Come Ride with Us: City Initiatives Support Cycling
By Meghan Kita
On August 29 at 5 p.m., right around the time you’re receiving this issue, Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and the nonprofit Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) will lead a group bike ride, free and open to the public, from Muhlenberg College to downtown Allentown. It’s part of the Bike With the Mayor series, monthly rides held from May through October to encourage Allentonians to explore their neighborhoods on two wheels.
venue for exploration by bike, with its relatively small area, flat terrain and quiet streets — not to mention the high density of restaurants, shops and other businesses you might want to bike to.
in a scenic setting. If you want to go a little farther, the West End is a great launching point for rides up to Trexler Game Preserve in Lehigh County or out to the rolling farmland of Berks County.”
The Bike With the Mayor series reflects Tuerk’s personal and professional commitment to safe and accessible transportation for everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians. One of the city’s current priorities is its Vision Zero plan, with a goal to have no deaths and serious injuries on city streets by 2030.
Allentown was awarded a Safe Streets for All grant to complete an action plan; residents were invited to share feedback on the city’s streets via a survey that closed July 31 and at several in-person events. Engineering consultants from the firm Michael Baker International were contracted to work on proposed solutions to problem areas.
gives drivers a better chance to detect and yield to them.”
A final Safe Streets for All report will be delivered to Allentown City Council in February 2025. The city will then be eligible to apply for implementation and construction grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation. But prospective cyclists needn’t wait to enjoy the West End. Joining a group ride — CAT hosts several throughout the Lehigh Valley on a regular basis — can help build confidence. Sticking to quieter roads with lower speed limits, which is fairly easy to do in the West End, can be more enjoyable for new and experienced cyclists alike — especially when group rides feature destinations such as trails, bakeries, local businesses and community events.
“It’s our opportunity to really showcase how to get around Allentown and picking routes that are as friendly as you can get for cyclists and comfortable for people who aren’t everyday bikers,” said CAT executive director Scott Slingerland. “That’s a big part of it, bringing new people into biking.” And the West End is an excellent
“One of the things that makes the West End such a great spot to ride and run is the amazing tree canopy. The sycamores provide shade and are a true beauty to behold. As a bicyclist, it’s awesome to have that right outside the front door,”
Mayor Matt Tuerk said in an email.
“It’s also convenient to access parks like the Rose Garden and Trexler, where you can do a relaxed ride
Slingerland said that arterial roads like Tilghman Street can have a “racetrack effect.” Wider roads with speed limits above 25 miles per hour lead to more dangerous outcomes for both pedestrians and cyclists.
“The faster you go, the more your vision narrows,” Slingerland said. “Our campaign for pedestrian safety is, ‘Slow Down, Look Around.’ … Drivers overall can reduce their speed, actively be scanning for pedestrians and cyclists, and that
According to Slingerland, the best way to be predictable to drivers is to act like one. That means riding in the same direction as traffic, stopping completely at red lights and stop signs and making eye contact before proceeding in front of a stopped car. The more people we can get riding, the friendlier the roads might be to cyclists, as we see in many Scandinavian countries.
“If more people ride a bike on a regular basis, that means more people driving cars are also bikers,” Slingerland said.
“I think that helps.” n
PHOTO BY BILL BASTA
A cyclist enjoys a ride in the West End.
Art in the Park Welcomes a Record-Breaking Number of Artists
By Meghan Kita
On September 14, a recordbreaking number of artists will converge in West Park (at 16th and Turner Streets) to exhibit and sell their work in the 49th edition of Art in the Park. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. and admission, as always, is free.
This year, the city’s oldest park will host 130 artist exhibitors, 18 arts-related community groups and 10 musical performances, more than ever before. The event will welcome 27 new artists and more than 100 returning artists; nine artists will be doing live demonstrations. Art for sale will include paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, drawings, jewelry and art made from recyclables. Performers include the Allentown Band (the oldest civilian concert band in the country), William Allen High School’s dance students and marching band, the
CORRECTIONS
Civic Theatre and the Church of the Mediator choir, among others.
Vendors will be on site with food and drink available for purchase. Attendees will also have the opportunity to take a free tour of the Allentown Masonic Temple’s Lodge building across the street.
“Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply enjoy spending a day surrounded by creativity, Art in the Park 2024 is not to be missed,” said show director Alan Younkin in a press release. “It’s a celebration of our community’s artistic spirit and a chance to support the talented individuals who make our cultural landscape so rich and diverse.”
