Home Care In Bangor, PA

It seems the Bangor Borough Authority is done waiting for Roseto officials to address overflow issues in the Slate Belt communities’ shared sewer system.

The solicitor for the Bangor Borough Authority sent letters dated Oct. 10 to Roseto residents that states the Bangor authority is going to put flow restriction plates in certain sections of the Bangor sewer system, which “could result in raw sewage” backing up into homes.

The plates are designed to bring Roseto into compliance with flow levels that have been exceeding an agreed upon limit, according to the letter.

Sewage waste generated in Roseto is conveyed through sewer pipes into Bangor’s wastewater treatment plant on Lower South Main Street.

The letter from Bangor authority solicitor Stanley Margle states the Borough of Roseto and the Roseto Borough Sewer Authority have been advised for years that sewage flows from Roseto have consistently exceeded the amount it is permitted to convey into the Bangor sewer system.

The letter also states that Roseto and the Roseto authority have been advised that action needs to be taken to reduce the flows but that action has not been taken.

“Our request for remedial action has gone without an effective response,” Margle states.

Roseto Borough Authority Chairman Michael Goffredo said Roseto has been making efforts for remediation.

Goffredo said the Roseto authority has spent $1 million on sewer repair work in the last several years.

“We try to keep up with the maintenance of the system that was built in 1968,” Goffredo said.

Margle states the flow restriction plates will be used with specific guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

The implementation of the flow restriction plates is designed to reduce the current level of flow from Roseto so, over time, it will be compliant with the intermunicipal agreement between Roseto and Bangor.

The flow restriction comes with a risk to Roseto residents, according to the Bangor authority.

“It is also important for you to understand that there exists the possibility that the Flow Restriction Plates may cause overflow to various users in the Borough of Roseto,” Margle states. “If that occurs, the existence of overflows and backups, could result in raw sewage coming back into your home.”

Goffredo said it has been the Roseto authority’s position for years that the metering devices that calculate flow are outdated and inaccurate. Roseto authority officials have been considering getting new metering devices that would calculate a more accurate flow, he said.

Regardless, the Roseto authority will continue to work with the Bangor authority toward a resolution, Goffredo said.

“We are working diligently on any and all issues with Bangor authority,” he said.

The Bangor authority’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Bangor administration building, 197 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Roseto authority meets next at 7 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Roseto administration building, 164 Garibaldi Ave.

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BANGOR, Pa. - Some of the worst flooding Sunday in Northampton County happened on S Main St. in Bangor.

One woman living there named Genevieve Coval shared cell phone video with us that she took from her front porch Sunday morning as the flood waters rushed down S Main St. and into her basement.

"This is devastation. My yard is devastated, my basement is devastated," said Coval.

As Coval showed us the destruction in her backyard and the mud caking the floor of her basement, she also said she doesn't have flood insurance.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think anything like this would happen," said Coval.

Next door, her neighbor Christina Oliva is in a similar situation.

"All this is cracked here. All this is cracked," said Oliva, gesturing to her cement walkway that is now missing a huge chunk.

Oliva said, as the water rushed into her basement, her son tried to save his belongings.

"He was grabbing whatever he could save, because the water was just coming up, in minutes it was coming up," said Oliva.

Oliva said at the height, the water was almost five feet high in her basement. Coval told us she is now considering selling her most precious possession to pay for repairs.

"I asked for my horses, if they could find somebody to buy them, and my trailer so I could at least have money for the basement," said Coval.

Coval hopes it doesn't come to that, but as crews work to repair S Main St., she hopes someone can help her and her neighbors as well.

"I hope something can be done. I hope they can give us some kind of relief," said Coval.

"It's bad. We need help, we need help," said Oliva.

It's not clear what type of relief might be available for people living on S Main St., but we do know Northampton County officials were touring some of the hardest hit areas on Monday, and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild tweeted "I will continue to do everything in my power to bring federal assistance to the communities affected."

BANGOR, Pa. – An ice cream shop has closed, but another is taking its place in the Slate Belt.

Dinky's Ice Cream Parlor, offering homemade ice cream, burgers and more, closed Sunday after more than a decade of business at 103 Broadway in Bangor, husband and wife owners Norman and Jill Matthews announced on the business' Facebook page.

