Lehigh Valley Marketplace September 2021 by Meris, Inc.

september 2021

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contents SEPTEMBER 2021

PRESIDENT

Matthew J. McLaughlin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scott Westgate

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENTS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

11 B ECAUSE YOU LIVE HERE Egypt

Scott Rarick

Chelsea Gassert Melissa Lascala Mounir Mulhem

WEB DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHER

24 B EST I EVER HAD Fried Mozzarella

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

40 G OOD TASTE Aladdin Restaurant

Ashley Reinhard Ryan Hulvat

Amanda Liddick Stephen Mussoline Beth Pritch

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Andy Cook Lenora Dannelke Bryan Hay Heather Irvine Frederick Jerant Dan Sullivan

PUBLISHER

Meris, Inc. 1 E Broad St, Ste 420 Bethlehem, PA 18018 610.868.8595 lehighvalleymarketplace.com Meris, Inc. produces an average of 81,944 copies of Lehigh Valley Marketplace® 10x annually. The U.S. Postmaster distributes the majority of these copies. If you do not wish to receive this publication or you are moving, please send us a note with your current mailing label to the above address. Address changes and comments can also be received at publisher@meris.com. Lehigh Valley Marketplace® is a trademark of Meris, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

18 H OT TICKET Matt-Hat Jerky

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46 L OCAL COLOR Fresh Ink

52 M AKING A DIFFERENCE Allentown Rescue Mission's Clean Team 58 DINING GUIDE 62 SNAPSHOT

FEATURES 26 Digital Detox 30 B ridgeton House on the Delaware 36 F all Overhaul

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MINE HILL CONTEMPORARY

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SARATOGA MANOR

A classic home with custom upgrades, Saratoga Manor is modern living at its finest. Built by Tuskes and based on their Preakness model, the expanded floor plan is brimming with amenities to suit all lifestyles. 6 BRs, 5.5 baths. $999,000

WILTSHIRE MANOR

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because you live here

Egypt

BY BRYAN HAY

n the early 18th century, settlers left Berks County and western Lehigh County and headed east in search of better soil to grow crops and livestock.

They came to what is now the northwestern corner of Whitehall Township because of its rich soil and named the place Egypta, later Egypt, because it reminded them of the fertile Nile delta, “the granary of the world.” At first, the name Egypt was loosely applied

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

because you live here

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40°40°48°N 75°31°48°W

the COUNTY: LEHIGH specifics ZIP CODE: 18052 POPULATION: 2,391 At first, the name Egypt was loosely applied to land lying on both sides of the Lehigh River from Allentown up to the Blue Mountain; later, it was confined to Whitehall Township. Word of the idyllic location soon reached family and friends back in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of what is now southwest Germany. “Once someone settled there, their neighbors from the Old Country seemed to follow and settle in the same place,” says Karen Gensey, Whitehall Township historian and author of “Whitehall, Pennsylvania: the Golden Strip of the Lehigh Valley.” “Jacob Kohler, a farmer, was the first to stake a claim here, and later Peter Steckel.” A church and school were soon built, attracting more people to the area, but growth really took off about 150 years later with the rise of the cement industry. Hotels, the Ironton Railroad (now a rail trail), blacksmiths, a post office, and 175 inhabitants were the direct result of the establishment in 1884 of the American

Cement Works, which was purchased in 1913 by Giant Portland Cement. Limestone, a raw material for cement, was quarried in nearby Ormrod, Coplay, Bath, and Nazareth. With the establishment of Whitehall as a first-class township in the early 20th century, Egypt had grown to include two churches, an eight-room schoolhouse, 14 stores and six small industries. More growth occurred in the 1970s as housing development expanded northward from the township, consuming farmland. “I love the history and that it still has that hometown feel,” says Gensey, a descendant of Egypt’s founder, Jacob Kohler. Despite the growth, Egypt’s past charms still echo down the old commercial corridors along Main and Church Streets. Some of the earliest businesses are still in town, including George A. Kohler & Brothers, a fuel oil business and a fixture on South Church Street for more than a century. Built by Jacob Steckel in 1790, the old Egypt Hotel,

now Riley’s Restaurant & Pub, still stands at Main and South Church Streets. A store, hotel, tavern, post office, ice cream parlor, and dance hall, the landmark has long served as a hub of the community. “I just enjoy life here,” says Gary Weaver, a sixth-generation Egyptian who still lives in the family’s 19th century clapboard home— the only home on Main Street with a barn in the backyard and remnants of the former Egypt Chicken Farm. “It’s nice to have the Coplay Creek behind the house, a pleasant place to take a quiet walk.” His forbearers, many of whom worked in the cement industry, also left their mark on a business that’s still well-known throughout the Lehigh Valley. “My great-great grandfather, Tilghman Weaver, started the Egypt Bakery in 1898 and delivered the baked goods by horsedrawn wagon and later by truck,” Weaver says. Egypt Bakery eventually merged with another Egypt bakery, Star Bakery, to form Egypt Star Bakery, now based in Allentown.

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

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“Bakeries were popular—there used to be another one, Weiner’s, also at Main and Church Streets,” Weaver recalls.

says activities at four local churches and the Egypt Memorial Park help maintain a strong local identity.

The hospitality business also began to flourish, an outgrowth of the cement industry and increasing development on MacArthur Road, once known as the Road from Egypt to Allentown. Besides the iconic Egypt Hotel, there were the Ballas Hotel and the City View Hotel, which was operated by Weaver’s uncle.

“You used to be able to go up and down Main Street and hear people speaking Pennsylvania Dutch. You can still hear a little bit now and then,” Weaver says. “But we still have so much to be thankful for with the history that’s been preserved.

