May 28, 2011 a.d. www.solehi.com vol. 1, no. 19

Shining StarsBy Judd Wilson

By Judd Wilson

Upper Saucon Supervisors Tackle Issues

Mensch Discusses Legislative Agenda

UPPER SAUCON -- Supervisors meeting here May 16 discussed topics such as the bridge project on Main Street, the environmental advisory council, and a sewage facilities plan for the Old Saucon subdivision.

Former supervisor George Bloeser asked if the sewer was going to be extended to St. Joseph’s Road. Township Manager Thomas Beil said the township budgeted funds to do engineering work on an additional portion of the sewer this year, but that dealing with sewer inflow and infiltration was its main priority.

Chairman Miro Gutzmirtl thanked supervisor candidate Patrick Leonard for his attendance, saying he was “the only one that ever shows up for meetings.”

The Saucon Rail Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for June 11 at 10 a.m. A brisk walk will follow the ribbon cutting, Gutzmirtl said. The chairman added that the trail offers “activities the whole community can share and benefit from.”

Environmental Advisory Committee Chairman Thomas Gettings and Vice-Chairman

see SuperviSorS pg 3

EMMAUS -- State Sen. Bob Mensch said the first six months of Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration have been deliberate, but productive. Corbett has accomplished as much as former governors Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell in their first six months, said the senator. Now the ball is on the tee and the practice swings are coming to an end. Legislators have proposed over 2,000 bills this year, including important educational and economic reforms, said Mensch.

Mensch said he is working with the administration and house members to pass a five-bill economic reform package. It aims to attract out-of-state businesses and retain young college graduates through a number of tax reforms such as lowering the net corporate income tax, decreasing the personal income tax (which affects LLPs and LLCs), uncapping the net operating loss carry forward, and making property taxes fairer to seniors. One-sixth, or 18 percent, of all Pennsylvanians are on unemployment benefits today, said Mensch. That will change by making Pennsylvania competitive again, he said.

see menSch pg 7

insi

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southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce President deborah Mcdon-ald presented donna Vrabel and david dent of A d Computer Corpo-ration with the 2011 sLCC shining star Award. Photo by Judd Wilson.

sooner or LATerSchool board waits to deal with

$1.1 million shortfall another day.pg. 4

By Judd Wilson

PeTs on PArAdePromenade Shops hosts annual

event for pet lovers.pg. 6

on your MArk May 28 is the 5th Annual

Coopersburg 5K.pg. 5

S O U T H E R N L E H I G H

R I B U NT Ee s ta b l i s h e d 2010 a .d .Covering Upper Saucon, Lower Milford, and Coopersburg

please thank our sponsors

DESALES UNIVERSITY -- The Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce met here May 11 to recognize A D Computer as its 2011 Shining Star Award winner. The Shining Star Award is given annually to one outstanding local business that focuses on the needs of the community.

Nick and Carol Antich began A D Computer in 1971 and was the first business to build in the Stabler Corporate Center in 1995. According to sales manager David Dent, most of A D Computer’s 5,000 clients work in the Lehigh Valley. Payroll is A D Computer’s area of expertise, said Donna Vrabel, payroll sales consultant with the company. The company serves clients with 1 to 1,000 employees on payroll in all 50 states, she said. As Deborah

McDonald, president of the Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce said, in all her years of work as a QNB bank manager she has never heard a customer complain about A D Computer.

Bob Knauss of Employee Employer Solutions spoke to those in attendance about his miserable tenure as a salesman in direct competition with A D Computer. Though representing a prominent, nationally-known payroll company, he said, businessmen who used A D Computer to do their payroll laughed at the idea of leaving A D Computer. A D Computer’s clients didn’t want a huge company that treated them like a number. “Local, small businesses wanted someone on the other end who they knew,” Knauss said. Dent said the company has had no layoffs

see StarS pg 7

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDEDDM Retail

▪ Lawn Mowing▪▪ Spring Cleanups▪▪ Fall Cleanups▪▪ Fertilization▪▪ Snow Plowing▪▪ Fully Insured▪ ▪ Free Estimates

Phone: 610-967-1853

Serving the Coopersburg, Emmaus and Macungie areas

Email: fivestarlawns@hotmail.com

2 southern lehigh tribune May 28, 2011 a.d.|briefs|

briefSFifth annual coopersburg 5K, Kids' Fun run, and health and Wellness expo will take place May 28. See Page 5 for the 5K registration form. To reg-ister or learn more, visit www.coopersburg.org or contact Jen-nifer Wescoe-Schaninger Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 484-553-6340 or jwschaninger@hotmail.com. Vendor spaces are available for the Health and Well-ness Expo. To reserve spaces, contact Dr. Trish Colasurdo at 484-225-3048.

Friends of the Southern Lehigh public Library present the Not-So-Secret Gardens Tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 18, a self-guided tour of six private local gardens. Includes a sale of “gently used” books, live plants, and gar-den items at the library. Tickets on sale May 2 at the library. For more information, visit www.solehipl.org or call 610-282-8825

howard e. Deppe 26th annual all-Star Baseball classic to ben-efit the American Cancer Society will be held at Fegely Stadium in Limeport on June 4. Watch Lehigh Valley high school all-stars com-pete at 2, 4, and 6:30 p.m.

Word search # 19 -- Memorial day

Word Search #18 Key -- Picnics

on Memorial day we remember the brave men who have fallen while defending the united states. Word search and cryptoquote by Melissa Wilson. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Kiwanis club of Southern Le-high will meet on June 9 at 7:30 a.m. at the Coopersburg Diner.

