Armstrong re-elected to district post

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong has been re-elected to represent District 2 in the National Association of Regional Councils.

District 2 is comprised of four states: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, a news release states.

The National Association of Regional Councils serves as the national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues.

NARC members include regional councils, councils of governments, regional planning and development agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations and other regional organizations.

Stanich new Hotel Bethlehem Ambassador

Lehigh University All American wrestler Luke Stanich will serve as Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s first Regional Ambassador. The sophomore business major will participate in community outreach in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He’ll also serve as a liaison between Lehigh University students and the hotel.

Stanich said, “I feel really good about this. Historic Hotel Bethlehem and Lehigh University are both integral parts of this community and it’s a real privilege to serve as a bridge between the two.”

Luke was a four-time New Jersey State medalist at Roxbury HS. He was a two-time finalist and captured the State Championship title his senior year. In his first year at Lehigh, he captured All-American Honors, finishing fifth at 125 pounds at the NCAA championships in Kansas City.

Stanich will join teammate Ryan Crookham who became the first Historic Hotel Bethlehem Community Ambassador last November as a freshman before he also captured an All -American medal in Kansas City finishing third at 133 pounds. Crookham was a three-time Pennsylvania State Champion from Saucon Valley High School and serves as the hotel’s Community Ambassador focusing on the Lehigh Valley. Stanich will serve as a New Jersey Regional Ambassador in addition to his role as a Lehigh connection.

Haas selected for LVC band

Owen Haas, of Bethlehem, is one of more than 130 students comprising Lebanon Valley College’s Pride of The Valley Marching Band this year. The Liberty H.S. graduate is a bachelor of music in audio and music production student.

The marching band performs at all home football games and various exhibitions throughout the fall semester.

Williams new development officer

New Bethany, a local nonprofit that provides nutritious food access, housing, and social services, announce the hiring of Crystal Williams as a development officer in the nonprofit’s development and planning department.

As a development officer, Williams works closely with New Bethany’s executive director to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that foster relationships with donors and local organizations. She also manages databases and reports and actively participates in community events and fundraising efforts. Her other responsibilities include grant writing, working with a planning director to secure and maintain relationships with local community engagement officers, and coordinating with New Bethany’s marketing and public relations team.

Laros Foundation names Associal Trustees

The Bethlehem-based Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation, established in 1952 by Laros Silk Mill founder and owner Russell K. Laros and his wife Helen to support the nonprofit community in Bethlehem, is pleased to announce the appointment of two associate trustees in the second class of associates.

Chairman R. Keller Laros III and the board of trustees of the foundation have instituted a category of trusteeship titled “Associate Trustee.” The board seeks to involve future generations in the work of the foundation through firsthand exposure to the art and science of grantmaking.

The first two appointments to the position of Associate Trustee were Janelle Laros and Truman Scout Shelton, both great-grandchildren of R.K. and Helen Laros. The second class of Associate includes the appointment of Cleo Nicholas, stepdaughter to Helen and R.K. Laros’ first grandson, Peter Shelton, and Russell K. Laros IV, great-grandson of the founders and son of the current chair, R.K. Laros III.