A pastoral crossroad most of the time, Egypt did make its mark in local history when the country’s taps and distilleries went underground during Prohibition. “The Lindaman and Keefer bottling company, which bottled whisky along with soft drinks, was the site of the first Prohibition raid in Lehigh County on December 9, 1920,” Gensey says. “We also had the Kleckner News Agency, which started in 1907 and evolved into Kleckner & Sons appliances.” While Egypt’s days as a bustling center of commerce are part of local history, Weaver 14

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CURT SIMMONS, HOMETOWN HERO One of Egypt’s most famous sons, Curt Simmons, launched his baseball career at Whitehall High School, striking out 102 hitters in 48 innings and giving up only 12 hits during his senior year and leading his team to three straight Lehigh Valley championships. Just about every major-league club was interested in the left-handed schoolboy phenomena, and the Phillies even came to watch him play in an exhibition game it arranged at Egypt Memorial Park in June 1947.

The same year, Simmons signed with the Philadelphia Phillies shortly after his 18th birthday, putting on a promising performance in the minors by winning 13 and losing five in 18 starts, striking out 197 batters in only 147 innings. The Phillies brought him up to make his major league debut in 1947 against the New York Giants; Simmons won 3-1, striking out nine. Simmons’ talent at the mound helped the Phillies win a national championship in 1950. His career, 1947 to 1950 and 1952 to 1967, earned him a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Fellow Hall of Famer Hank Aaron has always listed Simmons first as the toughest pitcher he ever faced. Egypt pays tribute to his legacy by holding Curt Simmons Day at Egypt Memorial Park, a communitywide celebration, usually held in June.

EGYPT THROUGH THE YEARS 1728 Jacob Kohler, an immigrant from Switzerland, becomes the first settler along land in the bend of Coplay Creek. 1734 Kohler is joined by Peter Troxell, Ulrich Burghalter, Michael Hoffman, Nicholas Kern, Ulrich Flickinger, and Nicholas Saeger.

Elegance

set in stone.

1756 The Troxell-Steckel House, the oldest house in Egypt, is built. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the restored stone farmhouse is maintained by the Lehigh County Historical Society. 1809 John Kohler builds a third mill to replace the one built by his grandfather to provide more water power to the growing community. It was in use for about 100 years. 1850 A covered bridge is built across Coplay Creek on Bridge Street. 1884 Egypt Mills, the first cement company in Egypt, ships its first load of cement to market on the Ironton Railroad. 1900 The Egypt Bakery Co. is started; by 1914, it was producing 15,000 loaves a bread delivered by three horse and wagon teams. 1914 Eberhardt Motors, still in business today, is established at the corner of Main and Church Streets. 1921 Egypt Fire Co. No. 1 is established. 1929 Egypt’s own Curt Simmons, a left-handed Major League pitcher, is born on May 19. 1966 The Egypt Post Office closes when Egypt becomes part of Whitehall Township for mail delivery.

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IS JUST

the TROXELL-STECKEL FARM MUSEUM

It’s the Spinnerstown Way.

In 1737, Johann Troxell, with his wife and teenaged children, stepped ashore at the port of Philadelphia. Born in Switzerland, he had spent most of his life in what today is southwestern Germany. Now his family joined the many Germans moving to Pennsylvania in hopes of a better life. The Troxells bought 400 acres in the district called Egypt, in what today is Whitehall Township. For generations to come, life in Egypt and similar communities would see German traditions mingling with those of other local ethnic groups to form a distinctive Pennsylvania German culture.

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In 1756, Johann’s son Johann Peter built one of the finest stone homes in the township on the family farm. In the Germanic tradition, the house features a blessing stone and arched windows. The house also has a central hallway, typical of the architecture popular in England at that time. In 1768, Johann Peter Troxell and his family left the Lehigh Valley after selling their farm to Peter Steckel, who lived there with his family until his death in 1866. Families were patriarchal and closely knit, with clearly defined roles. Women, girls, and boys cared for the house, garden, chickens, and cows. Older boys and men cared for the

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animals and worked the fields growing grain. The first floor of the mid-1800s bank barn housed animals including chickens, pigs, horses, and cows. The hill or “bank” leading to the barn’s second floor let wagons full of crops pull into that level for crop storage. While farmers grew or made most of what they needed, they still relied heavily on others. Farm families engaged actively in a trading network that linked them with the region, nation, and world. In 1840, Egypt had a mill for grinding grain, a tannery, and a store, as well as a school, a church, and a tavern. After Peter Steckel’s death in 1866, the farm was eventually sold out of the family. In the 1940s, A.P. Steckel bought the house and gave it to the Lehigh County Historical Society. Today it has been restored and stands as a place where visitors can catch a glimpse of life in the heyday of Pennsylvania German rural culture. The 1756 Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open for annual events or by appointment for groups. Call the Lehigh County Historical Society, 610-435-1074, to make arrangements.

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Pinch Yo' Grandma Spicy Beef Jerky (2.25 oz bag) $8.99

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renaissance in the competitive – and fast growing – world of artisanal, small batch jerky fuels a startling array of flavors at Matt-Hat Jerky in Bethlehem. Launched four years ago by Matthew Kuplack at 11 years of age (his smiling face and eponymous cowboy hat appear on every bag of jerky) already had years of experience crafting this specialty with his dad, a family tradition passed down from his grandfather.

