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 Historic Northampton 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 Northampton, 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”
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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”
“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.”
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“Excellent in every respect.”
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“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.”
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“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 Sywell Country 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 Homestead or visit Northampton Downtown Historic District, 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 Northampton, 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 Northampton, 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 Northampton, 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.
NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Northampton Area School Board recently approved the resignation of school Director Kim Bretzik, creating a vacancy that soon will be filled through public interviews.The board voted Monday to approve Bretzik’s resignation. According to board documents, she resigned effective March 7 — about nine months before her four-year term was set to expire.Applicants to fill Bretzik’s seat for the rest of her term ...
NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Northampton Area School Board recently approved the resignation of school Director Kim Bretzik, creating a vacancy that soon will be filled through public interviews.
The board voted Monday to approve Bretzik’s resignation. According to board documents, she resigned effective March 7 — about nine months before her four-year term was set to expire.
Applicants to fill Bretzik’s seat for the rest of her term will be interviewed publicly by school directors at 5:30 p.m. April 30 in the cafeteria of Northampton Area Middle School.
The reason for Bretzik’s departure is unclear.
School directors did not publicly discuss it at the Monday meeting. And Bretzik did not respond to LehighValleyNews.com’s requests for comment.
Bretzik was among three school directors representing Region 3, which consists of Bath and Chapman boroughs, as well as Moore Township.
During discussions about whether to close Moore Elementary School in recent months, Bretzik was vocal about making sure the school remained open and received cost-effective renovations.
Because of budget uncertainty, the board has since decided to delay a $51 million complete renovation of the school.
School directors Joshua Harris and Brian McCulloch are the remaining representatives of Region 3. Their terms expire in 2027.
There are three candidates seeking Bretzik’s Region 3 seat in the May primary election: David L. Gogel, Parker Flamisch and Jamie Shankweiler Marchiano. All have cross-filed, but only two can continue on to the November general election.
The winning candidate won’t be sworn in until December. That’s why the school board plans to appoint someone to the vacant seat in the interim.
Northampton Area School Board held interviews to fill a board vacancy created by a resignation last April, too.
At the time, school directors could not come to a consensus after candidates were interviewed publicly, and the decision was kicked to a county judge.
As a result, Board Vice President Nathan Lichtenwalner was chosen to represent Region 2, which covers Northampton Borough and East Allen Township.
Bretzik did not attend the recent board meeting at which school directors accepted her resignation.
But her former colleagues still thanked her publicly for serving the district.
“I know Mrs. Bretzik and I didn’t agree on a lot of things, but she spent a lot of time and effort and energy on her position here,” Director John Becker said.
“I think we all owe her thanks for the service she provided us for the years she was here.”
“She’s going to be missed up here," Director Harris added. "She did a lot of homework, she was very knowledgeable in what she did. It’s a great loss.”
Additionally, Bretzik’s husband Gerald is suing Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, some current school directors and others over a 2022 school board incident in which he claims he was removed from a meeting.
Gerald Bretzik subsequently was banned from board meetings temporarily for allegedly “disruptive” behavior, according to court filings.
In the suit, he sought $1.79 million in damages for the district’s handling of the situation.
A settlement meeting is scheduled for June 10 at the federal courthouse in Allentown before Judge Pamela A. Carlos.
Public hearing highlights urgent need to address hospital closures and staffing shortages across Pennsylvania.Jeff Werner, Patch Staff|Updated Mon, May 12, 2025 at 1:52 am ETHARRISBURG – An ongoing crisis facing hospitals across Pennsylvania, including closures, critical staffing shortages and access to specialty care, was the topic of a hearing on Wednesday of the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innova...
Jeff Werner, Patch Staff
|Updated Mon, May 12, 2025 at 1:52 am ET
HARRISBURG – An ongoing crisis facing hospitals across Pennsylvania, including closures, critical staffing shortages and access to specialty care, was the topic of a hearing on Wednesday of the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee.