Lower milford township Board of Supervisors will meet on June 2 at 7:30 p.m.

morningStar moravian church is having its annual yard sale on June 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 234 S. Main St., Coopersburg. Household items, toys, books, jewelry, electronics, holiday items, tools. Light refreshments and baked goods, including Moravian Sugar Cakes, will also be available. Please direct any questions to Ka-thie Harman at 610-282-4501 or to the church office at 610-282-1908.

penn State Lehigh valley will hold non-credit art courses from July 5-August 12, including: The Art of Collage, Beginning Jewelry and Metalwork, Advanced Metals and Jewelry, Introduction to Digi-tal Photography, Graphic Design Basics, Discovery through Clay, and Exploring Drawing through Nature. For information on the summer workshops being offered for teens and adults please go to www.lv.psu.edu/artsproject.

rotary club of Saucon will be holding an Improving Your Odds

Educational Casino Night on June 3 at the Se-Wy-Co Fire Company from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Food stations and cash bar will be avail-able. Learn how to play blackjack, roulette, craps and other games of chance! The more chips you win, the better your chances to win prizes! All proceeds will go to the Rotary Student Exchange Program. To reserve your tickets, please con-tact Jack Pfunder at jepfunder@yahoo.com. For more information, check us out on Facebook! Search: Saucon Valley Rotary.

Southern Lehigh Youth Football association is now accepting reg-istrations for the 2011 season. For more information, call 484-357-9098 or visit www.slyfa.org.

State rep. Justin Simmons will host a forum on Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling at the Southern Lehigh Public Library on June 2 at 7 p.m.

Swim-in Zone will hold a triath-lon on May 29 for kids ages 3-10. $20 entry fee benefits Red Cross WHALE Tales safety program. For more information, call 610-625-4848 or go to www.swim-inzone.com.

upper Saucon Lions club will hold its 35th Annual Flea Market on June 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Living Memorial Park in Coopers-burg. Rain or shine. New vendors welcome. 10’ x 20’ space $10 in advance or $12 the day of the flea market. Please contact Paulette at 610-282-1776, Jasper at 1-800-405-2773, or go to www.uslion-sclub.com for more information. Lions will also meet on June 1 at 7 p.m. at the Coopersburg Diner.

upper Saucon Storm Youth Foot-ball Club is now accepting regis-trations for the 2011 season. For more information, call 610-282-8600, email uppersauconstorm@gmail.com, or go to www.upper-sauconstorm.com.

upper Saucon township has an-nounced its Concerts in the Park lineup for this summer, featuring Zydeco-A-Go-Go on June 23, Joy-ous on July 7, and Scott McKenna on August 11.

Saucon Rail Trail ribbon-cutting will be held on June 11 at 10 a.m. at Upper Saucon Township Com-munity Park. Health screenings and a brisk walk to follow.

Air Force AmericanArmyCoast GuardConstitutionFlagFreedom GiveGod and Coun-tryHero

HonorMarine Corps Memorial dayMonumentnavy Pride remembersaluteservestatuestrong

CryptoquoteO D V W P H D V X U Hi X O O

Last week's cryptoquote: Let's go fly a kite

G H Y r W L r Qr i

M E M O R I A L D A Y O P RE A T R F R E E D O M C Y EN M R G M R E M E M B E R UA O C I V Y M R A N M B T TC N I N N E W G N Y D C N AI U X T B E N E A E R S U TR M L R U O C E V D A E O SE E S T R T V O Y I U G C AM N A T Q R I R R R G I D LA T S K E W F T U P T N N UH O L S F L A G S I S A A TE P R E S A H D E N A D D ER O N O H V N Q C V O B O TO A I R F O R C E Z C C G E

V B S O T B c r a c K e r SA G R R Y a F p Q u V K P tS S e t a L p r e p a p L on E O M E L i A W S S B T ri R S B e M c E S D u L R rK T h S N K n B Y n n a e ap S a n D W i c h e S n c ca H D G a R c A F i h K i Bn F e t B E B o R r i e u SW E e T D G a W o F n t J PQ r R K a Y S S X K e B D SA R r U L U K F a m i L Y EG a r B a G e B a G F e D Up S O I S I t N K N L P S O

3 southern lehigh tribuneMay 28, 2011 a.d. |news|

Confident, Conscientious, Dedicated and Loyal withQuality and Excellence since 1976

COOPERSBURG CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION610-282-4717

www.CoopersburgConstruction.com~

COOPERSBURG PLUMBING COMPANY610-282-1894

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COOPERSBURG PAINTING AND PAPERHANGING610-282-0503

www.CoopersburgPainting.com

Character is doing what’s right when nobody is looking.

SuperviSorS from pg 1Peter Staffeld reported on the committee’s activities over the past year. April 16’s township cleanup day was among the EAC’s highlights, Staffeld said. Traffic was backed up on Camp Meeting Road that morning as residents came out to drop off unwanted appliances for disposal. Because it proved so popular, the EAC is considering holding appliance disposal events more than once per year. Providing a proper means for residents to dispose of unwanted appliances could prevent having to pick them up off of the side of the road, said Staffeld.

John Inglis, III reported that the Open Space Study Committee had discovered that a tax referendum to fund open space in the township was “almost stuck in limbo.” As when it narrowly missed passage two years ago, recent polls by the OSSC showed that township residents support the concept of open space but are not willing to pay the $90 per homeowner it would cost. It appeared to Gutzmirtl that the township was

“stuck at the results from the last referendum,” when the tax failed by 30 votes. Upper Saucon was one of only three municipalities in Pennsylvania that rejected funding open space, Gutzmirtl said. Gettings said the timing of the 2008 referendum was poor. People are still in the recession mindset in 2011, so “waiting a while might not be a bad idea,” he said. Now is the time to continue informing the public about open space, Gettings explained, before the rush of an election campaign. Staffeld said polling showed that a sunset provision would not make a large difference in residents’ willingness to support an open space tax referendum. Erin Frederick’s resignation from the EAC was accepted by the supervisors, but lamented. Gutzmirtl said “we will all miss Erin Frederick” and spoke of how highly the board respected her for the work she did.