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Punjabi Indian Curry Beef Jerky (2.25 oz bag) $8.99

Gourmet Keto Black Truffle Beef Jerky (2.25 oz bag) $9.99

Traditional Japanese Teriyaki Beef Jerky (2.25 oz bag) $8.99

Original Beef Jerky (2.25 oz bag) $8.99

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The enterprising youth initially tested the business waters by selling zip-lock bags of jerky to neighbors and teachers. When the company was founded, his sister Katrina, now 18-years-old, came on board as a partner. While she focuses on marketing, ordering, and other essential components of the professional enterprise, Matthew devotes himself to hands-on matters such as developing new flavors and mixing the spice blends for the 2-day marinade that make this snack a stand-out product. (Celeb chefs Guy Fieri and Andrew Zimmern confirm this assessment in video shout-outs posted on the website, and Matt-Hat Jerky scored a “Best Beef Jerky” win at the 2020 TasteTV Jerky International Awards and earned additional honors at the recent 2021 competition.) At present, one thousand pounds of American beef are processed each week. Jerky fits America’s current preference for high-protein and low (or zero) carb and sugar snacks, and the Matt-Hat brand contains no nitrates or MSG in any of its 15 distinctive jerky offerings. Mild flavors such as Original and Traditional Japanese Teriyaki are supplemented by robust tastes that include Black Truffle, Roasted Garlic, Sweet Heat and new Punjabi Indian Curry – boasting 19 complex ingredients for authentic Indian character. This product also adheres to strict halal dietary requirements. Those following a trendy keto (ketogenic) diet can explore six gourmet preparations that range from “no heat” to “VERY SPICY!” ratings.

WE’VE GOT THE MATERIALS FOR

BUILD-IT-YOURSELF Dedicated heat seekers will relish Pinch Yo’ Grandma Spicy, seasoned with habanero, cayenne, and a pinch of Carolina Reaper – ranked as the hottest pepper in the world – and “insanely hot” Slap Yo’ Grandma Spicy, prepared with hefty enough dose of Carolina Reaper to come with a big red “warning” label to consume this product only if “you love ridiculous, painfully spicy food.” Both Grandmas are available in Keto selections. Four types Variety Packs round up favorite types to sample. Just remember that these fresh, high quality products – containing no artificial preservatives – have a 6-week shelf life from date of production, unlike behemoth brand jerky that can remain in your pantry for a somewhat off-putting length of time. Or swing by the Matt-Hat Jerky shop, open 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, for samples before choosing your new favorite flavors. Don’t feel like driving? DoorDash can bring jerky directly to your home. More patient customers may order online, keeping in mind that shipping is free on orders above $50.00. The inclusion of a floss-pick in every package makes this exceptionally delicious brand the most considerate jerky around.

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fried mozzarella at Copperhead Grille BY LENORA DANNELKE

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necdotal evidence indicates comfort foods may alleviate stress. And Fried Mozzarella—the most-ordered appetizer at Copperhead Grille—offer a transcendently delicious remedy to tension, regardless of origins. Ooey-gooey mozzarella encased in golden crunchiness nurtures the spirit, and contrasting textures captivate the tongue. Still skeptical? Catch a Facebook demo of co-owner and executive chef Michael P. Dontas—better known as Mike Sr.—crafting this specialty from hand-cut strips of whole milk mozzarella treated to a multistep coating that finishes with seasoned panko. Next, the substantial sticks meet their deep fryer destiny. (Warning: Viewing may prompt impulsive ordering.) And, according to Dontas, sauce is a “crucial element” for this dish. House-made marinara, prepared from a decades-old family recipe, departs from tradition with the addition of aromatic fennel and a dash of sweetness—creating a “perfect balance” of tastes. Plus, there’s no need for dainty dabbing since a generous portion of this luscious liquid facilitates dipping with gusto. As football season kicks off, stop in at either Copperhead Grille location for a piece of the action.

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26 SAUG 2 0221 02 1 26 E P T US EMTB ER

Digital Detox

BY ANDY COOK

o you check your email before you’ve gotten out of bed? Do you have a Pavlovian response when your phone bings, buzzes, or beeps? Have you interrupted a conversation, an intimate moment, or a family meal with real live people because there’s a new post on Instagram? If you’ve answered “yes” to even one of these questions, you’re a good candidate for what is referred to as a digital detox—disconnecting yourself from technology.

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Now, don’t get me wrong: Technology is a wonderful thing. I am amazed at just what my iPhone can do, whether it’s finding answers quickly, communicating with friends, or watching a video. I love that I can FaceTime with my nieces and nephews, especially when social distancing has been necessary. However, drawbacks exist, and human contact is important. This is why it may make sense to limit our use of technology.

SOME IDEAS ON DISCONNECTING Lighten the morning routine: Get up, shower, dress, and eat without looking at your technology. If you need to check email before you head to the office, wait until you’re in the car (and before you drive). Another idea: Move the phonecharging station out of the bedroom.

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When you are on your phone (tweeting, Instagramming, Facebooking, texting, emailing) and others are near, you are not fully present in the real world.

RECLAIM NON-WORK TIME: Many of us are working from home and/or juggling multiple responsibilities. That can cause a blur between “work” hours and “nonwork” hours. It’s more important than ever to honor your non-work time. Just because a work email comes in after business hours, it’s likely you don’t actually need to respond until normal business hours.

DELETE TIME-STEALING APPS FROM YOUR PHONE: It’s easy to get caught up in scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc., and wind up getting sucked into a black hole, then wondering where that last hour went. Sometimes social media can make you feel like you’re not doing enough. By taking at least some of those noncritical apps off your phone, you’re automatically going to be more productive.

ADOPT THE ONE-SCREEN RULE: Have you found yourself sitting down to work or firing up a show on Netflix, only to immediately pull out your phone to mindlessly scroll through some app or check your email? Our tech dependency has reached a place where most people have two to three screens within easy reach at all times. While this might not feel like detoxing, limiting yourself to just one screen will help to ease the feelings of restlessness that tech overexposure can cause. Make breaks a part of your schedule: Stuff constantly competes for your attention, and this can be more than our technology talking. Put blocks of “device-free” time on your schedule, and make self-care a priority. Whether you use that time for a quick walk, reading a chapter of a book, or remembering to eat something is up to you. Another idea: Turn off the instant notification that makes your phone buzz, beep, or vibrate when anything new comes in.