The hearing, held at the state Capitol and chaired by Bucks County State Senator Frank Farry, brought together health care leaders and policy experts from across the commonwealth to offer testimony on the structural and financial challenges hospitals face, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
“Pennsylvanians should have access to reliable, quality care no matter where they live,” said Farry. “Today’s hearing emphasized that without swift and strategic action, communities could lose vital health services, leaving patients with limited or no options for urgent or specialized care.”
Testifiers included representatives from major health care systems including Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP); Dr. Mark Rubino of Allegheny Health Network; Steven M. Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare; Katherine E. Levins of Temple University Health System; and Dr. Ed Sabanegh, president and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic.
One of the key issues raised during the hearing was the increasing financial pressures on hospitals caused by inflation, workforce demands and reimbursement challenges.
“My main message today is that the hospital community in Pennsylvania is in a very fragile state and the solutions to address future closures have to be forward-thinking, comprehensive and sustainable,” Stallings said. “More than half of the commonwealth’s acute care hospitals are operating in the red. Many are facing multi-year operating losses. When hospital closures are announced, other hospitals in nearby communities are often called upon and expected to step in and ensure access to care continues.”
Persistent shortages of health care staff, particularly nurses and allied health professionals, was another focus of the hearing.
“Sometimes our industry is accused of crying wolf on professional shortages, but as the leader of two hospitals, I can tell you that the shortages are real and the vacancy rates are high,” said Rubino. “We’re doing our best, but at Allegheny Health Network, we have some hospital units that are empty – not because we lack patient demand, but because we can’t staff them. The volume is there, the space is there but we physically can’t accommodate the patients because we don’t have the staffing.”
The cascading effects of hospital closures, which are contributing to longer emergency response times and reduced access to care across many regions, were also discussed among the testifiers and committee members.
“Hospital sustainability is not just a health care issue – it’s a public safety and economic issue,” Farry said. “We will take what we heard today and work toward bipartisan solutions that strengthen our health care infrastructure and protect Pennsylvania patients.”
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NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Northampton Area School Board’s newest member is a 20-year-old college student who wants to be a consensus builder on the often-divided board.Parker Flamisch, a 2023 district graduate, was selected by the school board to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former school Director Kim Bretzik in March.He will serve out the ...
NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Northampton Area School Board’s newest member is a 20-year-old college student who wants to be a consensus builder on the often-divided board.
Parker Flamisch, a 2023 district graduate, was selected by the school board to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of former school Director Kim Bretzik in March.
He will serve out the remainder of Bretzik's term, which ends Dec. 1.
“I see myself as a voice of moderation."
Flamisch said he wants to continue on the school board after December, though.
He already cross-filed in the May primary election. If successful, he will compete for a four-year seat on the board in the November general election.
In the meantime, Flamisch will get to see what it’s like to be a school director over the next seven months.
He will represent the district’s Region 3, which consists of Bath and Chapman boroughs as well as Moore Township, where Flamisch resides.
“I see myself as a voice of moderation,” Flamisch told LehighValleyNews.com Wednesday after his appointment. “I think that I can work with a lot of the board members who have had spats with each other in the past.”
“I think that in the future during my term on the board we’ll be able to get along and find common-sense solutions.”
School directors voted 6-2 for Flamisch to fill the vacant seat, with Board President Kristin Soldridge and school Director Brian McCulloch voting against the appointment.
“I’m glad to see Parker will be serving with us,” school Director John Becker said after the vote. “I think he brings a little bit of normality to the board and a youthful look at things.”
Flamisch is a junior at East Stroudsburg University, where he studies political science with a concentration in American government.
Over the past year, he has been a regular attendee of school board meetings, where he often made public comments.
Flamisch said he wants to give back to the district because it helped him grow.
Having graduated in the past couple of years, Flamisch has a recent reference for what the life of a Northampton Area student looks like, he said.
“I think it’s really beneficial for the board to have somebody on it who has that lived experience and understands what students go through on a daily basis, " he said.
During his Wednesday interview, Flamisch answered more than a dozen questions from the board on everything from school budgets to the authority of the constitution.
On a question about funding for the local library, Flamisch said he supports the school district contributing money to the library’s budget as it has since the library’s opening in the mid-1960s.
