Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How hard is the new flu variant hitting Bethlehem hospitals?
Also, don't miss Sundays on the Farm on the Bethlehem Patch calendar
Hi there, Bethlehem! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How hard is the new flu variant hitting Bethlehem hospitals?
- How you can help Bethlehem teens get prom-ready for just $20.
- Why a Southside Bethlehem abuse case is headed to court
Also on today's calendar: Wildlands Conservancy - Winter Birding Walk and 6 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.
- Saturday: Rain from late morning on, with a high of 41 and low of 37 degrees.
- Sunday: Breezy with clouds and sun, temps: high: 43, low: 28.
- Monday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 43 and low of 29 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. New flu variant this season causing numbers not seen in a quarter-century (lehighvalleynews.com) — Bethlehem-based doctors at Lehigh Valley Health Network warn that a new flu variant, Subclade K, is driving some of the highest respiratory illness levels seen since the late 1990s and filling local hospital beds. Although this season’s vaccine offers only partial protection, they stress early medical advice and prompt use of antivirals like Tamiflu within 48 hours of symptoms to lessen severity. 
2. Dress donations needed for Pop-Up Prom Shop that serves hundreds of Lehigh Valley teens (mcall.com) — YWCA Bethlehem is seeking dress, pantsuit, and accessory donations now for its March 28 Pop-Up Prom Shop at Wind Creek Bethlehem, which offers $20 prom outfits to local teens. You can drop items at Venture X Bethlehem on South New Street or volunteer later in March, helping ensure Lehigh Valley students can afford this milestone event.
3. 30-year-old charged with aggravated indecent assault of child in Bethlehem (lehighvalleylive.com) — Bethlehem police have charged a 30-year-old Allentown man in connection with alleged indecent contact involving a child at a Southside Bethlehem home over several months in 2025. He is being held in Northampton County Prison on high bail while a January 22 preliminary hearing will determine whether the case proceeds toward trial.
4. Sena Kizildemir Simulates Disasters to Prevent Building Collapses (ieee.org) — Bethlehem gets a nod as the U.S. home of Lehigh University, where engineer Sena Kizildemir earned her graduate degrees before moving into high-impact disaster simulation work. Now based in New York, she models how buildings respond to extreme events like crashes and explosions, helping improve safety standards while mentoring younger engineers and staying active in professional societies.
📸 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 ★
- Sundays on the Farm
1311 Santee Mill Rd, Bethlehem
2:00 pm
Sunday January 11
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Hurlock & Hinton â A New Duo from Heather Hurlock & Brad Hinton, Blending Cinematic Dream Folk, Harmonies, and Songcraft | with our guest Emme Drago
Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
8:00 pm - đżđ§ââď¸ Qigong: Meditation and Relaxation đżđ§ââď¸
Bethlehem Area Public Library , 11 W Church Street , Bethlehem
12:00 pm - đ¤đś Open Mic Night @BAPL đśđ¤
Bethlehem Area Public Library , 11 W Church Street , Bethlehem
5:00 pm - Gentle Yoga
Bethlehem Area Public Library , 11 W Church Street , Bethlehem
12:00 pm - SG dine & donate @Panera
Panera Bread , 3301 Bath Pike , Bethlehem
4:00 pm - Line Dancing with Aleah
Seven Sirens Brewing Company , 327 Broadway , Bethlehem
7:00 pm - Friday Night Trivia at Colony Meadery
Colony Meadery South Bethlehem , 211 E 3rd St , Bethlehem
7:15 pm - Wildlands Conservancy - Winter Birding Walk
Louise Moore Park, 151 Country Club Road, Easton, PA 18045
1:00 pm
Saturday January 10
Monday January 12
Wednesday January 14
Friday January 16
Sunday January 18
📣 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
- Monthly SouthSide Community Cleanup
South Side Arts District Bethlehem, PA 18018
10:00 am - Indoor Auto Racing
PPL Center , 701 Hamilton St , Allentown
7:00 pm - Hurlock & Hinton â A New Duo from Heather Hurlock & Brad Hinton, Blending Cinematic Dream Folk, Harmonies, and Songcraft | with our guest Emme Drago
Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
8:00 pm - Tap Ties January Jam
Steinbright Hall , Allentown
10:30 am
Saturday January 10
Sunday January 11
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Bethlehem PatchAM possible:
- Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Do you all remember Ash?
He was the cat that had been hit by a car on 191, last year. He's doing well. He's shy, but loves to be pet. The other one is Matt. I trapped… (Nextdoor East Hills) - Fire under control in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
1:02AM on Jan 9: Updated reports indicate that the 3-alarm fire has been brought under control, per 6abc News. No injuries have been reported, and… (Nextdoor )
- CJ Logistics USA Corporation posted a job opening for Forklift Operator (2nd shift) in Bethlehem. Apply here.
- Top Rx LLC posted a job opening for Distribution Center Replenishment Associate - Full-Time (10 am - 6:30) 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 sea you!
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