Week in review: December 11-18, 2022

LehighValleyNews.com | By Mariella Miller

Published December 17, 2022 at 11:30 AM EST

Remembering New Tripoli Firefighters Killed In Line Of Duty — Crossed aerial trucks serve as a tribute along the way to the wake for fallen firefighters Marvin Gruber and Zachary Paris on Dec. 17, 2022.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Welcome back to our Week in Review. We have chosen seven stories, in no particular order, to take you back on the week. Enjoy, and thank you so much for reading.

Hundreds line up to pay respects to fallen firefighters.

1. Two beloved firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice were laid to rest Saturday.

Saturday was the funeral for Zachary Paris and Marvin Gruber, the volunteer firefighters from Lehigh County who died while on the job Dec. 7 in Schuylkill County.

A table of squishmallows — A table of Squishmallows ready to be gifted. Hartley said they are the number one most requested gift in the organization.

2. The response to Angel Tree requests at KidsPeace was more than robust.

KidsPeace, which provides behavioral and mental health services to children, on Monday concluded its 11th annual Angel Tree holiday gift drive.

3. The Lehigh Valley could be the next new home of a TopGolf facility.

One part of a plan recommended in Lower Macungie Township is a TopGolf facility that would be just the third in Pennsylvania.

4. Additionally, Lower Macungie Township could see even more significant retail, residential and entertainment spaces popping up soon.

Two mixed-use development proposals are moving forward after getting recommendations from the Lower Macungie Township planning commission.

Evan Robinson stands in his new location for 36E Fitness at 1450 Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem.

5. A Bethlehem gym owner promotes healthy bodies and lives.

On a busy stretch of Stefko Boulevard, at the site of an old lawnmower repair shop, you’re likely to miss the changes to the unassuming one-story brick structure a block north of famed candy maker Just Born.

The Wilbur Mansion has been transformed into a boutique hotel, restaurant and event space.

6. A Bethlehem mansion gets a makeover.

Once a private residence, Wilbur Mansion has officially opened its doors to the public

Girl Scouts USA Hesselbein.jpeg — Frances Hesselbein, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts USA, in her office at national headquarters in the 1980s.

7. Lehigh Valley's Frances Hesselbein, who led Girl Scouts USA through groundbreaking years, has died.

Tributes are pouring for Frances Hesselbein, a longtime Lehigh Valley resident and former chief executive officer of Girl Scouts USA.