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Yuengling Signed Mirror Sweepstakes – Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT
IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. SWEEPSTAKES OPEN ONLY TO
PERMANENT LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO ARE AT LEAST
18 YEARS OF AGE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. How to Enter. No purchase necessary. To enter the Sweepstakes complete and turn in the paper form by 11:59PM on Sunday, February 25, 2017 or send your first and last name, full mailing address, and phone number on a 3×5 index card with the words Yuengling Signed Mirror Sweepstakes in a #10 envelope addressed to: ArtsQuest / Yuengling Signed Mirror Sweepstakes ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015. All mail-in entries must be post-marked by February 25, 2017 and received no later than February 25, 2017. Limit one (1) entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning, regardless of method of entry. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted. No mechanically reproduced entries, alterations, facsimiles or forged entries. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of D. G. Yuengling & Son (“Sponsor”) and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, postage due, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor or Promotional Partner.

2. Eligibility. Participation open only to permanent legal residents of the United States who are at least 21 years of age as of February 25, 2017. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor and Promotional Partner, members of these persons’ immediate families (spouses, parents, children, and siblings, and their spouses regardless of where they reside), and persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

3. Random Drawing/Odds. One (1) “grand-prize” winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. The drawing will take place on or about February 25, 2017. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including the release and waiver of liability contained herein, and the decisions of the judges, Sponsor and Promotional Partner, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.
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4. Prizes. One (1) grand prize (“Grand Prize”): Yuengling Signed Mirror. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of the “grand prize” package is $85.00. Total approximate retail value
(ARV) of the Yuengling Mirror is $85.00. Prizes are non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. In the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion thereof of equal or greater value. All federal, state and local taxes, meals, gratuities, travel upgrades, incidentals, fees, service charges, surcharges, insurance costs or other unspecified costs or expenses associated with use of the prize are the sole responsibility of winner and/or his or her travel companion. Prize may be subject to restrictions imposed by prize sponsors.

5. Notification. Winner will be notified by E-mail on or about the week following the Drawing and will be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release within seven (7) days of prize notification. If winner cannot be contacted within three (3) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Sweepstakes Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected from all remaining eligible entries. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given. Limit one winner and one prize.

6. Conditions; Waiver and Release. All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Participation in Sweepstakes and acceptance of prize constitutes winner’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the Official Rules and winner’s permission for Sponsor to use his/her name, address (city and state), likeness, photograph, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information and/or any statements made by each winner regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor for advertising and promotional purposes without notice or additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Prize awarded “as is” without any representation or warranty by Sponsor. Winner assumes all risks associated with use of the prize and participation in prize-related activities. Sponsor is not responsible if any scheduled event is delayed, postponed, or canceled for any reason. Accommodations subject to availability. Winner is solely responsible for observing and abiding by prize sponsors’ rules and regulations or terms and conditions for use of prize. By participating, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and Promotional Partner and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death arising from, relating to, or which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel, or participation in the Sweepstakes, possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize, or preparation for, travel to or from, and participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity, and for any claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each entrant hereby agrees to indemnify Sponsor against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or resulting from and breach by entrant of these Official Rules. Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or who attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, shall be disqualified.

7. Additional Terms. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should Sponsor determine, in its sole discretion, that fraud, mistake, or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor will select the winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives.
CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
The Sweepstakes and these Official Rules will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Unless expressly prohibited by governing law, entrants agree that any and all disputes, claims or causes of action in connection with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred, but in no event and under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to claim or obtain indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages other than actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses.

8. List of Winner. To obtain the name of the winning individual, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 28, 2017 to: ArtsQuest / Yuengling Signed Mirror Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

9. Sponsor: D. G. Yuengling & Son

10. Promotional Partner: ArtsQuest

Staff Picks: The Year’s Best Films

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The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas staff and ArtsQuest Cinema Committee have seen a lot of great films and eaten a lot of popcorn over the past year. Hollywood will crown their favorite films in a couple weeks (which you can watch on the big screen at The Red Carpet Party presented by Molly’s Irish Grille).

While there’s a consensus that La La Land and Moonlight are the two best films of the past year, different cinema-goers have different tastes. See our picks below for some predictable picks and some surprise inclusions.

Ryan Hill, Programming Director

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1. Moonlight
Expertly written, expertly acted, expertly crafted; Barry Jenkins has a lifelong fan in me.

2. Jackie
Both Natalie Portman and the score of this film specifically stand out, as does the direction of Pablo Larraín. The camera work is stellar, as we get to be closer to Jackie Kennedy than anyone actually was at that time in history. One nitpick: why does Portman own the Jackie accent while Peter Sarsgaard’s Bobby Kennedy sound… not like a Kennedy?

