Ceremony Honoring First Responders Highlights Patriot Day Activities at SteelStacks Sept. 11

Underwater Rescue and Recovery Squad Volunteer Jonelle Heany to be honored with 2018 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award

BETHLEHEM, PA—The public is invited to join ArtsQuest in honoring our region’s first responders, law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel during Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank Sept. 11, 6-8 p.m., at SteelStacks.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people at the World Trade Center in New York City and Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., as well as the crew and passengers aboard Flight 93, which crashed in a western Pennsylvania field. As we remember those lost on that day, SteelStacks will also honor the men and women who stepped up to help amid the devastation, as well as those individuals who continue to put themselves in harm’s way in our communities every day.

At 6 p.m., at the ArtsQuest Center, ArtsQuest will honor area first responders with a special ceremony that includes the presentation of the 2018 ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award to Douglassville resident Jonelle Heany. A scuba diver since 1987, Heany volunteered with Reading’s Underwater Rescue and Recovery Squad from 2000-’16 and now volunteers for the Keystone Water Rescue out of Boyertown. She also served as a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary from 2005-’17 and has volunteered with ArtsQuest and Musikfest for 13 years. In recognition of her efforts and dedication to her community, ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert and Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez will present Heany with a glass sculpture hand-blown by the artists at the ArtsQuest Glass Studio at the Banana Factory.

“I love the water, and I love helping people,” Heany says of her volunteer work. “It’s an honor to be recognized on Patriot Day. The celebration is a great way to recognize and honor those who volunteer or work in the field of emergency response. By coming together on this day, we prove that no matter how badly someone tries to destroy and weaken our spirit, they fail. We are a country of the most determined and loving people in the world, and we come together to help our fellow man when needed!”

Other activities during the ceremony include the singing of the National Anthem by Alexis Connelly of Freedom High School and a color guard presentation. Following the event, attendees can enjoy live music by Vin Mott’s Rhythm & Blues Band on the Highmark Health Community Stage at 6:30 p.m.

Additionally, all first responders in attendance will receive a 20-percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages at the Mike & Ike Bistro in the ArtsQuest Center from 5-9 p.m.; identification must be provided to receive the discount.

For more information on Patriot Day presented by Embassy Bank, visit www.steelstacks.org.