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 1753 Bachmann Publick House in Easton, PA 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 Easton, 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”
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“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”
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“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 Hugh Moore Park in Easton, PA 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 THREE OAK Steakhouse or visit ParsonsTaylor 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 Easton, 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 Easton, 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 Easton, 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. — After drawing hundreds of leaders to Pittsburgh last week, the PA Latino Convention has announced that next year’s event will be closer to the epicenter.Returning to the region for the first time since 2022, the PA Latino Convention, or PALC, announced Easton as the host city for 2026 — spotlighting the Lehigh Valley's large and diverse Latino community.The PA Latino Convention 2025, now in its eighth year, was held Sept. 25-27 at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh.The convention, which ta...
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After drawing hundreds of leaders to Pittsburgh last week, the PA Latino Convention has announced that next year’s event will be closer to the epicenter.
Returning to the region for the first time since 2022, the PA Latino Convention, or PALC, announced Easton as the host city for 2026 — spotlighting the Lehigh Valley's large and diverse Latino community.
The PA Latino Convention 2025, now in its eighth year, was held Sept. 25-27 at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh.
The convention, which takes place during the middle of National Hispanic Heritage Month, draws Latino leaders from the commonwealth to share ideas and network.
About 700 people attended.
As organizers of the convention noted, the Latino population is one of the fastest-growing in the state — and also the youngest (the median age among Latinos is 27, versus 44 among whites).
PALC Committee members include President Norman Bristol Colón, Vice Chairwoman Olga Negrón, and Senior Content Advisor Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez.
At the convention, several leaders from the Lehigh Valley addressed issues during panel discussions on housing, voter issues, education, mental health and civil rights in relation to Latinos and immigration.
PALC also featured a Hispanic College Fair, mercadito (or market) offering state resources and vendors selling artisan goods, plus an author's corner.
Among the panel discussions Friday was the "Challenges and Opportunities for a Latino Housing Agenda," with guest speakers Julio Guridy and Fred Bañuelos, Community Investment and Business Development Manager at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
For Guridy — executive director of Allentown Housing Authority, president of Casa Guadalupe Center and executive director of Blueprint Communities Allentown — the turnout at the housing workshop was proof of just how urgent the problem has become.
“We thought we’d have just a handful of people. But the room was packed."
“We thought we’d have just a handful of people,” Guridy said Monday. “But the room was packed. It turned out to be one of the most attended sessions of the entire convention.”
The panel discussion focused on the rising cost of housing not only in Allentown but across Pennsylvania, with the Lehigh Valley experiencing some of the sharpest increases.
For Latinos living in Allentown — Pennsylvania’s third-largest city — the housing crisis is especially acute.
According to Guridy, rents for one-bedroom apartments in Allentown now average more than $1,000 a month, while two-bedrooms often exceed $1,600 — prices that far outpace local wages.
Through his work with Blueprint Communities, a program funded by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and supported by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Guridy has helped coordinate efforts to address affordability.
“Housing prices have more than doubled in Allentown in the past two decades,” he said. “For families living paycheck to paycheck, the market is increasingly out of reach.”
Beyond housing, Guridy emphasized that the PA Latino Convention serves as a way to discuss other issues affecting the Latino community — education, voter rights and workforce development.
“When I go to the convention, it’s not just about presenting information," he said. "It’s about networking, brainstorming, and finding solutions together as a community.
“The Latino community in Pennsylvania is still too often disenfranchised, and events like the convention are about making sure people have access to the information, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.”
During one panel, Guridy said, he was inspired by Monica Ruiz, executive director of Casa San José, a Pittsburgh-based community center that offers social services, healthcare support and immigrant rights advocacy.
Ruiz described a digital literacy program that the center developed.
The initiative, which now supports about 35 staff members, teaches participants basic computer skills.
Graduates of the program not only receive a free laptop but also job placement assistance if they are seeking work.
In his role at Casa Guadalupe, which soon will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new technology center, Guridy said he hopes to adapt a similar program at the center at 218 N. Second St.
"I think it’s something we could really develop here," he said. "The technology center is primarily for youth. But we may be able to do it as an intergenerational program for seniors, too."