MOST IMPORTANTLY— BE TRULY PRESENT IN YOUR LIFE. When you are on your phone (tweeting, Instagramming, Facebooking, texting, emailing) and others are near, you are

not fully present in the real world. Your nonverbal cues speak volumes, letting everyone know you are elsewhere and signaling they are less important than whatever is happening on your screen. Learn to put the phone down, even deliberately saying “I’m going to turn this off /put this away so I can focus on us.” Just watch for the looks of appreciation you’ll get as you acknowledge putting real-live people as your priority. Whether it’s just one day or an entire week, having even a brief fast from electronics can work wonders for your productivity. Upon completion, you may even find yourself without the desire to return to your previous technology habits.

three immediate techno tamers MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PHONE’S SCREEN-TIME FEATURE. Most smartphones nowadays have a feature that will track your usage, giving you a clearer picture of how you use your device throughout the day. If you see that you’re spending more than two hours a day on social media, try setting a time limit on your phone so you can taper it down.

IF YOU ARE GOING OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY, TRY LEAVING YOUR PHONE AT HOME. Since you are with others and if there’s an urgent need, you can use their phone or still be reached if an emergency arises.

DO “TECH-FREE” MEALS. Put your phone in the middle of the table and invite your meal mates to do the same. According to Nielsen’s State of the Media: Social Media Report, a third of people between 18 and 24 don’t even go to the bathroom without their smartphone. Yikes. Shouldn’t these be tech-free zones? LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

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Bridgeton House ON THE DELAWARE BY DAN SULLIVAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIDGE TON HOUSE & JUMPING ROCK S PHOTOGRAPHY

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Bridgeton House on the Delaware, a country inn originally built as a private residence in 1936 and having realized many incarnations before serving in its current capacity as an award-winning getaway, is the only true riverside bedand-breakfast acommodation serving visitors to Bucks County, said longtime innkeeper and general manager Diane Marshall.

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

THIS SHANGRI-LA ON THE DELAWARE SERVES AN INTERESTING NICHE.

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“Other properties are on the river, but you can’t walk out to the river directly from your room—you have to go across the road or the canal.” That’s one reason Bridgeton House in the village of Upper Black Eddy is such a popular destination for a variety of clients spanning from their early 20s into their 80s. The fact that guests—about 25 percent of whom are repeat customers—can access the oasis on the river in such a short time from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offers another, she said. Bridgeton House features 12 unique rooms, from rustic to more modern and including two spacious penthouse suites, and caters to clients year-round. Following stints as a bakery, office space, and apartments, among other uses over the years, the

property was purchased in 1981 by Charles and Bea Briggs, who gutted the place, began restoring old floorboards and vintage fireplaces, rewired, plumbed and painted, and opened its doors as an inn a year later.

them or perhaps a couple of witnesses.

“We are open year-‘round with the exception of two days—Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.” Room prices fluctuate somewhat with the season, day of the week, and demand, she said.

Of course, second marriage is not a requirement, and Marshall said about 30 percent of weddings do not fall into that category. Bridgeton House also caters to corporate retreats and serves some single customers, she said, but the main clientele are couples looking for a romantic respite.

“We specialize in elopements here,” explained Marshall, who has been with the Bridgeton house for 22 years. “We get anywhere from 10 to 20 of those a year.” Marshall explained that some couples tying the knot, particularly when they are about to enter a second marriage, opt for a lowkey wedding ceremony with just the two of

“We provide a beautiful riverside ceremony with flowers and cake and breakfast in bed. We plan everything, so the couple can just enjoy themselves.”

Forty years of dedication to customers serves as another big draw, Marhall said. “All of the staff members have been here 10plus years. It’s a great place to work, we love our guests, and we really cater to them. You really get pampered when you’re here.”

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

Bridgeton House serves guests a variety of breakfast options and afternoon tea. Wine and cheese options and picnic baskets are also available, as well as roses, love notes, chocolate strawberries, and champagne, and even proposal packages. This attention to the nuances of courtship earned Bridgeton House Country Living magazine’s distinction as one of the top 15 honeymoon destinations in the country. The facility is on Trip Advisor’s Hall of Fame and is the only East Coast property recommended by TravelPulse. It was named a top getaway destination by the Huffington Post and has been featured in New York Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, and The Washington Post.

BRIDGETON HOUSE ON THE DELAWARE 1525 RIVER RD UPPER BLACK EDDY 610.982.5856 BRIDGETONHOUSE.COM 34

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THE TREEHOUSE AT BRIDGETON In 2001, Bridgeton House owners Charles and Bea Briggs purchased an adjoining property right next to the main inn that was originally a one-and-a-half-story structure, Marshall explained. “Charlie is a woodworker and a contractor and opened up the first floor to luxury accommodations.” That space is known as the Boathouse. “Six years ago, he finished a third floor with a separate entrance. It’s an incredible space, very private and up in the treetops.” The Treehouse sports a two-person Jacuzzi tub, a walk-in marble shower, private deck, a fireplace, and a custom-made wet bar, nestled in the trees yet with unobstructed views of the river, Marshall said, adding that all but two of the accommodations at Bridgeton House enjoy unobstructed river views. The Treehouse opens up a second luxury suite option at Bridgeton House in addition to the one in the original building, which takes up most of the third floor and can be arranged to accommodate up to 30 guests for a small wedding party or other modest gathering. A resident innkeeper has the pleasure of living on the second floor of the morerecently renovated building, Marshall said, recalling with a tinge of pride and nostalgia, “I was the first guest at The Treehouse on my 25th wedding anniversary.”

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

FA L L

overhaul

BY ANDY COOK

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IT'S TACO TIME.

utumn, with all the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, will soon be upon us. Personally I love this time of year—you may need a light jacket, but you can still drive a convertible with the top down. Here are some easy to-do items to get your place ready for the upcoming season, so it will be easy to break it down into weekendsized chunks.

CHECK YOUR DETECTORS With furnaces starting to get turned on, the windows closed and portable heaters humming along, fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are working. As annoying as those test beeps are, replacing those batteries will keep you and your family safe.