Karl Schreiter presented the sewage facilities plan for the Old Saucon subdivision near Saucon Valley Road. It encompasses 124 residential and 45 commercial

equivalent dwelling units. The plan recommends utilization of the Old Bethlehem Pike pumping station. Developers will pay the connection fees, and users will pay a quarterly sewer charge. After receiving comments from the public, the plan will go before the board of supervisors for a vote, then for comment by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and on to the state Department of Environmental Protection for approval.

Because several residents stepped up recently to fill seats on township boards and committees, Gutzmirtl said it was the first time in six years that every township position was filled, including alternates.

Bill Schaninger, president of the Upper Saucon Storm Youth Football Club, discussed the Storm’s proposed football field at Upper Saucon Township Community Park with supervisors. Supervisors rejected one proposed layout due to safety concerns, but told Schaninger another layout might work if teams always play

in one direction. Schaninger said a shorter field would not work due to football league rules, but that playing in one direction might work well. Supervisors will inspect the second layout soon. “You do have our blessings for that field,” said Gutzmirtl. “You had a good first year and hopefully you’ll have a good second year.” If the township puts fields on the proposed Curly Horse Park, perhaps in the future the Storm could have a home field there too, said Gutzmirtl.

Bloeser asked when the bridge project on Main Street between Passer Road and Highway 378 would be done. Beil emphasized that PennDOT, not the township, is conducting the work, which began last fall and has been at a standstill for months. Supervisors said they would give PennDOT a call to ask about the project.

The next Upper Saucon Township Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled to be held here June 6 at 6 p.m.

4 southern lehigh tribune May 28, 2011 a.d.|news|

Cruisin' News

COOPERSBURG -- On May 21, the Trinity U.C.C. Church in Pleasant Valley held its 3rd Annual Show and Shine. A total of 88 cars, trucks and motorcycles attended the event. The weather held up and the show was a success, raising money for Saint Jude's Childrens' Hospital.

there are plenty of car shows and cruises coming up -- see the cruisin' calendar for details! Photo by Judd Wilson.

The big winner of the day were the children at St. Jude's, but the Best Of Show award went to Dave Guttman and his 1940 Ford Convertible. Save the date: Next year’s event will be on May 19, 2012.

Would you like to have your ride in the Cruisin’ News spotlight? All you need to do is drop off a

By Larry Meixner

School Board Delays Action on $1.1 Million ShortfallBy Judd Wilson

SOUTHERN LEHIGH HIGH SCHOOL -- School board members here decided to approve next year’s preliminary budget on May 23 without resolving a $1.1 million funding problem they discovered two weeks ago. School Board President Michael Eddinger defended the move, saying that they couldn’t rightly decide what to cut in only a few weeks’ time. Instead, they can draw upon the school district’s multimillion-dollar surplus, he said. The shortfall was the result of a simple mistake in the district's budget spreadsheet. By state law, the school board must approve the final budget one month from now, and needed to pass the preliminary budget 30 days prior to a final vote.

Budget and Finance Committee Chairman Jeffrey Dimmig disagreed with the move, saying that the board always puts off until tomorrow what it should do today. “It’s always in the future,” he said. “At some point you have to take action.” The school board and administrators have already spent months identifying potential sources of savings, Dimmig explained. His committee began

the budget-cutting process last fall by asking the administration to identify any and all sources of potential savings. After administrators compiled a long list of programs, personnel positions, and policy changes, the budget and finance committee debated the merits of each. Ultimately, the entire school board held a special session to decide which cuts to make and which to decline.

According to School Board Treasurer Corinne Gunkle, the entire process resulted in $900,000 of cuts. That list still exists and holds many possibilities for finding additional savings to make up the $1.1 million gap. But Eddinger

and the board recently asked the administration to conduct a new review of the budget, which will take time, he said.

Gunkle said that getting out of the $1.1 million hole the school district finds itself in will not be the end of Southern Lehigh’s woes. The board anticipates having to cut another $1 million next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, in ever-increasing amounts -- even while raising property taxes each year and drawing upon its surplus. Assistant Superintendent Leah Christman explained that the administration is trying to balance the district’s need for financial health with the need to

minimize the impact changes may have on students. Administrators are “looking at every single position” in which a future retirement may take place, she said. Christman said she wants to take advantage of every possibility to save money in order to avoid huge teacher furloughs like in neighboring school districts. The teachers’ union “recognizes the situation” the school district faces, said Christman, and has suggested ideas for where to find savings.

Board member Dr. Thomas McLoughlin said he wants to avoid micromanaging the administration. The board should not tell the administration where and how to find savings, he said.

This board meeting was unusual in that it began at 5:30 p.m. and then held a one-hour closed executive session. By the end of the night, school board members had met for three hours without reaching any consensus on how to get out of the $1.1 million hole it suddenly finds itself in.

The next Southern Lehigh School Board meeting will be held here on June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

picture at my shop, or send an email with your picture attached and your contact information to sltcruisinnews@gmail.com.

cruisin' calendar

May 28 — There will be a cruise-in at the Trexlertown Shopping Center hosted by Mopar Madness of the Lehigh Valley. Cruise starts

at 5 p.m. Donations accepted for Dream Come True.

May 29—The West End Cruise-In and Car Show will be held from 3-8 p.m. at the West End Shopping Center in Quakertown. This event is co-sponsored by RT Street Rods in Coopersburg.

June 10—Cruise at Country Kitchen Rt. 212 in Pleasant Valley. 5-8 p.m. Call 610-346-7416.

June 19—9th Annual Silver Creek Father’s Day Car Show. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Rt. 212 in Springtown. General admission $3. Benefits Youth Baseball.

Anyone with information regarding car shows or cruises in our area are encouraged to contact Larry at Meixner’s Awards & More at 551 E. Station Ave. Coopersburg, call 610-662-5525, or email sltcruisinnews@gmail.com.