3. Sing Street
Pure, unadulterated fun that is never shlocky.

4. La La Land
I saw this twice: the first screening was unforgettable, as a normally jaded press and industry audience (including myself) gave the film no fewer than four ovations; some of the magic wore off and slight flaws became apparent on a second viewing. Not to take away from an incredible directorial achievement from Damien Chazelle.

5. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
The surprise of 2016 for me. Please excuse the cliché, but fewer films better embody the true spirit of independent cinema than Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

6. The Lobster
The scenes where Colin Farrell’s character is trying to convince his future ‘wife’ that he hates people as much as her – including the one where he kicks a little girl right in the shin – are comedy gold. The final scene is arguably the best of the year.

7. Arrival
Get rid of that goofy Jeremy Renner narration in the 2nd act, and this film had a chance at cracking my top 3. That said, this was an excellent mashup of sci-fi and psychological thriller.

8. Don’t Think Twice
Don’t think that you won’t get this film if you haven’t performed and/or seen improv comedy. It’s not about comedy, it’s about people who happen to perform comedy. That said, if you’ve ever been on an improv team, this film is gonna make you feel some things. The ending is a tiny bit too neat, but there are too many beautiful moments and strong laughs before that to hold it against the film.

9. Hell or High Water
While I’m against Jeff Bridges getting acting nods for his work on this film, as I’m not convinced the dude is actually acting, Hell or High Water did make me appreciate Chris Pine in a way I never expected to (and Ben Foster continues to be a proven workhorse of an actor). I also loved the cinematography; it’s one of the more visually striking modern westerns.

10. Blue Jay
I’m a sucker for the following three things: black and white cinematography, Sarah Paulson, and the screenwriting of Mark Duplass. Blue Jay has all three of these things, though may arguably not be better than the sum of their parts. All the same, it’s worth your time.

Anthony DeSanctis, Cinema Assistant

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1. La La Land
La La Land is a reminder of the magic of cinema and why we go to the movies. The ultimate crowd pleaser, this film is a throwback to the Golden Age of musicals, but still feels completely fresh and original. After Whiplash and La La Land, Damien Chazelle is easily one of the best directors working today.

2. Moonlight
They don’t make movies like this very often, but this saga in the life of a young man is a thing of pure beauty. A haunting and powerful tale of self-discovery, I couldn’t stop thinking about this movie for days after it ended.

3. Sing Street
Criminally underrated, I found this to be an inspiring tale of finding your voice. Personal and intimate but so much fun, with one of the best movie soundtracks I’ve heard in years. “Drive it Like You Stole it” should have been the song of the summer!

4. Hacksaw Ridge
A moving character study with some of the most powerful war scenes ever put on film. I have no shame in saying this: Hacksaw Ridge is the best war film since Saving Private Ryan.

5. Hell or High Water
Surprise of the year to me. I didn’t expect much from this film, but I was hooked from the first scene. This is a story that’s been done time and time again, but with it’s contemporary western spin, its brilliant pacing, and its fully fleshed out characters, Hell or High Water is a cut above the rest.

6. Captain America: Civil War
This film is proof that comic book movies can be more than just noise and explosions. With serious dramatic stakes and mind-blowing action scenes with actual purpose, Civil War is not only one of the best films of 2016, it’s without question one of the best superhero movies ever made. And that airport scene…

7. Nocturnal Animals
Tom Ford’s long awaited follow up to his 2009 directorial debut, A Single Man, does not disappoint. Nocturnal Animals is a beautifully crafted multilayered tale of revenge. And as Michael Shannon does so very often, he walks away with this movie.

8. The Edge of Seventeen
When was the last time we got a great 80’s style teen comedy? Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson play off each other perfectly and give us some of the funniest scenes of the year.

9. Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Taika Waititi is one of the best creative forces working in comedy today. Even when the movie is at its funniest, Waiti sprinkles moments of real depth and poignancy to give us one of the most charming films of the year.

10. Arrival
One of the best science fiction movies of the last ten years. Hands down.

Lawrence Milano, Cinema Assistant

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Below are my top 10 favorite films from 2016 that are worth mentioning. This was an amazing year for cinema as we saw a terrifying art house horror film get mainstream recognition, an uncomfortable satire on online dating and relationships, farting corpses, and a musical that may be one most delightful films ever made.

La La Land
Sing Street
The Lobster
The Witch
Moonlight
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Jackie
Swiss Army Man
The Conjuring 2
Nocturnal Animals

Addyson Young, Cinema Assistant

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1. Hunt for The Wilderpeople
The scenery is breathtaking, the writing is witty, and it’s brought to you by Taiki Waititi, creator of Flight of the Concords.

