Nicole Hackett

1 week ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Nicole Hackett

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The First Baptist Church gym on Linden Street is a place where about 300 youth basketball players call home. For five years, the gym has been home to Bethlehem’s branch of Upward Sports, a nonprofit organization that partners with churches to provide youth sports leagues to local communities. However, after decades of use, the court is starting to deteriorate. “For kids at a younger age, it’s a place to play, so it serves its purpose,” Andrew DeBalko, an Upward Sports coach, said.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Nicole Hackett

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With blaring sirens, blinding lights and a sterile interior, an ambulance is not necessarily a pleasant place to be. Allentown paramedic John Hirschbeck said that's especially true for children with autism or sensory processing disorders. As a father of a young boy with autism, Hirschbeck said the importance of first responders having knowledge about and resources for children with special needs hits close to home.

3 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Nicole Hackett

HANOVER TWP., NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, Pa. — A brand-new bloodmobile will enable Miller-Keystone Blood Center to collect more blood and help meet hospital demand across the region, the center's leader said. Officials unveiled the new vehicle, called Bloodhound I, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at the center's headquarters off Valley Center Parkway in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

4 weeks ago | thebrownandwhite.com | Nicole Hackett

As a private institution — much like other private organizations and corporations — Lehigh is not strictly bound by First Amendment rights. Still, in the Policy of Freedom of Thought, Inquiry and Expression, and Dissent by Students, the institution makes statements supporting students’ rights to express themselves as long as certain parameters are followed.

1 month ago | pioneerpublishers.com | Nicole Hackett

CLAYTON, CA (Mar. 22, 2025) — Herb gardening is both beautiful and rewarding. Plant lovers delight in how easy it is to grow the herbs they use in cooking. It is great to be able to walk outside and snip some sage leaves or a sprig of rosemary to incorporate into your favorite dishes. Herbs are also attractive garden installations. They can be grown in garden beds, borders or containers. Many have interesting looking foliage and some have pretty flowers.