Yuletide in Bath, Page 7
The Home News Your Local News
DECEMBER 14-20, 2023
Looking by Back Ed Pany Fella Studios, Part 1 of 5
Betty Fella was the wife of Oscar Fella. Photo courtesy of the Fella family Driving up Main Street in Northampton, you will pass a landmark business that has served the area for 77 years. Many of our residents have called upon Fella Studios for photographs and portraits, from graduation to weddings and many special occasions. Mr. Martin Fella Jr., a graduate of Northampton High School and former student of this writer, has continued the family legacy. During Martin’s high school years, he was everywhere with his trusty camera- in the halls, at concerts, class plays, sports events- and was photographer for the Amptennian, the high school
yearbook. The family roots take us back to Austria, where his grandfather, Oscar Fella, started the photography odyssey. Oscar opened a photo shop in his small village. An excellent photographer, he took photographs for a number of Austrian government committees. Oscar and his wife Elizabeth decided to follow some of their neighbors and came to the land of opportunity, the United States. When their ship entered New York Harbor, they saw the Statue of Liberty and, as millions of other immigrants, this symbol of freedom gave them hope for a better life. They landed at Ellis Island and marveled at the large hall, while waiting in line to be checked and processed by hardworking government agents. After being processed, Oscar was told a photographer in Brooklyn was in need of a skilled photographer. He met the owner, Mr. George Lamb. Mr. Fella’s work was exceptional and, in a year, he became a partner in Fella & Lamb Studio. Always looking for opportunity, he was told by a customer that the man’s relative was looking for a trained photographer in Scranton. After careful consideration, Continued on page 5
50 cents
Bath Borough illuminates Christmas spirit during annual Tree lighting ceremony By SAVANNAH BROWN Residents withstood the rainy weather as the Borough of Bath held their annual tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 3 at Monocacy Creek Park. After being rescheduled from the previous Sunday due to inclement weather that day as well, Mayor Fiorella Mirabito prayed for the rain to let up prior to the event. However, a little drizzle never hurt, so those in attendance came prepared with umbrellas in tow. Then, halfway through the ceremony, the rain stopped, just in time for Santa’s arrival. “The weather didn’t cooperate, but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirit of all who came out to see our beautiful Christmas tree ready for the season!” said Mirabito. To begin the ceremony, Pastor Terry Walsh from St. John’s Lutheran Church provided the opening prayer, followed by a beautiful rendition of the “National Anthem” sung by Charlotte Raynor from Doylestown. Bath Borough Council Vice President Frank Hesch then thanked those in attendance and shared a few words on behalf of council. “Although the weather may not be ideal, the display of community and togetherness can't be dampened by any amount of rain. These are the moments we should cherish throughout the year,” Hesch expressed. Next, Sarah Brandl led the
Bath Borough Council members from left to right: Frank Hesch, Phyllis Andrews, Barry Fenstermaker, Douglas Hamadyk, Mayor Fiorella Mirabito and James Lisiecki George Wolf Elementary School chorus as they sang carols such as “Showbiz Snowman,” “Jolly Jingle Christmas Medley” and “Silent Night.” Although the GWES chorus was a tough act to follow, Father Christopher Butera from Sacred Heart Church blessed the Christmas tree and asked that its light shine forth and be a sign of joy in the borough.
“May happiness fill our hearts this holiday season as we, the citiContinued on page 7
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