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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2026
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Caring Hearts opens new Walnutport Clothing closet with ribbon cutting, Celebrated by community By SAVANNAH BROWN Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and More officially opened its new, expanded location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, Feb. 11, welcoming community members, elected officials and supporters into a brighter, larger space designed to serve neighbors in need with dignity and compassion. Founded in 2016 by Denise “Neicee” Martinez, Caring Hearts began as a grassroots effort out of her garage with “Project Warm and Cozy,” collecting hats, gloves and coats for those facing cold weather. Nearly a decade later, the nonprofit has grown into a vital community resource providing free clothing,
Life during the Great Depression: Part 7 of 9
household goods and hygiene items to individuals and families experiencing hardship across the Lehigh Valley. “Looking around at Caring Hearts Clothing Closet and
sell wine and canned cocktails. Freeman said plans for the Allen Township location include seating for 30 customers. Only two sixpacks of beer are allowed to be purchased in a single transaction, and customers are permitted only two cans of beer if they are consuming alcohol in the store. While Freeman estimates only 1% of customers consume
By ED PANY During the presidential campaign of 1936, Northampton was visited by one of our state’s most famous visitors, Gifford Pinchot. His name is barely recognized by most Pennsylvanians today. He was a man of character who had outstanding leadership skills. Pinchot was born in Simsbury, Connecticut. He was a graduate of Yale University. Pinchot later studied abroad and became the first American to make forestry a career. As chief of the Bureau of Forestry under President Theodore Roosevelt, he helped preserve millions of acres of forests. Both men popularized a new term: conservation. A movement that made Americans more aware of the importance of preserving our precious natural resources. Pinchot, a Republican, served two terms as governor, 1923-1927 and 1931-1935. During his first term, he accomplished something foreign to many politicians today. The state debt was $20 million dollars, which is pocket change today. He proceeded to eliminate the debt by a program of lowering expenses of government by savings instead of increasing taxes. The state debt was retired in two years. The state was placed
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More, I don’t just see racks of clothing,” Martinez told attendees gathered outside in the chilly evening air. “I see Continued on page 2
Future Route 329 Wawa requests Liquor license hearing in Allen Township
By KERI LINDENMUTH The future Wawa on Route 329, the first in Allen Township, is requesting a public liquor license hearing with township officials. If awarded, the liquor license would allow the convenience store to sell beer on-site. The request for a hearing was made during the Feb. 10 Allen Township Board of Supervisors meeting. Ellen Freeman, attorney with Flaherty & O'Hara PC of Pittsburgh, is representing the
Looking by Back Ed Pany
convenience store during this process. During her appearance before the board, she explained that municipalities are awarded one liquor license per 3,000 residents. Additional licenses can only be awarded following a public hearing. Wawa currently operates 44 stores in the state that sell beer and other alcohol togo, including one location in Nazareth. Most Wawas, she added, start with the sale of beer only. Some may eventually
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Gov. Gifford Pinchot Wikipedia -Photo by Larry Oberly
Grey Towers Wikipedia -Photo by Larry Oberly
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