Cloudy with more rounds of showers and possibly some downpours or a t-storm
The city of Bethlehem has announced a its sixth sister city
- The city of Bethlehem has announced its sixth sister city
Patillas, Puerto Rico has been announced as the sixth sister city on the city of Bethlehem's Facebook page Friday
Bethlehem will be hosting a Sister City signing ceremony and flag-raising on Friday
The event will be hosted at Bethlehem town hall
Church Street.A meet and greet will also be hosted following the ceremony from 2-3 p.m
at the Cohen Room at Bethlehem Area Public Library
Officials say the sister relationship pays tribute to the historical and current context of Bethlehem's Puerto Rican community
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"Que Bonita Bandera," an anthem by Florencio Morales "Ramito" Ramos
What a beautiful day in @CityBethlehem where Patillas Puerto RIco @discover_PR became a sister city! 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/WvRHssQN5k
The southeastern Puerto Rican municipality — located about 48 miles from San Juan — on Friday became Bethlehem's sixth sister city during a flag-raising and festive celebration
Before officials raised the flags of Puerto Rico and Patillas
a bilingual ceremony was held inside City Hall
signed a sister city agreement and exchanged gifts (Patillas' Mayor Maritza Sánchez Neris could not attend Friday's ceremony)
director of Culture and Tourism and radio hosts Caesar Lebron Rodriguez and Catalina Rodriguez (to keep those at home in the loop
Caesar Rodriguez was streaming live from the ceremony)
The celebration comes during Hispanic Heritage Month and one day after hundreds — including students from Freedom and Liberty high schools — converged on the SteelStacks campus for the city's annual celebration
Several Latino leaders attended both ceremonies including Olga NegrĂłn
executive director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs
Supervisor of Equity Initiatives at Bethlehem Area School District and Aurea Ortiz
who served as the English/Spanish translator during Friday's ceremony
Talk of naming Patillas Bethlehem's sixth sister city began in 2022 by members of the mayor's Latino Advisory Council
the city’s director of Equity and Inclusion
More from today’s sister city celebración for Patillas Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/hUSc2yhTbV
"We began to talk about centering our Puerto Rican history and talked about the complications of that and how we would decide what city we would create that relationship with and we decided that this should be a community driven process," Santoro said
Locals were asked to choose a town in Puerto Rico in March 2023 and had until June 30 to respond
Though it wasn't the residents of Christmas City who suggested Patillas — instead it came straight from the Isla del Encanto
"On the last day of tallying the sister city surveys
I was told that there was a package at the front desk here at city hall," Santoro said
"We found that there were close to 60 surveys
Santoro said residents moved to Bethlehem from Patillas
Puerto Rico in the 40s and 50s to take jobs for Bethlehem Steel
the Bethlehem School District received over 100 students and families from the island who relocated to the city
Puerto Ricans make up the largest segment of the Lehigh Valley's fast-growing Hispanic population and a small percentage of those are from Patillas (last August
Susan Wild and Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk led a trip with local Latino leaders to Puerto Rico
which included a stop in the municipality)
Reyes Hernández said the sister city partnership will help to develop ways for both cities to mutually benefit
developing mentoring programs that give tools to the entrepreneurs to grow their businesses," she said
"And we are going to promote sports between both communities as social [events]
uniting the efforts in both communities to prosper to all citizens
And the one that return to Puerto Rico and to generate a positive impact and a durable life to all citizens."
Bethlehem's other sister cities include Tondabayashi
a professor at the University of Turabo and Pontifical Catholic University Puerto Rico to talk about Bethlehem's sister city search
and other resources between the two communities
Reyes is an advocate for the Puerto Rican city of Patillas
Reyes' work with the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as Deputy Director of Vital Records
her foundation "Los Buenos de Patillas" which takes a humanistic approach to assisting residents
her passion for helping people with autism
*This episode was recorded prior to the June 23 Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley Gala
Charla Comunitaria features interviews and conversations which explore the Lehigh Valley's growing and thriving Latin American community
Catch new episodes the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:00 PM following Perspectives
An official website of the United States government
Puerto Rico – Marine Interdiction Agents of US Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations (AMO)
intercepted Wednesday a vessel with three men from the Dominican Republic and Colombia transporting approximately 3,382 pounds (1,534 kilos) of cocaine
The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately $35 million
“Smugglers continue to try to introduce narcotics through Puerto Rico,” stated Creighton Skeen
Acting Director of Air and Marine Operations at the Caribbean Air and Marine Branch (CAMB)
“AMO remains resolute to leverage its resources
and maritime domain awareness to be able to intercept these incursions throughout the island.”