Easton City Administrator Luis Campos said the Pittsburgh convention was a great learning opportunity, and was enthused to share the news about next year’s event.
"Coupled with the fact that Easton has come back so far this century in terms of where it was in the second half of the last century, we want to celebrate that diversity by welcoming the Latino Convention.”
“It was great to go out there and make the announcement that the city of Easton was going to host next year’s convention, with our diverse population and large Latino community, not only in Easton, but the Lehigh Valley,” Campos, who is chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, said.
“And coupled with the fact that Easton has come back so far this century in terms of where it was in the second half of the last century, we want to celebrate that diversity by welcoming the Latino Convention.”
Information from Data USA shows 24.5% of Easton residents identify as Hispanic or Latino.
The last time the Latino Convention was held in the Lehigh Valley was in 2022, in Allentown.
EASTON, Pa. – Nearly 100 people attended Easton's school board meeting Tuesday night to voice their thoughts on the employment of a district employee.Easton Area High School nurse Kelly Keegan is on administrative leave after comments she made on social media about Charlie Kirk's death.While Keegan was not on the agenda, that didn't stop dozens from voicing their opinions regarding her employment. Supporters and detractors of her each framed their opinions as an ethical and moral clarion call.Keegan, who is also a ...
EASTON, Pa. – Nearly 100 people attended Easton's school board meeting Tuesday night to voice their thoughts on the employment of a district employee.
Easton Area High School nurse Kelly Keegan is on administrative leave after comments she made on social media about Charlie Kirk's death.
While Keegan was not on the agenda, that didn't stop dozens from voicing their opinions regarding her employment. Supporters and detractors of her each framed their opinions as an ethical and moral clarion call.
Keegan, who is also a Northampton County Council member, deemed Kirk a "monster," and added that his widow and children are "better off without him" following his demise.
The school district labeled the alleged comment as "insensitive" and one that will spur "appropriate action in accordance with district policy and laws."
During a lengthy public comment session at Easton Area Middle School Tuesday night, supporters claimed Keegan was exercising free speech rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. Whether people found it acceptable to their personal standards is irrelevant, they said.
Some speakers portrayed Keegan as a victim of a right-wing smear campaign designed to intimidate her and undermine her professional livelihood. They argued that supporting Keegan is the right thing to do, not based on agreement with her, but because her fight is against conservative zealots who champion authoritarianism disguised as morality, they said.
"Kelly is a brave, intelligent and compassionate person, and deeply committed to her role as nurse," Tracy DeMaria, a district resident, said. "...She deserves our support, not our condemnation."
"Her comments have been amplified by some bad actors outside the community in a deliberate national effort to target and silence educators," said Kathleen Soaper, a district resident. "...These people will not stop with Kelly."
"I have seen firsthand Kelly's compassion and kindness countless times," said a family friend of Keegan's.
Detractors did not dispute Keegan's free speech rights, but added those rights do not guarantee her continued employment with EASD. Rather, they said Keegan's comments evidently celebrating someone's death because they voiced a different political opinion were not only vile and morally bankrupt, they violated terms of professional conduct required of EASD employees.
They argued EASD should accommodate Keegan's interest in online oratories by allowing her more time to pursue it through unemployment.
"She has the responsibility as a hired school official to carry herself in a professional manner," said resident Kerri Ludwig. "...In one of your policies, in the guidelines it says, 'refrain from comments that would interfere with the maintenance and discipline and/or general operation of the school district by officials.' You cannot tell me this has not caused a big problem in your school district."
Some printed out Keegan's former social media posts and read them aloud. Others spoke of her character.
"I'm not saying Kelly Keegan is a bad person," resident Curtis Ding noted. "But she made some egregious mistakes that compromise her ability to be an effective employee in the school district."
"Many, many people are impacted by her unkind and cruel words," said a retired teacher.
Following public comment, two school board directors — Susan Hartranft-Bittinger and Brian Snyder — said they had several comments to make about the situation but had been advised by the district's legal counsel to remain silent. However, they added they would be willing to speak to EASD concerning the matter if approached.
"I do have a lot to say but cannot make it public," Hartranft-Bittinger said.
