Lehigh Valley Family August 2014 by Laura Putt

Family Lehigh Valley

August 2014

.com

Rails to Trails in the Valley Calendar of Events Back to School Shopping on a Shoestring Free Things To Do

Family Lehigh Valley

OUR TEAM Publisher

Associate Editor

Editor

Contributors

Jeff Tintle, II Laura Putt

855-233-7034 x 702

Editor@lehighvalleyfamily.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Vicki Bezems

Jeff Tintle Sr. Art Villafane Amanda Furbeck

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Copyright© 2014 by Thrive, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of the publisher. Thrive, LLC assumes no responsibility for damages arising from errors or omissions. Thrive Media, 4748 Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 201, Allentown, PA 18106 www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Lehigh Valley Family’s monthly issues are available online at www.lehighvalleyfamily.com. Print issues are published monthly and are available at libraries, churches, health clubs, medical facilities, child care centers, preschools, educational centers, and other locations where publications are generally found.

Volunteers at the Cops ‘N’ Kids Luau.

t is hard to believe that August is here. Didn’t school just end? This summer has been a whirlwind of fun and activity, especially for those of us who have been involved in Lehigh Valley Family’s Ignite Your Life Family Challenge. We have some photos featured from the family challenge on page 22. Each and every activity was a blast. If you are looking for something to do this month I highly recommend any of the locations we visited during the challenge. Aside from the adventures we had visiting new locations and trying new things; we met some great people and did some good works. In July we hosted a Luau for 82 kids in conjunction with Cops N Kids. We’ve also raised over 750 books and counting! For me, the highlight of this journey has been the immensely generous spirit within our community. Not only individuals, but also businesses. The amount of help eagerly given to me during the past several months has been invaluable. Nearly everybody I spoke with wanted to help and get involved with giving back on a local level. My heart has been reawakened to the goodness around me. We live in a very rich area. Rich in good people and good will. I encourage you to get out and explore. You’ll be amazed by who you meet along the way. Thank you to all who helped turn a small idea into a movement towards stronger families and a stronger community.

- Laura

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Did You Know?

Why Some Coins Have Those Little Ridges Along Their Sides?

The answer goes back to 1792, when the Coinage Act established the U.S. Mint. That same act of legislation also specified that $10, $5 and $2.50 coins (known as eagles, half-eagles and quarter-eagles) were to be made of their face value in gold, while dollar, half-dollar, quarter-dollar, dime and half-dime coins were to be made of their value in silver. (Cent and half-cent coins were made of cheaper copper.) But a problem soon arose, after would-be criminals saw they could make a good profit by filing shavings from the sides of gold and silver coins and selling the precious metal. The U.S. Mint began adding ridges to the coins’ edges, a process called “reeding,” in order to make it impossible to shave them down without the result being obvious. As a side benefit, the reeded edges also made coin design more intricate and counterfeiting more difficult. The U.S. Mint stopped producing all gold coins during the Great Depression, and a silver crisis in the 1960s led that metal to be gradually phased out as well. Today’s coins contain no precious metals—but you’ll still find those ridges some some coins. Aside from keeping up with tradition, the ridges also help make the coins distinguishable from each other by feel as well as appearance, enabling visually impaired people to tell the difference between similarly sized coins, like the dime and penny. So while coins made from precious metals may be history, it seems reeding is here to stay.

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• The platypus is the only mammal with electroreception, it uses sensors in its bill to detect electrical impulses sent out by prey in murky water. • Elephants are acutely aware of vibrations. They use seismic activity generated by their trunks and feet to communicate with one another about predators, territory and mating preferences. • Seals are notable for their whiskers, which can detect the hydrodynamic trail of fish swimming up to 600 feet away. • A catfish is wrapped in taste buds that helps detect the flavor of potential prey from all directions. • Rats and common moles can smell in stereo with independently acting nostrils. • Even while diving at speeds of 100 mph or more, falcons can spot prey thanks in part to a reduced number of blood vessels in the retina. Since the vessels scatter light, having fewer of them creates extremely sharp images. • Jumping spiders have eight eyes positioned to create nearly 360-degree vision, but some species can detect ultraviolet radiation, which facilitates mating. • Worker honeybees navigate using rings of paramagnetic iron oxide in their abdomens that swell or shrink depending on outside magnetic changes, allowing the insects to find their way home by following changes in the Earth's magnetic fields.