The board will vote next month on whether to continue the funding arrangement.
Some school directors want to keep the $270,000 the district would normally use to fund the library as a way to create savings.
Others think the district owes it to taxpayers to fund the local library, which gets more than half of its budget from the school district.
Flamisch's vote will have an impact on the outcome for the library and the school district's budget.
When it comes to areas for improvement, Flamisch said the school district should do a better job of planning financially for building maintenance, combatting student bullying and supporting students who are struggling with their schoolwork and mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic.
On book bans, Flamisch said he generally opposes the practice, but if ordered to remove certain books by the Supreme Court, he would support the district complying with such a legal ruling.
“I believe that people should be able to say what they want."
Another question posed to Flamisch was about board policy 903 and free speech.
That policy lets the school board terminate individuals' public comments if they deem them “abusive, irrelevant, offensive or otherwise inappropriate,” according to school Director Michael Baird, who moderated the public interviews.
Baird said the policy was deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2022 and another Pennsylvania school district was successfully sued over it.
When asked about policy 903 and if he supports silencing dissent, Flamisch said he believes in the First Amendment.
“I believe that people should be able to say what they want,” he said.
Threats, however, should not be allowed at school board meetings, Flamisch added.
“You can have free speech, but that does not mean you're free from consequences,” he said.
Policy 903 is top of mind for school directors because it is mentioned in an ongoing lawsuit against Superintendent Joseph Kovalchik, some board members and others.
Gerald Bretzik, husband of the former school Director Kim Bretzik, filed the suit.
He alleges policy 903 was implemented in 2022 to exclude him from school board meetings after he was accused of disruptive and threatening behavior.
He is seeking $1,971,000 in damages for how the district handled the situation. A settlement meeting is scheduled for June 10 at the federal courthouse in Allentown.
Gerald Bretzik was also one of the applicants interviewed for the open school board seat created by his wife’s resignation — it is unclear why she resigned.
Gerald Bretzik’s interview became tense at times Wednesday, such as when school Director Doug Vaughn questioned whether he should be considered for the position at all given the ongoing lawsuit.
That prompted a brief heated exchange between Gerald Bretzik and Vaughn.
"At this point, the lawsuit has nothing to do with him putting his name in for the position," board President Soldridge said. "He can still be a valuable member of the community."
The board ultimately considered Gerald Bretzik for the role.
Gerald Bretzik, 56, is the owner of a property maintenance business. He’s also a U.S. Marine veteran and district parent.
The other applicants interviewed Wednesday were David Gogel and Jamie Shankweiler Marchiano.
Both Gogel and Shankweiler Marchiano are also competing in the May primary election against Flamisch in the hopes of winning the November general election to represent Region 3 for a four-year term. They both cross-filed.
Gogel, 73, served on the board from 2003 to 2023.
He’s a retiree who previously sold auto parts for nearly five decades. His children and grandchildren graduated from the school district.
Gogel is among those listed as a defendant in Gerald Bretzik’s lawsuit.
Shankweiler Marchiano, 47, is a self-employed health insurance advisor and mother. She graduated from Northampton Area in 1996.
The grant will be used by the Northampton Municipal Authority to extend public water to hundreds affected by PFOS contamination.NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Northampton Township Municipal Authority has been awarded a $13 million grant to extend public water to hundreds of township residents affected by contaminated wells.The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority grant was announced on Thursday by State Senator Frank Farry (R-6) and State Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Joe Hogan (R-142) who represent the t...
NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Northampton Township Municipal Authority has been awarded a $13 million grant to extend public water to hundreds of township residents affected by contaminated wells.
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority grant was announced on Thursday by State Senator Frank Farry (R-6) and State Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178) and Joe Hogan (R-142) who represent the township in Harrisburg.
“I am proud to have partnered with Rep. Marcell and Rep. Hogan in supporting the funding for this important project, so these residents have safe, clean drinking water,” said Farry. “I want to thank Northampton Township Chairman Adam Selisker for his leadership and support in ensuring this substantial funding was secured for the authority.”