A Jacksonville-based Multi-role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) crew on assignment to Caribbean Air and Marine Branch detected a 30-foot Yola-type vessel with two outboard engines travelling north towards Puerto Rico
with visible bales and three occupants onboard
The MEA maintained surveillance of the vessel coordinating with the crews of two Fajardo Marine Unit Coastal Interceptor vessels to intercept
Ponce-based Marine Interdiction Agents also responded to the scene by land to the Punta Vientos area in Patillas
along with FURA Police Department (PRPD) officers to provide extra assets to the possible landing area
with support from Caribbean Air and Marine Operations Center personnel
where MIA’s and PRPD officers arrested three men
two from the Dominican Republic and one from Colombia
which later tested positive for the properties of cocaine
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) assumed custody of the individuals and the contraband for further investigation and subsequent prosecution
“Drug trafficking continues to fuel the violence that is poisoning Puerto Rico” stated DEA’s Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster
“The DEA will continue to work with its counterparts strengthening our partnerships to eradicate these drug trafficking organizations.”
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With approximately 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel
and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States
AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments at and beyond the border
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1968 to Sammie Lee Patilla and Josephine Draughon at grant medical center in Columbus
Shawn was educated at Linden McKinley High School
He was formerly employed at Oakland Park Bar and Grill and many other places of business
He was a very dedicated and hard working man
Shawn loved cooking and enjoyed fishing with his father and daughters
He was loved by many for his wisdom and charming personality
He enjoyed talking to people and loved spending time with his family
Delphine Cooper and Deborah Draughon; and brother
Shawn leaves to cherish his memory with daughters
Visitation 11:00am and Funeral 12:00pm Tuesday
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2023) - Lisimba Patilla LLC is thrilled to announce the launch of TRI720 Cheatcodes-a groundbreaking program designed to empower adults with traumatic childhood swimming experiences to conquer their fears and learn to swim confidently
the program draws inspiration from his decade-long personal journey of conquering childhood swim anxiety resulting from a near-drowning incident
This innovative course and coaching solution aims to provide tangible benefits
like overcoming swim anxieties within 5 minutes of practicing a lesson versus the challenges of traditional swim lessons
Photo by: Sarah Teveldal
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/191081_79e34c93347fa931_001full.jpg
TRI720 Cheatcodes is an innovative program that emerged from a unique 720-day journey to conquer swim anxiety
This venture was born out of a need to address deep-seated fears associated with swimming
the company's foundation was laid through meticulous experimentation with various drills and swim aids and a focus on cultivating a positive mindset
This approach led to a significant breakthrough in overcoming swim anxiety
TRI720 Cheatcodes stands as a testament to this transformative journey
offering a practical and unconventional approach to overcoming swim anxiety inspired by the experiences and dedication of its founders
The company continues to highlight its unique offering: a personalized and gradual method designed specifically for adults struggling with swim anxiety
This approach sets TRI720 Cheatcodes apart
focusing on a niche yet significant aspect of swim education
Photo by: Michael Wypasek
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/191081_79e34c93347fa931_002full.jpg
the company identifies significant gaps in traditional swim instruction
as evidenced by its research across Northeast Ohio
The company's analysis highlights the Traditional Learn to Swim Instruction's limitations in addressing the needs of adults with swimming fears and anxiety
Insights from a survey conducted within learn-to-swim Facebook groups reveal that 54% of adults aged 18-64 feel dissatisfied with the traditional approach
citing its pace as a factor that worsens anxiety instead of creating a supportive learning environment
This data underscores TRI720 Cheatcodes' commitment to developing more effective swimming instruction methods
it seeks to revolutionize the way adults approach swim anxiety
providing a lifeline for those who have struggled with traditional methods
and a proven track record of helping adults overcome swim anxieties within 5 minutes of practicing lessons
TRI720 Cheatcodes emerges as a source of hope for adults aiming to conquer their swimming fears and embark on a journey toward confidence and mastery in the water
TRI720 Cheatcodes is more than a program; it's a community of learners and coaches
bound by the shared goal of conquering swim anxiety
For additional information about TRI720 Cheatcodes or to schedule a consultation with Lisimba Patilla, please visit the company's website at tri720cheatcodes.com/ or email lisimba@tri720cheatcodes.com
Photo by: Michael Wypasek
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8798/191081_79e34c93347fa931_003full.jpg
Lisimba Patilla LLC is the driving force behind TRI720 Cheatcodes
is committed to providing practical solutions for adults overcoming swim anxiety
Through a personalized and gradual approach
TRI720 Cheatcodes aims to create a supportive environment
ensuring individuals can conquer their fears and anxieties about swimming
Lisimba@tri720cheatcodes.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/191081
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PATILLAS (2017 FIBA Americas U16) – Puerto Rico was crowned Champion of the 2016 Centrobasket U15 Championship after defeating the Dominican Republic in the gold-medal match
Mexico took a spot in the podium after surpassing Panama for the Bronze Medal
Puerto Rico had a better start and during the first quarter took a slight lead
Puerto Rico grew its advantage to 13 points
Tension boiled over an unsportsmanlike and technical foul were called on the Dominican Republic
the Boricuas took advantage and at the end of the third the host had a nine point lead
Puerto Rico created a 6-0 run and went ahead 69-56
Dominicana cut the difference to 5 with 18 seconds to go
Puerto Rico kept adding and celebrated the win and the championship.
