Basics:
E-mail: Josh.Popichak@patch.com
Phone: 610-216-6043
Unlike many younger (and older) editors, I never went to J-school (that's "journalism school" for those of you who don't use the new media lingo). Most journalism schools are part of medium or large universities, and as a graduate of a large high school I wanted to downsize my education when I went away to college. That was one of the reasons I chose to attend Bates, a liberal arts college in Maine rooted in the traditions of egalitarianism. As a "Batesie" I majored in history and became the features editor for our school newspaper, The Student, before graduating and leaving the beautiful state of Maine behind in 1999. I returned to Pennsylvania and spent several eye-opening years exploring other fields and potential career paths, before feeling called to write and edit again. That was in 2005, when I joined the team at the Saucon News and began to cover Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township as full-time reporter.
On a personal level, I have always been a bit of a newshound and I think that's because I'm constantly trying to understand how the events of today are shaped and influenced by our shared history. I like to think that I have a curious mind, which is a trait I believe every journalist should have.
Right now I'm looking forward to learning a lot more about the Saucon Valley, including more about its history, its present, and its future, and I sincerely hope you'll join me on this journey!
In spite of subfreezing temperatures, turnout was robust for the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of Commerce's annual Light Up Night event in downtown Hellertown Friday.
![Holiday Lights Turned On, Santa Welcomed in Hellertown [Photos]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/12/raw/b16b4ed6dc599d73528e86279908dbd5.jpg)
Here's a sampling of some of the events happening in the Saucon Valley this week.
The township is currently looking for residents who would be willing to serve on a new consolidated library board.
Here's a sampling of some of the events happening in the Southern Lehigh area this week.
Tyler Edmond, a Southern Lehigh High School graduate and a member of the Colgate University Class of 2016, has been inducted into Colgate's chapter of Phi Eta Sigma.
Take this exam to see if you would qualify for U.S. citizenship.
Also making headlines: Alleged Ponzi scheme, DA seeks death penalty for mom charged with killing newborn, trash truck driver charged with homicide by vehicle, teen accused of sex assaults to be charged as adult.
Stories about a woman allegedly caught with heroin at the Lower Saucon Township trailhead on Reading Drive and a man charged with disorderly conduct by Hellertown police were also among the most-read this week.
Stories about the Lower Milford Residents Association's recent donation to the township's park fund and a Coopersburg massage therapy business were also among the most-read this week.
Also making headlines: Alleged Ponzi scheme, DA seeks death penalty for mom charged with killing newborn, trash truck driver charged with homicide by vehicle, teen accused of sex assaults to be charged as adult.
Want to help make the holidays brighter for a child in need? Consider donating a new, unwrapped toy to the Marines' annual charitable distribution, Toys for Tots. A list of nearby locations to drop off donated toys is included below.
Also making headlines: Alleged Ponzi scheme, DA seeks death penalty for mom charged with killing newborn, trash truck driver charged with homicide by vehicle, teen accused of sex assaults to be charged as adult.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
It's almost time to celebrate the start of another holiday season in downtown Coopersburg.
Are you looking for a job? Look no further! These local businesses are hiring.
A follow-up community meeting on the PowerTeaching instructional initiative in the Saucon Valley School District is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the high school Audion room.
Saucon Valley school students will host several holiday concerts in December.
Daniel Jay Baab Sr., 53, of Bethlehem, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013 in Lower Saucon Township.
![Daniel Jay Baab Sr., 53, Worked as a Mechanic and Painter [Obituary]](https://test.patch.com/img/cdn/users/86761/2013/11/raw/9d034ed129c9920eeec3aee22fea341.jpg)
Among the most-read stories on Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch this month were articles about the theft of $1,000 worth of white strips and razor blades from a local supermarket and an ongoing Saucon Valley teacher contract dispute.
The Brave Tide Foundation is based in Boyertown and has assisted with local animal rescue efforts, such as the 2013 search for Ruby the Lost Greyhound in the Saucon Valley area.
