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 The Soldiers and Sailors Monument 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 Allentown, 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 Trout Creek 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 Grille 3501 or visit Mack Trucks Historical Museum, 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.
Request More Information
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 Allentown, 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 Allentown, 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 Allentown, 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.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A restaurant serving build-your-own baked potatoes, French fries, pierogies and tater tots has ended operations in Lehigh County, but customers may still be able to score the specialty spuds at another location in the future.The Potato Factory, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared, customizable potato options, closed about a month ago at 921 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.Owner Francisco "Macho" Velez attributed his decision to shutter the eatery to low foot traffic in re...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A restaurant serving build-your-own baked potatoes, French fries, pierogies and tater tots has ended operations in Lehigh County, but customers may still be able to score the specialty spuds at another location in the future.
The Potato Factory, a fast-casual eatery offering a wide array of freshly prepared, customizable potato options, closed about a month ago at 921 Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown.
Owner Francisco "Macho" Velez attributed his decision to shutter the eatery to low foot traffic in recent months. He also cited inadequate nearby parking.
Velez has a food truck and is seeking to transition The Potato Factory into a mobile operation, he said.
The truck would visit festivals and other public events and also be available to rent for private parties.
If the new mobile venture comes to fruition, more details will be announced on social media, Velez said.
The Potato Factory opened a little less than a year ago, in May 2024, in a renovated space at Hamilton and Fountain streets.
The restaurant offered a wide array of custom options for baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, deep-fried pierogies, boardwalk French fries and tater tots.
Toppings included meats and seafood such as steak, shrimp, brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, turkey, chopped ham, chopped steak, hot dog, mini meatballs, chili, sloppy Joe, bacon and pepperoni; vegetables such as corn, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, banana peppers, green peppers, red peppers, jalapeno peppers and cauliflower; and other items such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, black olives, mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, liquid cheese and sour cream.
Customers also could choose from various sauces such as alfredo, barbecue, honey barbecue, A1, hot sauce, mild sauce, ranch, chimichurri, balsamic vinaigrette and spaghetti sauce.
Velez was inspired to open The Potato Factory after noticing similar build-your-own potato businesses proliferating in Puerto Rico and California, among other places.
As a fan of potatoes himself, he decided to open his own restaurant “specializing in all things spuds” in Allentown.
“There’s not many places in the Lehigh Valley where you can build your own potato with this many toppings,” Velez told 69 News shortly after the restaurant's opening.
“So, I really just wanted to open a new concept – a family-friendly place where you can enjoy a great, quick meal at an affordable price.”
The Potato Factory operated in a renovated space that previously housed other dining establishments, including Island in the Sun and Culture Jam Jamaican restaurants.
Another restaurant, Aroma of India, is coming soon to the space, according to exterior signage.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was honored for his historic season on Sunday and received the key to Allentown, Pennsylvania.Barkley, a native of Coplay, Pennsylvania, who played at Whitehall High School, was honored at the PPL Center in Allentown following his first year with the Eagles that ended in a Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars...
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was honored for his historic season on Sunday and received the key to Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Barkley, a native of Coplay, Pennsylvania, who played at Whitehall High School, was honored at the PPL Center in Allentown following his first year with the Eagles that ended in a Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Barkley's high school football coach, Brian Gilbert, told CBS Philadelphia before the Super Bowl that he "worked his tail off" at Whitehall.
Last week, Barkley was rewarded for his play in the 2024 season with a historic contract extension that made him the league's first-ever $20 million-plus-per-year running back. The two-year contract extension is worth $41.2 million and eclipses Christian McCaffrey's $19 million AAV.
After spending the first six years of his career with the New York Giants, Barkley had a career-year in Philadelphia and earned the AP Offensive Player of the Year Award. He was also named an MVP finalist.
Barkley became the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards and broke Terrell Davis' regular season and postseason rushing record. He led the NFL in rushing with 2,005 yards on 345 carries and 13 touchdowns.
Barkley also holds the record for most rushing yards in a single season in Eagles franchise history and most rushing yards in a single game. Both records were held by former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.
