Ohhh... I know where you mean. Maryland Fried Chicken. I just read that it closed, but I never actually ate there (which is weird since I've lived in Bethlehem my whole life). People told me it was good, though. That's good that someplace else is going to open up there. I haven't tried the turkey place yet but I've heard it's good too... Too many restaurants to try! And no new news on the wooden bridge. :(

I didn't even know there is a Chick Filet coming to Bethlehem. lol. That's good though, because I like Chick Filet... Keep an eye on the Retail Watch column in the Morning Call because they often talk about upcoming restaurant and store openings throughout the Lehigh Valley. I'll let you know if I hear anything!

No problem Chris... Have you been to the new Dunkin Donuts yet? I've only been in and out a coupla times but it seems nice. Nice and popular! :)

Hey Chris,
No, they aren't having curbside pick up anymore. It says on the borough website that you have to take the trees to the compost center on Springtown Hill Road. Sorry!
Josh

Hey Chris,
I haven't heard anything about the High Street Bridge lately. I'm sure it'll come up again at some point but I'm not sure when. You and your stepdad might want to attend a borough council meeting to ask about it. There's a time when residents can ask questions and that would be the time when you could ask for an update. The last I knew, Hellertown officials were working with Bethlehem officials on a plan to replace it. Since the bridge is technically in Bethlehem, the ball's kind of in their court. Have a good weekend!
Josh

Hey Chris,
I checked out your YouTube channel. It looks good! I like the videos you shot from the north side of the Lehigh in Bethlehem. That's always a good vantage point and it's cool because you have all the scenery in the background. Hope you're having a good New Year's Eve.
Josh

Hey Chris, I don't have any info. about the sinkholes (check the Morning Call's website though--I think they have video). I did hear the rumor about the Perkins reopening on the South Side of Bethlehem too. I read in the Retail Watch column that it might reopen under a different owner. I'm curious to see what happens with that. When I drove by the building yesterday it looked like it's been spruced up. It was kind of dark, though, so I'm not sure. Anyway, talk to you later!
Josh

Hey Chris,
Got it. I have just been away from the computer more this week. Are you going to be in Hellertown for New Year's Eve?

Hey Chris, Congrats on the cool gift! I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it. Is that your YouTube channel? Take care, Josh

Thanks Chris! Merry Christmas to you too!
Josh

Hey Chris,
The way the contest works is that homeowners take a photo of their own lights and then upload it to the local contest page, here: http://deckthehouse.patch.com/contest/hellertown. Once it's uploaded people from the community can vote on it. I don't have any entries yet for Hellertown-Lower Saucon, so if you have a digital camera and you can take a photo of your stepdad's house lights and enter it in the contest that would be awesome! There are some prizes that are going to be awarded, including $500 for the December electric bill (24 winners from throughout the U.S. will win that prize). It should be pretty easy to upload a photo to the contest page. I think you need to create a separate password (under Register in the upper right hand corner), but other than that it should be pretty simple. There's also a link to the rules on the contest page. If you have any other questions just let me know! Thanks, Josh

Hi Chris,
I don't have any info. about that type of thing but have you tried searching on eBay? I have searched for "Hellertown" and found some neat old stuff, like postcards and such. Or you could also try a specialized website for people who collect railroading memorabilia. They might be able to steer you in the right direction....
Josh

Thanks, Chris. I try to respond when I can! I know you have lots of questions, which is a good thing (I'm the same way). Which Perkins restaurant are you referring to? I know there's the one on Rt. 191 (by the 22 exit) but other than that one most of the Perkins in Bethlehem have closed. They tore down the one on the South Side in order to build the new 2nd Street ramp to the Hill-to-Hill bridge, which is open now (it makes getting on Rt. 378 a lot easier). Years ago there was a Perkins over on the west side of Bethlehem, but that closed and became the Borderline restaurant.. I haven't eaten at a Perkins in years...
Josh

