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NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 3, 2025
Northampton Hometown Holidays Turns borough into Winter wonderland
Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy performs an excerpt from “The Nutcracker.” By KERI LINDENMUTH Seasonal songs, festive lights, cozy firepits, warm hot chocolate and a dazzling tree…the first-annual Northampton Hometown Holidays celebration had all the hallmarks of a Hallmark holiday movie. On Saturday, Nov. 22, several hundred residents gathered in the parking lot of the Northampton Recreation Center to sing, shop and savor the flavors of the season. “What a great night,” said Mayor Anthony Pristash. “This is the first step in many years in expanding this and bringing everyone together to start the holiday season.” In 2024, the annual tree lighting in the borough was moved from Main Street to the Recreation Center, where it was expanded this year into what Mayor Pristash called a “Christmas Village.” Guests gathered around fire pits, enjoyed brews from Tay-
lor House Brewing and mulled wine from Easton Wine Project. Families could start their holiday shopping early by browsing one of the 30+ vendors, and children could enjoy visits with Santa Claus, the Grinch, and even miniature highland cows. The event also featured family games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals and food like kettle corn, ice cream, cotton candy and walking tacos. Throughout the day, musicians and magicians also provided entertainment on the main stage. The Pennsylvania Classical Ballet Academy performed an excerpt from “The Nutcracker,” while Good Shepherd Catholic School performed a series of Christmas carols before the large tree, which sits permanently outside the Recreation Center, was lit to the cheer of the crowd. Then, escorted by the Northampton Fire Department, Santa Claus came to Continued on page 10
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Northampton Photo of the Month School Board Reviews Election Changes; Approves turf Project and 2026 bond Plan By SAVANNAH BROWN
On Monday, Nov. 10, the Northampton Area School Board acknowledged major shifts ahead for its membership following the Nov. 4 general election, during which two appointed directors and one incumbent lost their seats, while one incumbent won reelection and two newcomers secured positions. According to unofficial results, Region 1 (Allen and Lehigh townships) saw incumbent Democrat Douglas Vaughn lose by 43 votes to Republican newcomer Zachary Kromer. In Region 2 (Northampton Borough and East Allen Township), voters elected Democrat Frances Shehab with 2,346 votes and reelected Democrat Ross Makary with 1,856 votes. Republican incumbent and current vice president Nathan J. Lichtenwalner finished 12 votes behind Makary with 1,844 votes. In Region 3 (Bath and Chapman boroughs and Moore Township), Republican Jamie Shankweiler Marchiano defeated Democratic appointee Parker Flamisch by 113 votes. Current board members whose terms end Dec. 1, 2027, include
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Last dahlia of the season; taken Nov. 10 by Lynn Bowen President Kristin Soldridge; directors Michael Baird, John Becker and Joshua Harris; and recently appointed director David Gogel, who filled the vacancy created by the Sept. 8 resignation of Brian McCulloch. Throughout the meeting, board members and residents offered their thanks to the departing directors, as well as congratulations to those newly elected. Becker welcomed the incoming members, stating, “We look forward to working with you to shape the future of our district and the well-being of our Konkrete Kids.” Vaughn, who served four years, said communication im-
provements were his proudest contribution. “When I got on this board, the school board did not communicate with the audience. You had no idea why they were voting the way they did, and I think that has changed and I hope it continues in that regard,” he said. Flamisch thanked the board for Continued on page 7
84th Year, Issue No. 48 www.homenewspa.com
USPS 248-700
HAPPY HOLIDAYS SHOPPING GUIDE