Tom Ignudo is a digital content producer at CBS Philadelphia. Before he joined CBS Philadelphia in 2021, Tom covered high school and college sports for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He covers breaking news, sports and more.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A former Allentown Schools teacher who successfully sued the district for violating his First Amendment rights after he attended a 2021 “Stop the Steal” rally is seeking $3.1 million to cover his attorney’s fees and other costs.Former Raub Middle School teacher Jason Moorehead is owed the funds because of the time, effort...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A former Allentown Schools teacher who successfully sued the district for violating his First Amendment rights after he attended a 2021 “Stop the Steal” rally is seeking $3.1 million to cover his attorney’s fees and other costs.
Former Raub Middle School teacher Jason Moorehead is owed the funds because of the time, effort and money required to hold the district and its officials responsible for constitutional violations, his lawyer argued in a court filing.
The Allentown School District’s legal team claimed in a court memo that Moorehead's payment request is inflated and should be denied outright because it was not made in good faith.
Moorehead turned down up to $2.5 million in settlement money offered by Allentown School District.Lehigh County Court records
A U.S. District Court judge will hear oral arguments on the matter May 6 at the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse in Allentown, according to an April 1 court filing.
Additionally, other new court filings show Moorehead was unsatisfied with the $131,500 awarded to him for damages at the end of a jury trial last August.
He unsuccessfully sought a new trial to increase the damages awarded.
Court documents also show Moorehead turned down up to $2.5 million in settlement money offered by ASD.
In his federal lawsuit, Moorehead, who taught in ASD for 17 years, claimed the school district and its officials violated his constitutional rights by falsely linking him to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.
On that day, Moorehead was in Washington, D.C., at a rally with President Donald Trump — more than a mile away from the Capitol.
Through a public statement and other actions, Moorehead said the district and its officials created an unsafe, hostile work environment that effectively made it impossible for him to go back to teaching.
The former social studies teacher was fired in 2022 after being asked to return to work and declining.
A jury agreed with Moorehead’s claims, finding the school district and its officials smeared Moorehead’s name for his conservative political beliefs.
As a result, the school district was ordered to pay $125,000, school board Director Lisa Conover was ordered to pay $6,000 and former school board President Nancy Wilt was ordered to pay $500.
School Director Phoebe Harris was also found liable for violating Moorehead’s rights but was not ordered to pay for any damages.
Despite the victory, Moorehead’s attorney filed a motion for a new trial in September, saying the former teacher was entitled to a greater damages award.
In a Monday opinion, District Court Judge John M. Gallagher denied the motion.
Moorehead has received no payments for damages, but attorneys for ASD said in a Wednesday statement “that the defendants are ready, willing and able to pay the verdict.”
They advised Moorehead’s attorney that their clients would pay once the motion for a new trial was withdrawn or resolved, according to the statement.
The school district’s attorneys said ASD’s insurance company will pay the $125,000 in compensatory damages it owes Moorehead.
"Having misjudged the value of his case, Mr. Moorehead now asks this Court, and the Allentown School District, to compensate his attorneys for his poor decision."Court memo from ASD's attorneys
The attorneys declined to comment on whether Conover and Wilt will pay Moorehead the collective $6,500 in punitive damages they owe out of pocket, or whether the insurance will also cover that.
As for the attorney’s fees and other costs, if Judge Gallagher orders the defendants to pay Moorehead, then those payments will also be sent by ASD’s insurance company, the district’s attorneys said in a statement.
According to court documents, Moorehead is seeking $2,873,850 in attorney and paralegal fees, and $265,795.74 in other costs — totaling $3.1 million.
Moorehead’s attorney claimed in a court filing that the amount is justified because it took “tremendous resources” to litigate the case.
The attorney also said it was the defendants' “deliberate conduct which drastically expanded and complicated this case.”
“Having misjudged the value of his case, Mr. Moorehead now asks this Court, and the Allentown School District, to compensate his attorneys for his poor decisions.”Allentown School District attorneys wrote in a memo
However, the school district’s attorneys claimed in a memo that Moorehead and his legal team are seeking the amount of funds they thought the jury would award them.
“Having misjudged the value of his case, Mr. Moorehead now asks this Court, and the Allentown School District, to compensate his attorneys for his poor decisions,” the school district’s attorneys wrote in a memo.
The $131,500 verdict is a mere 2.6% of the $5 million Moorehead demanded in order to settle before the case went to trial, according to court documents. He also demanded a correction of the public record.
ASD offered Moorehead a $1 million settlement, which was declined; and then offered him a $2.5 million settlement, which also was declined.