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How to Grill Pizza Did you know you can grill pizza? Well, you can and it is delicious! Aside from being something fun to do, another benefit to grilling your pizza is that you don’t have to heat your oven and house on a hot summer day. You’ll want to have all of your tools and ingredients ready to use – as this is a time sensitive recipe. For this recipe, we’ll make a Hawaiian Pizza. Ingredients/Tools Required: • Prepared pizza dough of your choice • Olive Oil in bowl • Toppings: Tomato sauce, crushed & drained pineapple, cooked turkey bacon crumbles, shredded motzarella cheese • Basting brush • Cookie sheet or pizza stone • Flour or corn meal for dusting the cookie sheet or pizza peel • 2 metal or wood spatulas How To: 1. Roll our Your Dough – making sure its not too large to fit onto the grill. 2. Turn on the grill. Lightly brush grill grates with olive oil, save

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some oil for brushing the pizza. Once the grill is hot, place the rolled out pizza dough onto the hot grill grates. Close the lid of the grill and let cook for 2 minutes. 3. Open the grill and lightly brush the top of the dough with olive oil. Flip the dough once it is lightly browned on the bottom. Begin to put toppings on your pizza. Sauce, cheese, pineapple and turkey bacon. Work quickly – you must assemble and melt everything as the bottom browns. 4. Once everything begins to melt and the bottom looks browned and lightly crispy, slide your pizza carefully onto a cookie sheet. This is easiest with two people! Slice and serve!

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FASHION

Back to School Shopping on a Shoestring Budget By Amanda Furbeck, Lehigh Valley Family Fashionista

Address the wants. Find out what is most important to your

child and see if you can accommodate their preferences. Of course they can’t have everything they want, but you can have a great conversation about what is possible. Lots of talking it through now may avoid clothing battles later on.

ctive children seem to need an endless supply of new clothes to accommodate their changing activities, their growing size, and their tastes and personalities as they begin to discover who they are and what they love. Between band and sports uniforms, school dress codes or uniforms, and a plethora of play clothes, the back to school clothing budget takes a hard hit. From the style-savvy fashionista to the tuba-toting marching band member, the courageous tree climber to the friendly football star, you can outfit your children with pride and still save some of your hard earned dollars.

Be prepared.

Spend a little time with your BFF, Google, and discover what trends will be hot for the school for your child’s age group. Search the websites of your child’s favorite brands, favorite celebs, and a few fashion savvy blogs. Know what trends you’re ok with and where you are going to need to draw the line as far as modesty or practicality. Look for the best places to find these trends and when the best sales will be. This is a great way to spend time with your teen or tween, talking about what they like and what they think is appropriate.

Take inventory. This might be the hardest part of the job! Go

through your child’s closet or have them do it, and sort through clothes to be kept, clothes that need tossed, and clothes that are outgrown but nice enough to donate. Take note of the types of clothes your child never seems to wear and those that they have worn until they fall apart at the seams. This will help you both make good choices for the coming school year.

Examine the needs. Look ahead at the school year – what kinds of

activities will your child be participating in? What kind of wardrobe do they need? A child who wears a school uniform everyday will not have as many choices to make as a child who does not. What size is your child wearing now? If they had a good growth spurt, will they outgrow it overnight? What kind of shoes will your little (or big) one need for the year? Are there any special events to keep in mind?

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Make a plan. Once you know what your child needs and what

they want, make a list of what you will be shopping for. Older children can make purchases on their own, tweens may need some guidance but they can do a great job, too! Divide up the list into categories or priorities, so you know what to shop for first. Set a price limit for each category. You may want to look over their purchases and help them make any needed substitutions.

Barter with your child. Some things are non-negotiable, such

as uniforms or things that are specific to your schools dress code. However, look for things that you can negotiate and barter about. For example, your child may be willing to go with a less expensive t-shirt if she can have her favorite brand name jeans. Or maybe it’s the opposite; he doesn’t care if he wears Lee Jeans or not as long as he can have a pair of Vans to go with them. Allow some wiggle room so your child can learn to make good choices and stick to a budget. Find out which is more important – to have more clothes that cost less per item, or to have just a few more expensive items? The answer might surprise you.