"Those of you that do know me and know how to get in touch with me, if you do reach out to me, I will certainly speak with you about a few things and the questions that I know that you have," Snyder said.
Also, during Tuesday's meeting, board members approved a number of raises for staff members — including Keegan.
"You guys are allowing this. You just approved a raise, basically handing it to her. Here's a raise. We're OK with what you said and what you did," one resident said addressing board members.
EASTON, Pa. - Crowds wrapped around Palmer Park Mall from the early morning hours as eager fans lined up for a chance to meet Grammy-winning artist Cardi B.“It’s hot, it’s hot, it’s tiring,” said Amber Williams, who waited hours in line but felt it was worth it to see her favorite performer.“We’ve never had a superstar like this before,” said Wendy Morales, General Assistant Manager at Palmer Park Mall.Cardi B was promoting her sophomore album, “Am I The Drama.”...
EASTON, Pa. - Crowds wrapped around Palmer Park Mall from the early morning hours as eager fans lined up for a chance to meet Grammy-winning artist Cardi B.
“It’s hot, it’s hot, it’s tiring,” said Amber Williams, who waited hours in line but felt it was worth it to see her favorite performer.
“We’ve never had a superstar like this before,” said Wendy Morales, General Assistant Manager at Palmer Park Mall.
Cardi B was promoting her sophomore album, “Am I The Drama.”
Fans expressed their admiration throughout the day. “She’s real, she’s humble,” Williams added. “I love her and she’s amazing, she’s an icon,” said Aiyana Ortez.
Michael Crawford, a fan who traveled seven hours from Cleveland with his mother, brought a special gift for the superstar. “Cardi, a mini Cardi,” he said.
After a long wait, Cardi B made her fashionably late entrance, greeting fans with enthusiasm despite being pregnant. “Listen everybody - I’m gonna be here all night, even if we’re here till three in the morning,” she promised the crowd.
Food trucks supported the event, including Wrap’d Tight, owned by Heather Griffith-Thomas, who offered dishes inspired by Cardi B’s favorites. “She loves hot honey chicken, so we did a hot honey chicken for her,” Griffith-Thomas said.
Cardi B assured fans that she would take a picture with each of them, no matter how long it took. “I’m going to take a picture one by one so everyone has a picture,” she said.
Cardi B also announced she’ll be going on tour next year, with her “Am I The Drama” tour set for 2026.
EASTON, Pa. — A new ordinance passed in Easton will help to promote housing access to the oft-neglected middle class, Councilman Frank Pintabone said.Introduced previously by Pintabone, the ordinance aims to promote the development of workforce housing throughout the city.It requires certain multifamily projects that benefit from public funding or tax incentives to include affordable housing units for moderate-income households.“Affordable,” in this case, amounts an occupant paying no more than 30% of t...
EASTON, Pa. — A new ordinance passed in Easton will help to promote housing access to the oft-neglected middle class, Councilman Frank Pintabone said.
Introduced previously by Pintabone, the ordinance aims to promote the development of workforce housing throughout the city.
It requires certain multifamily projects that benefit from public funding or tax incentives to include affordable housing units for moderate-income households.
“Affordable,” in this case, amounts an occupant paying no more than 30% of their gross household income for rent or mortgage, utilities and other applicable fees.
The legislation defines “Workforce Housing” as residential units affordable to households earning 80% to 120% of the Area Median Income, as per the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Developers under the program can opt to set aside a portion of their new projects for those who fit the criteria, or pay a fee of $10,000 per unit to opt out.
Money raised from the ordinance could then be pooled into a fund to help promote workforce housing initiatives via grants or other incentives.
Before the bill could cross the finish line, there were a few points to address.
Vice Mayor Ken Brown raised a concern over who could orchestrate the operation, alluding to a third-party operation that could help if “it gets overwhelming to the point that we should open up enough to look at that.”
Pintabone said the fee charged through the program would be so small “we would lose all the money paying the third party.”
“Every developer I know was going to just pay the $10,000 per unit, but I will vote on it because I believe in workforce housing and affordable housing."
Mayor Sal Panto Jr. conceded that in the past he had spoken out against the ordinance, as “I don’t think it really addresses anything.”