Additionally, ASD offered Moorehead $750,000 if he would drop the claims against individual school directors. He declined that offer, too.
If Judge Gallagher were to order the defendants to pay Moorehead’s fees and costs, that amount should only be $117,433.66, ASD’s attorneys said in a court memo.
AJ Fluehr, Moorehead’s head attorney on the federal case, charged $1,000 an hour — a rate the school district’s attorneys said is far outside the norm, especially for Fluehr’s 10 years of litigation experience.
Allentown School District is trying “to avoid responsibility” for the costs and fees “which they caused to be incurred.”AJ Fluehr, Moorehead’s head attorney on the federal case, in court filing
They cited a Bethlehem-based attorney with 36 years of experience who only charges $350 an hour.
Fluehr said his $1.55 million fee was fair given Moorehead’s smaller legal team and the complexity of the case, according to a court filing.
Francis Malofiy, an attorney and paralegal on the case, also charged a $1.17 million fee. Malofiy owns the law firm that handled Moorehead’s case.
Additional attorney and paralegal fees totaled $156,750, according to court documents.
Fluehr wrote in the filing that the school district is trying “to avoid responsibility” for the costs and fees “which they caused to be incurred.”
The school district’s attorneys also took issue with the $265,795.74 in costs submitted by Moorehead’s legal team.
They pointed to “irrelevant charges,” such as receipts for “WaWa, Dunkin Donuts, 7-11, gas stations, and a litany of other businesses that have nothing to do with the practice of law,” according to a court memo.
Additionally, the school district’s attorneys took issue with expert fees and flight charges, among other costs.
Moorehead’s attorney argued in a court filing that such costs were necessary for the case. For instance, food charges were for the legal team’s meals during trial breaks, so they could continue working together on the case.
Additionally, Moorehead’s attorney argued that experts were necessary to the case, and thus, ASD “unreasonably” forced the law firm to incur these costs by “frivolously” contesting that it created a hostile work environment for Moorehead in the first place.
As to flight costs, the attorney wrote in a court filing that some of Moorehead’s family members were flown into Allentown in case they were called as witnesses.
Despite believing the costs and fees are justified, Moorehead’s attorney provided hypothetical reductions to the charges submitted.
Using less severe reductions, the $3.1 million requested falls only to $1.8 million — still a much greater sum than the $117,433.66 calculated by ASD’s attorneys.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A destination for a variety of freshly prepared food and drinks is closing after nearly six years of operation.The Downtown Allentown Market, a 12,000-square-foot, multi-merchant market featuring space for nine food and beverage vendors, will hold its last day of operation on April 17, according to Jeff Vaughan, spokesman for City Center Group, which owns and operates the market.The market has seen several vendors come and go over the years, with a trio of tenants - Bo Sai Sushi & Noodles, Mis Raices ...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A destination for a variety of freshly prepared food and drinks is closing after nearly six years of operation.
The Downtown Allentown Market, a 12,000-square-foot, multi-merchant market featuring space for nine food and beverage vendors, will hold its last day of operation on April 17, according to Jeff Vaughan, spokesman for City Center Group, which owns and operates the market.
The market has seen several vendors come and go over the years, with a trio of tenants - Bo Sai Sushi & Noodles, Mis Raices Restaurant & Bakery and Grab N' Go - departing the 27 N. Seventh St. market in recent months.
The remaining tenants - Johnny's ArtsWalk Diner, Chez's Delicatessen and Zahra - will hold their last day of operation at the market on April 17, Vaughan said.
"While we're grateful for the support of our vendors and customers, the Market did not meet our long-term expectations, and we've made the difficult decision to close it," said Jill Wheeler, City Center Group's vice president, in a written statement.
"This closing does not diminish the exciting culinary scene emerging downtown but marks our strategic shift to helping restaurateurs lease their own spaces with greater visibility and set their own hours."
Zahra owner Samantha Younes hopes to nail down a new location for her fast-casual Middle Eastern/Mediterranean concept in the coming months.
At her new location, she would expand the menu to include more bowls, handhelds, sides and baked goods.
"I'm looking to expand with a larger menu and also a larger, more visible space in the Allentown area," Younes told 69 News on Thursday.
"City Center was very great to work with in our nearly six years at the market, but we struggled a bit with being tucked in on the ArtsWalk, off of Seventh Street. So, I would like to find a new spot with street visibility."