Due to past activities that took place at the Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster facility neighboring Northampton Township, significant groundwater contamination issues have been found resulting from perfluorinated compounds known as PFOS and PFOA. Many private wells that were tested, exceeded maximum contaminant levels proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
“I, along with Sen. Farry and Rep. Hogan, strongly supported this funding because it directly helps families in Northampton Township who have dealt with the impact of PFAS contamination,” said Marcell. “This investment will allow the Authority to expand access to clean water and connect more homes to a safe supply. It’s a meaningful step forward for our community’s health and peace of mind.”
The authority will use the funding to extend public water system service to 334 residences in the Churchville Manor and Hillside Manor subdivisions of Northampton Township. The work includes the construction of an 8-inch water main, water service connections, fire hydrant and flushing station installations, and trench restoration. Treatment upgrades will also be made to all the public wells that supply the system.
“I am thankful we were able to secure this critical funding. Now hundreds of homeowners in Northampton will know that they have clean and safe drinking water every time they turn their tap,” said Hogan.
The authority also received a low-interest loan in the amount of $6,876,873 to fund the remaining scope of the project. The project is expected to start in December and be completed by May 2028.
PENNVEST funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan payments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for the project are disbursed after bills for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST.
The Township and Municipal Authority Announced the Award of an Additional $20 Million in PENNVEST Funding to Expand Navy PFAS Remediation.Adam Selisker announcing project funding. (Pete Palestina)Kristin Marcell, Bob Pellegrino, Vincent Deon, Adam SeliskerRICHBORO, PA—April 23, 2025—As the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority (NBCMA) advances progress on Phase 1 of the Navy PFAS Remediation Project, plans are already moving forward for a Phase 2 critical expansion. In Harrisburg today, the Pennsylva...
Adam Selisker announcing project funding. (Pete Palestina)
Kristin Marcell, Bob Pellegrino, Vincent Deon, Adam Selisker
RICHBORO, PA—April 23, 2025—As the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority (NBCMA) advances progress on Phase 1 of the Navy PFAS Remediation Project, plans are already moving forward for a Phase 2 critical expansion. In Harrisburg today, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) announced that it is awarding an additional $20 million to NBCMA.
“The Northampton Township Board of Supervisors promptly responded to residents' concerns about water quality, taking swift action to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water,” said Chairman of the Board, Adam Selisker, who attended the PENNVEST meeting in Harrisburg.
Phase 2 will significantly expand water service infrastructure and extend public water access to additional residents impacted by PFAS contamination. The expansion includes 17,900 linear feet of new 8-inch water main, 18 fire hydrants, and 334 water service connections—enhancing fire protection and ensuring access to clean, safe, drinking water for more homes in Northampton Township.
“This PENNVEST award represents months of dedicated work by our Authority staff and professional team,” said Mike Sullivan, Executive Director of NBCMA. “Our goal has always been and will always be to bring the highest-quality water infrastructure to our community, and this funding will allow us to continue that mission with urgency and impact.”
NBCMA expressed its sincere gratitude to the Authority Board, Township Supervisors, and federal and state elected officials—including Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, State Senator Frank Farry, and State Representatives Joe Hogan and Kristin Marcell—for their continued support and advocacy for clean water funding.
Sullivan adds, “It’s the incredible support of the community that allows NBCMA to continue its mission to fight PFAS contamination and protect public health.”
“Securing this additional funding is a major milestone for our residents,” said Stephen McGill, Chairman of the NBCMA Board. “It demonstrates what’s possible when local leadership and state agencies work together to protect public health and invest in long-term infrastructure.”
NBCMA urges residents to stay informed and engaged as the Navy PFAS Remediation Project progresses. For the latest updates on Phases 1 and 2, visit www.nbcmatoday.org/navy-pfas-remediation-project. Community members are encouraged to share updates with local friends, family, and neighbors, and to follow @nbcmatoday on Facebook and Instagram.
“I am confident that the PennVest funding will help safeguard the long term health of our residents by providing the clean drinking water everyone deserves” said Adam Selisker.
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