Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg’s 45th annual Muhlenberg Summer Festival runs today through Saturday at the Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, campus. The festival is a fund-raiser that has brought in more than $2.1 million since it started, a news release says.
Last year’s event raised $70,000 that was used to buy several pieces of equipment, such as two new trauma stretchers, six patient transport chairs and “code blue” carts to treat patients in cardiac arrest.
The four-day festival kicks off at 5 tonight (Wednesday 8/16) and features kids’ activities, rides, entertainment, food and arts and crafts exhibitors. Hours are 5 to 10:30 p.m. through Friday and noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Get directions here.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Vynecrest Winery Harvest Tours 2006
Vynecrest Winery Harvest Tours 2006
Our Harvest Tours will be held on the following weekends at 2 pm both Saturdays and Sundays. The cost of the tour is $5.00 per person, takes about 1 ½ hours, and includes a souvenir wine glass. For reservations, call 610-398-7525.
Our Harvest Tours will be held on the following weekends at 2 pm both Saturdays and Sundays. The cost of the tour is $5.00 per person, takes about 1 ½ hours, and includes a souvenir wine glass. For reservations, call 610-398-7525.
- Tour of the vineyard with the winemaker (either John or Sam Landis)
- Tour of the wine cellar, see how the grapes become wine from press to bottle
- Wine tasting in our tasting room includes Goot Essa Amish-made cheese and crackers
Tour Schedule:
August 19 & 20-2pm
August 26 & 27-2pm
September 2 & 3-2pm
September 9 & 10-2pm (also Harvest Weekend, live Jazz, Food)
For Directions and more information log onto www.vynecrest.com
Monday, August 14, 2006
Kiss off Corporate America
Looking for something new and different to read? Here's a suggestion to get your creative juices flowing. If anyone out there has read this already, please leave a comment and let us know what you think!
Kiss off Corporate America
by Lisa Kivirist
Book Description
Kiss Off Corporate America: A Young Professional's Guide to Independence is your road map to creative self-employment, providing tangible resources, inspiration and support for creating your own entrepreneurial lifestyle. Kiss Off Corporate America is the first book to address these changing career needs of the post-boomer generation, proving tangible resources, motivation and support to explore alternatives to the 9 to 5, mainstream work force. Combining information and inspiration, the book focuses on a step-by-step process on how to bust out of a corporate environment. Case study interviews support the tangible "how-to's" with qualitative, motivating examples of the struggles and successes of others searching for a life outside the corporate track.
Kiss off Corporate America
by Lisa Kivirist
Book Description
Kiss Off Corporate America: A Young Professional's Guide to Independence is your road map to creative self-employment, providing tangible resources, inspiration and support for creating your own entrepreneurial lifestyle. Kiss Off Corporate America is the first book to address these changing career needs of the post-boomer generation, proving tangible resources, motivation and support to explore alternatives to the 9 to 5, mainstream work force. Combining information and inspiration, the book focuses on a step-by-step process on how to bust out of a corporate environment. Case study interviews support the tangible "how-to's" with qualitative, motivating examples of the struggles and successes of others searching for a life outside the corporate track.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Six Networking Myths
Six Networking Myths: Fact or Fiction?
By Robert Half International
One of the most important career management skills you can develop is the ability to network. Unfortunately, for some, the thought of "working a room" or placing business cards into other people's hands can be downright intimidating. But networking doesn't require bold tactics to be effective. In fact, it's this perception -- and others -- that discourage many job seekers from networking in the first place.
If you let these myths deter you, you may miss out on making important professional contacts and, as a result, career advancement opportunities. Following are some common perceptions about networking. How well can you separate fact from fiction?
It's "old school." Fiction.
To the contrary, there's clear evidence that networking is gaining popularity. Nearly half (48 percent) of professionals polled by Robert Half International said they're doing more professional networking now than three years ago, perhaps because workers know the vast majority of jobs are never advertised anywhere; instead they are filled through word of mouth.
You need to be an extrovert. Fiction.
You don't have to be especially gregarious or outgoing to make meaningful connections in your industry. If crowds make you uncomfortable, consider creating your own networking opportunities. Invite several of your friends or co-workers to lunch and request that they bring along two other contacts. A more intimate setting may help put you at ease. If you feel shy or flustered, ask questions to shift attention away from yourself. Since most people enjoy talking about themselves, you'll have no trouble keeping the discussion rolling.
