Your source for news and information since August 1999

This weeks issue is brought to you in part by: Lafayette College Office of Intercultural Development, The Crayola FACTORY, and Financial Destinations Inc.

Black History Month kicks-off this week with an array of special events. Please take the time to experience and support all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer in regards to this important time of the year.

Remember, tell a neighbor, tell a friend and be sure to let them know, you saw it in LV BNN!

Support the organizations and businesses that support LV BNN. Enjoy this Edition.

Kevin Easterling

Founder & Publisher Lehigh Valley Black News Network

Office of Intercultural Development 101 Hogg Hall, Easton, Pa. 18042 Phone: (610) 330-5819 Fax: (610) 330-5509 Black History Month 2006Preserving our Legacy; Reaffirming our Presence

Sponsored by the Office of Intercultural Development, Africana Studies Department, A.C.A.C.I.A., Art Department, Association of Black Collegians, Black History Month Committee, Brothers of Lafayette, David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center, Experimental Printmaking Institute, Lafayette Activities Forum, Lafayette African & Caribbean Students Association, Lafayette Intercultural Network Council, Nia, Office of Religious Life, Lafayette College Cultural Programs, the President's Office, and Williams Center for the Arts

Black History Month 2006: Preserving Our Legacy, Reaffirming Our Presence Visit our web site here.

The Afro American Community Project will host Black history events Feb. 4-25 from 2-4pm at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Center.

• Feb. 4th - Fashion Show
• Feb. 11th- Reenactment of the life of Dr. King
• Feb. 18th - Community Awards Celebration
• Feb. 25th - A Play, "From Shame to Freedom" and dinner

Cost is $8 for non members $6 for members (adult) $5 non members and $3 for members package (all 4 days) non members $24 members $18 (adults) non members $15 members $9 (child) For tickets call 610-967-5679

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) has established an overall DBE goal of 4.97 % for DOT assisted FY 2006 projects at Queen City Airport, Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The proposed goal and rationale are available for inspection during normal business hours until 4:30 p.m., January 31, 2006 at the Airport Administrative Office, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, 3311 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109. Written comments on the goals will be accepted at the following addresses until the close of business on February 15, 2006.

Mr. Lawrence Krauter Deputy Executive Director Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority 3311 Airport Road Allentown, PA 18109
Mr. Murray Gottlieb Federal Aviation Administration/DOT Eastern Region, Office of Civil Rights, AEA-9 1 Aviation Plaza Jamaica, NY 11430

Mentors are needed for male teens, ages 15-18 to assist with school assignments, help students recognize their talents and encourage self awareness. Partners In Progress will be held 2 hours each week at Dieruff and Allen High Schools in Allentown through a grant awarded to the Allentown School District.

Communities In Schools is dedicated to finding volunteers who will offer help to 9th grade African- American and Latino male students in Allentown who are at risk of not completing high school. Volunteers will help students with English and basic math, including Algebra I.

For more information about the Partners In Partners program, contact Shalynda Morton @ 610-402-6601 email:mortons@cislv.org
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A STUDENT?S LIFE!

?God does not ask about our ability, but our availability.? Ralph Waldo Emerson

February 4, 2006
Calling All Aquarians Saturday February 4, 2006 Bethal Lodge No. 1284 316 Brodhead Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 610-691-9118 8:00 PM Until???? Hot & Cold Buffet

February 18, 2006 Valentine Dance
Saturday February 18, 2006 9:00 PM to 1:00AM St. Bernard Beneficial Social Hall 333 Brodhead Avenue, Bethlehem, PA $ 15.00 pp �� $25.00 Couple Buffet ��Cash Bar ��DJ Pay At The Door

February 18, 2006
Chitterling & Fried Chicken Dinners 12 Noon Until It �s All Gone Bethal Lodge No. 1284 316 Brodhead Avenue, Bethlehem, Pa 610-691-9118 Chitterling Dinners-$7.00 or Chicken Dinners -$6.00 Chicken Sandwiches -$3.50 Side of Chitterlings only to be determined All other sides $1.00 Dinners: Chitterlings or Fried Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Potatoes & String Beans And As Always Our Onsite Chitterlings Specialist Barbara Eggleston Will Be Preparing Our Star Dish!

So Come Join Us On One Or All These Dates, Cause We Guarantee You��ll Have A Great Time And See Some Old Friends And Meet Some New Ones As Well!

Wedding Receptions, Office Parties, Holiday Parties, Corporate Functions, Picnics, Showers & Birthday Parties, Breakfast / Luncheon?s, Backyard Parties, Church Events, Anniversaries

Enjoy live music and storytelling by Imakhu Mwt Shekemet, on Saturday, February 11 & 25.