Mexico took home the Bronze Medal and the last ticket to the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship after defeating Panama
Mexico had better rhythm from the start and took a 24-7 lead at the end of the first quarter
The Mexicans kept adding with great offensive effectiveness and great rotation on defense
but Mexico won the remaining quarters in commanding fashion to take the win
Costa Rica claimed fifth place of the Centrobasket U15 Championship after defeating Trinidad and Tobago
Costa Rica controlled the scoreboard from early on and kept adding to the lead
With their top-three performance at the Centrobasket U15 Championship
the Dominican Republic and Mexico qualified to the 2017 FIBA Americas U16 Championship
Centrobasket U15 Championship Final Positions:1
Patillas, Puerto Rico: communities in mountain areas around town look like #HurricaneMaria hit yesterday. @accuweather #RaysofHope pic.twitter.com/rAJmuRnMgW
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CSU's own Shannon Patilla will be heading to Atlantic City later this month in preparation for the Miss America pageant
where's she'll compete alongside 51 other women for the coveted title
studied health and exercise science at CSU
She's now pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration from CSU Global
she was crowned Miss Colorado after competing in the pageant since 2013
keeping up with current events and preparing a talent
I want to leave a positive impact on my community and encourage others to do the same," Patilla said
Being a part of the American tradition that is the Miss America pageant is what Patilla said she's looking forward to the most as she prepares to ship out for the annual event
which will be broadcast from the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on ABC on Sept
"The Miss America Organization is an important part of our culture;Â being one of the largest scholarship providers for women across the country
and encouraging excellence among all participants," Patilla said
"Not everyone can say that they've had the opportunity to compete for the Miss America title
so I'm very honored to have that privilege."
will sing for the talent portion of the pageant
11 for updates on Patilla and the Miss America pageant
He earned a football scholarship to attend the University of Michigan
but spent only two years in the Wolverines program
The new team has put Patilla's priorities back in order
Teams in the Canadian Football League as well as a few other international franchises are looking at him
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Puerto Rico -- A curtain of sound envelops the two researchers as they make their way along the side of a mountain in darkness
occasionally hacking their way with a machete to reach the mouth of a small cave
a pulsing undercurrent in the tropical night
To experts tracking a decline in amphibians with growing alarm
it's like a symphony in which some of the players haven't been showing up
there are places where researchers used to hear four species at once and they are now hearing one or two
"You are not hearing what you were before," said Alberto Lopez
part of a husband-and-wife team of biologists trying to gauge the health of frogs on the island
Scientists report that many types of amphibians
are in a steep global decline likely caused by a mix of habitat loss
The downward spiral is striking particularly hard in the Caribbean
where a majority of species are now losing a fragile hold in the ecosystem
there could be a massive die-off of Caribbean frogs within 15 years
an amphibian expert with the Santo Domingo Zoo in the Dominican Republic
"There are species that we literally know nothing about" that could be lost
(MORE: When to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower)
have been fanning out across the Caribbean and returning with new and troubling evidence of the decline
where severe deforestation is added to the mix of problems
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has found that 32 percent of the world's amphibian species are threatened or extinct
including more than 200 alone in both Mexico and Colombia
"Everywhere we are seeing declines and it's severe," said Jan Zegarra
a biologist based in Puerto Rico for the U.S
Frogs may be less charismatic than some other troubled species
but their role in the environment is important
They are consumed by birds and snakes and they in turn are major predators of mosquitoes
Their absence could lead to a rise in malaria and dengue
There are also less tangible reasons for protection
the common name for a genus that includes 17 species in Puerto Rico
including three believed to be already extinct
is important to the cultural heritage of the island; it's considered a symbol of the island
seen in everything from indigenous petroglyphs to coffee mugs sold to tourists at the airport
which breathe and process toxins through their skin
are considered a promising area for pharmaceutical research and a bio-indicator that can tell scientists about what's going on in the environment
"We are just starting to understand the ripple down effects and the repercussions of losing amphibians," said Jamie Voyles
a biologist at New Mexico Tech in Albuquerque and one of the principal investigators of Project Atelopus
an effort to study and protect frogs of an endangered genus in Panama
(MORE: 10 Strangest Things About Winter Storm Walda)
a biologist at the University of Puerto Rico
has noted the diminishing nighttime calls in decades of research on the island and not just from the three species believe to have gone extinct
"Many of the other species that were common when I was a younger student ..
