Phantoms Rookie Perseveres, Page 9
The Home News Your Local News
FEBRUARY 5-11, 2015
Memories of Phoenix Portland Cement
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Bath Borough Council Convenes despite ice by BILL HALBFOERSTER The Home News
by ED PANY For this second column, (the first ran in last week’s edition ed.) I spoke to Kevin Reichel, Northampton Funeral Home owner, about his family’s roots in an area of Nazareth called Phoenix, named after the Phoenix Portland Cement Co. It was the home to many ethnic cement workers. Joining in the interview were two Nazareth men with Phoenix connections, Dale Kocher and Ron Keppel. They recalled, “Wood St. was kind of a dividing line between Nazareth and Phoenix. Many years ago the police rarely came to Phoenix, they left the people settle their own issues.” I asked if there were any taverns, years ago they were called “Tap Rooms.” When did you last hear that term? They described some interesting locations. One interesting venue was, “The Irish Club,” but it was devoid of any Irishmen. It officially was called the “Young Men’s Club.” It was unique to say the least. One room was rented in a home. There were three tables, which were the scene
of lively card games. They had a state liquor license and operated on the honor system. The club eventually had a membership of 50 people. There were no regular hours; you walked in when you wanted to. There was a cash register, but you paid for your beer or liquor using the honor system. Can you imagine that today? The cash drawer would always be empty. Finally, the Liquor Control Board suspended their license until they purchased a new cash register and introduced a book keeping system. They complied and the club was back in business. On a humorous note, on occasions they would receive phone calls for the YMCA in Nazareth, asking when their gym would be open. Behind the club, Italian men would play games of Bocce Ball. Women were denied membership but could be found at party events. The young men’s club aged with time. In 1990, membership declined to only four members and the 70-yearold club ceased operation when Continued on page 10
All members of Bath Borough Council were present on Monday night despite the frigid weather outside. Everyone else, except this reporter, stayed home. There was to have been the annual public meeting on the storm management plan, but with no one present to discuss it, everything will remain as it exists now. The agenda had included a summary of 2014, consideration of what anyone had submitted in writing concerning it, and any public input in making adjustments for 2015. Three ordinances that had been advertised were approved unanimously. They include: Providing for the audit of the accounts of the borough by an independent auditor (France, Anderson, Basile & Co., CPA was appointed); permitting a commercial communications tower mounted on an attachment structure or on a proposed support structure; and establishing Bank Street as one way (which was necessitated upon the addition of Dunkin’ Donuts at the rear of Wells Fargo Bank). Council voted to purchase a 1999 John Deere loader from the Bath Borough Authority for the borough. Three people were re-appointed to official positions: Derick Edelman as a member of the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals; Elizabeth Fields, as an alternate to that post; and Marlene Bender, as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board. Approval was given to seeking a $1,735 grant from the Pa. Municipal Assistance program. It was reported that someone had “a bad night” and knocked over several sign posts along Keim
Street recently. Councilwoman Carol BearHeckman reported two new businesses in the borough, and distributed a pamphlet entitled, “A Guide to Historic Bath and Surrounding Areas,” updated for 2015. Councilwoman Jennifer George noted that the parks committee would be meeting tonight (Thursday). Among topics discussed will be two proposals made by Mayor Fi Mirabito: Planting of a tree and placing a plaque near it in memory of Emily Mast DeFrancesca at Ciff Cowling Park, where the young woman worked so hard with an athletic team. The tree will be one of several secured through the 2015 TreeVitalize planting grant. Also to be discussed will be a proposed dog park, in which volunteer dog owners would maintain it. One suggested location was on grounds near Firefighters Park. Councilwoman Kathryn Roberts voiced concern about cars parking on the east side of S. Walnut St., citing the dangers from heavy traffic. Although Borough Manager Tom Petrucci said Colonial Regional Police said it is legal, members of Council thought it dangerous, and this will be discussed further. Council president Robert Fields gave the CRPD report. He was elected chairman of the commission; Glenn Walbert of Hanover Twsp., vice chairman, and Martin Boucher of Lower Nazareth, secretary-treasurer. Applications are being screened for an additional officer. CRPD is presently short-handed, with one officer having been hit by a car during an investigation at Continued on page 7
Special Valentine’s Section Page 2
Pipeline Discussion Page 7
Helping Hand for a Healthy Heart Page 16
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