The Bangor couple will continue operating their three-year-old Dinky's location at 312 E. Third St. in South Bethlehem.

"With a sad and heavy heart, today is the last day for Dinkys In Bangor," the couple posted on Sunday. "We are open our normal hours. We want to say thank you to all of our customers and employees for being there for us for the past 11 1/2 years."

In a video on the business' Facebook page, Norman announced that the Bangor location was sold to "young, ambitious" people, who went to school with the Matthews' sons.

The new owners plan to rename the Bangor shop and reopen it within a few weeks.

"They're going to shut down for about two weeks to get all of their ducks in order so they can get in there and do their spin on it," Norman said.

Selling the Bangor shop will allow the couple to focus on the Bethlehem location, which is a "big animal," Norman said.

"If we could've kept it open and been there and done all of it, we would have," Jill said in a separate video. "It's just down here in Bethlehem, it just took more than what we thought it was going to take from us."

Taking the place of Dinky's in Bangor will be "The Local Scoop," operated by the Louszko family.

Updates, including an opening announcement, will be made on the business' Facebook and Instagram pages.

"We're super excited to embark on this new adventure and can't wait to serve our local community" a post on The Local Scoop Bangor's social media pages reads.

Dinky's Ice Cream in Parlor & Grill in Bethlehem will continue to operate Thursday through Tuesday.

The business serves hard and soft ice cream, along with other chilled treats such as milkshakes and sundaes, and savory items such as burgers, hot dogs, French fries, nachos, chili, and chicken sandwiches.

Dinky's also recently debuted a mobile trailer.

UPPER MT. BETHEL TWP., Pa. - Parents in the Bangor Area School District are calling on administrators to bring back middle school cheerleading after the program was shut down amid bullying in-person and on social media.

Athletic Director Steve Panczer said in a Nov. 3 letter to parents that the decision to postpone the cheerleaders’ winter season was made “with careful consideration and commitment to the overall well-being of our students.”

Attorney Matthew Goodrich represents the families of five team members. He pleaded for a reversal of the decision during a meeting of the Bangor Area School Board on Tuesday night.

Besides reinstatement, he said, parents wanted the cheer team run without the involvement of high school varsity cheerleading coach Lisa Keith; the implementation of a conflict-of-interest policy regarding Panczer; and an accounting of the more than $10,000 they said team members raised for the extracurricular club.

According to the parents, Keith verbally abused team members and wrongly accused them of bullying. Additionally, they said, Panczer’s daughter was among the 24 girls on the team and that relationship compromised his objectivity.

“The ongoing issues encountered during this school year have negatively impacted our students, both at home, during the academic day, and during team practices/events. These issues have been a cause for concern and have affected the overall educational experience of our students.”

Bangor Area School District Athletic Director Steve Panczer

In his letter to parents, Panczer said postponement of the season was a decision not made lightly but was “a necessary step to create a positive and supportive environment for all our students."

“The ongoing issues encountered during this school year have negatively impacted our students, both at home, during the academic day, and during team practices/events," he said in the letter. "These issues have been a cause for concern and have affected the overall educational experience of our students.”

Panczer said, “These current challenges demand that we prioritize the academic and emotional well-being of all our students at this time.”

Goodrich asked for a reconsideration earlier this week but didn’t get an immediate response from the school board or the administration.

“Let's not punish them and have no success,” Goodrich said. “No possibility of success, no ability to have success because there just isn't a program. So I implore you to work with me. Reverse your decision.”

While Keith is the high school varsity cheerleading coach, parents said she would regularly direct middle school cheer team practices.

Several girls said Keith yelled at them or forced them to run laps after they said they were accused of bullying, which they deny. Parents said several disturbing social media posts from within the team were not sufficiently addressed by coaches or administrators.

“Let's not punish them and have no success. No possibility of success, no ability to have success because there just isn't a program."

Matthew Goodrich, attorney representing five families

Seventh-grader Katelyn Pachnek said Keith instructed the girls not to talk about what happened at practices.

“Whatever happens in the gym stays in the gym,” she said Keith told them.

Neither Panczer nor Keith responded to LehighValleyNews.com’s request for comment.

Cheerleading program guidelines spell out the social media policy, stating that students who post negative videos, pictures or posts would be removed from the team and those posts would be considered “bullying.”