Until next week—Happy Motoring!

school board members met May 23 to pass next year's preliminary budget. File photo by Judd Wilson.

5 southern lehigh tribuneMay 28, 2011 a.d. |news|

southern Lehigh Technology education Program Wins Award

rick Colelli and rob Gaugler, technology education teachers at southern Lehigh High school, recently traveled to Minneapolis to receive the Program excellence Award from the international Technology and engineering educators Association. it was the second time southern Lehigh has won the award, which is a first for a Pennsylvania school, said Colelli. Colelli and Gaugler, pictured third and fourth from the right in the front row, were accompanied by superintendent Joseph Liberati and school Board Member William Hayes. Photo courtesy of Rick Colelli.

5th Annual Coopersburg 5K Run RACE REGISTRATION FORM

Saturday, May 28, 2011 Line up time: 8:00 AM

Official start time: 8:10 AM

Race Date/Time: Saturday, May 28, 2011. Rain or Shine. Line-Up at 8:00 am; Official Race Time: 8:10 am. Location: On South Main Street at corner of Locust Street in Coopersburg, PA. The profits will benefit Coopersburg Business Revitalization Program (CBRP) and Make-A-Wish Foundation, Pottsville Regional Office, which serves the Lehigh Valley area. Visit www.coopersburg.org for information packet, race route, and volunteer registration, or you may call Race Director: Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger at 484-553-6340 for any further questions. Awards: Prizes for top Male and Female runners in each age group will be awarded. Refreshments during and after the race will be provided. Directions: Main Street, Coopersburg runs parallel to Rt. 309. Rt. 309 N: Pass Coopersburg Diner, at next traffic light turn left onto Fairmount Street (Fairmount Shopping Village). Continue to traffic light and turn left onto Main St. Race begins two blocks beyond the next traffic light. Rt. 309 S: Turn right at traffic light onto Fairmount Street (Fairmount Shopping Village) in Coopersburg. Continue to traffic light and turn left onto Main Street. Race begins two blocks beyond the next traffic light. Parking areas are designated on race map. Fee: Cost is $28 per person; families who register more than 3 participants will receive a $10 discount for each family member registered thereafter. All school running clubs will receive $10 discount per runner. You will need verification of membership (e.g. school/coach roster). Registration form must be postmarked by Friday, May 13th, 2011. After Friday, May 13, the fee is $35. Race day registration will be accepted until 7:15 a.m. Sorry, no guarantee of packet materials, Goodie Bag, or Tee shirt for those registering on race day. (If registration is postmarked before Friday, May 13, 2011, you will receive a complimentary Coopersburg 2011 5K TEK Tee-shirt ). Make checks payable to: 2011 Coopersburg 5K Run. Online registration is available at: www.coopersburg.org; www.active.com (Closes on 5.25.11). Return your completed registration form, fee, and waiver form to: 2011 Coopersburg 5K Run c/o Frame Your Image Attn: Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger 101 North Main Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 email: jwschaninger@hotmail.com 484.553.6340 ____________________________________________DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION_________________________________ Name:__________________________________________________ Age Division:________________________ Street:_______________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code:_____________________________________Email:_____________________________ How many years have you ran the Coopersburg 5K Run?______

Consent and Waiver I hereby declare myself in good physical condition and able to run or walk in the 2011 Coopersburg 5K Run. I do hereby waive and release the individuals associated with this event, its agencies, representatives, successors, and assigns, from any claims for damages of any nature, including personal injury that I may incur as a result of my participation. Print name:__________________________________________________ Date signed:_______________________________ Signature:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of legal guardian if participant is under 18 years of age:_____________________________________________

T-shirt Size: circle one: S M L XL XXL

Please use separate entry form for each family member or group member MEN WOMEN 15 & under 45-49 15 & under 45-49

16-19 50-54 16-19 50-54 20-24 55-59 20-24 55-59 25-29 60+ 25-29 60+ 30-34 30-34 35-39 35-39 40-44 (40 +: Masters Level) 40-44 (40 +: Masters Level)

5th Annual Coopersburg 5K,

Kids' Fun Run, and Health & Wellness

ExpoSaturday, May 28

register at www.coopersburg.org

or www.active.com

benefiting the Coopersburg borough

revitalization Program and the Make-A-Wish foundation

for more information, contact Jennifer Wescoe-Schaninger, race Director

jwschaninger@hotmail.com 484-553-6340

6 southern lehigh tribune May 28, 2011 a.d.|news|

Pets on Parade at Promenade Shops

Local pet lovers visited the Promenade shops at saucon Valley for "Paws on the Promenade" on April 30. The Promenade shops holds the annual event to spotlight animals available for adoption, educate pet owners, and give pets and people alike a chance to have a little fun to-gether. Prizes for Best dressed, Most Creative, and Pet/owner Look-A-Like were awarded at yappy Hour. To learn more, please visit www.ThePromenadeshopsatsauconValley.com. Photos courtesy of the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.

7 southern lehigh tribuneMay 28, 2011 a.d. |news|

▪ Lawn Mowing▪▪ Spring Cleanups▪▪ Fall Cleanups▪▪ Fertilization▪▪ Snow Plowing▪▪ Fully Insured▪ ▪ Free Estimates

Phone: 610-967-1853

Serving the Coopersburg, Emmaus and Macungie areas

Email: fivestarlawns@hotmail.com

menSch from pg 1 Fiscal responsibility is key, Mensch said. He wants the state to get its spending under control and keep it at a sustainable level. In keeping with that, Mensch’s staff is one-third the size of neighboring state senators’ staffs, and the reason why Mensch went from four full-time offices to one full-time and three part-time offices.