2. La La Land
I’m still listening to this soundtrack on repeat. This is a very close second to Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Can it be #1.5?

3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
This Ravenclaw was very happy with this film. There’s magic in New York in the 1920’s…and Snifter.

4. Jackie
Natalie Portman’s performance in this film is sure to get her an Oscar Nomination.

5. Swiss Army Man
One of the strangest movies I have had the pleasure of viewing. A heartfelt comedy about a farting corpse, what’s not to love?

6. Moonlight
Another drama that will definitely be getting an Oscar nomination.

7. Zootopia
I was really impressed with Disney’s message in this film. It tackles race and diversity in a way that reaches kids and adult alike.

8. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Tina Fey and Martin Freeman, great balance of drama and comedy.

9. Moana
Auli’i Cavalho has an incredible voice. Another fantastic Disney soundtrack.

10. Rogue One
This probably would have gone up higher on the list had someone explained to me before the film that this was NOT the sequel to The Force Awakens…

Robert Kilker, Cinema Committee/host of Tuesday Talkbacks with Bob Kilker

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With the opportunity to host a weekly film discussion series, I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of films in 2016. However, I haven’t seen everything, so I couldn’t consider certain likely contenders (sorry, Fences!). Although I think many of the positions on my list are easily interchangeable, I feel strongly about Moonlight at number one. No other film this year quite matches its combination of beautiful cinematography, skillful writing, and affecting performances.

1. Moonlight
2. La La Land
3. Sing Street
4. Arrival
5. Manchester by the Sea
6. Hell or High Water
7. The Witch
8. Don’t Think Twice
9. Hidden Figures
10. Jackie

Lauren Tocci, Cinema Committee

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In looking back at the year in film there are three films (and one honorable mention) that stand apart: La La Land, Manchester by the Sea, and 10 Cloverfield Lane.

The easiest to jump to of course is La La Land. There is no other way to express it other than to say that film is just a pure delight and a cinephile’s dream. The screening I saw of this was a week after its wide release and the theater erupted in applause. In my experiences, such fervor is saved for midnight showings of fanboy fare; there is something just special about this film.

Although completely different in tone, Manchester by the Sea is a contender right next to La La Land. Someone said to me before I saw it that it’s “just good, solid filmmaking” and that proved true. It is shot beautifully and is anchored in heartbreaking and genuine performances. The melodramatics are avoided in favor of earnest meditations on grief and healing, including the line from a film this year that punched me in the gut (no spoilers here).

The third film I chose might seem like a sharp departure, but was my favorite theater experience this year. 10 Cloverfield Lane is claustrophobic, gripping, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead just rules. John Goodman’s performance per usual is layered and fantastic. It’s a film cliche, but I was quite literally on the edge of my seat.

My honorable mention (because a top four feels awkward) goes to Don’t Think Twice. The film was a total surprise to me. I don’t pretend to know the world of improv and sketch comedy. As all good film does, I was given a glimpse into a world to provide a deeper meaning of something I only knew at the surface. When can I walk away from a film with a little more understanding of someone’s experience, that is a special moment.

Catherine Ford, Cinema Committee

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Moonlight is my favorite film of 2016 and La La Land 2nd. The rest are in no particular order of preference or ranking.

Moonlight
Wonderful film making. A rare gem. It touches upon race, bullying, poverty, and sexuality with style and grace that stays with you long after you leave the theatre. Had to see it twice.

La La Land
A musical and so much more. Beautifully acted and tender story that keeps you wanting more. Magical!!

Loving
It plays like a novel as the film shares this true story of true love despite the odds. Strong performances both subtle and impressive.

Jackie
Natalie Portman gives a stellar performance. It gives some insight to a very historic time in our country and most memorable personality of Jackie Kennedy.

Manchester by the Sea
There are many emotions that you experience during this film. Life with highs and very lows is shared by strong performances by Casey Affleck and supporting cast.

Fences
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis give stunning performances in this film that is highly dramatic and moving. Strong screen play that respects the play from which it is based.

Sing Street
Both touching and fun. A delight. Love the music, characters, and 1980’s Dublin.

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years
The documentary honors the music and offers unfamiliar footage. Not very deep insight, but it’s the Beatles.

Florence Foster Jenkins
Light hearted but tender movie that I found very enjoyable. Meryl Streep is wonderful and Hugh Grant gives a sweet performance as well.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
I found it to be charming and enjoyable. Interesting storyline with references to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which I am a fan and that makes a difference.