Imakhu will have two 30-minute performances each day, 1:30 and 2:15. For more information call 610- 515-8000 or log onto our wesite at http://www.crayola.com/factory

Nu Afrakan renaissance woman Imakhu Mwt Shekemet has been a professional artist since age 15. Over the last 30 years she has delighted audiences as a storyteller, singer, musician, dancer, and writer/columnist.

Mwt (pronounced "Moot")has been presenting African diasporic culture in her show,"KUUMBA!Stories and Music from the Motherland's Childern." She also produced her CD,"Water Woman: Organic Flow," a celebration of African, African American, and Native American culture. Along with songs and stories, she plays guitar, djembe, congita, and other African percusson.

Mwt recently created the series,"True Urban Legends," based on folktales, true urban stories, and her experiences of city living. She also produces the empowerment/commentary series, "Ashe!", based on her popular, original radio shows & column of the same name. "Imakhu" means "Reverend." "Mwt" means "Mother." "Shekemet means "Woman of Power." Mwt is an ordained minister & Kemetic/Metaphysical Elder High Priestess.

Learn How To:
$ Enhance your CREDIT SCORES 50-150 points within 6-12 months.
$ Become within 8-12 years including your mortgage without paying anymore than your paying now.
$ Earn extra without getting a part-time job. $ Buy REAL ESTATE at 30%-50% below market value.
Light refreshments will be served

Questions/Concerns? Contact ?
Mr. Charles Sells @ (484) 553-0264
Ms. Lisa Roberts @ (704) 995-3934v

As a leading authority on African American Art, Driskell?s work?paintings, prints, and collages will be exhibited?often reflects his complex experiences dealing with race in this country. He is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Art at University of Maryland, College Park, and has maintained an active career as a practicing artist, art historian, curator and collector. Exhibition curator is Scott Habes, director of The Art Gallery and associate director of the David C. Driskell Center, both at the University of Maryland, College Park. Joint exhibition with David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center Gallery.

New Works on Paper, 2005 was organized by Williams Center gallery. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday; 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, as well as noon-5 p.m. the first Sunday of each month for First Sunday Easton; 7:30-9:30 p.m. on the evenings of Williams Center performances; and by appointment.

For more information, call the gallery at (610) 330- 5361 or email artgallery@lafayette.edu. Additional information about the Williams Center gallery program can be found by visiting www.lafayette.edu/williamsgallery.

The State Theatre announces one more show to the 2006 Season - blues legend Bo Diddley, February 3rd. Tickets will go on sale to State Theatre Members December 1st and to the public December 8th along with 6 other shows that were announced in an earlier release: Raymond the Amish Comic (Jan 27), Mosaic Singers of Detroit (Feb 25), Emmylou Harris (Mar 8), Ron White (April 28), Bela Fleck & the Flecktones (Sept 14) and MENOPAUSE the Musical (Sept 27 - Oct 1).

In February 2006, when blues legend Bo Diddley takes the State Theatre stage for the first time, he will be marking his 51st Anniversary in music. His crucial role in the birth of Rock-n-Roll and his impact on the direction of popular music has earned him the title of ?The Originator.? His revolutionary sound known as that ?Bo Diddley Beat? can be heard on rhythmic masterpieces like ?Diddley Daddy,? ?Who Do You Love,? ?Hey! Bo Diddley? and more. Lehigh Valley blues favorite, Steve Brosky will open the show. $36.50/$31.50

State Theatre Memberships can be purchased at any time and begin at $75 for one year. As a non-profit organization, State Theatre membership contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Tickets and Memberships can be obtained by visiting the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street, Easton, by calling 1-800-999- STATE, 610-252-3132 or the 24-Hour Credit Card Hotline at 610 991-STATE (7828), or via the Internet at www. statetheatre.org.

G.W.C.Y.L. is a Christian support group for recovering alcoholics and addicts. We share our experience, strength and hope with one another to help solve our common problem and to enhance our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We use God's Word and the Twelve Steps of Recovery, believing that Scripture and the Twelve Steps are important healing tools. If we regularly apply these tools to our lives, we open ourselves to God's healing love and grace.

Monday Nights 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Greater Shiloh Church Shiloh Enrichment Center 548 Canal Street Easton, PA

Thursday Nights 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church 8th & Walnut Streets Allentown, PA

For more information, call (610) 252-5640 or (610) 653-9494.