Hi Chris,
Unfortunately I don't have an update on the wooden bridge project and I don't think I'll have any more updates until January at the earliest. Did you know the Dewey Santa Run is today? I'm probably gonna ride along for part of it (which I did last year too). Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Josh

Hey Chris,
I will definitely come by to check out the lights! I should have driven by the other night when I was in town but I had to go somewhere else right after dinner. Have a good weekend!
Josh

That's cool. So he must know a ton about Hellertown if he's lived in the area for that long! I've only been to Vassi's a couple times but they have some old photos of what it looked like before it was Vassi's in the back dining room. I think it's been there for 60 years, or maybe longer. I ate at Crossroads tonight and it was sooo good. :) I love eating out in Hellertown. I always have fun. Have a good night!

Wimpy, huh? That's the guy that always wants a hamburger for free (in "Popeye"). Is your step-dad a hamburger-lover?

Hi Chris,
Yeah, I have no idea what's going on along 412 unfortunately (that area's in Bethlehem, which I don't really cover). Maybe it has to do with the widening of the road, which I think they are supposed to begin in the spring. I'm sure they have a lot of stuff to do before they can actually begin the project. Have a good weekend!
Josh

I will definitely come by to check it out! Sounds like you guys have quite a display. FYI, Patch is going to have a holiday house lights contest starting later this week. And readers will be able to enter the contest by uploading a photo of their lights. I didn't see the UFO, unfortunately. I always seem to miss these things....

Cool! I'll drive by to check it out. :)

That sounds like a neat place, Chris. I'll have to check it out one of these days. I probably won't put the holiday train photos on Patch because they're not Hellertown-related but I may post them to my Facebook page and if I do that I'll give you the link. :)

Hi Chris,
Hellertown does have a very interesting railroading history... I was actually up at Steamtown yesterday with a friend. We went to see the Canadian Pacific holiday train. They have the entire train decorated with lights and there's a band that plays out of one of the boxcars. So that was kinda cool! I said, "Gee, I wish this train could come through Hellertown..." :D I took some photos. If you ever want to see them let me know.
Josh

Hey Chris,
Not that I'm aware of ... but I'm not that familiar with Macungie. I know there's an Ironton Rail Trail but that's up in the Whitehall area. You could ask a question on Lower Macungie Patch, since they cover that area...or maybe do a search for more info. It was nice meeting you and your stepdad at Light Up Night!
Josh

Hey Chris,
I'm going to try to drop by for a bit. It should be a nice night for it!
Josh

Hey Chris,
I didn't notice the fence but I will look for it the next time I'm driving by. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Josh

Hey Chris,
That's too bad about the light show. I hope it was free at least... Also, I found out from Earl at the Hellertown Historical Society that they aren't going to have the train display this year (he told me last night). I think the announcement you commented on is actually from last year when they had it. They are still having their holiday open house on Friday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 9. And I'm sure there will be other train displays set up in the area. I think there are usually a couple of them in Bethlehem...
Josh

I haven't seen it yet but I heard it's pretty cool. Hope you have fun!

Hey Chris,
I'm not sure how they choose the person for the "Hometown Paper" line in the Valley Voice... But I bet if he called them and said he wanted his name to be used that would be a way to get his name in the paper. It might just be a random selection process otherwise...
Josh

Hey Chris,
Sorry... What I was referring to is Light Up Night at Borough Hall, when they turn on all the Christmas lights around the fountain and downtown Hellertown. They have free hot cocoa and cookies and it starts at 6pm on 11/25, which is the day after Thanksgiving. I'll have a story about it on Patch later this week! There are usually several hundred people that come out for it.
Josh

Thanks Chris. I didn't see the VV last week. That sounds about right, though. Are you going to Light Up Night on the 25th?

