COAT DRIVE: Gently used winter coats, scarves, gloves, hats and boots are being solicited for a Winter Coat Drive underway through Sunday, Dec. 22. The drive will benefit neighbors assisted by S.T.A.R. – Serving to Aid & Restore, based at Christ Church UCC. The organization – formerly known as Helping Bethlehem’s Homeless – originated in March of 2015 to support those experiencing homelessness.

In addition to the winter gear, organizers are accepting donations of camping equipment, tents, blankets, socks, and totes.

Donations can be dropped off at Keystone Farms Cheese, 3232 Keystone Ave., Bethlehem; leave outside the door if the business is closed. They can also be dropped off on Saturdays between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 75 E. Market St. (side door on Center St.). Contact S.T.A.R. at donations@starbethlehempa.org to arrange for another donation time.

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD: Historic Hotel Bethlehem was recognized as the winner of Historic Hotels of America Best Social Media of a Historic Hotel, an honor that was announced Nov. 21 at the 2024 Historic Hotels Annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony and Gala. The designation of 2024 Historic Hotels of America® Awards of Excellence Winner was conferred to the hotel by Historic Hotels America®, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for celebrating and recognizing the finest historic hotels in the United States.

Each year, Historic Hotels of America® honors the most exemplary historic hotels, hoteliers, and leadership practices through this exclusive awards program. The Historic Hotels of America® Awards of Excellence are presented to historic hotels and hoteliers demonstrating innovative leadership, stewardship, and contribution to furthering the recognition, preservation, and celebration of these preeminent historic hotels and their histories.

Historic Hotel Bethlehem Managing Partner Bruce Haines said, “This annual award is presented to a hotel that actively engages consumers by sharing the best of its history through social media, including Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram with interesting historical facts and stories. HHA specifically recognized our team’s outstanding 2024 USA TODAY 10 Best Historic Hotels/Resorts campaign. Without the timeless stories, legacy, and history of Historic Hotel Bethlehem’s amazing guests, associates, partners, and community, this award would not be possible. To each of you, thank you.”

LANTA VALLEYRIDE: The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) will implement a new fare collection system, ValleyRide, in spring 2025. This system is designed to streamline boarding, simplify fare structure, and enhance accounting operations across the Authority. This new system, powered by Masabi, a leading provider of ticketing and payment solutions for transit agencies, represents a major step in modernizing LANTA’s services.

The ValleyRide system will integrate with LANTA’s existing Transit® App, enabling riders to pay fares digitally and access real-time bus arrival information without needing additional apps. Riders who prefer paying with cash can still do so onboard. For more information on ValleyRide visit LANTA’s website at lantabus.com.

MORTALITY DATA: A new study has revealed that heart disease is the most prevalent cause of death in Pennsylvania.

U.S. Career Institute, an American online career training school, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the leading causes of death in Pennsylvania using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study ranked the top five causes of death based on the number of fatalities.

The most prevalent cause in Pennsylvania is heart disease, with a total of 32,522 fatalities. Heart disease can come in different types, affecting anything from the heart muscles, valves, and the cardiac conduction system. The Mayo Clinic describes early warnings of heart disease as chest pain, shortness of breath and fainting.

The second most prevalent cause of death is cancer, which accounted for 27,648 fatalities. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer is a genetic disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body and can come in the form of solid tumors, known as malignant tumors, or, in cases like blood cancer, be more detectable through symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and easy bruising of the skin.

The third most prevalent cause of death is stroke, resulting in 6,870 fatalities. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bursts.

ELECTION BREAKUPS: The 2024 election hasn’t just divided voters – it’s dividing couples, families, and friends. A new study from WeGoDating.com reveals how political polarization is tearing apart personal relationships, particularly in battleground states.

Using Google search data for terms like “how to break up” and “divorce lawyer,” the study found a clear connection between tight election results and increased relationship strain.

Battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin – where political margins were razor-thin – showed the highest breakup intent. Meanwhile, politically stable states like Wyoming and Vermont reported far fewer signs of relationship tension.

Close elections create emotional strain, amplifying existing tensions in relationships. Google searches for terms like “couples therapy” and “marriage counseling” spiked during the election period, especially in battleground states. Even friendships and family dynamics aren’t immune. Political disagreements are leaving people feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure about their connections.