Courtney Sposato, Cinema Committee

arrival

1. Arrival
As a sci-fi fan and a professional editor, this film blew me away. It was expertly edited, acted, photographed, and directed. I’m still thinking about it months later.

2. Moonlight
Intimate and brilliantly acted, this film really hit me deeply. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like it.

3. La La Land
The nostalgia of this one really got to me. I’ve been a life-long fan of musicals, and felt completely enthralled the entire time. Yes, they aren’t expert singers, but it was real and raw and I loved that about it.

4. Sing Street
I was so surprised by how much I loved this movie. It made me feel hopeful and inspired, I hope everyone watches this.

5. Don’t Think Twice
There seems to be a theme in most of my favorite movies of the year, and this one is no different. It’s about dreamers not just dreaming, but working really hard to achieve those dreams. As an aspiring director, this movie made me feel jealous that I haven’t yet really put myself out there as an artist.

6. Zootopia
Love the message of this one. Feminist and shining a light on inequality and prejudice.

7. Jackie
Natalie Portman was a powerhouse and I was left reeling from her performance

8. Hell or High Water
I’m a sucker for a neo western or anything about southern families, so this one fit that bill. Really well acted and shot.

9. Noctural Animals
Beautiful to look at, and the story within a story was another neo western which I’m a sucker for.

THE RED CARPET PARTY: Presented by Molly’s Irish Grille
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas

Buy Tickets

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Copperhead Grille Named Souper Bowl VIII Champion

January 31, 2017

With 19 restaurants and 25 soups, the competition was tasty – and fierce – at Souper Bowl VIII, the culinary event held at the ArtsQuest Center’s Musikfest Café in Bethlehem Jan. 28. Copperhead Grille of Allentown took top honors for its delicious Vietnamese Pho with beef, bean sprouts, lime, basil and jalapeno. Co-owner Mike Dontas and his team were named Souper Bowl Champions after capturing the most attendee votes during the annual fundraiser, which raised more than $19,000 for the Arts Education Fund for ArtsQuest, the nonprofit that presents Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem and classes and programs at the Banana Factory arts center and SteelStacks.

Runner-up in the Souper Bowl Champion category was Roosevelt’s 21st of Bethlehem with a Steak and White Cheddar Ale Soup, while both STRUT Catering Company’s Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder and Volpe’s Sports Bar’s Beer Belly Bisque were named second runner-up in a first-ever tie.

The official Souper Bowl Judging panel also handed out several honors at the conclusion of the Souper Bowl. Winners were:

Best Cream-Based: STRUT Catering Company, Allentown, for its Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder
Best Ethnic: Copperhead Grille – Vietnamese Pho
Best Seafood-Based: Volpe’s Sports Bar, Emmaus – Beer Belly Bisque
Best Meat-Based: Roosevelt’s 21st – Steak and White Cheddar Ale Soup
Best Vegetarian: Shankara Vegan Restaurant, Bethlehem – Nouveau Indian Lentil Vegetable Soup
Most Original: Café the Lodge, Bethlehem – Creamy Pumpkin & Chorizo Soup

“We are extremely fortunate to have so many amazing restaurants in the Lehigh Valley that have volunteered their time and talents to support our Arts Education Fund,” says Julie Benjamin, Vice President of Community Partnerships for ArtsQuest. “Their commitment to our community as both businesses and partners, along with the support of The Restaurant Store, will help our nonprofit organization reach more than 10,000 students this year through our educational experiences and programs.”

Judges for Souper Bowl VIII were Nicholas Coleman of The Restaurant Store, Rosa Duarte from WFMZ-TV 69 News, Bill White from The Morning Call and Jonathan Godshall, an ArtsQuest Member.

The Souper Bowl is presented The Restaurant Store, in association with media partner 100.7 WLEV. Proceeds from the event will go to support ArtsQuest’s arts and education programs and experiences for area students. Souper Bowl IX is set for Jan. 27, 2018. Tickets for the event will go on sale later this year.

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Students Invited to ‘Dream Big’ During Free Screenings of New Engineering Film at SteelStacks Feb. 21-24

The Lehigh Valley Section of American Society of Civil Engineers & ArtsQuest partner to strengthen STEM-based education during national ‘Engineers Week’

From the Great Wall of China to the towering skyscrapers in Dubai, human ingenuity has been behind engineering marvels big and small for centuries. Now, area middle and high schools are invited to discover how engineering has helped transform our world by attending free screenings of the new film, “Dream Big: Engineering Our World,” premiering at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks as part of national “Engineers Week” Feb. 19-25. The film was produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films, in partnership with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and is presented by the Bechtel Corporation.