“Every developer I know was going to just pay the $10,000 per unit, but I will vote on it because I believe in workforce housing and affordable housing,” Panto said.
Pintabone explained that developers such as Greater Shiloh Church were in the process of creating housing that could benefit from some of the workforce housing money.
But Panto responded that “affordable housing doesn’t work if you’re going to keep giving grants to cover the gap.”
Panto suggested the ordinance could potentially lead to developers building at a loss, which could impact interest for construction in Easton.
But previously, Pintabone had stated he had suggested the project to developers include VM Development, Peron Development and City Center, with all responded positively to the concept.
Councilman Roger Ruggles suggested the funds to build housing are not the ideal solution.
“We can't solve the problem of affordable housing by building housing," Ruggles said. "We just can't.
"We can't build enough houses to do that, and we need to look at that problem and figure out ways in which we can address it."
"I do think the more housing we produce on both ends, the low-income and the luxury in the middle class, I think that's what's going to help us drive costs down.”
Pintabone argued that more housing results in lower prices for the overall market.
“I do think if you build more, if I have 20 people fighting for two houses, as the owner of the house, I can mark it up as high as I want to let them fight over it," Pintabone said.
"If I have 20 houses, only two people, that price is going to come down, because they have options.
“So I do think the more housing we produce on both ends, the low-income and the luxury in the middle class, I think that's what's going to help us drive costs down.”
Asked about the needed units — Lehigh Valley Planning Commission previously said Easton was about 413 homes shy — Pintabone pointed to 70 units under development in the downtown, and 150 planned for South Side.
The ordinance ultimately passed 7-0.
Looking to the future, Pintabone said the city likely will need to explore methods such as the workforce housing initiative for Easton to become more self-sufficient, as opposed to waiting for state and federal funding.
"We need support from the government. And you know, it's a fight, because you're battling 2,700 municipalities in the Commonwealth for the same bucket of money."
“A lot of our developers are supportive and interested in doing workforce," Pintabone said. "The problem comes when you're doing lower than market rate rent. It's a loss. They lose money.
“So we need support from the government. And you know, it's a fight, because you're battling 2,700 municipalities in the Commonwealth for the same bucket of money.
"We can't just put it on government. We have to put it on public, private partnerships, nonprofits and everything else.”
EASTON, Pa. – A beloved restaurant, known for its all-you-can-eat, premium grilled meats carved tableside, is making moves with a larger location in the Lehigh Valley.Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, offering an authentic Brazilian BBQ experience, next week will move from its 17-year-old spot at 127 S. Broad St. in Nazareth to a larger space at 64 Centre Square in downtown Easton.The restaurant will hold its last day of business in Nazareth on Sunday, Sept. 14, before reopening at its new Easton location - the former Bayou East...
EASTON, Pa. – A beloved restaurant, known for its all-you-can-eat, premium grilled meats carved tableside, is making moves with a larger location in the Lehigh Valley.
Rios Brazilian Steakhouse, offering an authentic Brazilian BBQ experience, next week will move from its 17-year-old spot at 127 S. Broad St. in Nazareth to a larger space at 64 Centre Square in downtown Easton.
The restaurant will hold its last day of business in Nazareth on Sunday, Sept. 14, before reopening at its new Easton location - the former Bayou Easton space - on Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The move will allow Rios to grow, welcome more guests and "keep building the Rios family," according to an announcement on the business' social media pages.
"For the past 17 years, Nazareth has been home," the announcement reads.
"It’s where Rios was born, where we grew, and where we built a family far beyond our own. The love, kindness, and support from this community has meant the world to us. While it’s hard to say goodbye, we know this is not an ending — it’s the start of a new chapter."
Rios is owned and operated by husband and wife Edson and Dina Galeski.
The couple opened the restaurant in 2008.
"[The Easton location] is a great spot that will allow us to expand operations," Dina told 69 News earlier this year. "We're really excited to grow and continue serving the community."
Rios has become a Lehigh Valley dining staple, where guests can enjoy an authentic Brazilian-style churrascaria (steakhouse) experience.
The restaurant serves rodizio-style meals, where diners savor unlimited cuts of beef, chicken, pork, lamb and duck, along with grilled pineapple, all carved from large skewers and served directly to guests at their tables.
