NEW BETHLEHEM, PA. (RVO) – While the world is currently on lock-down, it has become even more important that we come together to create moments of happiness, connection and purpose while social distancing with our family, friends and neighbors in the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community.

Penn Street in New Bethlehem PA *Photo courtesy of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org

These socially distancing safe activities will help to keep our communities connected while bringing light and joy to an otherwise dark and scary time.

Parents across the nation have shared how these types of activities are helping their children to feel safer and gives them something fun to look forward to!

New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows shared, “I’ve been working alongside our chamber, community center, government officials, school district and local small businesses to keep our economy strong and our community spirit thriving!”

Feel free to share your own ideas to my office [email protected] and I’ll be happy to bring them before the hardworking group of volunteers who serve our civic organizations in the New Bethlehem area and Redbank Valley community.

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Redbank Valley Teddy Bear Hunt – April 1^st thru May 31^st
It may not actually be bear hunting season yet, but it is time to join your family on the Redbank Valley Teddy Bear Hunt! You don’t need a special hunting license to participate, but you do need to watch for all of the teddy bears peeking out of windows! Encourage your children to keep a tally of the bears spotted on a notebook or mark off the houses that have bears on a map from Google.

Encourage your neighbors to place a teddy bear somewhere visible such as a window or front porch. If you don’t have a teddy bear, print off a teddy bear picture from the Internet and have your children color and hang them in your window.

Why a teddy bear hunt? Teddy bears have long been a symbol of comfort. They are snuggly and the perfect friend for a good cuddle. Teddy bears remind parents of their childhood and feeling secure and happy. Join in the fun today by supporting your family, friends and neighbors from a distance with the Redbank Valley Teddy Bear Hunt!

For more info, please visit: Facebook.com/events/639994646565230

*Event courtesy of New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows with support from the civic organizations of the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community

Teddy Bear Hunt – New Bethlehem PA 2020

Redbank Valley Sidewalk Chalk Walk – April 1^st thru May 31^st
Enjoy the beautiful sun shining and the warm breeze by joining your family on the Redbank Valley Sidewalk Chalk Walk! Going outside and enjoying socially distant recreational activities are mentally healing and good for the spirit.

Practice your artistic abilities by using sidewalk chalk to create messages of hope and positive words of encouragement for your neighbors and friends. You can draw fun pictures such as rainbows, hearts, and happy faces or write inspirational quotes to bring joy and happiness to families enjoying an afternoon stroll.

Take your family on an evening walk to enjoy the art along the sidewalks of family and friends throughout the neighborhood. This activity spreads positivity and love which can support mental, emotional and physical health and well-being. Spending some quality time outdoors admiring the beautiful art at a socially safe distance with the Redbank Valley Sidewalk Chalk Walk!

For more info, please visit: Facebook.com/events/514133835938288

*Event courtesy of New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows with support from the civic organizations of the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community

Sidewalk Chalk Walk – New Bethlehem PA 2020

Redbank Valley Geocaching – April 1^st thru May 31^st
Take your family on a treasure hunting adventure throughout the neighborhood while maintaining a socially safe distance with Redbank Valley Geocaching! Kids enjoy using maps and exploring which makes this a fun and educational activity for the whole family!

You can pick what item you wish to hide for the geocache, however many communities have found painting golf ball to tennis ball sized rocks works great! You can paint colorful pictures on the rock or fun inspirational quotes. Then hide the rocks in a safe public area for children and their families to discover!

Use your smartphone to mark the location on your GPS and send the pinned location out to friends and neighbors. They can then go on a hunt to find your painted rocks! Each family can hunt on their own for the treasures, so it is a safe game to play while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

For more info, please visit: Facebook.com/events/2683313848618794

*Event courtesy of New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows with support from the civic organizations of the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community

Geocaching – New Bethlehem PA 2020

Redbank Valley Church Services – Every Sunday
While churches are temporarily closed, you can still engage in socially appropriate online bible studies, electronic ministries, and live/recorded worship services at various churches throughout the New Bethlehem area and Redbank Valley community.

Visit the Redbank Valley Church Association website for a searchable directory listing of all the local churches as well as links to their websites and social media: RVChurchAssociation.org

Don’t forget to mail in your tithe or submit your online offering electronically if your church offers that convenience.

For more info, please visit: Facebook.com/events/225761798772640

*Event courtesy of New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows with support from the civic organizations of the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community

Church Worship Services – New Bethlehem PA 2020

Redbank Valley Small Business Support – April 1^st thru May 31^st
While many small businesses are temporarily closed or severely limited in their ability to offer their services to the public, you can still support them with some of the following ideas.

ORDER FOR DELIVERY OR CARRY OUT – You can still get food from your favorite restaurants by ordering takeout, curbside pick-up or delivery, while choosing cooked foods over fresh foods when possible. Similarly, you can call in your orders to small local retailers and pick them up. Remember to practice social distancing when receiving your order.

BUY GIFT CARDS OR PREPAY FOR SERVICES – Support your favorite small businesses by purchasing gift cards to be used at a later date. This provides the business with money that they can use to weather the storm. When things settle down later, you will be able to use your gift cards. Similarly, you can call your service providers to book and prepay for future sessions.

MAINTAIN MEMBERSHIPS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS – Many small businesses rely on constant support to keep their doors open. If you have a membership to a local gym, painting class, music lesson, dance studio, etc., don’t stop making payments. You can also see if these businesses offer virtual classes or lessons. If not, request this service. Not only will you keep up with your fitness or artistic goals, but you can do it from the comfort of your home.

SHOP FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES ONLINE – If a small business you frequent has an online store, continue to buy their products during these hard times. Again, many businesses are moving to curbside pick-up and delivery to keep revenue coming in. Yes, you could order almost anything from an online retail giant like Amazon, but your local retail businesses need your support now more than ever.

Overall, please be mindful of the struggles of small businesses in the New Bethlehem area and Redbank Valley community during these times and be intentional about supporting them through your patronage.

For more info, please visit: Facebook.com/events/907276929725032

*Event courtesy of New Bethlehem Mayor Gordon Barrows with support from the civic organizations of the New Bethlehem area & Redbank Valley community

Support Small Business – New Bethlehem PA 2020