From Feb. 21-24, more than 600 students will attend screenings of Dream Big thanks to a partnership between the Lehigh Valley Section of ASCE (LVASCE) and ArtsQuest. The film, created by the Academy Award nominated producers of Everest and The Living Sea, takes viewers on a journey of discovery from the world’s tallest building to a bridge higher than the clouds. Along the way, audiences witness how today’s engineers are shaping the world of tomorrow.

Dream Big is designed to educate students about the essential role engineers play in our world, help raise awareness and change perceptions about the profession, and inspire young people to consider careers in engineering. Through its strong focus on education, the film enhances students’ understanding of engineering and inspires them to learn more about the “E” in STEM, the curriculum-based approach to preparing students for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“This film strives to energize the desire in students to enter a STEM related field by showing that engineering is not only about math and science, but about human compassion and the well-being of our future and how we can use science, technology, engineering and math to change our future and the future of others,” says LVASCE President-Elect Michael Derr. “We need more students to enter STEM related fields since there is a significant shortage of American born engineers and based on current trends, it will continue in that direction until more students realize that STEM can make a tremendous impact on their life and the lives of others.”

Among the school districts participating in the free Dream Big screenings so far are Bethlehem, East Penn, Easton, Northampton, Parkland and Saucon Valley school districts, as well as Central Catholic High School and the Swain School. As part of each screening, teachers and educators will also receive access to a variety of educational resources including an educator guide with lesson plans for grades K-12 that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); instructions for 50 hands-on engineering activities; and 10 educational videos they can incorporate into their curriculum.

At the conclusion of all screenings, students will also take part in a Q&A session with local engineers and ASCE members including Derr, an engineer with Geo-Technology Associates Inc. of Quakertown, and Stephen J. Ressler, Professor Emeritus from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

“Partnerships with organizations such as ASCE help us provide comprehensive and robust educational offerings for our region’s schools,” says ArtsQuest Director of Education Lisa Harms. “In our role as a community resource for educators and students, ArtsQuest looks to create a wide range of educational opportunities using our resources, our facilities and our partnerships in the community. We’re grateful to ASCE for this innovative program that provides information on the field of engineering, as well as gives students the chance to ask questions of professionals working in the field.”

The innovative partnership between ArtsQuest and the Lehigh Valley Section of ASCE is an educational initiative developed by the Lehigh Valley’s ASCE Education and Professional Integration Committee, which focuses on acquainting students with the practice of civil engineering by offering educational programs, presentations and activities related to the profession.

ArtsQuest and LVASCE are still accepting reservations from area middle and high schools for the Dream Big screenings. Field trips/reservations can be made by contacting ArtsQuest Director of Education Lisa Harms at lharms@artsquest.org or 610-332-1389; schools that need assistance with transportation costs may be able to request funding from the program’s sponsors to help offset some of the costs.

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‘Dry Humor: Stand-Up For Recovery’ Fundraising Comedy Show with Liz Russo at SteelStacks Jan. 11

Liz Russo is a native of Easton, Pa., where she still resides, but is a nationally performing standup comedian who also happens to be a recovering alcoholic. On Wednesday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Russo will hold a comedy show fundraiser in celebration of her sober anniversary and to raise much needed funds for addiction treatment.

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Malvern Institute, a nonprofit organization specializing in the treatment of alcoholism & drug dependency serving Pennsylvania since 1948. Malvern’s mission is to help people live the joy of recovery. Malvern’s CEO, Scott Weisenberger strongly believes, “Recovery is an opportunity for people to trade sorrow, fear, and lack of direction for a life that emphasizes meaning and purpose.”

The Malvern Institute and Liz Russo share a common mission, to sell optimism and hope. Russo notes, “Treatment saved my life. I want to financially contribute while also raising awareness to a growing epidemic and reducing the negative stigma associated with addiction. Humor is an honest and powerful form of communication. We all have struggles in life, and laughter helps heal. If there is anything I know for sure, once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it.”

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Last year Russo produced the Dry Humor comedy show for her five-year sober anniversary and the show sold out with over 250 ticket sales. ArtsQuest Programming Director Ryan Hill said he would like to make Dry Humor: Stand-Up for Recovery an annual fundraising event. ArtsQuest is dedicated to presenting artistic experiences and outreach programs that aid in community enrichment.

The comedy show will be hosted by Lehigh Valley’s own Liz Russo, who has been heard on SiriusXM and seen on Fox TV and performs at comedy clubs, casinos, and festivals nationwide. Russo was named by 8,000 voting readers of Lehigh Valley Style Magazine, the Best Comic of the Lehigh Valley 2016. The comedy show will also feature two additional sober comedians. Patrick Holbert is a stand-up comic making great success in his career as a regular in some of the best comedy clubs in New York City and as host of syndicated TV show “The Movie Loft”. Headliner, Rich Williams is a talented comedic performer and has appeared on Comedy Central, Chelsea Lately, The Howard Stern Show, and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards.