Since 41 percent of the state budget goes towards K-12 education,

Mensch said legislators are merely following the lead of taxpayers in targeting that portion of the budget for improvements. Another priority for Mensch is ensuring that group homes, hospitals, burn centers, and other health care facilities are not irreparably damaged. He supports legislation that would provide adequately for those and similar health care centers. But, he added, legislators need to keep the budget from ballooning.

Having spent years in the corporate world, Mensch said government should get out of businesses such as liquor, railroads and health care. Unlike private businesses, whose customers can easily punish or reward them for their products and policies, government-run industries are unaccountable to the people they profess to serve. The senator said that decades ago, telecommunications giant AT&T, aka “Ma Bell,” was broken up for "being too big" at only 14

percent of GDP. That breakup was instrumental to the creation of the Information Age we live in today. Government already controls 18-20 percent of the gross domestic product, and now wants to add another 18 percent in the form of government-run health care. For more information or to contact Senator Mensch, call 610-965-1466 or go to www. senatormensch.com.

StarS from pg 1despite the recession and works hard to take care of its 110-member staff.

The Antich family still runs A D Computer as a family business where the customer comes first, Dent said. He gave credit for the company’s success to clients’ loyalty and willingness to use a local company. Over 80 percent of new clients come from direct

referrals by existing clients, added Dent.

Dent said the company quietly and generously donates a lot of money to area charities, and has actually turned down recognition as charity sponsors in order to support them anonymously. A D Computer has sponsored Musikfest for 25 years, said Dent. Former Shining Star Award winner Jeffrey Berdahl of RLB Accountants said

As the Southern Lehigh Tribune grows, please join in the fun to promote your favorite events, people, places, and organizations!

advertisements: Bring positive attention to your business or organization by reaching out to the Southern Lehigh Tribune’s readers. With over 12,000 visits to our website, www.solehi.com, in only seven months, and a print distribution of 2,000 weekly, the Tribune is an effective way to reach your community. Join us as we begin weekly printing and distribution to see your advertisement reach thousands more Southern Lehigh customers.

announcements: Announce an engagement, wedding, or anniversary. Please send a photo, a

description, and specify where the person(s) live, work, or grew up in the Southern Lehigh community.

contributors: Know of something you'd like the Tribune to cover? Join the fun as a contributor on your favorite local topics -- business, government, sports, you name it -- and see your articles published!

Letters to the editor: Voice your opinion on topics affecting Southern Lehigh. Please include your name and specify where you live, work, or grew up in the Southern Lehigh community.

milestones: Commemorate your birthday, announce a new birth, or honor your recently departed loved one. Please let us know how

your loved one is connected with the Southern Lehigh community. For birthdays, please send a name and date of birth. For new births, please send the baby’s name, date of birth, height, and weight. For obituaries, please send name, dates of birth and passing, a description and photo.

pet of the Week: Celebrate your favorite dog, cat, or other critter by sending in your favorite pet photo and telling us why your pet ought to be Southern Lehigh’s “Pet of the Week.” No pet is too small or too exotic. Please specify your pet’s name, age, and breed. Also include your name and specify where you live, work, or grew up in the Southern Lehigh community. Each week’s winning pet will have its photo published.

Announcements and Milestones are all free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. Along with Letters to the Editor and Pet of the Week submissions, Announcements and Milestones may be edited for spelling, propriety, and according to space limitations. All submissions become the property of the Southern Lehigh Tribune.

Advertising rates are available by contacting Judd Wilson at solehitribune@gmail.com or at (484) 632-6108.

Send submissions to the Southern Lehigh Tribune at solehitribune@gmail.com, P.O. Box 4, Limeport, PA 18060, or (484) 632-6108.

Join in the Fun With the Southern Lehigh Tribune!

A D Computer is “community-focused” and “very deserving of this award.” In addition to recognition from the Chamber of Commerce here, Dent and Vrabel also accepted certificates from the offices of State Sen. Bob Mensch, State Rep. Justin Simmons, and Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham.

The Southern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce will hold a

fundraiser for the Southern Lehigh Community Pool on June 7 at Putt U. The 18-hole miniature golf tournament begins at 5 p.m., with a mixer from 5:30-7 p.m. Cost is $5 per person, $10 late registration, $15 for a family of four with kids. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to participate, contact Ellie Passman at elliep@lehighvalleychamber.org.

Live music/Free seminarsWeekly drawings/prizes

kids TableCommunity organizations

8 southern lehigh tribune May 28, 2011 a.d.|letters|

Your New Hometown Florist

Distinctive Florals By Mary

Large Hanging baskets only $12.99

roses $9.99 dozenProm flowers- Wrist Corsages $9.99, boutonnieres’ $4.99

free Local DeliveryOpen Mon-Wed. 8:30-6

Thurs-fri. 8:30-7 Saturday 9-5

551 east Station Ave.Coopersburg Pa. 18036

610-282-2211 www.distinctiveflorals.net

The Southern Lehigh Tribune is being delivered to several postal routes in Southern Lehigh each week. They will be sent to dif-ferent routes each week.

If you received the Southern Lehigh Tribune in the mail pre-viously, please visit any of the following locations to obtain a copy and support our local busi-nesses!

Fairmont Shopping center, coopersburgWeis MarketsKeystone Copy & Ship

route 309, coopersburgCoopersburg DinerThe Inside ScoopQNBLafayette Ambassador BankSaucon Cleaners

main Street/Station avenue, coopersburgMeixner’s Awards and MoreDistinctive Florals by MaryBorough Hall

village Shopping center, coopersburgBee Natural Health Food StoreCoopersburg Family Chiropractic

center valleySouthern Lehigh Public LibraryUpper Saucon Township Municipal BuildingLifetime Eyecare ProfessionalsWindsor HotelDeSales University CenterCenter Valley Post OfficePenn State Lehigh ValleySwim-In Zone

Lower milfordLimeport InnLimeport Post OfficeLower Milford Fire CompanyLower Milford Township Municipal Building

BethlehemPiccadelly CafeWydnor Hall InnOffice of State Rep. Justin Simmons

emmausOffice of State Sen. Bob Mensch

Pick up the southern Lehigh Tribune Around Town!

stefanie schulberger's mini dachshund otis P. vonBarkenberger iii  will be 3 in August.  He loves sleeping, laying in the sun like a cat and doing his tricks which include: sit, wait, shake, rollover & ‘bang bang’ where he flops over on his side & plays dead. His favorite kind of treat is anything peanut butter flavored. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Schulberger.

