Basics:
E-mail: Josh.Popichak@patch.com
Phone: 610-216-6043
Unlike many younger (and older) editors, I never went to J-school (that's "journalism school" for those of you who don't use the new media lingo). Most journalism schools are part of medium or large universities, and as a graduate of a large high school I wanted to downsize my education when I went away to college. That was one of the reasons I chose to attend Bates, a liberal arts college in Maine rooted in the traditions of egalitarianism. As a "Batesie" I majored in history and became the features editor for our school newspaper, The Student, before graduating and leaving the beautiful state of Maine behind in 1999. I returned to Pennsylvania and spent several eye-opening years exploring other fields and potential career paths, before feeling called to write and edit again. That was in 2005, when I joined the team at the Saucon News and began to cover Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township as full-time reporter.
On a personal level, I have always been a bit of a newshound and I think that's because I'm constantly trying to understand how the events of today are shaped and influenced by our shared history. I like to think that I have a curious mind, which is a trait I believe every journalist should have.
Right now I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about the Saucon Valley, including more about its history, its present, and its future, and I sincerely hope you'll join me on this journey!
Stephanie Weitzman is a National Penn Bank manager in Hellertown and the 2013-2014 president of the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce.
The Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors recently approved the installation of two crosswalks in Limeport Village.
Noreen Petrash was named to Loyola University Maryland's spring 2013 dean's list.
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Saucon Valley area on Tuesday, July 23.
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Tuesday, July 23.
Lower Saucon Township Police say a wire fire on Easton Road apparently began after a large, westbound vehicle became caught on a tension wire between utility poles.
The mailbox was stolen from the 2300 block of Springtown Hill Road, according to Lower Saucon Township Police.
Since 1985, DiMaio's Family Restaurant and Pizzeria has been a favorite eatery for many residents of the Saucon Valley and beyond.
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Southern Lehigh area on Monday, July 22.
Sandra A. Hawkey died Tuesday, July 16, 2013.
![Sandra A. Hawkey, 68, of Coopersburg [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/07/raw/790f8a5ff33c22d3cccf17bd54e211c9.jpg)
Here's a roundup of events happening in the Saucon Valley area on Monday, July 22.
Taylor Zilinek and Corrine Majczan recently graduated from York College.
Margaret M. Lorent, 92, died Friday, July 19, 2013.
![Margaret M. Lorent, 92, of Bethlehem [Obituary]](https://patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/07/raw/ec755791dfc904300f9eca569c136ffc.jpg)
Two Hellertown men who stand accused of stealing large amounts of copper will reportedly plead guilty to some of the charges they now face, in exchange for plea deals.
A Lower Saucon Township woman will be cited for harassment because of the alleged incident, police said.
What's happening in the Saucon Valley area this week? Read the Week in Review to find out.
What's happening in Southern Lehigh this week? Read 'The Week Ahead' to find out!
Shane Higgins and Rachel McCaughan were named to Delaware Valley College's spring 2013 dean's list.
Here's a round-up of unusual police news from the Lehigh Valley.
Here's a round-up of unusual police news from the Lehigh Valley.