are now disappearing and are actually very rare."
the worst situation for frogs is the Caribbean
where more than 80 percent of species are threatened or extinct in the Dominican Republic
Cuba and Jamaica and more than 90 percent in Haiti
according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
"The frogs in the Caribbean are in very bad shape," Joglar said
One major reason the Caribbean is so vulnerable is that many species are found only within a small habitat on just one island
which was the focus of attention by Lopez and Longo on a recent night
it is what's known as a habitat specialist
found only in caves of a certain kind of volcanic rock along streams in southeastern Puerto Rico
There are 17 known spots designated by the U.S
Fish and Wildlife Service as critical habitat for the rock frog
working for a research and public education initiative called Proyecto Coqui
have been trying to determine the health of the populations on those isolated patches
"That's why it's such a vulnerable species," Lopez said
people can't just grab them and put them in another place on the island because this habitat is only found on the southeast of the island."
the degradation of the environment has been so severe that only a handful of species are known for certain to still be viable in the country and even they are in trouble
a biology professor at Pennsylvania State University who has studied frogs in the Caribbean since the 1980s
"I'm really certain that some species are going over the edge
Frogs have been under siege around the world from a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
known for short as "Bd," which has been known to be weakening and killing amphibians since the late 1990s though much about it remains under scientific study
"When I first went to Panama the sounds at night were incredible and now it's just silent," she said
"It's hard to communicate the absence of that incredible cacophony of beautiful sounds
It's very striking how much we have lost."
Among research efforts on the fungus is one by Lopez and Longo
who have been catching frogs in the forest
and then releasing them back into the night
They have started finding the fungus in the coqui guajon and are still trying to determine how it will affect the population
After three weeks on the winding back roads of Puerto Rico
politely knocking on people's doors to ask if they could root around on their land for frogs
the researchers were relieved to find plentiful specimens
But they were also dismayed to confirm that one place designated as critical habitat had not a single coqui guajon left
Associated Press writer Trenton Daniel contributed from Port-au-Prince
Haiti; Lopez reported from the Dominican Republic; Fox reported from Puerto Rico
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it's like a symphony in which some of the players haven't been showing up
\\\"You are not hearing what you were before,\\\" said Alberto Lopez
\\\"There are species that we literally know nothing about\\\" that could be lost
(MORE: When to Watch the Lyrid Meteor Shower)
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has found that 32 percent of the world's amphibian species are threatened or extinct
\\\"Everywhere we are seeing declines and it's severe,\\\" said Jan Zegarra
is important to the cultural heritage of the island; it's considered a symbol of the island
seen in everything from indigenous petroglyphs to coffee mugs sold to tourists at the airport.
are considered a promising area for pharmaceutical research and a bio-indicator that can tell scientists about what's going on in the environment
\\\"We are just starting to understand the ripple down effects and the repercussions of losing amphibians,\\\" said Jamie Voyles
(MORE: 10 Strangest Things About Winter Storm Walda)
Rafael Joglar, a biologist at the University of Puerto Rico, has noted the diminishing nighttime calls in decades of research on the island and not just from the three species believe to have gone extinct. \\\"Many of the other species that were common when I was a younger student ... are now disappearing and are actually very rare.\\\"
In percentage terms, the worst situation for frogs is the Caribbean, where more than 80 percent of species are threatened or extinct in the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica and more than 90 percent in Haiti, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In Puerto Rico, it's around 70 percent.
\\\"The frogs in the Caribbean are in very bad shape,\\\" Joglar said.
One major reason the Caribbean is so vulnerable is that many species are found only within a small habitat on just one island. Take, for example, the coqui guajon, or rock frog, which was the focus of attention by Lopez and Longo on a recent night.
