Brigita's Blog: February 2008

I've been writing a lot of interesting information about Nazareth, PA and the surrounding area to familiarize you with it.  I thought I would add some statistics about Nazareth to give you a better idea about it's size and area.

• The population of Nazareth is 21,534
• The number of households you will find in the area are 7,914
• The average income per household is $53,341
• 48% of the population are men
• The elevation of Nazareth is 211 feet above sea level
• The winters are usually cold with an average temperature in the low - mid 30's for a high and low 20's for a low.  Normally with get about 30" of snow on average.
• The summer temperatures are usually in the upper 80's for a high and down into the 60's for a low.  Sometimes we do get our hot and humid days in the 90's.
• It is located in the Lehigh Valley, north of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area.

When you enter Nazareth, you immediately get that small town feeling traveling up Main St.  As you enter the small shops in downtown Nazareth, you are greeted with a smile in a friendly atmosphere.  You can even chat with the store personnel. 

There are benches along the way for you to take a break and just enjoy the scenery.  Don't be surprised if some native Nazareth residents stop to say hello.   

So, as you can see, Nazareth is really a nice, quaint little town to be in. 

Here are some other posts about Nazareth that you will enjoy:

Many Activities for the Horse Enthusiast in Nazareth and Lehigh Valley, PA

Excellent School System in Nazareth, PA

Welcome to the Historic Town of Nazareth, PA

The Lehigh Valley and Nazareth, PA Area is Growing

Where the Heck is Nazareth, PA

Back to Nature - Jacobsburg State Park in Nazareth, PA

Martin Guitar is Celebrating 175 Years . . .

It is currently snowing outside.  The weather forecast is for snow into the night with accumulations of up to 3" in this area.  After midnight, it is to switch over to freezing rain and sometime in the morning turn to all rain as the temperatures rise above freezing. 

The weather forecast doesn't sound so bad.  But, why is it then that many rush to the store when they hear the 4 letter word?  And, when they do get to the store, they pick up mainly bread and milk!?  Is their supply that low that they will not have enough to last until the next day?  What difference does it make if we are getting a winter storm as to whether or not we need more milk and bread?

When I do my grocery shopping, I tend to make sure I have enough for at least a week, no matter what the weather.  The one time I went on my weekly trip to the store for my groceries and weather report was for a winter storm for that night.  Would you believe there was no bread or milk left for my regular shopping?  And I happened to be out of those items.  Doesn't anybody need bread and milk during any other time?  Do you think you will be in the house for weeks at a time because of this storm?  Makes no sense to me.

If you live in an area where you normally get winter storms, you should keep extra food on hand in the freezer and extra canned goods.  This way if you do by chance get snowed in, at least you don't have to beat the crowd to get you "milk and bread".  That makes sense to me.  Don't you agree?

How come when the weather forecast has a heat advisory out and everyone should stay inside in air conditioning, no one ever runs to the store to stock up on bread and milk? 

I guess I will never understand the thinking of some.  Whatever happened to logical thinking, planning and being prepared? 

I think this is one of life's puzzles that will never be solved.

Hey, all you horse enthusiasts, young and old.  Even though the Nazareth and Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania is growing, there are still plenty of activities for the horse lover.

First of all, if you want to take riding lessons, there are plenty of lesson barns in the Lehigh Valley.  Some even offer boarding for your horse and even the possibility if leasing a horse, if you are unable to afford one.  You can also compete your horse in the competitions held in the area.                   

The area offers many clubs and organizations for the young and old to join.  For the youth, you have numerous 4H Clubs and a couple of US Pony Clubs.  Here, the youth learn many aspects about horses, such as safety, caring and nutrition of the horse, equipment, etc. and occassional riding clinics.  Lots of fun.  For the adults, you have the Lehigh Valley Horse Council, a number of eventing and dressage organizations.  Lots of fun for the adult horse person who wants to learn and participate in the horsey stuff.

If you are a pleasure rider, the Lehigh Valley offers numerous trails you can ride.  One of them is located 10 minutes outside of Nazareth.  It is Jacobsburg State Park   It includes miles of horseback riding trails through woods, fields and even through streams.  Whatever your level of riding, Jacobsburg has the trail for you.  The park offers plenty of trailer parking.      

About 45 minutes south from the Lehigh Valley, in Bucks County, is the Bucks County Horse Park.  The Horse Park offers, trails, shows, polo matches, and lots more. 

If you have  a handicap, and you enjoy horses, don't fret.  The Lehigh Valley has a few places that has Handicapped Riding programs. 

Now, if all you want to do is find a home with some property to keep your horse(s), you can find that here, too.  Homes can be found with eough land to house horses and other farm animals.

As you can see, the Nazareth and Lehigh Valley areas have much to offer to the "horse crazy" people of all types. 

Nazareth, PA has an excellent school system in place.  Many different programs are offered in the schools. 