To enter your favorite dog, cat, or other critter, send in your favorite pet photo and tell us why your pet ought to be Southern Lehigh’s “Pet of the Week.” No pet is too small or too exotic. Each week’s winning pet will have its photo published in the Southern Lehigh Tribune. Email submissions to solehitribune@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week - otis P. von Barkenberger iii

“Casual for a Cause” 18-Hole Miniature Golf Mixer benefiting the

Southern Lehigh Community Pool (SOLECO)

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 5 p.m.Mixer starts at 5:30 p.m.Putt U Miniature Golf

9 southern lehigh tribuneMay 28, 2011 a.d. |directory|

ChurchesCalvary Bible Fellowship Church www.calvarybfc.org 8:30 a.m. worship9:50 a.m. Sunday School 11:10 a.m. worship6872 North Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

Chestnut Hill Churchwww.chestnuthillchurch.org 8 a.m. worship9 a.m. adult bible Study10 a.m. worship (1st Sunday) 6870 Chestnut Hill Church roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary www.assumptionbethlehem.com Sat. 5 p.m. MassSun. 7:30, 10, 11:30 a.m. Mass4101 Old bethlehem Pikebethlehem, PA 18015

Cornerstone Presbyterian Churchwww.cornerstonepca.net 10 a.m. worship5900 Old bethlehem Pike Center Valley, PA 18034

Is your church in the Southern Lehigh area and not listed? Please contact us at solehi-tribune@gmail.com or 484-632-6108.

Faith united Church of Christwww.faithchurchucc.org 9 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. worship5992 route 378Center Valley, PA 18034

Family Life Fellowship 9 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. worship212 N. Main St. Coopersburg, PA 18036

Friedens Lutheran Church 9 a.m. worship2451 Saucon Valley roadCenter Valley, PA 18034

God's Missionary Churchwww.gmc-c.org9:45 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m., 6:30 p.m. worship4240 east Landis StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

Locust Valley Chapel www.locustvalleychapel.org9:30 a.m. worship11 a.m. discipleship5936 Locust Valley roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

Morning star Moravian Church 8:30 a.m. Sunday School10 a.m. worship234 South Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

st. James Lutheran Church www.stjameschurch18036.com 8 a.m. worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School10:45 a.m. worship333 e. Oxford Street Coopersburg, PA 18036

st. John’s united Church of Christ www.stjohnsucccoop.org 10:30 a.m. worship538 east Thomas StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

st. Joseph’s roman Catholic Church Sat: 5:15 p.m. MassSun: 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Mass5050 St. Joseph’s roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

st. Paul’s (Blue) Lutheran Church 9 a.m. Sunday School10:30 a.m. worship5900 Applebutter Hill roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

saucon Mennonite Churchwww.sauconmennonite.org 9:15 a.m. worship10:45 a.m. Sunday School 6639 North Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

springfield Church of the Brethren www.springfieldcob.com 9 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. worship920 Passer roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

springfield Mennonite Churchwww.springfieldmennonite.org 8:30 a.m. traditional worship9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. contemporary worship 1905 Pleasant View rdCoopersburg, PA 18036

Trinity (Great swamp) united Church of Christwww.tgsucc.org8 a.m. worship9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. worship9150 Spinnerstown roadSpinnerstown, PA 18968

schoolsdesales universitywww.desales.edu610-282-11002755 Station Ave.Center Valley, PA 18034

Hopewell elementary schoolwww.slsd.org/Hopewellelementary.cfm610-791-02004625 W. Hopewell rd.Center Valley, PA 18034

Liberty Bell elementary schoolwww.slsd.org/Libertybell.cfm 610-282-1850960 W. Oxford St.Coopersburg, PA 18036

Lower Milford elementary schoolwww.slsd.org/LowerMilford.cfm 610-965-40957350 elementary rd.Coopersburg, PA 18036

Penn state university Lehigh Valley www.lv.psu.edu610-285-50002809 Saucon Valley rd.Center Valley, PA 18034

southern Lehigh High schoolwww.slsd.org/HighSchool.cfm610-282-14215800 Main St.Center Valley, PA 18034

southern Lehigh intermediate schoolwww.slsd.org/intermediate.cfm 610-861-40405438 route 378bethlehem, PA 18015

southern Lehigh Middle school www.slsd.org/MiddleSchool.cfm 610-282-37003715 Preston LaneCenter Valley, PA 18034

southern Lehigh school district Administrative officeswww.slsd.org/districtandboard.cfm610-282-31215775 Main St.Center Valley, PA 18034

st. Michael the Archangel schoolwww.st-mikes.com610-965-44415040 St. Joseph's roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

strayer universitywww.strayer.edu/allentown484-809-77703800 Sierra Circle, Ste. 300Center Valley, PA 18034

Is your school in the Southern Lehigh area and not listed? Please contact us at solehitribune@gmail.com or 484-632-6108.

Contact informationPublisher - Judd WilsonPhone - (484) 632-6108 email - solehitribune@gmail.comMail - P.O. box 4, Limeport, PA 18060

PoliciesDistribution - Newspapers are distributed weekly at no charge to readers in paper format at select locations throughout the Southern Lehigh area, by request via email, and online at www.solehi.com.