Younes' family also operates Allentown's Aladdin restaurant, which was established in 1981 on Second Street before relocating to its current spot on Union Boulevard in 1999.
At Zahra, customers can enjoy wraps and bowls such as chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, falafel and zahra (fried cauliflower).
Other menu highlights include dips such as hummus and babaganouj; sides such as zaatar fries and sumac fries; and desserts such as baklava and chocolate halva.
"Wherever we end up, we're going to have even more options for customers," Younes said.
Chez's is also looking to relocate to another Allentown area spot, according to Maria Piazza, who operates the business with her cousin, Isaac Csezmadia.
The business offers a variety of classic and signature sandwiches, including the "Great Bambino" (grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, balsamic glaze and pesto, toasted) and "Phantom Frenzy" (top round roast beef, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion, roasted red peppers, oil and vinegar), along with a wide array of salads and sides. Build-your-own sandwiches are also available.
"We will definitely keep our customers updated on social media," Piazza said.
Johnny's ArtsWalk Diner is consolidating its downtown Allentown operations at its larger, nearby Johnny's location at Sixth and Linden streets, according to co-owner Sarah Zohir.
Johnny's offers a large variety of soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, paninis, wraps and smoothies and other specialty beverages. Platters such as chicken kabobs and butter chicken are also available.
"Our commitment to attracting a variety of high-quality dining experiences remains strong, and we continue to believe downtown Allentown can be a thriving culinary destination," Wheeler added. "We plan to repurpose the Market space to support our residential business. More to come."
The 12,000-square-foot Downtown Allentown Market, located on the ArtsWalk between Sixth and Seventh streets, opened in October 2019 with spaces for nine vendors.
The food and beverage hall, featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas, has seen several businesses come and go over its nearly six years.
Other former tenants include Honmono Sushi, The Loaded Plantain, Zachary's BBQ & Soul, Fresh Kitchen by Robert Irvine, Batch Microcreamery, Little Miss Korea, Boardroom Spirits, Doughnut Love, Licensed 2 Grill @ The Market, Shinsen and Reading Coffee Company.
In April 2024, the market implemented new hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Previously, the market had operating hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays.
As a result of the shifting hours, several tenants left the market as the breakfast and lunch hours did not line up with their business models.
Casa Criolla – offering a variety of Latin American dishes and specialty beers and cocktails – and 1838 – an Allentown-themed beer and wine bar – closed in late March 2024.
Additionally, Randevoo – offering a twist on traditional Asian fusion cuisine – and La Kang Thai Eatery – offering traditional and modern Thai specialties – closed their Downtown Allentown Market locations in April of last year, and Pasta & Pies – offering pizza, pasta, calzones and other Italian dishes – shuttered its market location in June.
La Kang continues to operate various full-service locations throughout the Lehigh Valley, and Randevoo continues to operate via a mobile operation.
"As the downtown continues to grow and evolve, more locations for dinner and events are now available," market manager Bre Bradley said in a written statement in March 2024.
"At the same time, with nearby businesses back in the office, our lunch traffic has increased. As a result of those factors, we have decided to reset our hours of operation around our busiest times, which are weekday breakfast and lunch."
In response to the market's changing hours, Craig Beavers, a downtown Allentown resident, in the fall started a petition to have City Center reconsider its decision to condense the Downtown Allentown Market's hours.
Beavers sent an e-mail detailing the petition to City Center.
"This was a major blow to our downtown community," the e-mail reads.
"Residents lost a gathering hub for events like bingo and music, as well as great food options that aren't easily found downtown. Entrepreneurs and start-up restaurants, who used the Market as an incubator for starting their dream of opening a food stall, now lost a viable option, as the operating hours are not conducive to several vendors' needs."
Beavers was compelled to start the petition as he is a downtown Allentown resident who misses frequenting the market during its now-eliminated hours.
He would often stop at the market during evenings before attending events downtown.
"Additionally, the vibrancy of dining options for visitors and event attendees has decreased without the Market," the e-mail continues.
"Those attending a Phantoms game or a concert usually stopped at the Market for a bite to eat; it was a major hit for PPL Center visitors, walking past it from the ArtsWalk Garage. Those in town for a conference or just staying at a hotel could experience a variety of local chefs and enjoy a quaint taste of Allentown by checking out the market. Now, there are limited options available."