At the elementary level, if your child is a over achiever, they have what is called the "Gifted Program".  This is a program that allows children that are bored with the regular classes, and are above average, to get together and do extra curricular activities.  They are taken out of their classes about twice a week and do creative projects to keep their minds active.  On the other hand, if the child needs extra help to keep up with the class, it is available.  The teachers work with each student as individuals.

At the middle school and high shool levels, there are many activities and clubs available to the students.  There seems to be something for every type of interest.  The High School has a great band and orchestra.  The orchestra performs with the drama club, when the spring musical is put on.  The musical has several performances and is usually a sell out.  The band plays at the school football games and competes with other schools.  The band usually places within the top 3 at these competitions.  Other extracurricular activities are:  Art Club, different Athletic teams, science club, cheerleading, religious clubs, ski club, etc.  There's practically a club for every type of interest. 

Not only are there clubs and activities involved with schools, there are also outside clubs for the youth.  There are many different 4H clubs (4H is not just agriculture.  It offers also different craft projects, shooting sports, etc.), scouting, environmental and agricultural activities, horse clubs, etc. 

Nazareth is located in the Lehigh Valley.  The Lehigh Valley offers many schools for higher education.  Once the children graduate from HS, they can opt to attend any of the many local colleges and universities in the area.  They are Lehigh University, Desales University, Lafayette College, Moravian College, Cedar Crest College, Kutztown University, branches of Penn State, Muhlenberg College.  (I think I named them all.)  There are also Community Colleges in the area, Northampton County Community College and Lehigh-Carbon Community College, which offer excellent courses. 

My children went through the Nazareth School System and received an excellent education.  They also attended the local colleges, which prove to also give a great education in their majors.  So, all in all, Nazareth and the Lehigh Valley has many good eduactional opportunities to offer.

Baseball.  Quite an interesting game.  When you really think about it, it is quite a bit like real estate.  Let me give you a play by play commentary.

You have made it to the major league starting out as a rookie.  No one knows you or your abilities.  You know you can make it, but you are all nerves.  It's your turn to go up to bat and you have butterflies in your stomach.  You walk up to the plate, feeling confident of your ability.  The pitcher throws a fastball.  STRIKE ONE!  Hoo boy!  you weren't prepared for that one.  Here comes the next pitch . . . . STRIKE TWO!  My oh my, oh my!  Get a hold of yourself.  Take a few deep breaths and relax.  You know you can do it because, otherwise, you would not be here.  Compose yourself and concentrate.  OK.  Here goes.  BALL ONE!  Better.  At least this time you hit the ball.  Concentrate, concentrate and focus for that home run.  You know you can do it.  OK.  Feeling more confident.  Here comes another pitch!  Oh, no!  It's a wild pitch!  BALL TWO!  You know you can do it.  Just have to keep on trying.  You can feel that home run.  Here comes the pitch.  You hit it.  It's going, going, going . . . . GONE!  Straight out of the park.  You did it!!  It's the home run you've been aiming for!

In real estate, you pass your exams and are starting out as a rookie as a real estate agent.  You are nervous about it, but you know you can make it.  You are out in the playing field competing against the old timers.  You are an unknown.  To make it in this field, you have to make your name a household word.  After many hours spent prospecting, you get your first appointment.  You are so excited.  You go to your appointment, go through your presentation, but it shows that you are nervous.  You lose the listing because the seller felt your inexperience.  You do a few more presentations, but no listing.  With each attempt, you feel more and more confident.  You are learning from each presentation.  You are more focused now.  Another call and an appointment for a listing.  You know this one will be it.  Upon meeting the prospect, you seem to hit it off.  You go through the presentation and felt this one went great.  At the end, you get your first listing. 

The similarity between these two scenarios is the fact that you need to keep on trying.  You need to keep focused in order to be successful.  The more you work at it, the better you will get.  Learning from your mistakes will get you further.  Plus, the positive thinking will get you there. 

Moving your horse(s) can be stressful on them, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible.  Here are some helpful tips to help ease the transition.

1.  Check your trailer.  Make sure it is safe for the horse to travel in.  Check the floor boards to be sure they are not soft and beginning to rot out.  Tha last thing you want to happen is your horse to travel the "Flintstone Style".  Don't laugh, this has happened with some serious consequences.  Next, make sure your trailer, and tow vehicle, is in good overall repair and has been properly maintained.  There is enough stress with your moving.  You don't need added stress with an accident happening, particularly with your horse.

2.  Get veterinary records.  If you are moving to another area, be sure you have the proper paperwork for your horse, especially if you are moving to another state.  You should have a current negative Coggins (not more than a year old), and a current vet's certificate stateing that the horse is in good health.  The Certificate should be obtained no more than a week before traveling.  Also, make sure your horse is up to date on it's vaccinations.  Check with the state you are moving to to find out which ones are required.