Networking is time-consuming. Fiction.
Trade shows and meet-and-greet events aren't the only venues to forge new relationships. You can -- and should -- reach out to people while going about your normal routine -- waiting in line at the supermarket or pumping iron at the gym, for example. Don't miss the opportunity to make conversation with those you meet outside of professional settings; valuable contacts can come from any number of sources.
Only face-to-face interactions pay off. Fiction.
Virtual chat rooms and discussion lists are an excellent way to network with your peers and obtain specific information and advice from the comfort of your own home or office. Becoming a member of an online community, like Friendster or LinkedIn, also can lead to serendipitous -- yet useful -- connections. Just be sure to be polite in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts.
Small talk is a turnoff. Fiction.
Many people cringe at the prospect of making small talk, but it's often the first step to getting a more meaningful conversation started. You don't have to limit yourself to topics like the weather or your alma mater. Ask potential contacts whether they've taken any interesting vacations or eaten at the new restaurant down the street -- anything you'd genuinely be interested in learning about. Also, prepare some stories of your own to share, such as a quirky news item you've come across or celebrity encounter you once had, in case your conversation partner is a bit bashful.
Your contacts will be annoyed if you ask for help. Fiction.
Asking people for information and advice is hardly bothersome, as long as you do so gracefully. In fact, 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help. When soliciting assistance, make it easy for the other person. For instance, if you ask someone to serve as a professional reference, provide that person with a copy of your résumé and let him or her know when a potential employer might be calling.
It's just as important to give as it is to receive. Fact.
Consistently serving as a resource to others is the most effective way to forge long-term relationships. Offer to help whenever you can and always respond promptly to the requests you receive. Forwarding relevant news articles and information to your contacts is another way to build rapport and stay in touch.
Overcoming these misconceptions will help you make the most of your activities and develop a circle of long-lasting professional contacts.
By Robert Half International
One of the most important career management skills you can develop is the ability to network. Unfortunately, for some, the thought of "working a room" or placing business cards into other people's hands can be downright intimidating. But networking doesn't require bold tactics to be effective. In fact, it's this perception -- and others -- that discourage many job seekers from networking in the first place.
If you let these myths deter you, you may miss out on making important professional contacts and, as a result, career advancement opportunities. Following are some common perceptions about networking. How well can you separate fact from fiction?
It's "old school." Fiction.
To the contrary, there's clear evidence that networking is gaining popularity. Nearly half (48 percent) of professionals polled by Robert Half International said they're doing more professional networking now than three years ago, perhaps because workers know the vast majority of jobs are never advertised anywhere; instead they are filled through word of mouth.
You need to be an extrovert. Fiction.
You don't have to be especially gregarious or outgoing to make meaningful connections in your industry. If crowds make you uncomfortable, consider creating your own networking opportunities. Invite several of your friends or co-workers to lunch and request that they bring along two other contacts. A more intimate setting may help put you at ease. If you feel shy or flustered, ask questions to shift attention away from yourself. Since most people enjoy talking about themselves, you'll have no trouble keeping the discussion rolling.
Networking is time-consuming. Fiction.
Trade shows and meet-and-greet events aren't the only venues to forge new relationships. You can -- and should -- reach out to people while going about your normal routine -- waiting in line at the supermarket or pumping iron at the gym, for example. Don't miss the opportunity to make conversation with those you meet outside of professional settings; valuable contacts can come from any number of sources.
Only face-to-face interactions pay off. Fiction.
Virtual chat rooms and discussion lists are an excellent way to network with your peers and obtain specific information and advice from the comfort of your own home or office. Becoming a member of an online community, like Friendster or LinkedIn, also can lead to serendipitous -- yet useful -- connections. Just be sure to be polite in all of your interactions and offer useful information to your contacts.
Small talk is a turnoff. Fiction.
Many people cringe at the prospect of making small talk, but it's often the first step to getting a more meaningful conversation started. You don't have to limit yourself to topics like the weather or your alma mater. Ask potential contacts whether they've taken any interesting vacations or eaten at the new restaurant down the street -- anything you'd genuinely be interested in learning about. Also, prepare some stories of your own to share, such as a quirky news item you've come across or celebrity encounter you once had, in case your conversation partner is a bit bashful.