About the size of a golf ball, it is what's known as a habitat specialist, found only in caves of a certain kind of volcanic rock along streams in southeastern Puerto Rico.
There are 17 known spots designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as critical habitat for the rock frog, all of them on private land. Longo and Lopez, working for a research and public education initiative called Proyecto Coqui, have been trying to determine the health of the populations on those isolated patches.
\\\"That's why it's such a vulnerable species,\\\" Lopez said. \\\"If something happens to the habitat, people can't just grab them and put them in another place on the island because this habitat is only found on the southeast of the island.\\\"
In densely populated Haiti, the degradation of the environment has been so severe that only a handful of species are known for certain to still be viable in the country and even they are in trouble, said S. Blair Hedges, a biology professor at Pennsylvania State University who has studied frogs in the Caribbean since the 1980s.
\\\"I'm really certain that some species are going over the edge, are disappearing,\\\" Hedges said.
Frogs have been under siege around the world from a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, known for short as \\\"Bd,\\\" which has been known to be weakening and killing amphibians since the late 1990s though much about it remains under scientific study, Voyles said. Its effects, however, are dramatic.
\\\"When I first went to Panama the sounds at night were incredible and now it's just silent,\\\" she said. \\\"It's hard to communicate the absence of that incredible cacophony of beautiful sounds. It's very striking how much we have lost.\\\"
Among research efforts on the fungus is one by Lopez and Longo, who have been catching frogs in the forest, checking them for Bd and ticks, and then releasing them back into the night. They have started finding the fungus in the coqui guajon and are still trying to determine how it will affect the population.
After three weeks on the winding back roads of Puerto Rico, politely knocking on people's doors to ask if they could root around on their land for frogs, the researchers were relieved to find plentiful specimens. But they were also dismayed to confirm that one place designated as critical habitat had not a single coqui guajon left.
\\\"To our surprise, the habitat is there, but no frogs, no frogs at all,\\\" he said.
Associated Press writer Trenton Daniel contributed from Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Lopez reported from the Dominican Republic; Fox reported from Puerto Rico.
Mission's recovery program transformed graduateThe Associated PressTwo years of prayer and clean living have transformed Anthony Patilla.
Before he enrolled in the Old Savannah City Mission's homeless and drug recovery program, the clean-cut 44-year-old was living on the street and abusing hard drugs.
"I got so high one night that it scared me," Patilla said. "I started praying. I asked God to help me out, and I promised to get help."
Patilla enrolled in the mission's yearlong residential Bible-based recovery program, called the Urban Training Institute. The program required him to give up his 12-year cocaine habit, work on-site, and participate in daily prayer and Bible study.
The experience brought new hope and a transforming faith in Christ. In the two years since he completed the program, Patilla has continued to work and live at the center. He also has completed an electrician certification program at Savannah Technical College.
"I see people with addictions coming through the mission every day," Patilla said. "They're a constant reminder that I can't go back to the way I was."
In addition to providing three daily meals to the hungry and clothing and emergency shelter to the homeless, the mission graduates about 10 men from its Urban Training Institute each year.
The men volunteer to pay any restitution, court fees and back child support they might owe. Many have returned to productive places in society and have rebuilt broken ties with their wives and children.
"The mission is a light in the community," said the Rev. Jim Lewis, executive director. "Guys like Anthony are a beacon, carrying a torch and knocking holes in the darkness. He's showing people that they don't have to be hopelessly bound to addictions."
Patilla never thought he'd be testifying about drug recovery. When he graduated from Beach High School in the early 1980s, he was offered a basketball scholarship to a local college.
He moved into the garage apartment at his family home and spent that summer celebrating. But the friends who could afford beer sold marijuana, and it wasn't long before they were smoking up their supply.
"It took away my energy," Patilla said. "I didn't pursue the things I wanted to do."
The scholarship offer was revoked, and Patilla started working and selling marijuana to keep the parties going. Eventually, he and his friends started selling harder drugs, and they sampled those supplies as well.
"Before I knew it, I was 32 or 33, and I couldn't make it to work because I had been up all night doing drugs. Then I was homeless, and my family didn't want to deal with me," he said.
Drugs took him places he never thought he'd go - from trading company cars for drugs to sleepless nights on the porches of abandoned houses. But Patilla says he's now driven by a force more powerful than drugs.
"I didn't know Christ. I wasn't convicted of my sins, and I had no one to answer to," he said. "But now I get up at 4:30 a.m. to pray, and then I pray again at 1:30 p.m., when we're done serving meals, to thank God for his grace."
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