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CUT GRASS SHORT Get out that rake and remove all of those dead leaves before winter comes. Remove any branches or other debris from around landscaping and house foundation. Dead wet leaves will decompose and become sodden mats in the spring and smother the sprouting grass below. Plus it’s a lot easier to rake dry leaves. As a bonus, this is a great family activity, too. Just this one time of the year, set your mower to cut 1-1/2” or 2” and mow your grass short. That’ll do a couple of things: first, it’ll lessen the chance of snow mold forming, and second, tall grass blades won’t lie down and smother the new grass next spring.

DRAIN GARDEN HOSES Yes, I’ll own up to it: I sometimes neglect to drain garden hoses before putting them away for the winter. Usually it’s not a problem. But every once in a while, freezing water splits a hose open. I’ve lost a few cheap hoses this way and a super-expensive one (ouch!). It’s easy to avoid this headache because draining hoses is quick and easy: either blast out the water with an air compressor or stretch them out on a sloped yard or driveway so they can drain fully before coiling them and putting them away.

GIVE THOSE WINDOWS A GOOD CLEANING Fall is a good time to wash the outside windows, because the summer’s direct sun can make windows dry streaky. Use a squeegee to get a professional result. If you have newer windows, you may be able to unlock and tip them inwards to clean them easily.

FERTILIZE IN THE FALL If you want the best lawn in town, they say you should fertilize four times a year. But you can keep it simple and still have a great lawn if you only fertilize once—in the fall. Ask an expert at your garden center for advice about the best fertilizer blend for your grass type and soil conditions. Apply the fertilizer about three weeks before the last mowing of the season. Fertilizing in the fall provides energy and nutrients for the grass roots as they multiply in cooler weather before the grass goes dormant. 38

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CHANGE YOUR FURNACE AIR FILTER Did you know that changing your furnace filter is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your furnace in good shape? If you haven’t changed it in a while, make sure you have a fresh one before you turn your furnace on for the first time. Also, be sure to change ceiling mounted filters if your HVAC system has those in areas of your home. Locate where they all are, and make a note of the sizes. They may be different sizes based upon where they’re located. If you or a family member are prone to allergies, check the MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Ratings Value)—the higher the number, the more efficient they are at removing particulates from the air.

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Those beautiful autumn leaves can create big problems for you come winter if you don’t empty those gutters! Clogged gutters can cause leaks, wood rot, and more. Whether you do it yourself or hire it out, don’t put off this important task.

INTERACTING WITH NATURE CAN IMPROVE WELL-BEING. BE A POSITIVITY PURSUER.

HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY CLEANED AND INSPECTED

Before that urge to light a fire comes, the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends you keep away soot build-up and have periodic inspections. If your home has a wood burning fireplace, it’s important to have it inspected at least once a year by an expert.

TRIM THE TREES

Cut back dead branches, especially those hanging over your house. In stormy, windy, or icy weather, these could fall and potentially cause damage and injury. If you’re not sure what should be done, consult a professional arborist to do an annual review of your property.

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good taste

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BY LENORA DANNELKE

n the forty years since Aladdin first opened on 2nd Street in Allentown, many of the dishes owner and head chef Violette Younes still crafts have been absorbed into popular American culture, from Hummus and Babaganoush to Spinach Pie and hand-rolled Grape Leaves. Less familiar specialties such as Arnabit (deep fried cauliflower) and Shawarma (thin slices of tahini-andfresh veggie-topped grilled steak filet or signature marinated chicken breast)—beg exploration. This is authentic homecooking, Syrian style. The family-owned restaurant run by daughter and front of house manger Serena Younes, moved to a spacious Union Boulevard locale in 1999, and devoted fans from the early days still flock here.

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good taste

FALAFEL

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SULTAN’S KABOB

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Among ample kabob options, the two jumbo skewers packed with grilled lamb, chicken, shrimp, green peppers, and onions – brushed with garlic and olive oil—presented in the Sultan’s Kabob optimizes delectable variety. A side of rice completes the plate, and a house salad may be upgraded to Fattoush (romaine salad enhanced with toasted pita chips, feta, and olives) or Tabouleh (chopped parsley and tomato salad with bulgur wheat). While a pair of complete dinners for two or more cover a wide range of tastes and textures, groups of four or more can maximize sampling with the Special Maza selection of twelve assorted appetizers. Bring a favorite wine to complement the meal at this BYOB—and be sure to cap the evening with a cup of darkly rich, caradamom-scented Turkish Coffee.

THE AMBIANCE A warmly relaxing atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Lehigh Valley invites guests to lean back on cushy pillows while gazing at a night-sky ceiling adorned with tiny “star” lights. Ornate metal hanging lanterns add drama, and a belly dancing performance bumps up the energy level on Saturday evenings. A private banquet room is available for parties or weddings, and catering can be finetuned to dietary preferences. Also find many favorite dishes in a casual vendor setting at sister-restaurant Zahra, located at the City Center’s Downtown Allentown Market.

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SPECIAL DIET MENU ITEM Falafel, a house specialty and Middle Eastern mainstay that’s vegan and gluten-free, appeals to any audience. These crisply fried chickpea patties arrive topped with tahini, lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, and parsley, and are served in appetizer and entrée portions. (The menu features five other vegetarian entrees, and many vegetarian/vegan items on the generous appetizer list reflect the cuisine’s emphasis on plant-based dishes.)

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THIS LOCAL TATTOO ARTIST IS MAKING HER MARK IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY BY HE ATHER IRVINE 46

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he self-taught henna and tattoo artist sits on her couch with her left leg elevated. On her forehead is a mining headlamp. She has a beer to one side of her, her boyfriend to the other. She’s streaming The Office on her TV. With delicate precision, Priya

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47 47

local color Rattan, 25, lowers a set of three needles just above her right knee and starts to poke. She’ll slowly do this for about an hour and a half until her mandala tattoo is complete. “I’ve always loved tattoos,” Rattan says. “I wasn’t comfortable enough to get a tattoo machine myself, so when I learned about the stick ’n poke method, it seemed really cool.” Stick ’n poke, or hand poke, is an old-school way of tattooing. It takes longer—the artist is literally poking one dot at a time to create the ink art—but may also hurt less, Rattan says, explaining that tattoo machines are basically needles on a vibrating brick. Rattan, who graduated with a biology degree from East Stroudsburg University in May, has been stick ’n poke tattooing for two years. But she got her start in tattoo art through henna when she was a freshman.