Art in the Park
When: Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: West Park (16th and Turner Streets)
More info: art-in-the-park.org n
Our article in the last issue about Timothy Zaveri Jewelers contained a few errors.
n Timothy Zaveri Jewelers is the correct name of the store.
n Timothy Statler is a co-owner, not a staff member.
n The word “karat” should have been spelled “carat” West End Living regrets the errors.
Thank You to our West End Alliance Cornerstone Partners
WEA Cornerstone Partners commit to a year-long investment in our neighborhood and WEA activities. We are grateful for their support. For more information on becoming a Cornerstone Partner, contact Michael Drabenstott at (610) 417-0503.
BY MICHAEL SCHELP
WEST END LIVING
ADVERTISING
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West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105 www.westendallentown.com
PUBLICATION STAFF
Editor — Rob Stevens
Writers — Frederick Jerant, Meghan Kita, Ron Epstein, Rob Stevens
Copy Editing —Sara Muir
Designer — Robert Ayers
Publication Design, Inc.
Photographer — Bill Basta
Editorial Consultant
— Michael Drabenstott
For advertising information, — Elizabeth Martin Contact us at westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com
•••
West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District.
•••
EDITORIAL
Editorial suggestions or comments? Contact us at westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com
•••
Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
PHOTOS
Mindfulness Aids Allentown School Students
By Fred Jerant
“Mindfulness” – focusing on the present, rather than being distracted by the past or possible future – is often applied to many areas of daily life, such as meditation, reading, various therapies, even eating – but it’s also been a long-standing part of life throughout the Allentown School District.
”Mindfulness provides tools to manage stress and emotions and to be present in the current moment. We teach students and staff how to mindfully listen, see, and move, which supports them with paying attention, learning and handling their emotions,” says Jason Sizemore, former principal of Muhlenberg Elementary School and currently the Co-Executive Director of the Pratyush Sinha Foundation, which runs the Mindful Child
Initiative a community non-profit (501c3) providing high-quality mindfulness programs to promote the mental and emotional health of children and the adults who support them.
Prabha Sinha lost her son to an overdose soon after he finished college. Sinha channeled her grief in a positive way, offering after-school yoga classes and mindfulness supports for children. Her mission began with a single school, and eventually spread to all elementary and high schools in the district. “Middle schools are pending,” Sizemore says; “We still need additional funding for them.”
The in-school programs teach students and staff how to mindfully listen, see and move; in turn, this promotes paying attention, learning and handling
their emotions. Various exercises also support stress reduction. On the surface, it’s a simple program – 24 instructors go to classes weekly, in cycles; they spend five minutes teaching a new skill, then reviewing the previous week’s technique and presenting a themed lesson, such as “How does the brain work?” and ”What should you do when you’re angry?” Sizemore adds that high school programs last 30 minutes, and concentrate more on discussions.
And those techniques can be as simple as “five-finger breathing” – using a finger to trace the outline of your other hand while
taking slow deep breaths, thus compelling your thoughts to be “in the moment.”
Sizemore had been in public education for over 20 years (including three years as principal at Muhlenberg) when he contracted the foundation to provide mindfulness to our students and staff. “ I never saw a support be so well received and make such an impact so quickly. The kids and teachers loved it; it changed the whole tone of the school,” he says. The initiative has been successful, according to feedback from students and teachers throughout the district. n
The Winter 2023 Edition of West End Living has won an APEX Award for the whole issue in the category of “Magazines, Journals & Tabloids.
APEX is the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition. It is open to communicators in corporate, nonprofit and independent settings. It is sponsored by Communications Concepts, Inc. APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry — in the opinion of the judges — in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. n
Pines New Location
By Fred Jerant
The Pines Dinner Theatre – a mainstay of the West End Theatre District until it lost its lease in 2023 – has found a new home, in the former Pistachio’s restaurant, 315 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., in Allentown.
“We were able to keep the theatre experience alive at the Delta by Marriott in Fogelsville until we found a permanent home,” says music director Stacy Bechtel.
The relocation process has been ongoing, and the Pines expects to have a formal opening this fall. “We’ll maintain the same charming and quaint atmosphere,” Bechtel says, “even though we’re expanding our seating capacity somewhat. And our dinner-and-a-show format will be essentially the same.”
