It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Colonial Industrial Quarter gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Bethlehem, PA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
“Always treated with respect and they showed care for my mother. Everyone was pleasant when I would call about different circumstances.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services provided very professional services that resulted in finding the best personal care facility fit for my mother. They have a passion for helping seniors and prioritize the health and well-being of their clients over everything else. I would highly recommend them when you are in a position of finding senior care services for your loved ones.”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“If your loved one needs in home care, I highly recommend Always Best Care of Bethlehem. Wonderful staff and excellent caregivers that go above and beyond what is expected of them!”
“I am a current client of this provider Always best care cared for my mother. They have been amazing. My mother really likes her caregiver.”
“Ken Good was so helpful and knowledgable when my elderly father needed in-home care. He actually came to the rehab center to meet us where my father was getting physical therapy after a fall. This way he was able to accurately access how much care my father would need and which caregivers would be the right fit. We were afraid we'd have to move him to a nursing home but fortunately we were able to set up in-home care. It's been four months now and we have been very happy with the caregivers who have been assigned to my father. Always Best Care is very responsive and flexible in adjusting hours as needed, somehow managing to keep the caregivers my parents have bonded with even though the hours have been reduced. We are happy our parents are able to age in place with care as they need it.”
“Ken and Rebecca have been extremely helpful during the process of finding in-home care for my in-laws. They have been sensitive to our needs, diligent in their efforts to provide the best possible care, and consistent in their follow-up to see if things are satisfactory. We have been executing this process from out-of-state and the process has been very smooth. Through phone calls and face-to-face meetings when possible, both Ken and Rebecca have been professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services.”
“Ken is a fantastic provider of in-home care in Doylestown. I highly recommend his team.”
“Ken was the first person I really talked to when I found out my father was given a year to live. Instead of immediately looking at me like a business opportunity, he treated me like a close friend. He listened and treated me with complete kindness.. I have gotten to know Ken and his wife Rebecca and I can easily say that they are two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. There is nothing in this world I wouldn't trust them with. Especially the care of a loved one.”
“Excellent in every respect.”
“The support provided by Ken and Rebecca Good (and all of their team) has been invaluable as the family navigates through dealing with the impact of our sister's illness to all of us. The structure with using ABC's online portal to evidence our sister's care is extremely beneficial in ensuring strong and coordinated communication. It is truly appreciative this technology is available and utilized by ABC. For those dealing with identifying care for a loved one, you would be smart to contact Always Best Care of Upper Buxmont.”
“Very few businesses or even people come from a place of compassion and a good heart. Always Best Care does. The client always comes first as does their health and well-being, and the family seeking the best for their loved ones. Thank you Ken for all you did for my parents!”
“I am a current client of this provider Ken and Rebecca go above and beyond for their clients, as do their staff. They handled emergent situations for my grandmother when we were on vacation - staying with her the entire time at the hospital. Ken also did significant research for our decision to put her in an assisted living community. I highly recommend Always Best Care.”
“Ken and Rebecca were a godsend in our search for care for our elderly father. Both Ken and Rebecca were incredibly compassionate, empathetic and caring. In addition, they were knowledgeable and had a wonderful process for determining the needs of the family, the needs of the specific individual and finding an appropriate match for a caregiver to meet those needs. I can't say enough about the services provided by Always Best Care. Ken always went above and beyond, he knew the questions to ask, and how to navigate all the red tape of various organizations (Veterans Administration, etc.) AND he diligently does site visits to the facilities he references so he is able to speak from experience about the quality of care at the facilities under consideration. If you are in need of advice and assistance in caring for a family member I recommend Ken and Rebecca and Always Best Care with no reservations.”
“Very good, prompt attention to an unexpected need for day care in home for Mother-in-law. Ken is very well versed in available providers and other services needed at this time.The day care providers dealt well with her memory problems.”
“Ken & Rebecca were very helpful & knowledgeable with resources in helping me care for my Mom during an extremely difficult time. It was great finding two people who cared & listened to my situation. I never felt alone in my difficult decision making process.”
“Both Rebecca and Ken were very easy to talk with and were very interested in getting to know my father. They went out of their way to help us as our plans changed from in home care to personal care. They explained the process and were with us every step of the way to answer questions and provide support. I would use them again in a minute.”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care provides extremely caring, compassionate help for my mom, I live out of town, and can't be there myself very often. But this business goes all-out to take care of my mom. I don't know what we would do without them.”