The comedy show will be held in the Fowler Blast Furnace Room of the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. Tickets are $15 and can be bought online in advance at www.steelstacks.org. You may also contribute by donating to the Malvern Institute.

Justin Hayward PHOTOPASS Sweepstakes – Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT
IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. SWEEPSTAKES OPEN ONLY TO
PERMANENT LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO ARE AT LEAST
18 YEARS OF AGE. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

1. How to Enter. No purchase necessary. To enter the Sweepstakes complete the online form at http://www.steelstacks.org/photopass by 11:59PM on Friday, January 20, 2017 or send your first and last name, full mailing address, and phone number on a 3×5 index card with the words Justin Hayward PHOTOPASS Sweepstakes in a #10 envelope addressed to: ArtsQuest / Justin Hayward PHOTOPASS Sweepstakes ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015. All mail-in entries must be post-marked by January 20, 2017 and received no later than January 20, 2017. Limit one (1) entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning, regardless of method of entry. No automated entry devices and/or programs permitted. No mechanically reproduced entries, alterations, facsimiles or forged entries. All entries become the sole and exclusive property of ArtsQuest (“Sponsor”) and receipt of entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, illegible, stolen, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, misdirected, postage due, technically corrupted or garbled entries, which will be disqualified, or for problems of any kind whether mechanical, human or electronic. Proof of submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor or Promotional Partner.

2. Eligibility. Participation open only to permanent legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age as of February 9, 2017. Officers, directors, and employees of Sponsor and Promotional Partner, members of these persons’ immediate families (spouses, parents, children, and siblings, and their spouses regardless of where they reside), and persons living in the same households as these persons (whether or not related thereto) are not eligible to enter or win the Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

3. Random Drawing/Odds. One (1) “grand-prize” winner will be selected in a random drawing from all eligible entries. The drawing will take place on or about January 23, 2017. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries (both online and eligible write-in entries). By entering the Sweepstakes, entrants fully and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Official Rules, including the release and waiver of liability contained herein, and the decisions of the judges, Sponsor and Promotional Partner, which will be final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes.
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4. Prizes. One (1) grand prize (“Grand Prize”): One (1) admission to the workshop “PHOTOPASS: Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues” and two (2) tickets to Justin Hayward’s concert in the Musikfest Cafe presented by Yuengling in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on February, 9, 2017. Total approximate retail value (ARV) of the “grand prize” package is $286.00. Prizes are non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. In the case of unavailability of any prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize or portion thereof of equal or greater value. All federal, state and local taxes, meals, gratuities, travel upgrades, incidentals, fees, service charges, surcharges, insurance costs or other unspecified costs or expenses associated with use of the prize are the sole responsibility of winner and/or his or her travel companion. Prize may be subject to restrictions imposed by prize sponsors.

5. Notification. Winner will be notified by E-mail on or about the week following the Drawing and will be required to sign and return, where legal, an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability/Publicity Release within seven (7) days of prize notification. If winner cannot be contacted within three (3) calendar days of first notification attempt, if any prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, if any winner rejects his/her prize, or in the event of noncompliance with these Sweepstakes Official Rules, such prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected from all remaining eligible entries. Upon prize forfeiture, no compensation will be given. Limit one winner and one prize.

6. Conditions; Waiver and Release. All federal, state and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. Participation in Sweepstakes and acceptance of prize constitutes winner’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the Official Rules and winner’s permission for Sponsor to use his/her name, address (city and state), likeness, photograph, picture, portrait, voice, biographical information and/or any statements made by each winner regarding the Sweepstakes or Sponsor for advertising and promotional purposes without notice or additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. Prize awarded “as is” without any representation or warranty by Sponsor. Winner assumes all risks associated with use of the prize and participation in prize-related activities. Sponsor is not responsible if any scheduled event is delayed, postponed, or canceled for any reason. Accommodations subject to availability. Winner is solely responsible for observing and abiding by prize sponsors’ rules and regulations or terms and conditions for use of prize. By participating, entrants and winner agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor and Promotional Partner and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representatives, agents, successors, assigns, employees, officers and directors, from any and all liability, loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including without limitation, property damage, personal injury and/or death arising from, relating to, or which may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel, or participation in the Sweepstakes, possession, acceptance and/or use or misuse of prize, or preparation for, travel to or from, and participation in any Sweepstakes-related activity, and for any claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. Each entrant hereby agrees to indemnify Sponsor against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including attorney fees) arising out of or resulting from and breach by entrant of these Official Rules. Entrants who do not comply with these Official Rules, or who attempt to interfere with this Sweepstakes in any way, shall be disqualified.

