Community Corner

5 Things to Know Today

On this day in 64 A.D., Rome was on fire. In Bethlehem today, it will only feel that way.

Good morning, Bethlehem. Today is Tuesday, July 19, 2011, the 200th day of the year. The Great Fire of Rome started on this day in the year 64, A.D. But contrary to reports in News of the World, Emperor Nero was not fiddling while it happened.

  1. Bethlehem is not on fire, but it will probably feel like it. The high temperature is again expected to exceed 90 degrees. And there is no relief in sight. In fact, the forecast temperatures are expected to only get hotter, especially on Thursday and Friday, when the mercury could climb toward 100 degrees.
  2. Happy 94th birthday former Gov. William Scranton. The 38th governor of Pennsylvania served one term (when only one term was allowed by state law) from 1963-1967. Prior to that, he was a congressman from Scranton. Later, he served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. As governor, he signed into law sweeping educational reforms, creating the state community college system, the state board of education and the state Higher Education Assistance Agency. Though it hardly sounds like it in current context, he governed as a Republican.
  3. makes its weekly appearance at PNC Plaza, just west of the blast furnaces at the ArtsQuest campus. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally produced meats and cheeses, arts and crafts, a cornucopia of items to shop for from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Brosky & Meyer sing the blues from 3:30 to 4:30 and again from 5:30 to 6:30. Master gardener Nadia Kelly gives a demonstration on great vegetables to put on your pizza at 5 p.m.
  4. City Council holds its regular meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at . Among the items on the agenda, a law requiring the establishment of separate bank accounts to hold city revenue from the special to pay for a new fire pumper and a new EMS facility. Also, similar legislation is proposed to hold any excess gaming revenue that had not been built into the current budget. Prior to the regular meeting, council’s Parks and Public Property Committee will meet at 6 p.m.
  5. Playing tonight at the , the Court Yard Hounds – harmonizing sisters Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison. Essentially, it’s the Dixie Chicks minus their controversial, but lovely lead singer Natalie Maines. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets at $32 and $27 are still available.


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