Bechtel adds that the Pines hopes to expand its menu options, as well as the number of shows presented each year.
She suggests that, during this transition, fans of the Pines should check the Facebook page for updates; the theatre will also continue its practice of emailing information to its distribution list. Patrons can also visit www.pinesdinnertheatre.com, or even call the box office (610-433-233) for current information.
“We’re super-excited to be able to continue sharing the theatre that we love to do!” she concluded. n
Q&A With Dawn Blanco, Longtime Dance Teacher at Allen High School
By Meghan Kita
Dawn Blanco, who graduated from Parkland High School, grew up dancing competitively in the Lehigh Valley. She never intended to pursue a career in dance; in college, her plan was to become a lawyer. After graduating from Kutztown University, she worked as a paralegal while saving up for law school. “I realized I hated it,” she said. “It wasn’t me. I was miserable.” Her evening job teaching dance at a local studio was much more fulfilling, so she decided to earn her teaching certification. Around the same time, a full-time position teaching dance at Allen High School opened. It was a rare opportunity at the time and has become even rarer: Allen is now the only local non-charter public high school with a fulltime dance teacher. Blanco started teaching at Allen in 2008 and began choreographing its spring musicals in 2016. “West End Living” asked Blanco, who bought a home on 23rd Street in 2019, what she loves about the job and the neighborhood.
a other things. A lot of them have added responsibilities, whether that’s taking care of their younger siblings or having to work a job to help out around the house. To be able to [dance] during the school day, to be able to experience it and find a talent or a hobby they didn’t know they had, and still be able to do whatever they need to do after school hours is why it’s important. And some of the students don’t have the means to take dance classes. It’s so expensive at a studio. This allows them to do it for free and also get credit for it.
Why did you choose to live in the West End?
What has kept you at Allen for so long?
I love the students of Allentown. I know that so many of them don’t have the opportunity to go take private dance classes due to the inconvenience of the location as well as the cost. To be able to provide them something that they maybe wouldn’t be able to experience otherwise is very fulfilling for me.
What’s the advantage of offering dance as a class instead of as an extracurricular activity?
The big thing, when you’re talking about high school kids, is that a lot of them are involved in
I always wanted to live in the West End. It was a dream of mine. I wanted the brick twin home with the crystal doorknobs. I wanted the wooded streets. I loved this neighborhood so much. I was in a condo before and I finally decided to buy a home here. It’s amazing, and I’m less than a mile from work.
Describe your perfect day in the West End.
I like to start my morning off sitting on my front porch. I love seeing a show at the 19th Street [Civic] Theatre because I can walk there. Cuzin’s has recently become a new favorite. The food’s good and it’s close by, so [my husband and I] like going there. Henry’s [Salt of the Sea] is my #1, though. And I like walking around Muhlenberg’s campus. n
QNB Bank’s Allentown O ce is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! We are truly grateful for the ongoing support of our customers and the Allentown community. Since 1877, we’ve proudly served the nancial needs of local individuals and businesses, and we look forward to doing the same for our neighbors in Allentown for many years to come.
535 North 19 th Street
Allentown Institution The Brass Rail to Open in Farmers Market
By Meghan Kita
When The Brass Rail closed its Lehigh Street location in 2022, the business had been open for 91 years. Owner Mark Sorrentino, the grandson of founder Philip Sorrentino, is an Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market regular who visits at least once a week. At each visit, he’d see four or five of his former regular customers. The overlap between Brass Rail fans and Farmers Market frequenters was clearly significant, so when someone suggested that he open a stand, it felt right.
“We definitely wanted to reopen something,” Sorrentino said of his and his wife’s discussions after the closure. They explored opening a steak shop or a food truck, but “the Farmers Market really seemed like the right fit for us. It’s a wonderful part of the Allentown flavor. There’s so many great stands there.”
The new Brass Rail stand, tentatively set to open September 12, will take up about half of what was once the grocery store’s space. They’ll be serving a limited menu: a few varieties of cheesesteaks (of course), hot dogs (including specialty dogs), french fries and
A New Dentist in Town: Smiles 4 Keeps
By Meghan Kita
Last August, the regional dentistry provider Smiles 4 Keeps opened its newest location at 1814 Tilghman St. It chose the location partly because of the vibrant West End neighborhood surrounding it, said Smiles 4 Keeps’ vice president for marketing Emmy Ansinelli. Smiles 4 Keeps began connecting with neighboring businesses right from its ribboncutting, which Wally’s Deli catered.