Host a swap. Does your kiddo have a pile of clothes in the

bottom of the closet that are like new and rarely, if ever worn? Host a swap with your child’s friends. Everyone brings their extra clothes (you may want to set some guidelines ahead of time as far as the quality and condition of the clothing). Children can pick and choose – maybe they’ll trade a too small skirt for a cool looking shirt. Maybe one child doesn’t need fourteen sweaters, but could use an extra scarf or shirt. For added fun, set up your living room like a little boutique and everyone can have a turn “shopping”- don’t forget to serve a few refreshments and play some cool tunes to make it a fun event. Anything left over can be donated to charity.

Shop sales. Of course you’ll be keeping your eyes open for back to

school sales, but watch for other summer sales, too. Don’t wait until the last minute because you might miss out on those preferred items your child just can’t live without.

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FASHION Seek out thrift stores. Look for small second hand boutiques

that are clean and smell nice. You’ll save money and your child will find some really unique items. Your child doesn’t even need to tell anyone that their designer top came from a thrift store, but many items are brand new and still have tags on them. Make sure you wash the items very well and only shop at a reputable place.

Set a price limit.

Set price limits for your back to school shopping. Throw in a little splurge category so that if your child sees something really special he or she can have it, just be careful to keep those splurge items under control or your entire back to school budget will be lost.

Set aside gift cards. Start setting aside gift cards and special

money now to add your back to school budget. This takes a little discipline, but just set it aside in a drawer or envelope and watch the dollars add up to save you money later. Those birthday bucks, surprise gifts from Grandma, and left over vacation money are great ways to enhance your back to school wardrobe. Collect coupons and sales flyers, too.

Set up a monthly clothing allowance.

When all is said and done, did your child get everything they wanted or needed? Set up a monthly clothing allowance for each child so they can replace worn items throughout the school year or add to their wardrobe if there are still some pieces they want or need. This will give them

something to look forward to if they feel like they weren’t able to purchase everything they wanted. Back to school shopping doesn’t have to be a chore if you plan ahead and involve your child. It’s a great time to teach children about budgeting, making choices, dressing appropriately, and making a plan. It’s also a great time to learn what your children likes and dislikes, how they make choices, and to spend quality time with them. If possible, make this special one on one time and end the day with a fun dinner or special treat. This isn’t just an investment in the school year, it’s an investment in your child. No matter how much you spend on their clothes, special time with your children is priceless. Amanda is a toddler-chasing, coffee drinking, fashion boot-wearing wife and mom to 4 small children. A life-long aspiring writer, you’ll find Amanda’s music and writing here and there, on Yahoo Shine, iTunes, a few blogs, and notes to her children’s teachers. Her favorite places to be are the Lehigh Valley Zoo, the church piano bench, Facebook, and anywhere her family is. Connect with Amanda at www.facebook.com/etudesand encores.

FAMILY FUN seaboard cities of Philadelphia and New York. Various branch lines were later established, creating connections with other railroads in Pennsylvania. The "Black Diamond Express" In the late1800’s and the 1900’s, new ideas developed about passenger travel by railroad. It was the era of construction and invention, which created modern rail transportation as we know it today. Companies competed with each other, each wanting to be the most luxurious and the fastest.

Discover Rails to Trails By Laura Putt, Lehigh Valley Family

oday, many of our nation’s old rail beds sit unused and overgrown. One organization, known as Rails to Trails, decided to reclaim this resource - preserving history and utilizing the space. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a nonprofit organization working with communities to preserve unused rail corridors by transforming them into trails, enhancing the health of America's environment, economy, neighborhoods and people. Their mission statement is “to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people.” The Rails to Trails program started in 1986, and is becoming a nationwide program. To date, they have assisted communities in building 13,600 miles of trails. Lehigh Valley Railroad The Lehigh Valley Rail Road (LVRR) was incorporated following an act passed by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on April 21, 1846. Its original name, Delaware, Lehigh, Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad Company, was changed to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company in 1853. Largely due to the efforts of Asa Packer, construction was begun on the railroad in 1851. James M. Porter served as the first President, with Asa Packer as the first Secretary and Treasurer, and Robert H. Sayre as the first Chief Engineer. The original purpose was to build a railroad for the transportation of anthracite and passengers between the mines then being operated near Mauch Chunk, Jim Thorpe and Easton. In 1855 the first portion was completed and business began, with four engines and about 100 miscellaneous cars. Prior to the railroad, anthracite was moved down the Lehigh River by canal boat, and the railroad offered faster, more efficient movement to the Delaware River, where the product would ultimately be received in Philadelphia. The railroad was an enormous success and began to expand almost immediately. The LVRR became an important player in both freight and passenger traffic from the interior of Pennsylvania to the