“Your loved ones will be in great care with Always Best Care of Greater Bethlehem.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Sand Island Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Melting Pot or visit Single Sisters' House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Bethlehem, PA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Bethlehem, PA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Bethlehem, PA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — An affordable housing project that would rehabilitate a blighted property in Bethlehem has gotten an $800,000 grant.Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority's remediation project at 401-403 and 405 E. 4th St. was the only Lehigh Valley project to get funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's Community Revitalization Fund Program.Only six other projects in the state got money from $4.7 million distributed in the latest round of funding. PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann ...
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — An affordable housing project that would rehabilitate a blighted property in Bethlehem has gotten an $800,000 grant.
Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority's remediation project at 401-403 and 405 E. 4th St. was the only Lehigh Valley project to get funding from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's Community Revitalization Fund Program.
Only six other projects in the state got money from $4.7 million distributed in the latest round of funding.
PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann
The PHFA describes its funding program as one that "seeks to expand or rehabilitate affordable housing coupled with retail/commercial space to promote community revitalization, especially in those parts of the state that are struggling economically."
Only two other projects got $800,000 — one in Venango County and another in Centre County.
"We anticipate the projects funded today will produce 62 new or rehabilitated residential units and 18,065 square feet of commercial-retail space," PHFA Executive Director Robin Wiessmann said in a news release.
"Four of the seven projects receiving funding are located in third-class cities, where they can play a major role in stimulating economic growth and revitalization.
"The combination of housing and commercial space meets important community needs and can provide a beneficial spark to business activity."
Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds, in a news release from the redevelopment authority, called the grant "a large step toward realizing the future of this corner property."
Plans show the Fourth Street building will become four apartments, ranging from one- to three-bedroom units and a first-floor commercial space, the release says.
That means at least three units will be considered affordable to individuals "earning at or below 80% of the area income."
"I applaud the Redevelopment Authority in continuing to pursue vital restoration efforts in Southside Bethlehem."Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds
In Bethlehem, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2025 income limit defines that as $65,150 for an individual and $80,150 for a family.
"I applaud the Redevelopment Authority in continuing to pursue vital restoration efforts in Southside Bethlehem," Williams said.
The Fourth Street building project is expected to cost $2.4 million. The CRFP grant will bring funding for the project to a total of $1.27 million.
RDA Executive Director Sean Ziller shared thanks to the public and private contributors to awards such as those disbursed through the CRFP.
"Through its rehabilitation, we'll be able to, again, contribute to the affordable housing supply, while bringing a commercial space back online that can contribute to and service the neighborhood," Ziller said.
"The RDA remains committed to the South Side neighborhood and in seeking to secure the remainder of the funding to make this project possible."
"This project will expand housing opportunities for South Side families while revitalizing a key block in the Fourth Street small business district."Anna Smith, director of Community Action Development Bethlehem
The RDA news release says it works closely with Community Action Lehigh Valley and Community Action Development Bethlehem.
Anna Smith, director of Community Action Development Bethlehem, said the organization is "thrilled" to see the project continue to move forward with more funding.
"Our South Side community members have identified the creation of affordable housing through the rehabilitation of blighted properties as one of the highest neighborhood priorities," Smith said.
"And this project will expand housing opportunities for South Side families while revitalizing a key block in the Fourth Street small business district.
"This award reinforces our shared commitment to neighborhood revitalization through community-driven planning processes, and we are grateful for the leadership of the City of Bethlehem and Redevelopment Authority on this project."
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is not mincing words when it comes to tariffs and their impact on Mack Trucks.Yesterday, word broke that the bulldog brand was laying off hundreds of employees at its Lower Macungie plant because of economic uncertainty.Shapiro visited Bethlehem ...
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is not mincing words when it comes to tariffs and their impact on Mack Trucks.
Yesterday, word broke that the bulldog brand was laying off hundreds of employees at its Lower Macungie plant because of economic uncertainty.
Shapiro visited Bethlehem firefighters Friday to talk about $30,000,000 in proposed new grants for EMS.
When asked about his take on the Mack layoffs, which he called "deeply troubling," the governor pulled no punches when it comes to the Trump Administration's tariffs.