Letters to editor - Please submit letters to the editor via email or mail with your name and mailing address. Advertisements - Please submit requests via phone or email before Tuesday 5 p.m. for consideration in the next issue.

Southern Lehigh Tribune reserves the right to edit or refuse letters and advertisements.

Letters and advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of the Southern Lehigh Tribune. All material copyrighted 2011 by Southern Lehigh Tribune, LLC.

GovernmentsCoopersburg Boroughwww. coopersburgborough.org610-282-3307610-282-4668 fax610-282-1444 police5 North Main StreetCoopersburg, PA 18036

Lehigh Countywww.lehighcounty.org610-782-3000610-782-3175 sheriff17 South 7th StreetAllentown, PA 18101

Lower Milford Townshipwww.lowermilford.net610-967-4949610-967-1013 fax610-437-5252 police7607 Chestnut Hill Church roadCoopersburg, PA 18036

upper saucon Townshipwww.uppersaucon.org610-282-1171610-282-3557 fax610-282-3064 police5500 Camp Meeting roadCenter Valley, PA 18034

10

Republicans Bring Budget Bill to House for Debate

Budget debate is expected to dominate the state Legislature as lawmakers consider the proposal introduced by House Republicans earlier this month.

House Bill 1845 would spend $27.3 billion, the same amount pro-posed by Gov. Tom Corbett. The major difference is that its priorities are different. A half-billion dol-lars in education funding would be

restored, while $470 million would be cut from welfare programs.

House Republican leaders intend to adopt a responsible, on-time budget that does not raise taxes or fees. Over the past two years, the ben-efits paid out from Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Trust Fund have exceeded tax revenues. House Bill 916 would end such shortfalls by reducing expenditures an estimated $632 million per year. The mea-sure would increase the amount of wages a claimant must earn to be

From the Office of State Rep. Justin Simmons

LocaL neWSpaper SeeKS Democrat Writer

For LonG-term reLationShip

The Southern Lehigh Tribune is looking for weekly contributions from a Democrat counterpart to our Republican legislators.

Interested Democrats living or working in the Southern Lehigh area are invited to contact publisher Judd Wilson at solehitribune@gmail.com or 484-632-6108.

eligible for unemployment benefits and require them to actively search for a job. It’s estimated the bill would also save employers more than $350 million in federal inter-est tax charges over the next seven years.

The House Finance Committee recently heard testimony on the impact Internet-based retailers are having on small businesses here in Pennsylvania. Those businesses contend they are put at a competi-tive disadvantage because out-of-

state Internet companies do not have to apply the Commonwealth’s 6 percent sales tax on purchases. Some states have enacted an “Amazon tax,” named after the large online retailer, to bring equity to their tax systems. But opponents argue such a tax would hurt Penn-sylvania’s business climate. Com-mittee members seemed to agree that something needs to be done to level the playing field. For more information, call 610-861-5201 or go to www.repsimmons.com.

The Southern Lehigh Tribune pub-lishes news and editorials from our state legislators as a service to the community. As with letters to the editor, the views expressed thereindo not necessarily reflect the views of the Southern Lehigh Tribune.

southern lehigh tribune |harrisburg| May 28, 2011 a.d.

Mandate Relief Bills Receive Senate Support

Many of the complaints we receive from local school district officials involve state mandates. Many local districts blame these requirements for tapping their resources and ultimately adding to the tax burden that must be borne by property owners.

In response to those concerns, Senate Republicans introduced a legislative package earlier this year intended to relieve schools of costly, onerous and outdated state mandates.

Four of those bills have now passed through our standing com-mittees and were approved by the full Senate:

Senate Bill 612 - allows teachers to be furloughed by school districts for economic reasons as part of a

plan to reduce or control costs. The bill, which I co-sponsored, speci-fies a school district may not use cost as the sole factor in determin-ing which employees it furloughs.

Senate Bill 857 - repeals an ob-solete mandate requiring districts use increases in basic education funding for new programs and expansion of existing programs. I co-sponsored this bill.

Senate Bill 858 - gives districts the option of hiring certificated super-intendents or candidates who have a graduate degree in business or finance. Under current law, school districts may only consider candi-dates who have at least six years of teaching experience and have completed a graduate program that includes Pennsylvania school leadership standards. The legisla-tion would allow school districts to choose from a deeper pool of can-didates to find the best person to

From the Office of State Sen. Bob Mensch

manage the district's finances and oversee the education of students.

Senate Bill 872 - gives school dis-tricts more flexibility to determine policies for participating in dual enrollment programs. The Opportu-nities of Excellence program, also known as dual or concurrent enroll-ment, allows high school students to enroll in and earn credit for college courses. SB 872 removes a requirement for school districts to establish a concurrent enrollment committee and relaxes some state mandates for participating schools. The legislation would require the school district to work with colleg-es to develop a mutual agreement on concurrent course selection.

Senate Bill 224, which I co-sponsored, provides for a lifetime employment ban from schools for those who have been convicted of serious violent offenses, including sexual violence and crimes against

children. The bill also prohibits anyone convicted of any other felony crime from working in a school setting for at least ten years.

The bill is now before the House Education Committee for consid-eration.

The Senate approved legislation to provide special vehicle license plates for recipients of the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Bronze Star with Valor. Senate Bill 468, which I co-sponsored, would allow those medal recipients to apply for the special plates by paying a $20 fee in addition to the annual registra-tion fee and by providing verifying documentation to the Department of Transportation.

For more information, call 610-965-1466 or go to www.senatormensch.com.

11 southern lehigh tribuneMay 28, 2011 a.d. |news|

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Peruvian Students and Faculty to Visit DeSales University

DESALES UNIVERSITY -- Students and faculty from the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Lima, Peru, will arrive at DeSales University on Monday, May 23, 2011, for a week-long introduction to healthcare in the United States.

