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!
The Behe family of Lower Saucon Township recently welcomed Massak into their home. Massak, an American Eskimo dog who was in need of a home, was connected with the Behes via the Hellertown Patch Facebook page.
On the six-month anniversary of the October 2011 snowstorm, it's worth remembering that weather weirdness was experienced by our forefathers--including Jazz Age Hellertonians.
Saucon Valley History Day, a native plant sale, the Hellertown Historical Society Yard Sale, Monte Carlo Night, a fishing tournament, a reception for a new art exhibit at the Heller Homestead, and a H-LS Chamber of Commerce event are all planned.
Albert "Sonny" Reilly, who passed away in February, was a loyal patron of the Hellertown Diner. In his memory, his daughter Heather and her husband James Connell recently purchased and had installed a bench outside the diner's entrance.
A new connector trail between Polk Valley Park and the Saucon Valley School District campus will improve pedestrian access along the Polk Valley Road corridor in Lower Saucon Township.
A launch party was held April 20 for the planned Saucon Valley Environmental Education Center (SVEEC) on the campus of the Saucon Valley School District.
The following information was supplied by the Lower Saucon Township Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
On April 18, Local Eagle Scouts Alan and Adam Molder were recognized by Lower Saucon Township Council for volunteer work they performed at St. Luke's (Old Williams) Church.
Shirley A. "Betsy" Frey, 60, of Hellertown, died Wednesday, April 18, 2012.
The following letter to the editor is a follow-up to a letter written by Lee Weidner--and published on Hellertown Patch--regarding a donation of his book "Saucon Secrets" to the Saucon Valley School District.
Block watch leader Officer Tim Piotrowski, of the Hellertown Police Department, recently announced that a Pennsylvania State Police representative will discuss transient criminals and contractor scams at the group's April 25 meeting.
The popular weekly farmers' market in Hellertown will open for its 2012 season on Sunday, May 6.
The following students were named to the Honor Roll at Saucon Valley Middle School for the third marking period of the 2011-2012 school year.
Where do you prefer to buy flowers?
In-store activities, including the launch of a new Kid Healthy Ideas Magazine, are geared toward helping kids live healthier lifestyles.
White and purple message signs along Walnut Street--next to the Saucon Valley School District campus--are creating awareness of the upcoming Saucon Valley Relay for Life.
Seventh and eighth grade students from St. Michael the Archangel School in Upper Saucon Township recently participated in the 78th Annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition in Easton. Some are advancing to the PJAS states May 13-15.
Carl L. Werley, 84, of Bethlehem, died April 16, 2012 at Blough Health Care Center, Bethlehem.
The following information was supplied by the Hellertown Police Department. Where arrests or charges are mentioned, it does not indicate a conviction.
Darlene V. Mingora, 56, of Bethlehem, died Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the VNA Hospice House of St. Luke's in Lower Saucon Township.