3.  Keep medications and food on hand.  You should make sure that if your horse is on any medications and supplements, that you have them with you.  Also, bring at least 2 weeks worth of grain and hay with you.  This way, when you arrive at your new home, you do not have to worry about finding a feed store or farmer.  If you are moving for a long distance, do not grain your horse until after you have arrived at your destination.  Hay your horse ONLY the night before and the morning of the trip.   

4.  Prepare a first aid kit.  If anything should happen on the trip, you should be prepared.  Ask your veterinarian as to what you should include in the first aid kit.  Also, include your veterinarian's and farriers phone numbers in your kit even if you know the numbers by heart.  In a panic situation, it is possible the numbers will be forgotten.

5.  Wrap the horse's legs for the trip.  The horse's legs need to be protected.  As the saying goes, "No foot, no horse" is true.  If the legs are severely injured, you may have to put the horse down.

6.  Make frequent stops along the way.  You should stop every couple of hours and check on your horse to be sure it is fine.  Offer it water and make sure there is enough hay for him to munch on.  If you are traveling for more than a few hours, take your horse off the trailer ever few hours so it can stretch it's legs. 

7.  Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital.  Before moving, ask your veterinarian to recommend a doctor in your new location.  Have all the research done before your move.  Find one that you will be comfortable with. 

8. Prep your new home for horses.  Moving, especially long distances, is stressful to any animal.  Upon your arrival, make sure you set out hay and water for your horse, and bed it's stall.  Do not grain your horse until you are sure it has calmed down and settled into it's new surroundings.  Make sure it is comfortable and check on it often.                                                                                                         

These are basic tips to follow.  Each horse will react differently to the move. 

Once you have unpacked and settled in, go ahead and enjoy your new home and go for that ride.  It will do you both some good.  Getting back to a regular schedule is the best thing for your horse.

Welcome to the historic town of Nazareth, PA!  Let me give you a brief tour of our quaint little town.

As you walk down the streets of Nazareth, you see so much history. 

Strolling down Main St., you see Nazareth Furniture, which used to be the old Nazareth Hotel  

Across the street from Nazareth Furniture, you see one of our banks.  When you enter, it has kept it's old world charm.  It feels like you have gone back in time.

Continue north on Main Street and you will come upon the circle.  In the circle you will find a memorial to the local war veterans and our cannon,

surrounded by some more historic buildings in the business district.

As you continue your stroll through Nazareth, you see many historic homes along the way.

A few blocks from downtown Nazareth, you will come across the Whitfield House and the Gray Cottage.  The Whitfield House is a museum with many photos are artifacts explaining the history of Nazareth and the Moravians settling into this area back in the 1700's.

So ends our tour for today of Nazareth, PA.  As you can see, Nazareth is full of history and this is only some of it.  There is much, much more history to see.  Just think, a small town with history that is close to major routes, shopping malls, within commuting distance to New York and Philadelphia, and also has an excellent school system. 

Hope you enjoyed your tour.  When you come up to Nazareth, PA, make sure you see me and I can show you around to see some other sites. 

Here's a funny, but true story.  The story was published in the Saginaw News in Akron, Ohio.  You'll get a kick out of this.

A resident from Akron, Ohio, wanted to sell her old horse.  She was unable to afford to keep it, so she wanted another horse lover to buy her.  The owner placed an ad in the classified section of the Saginaw News and the Bay City Times.  She was looking to sell her beloved horse for $200 or best offer.

Unfortunately, the ad was placed under the wrong category.  It ended up under "Good Things to Eat".  The owner received over 60 calls.  A third of them were looking for cheap horse meat.  The woman was furious.  The other funny thing was that the owner's cell number starts with a 666.

The Lehigh Valley and Nazareth, PA area is growing and there are many signs that show it. 

The Regency Centers Has recently acquired 32 acres in Lower Nazareth Township.  They are planning on developing this land for retail stores. with ground breaking expected to occur in the spring.  This a $30 million project, including the purchase of the property. 

This property will be called the Lower Nazareth Commons shopping center.  It will include a Target, which will be located next to the existing Wegman's supermarket.  Other shops that will be included will be restaurants, service and retail businesses. 

There are other signs that show the Lehigh Valley is growing in retail investment.  Recently, in Whitehall, the Lehigh Valley Mall was renovated and expanded with 17 new tenants.  Some of them are: Barnes & Noble, Williams Sonoma, Ann Taylor, Apple and Yankee Candle, Pottery Barn, and many more.  Within the past couple of years, the Promenade Shops in Saucon Valley opened their doors.

Another sign of growth is the old Bethlehem Steel site in Bethlehem.  The whole Beth Steel (as it is now called) site will have not only the casinos, but also hotels, shops and residences.  Once the casino is completed, the property values will rise and when the project is completed, values will skyrocket. 

As you can see, the Lehigh Valley and Nazareth, PA area is not in a slump.  The real estate market may have slowed down, but it is still continuing.  Now, with the lower interest rates on mortgages, and more job opportunities opening up with the new developments, I'm sure we will see even more growth in real estate sales.  The population will continue to grow and as it grows, more housing will be needed.