Customers use place cards, with green and red colors, to communicate whether or not they would like more of something. The green color signifies "yes, please!" while the red color signifies "no, thanks!"
The meats are complemented by a selection of hot and cold sides, including rice, black beans, mashed potatoes, chicken salad, potato salad, house salad and fried bananas.
"In Easton, everything will be the same - same menu, same service and same staff," Dina said. "We'll just be serving more people in a larger location, only 15 minutes from our current spot."
"We are continuing to grow and are so thankful for the community's support all of these years," Edson added.
"We have people coming from all over the Lehigh Valley, including Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, to enjoy our food. We also serve a lot of people from the Poconos, New Jersey and even further."
Rios' Nazareth location has a seating capacity of around 90 guests, while the restaurant's forthcoming Easton location will have roughly double that, Edson said.
In Easton, Rios will have around 200 seats in two dining rooms and a bar area on the main floor, along with a lower-level private dining room and a seasonal outdoor dining area, Edson said.
"We could combine the tables in several different ways for larger parties," Edson said. "We also could have multiple large parties - like a group of 20 in one room and a group of 40 in another room - at the same time. There's just a lot more space for everyone."
To accommodate the increase in orders, the Galeskis purchased two new, state-of-the-art gas grills from Brazil, Edson said.
In Nazareth, the culinary team utilizes a single charcoal grill to prepare 16-17 different cuts and varieties of meats, Edson said.
Selections may vary by day and hours, but popular options include picanha, skirt steak, garlic steak, New York strip, ribeye, tri-tip, flap steak, chicken leg, bacon-wrapped chicken, Brazilian pork sausage, spicy sausage, duck breast and lamb.
"Our most popular is the picanha, which is a traditional Brazilian cut that we also make with garlic," Edson said.
"Our skirt steak is also a favorite, as well our homemade spicy sausage. Our meats are premium and marinated, and we also add sea salt to some of them."
The all-you-can-eat, rodizio-style meal is priced at $48.95 per person; $24.95 for children, ages 6-10.
Desserts, available for an additional charge, include Brazilian flan, chocolate mousse, passion fruit mousse, creme brulee, ice cream, tiramisu, cheesecake and tres leches.
Like the Nazareth location, the forthcoming Easton location also will feature a full bar, serving classic and signature cocktails, beer and wine.
Guests can enjoy specialty cocktails such as a caipirinha (cachaça, blend of lime and sugar), "Tropical Gold" (rum, banana liqueur and orange juice) and "Trip to Brazil" (cachaça, Malibu, peach schnapps and orange juice), along with Brazilian beers such as Xingu Gold (Brazilian lager).
"Customers really love the caipirinha and sangrias, which are made from scratch," Dina said.
The Easton location bar's will be larger, and it also will offer seating, Edson said.
Several years ago, the Nazareth location had seats at the bar, but the team decided to swap them for tables - situated directly adjacent to the bar - as the "dining experience is the main attraction," Edson said.
"We used to have barstools, but we eventually decided to put tables next to the bar instead because we have so many families and large parties that we want to accommodate," Edson said.
"In Easton, it will be really nice because our restaurant will be much larger with a separate bar area."
The Rios team has implemented mostly cosmetic renovations, including adding new black and yellow paint on the space's interior and exterior, wall paneling accents, carpeting, light fixtures and furniture, at the Easton location. New awnings were installed outside.
"We're very excited to be making the move, and our customers have also expressed excitement," Dina said. "Everyone has been super supportive."
Rios is continuing to operate in Nazareth with the following hours through Sunday, Sept. 14: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 4-9 p.m. Saturday and 4-8 p.m. Sunday.
"Thank you, Nazareth, for giving us 17 unforgettable years," the online announcement continues.
"And thank you to everyone who has sent us love and encouragement during this transition — your words keep us going. We’ve been working hard to bring something special to the city of Easton, and we can’t wait to serve you there. We hope to see all of our loyal customers (and new ones too!) at our Easton location."
For the latest Rios updates, follow the business' Facebook and Instagram pages. Info: 610-614-1018; riosbr.com.
484-896-8867