Your contacts will be annoyed if you ask for help. Fiction.
Asking people for information and advice is hardly bothersome, as long as you do so gracefully. In fact, 37 percent of workers polled by Robert Half International said the biggest mistake people make when networking is not asking for help. When soliciting assistance, make it easy for the other person. For instance, if you ask someone to serve as a professional reference, provide that person with a copy of your résumé and let him or her know when a potential employer might be calling.
It's just as important to give as it is to receive. Fact.
Consistently serving as a resource to others is the most effective way to forge long-term relationships. Offer to help whenever you can and always respond promptly to the requests you receive. Forwarding relevant news articles and information to your contacts is another way to build rapport and stay in touch.
Overcoming these misconceptions will help you make the most of your activities and develop a circle of long-lasting professional contacts.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Das Awkscht Fescht
Here's an alternative to Musikfest this weekend. For those of you interested in a different type of "fest"...
When: Aug. 4 - 6
Where: Macungie Memorial ParkThe 2006
Admission: $6
Das Awkscht Fescht is one of the largest antique and classic car shows in the country with over 3,000 show cars. Great food, entertainment, folk art, antiques & crafts, kid's activities, bingo, and flea market items. There is a Toy Show and fireworks on Saturday.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Let the "Festing" Begin...
New to the area and have no clue what all the Musikfest hype is about?
Here's the Cliffs Notes version...10 days of constant music, tons of food and beverages and hundreds of thousands of people! Would you want to miss that? We didn't think so!
Here's the Cliffs Notes version...10 days of constant music, tons of food and beverages and hundreds of thousands of people! Would you want to miss that? We didn't think so!
When: 08/04/2006 - 08/13/2006
Where: Downtown Bethlehem, you can't miss it!
Musikfest, America's Music Festival, showcases more than 500 musical performances over 10 days. The event also features a wealth of mouth-watering foods and desserts, children's activities, visual arts and crafts and a closing-night fireworks spectacular. This year's performers include Kenny G, Heart, Carrie Underwood, Styx/Kansas, Trace Adkins, LL Cool J, Train, Melissa Etheridge, Dr. John, Kathy Mattea, Chris Botti and many more.
Don't forget to stop by Volksplatz on Sunday, August 6th between 5p-11p to see some of your fellow NET members working the enitre platz!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Rocketing inflation strikes Lehigh Valley
Rampant inflation continued to march through the Lehigh Valley this spring, led by surging prices in fuel, housing and medical care.
Over the past year, consumer prices have rocketed about 7 percent overall, the largest annual increase ever measured in the 22-year history of The Morning Call/Kamran Afshar Consumer Price Index.
"This is really, really high," said Kamran Afshar, the Bethlehem-based economist who assembles the price survey, adding, "I don't want to say it, but maybe we should get used to it."
That's because Lehigh Valley inflation has been well above the 3 percent average for more than two years, outpacing the rest of America during that time.
But now, inflation is rearing its head across the nation, too. In the April-to-June quarter, Lehigh Valley prices rose 1.63 percent. Meanwhile, United States inflation rose by nearly the same amount, 1.55 percent during the same time.
"This quarter, the nation caught up with us," Afshar said.
-- reporting by Gregory Karp, The Morning Call
Article courtsey of The Morning Call
Over the past year, consumer prices have rocketed about 7 percent overall, the largest annual increase ever measured in the 22-year history of The Morning Call/Kamran Afshar Consumer Price Index.
"This is really, really high," said Kamran Afshar, the Bethlehem-based economist who assembles the price survey, adding, "I don't want to say it, but maybe we should get used to it."
That's because Lehigh Valley inflation has been well above the 3 percent average for more than two years, outpacing the rest of America during that time.
But now, inflation is rearing its head across the nation, too. In the April-to-June quarter, Lehigh Valley prices rose 1.63 percent. Meanwhile, United States inflation rose by nearly the same amount, 1.55 percent during the same time.
"This quarter, the nation caught up with us," Afshar said.
-- reporting by Gregory Karp, The Morning Call
Article courtsey of The Morning Call
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