Published May 16. 2023 10:47AM
by Lori Patrick Special to the Bethlehem Press
The annual nonprofit Cops ’n’ Kids event builds relationships through conversation, books, games and a whole lot more.
Held April 22 at Northampton Community College’s Fowler Family Southside Center, it was an opportunity to enjoy crafting with paper, science projects, a healthy refreshment, plenty of interactive games and a sea of books to discover with the opportunity to take a couple home.
Cops ’n’ Kids provided colorful yellow T-shirts sponsored by Just Born candies for anyone wanting to wear one and it made a unifying feeling for all attending. Many organizations came out to volunteer a fun station and several high school and college students were present to make sure the kids were learning and engaging.
Bethlehem Fire Department’s Ladder 1 was present for kids explore, and the National Museum of Industrial History opened its doors with free admission for young minds to be wowed by machinery and history.
Cops ‘n’ Kids President Beverly Bradley organizes the event through Quota International. To get involved, volunteer or donate books for this inspiring organization, visit www.copsnkidslv.org
Latifah and Miah of Bethlehem, both 7, choose books to take home from a large selection offered to kids. The books are donated by the Cops 'n' Kids Literacy Program.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LORI PATRICK Bethlehem Mounted Police Unit brought out two of their horses for families to meet and learn more about the nonprofit program. ‘Officer Danko' on right sits atop the newest addition to the equine officers, his name is ‘Star of Bethlehem' and his older brother ‘Casper' has been a member since 2020. ‘Officer Madera' on left is with ‘Asa' weighing over 1,800 pounds, he was trained in Kentucky for service with the unit.
The Department of Neuroscience students of Moravian University had interesting studies of brain matter and how it works to help with daily life in connection to body movement and communication. Sairett on left and Yarilys on right took the opportunity to feel a mock sample of the texture and density of the brain. They both expected it would be much squishier.
Bethlehem Health Bureau teamed up with the “Cops” to give a fitness challenge for the “Kids.” Utilizing a spin wheel and exercise activities, yoga planking was the challenge and Officer Rob Taylor hung in there for 2 minutes while his challenger just wasn't giving in. She won! More photos on A3.
Quinn on right and Kennedy on left put the finishing touches on their rainbow themed tissue paper flowers with Northampton Community College ‘Horizons for Youth' table. The youth program has openings for their summer camp, find information or register at www.northampton.org/summeryouth
Exploring the Ladder 1 fire truck and equipment, the Villanueva family looks at the SCBA air unit breathing apparatus worn on every fire call by the firefighters. Samuel had lots of questions for his dad.
Looking good in their yellow T-Shirts provided by Cops 'n' Kids and sponsored by Just Born, volunteers are making face or arm painted neurons for sisters Kenzie and Kylie as a boy checks out his cool new art.
Stepping into the National Museum of Industrial History, Eliza and little sis Aliya are listening to some historical perspective on the museum phones. Coordinating with the Cops 'n' Kids day of activities, the museum which is conveniently located next to the parking lot of the event opened its doors to families for free.
Jassiel and his brother Kenai take a few minutes of discovery to work the silk weaving loom. They enjoyed and explored the many activities provided at the National Museum of Industrial History. The museum is located in a 100-year-old Bethlehem Steel building on Second Street. Learn more at www.nmih.org
A tasty treat is offered inside the Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center. In coordination with Bethlehem Department of Health, campus General Manager Tim Jackson and Sodexo Chef Char, fruit and green smoothies were offered and made by student volunteers for families to enjoy. With four different varieties to try, recipe cards were offered to bring the experience home. Chef Char mentioned for several years they handed out hot dogs, but the program has switched to a healthier alternative to help educate nutritional value.
Nitschmann MS Chorus director Linda DeVries gives a performance from the musical “Wicked” at the entrance of Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center during the Cops 'n' Kids event.