She got her start in tattoo art through henna when she was a freshman. “I was lonely and didn’t have any friends,” she says. “My dad brought me henna cones to stay busy. I practiced on myself, and then other people on campus saw them and asked me to do henna on them. One of the first people who asked me for henna turned into one of my best friends. We’re still close, even after she’s moved to Japan and then North Carolina.” In 2015, when Rattan was a sophomore, she started her Instagram account, where she posted photos of her work. From there, her hobby gained momentum, all through wordof-mouth. In September 2015, she made her own henna paste for the first time; she orders 48

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the henna powder from India and makes it in her apartment in Bethlehem.

“I don’t know of many henna artists in the Lehigh Valley,” says Rattan, who had her first paying client at the Easton Flea in October 2015. “I thought, this can be a niche for me. And it’s going well.”

Two pieces of henna art come to Rattan’s mind when asked about her favorite designs. Both are henna crowns, or artwork that covers the head. “They’re for chemo patients,” she says. “The first patient was someone my hairdresser told me about. She was putting on a Mardi Gras fundraiser party. She was losing her hair and she shaved her head. She wanted to feel pretty. So I gave her a full henna crown on her head.”

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The other crown was for a friend who reached back out to Rattan when she was battling cervical cancer. She asked for a peacock down the side of her head. “I love how empowered those ladies feel,” Rattan says. “It’s not for my own satisfaction. When my work is done, and [my clients] are so in awe, that makes me giddy inside. I’m so happy.”

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Rattan’s henna art inspires her stick ’n poke art, she says, pointing to a tattoo above her left ankle. It’s an unalome, a traditional Indian design that represents the path to enlightenment. “The squiggle lines in between signify trials and tribulations you go through in your lifetime,” she says. Rattan has two offices, so to speak. She adorns her henna clients at Lit Coffee Roastery and Bakeshop on Bethlehem’s South Side, where her boyfriend is a Monocacy Coffee roaster. Her stick ’n poke office is just down the road at Bonn Brewing, where she recently inked a bartender: a mandala covering his entire knee. It took two five-hour sessions. “I do a lot of tattoos at Bonn on Sunday when no one’s in there. It’s like my own little speakeasy for tattooing,” Rattan says. Rattan, whose latest tattoo is the Bonn logo, sets up shop at a table in the back corner. She’s taken tattooing classes and blood borne pathogen

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While Rattan’s henna clients run the gamut— men, women, young, old—it’s a niche group of clients who choose the old school, hipster stick ‘n poke. But one of those clients doesn’t fit the hipster mold: Rattan’s grandmother, who’s in her 70s. “She approached me,” Rattan says, laughing. When her grandmother was visiting from England, where most of Rattan’s family lives— and where Rattan was born—she asked her granddaughter to replicate a tattoo her late husband—Rattan’s grandfather—had. “He had an ikonar, a symbol of the Sikh religion, on the top of his left hand,” Rattan says. “She asked me to get it done, the same design on the same part of the hand.”

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HISTORY OF HENNA It’s thought that the first use of henna, a natural dye from the henna plant, was in ancient Egypt. But it likely wasn’t until much later—about 900 CE—that the dye was used in bridal celebrations as a sign of beauty, which is how it’s most recognized today. While henna is most commonly associated with Indian culture, it also has roots among Jews, Muslims, and Christians in North Africa, and in Pakistan and the Middle East.

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THINKING ABOUT GETTING INKED? For more information and to view Rattan’s work, follow her on Instagram @mehndiandmandalas or visit facebook.com/MehndiAndMandalas.

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making a difference “Homelessness can strike anyone at any time,” said Michael Mauro, manager of the Mission’s Clean Team. “And although the Mission is Christian-based, men of any religion—or none —are equally welcome.” At its most basic level, “Our emergency-shelter facility has 72 beds,” Mauro said. “We provide the men with breakfast and dinner; they spend the rest of the day as they wish.” But the shelter is also a gateway to the Mission’s other services—particularly the Transformation program. “It’s a structured program,” Mauro said, “and structure is what these men need in their lives as they prepare to return to the general community.” The eight weeks of “Transformation” are modeled after a typical school routine. The men rise at 6:30 a.m., perform their daily chores (mopping floors, collecting trash and the like), followed by breakfast at 7:30. The “school day” begins at 8:30 and continues until 5:00 p.m.

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Graduates of the program are able to join the most visible aspect of the Rescue Mission’s work—the Clean Team. You might have seen those “men in blue” collecting and disposing of litter and cast-off recyclable materials at various locations in the Lehigh Valley.

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“At first, the Rescue Mission paid the men to clean up litter on sidewalks and curb lines in Allentown,” Mauro said, “as an opportunity to apply those workplace values to real life.”

THEY’RE ALSO TAUGHT 10 KEY WORKFORCE VALUES: BE PROMPT BE READY TO WORK BE SAFE BE ATTENTIVE BE COOPERATIVE BE DILIGENT BE PRODUCTIVE BE TRUSTWORTHY BE FLEXIBLE BE GRATEFUL

Eventually, the Clean Team pursued a contract with the city of Allentown—and won it. “We’ve received numerous contracts from the city since then,” Mauro added. “They actually make up about one-third of the Team’s business.” The balance comes from residential and corporate projects.