Sunday, February 5 -- 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5 ? 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2 ? 6:30 p.m. For Miracle Healing Services Everyone Welcome! Route 309 at Northwestern High School Turn onto Long Court and continue For � mile to intersection of Long Court And Flint Hill Road -- Church on right

Keynote Address by Michael Benitez, Director of Intercultural Development at Lafayette College.
Broughal Middle School Step Team

For More Information Contact: Ms. Natalie Ortiz 610.691.7200 Ext. 7252 nortiz@bethsd.org or teensummitprogram@yahoo.com

Business

Different News,Views, Blog?s and Editorials
E- Comments broaden Call's public opinion forum
Art & Education
Office of Institutional Diversity Spring 2006 Cultural Programs

Community Services
Community Action Financial Services Free tax preparation
Teen Summit Program
Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown START-YOUR- BUSINESS PROGRAM Starts Monday, February 13, 2006

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Thanks to our 2005 Network members and advertisers. Happy New Year!
Allentown Art Museum
Allentown School district
Alliance for Building Communities
Allentown Liberty Bell Rotary
Antares Productions
Art Quest
Black Heritage Association of the Lehigh Valley
Coalition for Appropriate Transportation
Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley
Citizens for Pat Browne
Community Action Development Corporation Allentown
DeSales University
Friends of Ed Pawlowski
Greater Shiloh Church
God will Change Your Life Recovery Ministries
I.O.B.P.O Elks of the World Inc
Lehigh County Senior Center
Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority
Lehigh Valley Sickle Cell Support Group Inc
Living Stone Fellowship Church
LJ Gift Company
Moravian College Music Department
Moravian Collage Sharon Brown
NAACP Allentown Chapter
NAACP Easton Chapter
Nationwide Advertising Services
One World Theatre
PAMBDC-Lehigh Valley Region
Rejoice Foster Care and Adoption agency
Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem PA
St. James A.M.E. Zion Church
State Theatre Center of the Arts
Sweet Sisters Catering
Team PA CareerLink of the Lehigh Valley
Teen Summit Program
Theatre Outlet
Tri-City African American Chamber of Commerce
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Virginia E Holland #86
Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley
Warm Spirits (Raquel Phelps)
Williams Center for the Arts Lafayette College
Woman of Excellence
Woman Unlimited
YWCA of Bethlehem
Zoelner Arts Center

General Colin L. Powell (Ret.), USA will be the featured speaker for the 17th Annual Kutztown University Decision Makers Forum on March 30, 2006. Gen. Powell previously spoke to the Decision Makers Forum in 1996.

Before becoming Secretary of State in 2001, General Powell served as a key aide to the Secretary of Defense and as National Security Advisor to President Reagan. He also served 35 years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Four- Star General and serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989 ? 1993).

General Powell was the founding Chairman of America?s Promise-The Alliance for Youth, a national crusade to improve the lives of our nation?s youth. General Powell recently joined the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers to work with young executives on leadership and expand global business growth.

The Kutztown University Decision Makers Forum offers an opportunity to the regional business community to hear a presentation from exceptional leaders of achievement. Past speakers include George H. W. Bush, Margaret Thatcher, Rudy Giuliani, Madeleine Albright, Tim Russert and George Tenet. Each corporate sponsor enjoys major networking opportunities while participating in the Sponsors? Buffet. Sponsorship includes preferred parking, the buffet and reserved seating for the address. Individual tickets to Gen. Powell?s address can also be purchased. For additional information, contact Ronald Lewis, Kutztown University Development Director, at 610-683-1394,

Well, it?s Tax time and MNET of PA needs to file its Taxes! For those Non-profit organizations that have not submitted their Pennsylvania Tax Exemption certificate (see example below) please fax or email your form to your LV BNN account representative by January 31st 2006. Those non- profit organizations that are not able to produce a PA Exemption Certificate will be billed for the Pennsylvania Tax. Please call Kevin Easterling at 610- 799-125 for questions
PA Exemption Certificate example here:

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Did your LV BNN non-profit ad membership expire? You can re-new today and save on the 2006 membership fee increase!

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Submit your ad info in time for the next issue (2/15/06) of LV BNN! Ads for, March, April and May should be submitted this week for best exposure!

To inquire about advertisement and corporate sponsorship programs, please call (610) 799-1250 or send an email to kevineasterling@lvbnn.com

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The 2006 Lehigh Valley Minority Business & Organization Directory, Coming Soon! For more information call 610-799-1250.

First payment of $300 due by March 15th 2006 Second & Final Payment of $150 due by May 26th 2006.
NO REFUNDS UNLESS GROUP TRIP IS CANCELLED
Price includes Hotel Stay @ Tropicana Hotel Casino Round trip Bus pick up at Wal-Mart McArthur Rd. to Philadelphia Airport. Roundtrip Flight from Philadelphia to Las Vegas. Transfers to and from the Hotel included!

Lehigh Valley Black News Network is an informative eNewsletter designed to inform you about events and information related to the connection and inclusion of Black / African American communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and the State of Pennsylvania.

LV BNN is distributed twice a month to over 2500 responsive email readers from the Lehigh Valley Region, parts of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Reading Pennsylvania. For Sponsorship and advertising rates please call (610) 799-1250 or email kevineasterling@lvbnn.com

Copyright � 2005 Mnet of PA. All rights reserved. You may reproduce information from this e-letter by including LV BNN as its source and, if you are reproducing electronically, please include a li_k to www.lvbnn.com in your e-letter or on your web site. An MNET of PA Production