7. Additional Terms. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend this Sweepstakes should Sponsor determine, in its sole discretion, that fraud, mistake, or other causes beyond its control corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness or proper conduct of the Sweepstakes. In such case, Sponsor will select the winner from all eligible entries received prior to and/or after (if appropriate) the action taken by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds, in its sole discretion, to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes or winning a prize if, in its sole discretion, it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair playing practices or intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or Sponsor representatives.
CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
The Sweepstakes and these Official Rules will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Unless expressly prohibited by governing law, entrants agree that any and all disputes, claims or causes of action in connection with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses incurred, but in no event and under no circumstances will entrant be permitted to claim or obtain indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages or any other damages other than actual, direct out-of-pocket expenses.

8. List of Winner. To obtain the name of the winning individual, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope by February 9, 2017 to: ArtsQuest / Justin Hayward PHOTOPASS Sweepstakes Winner, ATTN: Marketing Manager: Ben Youngerman, 25 W Third St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

9. Sponsor: ArtsQuest

10. Promotional Partner: ArtsQuest

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2017 Off to Sweet Start as PEEPSFEST® Announces Winners of Scholastic Diorama Competition

Area students had a sweet start to the New Year when their dioramas were chosen as winners in the 2016 PEEPS® Scholastic Diorama Competition during PEEPSFEST®, the free family festival presented by Just Born Quality Confections and ArtsQuest Dec. 30-31.

More than 60 dioramas incorporating PEEPS® candy were created by local school children and were on display during the event, which took place at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

Peep 182 by Adam Pryblick AJ Colon and David Amato of St. John Vianney Regional School was named the “PEEP-les Choice” winner based on voting at the festival, while Peeps in Space by Owen Boger of Joseph P. Liberati Elementary School was named “Best in Show” by the official PEEPSFEST® judging panel.

Winners took home PEEPS & COMPANY® Gift Bags, and “Best in Show” winner Owen Boger dropped the PEEPS® Chick on New Year’s Eve during the festival. The PEEPles Choice diorama and all first-prize winners will be displayed for an entire year at the Just Born exhibit at the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society’s Sigal Museum on Northampton Street in Easton.

The complete list of diorama competition winners is:

Grade K-2
First Place: Happy Birthday Calypso Elementary School
Alaina Moyzan, grade 2, Calypso Elementary School, Bethlehem

Second Place: Peep Christmas Tree Scene
Ariana Fogerty, grade 1, St. Joseph the Worker School, Orefield

Grade 3-5
First Place: Peeps in Space
Owen Boger, grade 5, Joseph P. Liberati Elementary School, Center Valley

Second Place: We the Peeple
Allison Shook and Megan Shook, ages 8 and 6, Calypso Elementary School, Bethlehem

Grade 6
First Place: Lehigh Valley Peeptoms
Eric Castro, Leilani Fonsec, Elizabeth Kline, Jeziel Marrero, Jaylene Munoz, Aisha Rodriguez, Victor Molina Espinoza, Sebastian Garcia, Laisha Leon, Tecorey McPhatter, Abigail Rodriguez, Brianna Yearde-Hinds, grade 6, South Mountain Middle School, Allentown

Second Place: Love Feast
Jonathan B, grade 6, Joseph P. Liberati Elementary School, Center Valley

Grade 7-12
First Place: Up
Kylie Legath and Olivia Le, grade 7, St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown

Second Place: Peep 182
Adam Pryblick, AJ Colon and David Amato, grade 8, St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown

PEEPles Choice
Peep 182
Adam Pryblick, AJ Colon, David Amato, grade 8, St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown

Best in Show
Peeps in Space
Owen Boger, grade 5, Joseph P. Liberati Elementary School, Center Valley

PEEPSFEST® 2017 is set for Dec. 30-31, 2017 at SteelStacks. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/peepsfest.

sierra-gerencher

Winners Announced in SteelStacks’ Annual Gingerbread House Competition

Sweet victory! ArtsQuest is pleased to announce the winners of its 4th-annual SteelStacks Gingerbread House Competition.

From classic, candy-coated cottages to daring confectionery creations, entries in the competition were judged based on five key factors: Overall appearance and composition, originality and use of materials, design execution, how the entry fit into its category, and the “Holiday Spirit” incorporated into the design.