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He’s quick to point out that these are not “handout” jobs. Bids are placed through a formal process, in competition with similar vendors in the area. In fact, the Clean Team is financed entirely by fees-for-service; no tax dollars or grant money is involved. The Clean Team also offers light landscaping, junk removal, fall and spring clean-up projects, carpet removal, painting, floor waxing, and other services.

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The Mission provides a foreman on residential jobs; corporate clients—such as the Saucon Valley Country Club and E. Schneider & Sons, Inc.—generally provide their own supervision. And team members carry Mission-provided cell phones to facilitate spot-checks on projects. “Our guys are paid every two weeks, and all applicable state, federal, and local taxes are withheld,” Mauro said. Their wages are kept in custodial accounts, and they can withdraw $20 each week, no questions asked. Larger requests are reviewed and evaluated before approval. As their time at the Mission draws down, they open their own bank accounts. “When they leave us, they receive their saved-up wages as a lump sum,” he added, “and that is sometimes between $3,000 and $5,000.”

Hundreds of men have passed successfully through the program since 2008, and about 90 new members join the team each year.

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Clean Team foreman Francisco is just one example. The 49-year-old had worked as an electrician until his wife died of cancer in 2018. He relapsed into alcohol and heroin addiction, spent time in the Horsham Clinic, and finally turned to the Rescue Mission. “They helped me get off heroin, and then I entered the Transformation program,” he said. “After much prayer, I began setting goals for myself—finish the program, find a job, and get back on my feet.” His turnaround really began when he started working in the Mission kitchen. After four months, he had saved enough money to find permanent lodgings at Tribeca apartments. Needing more money (and medical benefits), he again prayed for heavenly guidance—and was unexpectedly asked by the Mission’s CEO to come on board full-time as a Clean Team foreman.

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“Thanks to Godly intervention, I’ve finally found a purpose for my life,” Francisco said. “I still struggle with some things, but life gets better when you push for it. And I’m an example for the new guys coming up through the program—they see that it works!”

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One of the best ways to support the program is to hire a crew for corporate or residential work. “But remember to call well in advance,” Mauro cautioned. “We are usually booked solid four weeks out from any date.” You can also help by donating gift cards or cash to apply to the Mission’s expenses; inkind donations, such as boots, work gloves, and other gear—are also welcome. For more information, contact Michael Mauro at 484-266-8829 or mikemauro@armpa.org, or visit cleanteampa.com or allentownrescuemission.org.

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dining guide

reat yourself to a great meal this month from one of our favorite local restaurants, many offering al fresco dining as weather permits. Offerings listed are as of late August; call or check the restaurant website or social media for the most up-to-date information.

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PAN ROASTED DUCK BREAST THE BRICK TAVERN INN

A CA MIA Italian indoor • outdoor • take-out 4330 Lehigh Dr, Walnutport 610.760.3207 • acamiapa.com ALADDIN Middle Eastern indoor • take-out • delivery 651 Union Blvd, Allentown 610.437.4023 • aladdinlv.com THE BEAM YARD AT STEEL CLUB American indoor • outdoor • take-out 700 Linden Ave, Hellertown 610.838.7018 • steel.club BLUE GRILLEHOUSE American indoor • outdoor • take-out 4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem 610.691.8400 • bluegrillhouse.com BRAVEHEART HIGHLAND PUB Scottish indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 430 Main St, Hellertown 610.838.6555 • bravehearthighlandpub.com THE BRICK Italian indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 1 W Broad St #100, Bethlehem 610.419.1141 • thebrickpa.com BRICK TAVERN INN American indoor • outdoor • take-out 2460 N Old Bethlehem Pk, Quakertown 215.529.6488 • thebricktaverninn.com CASA TORO Mexican indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 7001 PA-309, Coopersburg 610.282.8888 • casatoromexgrill.com 4969 Swamp Rd, Doylestown 215.794.9400 • casatoromexican.com DIANA'S CAFE American indoor • outdoor • take-out 4907 PA-309, Center Valley 610.797.2525 • dianascafe.com

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

dining guide DRIP American indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 1310 Main St, Hellertown 484.851.3700 • driptheflavorlab.com FLORENCE ITALIAN GRILLE Italian indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 238 Sycamore Rd, Breinigsville 610.841.4000 • florencegrille.com GRIDDLE 145 American indoor • outdoor • take-out 1146 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall 610.351.9898 • griddle145.com GRILLE 3501 American indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 3501 Broadway, Allentown 610.706.0100 • grille3501.com GRUMPY'S BBQ American indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 3000 Mauch Chunk Rd, Allentown 610.769.4600 • grumpysbbq.net HOUSE & BARN American indoor • outdoor • take-out 1449 Chestnut St, Emmaus 610.421.6666 • houseandbarn.net MCCOOLE'S American indoor • outdoor • take-out 4 S Main St, Quakertown 215.538.1776 • mccoolesredlioninn.com

A star is born. Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley

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484.223.3301

gailgrayhome.com

MELT Italian indoor • outdoor • take-out 2880 Center Valley Pkwy #624, Center Valley 610.798.9000 • meltgrill.com THE MINT American indoor • outdoor • take-out 1223 W Broad St, Bethlehem 610.419.3810 • bethlehemmint.com MITZI'S TABLE American indoor • take-out • delivery 3650 Linden St Rt.191, Bethlehem 610.730.1670 • mitzistable.com

MY TEQUILA HOUSE Mexican indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 1808 MacArthur Rd, Whitehall 484.664.7109 • mytequilahouse.com

IN THE

PEARLY BAKER'S ALEHOUSE indoor • outdoor • take-out 11 Centre Sq, Easton 610.253.9949 • pearlybakers.net POCONO BREWERY CO. American indoor • outdoor • take-out 938 Lifestyle Center, Whitehall 610.264.2194 poconobrewery.com SAVORY GRILLE American indoor • take-out 2934 Seisholtzville Rd, Macungie 610.845.2010 savorygrille.com

WILL LEAVE YOU WITH MORE

MONEY IN YOUR POCKET When you sign up for our monthly budget cap plan No more worries about clustered winter oil deliveries and price fluctuations with the Apgar Oil budget cap plan. The budget cap plan will have 12 equal monthly payments and the peace of mind knowing the price will never exceed the cap price.