Bangor Area Schools Superintendent William Haws did not respond to an emailed request for comment and declined to answer questions after Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Communication issues

Parents said their attempts to try to resolve the issues around bullying were unsuccessful. They blamed poor communication with district staff and coaches.

Cyana Rodriguez is head coach of the middle school cheerleaders and Lauren Heines coaches the junior varsity team. Each was approved by the board for the 2023-2024 season with a stipend of $2,100, according to minutes of the May 23 meeting. Rodriguez and Heines did not respond to requests for comment.

The parents said coaches would not respond to their calls or messages, and district policy bans parents from approaching coaches before or after a practice or a game.

They said the situation deteriorated to the point that Keith instructed parents on Oct. 13 not to leave their vehicles when dropping off or picking up their kids from practices.

District leaders including Panczer, Assistant Superintendent Kristin Kruger and Assistant to the Superintendent Braden Hendershot met with parents in October to discuss bullying issues.

Parent Jim Honszer said he contacted Hendershot after the meeting to say he believed Panczer was not taking their concerns seriously. Other parents said they had similar concerns.

“Unfortunately we were unable to agree on a resolution to what’s going on,” Honszer said. “It was very difficult for me to sit there and have a professional adult conversation as your athletic director sat there smirking and laughing at everything that was brought to attention by all of the parents."

More than $10,000 raised

Bauer said the middle school cheer team raised more than $10,000 so far this year through fundraising activities. According to Bauer, Keith told parents the money was going to the high school cheerleaders.

“Her reasoning behind this was that one day when our children are on high school cheer, they'll be grateful that someone's paying for them,” Bauer said. “Now, what is the chance that in three years, my daughter might even be interested [in cheerleading]? She might, she might not.”

School Board President Michael Goffredo said money raised by one team would not normally go to another, but he wasn’t sure how cheerleading raises money as a whole.

Goffredo said after Tuesday’s meeting that he had heard of students seeing disturbing social media posts, but was unsure if it was true. He would not comment on any steps taken by district staff to address sensitive social media content.

Before March 2020, Bangor Trust Brewing had already weathered more than its fair share of challenges.

A Lehigh Valley borough of less than 6,000 people located 32 miles north of Allentown, Bangor was first incorporated in the 1870s (its founder was an emigrant from Bangor, Wales). Historic homes of Pennsylvania’s former slate industry tycoons still flavor Bangor’s architecture today, and that’s part of what drew Bangor Trust co-owners Traci McGinty and Leo Bongiorno to launch their business there.

“It’s just a few minutes from the Appalachian Trail,” says McGinty of choosing Bangor. “And we’re much closer to New York City than the rest of the [Lehigh] Valley.”

The couple opened a bread bakery in February 2017 and continued fundraising for the brewery. They served their first Bangor beer at the original location at 15 Broadway in August 2018.

The bakery-and-brewing business was thriving. In summer 2019, the owners even considered purchasing a new location instead of renting, but the real estate deal fell through. McGinty and Bongiorno got ready to renew their lease, which was up on November 1, 2019.

But the duo was not able to renew — it was a double blow, because the lost lease included rented brewery equipment they could not immediately replace. Fortunately, they found another location in the heart of Bangor, about 100 feet away at 50 Broadway. The partners were hopeful: a better layout, a bigger kitchen, and a 20-foot stage all promised exciting growth. They just had to survive until they could re-open.

The new location needed cosmetic renovations and friends provided the “sweat equity,” painting, dropping off materials and tools, and lending or gifting equipment. Bangor Trust also launched a fundraising t-shirt and mug sale. The community stepped up — not just with purchases, but donations, too. Supporters included other Lehigh Valley brewery owners.

“It’s a pretty close-knit group,” says McGinty.

Ultimately, Bangor Trust’s plan to reopen before the end of 2019 didn’t materialize due to funding and permitting hurdles. But the community’s hands-on help and donations floated the closed brewery through January and most of February 2020.

“Things looked pretty bleak,” says McGinty.

The business pulled through for a grand reopening on February 27.

With plans to get the bakery back online by late April, Bangor Trust didn’t yet have a food license. Again, local businesses rallied to help. Little Creek Bar-B-Cue, Dinky’s Ice Cream Parlor, and caterer J. De Franco & Daughters rolled up to serve hungry brewery-goers food-truck style.