“All of our neighbors have been very receptive to us moving in. So many different people and organizations have reached out to us and have offered to help us get the word out,” Ansinelli said. “We are so glad and honored to be part of this community.”
At first, the practice offered only pediatric dentistry services and orthodontics for kids and adults. Earlier this year, it began seeing adult dentistry patients. Services include routine cleanings,
basic treatments (like fillings and crowns), orthodontics, extractions and some oral surgery procedures. Staff speak multiple languages (including English, Spanish and Portuguese) and the office takes all major insurance plans (including most Medicaid plans).
“We usually have same-day or next-day availabilities and we use the latest technologies in our practice,” Ansinelli said. “We also have very friendly and caring faces that take care of our patients.”
Smiles 4 Keeps has partnered with local schools and preschools to teach oral hygiene to kids right in the classroom. It hopes to continue expanding its outreach, within the West End and beyond. “We want to become Allentown and the surrounding community’s go-to choice for dentistry,” Ansinelli said. “We look forward to seeing everyone in the office soon, even if you want to just stop by and say hi.” n
pierogies. They’ll have breakfast sandwiches and hash browns for the early crowd. And, there will be seating: five or six counter seats plus a few high-top tables and chairs.
Fans of The Brass Rail’s Lehigh Street location can expect to see some familiar faces in terms of staff, in keeping with the familial vibe of the establishment as well as its new home.
“I just want to comment on how wonderful everybody at the Farmers Market has been with us,” Sorrentino said. “We love that we’re going to be a part of that family and we certainly want everybody to succeed there.” n
PHOTO BY BILL BASTA
PHOTO BY BILL BASTA
The Brass Rail at the Farmer’s Market is set to open in September.
Todd’s Island Seafood Gets New Owners, New Products
By Meghan Kita
Todd’s Island Seafood, at the intersection of Tilghman and 17th Streets, is no longer owned by Todd. Todd Koch, who operated the business that began as Seventh Street Seafood more than two decades ago, recently retired. Starting in May, two couples — Cory and Jana Parsons and Chris Seidel and Meghan Long — took over the business.
“Chris and Cory own H.O. Schiffer & Sons. It’s a business that wholesales clams and oysters,” Long said. “Todd has been a customer of theirs for 11 years. About six years ago, Chris said to Todd, ‘Hey, buddy. Whenever you’re ready to retire, maybe keep us in mind. We’d love to take over Todd’s. We love the food here. We love everything about it.’”
And because they love it so much, they’ve kept the business largely the same: the name, the food, the staff. The changes they’ve made
have been additions. For example, the group added a grab-and-go cooler with some of the store’s most popular items (like lobster mac and cheese, crab-topped mushrooms and crab dip) and started carrying Newhard Farms corn, Green Kamikozees (homemade hot pickled products) and A-Treat soda. They’re also trying out new recipes to offer (cajun fettuccine alfredo, for example).
Returning customers can expect to see everything they’ve always loved, some new additions and a full selection of shellfish, always.
“What’s been really awesome is that Chris and Cory own a clams and oysters business. As a seafood retailer, you order your stuff and that’s usually it for the week or for the two days,” Long said. “We have not run out of clams because we’re able to get them on the fly. That has been one big change here. We always have clams.”
Break Out Your Stretchy Pants and Dancing Shoes: It’s Time for the West End World of Food Festival!