The students are medical doctors and dentists who are pursuing their Masters in Business Administration degrees at UPC. Their ultimate goal is to open their own practices in Peru upon completion of the program.

DeSales University MBA staff members have arranged for, and will participate in, a full agenda of events to provide the Peruvians with a better understanding of the U.S. health care system. Presentations by DeSales' instructors and local company providers will include an overview of U.S. health care reform, issues with Medicaid and Medicare, and

the challenges that private insurers face. Company visits will afford the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge and ask real-time questions about running a private practice.

Participating organizations include: Independence Blue Cross Greater

Philadelphia Area, Oral Dynamics, OAA Orthopaedic Specialists, Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, TEVA Pharmaceuticals, and the U.S. government. Mrs. Christine Bruce, program director of DeSales' Physician Assistant (PA) program

and Dr. Patrick Kenny, assistant professor of DeSales' Nursing program will also participate.

Dr. David Gilfoil, director of the DSU MBA program, expressed his enthusiasm for this year's visit, saying,"We are delighted to once again host a distinguished group of medical professionals from Peru and anticipate offering a reciprocal tour of U.S. MBA students in the near future."

DeSales University and UPC have had a partnership agreement in place since 2009 which allows for the exchange of students, faculty, research and other relevant information between the two universities. UPC, Peru, is part of a global network of partners, including institutions in India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Romania, that have established strategic relationships with DeSales University.

For more information, please contact the DeSales MBA office at 610.282.1100, ext. 1450.

By Tom McNamaraCourtesy of DeSales University

Health care will be the topic of conversation during a Peruvian group's visit to desales university May 23-27. Photo courtesy of DeSales University.

12 May 28, 2011 a.d.|sports|

By BJ SpigelmyerCourtesy of DeSales University

southern lehigh tribune

DeSales Announces Athletic Award Winners

DESALES UNIVERSITY -- With the conclusion of yet another school year the DeSales University athletics department has announced its end of the year awards as junior Derek Long was named the Dr. John Compardo Male Athlete of the Year and seniors Kate Steiner and Jen Lococo were named the Dr. John Compardo Co-Female Athletes of the Year.

Other award winners included senior Joe Paugh of the men's lacrosse team named the Stanley J. Orzechowski award winner, senior Aaron Gildner as the men's scholar-athlete, seniors Emily Rau and Kaitlyn Gover as the women's scholar-athletes and senior Kristin Schultz of the women's soccer team given the inaugural Al Senavitis Service Award.

Long took home Male Athlete of the Year honors after leading the men's soccer team to its fourth Freedom Conference Championship and into the NCAA Tournament. Along the way, Long was named the Freedom Conference Player of the Year and to the All-Freedom Conference First-Team, named Capital One Academic All-District First-Team, NSCAA All-Region First-Team and led the Bulldogs in scoring with 16 goals and two assists for 34 points.

Steiner and Lococo shared Female Athlete of the Year honors after they led the softball team to a 26-13 overall record and a second straight ECAC South Region Title. Steiner was named the Freedom Conference Player of the Year and to the NFCA All-Region First-Team, while Lococo was named the LVAIAW Softball Player of the Year and to the NFCA All-Region Second-Team.

They each finished the season batting .440 and as the team leader in almost every offensive category. Steiner was tops on the team in runs scored (44), hits (59), triples (7), and stolen bases (10), while Lococo led the Bulldogs in doubles with a school-record 20, home runs (7), and RBIs (38). Lococo was also tops on the squad with 10 wins in the circle, 11 complete-games, and tied for the lead with

three shutouts. She posted a 2.33 ERA and had 72 strikeouts in 111.1 innings pitched.

Paugh was named the Stanley J. Orzechowski award winner as a four-year member of the men's lacrosse team. This award is granted to the athlete whose personal courage and fortitude was a source of inspiration to his/her teammates and to the DeSales University Community. Paugh was not only a team leader in the locker room on the men's lacrosse team but was as well known throughout the athletic department as any student-athlete or staff member, always supporting other teams during the men's lacrosse off-season. He had his best season for the Bulldogs as a senior, appearing in 13 games, making 11 starts and tallying one assist as a defender.

Schultz was given the first-ever Al Senavitis Service Award named after the former men's and women's tennis coach, golf coach, and friend of the DeSales University athletic department who passed away this past year. She was single-handedly responsible for organizing a “pink” day for the DeSales University softball team where funds from a raffle, t-shirt sales, and other items were donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation this past spring.

The male and female scholar-athlete award is given to the seniors with the highest cumulative grade point average (GPA) who have competed on a varsity team over the last four years. Gildner is a member of the men's soccer team carrying a 3.99 GPA into the start of the spring semester. This year he was named to the Capital One Academic All-America First-Team and was also named the MAC Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete.

Rau and Gover shared the honor as members of the women's track & field and women's soccer team. Rau has a 3.90 GPA and was also named the MAC Women's Outdoor Track & Field Scholar Athlete, while Gover carries a 3.88 GPA as a four-year starter on the women's soccer team having earned All-Conference honors as a freshman.

With the end of another school year, desales university recognized several of its student-athletes May 19. Photos by Pat Jacoby.

softballSaucon 15 1Solehi 14 2ND-GP 11 5Wilson 5 11Palisad. 4 12

softballDeSales 26 13Miseri. 25 16King's 19 13Manhat. 16 18fDU 14 19

Boys' TennisSolehi 13 1Morav. 13 1Salisb. 7 7Palisad. 4 10Saucon 2 11

Mens' LacrosseWiden. 15 3Messiah 12 5fDU 11 7eastern 10 6DeSales 3 12

BaseballSolehi 11 5Salisb. 11 5Palisad. 8 8ND-GP 7 9Saucon 5 11

BaseballMiseri. 28 13fDU 22 14Wilkes 21 16DeSales 20 18King's 16 19

LocaL StanDinGS

End of School Year - DeSales University