The new space quickly attracted crowds with the help of live music and events.

“We had two really good weekends of sales and were able to pay bills once again,” recalls McGinty.

It was a great feeling for the team and hope surged.

And then Bangor Trust faced the same crisis as businesses across America: The COVID-19 pandemic shut down bars and eat-in restaurants. The news hit hard. Bangor Trust had booked more than two dozen events in March that it had to cancel. Partnering food vendors, coping with the same challenges, could not continue onsite.

Bangor Trust is a small brewery, with none of its beer yet available in cans or bottles and no distribution beyond its brick-and-mortar location. But the owners decided to stay open for beer to-go and curbside pickup (4-8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday). They sell and fill growlers, and offer merchandise and gift cards.

McGinty is frank.

“We are struggling,” she says.

But the business is no stranger to struggle, and there are bright spots.

“Everyone is pulling together,” she adds. “With a little more time on our hands, we’ve been able to help others in the community, too.”

She’s even brought out her old sewing machine and is making DIY face masks with the Bangor Trust logo. The customers who do come by for beer to go are grateful for the beverage and the connection.

“Bangor Trust is pretty scrappy,” she insists. “We aren’t giving up.”

ALAINA JOHNS is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and the Editor-in-Chief of BroadStreetReview.com, Philly’s hub for arts, culture and commentary. You can visit her at her blog, where fiction need not apply.

BANGOR, Pa. — Leila Ross’ husband woke her up early Sunday morning after he heard a tornado-like noise coming from outside.

“It sounded like a train. It just roared,” said Ross, who has lived in her Bangor home since 1965. “We’ve had water come down before, but this is the worst flood we ever had.”

Residents on Messinger and Lower South Main streets were cleaning up what was left of their backyards Sunday after water gushed through, flooding the Slate Belt neighborhood.

It was one of the hardest-hit areas by another round of severe storms that rumbled through the Lehigh Valley overnight.

By Sunday afternoon, most of the damage was cleaned up in Bangor. But around 4:30 a.m. the scene was quite different.

“There were garbage pails, giant pieces of slate, and people’s possessions floating in the street,” said Denise Hawk, who lives on Lower South Main Street.

Around 2 p.m. Hawk and her neighbors were pumping water from their basements and shoveling pieces of rocks that had been washed up onto the sidewalks.

“I woke up because a flash flood alert went off on my phone,” Hawk said.

“We first had to get everything from underneath the cars. There was a grill leaning up against a rental car, things like that.”

While parked SUVs and pickup trucks showed little damage, smaller cars that were closer to the ground had water in the floors and underneath the carriages.

Ahren Eichner and his family got a call from a neighbor telling them to go outside. What they didn’t expect was to see pipes coming up from the yard.

The pipes were installed by the borough around 2019, Eichner said.

The couple and their son are relocating soon — and their house is currently under contract.

“It’s crazy that this happened now right now,” he said. “I don’t know what the borough is going to do about this, but they have to do something.”

Flooding and damage from stormwater in the neighborhood have always been an issue, residents say.

But Eichner, who has lived on Messinger Street since 2018, said the problem is getting worse.

Bystanders snapped photos of his home — where two of the borough’s black stormwater pipes had snapped in half and erupted into a hole that ripped up the grass.

Homes next to Eichner’s had their fences and gardens wiped out during the storm as well as smashed basement windows.

“Never quite seen anything like that,” I just hope that no one suffered too great of a loss,” said Chris Medico.

Medico posted footage of the storm on social media that showed water rushing down Messinger Street.

“We had about six inches of water in our basement,” he said.

Ross’ cat, Mr. Bright Eyes, was not a fan of the noise and woke up her husband by pawing his face, she said.

“We had just come home from vacation and had a 5-by-9 trailer in the driveway. We found it this morning a few blocks down the street,” Ross said.

“Someone down the street said they had four feet of water in the cellar.”

Hawk said the rocks in the streets resembled a “creek pit.

“The borough came by picked them up,” she said. “By the grace of God we didn’t lose power and everyone is OK. That is the most important thing."

If you know anything about Pennsylvania, you know how deep the agriculture scene in the keystone state is. In fact, agriculture is so large that it is one of the leading economic drivers in Pennsylvania.