By Meghan Kita
On Saturday, September 21, the World of Food Festival returns to 19th and Liberty Streets, bringing with it a wide variety of food and drink options, a lineup of bands sure to delight your eardrums, free family activities and more. The festival begins at noon and runs through 10 p.m. Festival organizer Liz Martin said that new food vendors this year will include the Puerto Rican food truck La Frikitona, Mexican food specialists Una Taqueria, purveyor of Thai sticky rice Aroi Mango and the West End bakery Cravings by Dorcaris. Popular returning food vendors include Take a Taco (tacos in deep-fried shells), Danny’s Fine Foods (hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cake and other “fair food”) and Cousins Maine Lobster (lobster rolls). Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company and Sleepy Cat Urban Winery will again be serving their local libations alongside other beer options from Banko Beverage. As always, the main stage will host four bands from a variety of genres; local indie favorites We’re From Antarctica, returning from last year, will cap off the night. New this year is a free dance class between sets from 2 to 2:30 p.m. hosted by the West End’s Dance
Dietitian. This year’s musical lineup includes:
Noon to 2 p.m. - Mike Lorenz & Friendz
Lorenz, a guitarist/composer/ educator, plays jazz and folk with a rotating cast of collaborators
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Food Truck
Indie/alternative rock trio from Bethlehem
5 to 7 p.m. - The Dukes of Destiny Philadelphia’s longest-lived and best loved blues act
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. - We’re From Antarctica Lehigh Valley indie-pop favorites
Local dentist Smiles 4 Keeps is sponsoring the children’s area, which will be located in the parking lot at the intersection of 19th and Allen Streets and open from noon to 7 p.m. Free activities in the area include an inflatable slide, a quarterback challenge game and a dunk tank. The children’s area will also feature a rock wall and bungee jump, a
henna artist and an Allentown Public Library table, among other fun activities and vendors.
The West End Alliance will use proceeds from the World of Food Festival to invest in the neighborhood through initiatives like the holiday tree lighting, the sidewalk planters and the street banners. n
Thank You to Our Sponsors
(As of August 19)
CORNERSTONE PARTNERS:
St. Luke’s University
Health Network
QNB
Muhlenberg College
CONTINENT SPONSOR:
Curaleaf
Outten Allentown
CHILDREN’S AREA SPONSOR: Smiles 4 Keeps
Beer Sponsor: Bru Daddy’s
COUNTRY SPONSORS:
Allentown Appliance
City Center Group
Gross McGinley
YourPM.mobi LLC
STATE SPONSORS: Civic Theatre
Sunburst Property Management
PRINT SPONSOR
Working Dog Press
COUNTY SPONSOR: Service Electric Business
The Udder Bar Adcomm
CITY SPONSORS: Discsanity
Foresight Business Solutions
Sleepy Cat Urban Winery
Truth Beauty Salon
Protect Yourself from Common Scams
Merchandise Sales
When purchasing goods or services online, be wary about providing your bank account and routing number or credit card. Determine the legitimacy of the seller--perform a web search and utilize a company like the Better Business Bureau.
Prizes/Sweepstakes/Free Gifts
These scams request payment to claim fictitious prizes, lottery winnings or gifts. An email may notify you that you have won a prize, sweepstake or gift. The email may name a legitimate organization, but is not from that organization. There is often a request to keep the prize a secret. The email then asks that some official-sounding person be contacted to arrange for payment. There is usually a request for funds to cover taxes, legal fees or
other costs.
When to be suspicious:
n Unless you know you entered a legitimate contest, it is unlikely that winnings will just come to you.
n Taxes on winnings are withheld from the payments and not paid up-front, or the organization provides a 1099, or it is your responsibility to report the winnings as part of your personal tax filing.
n Legitimate organizations do not charge fees.
Phishing/Spoofing
Emails that request sensitive information are called phishing emails. They pretend to be from a well-known source and ask consumers to enter or confirm personal information. They often look like message from a financial institution asking the recipient to
provide their account information due to a computer error, a system upgrade or an enhanced security initiative.
The recipient is directed to a website that looks real but is not. It may request account numbers, usernames, access codes and passwords, information that is dangerous in the hands of scam artists.
Refund Scam
These schemes involve an email indicating that the recipient has a refund due but must provide information to speed up the refund. The scammer may claim to represent the IRS, state tax officials or even stores where someone may have purchased something.
The email directs the recipient to a website that looks legitimate but is fake. The recipient will be asked to give a Social Security number,
credit card number or account information so the refund can be directly deposited. Providing this information is dangerous. It can lead to credit card fraud, unauthorized access to financial accounts or identity theft.
The IRS and state taxing authorities do not use email to correspond about refunds. Commercial establishments may use email, but be very wary of emails like this. Before providing the information, phone the establishment to ensure the request is legitimate.
QNB Reminder
QNB will never call you asking for your Online & Mobile Banking username and password, Social Security number, account number, driver’s license number, debit card number, expiration, CVV, or PIN. Never give out private information to anyone calling you, including those who say they work for QNB. Fraudsters can make numbers they call look like a legitimate bank or fraud center number. When in doubt, hang up and call QNB directly at 1-800-4919070.
Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. n
Election 2024 Events and Programs
Fall 2024 Election Series
Participate in our nonpartisan speaker series designed to encourage lively public discourse and civic engagement both on campus and in the community.
Center for Ethics Speaker Series: The Ethics of Repair
Explore how individuals and societies seek justice, healing and rebuilding after major harm and trauma.
Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion
Keep your finger on the pulse of Election 2024 with the latest surveys from one of the nation's top polling organizations.
Community
Stay informed and engaged this election season. Scan the code or visit muhlenberg.edu/election-events for dates and details.
“Amazing Grace” Turns 97 after 80 Years with St. Luke’s Sacred Heart
Grace Carr set out from the small town of Freeland in coal country at the age of 17 to become a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown in 1944. World War II was still raging. She has been with Sacred Heart ever since.
For the past eight decades, “Amazing Grace” has either trained, worked or volunteered at the hospital, now St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus, a journey of many years and memories, both personal and professional.
Carr (nee’ Malloy), who turned 97 on July 4, still volunteers each Wednesday at the hospital. She keeps coming back because, “It’s my alma mater, and I love this place!
“As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a nurse,” the 1947 graduate of the Sacred Heart School of Nursing said proudly. She got married, started a family and never thought of leaving the hospital at Fourth and Chew Streets in downtown Allentown. All five of her children, and nearly all of her grandchildren, were born at “The Heart,” as it’s affectionally called.
Carr retired at age 62 to take care of her ailing husband and started volunteering in 1993 after he passed away. She has logged more than 6,000 hours as a volunteer, always on Wednesdays, taking specimens to the lab, escorting patients to tests and procedures, and delivering water and flowers to patients.
“Grace is fantastic,” says Volunteer Engagement Specialist Beth Fogel, who has known Carr for 20 years. “We call her Amazing Grace. She loves to talk about the history of the hospital. She’s such a joy to talk to and has a great sense of humor.”
One of her most memorable patients was the newborn son of a fellow nurse in the nursery. “He’s now my son-in-law,” she says with pleasure. “Who knew that would happen?”
She hopes to continue serving the hospital as its oldest volunteer ever, an integral part of its 100plus year history of caring for the community’s sick and injured.
“Keeping busy keeps me going,” she said. “I’ll keep coming back here as long as I’m able.” n
Grace Carr, 97, has been with St. Luke’s Sacred Heart since starting nursing school there in 1944.
Muhlenberg College Announces Three New Projects
Muhlenberg College is set to break ground on three transformative projects that will enhance campus and community life.
In partnership with the City of Allentown, the college will embark on a comprehensive renovation of Bicentennial Park (see rendering p. 13), a historic baseball facility located at Lehigh and South Howard Streets, on the south side of the city. This project will provide an NCAA-standard venue for Muhlenberg baseball that will also serve as a hub for community activities, such as free monthly community baseball clinics and other volunteer opportunities and service projects.
The renovation will be carried out in several phases: The first phase will involve reconditioning the infield and outfield, demolishing the bleachers to make way for new bullpens and batting cages, installing expanded outfield fencing and netting and installing a new scoreboard and dugouts. In the future, renovations will include adding bleachers, as well as creating spaces for locker rooms, offices, concessions, ticket booths, a press box and other park enhancements.
On campus, Muhlenberg’s new North-Campus Softball Field (see rendering p. 13) will give Muhlenberg softball a first-rate facility and allow easier access for students,
faculty, staff and neighbors. Its new location, between Scotty Wood Stadium and Varsity Field, will put NCAA softball at the heart of Muhlenberg’s north-campus athletic complex — making it easily accessible by studentathletes and fans alike.
Also underway are a large addition and upgrades to Seegers Union, reflecting the lifelong value of a Muhlenberg education. The new facilities will include a welcome center; resources for student career planning and counseling, alumni engagement, student clubs and organizations; and a large event space available for public rental. This expansion is a key component of the college’s campus master plan and comprehensive fundraising campaign.
These projects follow on the heels of the completion of the award-winning Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation, the creation of the college’s new finance lab and the refurbishment and rededication of Varsity Field, home to Muhlenberg soccer and women’s lacrosse.