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The LVRR had plans, too, and created a fast, daylight train between Jersey City and Buffalo. Designers and builders were urged to provide cars which would truly afford comfort, luxury, and speed. The publicity and buzz about the luxury train which would soon be unveiled created a national contest to determine a suitable name for it. Out of 35,000 suggestions, the name submitted by Charles M. Montgomery, a hotel clerk from Ohio, was the undisputed winner. It was "The Black Diamond Express"; the name symbolized the wealth of "black diamonds", or anthracite, which had been the driving force of the LVRR since its conception. In 1896 the Black Diamond Express made its first run. An advertisement appearing in the Lehigh Valley called it the "Handsomest Train in the World". Descriptions of the Black Diamond included the following: "The kitchen is presided over by a corps of competent chefs, skilled in the culinary art, and is complete with every facility at hand for preparing and serving substantials and delicacies in most appetizing fashion.” "The day coaches are Pullman built, after the latest models. Each car contains ladies' and gentlemen's lavatories and large and comfortable smoking rooms.” "The train is lighted throughout (including vestibules) by Pintsch gas, heated by steam, and protected by the Westinghouse automatic brake system, and with Pullman extension vestibules (which project the full width of the car) fitted with nontelescoping device.” "Each car on the train is finished in polished Mexican mahogany, with figured mahogany panels and inlaid beveled French plate mirrors. The ceilings are of the new style Empire dome pattern, finished in white and gold." Major passenger stations served by the Black Diamond and other such trains included Buffalo, Geneva, Ithaca, Sayre, Lehighton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Newark, and Penn Station in Manhattan. The Black Diamond also provided local service between many transitional points, providing passenger service for local passengers, New Jersey Commuters, and long distance travelers. The stellar passenger service was offered until 1961. The end of passenger service was seen as a sign that the Lehigh Valley Railroad was in serious decline. After various efforts at

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FAMILY FUN restructuring and mounting competition from automobiles and other faster forms of transportation, the LVRR went bankrupt. Lehigh trackage became part of the government-organized Conrail System in 1976. Selected parts continued as Conrail freight lines, and were bought and continued by the Norfolk Southern in 1999. Rails to Trails in Pennsylvania In our state, there are 115 trails, located in all areas of the state. In the Lehigh Valley, there are trails in Whitehall, Allentown, Easton, Jim Thorpe, Northampton, Bath, and more. Check out the website at www.railstrails. org. Listed under each trail name is information about what sort of activity the trail is suitable for. For example, some trails have parallel paths for horseback riding. Some trails are wheelchair accessible, and most are suitable for walking, biking, and cross-county skiing. Because trails are created by members of the surrounding community, the materials used to make them vary. Some trails may be paved, while others are mulched and some are made of crushed limestone.

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No matter which trail you choose, using it is sure to be a fun experience. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be getting some exercise while taking in the beauty of the outdoors. I have been on at least six different trails, and each has been beautiful. Some have been mountainous, others lead through grassy fields, and others follow streams and rivers. Get outside and check out at least one of the trails. There truly is something for everyone. Happy Trails!

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Find a Trail to Visit Offering:

There are many Rail to Trail trails in and around the Valley. Find one that best suits your recreational style. D & L Trail - Black Diamond Trail. Length: 9.2 miles. Surface:

Crushed Stone. This segment of the D & L Trail extends from White Haven to Mountain Top and is locally known as the Black Diamond Trail. The crushed stone trail offers terrific scenery, showcasing Pennsylvania's forested hills, secluded natural areas, wildlife and pleasant communities. Parking and Trail Access: In Mountain Top access the Black Diamond Trail just south of the Mountain Top Hose Company (the local fire department) on Route 437 (Woodlawn Ave) just south of the intersection with Route 309 (N. Mountain Blvd.). In White Haven access the trail from Route 940 (Berwick St.) by turning north onto Main Street. Take Main Street to its end; parking is on the right.

