth Township. Continued on page 9
NORTHAMPTON AREA SCHOOL BOARD reorganized on Dec. 6. Pictured at Monday’s meeting they include: Cory Fenstermaker, Jane Erdo, Robert Koch, vice president Jean Rundle, president David Gogel, Judy Odenwelder, Brett Reichelderfer, Geraldine Skapits, and Darin Arthofer. – Home News photo
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