Announcements

A son, Joshua Timothy DeSousa, was born at 11:33 a.m. Jan. 27, 2013 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest to Michelle and Jared DeSousa of Walnutport.

He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 20.5 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Timothy and Linda DeSousa of Palmerton.

Paternal grandparents are Kathy and Dave Wanamaker, also of Palmerton.

Sarah Ellen Searfoss and Stephen Andrew Clabia, together with their parents, have announced their engagement.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Carol Searfoss and the late Thomas Searfoss of White Haven. A 2008 graduate of Weatherly Area High School, she received a bachelor of science degree in special education from East Stroudsburg University in 2012.

She is currently employed as an instructional aide at Packer Ridge Academy in Lehighton.

Anna Bowman, a resident at The Village at Palmerton, observed her 88th birthday on Feb. 11.

Born and raised on her grandparents' farm (Peter and Barbara George) in Palmerton, Anna was the oldest of three children.

She graduated from Palmerton High School in 1942, went to work at Regent Market and later Shipman's Pharmacy where she worked for 15 years.

"I always enjoyed meeting and helping people, so it was the perfect place for me to be."

Alissa Byerley, daughter of Lynn and Nancy Byerley of Palmerton, and Christopher Mathisen, son of Thomas and Cathe Mathisen of Lehighton, were united in marriage on Aug. 25, 2012 at the Old Homestead Tree Farm in Lehighton.

The Rev. Anthony Pagotto, of Lehighton, officiated the double ring ceremony.

Given in marriage by her father, the bride chose Jennifer Fisher of Effort to be her maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Amy Zeiser of Slatington and Amanda Mathisen of Lehighton.