D & L Trail - Asher F. Boyer Trail. Length: 10.6 miles. Surface:

Crushed Stone. The trail follows the former Lehigh Valley Railroad and stacks of railroad timbers can still be seen in some areas. Your journey will entail a peaceful route through lush forests and towering rock cliffs with breathtaking views of the Lehigh River. At the trail's northern end, it intersects with the Slate Heritage Trail, which travelers can follow

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Family Fun (Continued from Page 9)

west along Trout Creek for 3 miles to Slatedale. Or, trail-goers can continue north along the river nearly 8 miles through Lehigh Gap to the East Penn Township on another segment of the D & L Trail. Those wishing to learn more about the area's natural habitats and wildlife should be sure to stop at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center (8844 Paint Mill Road) along this segment. Parking and Trail Access: Although facilities at the northern trailhead are currently under construction, a parking lot for the Slate Heritage Trail is only a short distance from this trailhead, just south of Main Street in Slatington. On the southern end of the trail, limited parking is available at the Cementon Trailhead near Route 329 in Whitehall Township.

D & L Trail - Lehigh Canal South. Length: 13 miles

Surface: Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt. If you feel like a stroll down the lazy river, then this is the trail for you. This peaceful trail follows the canal and Lehigh River for almost its entire length. This trail offers a variety of path surfacesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;wide paved asphalt, wide crushed stone and single-track packed dirt. And its meandering route through the trees makes it delightful. You'll likely see lots of geese and ducks, along with some canoes and kayaks, in the canal. Parking and Trail Access: To access the trail in Allentown, take U.S. 22 East and exit at Airport Road. Follow Airport Road south for about 2 miles, until it becomes Irving Street. Follow Irving Street 1.25 miles to Hanover Avenue. Go right on Hanover, which becomes Hamilton Street. Turn right onto Albert Street. At the stop sign, turn right, cross the railroad tracks, bear left and follow the canal through a small railroad underpass. Turn right at the fork then immediately left on the other side of the canal. Follow to a small parking area and entrance to the trail.

D & L Trail - Walnutport to Weissport. Length: 13.9

miles. Surface: Ballast, Cinder, Crushed Stone. This trail is a combination of canal towpath and rail-trail. On the east side of the Lehigh River, the trail follows the earthen canal towpath. On the west side of the river, the trail follows a rail-trail of crushed stone, between Slatington and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Through Lehigh Gap, the trail follows a railroad grade of medium-size ballast, with compact fines and limited rough and wet riding. Note: The trail is suitable for wheelchair user only south of the Lehigh Gap.

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Parking and Trail Access: Access the trail in Walnutport (Main St. to Lehigh St.) at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center (Rt. 873 to Paint Mill Rd.), and at the East Penn Township Boat Launch (Rt. 895 to Riverview Rd.).

Ironton Rail-Trail. Length: 9.2 miles. Surface: Asphalt, Crushed

Stone. The trail consists of a 6-mile loop and 3-mile spur. You can pick up the loop at Hokendauqua Park, a community park featuring parking, restrooms, a playground, baseball fields and basketball courts. This flat, paved section passes through wooded terrain and runs adjacent to Coplay Creek for a short section before turning north toward the town of Coplay, where it runs past the Thomas Iron Works Property. Just after this property the trail is unfinished, but the paved surface picks up again at Saylor Park in Coplay Parking and Trail Access: Parking is available on the north end of Whitehall Parkway at 4041 Chestnut Street in Whitehall.

Nor-Bath Trail. Length: 5.1 miles.

Surface: Crushed Stone. Here you'll find a pretty, tree-lined, crushed stone trail that is perfect for a walk or ride. Starting in a residential area of Northampton, the trail soon emerges into rural terrain that features open fields, bubbling streams and pretty little bridges. At mile 2.5 you reach the perimeter of Bicentennial Park. Here you'll find 64 acres of county parks with restrooms, pavilions, playgrounds, tennis courts and a wide variety of ball fields. You can enter the park via a short access trail between miles 2.5 and 3. Parking and Trail Access: To reach the Northampton trailhead, take State Route 987 North out of Allentown to 329 West. Turn left on Howarton Road (you'll see Howarton ballpark at the intersection). Bear right onto Atlas Street then left on Savage Road. You'll find a small parking lot on the left at the signed trailhead. The trail is also accessible from Bicentennial Park in Northampton, which has ample parking.

Palmer Township Recreation Trail (Towpath Bike Trail). Length: 7.8 miles. Surface: Asphalt.