In response to the petition, Vaughan in November reiterated the company's position that the move was based on data and feedback that has been continuously collected throughout the life of the market.
"As the downtown continues to grow and evolve, more locations for dinner, events, and late-night food are now available," Vaughan said at the time.
The Downtown Allentown Market may be set to close soon, but there is also some good news for downtown Allentown foodies.
On March 24, José Garces, a James Beard Award-winning chef, entrepreneur, food innovator and restaurateur, opened Rosa Blanca, his first of two new restaurants that he is planning in downtown Allentown.
Rosa Blanca operates on the ground floor of The Nines residential building at 950 Hamilton St.
Garces' second new restaurant in Allentown, Okatshe, will be his modern take on traditional Japanese izakaya. It will open in the second quarter of 2025 at a soon-to-be-announced location downtown.
Also, Jesse Haik, a co-owner of the 2.5-year-old Pennsylvania Rye Company at 536 Hamilton St., is planning to open Simpatico - a modern Italian restaurant - in May at 27 N. Seventh St.
Simpatico will occupy an updated ArtsWalk space that previously housed other dining establishments, including Shula's Steak House, Queen City BBQ and, most recently, Blended, on the ground floor of the Strata West apartment complex.
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A famed restaurateur who won the second season of Food Network’s “Iron Chef” has announced the opening date of the first of two planned downtown Allentown eateries.José Garces, a James Beard Award-winning chef who won the second season of "Iron Chef," said Rosa Blanca will open for dinner and cocktail preview nights from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22.Th...
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A famed restaurateur who won the second season of Food Network’s “Iron Chef” has announced the opening date of the first of two planned downtown Allentown eateries.
José Garces, a James Beard Award-winning chef who won the second season of "Iron Chef," said Rosa Blanca will open for dinner and cocktail preview nights from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22.
The restaurant, on the ground floor of The Nines residential building at 950 Hamilton St., then will be closed on Sunday, March 23, and start its regular schedule on Monday, March 24.
“Rosa Blanca will flow from a breezy café with classic Cuban coffee and pastries by day to a tropical rum bar by night, bringing Little Havana in Miami to Allentown through great music, warm hospitality and, of course, wonderful food and drinks."Chef José Garces
Rosa Blanca’s regular hours will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays for breakfast and lunch; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays for breakfast and lunch and 4 p.m.-midnight for dinner and drinks.
Based on one of Garces’ popular restaurant concepts, Rosa Blanca will be a Cuban café and rum bar offering fast-casual service.
“This kind of hybrid concept is fairly unique in the Lehigh Valley,” Garces said.
“Rosa Blanca will flow from a breezy café with classic Cuban coffee and pastries by day to a tropical rum bar by night, bringing Little Havana in Miami to Allentown through great music, warm hospitality and, of course, wonderful food and drinks.
"Evenings at Rosa Blanca will be festive and fun, whether you’re headed to a show or event downtown or just looking for a special dining experience.”
Rosa Blanca’s lunch and dinner menu will offer Cuban specialties and comfort food, such as Cubanos, crispy empanadas, soups, salads and entrees with flavors of the Caribbean.
The restaurant also will offer to-go service at a window on Hamilton Street and will begin catering this spring.
Garces’s planned second new restaurant in Allentown, Okatshe, will be a modern take on traditional Japanese izakaya, or casual bar. It will open in the second quarter of 2025 at a soon-to-be-announced location downtown.Chef José Garces
Garces’s planned second new restaurant in Allentown, Okatshe, will be a modern take on traditional Japanese izakaya, or casual bar. It will open in the second quarter of 2025 at a soon-to-be-announced location downtown, Garces said in a news release.
Garces is known for helping to build Philadelphia’s restaurant scene in the early 2000s.
Garces said he was attracted to downtown Allentown by the city’s continued revitalization and the placemaking efforts of downtown developer City Center Group.
City Center owns and operates the restaurant’s building on Hamilton Street in the Downtown West neighborhood, where Archer Music Hall and a Moxy Hotel both opened in early 2025.
Rosa Blanca’s interior by dash design of New York City features Art Deco style, lush greenery, and an emphasis on glamour to produce Cuba’s Golden Age aesthetic in the heart of Downtown West.
The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will seat around 40 guests indoors among the bar and tables. Sidewalk seating will accommodate around 30 additional guests.
484-896-8867
