Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How clean is the air in Bethlehem’s own neighborhoods, really?
You won't want to miss Open House | Riegelsville Home on 2 Acres | Investment Potential on the Bethlehem Patch calendar

Hi Bethlehem! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How clean is the air in Bethlehem’s own neighborhoods, really?
- How Bethlehem’s new Puerto Rican sister city could shape local schools and jobs
- Which Bethlehem bowler just shattered her long-awaited 700-series goal?
Also on today's calendar: Open House | Riegelsville Home on 2 Acres | Investment Potential and 2 more events.
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Bethlehemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Monday: Very cold; afternoon flurries, with a high of 27 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Tuesday: Turning cloudy and cold, temps: high: 30, low: 21.
- Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and not as cold, with a high of 43 and low of 23 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Report: Valley air pollution exceeds WHO standards, lowest concentrations in residential areas (lehighvalleynews.com) — Air quality monitors in Bethlehem neighborhoods show some of the lowest fine-particulate pollution levels in the Lehigh Valley, especially in residential areas away from highways and warehouses. Still, a new Lehigh Valley Breathes report finds July 2024 PM2.5 levels nearly double stricter World Health Organization guidelines at most sites, and researchers are asking residents for feedback as they prepare a final report.
![]()
• Bethlehem contingent visits sister city in Puerto Rico to strengthen ties (lehighvalleynews.com) — Bethlehem leaders and community partners just returned from a six-day visit to Patillas, Puerto Rico, deepening the new sister-city relationship that honors local Puerto Rican roots. The delegation, including Mayor Willie Reynolds and educators from Bethlehem schools and colleges, explored ways to collaborate on education, workforce development, tourism, and post-hurricane recovery. Organizers say the goal is long-term, two-way exchanges that tangibly benefit both communities.
![]()
• Jacobs' long journey to 700 concludes at Steel City (lehighvalleylive.com) — A Bethlehem bowler finally cracked the coveted 700 series at Steel City, leading a big week of standout scores at local lanes. From National Sokols in Bethlehem to centers across the Lehigh Valley and beyond, area bowlers piled up 300 games, 700-plus series, and even a record-setting team performance in Lancaster, underscoring how strong the regional bowling scene is right now.
![]()
📸 Around Bethlehem
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Bethlehem
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Open House | Riegelsville Home on 2 Acres | Investment Potential
3288 Slifer Valley Rd, Riegelsville
11:00 am - Bethlehem Municipal Band Christmas Concert
Northeast Middle School, 1170 Fernwood St, Bethlehem
7:00 pm
Monday December 15
Wednesday December 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Orchestra/Jazz Band Winter Concert
East Hills Middle School Bethlehem, PA 18017
7:00 pm - NEMS Girls Basketball vs Springhouse @ Home
Northeast Middle School Bethlehem, PA 18018
4:00 pm - Blue Christmas Worship
Epworth United Methodist Church , 3245 Oakland Rd , Bethlehem
9:00 am
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Sunday December 21
📣 Bethlehem Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Art Club - Section 1
Nazareth Area Intermediate Sch Nazareth, PA 18064
3:30 pm - NEMS Boys Basketball vs Whitehall @ Home
Northeast Middle School Bethlehem, PA 18018
4:00 pm - NEMS Girls Basketball @ Whitehall
Northeast Middle School Bethlehem, PA 18018
4:00 pm - Zoning Hearing Board Meeting
Easton, PA Calendar Easton, PA 18042
6:00 pm - Borough Council Meeting
Emmaus Borough, PA Calendar , 28 S. 4th Street , Emmaus
6:00 pm - Death Café
Whitehall Township Public Library , 3700 Mechanicsville Road , Whitehall
6:30 pm - Lvl Topics: Balboa with April and Dave (4-week series)
The Gas House Dance Hall , 311 Front St , Catasauqua
8:00 pm - Santa on Centre Square event by the Easton Recreation Bureau
Easton, PA Calendar , Intersection of 3rd St. & Northampton St. , Easton
10:00 am - Police Pension Board Meeting
Easton, PA Calendar Easton, PA 18042
3:00 pm
Monday December 15
Tuesday December 16
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Yes, Chef! Behind the Apron Showcases the Stories, Strength, and Community of Local Chefs —Traditions of Hanover Read on Patch
- UPDATE!!!
NANDOR HAS BEEN FOUND SAFE AND SOUND! Everyone was right, he was close to home. I am so glad he was found before the snow, thank you all for your… (Nextdoor South Side) - We have some distant relatives coming to the area for the first time.
I want to make them a “local flavors” basket. Would love to hear everyone’s suggestions on the best local foods/drinks. Coffee, chocolate, wine,… (Nextdoor Northdale)
- CJ Logistics USA Corporation posted a job opening for 1st shift Forklift Operator in Bethlehem. Apply here.
- Freshpet, Inc. posted a job opening for Shipping & Receiving Operator - Night Shift in Bethlehem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bethlehem here.
🗞 Nearby News
Bath
- Penn State adds commitment from former 2026 Iowa State signee Bryson Williams (on3.com)
- How much snow did the Lehigh Valley get? Totals from around the region (centredaily.com)
Nazareth
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 don’t know either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.