The complete list of winners is:

Students Grade 6-8
1st Place – Sierra Gerencher, Nazareth
2nd Place – Kaelyn Gerencher, Nazareth

Students Grade 9-12
1st Place – Nicolette Warner, Pocono Pines

Kids & Family
1st Place – Girl Scout Troop 8709, Bethlehem
2nd Place – Kerri Gerencher, Nazareth
3rd Place – Jordan & Ethan Zaro, Phillipsburg

Traditional
1st Place – Connie Rinaldi, Easton
2nd Place – Holly Kresge, Bethlehem
3rd Place – Debbie Bodayle, Phillipsburg

First- and second-place winners were awarded $125 and $100 respectively, while third-place winners each received a $25 ArtsQuest gift card. Gingerbread house submissions were on display at the ArtsQuest Center through Dec. 18. For more information, visit www.steelstacks.org/gingerbread.

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Christkindlmarkt Shares Holiday Cheer with Record Number of Visitors for 2nd Year in a Row

Holiday marketplace draws nearly 70,000 people to Bethlehem for the Christmas season

An expanded Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, highlighted by a record number of artisans, drew 69,439 people – an all-time high – to the Christmas City this Christmas season. The 2016 Christkindlmarkt attendance topped the previous record of 64,612, set in 2015, by 7.5 percent.

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The 2016 version of Christkindlmarkt featured the first major changes at the holiday marketplace since it moved to SteelStacks in 2011. Among the enhancements this year were the addition of two new shopping tents, one of which featured an all-new home for the event’s popular St. Nicholas; major enhancements to the event’s holiday decor; and the addition of new children’s attractions such as the holiday craft activities presented by Banana Factory artists and the opportunity to meet the Just Born PEEPS® Chick on select Saturdays.

From Dec. 8-11, more than 19,000 people strolled Christkindlmarkt’s aisles while looking for unique gifts for family and friends, the most ever for a single weekend in the event’s 24-year history.

“As a community-based arts and cultural organization, ArtsQuest has long been committed to using our programming and events as tools for urban revitalization, as well as supporting tourism and economic development in our city and region,” says ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert. “Over the past two years, we have made Christkindlmarkt one of our top priorities, dedicating additional resources to expanding and promoting the event with the goal of attracting even more people to Bethlehem at Christmastime.

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“We’re thrilled that so many Lehigh Valley residents and out-of-town guests visited Bethlehem this year, not only to experience Christkindlmarkt, but also to enjoy many of the other events and attractions the city has to offer.”

In addition to supporting local tourism efforts, the expansion of Christkindlmarkt also highlights ArtsQuest’s renewed commitment to providing additional opportunities for area artisans to support their livelihood via events like Musikfest and other festivals. This year, Christkindlmarkt featured 190 different artisans and vendors during its five-week run, with 60 percent of them coming from the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas of Eastern Pennsylvania.

“Christkindlmarkt is the single-largest fundraiser we do every year to support our free arts and cultural programing for the region, more than 65 percent of which is free,” she says.

“We appreciate all of the support from our artists, vendors, volunteers, sponsors and patrons who helped to make this year one for the record books. Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of Christkindlmarkt and we can’t wait to get started on the planning for this very special year.”

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Thank You

“This has been the best Christmas season in our 94-year history,” Costello says. “Our occupancy is up over five percent and our room revenue is up 20 percent. Foot traffic into the hotel is also up and the trolley between the North and South sides is a real hit with guests. They love how easy it is to go from one side of the city to the other.”
Dennis Costello, General Manager of the Historic Hotel Bethlehem

“Although I only travel 100 miles or less from my home for arts and crafts events, I have shipped orders to 35 states this year. I know that the national draw of ArtsQuest events such as Christkindlmarkt is the reason why a small, local artisan such as myself can have such a nationwide customer base. My business philosophy of selling locally and sourcing supplies locally means that I rely on events such as Christkindlmarkt to be the backbone of my business. The large draw of the event means I can count on it providing 15 percent of my yearly sales, as well as residual sales throughout the year from the event’s patrons.”
Hedge Sefcovic, Owner of A Natural Alternative Soaps & Toiletries

“The holiday season is one of the busiest and most important times of the year for our merchants here in the city. Thanks to attractions like Christkindlmarkt, Historic Bethlehem’s nighttime bus tours and beautiful Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem has become known as one of the premier destinations in the United States to celebrate the holidays. While many people visit the Christmas City for Christmas, the real benefit to our city is that many of them will return throughout the year to patronize our businesses, shopping districts and restaurants.”
Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez

Dates for Christkindlmarkt 2017 – the silver anniversary of the event – are Nov. 17-19 and 24-26; Nov. 30-Dec. 3; and Dec. 7-10, 14-17 and 21-23, 2017.

For more information, visit www.christmascity.org.

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