Hey Chris, It doesn't look like it will be open that soon but it's coming along and there's a sign out front that says "Coming Soon" now. So I'm thinking maybe after Thanksgiving? Josh

Hey Chris, I understand. No need to worry. And no, I haven't gotten any new updates on the wooden bridge. Sorry! Josh

Hey Chris,
Sure. I just drove by there yesterday. Each local business has their own listing in our directory (Blinderman's has one) but if they wish to have regular advertising that has to be paid for. If you think they would be interested in advertising on Patch I can ask Mike, our sales representative, to contact them. Does your stepdad work for them?
Josh

Hey Chris,
The last I heard it's still scheduled to open in mid-November. I hope that turns out to be true because I'm looking forward to it opening, too. If I hear that it's going to be delayed again, I'll definitely post something on Patch.
Josh

Hey Chris, Do you have power back now? I have it. Good thing too, because it would be hard to edit Patch without it! Enjoy the time off.
Josh

Hey Chris,
You missed out on all the candy at the parade! It was really nice this year and there were a ton of people there. We'll have photos posted later. :)
Take care,
Josh

Hey Chris, I haven't heard anything. My guess is they were just out inspecting it because I don't think the work will be starting anytime soon. My advice--if you guys want to try to get things sped up--would be to maybe write to the local state representative (Bob Freeman) or state senator (Lisa Boscola). I can also publish letters the editor. And of course, as soon as I get an update with more info. I'll publish it on Patch. Thanks for letting me know.

Hi Phil,
Thanks for alerting me to that. I wasn't aware that a survey was going out to some readers upon logging into the site. I don't administer/control that, but I'm definitely looking into it now that I know it's happening.
Best wishes,
Josh

Josh,
I've been telling people about the Patch and the good work that it does in communicating community events and info. I was not happy with the "survey" today when I signed in. I was hoping to help out the patch with info about my usage, but ended up discontinuing when I saw that I was agreeing to much more than that. I was hoping a "local" community website would steer clear of such tactics. Phil Spohn, Pastor Christ Lutheran Church, Hellertown, PA

Hey Chris,
My understanding is that the pick-up was last week (the week of Oct. 10). But it's possible there will be another one. If anything's announced at the Hellertown Borough Council meeting tonight I'll publish an update on Patch.
Josh

Hey Chris,
Trick-or-treat in Hellertown will be on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8pm.
Josh

Thanks, Chris. I will definitely share more information as soon as it's available. I understand that the bridge closure is an important issue to many people who live nearby. Borough Council has been receiving regular updates on the bridge at their meetings.

The Inconvenient Facts

http://bloggingdottie.blogspot.com

Hello, Josh,

This is Ces Manansala, a freelancer for two Patches (Salisbury and South Whitehall). I'm interested in providing freelancing duties the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch as well. I cover a range of topics, from board meetings to outdoor events. Please let me know of any open opportunities.

Thanks,
Ces Manansala

Josh, If you're "tweeting" a happy birthday to your dad and expect him to get it, he cannot possibly be the same Andy Popichak I knew many years ago! (But just in case, tell him happy birthday from me, too!)

Josh -

I think the Patch is great. I have a home business in Quakertown. I do not see a Patch for Quakertown. What Patch should I use for my business ?
Many Thanks.
amyscakes@verizon.net
Amy Recinos

Josh - Would you be interested in a weekly law-related op ed for HLS Patch? I'm a lawyer/writer in Hellertown and would be interested in exploring this with you. I may be reached at: hellertonian@yahoo.com

Mark Albright

Josh,
Would you be interested in becoming a judge for our 2nd Annual Meatball Sagra event to benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley? The event will be held at Sagra Bistro Sunday March 20. Email or call me at the bistro

Josh, I like what you're doing here. I would love to get together for b-fast or lunch sometime.

Josh, I hear that the Deli across the street from the Movies has great sandwiches. If you want to try it out for lunch, let me know and I will join you.
Carol Smith

I love the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch!!! It is great!!!!

Congrats on the site!