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AIR PRODUCTS TOWN SQUARE IS REGION'S NEW DESTINATION FOR FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING YEAR-ROUND

DATE: February 28, 2011
CONTACT: Mark Demko, ArtsQuest, 610-332-1300, ext. 342, or mdemko@artsquest.org

AIR PRODUCTS TOWN SQUARE IS REGION'S NEW DESTINATION FOR FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING YEAR-ROUND

Nonprofits Invited to Use the Plaza for Community Events and Programs

BETHLEHEM, PA, Feb. 28, 2011 - Live performances by local musicians, artistic fire elements that glow into the night, outdoor screenings of local and national PBS programming, designated space for area nonprofits to showcase their services and programs, and plenty of dynamic seating for friends and family to gather under the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces are just a few of the activities that will take place at the Lehigh Valley's new home for great, free community programming when the newly named Air Products Town Square at SteelStacks opens May 1.

Located at First Street and Founders Way, the Air Products Town Square will serve as a hub of creativity and activity on the SteelStacks campus. The gateway to the new ArtsQuest Center and PBS39 Public Media and Education Center, this modern American plaza will showcase a diverse array of free concerts, programs and family-friendly events throughout the year, all highlighted by a spectacular view of the former blast furnaces and "The Bridge," a soaring steel and fire sculpture created by New York artist Elena Colombo.

"For more than 60 years, Air Products has made a difference in the Lehigh Valley through its robust support of so many nonprofits and support organizations in the Lehigh Valley," said ArtsQuest Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advancement Kassie Hilgert. "When Air Products first heard about the Steel Stacks project, they were excited to get involved because they saw the impact that this kind of place could have for area residents as well as help to attract and retain a high quality workforce.

"Air Products' support of SteelStacks will be felt in so many ways, from the free music that people will be able to enjoy on the Air Products Town Square, to the educational programs that will take place on the campus, benefiting thousands of young people annually in the years to come. In recognition of the company's substantial contribution to SteelStacks and our community, we are pleased to name the Air Products Town Square in their honor."

From spring through fall, the Air Products Town Square will offer free weeknight and weekend performances by local and regional artists. Children's performances, art exhibitions, artist demonstrations, al fresco dining and more will also be showcased on the plaza during the warmer weather months. In addition, the Air Products Town Square will feature a variety of free programming during ArtsQuest's major festivals including iSabor! Latin Festival, RiverJazz, SteelJam, Blast Furnace Blues and Musikfest.

"Air Products is very proud to sponsor the Town Square at SteelStacks," said Air Products CEO John McGlade. "The transformation that is happening here is important to companies like Air Products because it will serve as an economic driver for our community, making the Lehigh Valley a more attractive and exciting location for current and future employees.

"Community service is an important value to our employees and giving back to our community, its children, the arts and education is at the core of our philanthropic efforts. The Air Products Town Square will provide a great venue for nonprofits and other community organizations to tell their story and inform people about their good work.

"As is the tradition of the Town Square, we hope people will gather here with their families and friends in the spirit of community, enjoy all the great free entertainment, and take time to celebrate our community partners, whose services improve the quality of all our lives throughout the Lehigh Valley."

The Air Products Town Square will also be host to PBS39's expanded on-air and community programs. After school programs featuring PBS39's Healthy Kids Initiative, free outdoor screenings of local documentaries, culinary festivals and live broadcasts from the Air Products Town Square are some of the many highlights.

"Air Products has long been a supporter of PBS39 programming like Scholastic Scrimmage, an academic competition for high school students currently in its 38th season; PBS NewsHour and Nova," said Patricia Simon, President and CEO of PBS39. "The Air Products Town Square will allow PBS39 to expand its educational programming beyond the broadcast, and host events our entire community can enjoy."

As the region's new home for free community programming, the Air Products Town Square will also welcome area nonprofits and community groups looking to share their missions and programs with the community. The Air Products Town Square will be available to nonprofits for events such as 5K races, blood drives, performance previews, scholastic music performances and more. Organizations that are planning events in the coming months include the American Diabetes Association, the DaVinci Science Center, America on Wheels, Weller Health and Education Center and the Bethlehem NAACP. The first nonprofit hosting an event on the Town Square is United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which will offer "Collage of Commonwealth" on May 14-15.

"SteelStacks, and especially the Air Products Town Square, will be an amazing gathering place for the community," said Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan. "The combination of free concerts, special events and festivals that will take place on the campus throughout the year will be a major draw for not only Bethlehem residents, but residents of the entire Lehigh Valley as well."

CONTACT:

PBS39 - Erin Firestone, 610-984-8134, efirestone@wlvt.org

ArtsQuest - Mark Demko, 610-332-1342, mdemko@artsquest.org

Air Products - Beth Mentesana, 610-481-2459, mentesbk@airproducts.com

Town Square in Front of the ArtsQuest Center

Town Square in Front of PBS 39 Public Media and Education Center