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NOVEMBER 19-25, 2020
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LT Supervisors Adopt Changes To shortTerm rental Bath American Legion Ordinance by JOE KORBA
Post 470 holds grand Reopening after Renovation
By KERI LINDENMUTH After more than two years of planning and fundraising and months of construction, Bath American Legion Eckley E. Patch Post 470 reopened to members with a new bar and new social hall. “Today has been a long time
coming,” said Commander Brian Radcliffe during the November 14 grand reopening celebration. COVID-19 had delayed construction and the reopening, but now members finally had the chance to see all that the legion Continued on page 2
Looking by Back Ed Pany Dragon Cement Part 1 Recently, LeRoy Brobst, Northampton Borough manager, and Keith Piescienski, borough councilman, gave this writer five volumes of “The Dragon” magazine from the Dragon Cement Co., dated 1958. Keith’s father Frank was a long-time employee at the Northampton plant. The old Dragon provided employment for many area residents. The original plant was located in the village of Siegfried, which is now Northampton’s first ward. Cement in Siegfried was first produced in 1828 by Samuel Glase in a primitive operation. The cement was used in the construction of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Canal. The name Dragon was the symbol of the Lawrence Cement Co. 1899-1951. The president of
the Lawrence selected the name Dragon after watching the opera Siegfried in which a dragon was part of the production. In those years, the Lawrence was in the village of Siegfried. Over the years Dragon Cement was used in many projects. New York City was a big market for the cement projects, including Grand Central Terminal, New York Custom House, New York subways, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania highways. In 1951 the Lawrence became the Dragon Portland Cement Co. In 1961 Martin Marietta purchased the plant. Sadly, the plant closed in 1983 thus ending the cement era in the Konkrete borough. Continued on page 11
The November 11 meeting of the Lehigh Township Board of Supervisors opened with the usual approval of the minutes from previous meetings and payment of bills. In planningrelated items, there were approvals for waivers and deferrals for the Bowman minor subdivision and final approval for the Jason Hankee Lot Line Adjustment Plan. The Cherryville Turkey Hill Land Development Plan received final approval after some changes and Lehigh Township Elementary School received an extension of time to record their approved plan. The Recreation Department reported that the Berlinsville Park concession stand is closed with the water turned off, cleaned and locked up. The stands at the parks in Danielsville and at Indian Trail Road are also closed for the winter. Township Solicitor David Backenstoe said that he presented the changes to the Township’s short-term rental ordinance to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission who offered no comments or suggestions. Backenstoe said the ordinance has been advertised, fulfilling the legal obligation to do so, and is ready for adoption. At this point, a representative for the Jaindl resort project on Cherryville Road wanted to clarify that they plan on having rental properties in residential neighborhoods on property. He said that the property will be “an enclosed Jaindl community with a homeowner’s association,” implying that such an arrangement would keep out trouble and disturbances to people who live in the area. Board Chairperson Cindy Miller disagreed.
Continued on page 3
Northampton Borough Honors veterans in Moving service By KERI LINDENMUTH Northampton’s service men and women were honored during a Veterans Day service on Saturday, November 14. The event, organized by Northampton’s Joint Veterans Organization, was held at Veterans Plaza. The morning was marked with prayer, remembrance, and appreciation for all who have served. Several dozen residents and veterans were in attendance, including veterans from American Legion Post 353, Catholic War Veterans Post 454, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714. Flags were given to all in attendance to wave as veterans were recognized and, most importantly, thanked. “Please bring hope and healing to those vets who still hurt,” said Carl Wunderler, chaplain of Post 4714, in an opening prayer. “[And] angels of protection, love, and comfort, to all of the
service men and women still at war.” Bruce Shellock, of Post 454, solemnly remembered America’s POWs. At the center of the plaza sat an empty table, clothed in white with a single rose. “They depend on us to bring them home,” Shellock said. To honor fallen veterans at home and abroad, a three-volley salute was given, followed by Taps. Larry Schlittler of Post 454 closed the ceremony by reading “Daddy’s Poem.” “Take the time to live and love Continued on page 2
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