“We’ve always had outstanding facilities, but these projects mark a new era for Muhlenberg,” said President Kathleen Harring. “We are deepening our engagement with the local community, enhancing the student experience and extending a warm welcome to the world.” n
Seegers Union expansion
FOCUS ON THE ARTS
ON STAGE AT CIVIC’S HISTORIC 19th STREET THEATRE
n Olden Girls Rose KnowsSeptember 12-14
n The Sound Of Music in Civic’s Historic 19th StreetTheatre
October 11-27
n Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadow Cast Performance
October 30-November 2
n A Christmas CarolDecember 6-21
n Craig Thatcher and Friends Rockin’ Holiday ShowDecember 22 at 2p.m.
ON STAGE IN CIVIC’S Theatre514
n Vixen’s Holiday Speakeasy 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink- December 13-22
(above) Muhlenberg College is set to begin a transformative renovation of Bicentennial Park, the historic baseball facility located in South Allentown.
(left) Muhlenberg’s New North-Campus Softball Field
ON SCREEN at Civic
n National Theatre Live Screenings:
n Present LaughterSeptember, 25 6-9p.m.
n King Lear- October 23, 6-9p.m.
n Prima FacieNovember, 27 6-9p.m.
n Civic Cinema SurprisesEvery Month on a Tuesday at 7p.m.
n 33 and Me Film FestivalSeptember 26-29
n AND Independent & Local Arthouse Films Playing in Civic’s Theatre514- Year Round!
Club Civic Listening Parties in Civic’s Theatre514
n Taylor Swift-September 23 7-9p.m.
n Lady Gaga-Oct. 25 7-9p.m.
In The Hub at Civic’s Theatre514
n Ghosted; a new solo show by Celeste WalkerNovember 7- 9 7:30-9p.m.
n It’s a Jazz Vibe with Gerry Pegues-November 7, 6-9p.m. & December 17, 6-9p.m.
Auditions:
n Vixens Holiday SpeakeasySeptember 10, 6-8p.m. (18+ Only)
n A Christmas Carol- Children grades 1-4
Saturday, September 21, 12-1p.m.
n A Christmas Carol- Children grades 5-8
Saturday, September 21, 1-4p.m.
n A Christmas Carol- Adults
Tuesday, September 24, 6p.m.
n Jesus Christ SuperstarSunday November 16, 6p.m.
Civic Theatre School
Please check online for listing.
FASHION
Muhlenberg Community Dance Center Offers 30% Discount to ASD Students
By Meghan Kita
Muhlenberg College’s Community Dance Center (MCDC) recently extended a 30% discount on class registration to Allentown School District students.
“MCDC offers a curriculum that focuses on technique — but also helps kids develop creativity, self-expression and confidence,” said MCDC director Gianna Neal. “We want our students to become critical thinkers, and to come out with a joy for dance and learning.”
MCDC offers creative movement classes for young children (ages 2-6); ballet, jazz & modern and tap classes for youth (ages 7-18);
and teen/adult tap, ballet and aerial classes (ages 13+). Many of the classes are taught or cotaught by Muhlenberg College students preparing to go into dance education. All youth classes include performance opportunities at no additional expense. Classes are held in the Baker Center for the Arts and the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance on Chew Street. Fall classes begin Sept. 7. Visit muhlenberg.edu/mcdc for more information and to register. Include “West End Living” in the comment section to skip the $15 registration fee! n
Important Election Dates
Important Mail-In & Absentee Ballot Info:
• Return mail-in/absentee ballot with enough time to meet the Nov 5, 8 PM Deadline.
• You can only return your ballot. If you are helping somebody to return their ballot, there is a specific form you MUST use to do that. This includes spouses or other family members.
• Ballots must be in the hands of the Voter Registration Office by 8 PM on Nov 5. Any ballots returned (including postmarks) after Nov 5 will not be counted.
• Follow instructions on signing & dating ballots carefully.
• Follow instructions for using the enclosed envelopes
Where Is It?
Do you recognize this image?
Identify its location in the West End Theatre District and you could win a $25 gift certificate from a restaurant in the neighborhood.
Send your entry by e-mail to michael@drabenstott.com or mail to:
M. Drabenstott, 2346 W. Allen St., Allentown PA 18104 By September 20, 2024.
One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.
office is located at 5100 W Tilghman Street, Suite 200 Feel free to stop by or call (610-821-5577) n Email: RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com n Online: www.RepSchlossberg.com
n Facebook.com/RepSchlossberg
n Twitter.com/RepSchlossberg
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