Mostly tree-shaded, the trail is pretty and well maintained, with mile markers, benches and flowerbeds sprinkled throughout. Starting at the high school, you cruise down a gentle grade to Riverview Park, which lines the banks of the Lehigh River. The first mile of trail passes through neighborhoods and parks, but the path

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quickly becomes secluded and serene as it weaves through farmland and woodland. Parking and Trail Access: To reach the Riverview Park trailhead from Allentown, take US Route 22 East to 25th Street South. Stay on 25th Street South for about 2 miles and turn right on Lehigh Drive. Turn right into the parking lot.

Saucon Rail Trail. Length: 6.9 miles. Surface: Crushed Stone.

Saucon Rail Trail has a slight 1% grade traveling from north to south and is easy for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Along the way, you'll pass beautiful homes and see tall wooden posts signifying the mileage designations utilized by the original North Penn Railroad (and later by the SEPTA commuter line) on which the trail was built. Four parks on the route offer parking, restrooms, athletic facilities, and picnic spots: Water Street Park, Grist Mill Park, Upper Saucon Township Community Park, and Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park. There is also a trailhead on Reading Drive, offering parking, a port-a-potty, and a water fountain. Parking and Trail Access: At the north end of the trail, you can park in Hellertown at Grist Mill Park (99 W. Walnut St.), or Water Street Park (90 W. Water St.). Parking is also available at the Reading Drive Trailhead in Lower Saucon Township (off Bingen Road). On the trail's southern end, you'll find parking lots in Upper Saucon Township Community Park (3231 Preston Lane) and Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Community Park (Landis Street entrance).

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FAMILY FUN

MUSIC Drum Corps International Eastern Classic Competition. With a three-decade history of hosting the DCI Eastern Classic in Allentown, Pa., Drum Corps International will return to the venerable J. Birney Crum Stadium for two exciting days of World Class competition this August. Two-night ticket packages to this always-exciting series will give you access to both events taking place on Friday, Aug. 1 & Saturday, Aug. 2. Emmaus Special Entertainment Commission FREE 2014 Summer Concert Series. For over 30 years Emmaus has been providing FREE family friendly entertainment. We continue this year with some exciting performers, in a variety of genres including country, rock, blues, rockabilly & more! Free concerts are rain or shine, located in the Emmaus Community Park Arts Pavilion, Emmaus 18049. Bring a blanket, or your favorite chair and relax to some great tunes! • 8/3-Carnival Event! Featuring Peter Pitchford, Magic by Manipulation 5pm • 8/10-Acoustic Project (Soft Rock) • 8/17-Billy Bauer Band (Alternative) • 8/24-The Midnight Special Band (Country) For more information, see Emmausent.com,

FITNESS Adult Basic Developmental Cycling Program. The Adult Basic class is an ideal introduction to velodrome riding for aspiring cyclists new-to-the-track cycling enthusiasts or those who are not interested in racing-focused instruction (ages 19+). The class emphasizes basic track riding skills, bicycle safety and introductory racing techniques with little focus on racing. Track bikes and helmets are provided for these sessions, but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment. Please consult program schedule below for class dates and times. Basic bicycle riding skills are required. Every day from Jul. 28 – Aug. 30, 2014 (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm). Valley Preferred Cycling Center. For more information on this and other cycling programs for kids and adults, go to http://thevelodrome.com/

THEATRE Shakespeare for Kids. A high energy one-hour production designed for children ages 4 -10 to actively experience Shakespeare's vibrant language and characters. With new content every year, S4K activates imaginations and generates laughs for the whole family. This time around, Team Shakespeare creates something wickedly witty and wildly funny. Aug. 1 – 2, 10:00 am. Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Main Stage Theatre, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley.

12 August 2014

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COMEDY Easton Laughs – Comedy Night. Brought to you by Easton's

own Liz Russo. 6:00pm concert by the Easton Municipal Band. 8:00pm comedy show (headliner – Mike Gaffney). Riverside Pub Tent by Porters’ Pub and Black & Blue. Free parking in Wolf lot across the street. Riverside Park Amphitheatre (along the Delaware River). Aug 9, 2014 at 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Rain date: Saturday, August 30.