CALL NOW & SIGN UP FOR A STRESS FREE WINTER!

SPINNERSTOWN HOTEL American indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 2195 Spinnerstown Rd, Quakertown 215.536.7242 • spinnerstownhotel.com

ORES M NO RRIE WO PRIC

OT E PR

EC T

ION

PLA

THE SWEET SPOT American indoor • take-out • delivery 2805 Lehigh St, Allentown 610.813.2536 • thesweetspot.golf TOP CUT STEAK HOUSE American indoor • take-out 2880 Center Valley Pkwy #625, Center Valley 610.841.7100 • topcutsteak.com

SERVICING THE LEHIGH VALLEY SINCE 1947

APGAROIL.COM | 610.434.5195 ALWAYS FREE ESTIMATES PA#002987

TORRE Mexican indoor • outdoor • take-out 2960 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley 610.841.9399 • torrerestaurant.com ZEST American indoor • outdoor • take-out • delivery 306 S New St, Bethlehem 610.419.4320 • zestbethlehem.com 4330 Lehigh Dr, Walnutport 610.760.3207 | acamiapa.com BYOB | Reservations Recommended Curbside Pickup Available LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

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IF YOU HAVE A PHOTO YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE, SIMPLY VISIT OUR WEBSITE LEHIGHVALLEYMARKETPLACE.COM/SNAPSHOT AND CLICK THE SNAPSHOT TAB. 62

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Our only requirement is all submitted photos must be taken within the Lehigh Valley. By submitting your photo you give Lehigh Valley Marketplace permission to publish it in print and digital forms.

LEFT PAGE CLOCKWISE: Thom Christian. Meghan Godorov, Trexler Park, Allentown. Judy Brady, Lowhill Township. RIGHT PAGE CLOCKWISE: Lee Hackman, St. Luke's Anderson campus sunflower field. Addison Wismer, Alburtis. Barry Golazeski, Allentown. Christopher Pany.

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

advertiser index

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP FOR OVER 30 YEARS

A Ca Mia 61 Alderfer Glass Company 45 American Fence 8, 23 Apgar Oil, Energy & HVAC 61 Bellisimo Italian Tours & Travel 16 BetterScapes 4 Bill Stofanak Kitchen Facings 56 Brookside Country Club 53 Carol C. Dorey Real Estate 7 Chestnut Hill Landscape Contractors 1 Creative Landscapes 15

1859 Main St Northampton PA

610-262-4068 fosterjeweler.com

Curtis E. Schneck 22 Eagle Point Farm Market 21 Egypt Star Bakery 53 Eyecare of the Valley 23 First Northern Bank & Trust Co. 35 Foster Jewelers 64

Improving

Beauty

Friendly Tree Service 64

the

Gail Gray 60 Green Acres Outdoor Living obc

of your property, one tree at a time.

Glass Guru 35 Grille 3501 49 Hager Furniture Company 49

Friendly

Holencik Exteriors 9

TREE SERVICE COMPLETE TREE CARE SPECIALISTS

610.588.1110 • FRIENDLYTREESERVICE.COM PRUNING • REMOVAL • INSECT & DISEASE MANAGEMENT • FERTILIZATION • PLANTING • CABLING & BRACING 64

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Indoor Comfort Specialists 56 ON STAFF

PA061102

Magellan Financial 54

McCoole's 51 Morganelli Properties 39 Northwood Racquet & Fitness Club 22 Oppenheimer & Co. 33 Pearly Baker's 55 Pharo Garden Centre 65 QNB Bank 10 RCN Telecom Services 50 Ross Plants & Flowers 39 Richards Window Fashions 45 Roche Painting ifc Savory Grille 21 Schuler Service 2 Spinnerstown Hotel 16 Stofanak Custom Cabinetry 51 Sweet Pea Children's Shop 65 Sweet Spot Indoor Golf 5

Children’s Shop

Purveyor of these fine brands Hatley - Mayoral - Tea Collection - Kissy Kissy - Kickee Pants Boboli - JoJo Maman Bébé - & more! Clothing, accessories and lots of other goodies for your favorite little ones sizes newborn through 10

The Baumer Wealth Management Group 17 The Brick Tavern Inn 57

3301 Bath Pike, Bethlehem (Intersection of Rts. 512 & 22 in the Appletree Plaza) 610.866.2505 - sweetpeachildren.com

The Paver Savers 57 Turf Professionals 55 Uno Taqueria 37 Warner Glass Art 3 Zionsville Antique Mall 60

Your

IC ANCentre ORGGarden Pharo

• Or Organic rga g nic Seed • Compo Compost p st • Sprays • Fertilizers

GARDEN CENTRE E

610.866.0246

4505 Easton Ave., Bethlehem Across from Skateaway

www.PharoGardenCentre.com

LEH I G H VALLE YM AR K E T PL AC E .C O M

1 E BROAD ST, STE 420 BETHLEHEM, PA 18018

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID MERIS INC

POSTMASTER – REQUESTED IN-HOME DELIVERY DATE: SEPTEMBER 8-SEPTEMBER 13, 2021

10% OFF

All Indoor Furniture Promo-1V Expires 10/02/2021 May NOT be combined. Prior sales excluded.

Area’s Largest Interior Furniture Selection!

3850 Newburg Rd. Easton, PA 18045

(610) 330-9096

Lehigh Valley Marketplace September 2021

Articles inside

DINING GUIDE

GOOD TASTE

HOT TICKET

BECAUSE YOU LIVE HERE

Bridgeton House on the Delaware

Fall Overhaul

Digital Detox

BEST I EVER HAD