"I fear that we're going to see more like this. We're going to see more rising prices, more layoffs, more companies not investing in the future, and that's bad for the Pennsylvania economy. It's bad for the economy of this country," Gov. Shapiro said.
Shapiro shared his thoughts during a visit to Bethlehem Memorial Station Company 6.
The governor says he got an email about the layoff of up to 350 Mack employees, calling the move deeply troubling and saying the announcement is an example of how tariffs are going to negatively impact Pennsylvania.
Shapiro says since the announcement, he and Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger have been reaching out to businesses across the state.
"But let's be candid, there's only so much we can do to calm nerves in the markets or calm nerves with the private sector," said Shapiro.
The governor says he's hopeful the President will back away or change existing tariffs to restore calm in the marketplace.
"As opposed to the chaos that exists now, and allow great private companies, iconic companies like Mack, to feel the comfort and the peace of mind to know that it's a safe time to invest in the future," Shapiro added.
The governor admits there is little he and his administration can do to try to ease business fears and calm markets at the state level.
Originally published on wfmz.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem’s historic Main Street is the best in the country.The picturesque downtown strip beat out well-known locations like Salem, Massachusetts, Lake Placid, New York, and Cooperstown, New York to claim the “Best Main Street” crown in USA Today’s 10Best Main Street competition.“Now the whole country knows what everyone who lives and works here already knows, Bethlehem is the best,” said Kelly Ronalds, director of room sales and guest experience for Historic Hotel Bethlehem...
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Bethlehem’s historic Main Street is the best in the country.
The picturesque downtown strip beat out well-known locations like Salem, Massachusetts, Lake Placid, New York, and Cooperstown, New York to claim the “Best Main Street” crown in USA Today’s 10Best Main Street competition.
“Now the whole country knows what everyone who lives and works here already knows, Bethlehem is the best,” said Kelly Ronalds, director of room sales and guest experience for Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
In March, USA Today included Bethlehem's Main Street among the top 20 places that offer "living history, have a vibrant culture, and serve as the hearts of their communities."
A panel of travel experts picked the top 20 best Main Streets across the country.
Voting by the public took place over the next several weeks to determine the top 10 best Main Streets. Individuals could vote online once a day until noon April 7.
Hotel Bethlehem's marketing team rallied a get-out-the vote effort.
“Having won the USA Today Best Historic Hotel award four years in a row, our experts have a lot of experience with this and were very excited to support a contest honoring the entire community,” said Bruce Haines, Hotel Bethlehem's managing partner.
“That’s what a Main Street like ours stands for - community," added Tammy Wendling, senior vice president of Bethlehem Initiatives for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout the several week contest, the Downtown Business Association (“DBA”) worked hard to spread the word.
It created a QR code that made it easy to vote, published many email newsletters, produced social media content, printed postcards, and used good old-fashioned word of mouth to encourage participation.
“Bethlehem is a really special place," said Kimberly O’Neill, co-owner of Knobs ‘N Knockers and a board member of the Downtown Bethlehem Association.
"We’re thrilled to have our business on such a vibrant Main Street and to be part of such a fantastic community. One of the most special things about our location is that you don’t necessarily have to drive a long way to get here, but when you arrive, you feel like you’re on a getaway.”
The other top 10 Main Streets in America include Emporia, Kansas; Ogden, Utah; Howell, Michigan; Grapevine, Texas; Virginia City, Nevada; McMinnville, Oregon; Paso Robles, California; Winchester, Virginia; and Safety Harbor, Florida.
1 of 30Wearing her honorary fire helmet State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton, speaks during Gov. Josh Shapiro’s visit to the fire department Friday, April 18, 2025, in Bethlehem. Shapiro discussed his administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters, including a new, $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique needs. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)Less than a w...
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Wearing her honorary fire helmet State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton, speaks during Gov. Josh Shapiro’s visit to the fire department Friday, April 18, 2025, in Bethlehem. Shapiro discussed his administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters, including a new, $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique needs. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Less than a week after a destructive arson at the Pennsylvania governor’s residence that threatened Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family’s lives, Shapiro made the case Friday for additional funding for the state’s firefighters.