HISTORY Roasting Ears of Corn Festival. Celebrating 34 years, the Museum of Indian Culture invites you to Eastern Pennsylvania’s oldest American Indian festival, held on the grounds of the Museum on August 16 & 17, 2014. Enjoy a weekend of American Indian drumming, singing, dancing, food, Native American Cooking and Flint knapping demonstrations. Experience throwing a tomahawk or using an atlat (spear thrower). Museum of Indian Culture, 2825 Fish Hatchery Road, Allentown. Museumofindianculture.org. Free Summer Sundays, Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, PA. Visit us every Sunday in August from 1 - 4pm. Families will enjoy free admission to the Whitefield House museum. Special programming includes colonial games and crafts for youth. 214 East Center Street in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, 18064. Donations are appreciated. For more information, see Moravianhistoricalsociety.org.

FAIRS and FESTIVALS 53rd Annual Muhlenberg Summer Festival. August 13–16, 2014. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg, Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem. 5–10:30 p.m. Wednesday–Friday. 12–10:30 p.m. Saturday. The festival raises funds to support projects, programs or services that help save, change and improve the lives of our patients at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg. Admission and parking on the hospital grounds are free. Free entertainment nightly 7–10 p.m. Musikfest. One of the largest and most diverse music festivals in the nation, with 500-plus shows on 14 stages over 10 days. Features 700 to 1,000 free performances, artisan crafts, Kinderplatz including a kids’ creative tent, food, and more! Every day from Aug. 1 – 10. Musikfest.org. The Great Allentown Fair, August 26 - September 1 offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Dedicated to supporting the achievements of farmers, gardeners and homemakers, the Fair enables children to learn where their food comes from while spending an exciting day riding rides, playing games and seeing shows. 302 N 17 Street, Allentown. Kids 12 & under ALWAYS FREE. Allentownfairpa.org

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KIDS PAGE Mad Gabs/ Whatcha Sayin?

This game gives you a group of words to read. At first glance and first saying it won’t make sense... but say them SLOWLY and LISTEN to what you hear to figure out what the phrase is. Example: Common Firm Their Rain = Come In From The Rain

1. Acre Halls Tub Hoard 2. Acre Hill Uh 3. Aid Us Sinner Owe Hoses 4. Adore Purr Eyes 5. Age Are Coke Real 6. Age High Knees West Want 7. Age Hip Off Told Bull Lock 8. Age Job Rake Are 9. Aged Who Woe 10. Agree Nap Hull

Jokes for Kids Q. Why wasn’t Cinderella any good at soccer? A. She kept running away from the ball! Q. Why couldn't they play cards on the ark? A. Noah was sitting on the deck! Q. What do you call James Bond in the bath? A. Bubble 07! Q. Why didn’t Superman know he could fly? A. Because he didn’t know his Cape Abilities! Q. What do you get if Batman and Robin get smashed by a steam roller?

Mad Gabs Answers

A. Flatman and Ribbon! Q. How did the farmer fix his jeans? A. With a cabbage patch! Q. What did the mother broom say to the baby broom? A. Go to sweep, dear. Q. What do firemen put in their soup? A. Fire crackers! Q. Why did the cookie go to the doctor? A. Because it was feeling crummy.

Savor the Summer... Visit us at 2355 Old Post Road (RT 329) Coplay

LehighValleyPolishWaterIce.com

1. Across the Board 2. A Gorilla 3. A Dozen Roses 4. A Door Prize 5. A Charcoal Grill

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6. A Chinese Restaurant 7. A Chip Off the Old Block 8. A Jaw Breaker 9. H2O 10. A Green Apple

FAMILY CHALLENGE

Need Some Adventure? Try Ours!

We tried a lot of new activities this summer. These photos are a sample of what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done, over the past 6 weeks. Try something new - it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always about what you do, just that you are spending time with your family. Ideas include: Geocaching at the Wildlands Conservancy, Yoga Class with Emmaus Yoga, lend a hand at The Rodale Institute Farm, Bike and Boat Adventure with the Wildslands Conservancy, Reading Time at The Cops N Kids Reading Room (who we have raised 750 books for, and counting!),cool off at Dutch Springs Aqua Park and conquer your fears on the sky challenge, learn outdoor first aid at L.L. Bean, try the martial arts at Lehigh Valley Martial Arts, try a Zumba class.

Thank You To All Who Made Our Family Challenge a Reality! Presented By: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of the Lehigh Valley

Host an Exchange Student Today ! (for 3, 5 or 10 months) Make a lifelong friend from abroad.