Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Bethlehem student startup could change construction and protect waterways

Also, don't miss Christmas Eve on the Bethlehem Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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Hey hey Bethlehem! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Bethlehem student startup could change construction and protect waterways
  • How busy will LVIA get for Bethlehem travelers this week?
  • Which Bethlehem ensemble earned a spot on this all-Pa. playlist?

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny and windy, with a high of 44 and low of 29 degrees.
  • Thursday: A.M. mist; otherwise, cloudy, temps: high: 45, low: 22.
  • Friday: An icy mix, up to 1", with a high of 29 and low of 24 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. App made by Lehigh Valley students aids construction companies, environment (lehighvalleynews.com) — Bethlehem students from Moravian Academy have secured national grant funding to grow Solvis, an AI-powered system that helps construction companies detect and reduce polluted runoff before it harms waterways or triggers EPA fines. Their Raspberry Pi-based device and companion app are already being piloted by several firms, with support from Penn State’s Launchbox as the team refines the technology for broader use in 2026.
   

Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. 'It's going to be a very busy week': LVIA gears up for holiday travel (wfmz.com) — Holiday travelers from Bethlehem, including resident Amanda Sanchez, are heading out through Lehigh Valley International Airport as it braces for one of its busiest weeks since 2004. LVIA expects more than 2,500 passengers a day between Christmas and New Year’s, with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve likely to be the slowest days. Officials urge extra time for connections through larger airports like Newark and Philadelphia.
   

3. Every song has a Pa. connection on this holiday playlist (mcall.com) — Local music lovers can take pride that the Bach Choir of Bethlehem is featured alongside major Pennsylvania artists on this all-Pa. holiday playlist. Every track has a Keystone State connection, showcasing performers from Bethlehem to Philadelphia and beyond, and offering a festive way to celebrate the season with homegrown talent.
   

4. Museum exhibit explores German influence on Christmas trees (wtap.com) — Bethlehem gets a proud shout-out here as the site of America’s first documented Christmas tree in 1747, in a Moravian community that used a wooden pyramid decorated with candles and verses. The story centers on a new exhibit in Parkersburg, West Virginia, tracing 150 years of German-influenced Christmas tree traditions, from edible decorations to early artificial feather trees.
   

📸 Around Bethlehem

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I've been blessed by so many this year showing the true Spirit of Christmas.
    So many individuals, families, homeless, etc. are a little bit better due to your generosity. This has been a challenging for so many in need. I want… (Nextdoor Wagner Farms)
  • Hello neighbors , looking for some advice.
    I live in a twin house in W. Bethlehem and the tenants that live on the other side of the wall from me have a dog with severe anxiety and barks… (Nextdoor West Bethlehem)
  • Jetro Restaurant Depot posted a job opening for Stocker - Aisle in Bethlehem. Apply here.
  • Bethlehem Area School District posted a job opening for Substitute Custodian in Bethlehem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bethlehem here.

Ok Bethlehem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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