But agriculture production does not limit itself strictly to eggs, milk, and other produce found at the grocery store. Agriculture production extends itself to the very thing many of us all cherish; the craft beer in our hands. We all know that beer is made of many locally grown products, but did you know that some breweries in Pennsylvania grow those ingredients on their very own land?

We’ve scoured the state to identify some of the breweries that are bringing farm-to-table production directly to your glass.

Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales | Waterford

Port Farms first started in 1897 as a traditional crop farm. Roughly 20 years ago they entered the “agritainment” space where they have become a popular destination for festivals, seasonal celebrations, and so much more. Several years ago the farm began selling beer to guests as a part of their many different offerings. Poverty Knob Farmhouse Ales built their taproom in an existing 6,000 square foot building on the farm which was originally an old potato storage barn dating back to the 1970s. The building houses a 10 barrel brewhouse and taproom offering guests an industrial feel with exposed steel, concrete floors, open rafters, large windows overlooking the farm

Second District Brew Farm | Milanville

Positioned amidst 130 acres of rolling farmland in Milanville, PA, Second District Brew Farm isn’t your typical brewery. The family-run establishment is as much a farm as it is a brewhouse, with a deep commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in both their beers and their on-site restaurant. From the hops and barley gracing their fields to the fruits and vegetables hand-picked from their gardens, Second District Brew Farm embraces the farm-to-table ethos with fervor. This dedication to quality and sustainability is evident in every sip and bite, offering a unique and flavorful experience for visitors. And don’t let the fun stop at just one day. With their onsite camping option you can enjoy a multi day visit.

Photos courtesy Second District Brew Farm

Richmond Farm & Brewery | Bangor

Situated on Five Points Richmond Road in Bangor, PA, Richmond Farm & Brewery is a haven for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. This family-owned establishment takes pride in its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, creating a truly farm-to-table experience. Their passion for craft beer is evident in their diverse selection of brews, ranging from classic styles like lagers and IPAs to unique seasonal offerings. But the experience doesn’t stop at the beer. Their menu features a variety of hand-crafted dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, many of which are grown on their own farm.

Photos courtesy Richmond Farm

Warwick Farm Brewing | Jamison

Located on a historic farm in Jamison, Pennsylvania, Warwick Farm Brewing is a family-owned brewery dedicated to crafting high-quality independent beer. Their passion for both brewing and history shines through in every aspect of their establishment. Using traditional brewing methods and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, Warwick Farm produces a diverse selection of ales, lagers, and seasonal offerings. The brewery boasts a beautiful beer garden where you can enjoy your favorite beer alongside delicious food from their rotating roster of food trucks overlooking the beautiful farm.

Photos courtesy Warwick Farm

Thirsty Farmer Brew Works | Biglerville

Nestled in the rolling hills of Adams County, Pennsylvania, Thirsty Farmer Brew Works is more than just a brewery – it’s a family legacy. Using ingredients grown on their own farm, they craft a diverse selection of ales, lagers, and ciders, each bursting with flavor and true to its origins. Their “Build Your Own” menu invites you to personalize your meal with fresh, farm-to-table options, creating a unique and satisfying experience. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing drink after a day exploring Gettysburg or a cozy gathering with friends and family, Thirsty Farmer offers a relaxed farm-inspired atmosphere where good company meets great brews.

Photos courtesy Thirsty Farmer Brew Works

Great Barn Brewery | Kintnersville

The centralized location of the Great Barn operations is their brewery in Kintnersville; which supplies their New Hope taproom. And that brewery is housed on the family farm that has been in operation for the last 40 years. As you can see below, the large farm in Kintnersville allows Great Barn to produce a wide variety of ingredients that are found in their beer.

Photos courtesy Great Barn Brewery

Ridgeview Farm Brewing | New Tripoli

Situated in the rolling hills of Lehigh County, Ridgeview Farm Vineyards & Brewing Co. is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This family-owned business offers a unique experience where the art of brewing pairs seamlessly with the rustic charm of a working farm. Ridgeview Farm’s brewing philosophy is centered on quality and creativity. Their dedicated team of brewers uses only the finest ingredients to craft a diverse selection of ales, lagers, and sours. From their refreshing Ridgeview Pilsner to their bold and complex Ridgeview Black IPA, each brew is a testament to their passion and skill.

Photos courtesy Ridgeview Farm Brewing