Standing inside Bethlehem Memorial Fire Station, Shapiro said he and his wife, Lori, are “unbelievably bolstered and strengthened” by the outpouring of support following the fire, which caused no injuries but “substantial damage” to the governor’s 29,000-square-foot mansion last Sunday, hours after a Passover gathering. A suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, is in custody.
“I’ve always known the greatness and the bravery of firefighters. A few days ago, my family and I witnessed that firsthand as we were forced out of the governor’s residence at 2 o’clock in the morning as firefighters rushed in,” Shapiro said. “We should think about that for a moment as we were fleeing to safety, the firefighters were rushing into danger. It’s something I’ve always appreciated about our firefighters across Pennsylvania.”
But, he urged people not just to keep his family in their thoughts, but to call their legislators and urge them to support his upcoming 2026 fiscal year budget that makes additional investments in local fire departments.
Shapiro’s “three-part plan” to address unmet needs in municipal fire departments include the following:
The new competitive grant program is in addition to a $30 million boost to municipal fire departments included in the budget passed last year.
According to Bethlehem fire Chief Michael Reich, a $130,000 grant from the state last year allowed the department to buy new equipment like a training mannequin, bomb suit and firefighting foam that does not contain cancer-causing chemicals. A $4 million city investment also allowed Bethlehem to purchase three new ambulances, three new fire engines and five other support vehicles.
Any additional funding from the state’s budget could go toward further equipment upgrades that cannot be covered by city funds, Reich said.
He also lauded Shapiro’s proposal to invest in cancer screenings — firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer because they are regularly exposed to smoke and other cancer causing chemicals, according to the nonprofit Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
While the Bethlehem Fire Department already requires an annual physical that includes a cancer screening, Shapiro’s proposal would invest in a more comprehensive way to detect cancers early, allowing doctors to intervene more quickly.
“It’s a test that goes above and beyond what the city does already,” Reich said.
State Sen Lisa Boscola, touting an honorary fire helmet that Bethlehem firefighters gifted her more than a decade ago, said she thought next year’s budget would pass without a hitch with bipartisan support.
“This is all about helping our firefighters and the budget that we’re going to pass, I think this one’s a no brainer,” Boscola said. “I don’t think we’re going to have any argument about this one.”
In addition to the well wishes of elected officials and firefighters at Friday’s event, Shapiro also walked away with a gift from Gabrielle Perreault, daughter of Allentown firefighter Adam Perreault. Following Shapiro’s remarks, she handed him a care package of polished stones that have inspirational messages carved onto them.
Her father said that Shapiro sent her a video wishing her well during her recovery from a kidney transplant last year, and she wanted to return the favor when she learned of the arson at his home.
“When I was in the hospital suffering from kidney disease, what helped me the most was my family and God, and I just wanted to give him something,” Gabriella Perreault said.
Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at [email protected].
Originally Published: April 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM EDT
Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday.Millions are made daily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer that also churns out Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.Peeps is Just Born...
Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday.
Millions are made daily in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer that also churns out Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.
Peeps is Just Born’s most recognizable brand and one of a handful of candies that evoke strong reactions — good and bad. Some say an Easter basket isn’t complete without Peeps while others deride them as being indestructible. Some use them in recipes or even artwork.
“Even if you’re not usually one to gravitate to eating the Peeps, there’s always so many other fun ways to include them in your celebrations,” said Caitlin Servian, brand manager for Peeps.
On average, about 5.5 million are made each day.
That adds up to 2 billion a year — or roughly 6 Peeps for every man, woman and child across the U.S.
First hatched in yellow, the sugary chicks and bunnies come in nine colors for this Easter season, including pink, blue and lavender. And there are even more flavors — 14 for Easter — from cookies and cream, to fruit punch and sour watermelon. The varieties and colors vary throughout the year with different holiday seasons.
Before the early 1950s, making the candies by hand took 27 hours.
Bob Born, who became known as the “Father of Peeps,” came up with a way to speed up the process. He and a company engineer designed a machine to make them in less than six minutes. The same process is used today.
The main ingredients — sugar, corn syrup and gelatin — are cooked and combined to create marshmallows, which are then shaped and sent through a “sugar shower.”
A whopping 400 pounds (181 kilograms) of sugar is used per batch for Peeps’ colored sugars.
Freshly made Peeps — each chick weighs one-third of an ounce — then move along a conveyor so that they can cool before being packaged.
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