Whitehall Historical Preservation Society

Stephanie Tashner – President & Editor of the WHPS Society Newsletter
    Stephanie has been a member of WHPS for over 25 years. Prior to becoming president, she served in many other capacities including secretary and newsletter editor. Steph was born and raised in Whitehall and is a graduate of Whitehall High School. Years ago, Steph was researching her hometown of Stiles and through this endeavor she was asked if she would like to become a member. She said yes and has been a valued asset to the organization ever since.   Steph enjoys working at the various events and fundraisers held each year: basket bingo, speakers, annual flea market, open houses, annual clean up, etc. Steph has many visions for the future of WHPS but her main two are getting the archives organized at the Grim House and redesigning the museum on the second floor of the Grist Mill where she would like to acquire more Whitehall memorabilia. Steph has been very instrumental in networking the historical society through Passport To History and helping to initiate The Heritage Keepers – an organization of local historic organizations who meet periodically to advance local history.  Steph currently lives in Nazareth with her husband and works at Martin Guitar, but her heart is at home in Whitehall.

Justin Poccia - Vice President & Editor of the WHPS Society Website

    Justin joined WHPS in October of 2023 taking the opportunity to become more active in the community. As an old soul, it is Justin's mission to bridge the past with the present and this provided the perfect opportunity. He is a long-time Whitehall resident and Assistant Financial Advisor for a local Lehigh Valley Wealth Advisory Firm. He attended Allentown Central Catholic High School, and DeSales University, and holds a bachelor of science in marketing and finance, with a concentration in financial planning. He assumed the role of Vice President upon the passing of long-time board member and former Vice President Joesph Wilfinger. Justin enjoys participating in all of the societies various events and fundraisers held each year: basket bingo, speakers, annual flea market, open houses, and clean up days. Justin plans to build on Joe's vision for the future of the historical society to have more people utilize and visit the grounds and the buildings through further renovation and remodel of the various buildings including the Mill, House, various Barns, and grounds.  

Allen Handwerk - Board Member | Treasurer

    Allen is detailed and organized making him the perfect organizational treasurer. He is a constant promotor of WHPS and his first question upon meeting new visitors to the society is “would you like to become a member”.  Both he and his late wife Phyllis have been active with WHPS for many years and they enjoy the interesting community programs offered by WHPS. When he retired from Air Products in 2001, Alan volunteered to become the board treasurer. He is also the treasurer for another local organization – The Whitehall-Coplay Hunger Initiative alongside a major supporter of the society, Shari Noctor. Allen has witnessed much progress over the past 20 years from the hugely successful 200th anniversary celebration to the tremendous progress made on restoring the Grim House.  Allen’s vision for the future of WHPS is getting the archives organized, especially the information and materials Whitehall specific. Outside of the society Allen enjoys cooking and working in his yard and expansive garden.

Alice Lieberman - Board Member | Recording Secretary
    Alice and her husband Howard have lived in Whitehall/West Catty for 35 years.  The MacArthur Road 75 celebration in 2017 is what got her involved with the WHPS.  Alice was the chairperson of the yearlong event and through conversations with WHPS board members, Alice realized she wanted to become an active member.  Alice has always had a love of history.  She was a teacher and her original certification was in Social Studies.  Alice has volunteered for decades and was on the parent advisory board for Lehigh Valley Child Care, was active in school PTA’s and she and her sons spent many years performing in plays put on by MUNOPCO.  Alice was also a MUNOPCO board member for many years.  Alice’s vision for WHPS is to get the archives organized and to attract new, younger members. Alice taught ESL at Northern Lehigh School District. She is positive she will be actively involved with WHPS for many years helping to keep the history of Whitehall alive.  WHPS is one big family, everyone cares about and supports each other and all work well together to meet the goals.

Patricia Matthews - Board Member | Chair of Fundraising and Publicity
    Dedication is the best word to describe Patricia “Pat” Matthews.  A retired home economics teacher, Pat has been an active member of WHPS for over 30 years and has served in various board positions. She is known for the hand crafted cards and notes she sends.  Her “career” with WHPS began at the suggestion of her husband Dick (who prior to his death was also active with WHPS as well as a history buff and author).  Whenever volunteers are needed for an activity or project, Pat is one of the first to step up. She participates in everything WHPS does from making gift baskets for the yearly bingo fundraising, to sewing authentic period clothing, to cleaning and organizing at both the Gist Mill and the Grim House.   Pat’s fondest memory of WHPS was the 200th anniversary celebration.  Hundreds of people participated, there was fun, food and community.  Pat’s biggest wish for WHPS is that the archives get organized and computerized.  Outside of the society, Pat is also an excellent baker who loves to share her desserts with others. and has volunteered at LVHN for over thirty-five years.

Terri Monroe - Board Member | Chair of Society Membership
    Known for her delicious chocolate mint brownies, (which she graciously brings to almost every speaker presentation), Terri Monroe decided to become a member of WHPS when she saw how much her husband Jim enjoyed being a member. (Jim was a board member for many years prior to his passing). Currently in charge of society membership and the society gift shop, Terri manages records of all patron and business membership in addition to the records of the gift shop and is always looking for new and interesting items to add to our selection.  With over 15 years of volunteer service, she enjoys being on the board. Terri looks forward to the annual basket bingo fund raiser because it is always so much fun.  She is very proud of the restorations to the Grim House and the progress made in restoring it over the past few years. Terri hopes that younger people join and become involved with WHPS.  Terri retired as a cook at Sodexo and in retirement enjoys yearly trips with her mother to the mountains and beach. She is also an avid bird watcher.

Ethel Gery - Board Member | Former Recording Secretary
    Ethel had been a member of the society for many years since she received a call that there was a need for a new secretary. Her interest in history and her fondness for WHPS convinced her to accept.  Ethel enjoys organizing and helping at the various events WHPS offers every year.  Ethel feels the biggest success she has witnessed is the restoration of the Grim House.  It needed a lot of work: fixing structural problems, making the interior historically accurate and maintaining outside grounds. It is now a property to be proud of.  Ethel’s biggest vision is to make the properties handicapped accessible, a project that has been in the works for a few years awaiting available grants.  She says WHPS keeps her busy because there is always something that needs to be done. Ethel continues to works for her family business, Kay Builders where she is in charge of accounting.

Sharon Solderitch - Board Member | Event Staff
    Sharon Solderitch is positive and constantly smiling.  She has been involved with WHPS for more than ten years.  Her sister, who is the President of WHPS, had so much enthusiasm for the organization that Sharon was convinced to join.  She is glad she did, and enjoys maintaining the history of Whitehall.  Sharon is the organizer for the annual flea markets, a major fundraiser for WHPS.  She loves to help prepare for the flea markets, organizing the items for sale and work the actual day of the sale. Seeing so many people, both vendors and customers, out for a fun afternoon looking for good deals makes her feel happy. Sharon also enjoys helping to maintain the outside grounds of the property, making sure that everything looks good for people driving by, she works hard on the "curb appeal." Sharon’s vision for WHPS is to complete the various projects in progress and to get the interior of the buildings to be as historically accurate as possible.  Sharon currently works for Truist Bank.

John DeLeo - Board Member | Event Staff
    John DeLeo has been a resident of Whitehall since 2001. He graduated from Whitehall High School in 2012 and was a member of the soccer & track team. He currently resides in Montgomery County but still has family members who live in Whitehall, so he visits regularly.  John has always enjoyed spending time on the trails around Jordan Creek Park and finally decided to start volunteering for WHPS in 2021. He is an essential part of helping all the customers park safely during our annual flea markets, so be sure to look out for him in an orange vest and say hello!