Northwestern Press

Nestled among a patchwork of lush greens in every hue, local barns and other structures create a picture that evoke the quiet and simplicity of times past.

These scenes continue to inspire Kempton artist Gene Allen, who seeks to document them for local folks now and for the future.

By his own admission, Allen is most interested in “preserving the old by painting the rapidly disappearing landscape.”

“One of the reasons we settled here is because the landscape is so beautiful [especially] the juxtaposing of nature and the manmade buildings,” Allen said.

The high school library was recently transformed into a veritable art gallery.

On display were paintings, ceramics, pillows and a wide array of craft items wrought in Kathy Kehs’ art classes for students to view during the day and the general public to enjoy in the evening.

“They’re so talented,” said senior Amanda Summers as she toured the display. “I’m not artistic at all so I’m really impressed with everything done in clay and the drawings and paintings.”

Kehs said the works on display were either “teacher selected or student requested.”

Graduation is a joyous time for high school seniors with new experiences within reach.

For Abbie Smith, these new experiences will begin at West Point with the realization of a long-held dream.

“[Congressman] Charlie Dent [R-15th] called me while I was at track practice, doing off season prep,” she said. “When I heard the voice mail my heart actually stopped for a minute. A huge weight lifted off my shoulder.”

At graduation practice, adviser Lauren Elsenbaumer scanned the class gathered before her.

“This is a bittersweet [time],” she said. “I’m proud of them but I’m always sad to see them go.”

For many a graduate, this new reality begins with college.

This is true for Morgan Billig, who is headed for Lehigh Carbon Community College to study business.

“I’ve wanted to be a horse trainer since I was a kid,” she said.

A business degree will be the first step to achieving her goal.

After two hours of crowd-pleasing entertainment, senior Eddie Parrish was crowned Mr. Northwestern 2016.

“Was he expecting to walk away with the crown?

“Absolutely not!” he said. “I was just thinking I had some great judges. The entire performance was entirely fun.”

Parrish will be attending Drexel University in the fall to study electrical engineering.

“I’m ready to leave Northwestern but this is the right way to start off the summer after senior year,” Parrish said.

This year, Northwestern Lehigh prom-goers will celebrate the culmination of their high school years with the arresting views of Blue Mountain Resort as a backdrop.

The prom, on May 29, signals a week-long celebration that concludes an important phase of life for Northwestern graduates at Stabler Arena six days later.

Prom plans have been in the works for more than a year.

“We decided [on Blue Mountain] last year, around April or May,” said Class President Quentin Bernhard. “We fell in love with it right away.

Northwestern Middle School thespians will perform a play this weekend that is all about the music.

The title itself offers the first big hint and songs such as “Do-Re-Mi,” Edelweiss,” My Favorite Things” and “Climb Every Mountain” guarantee audience members will leave humming one of the many classics.

“The Sound of Music” features Molly McGorry in the role of Maria Rainer.

The sixth grader was surprised to be given the starring role although music has been in her blood from very early on.

Members of Northwestern Lehigh’s Class of 2029 were welcomed to the school district as they attended kindergarten registration April 6 and 7.

“I’m nervous but excited at the same time,” said Desiree Bullar, who was registering daughter Hailey. “I had a pretty good experience when I went to elementary school in Bristol.

“Honestly, I hope things are the same [for her].”

Bullard, who moved into the district in September, said she heard good things about the school district.

“The school district where I lived is not as good as this one,” she said.

The dream of restoring the Ontelaunee Express and returning it to its original home at Ontelaunee Park edged a step closer to reality on March 12.

At a groundbreaking ceremony at the park, the Lynn Heidelberg Historical Society welcomed Susan Kistler’s donation of $25,000 and then put shovels to the ground to signify the pivotal moment linking the past, present and future.

The project not only includes train restoration but the construction of a train station to showcase the engine and passenger cars.

The day before record snows blanketed the Lehigh Valley on Jan. 23, Becky and Darrel Fritzinger of New Tripoli tapped into their creative side by constructing toy planes at Woodcraft of Allentown in the Parkway Shopping Center, Lehigh Street.

Using first-rate tools, the couple joined other enthusiastic area residents of every skill level to build the planes under the patient supervision of skilled carpenters.

Becky Fritzinger found the class nothing but “inspiring.”