If you’re getting this issue delivered to a home that you own, here’s some good news about your investment: Late last year, real estate website Zillow ranked Allentown as the sixth hottest market in the United States. The ranking was calculated based on housing metrics including consumer demand, home value growth and time on the market. According to Justin Brown, broker at Light House Realty on 15th Street, it’s a somewhat subjective ranking that just confirms what Allentonians already know: The city is a great place to live. Brown, who has been practicing real estate in the Lehigh Valley for a decade and who moved to the West End in 2018, notes that Allentown has homes of all sizes and styles in a variety of neighborhoods and at a variety of price points. And, “it’s two hours from New York. It’s an hour from Philly,” he said. “At the same time, it’s 20 minutes from losing [cell phone] service and going for a hike
in the woods. You can [cover] all your bases really quickly.”
What appealed to Brown as a home buyer about the West End specifically is what appeals to so many of us about the neighborhood: the walkability, the availability of restaurants and businesses, the nearby parks, the character and variety of the homes, and the possibility of getting to know your neighbors.
“A homeowner in the West End should not at all be worried
about their home value,” he said. “Things are going to go steadily up. … The West End is always going to have that appeal of that unique charm, that neighborhood vibe, where people can walk to things. There’s a lot going on.”
As for West Enders looking to stay in the neighborhood, but want to find a home with more space, prepare for the search to take time. Inventory in the city as a whole is lower than it was two years ago, Brown said. He also
recommends keeping an open mind and considering properties that have been well maintained but not necessarily updated — those homes are opportunities to find something more affordable up front and then make it your own. In terms of character and durability, “they don’t make them like they used to. You could almost put that as a caption on the West End,” Brown said. Older West End homes — that is, most of them — have features (breakfast nooks in the kitchen, for example, or wrap-around staircases) that builders today, who generally are focused on greater square footage and larger closets, simply are not including in new homes. The sheer variety of architectural styles in the West End keep it interesting for would-be buyers in the neighborhood touring homes. Brown’s advice for home buyers, both within and beyond the West End, is “make sure that they are working with a local realtor from a local office to really give them that insight — maybe even someone who’s got …a little knowledge of construction and so forth, and what makes a good, sturdy home,” he said. Despite housing stock being a little lower in the cooler months, there’s not necessarily a “bad” time to buy, he said: “Get a good realtor, and if now is the right time for you, go for it.” n
PHOTO BY BILL BASTA
Realtor Justin Brown is bullish about the West End housing market.
The Show Goes On— Fifth Graders Rehearse for
April Performance
For decades, Muhlenberg Elementary’s Performing Arts Club (PAC) has given students a taste of the stage — including two of its directors, who performed with the club 20-ish years ago.
By Meghan Kita
It’s a Wednesday afternoon in January, and a few dozen fifth-graders are gathered in the Muhlenberg Elementary gym for one of the twice-weekly rehearsals for Performing Arts Club (PAC). They warm up with a round of the “Cha Cha Slide” and then get to work. First, they practice “We’re All in This Together” from Disney’s “High School Musical,” singing along to an instrumental version while doing the choreography from the movie.
Two of PAC’s directors — the school’s guidance counselor, Alexis Hoke, and its music teacher, Jessica Schafer — watch from where the audience will be during the club’s final performances in April. About two decades ago, they were the ones singing and dancing: Both Hoke and Schafer took part in PAC as Muhlenberg Elementary students in the early 2000s.
“I get to see a different side of [these students], build a different relationship with them and foster something in them that I loved and that helped me a lot growing up,” said Hoke.
PAC welcomes fifth-grade students interested in both performance and stage crew opportunities to spend several months — rehearsals started in October — finetuning a selection of song-and-dance numbers arranged around a theme. This year’s is movie musicals, and other numbers include “Friend Like Me” from Disney’s “Aladdin,” “Singin’ in the Rain” (complete with tap choreography) and “You Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hansen.”
“One of our goals always is to try to do things [students] know and are going to be really into and also to introduce them to songs they’ve
never heard before,” Hoke said.
Both Hoke and Schafer continued to perform throughout their time at Trexler Middle School and Allen High School, and they hope PAC will continue to serve as a pipeline to those performance opportunities. PAC has attracted attention from the city and district; students were invited to perform at the district’s opening convocation, the West End Tree Lighting and a Phantoms game in February. “It’s gained a lot of positive attention for our school,” Hoke said.
It also allows children with different levels of experience to perform together. A student named Evelyn, who has also performed with the Civic Theatre, called the directors (Hoke, Schafer and, new this year, behavior specialist Liz Gehringer) “10 out of 10 amazing.”
Another student, Ariel, (pictured above), said, “I love singing and dancing. I used to dance a lot as a kid but I stopped. I wanted to try it again. I was nervous at first,” he said. “Singing, dancing and doing everything I learned here, I can do anywhere else now.”
The directors work to instill confidence in the children, both
performers and crew, and to help them see the value in constructive criticism. “If you’re not perfect the first time you do something, it’s okay. This is not going to be something you’re perfect at right away,” Schafer said. “That’s something I try to teach.”
And the kids have learned to
“take the note and move on,” as the directors say, as well as to give shoutouts to peers they notice are working hard or doing well.
“They’re trying to give each other positive feedback, encouraging each other and building up a lot of confidence,” Hoke said. n
WEST END LIVING n n
West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105 www.westendallentown.com
PUBLICATION STAFF
Editor — Rob Stevens
Writers — Frederick Jerant, Meghan & Paul Kita, Ron Epstein, Rob Stevens
Copy Editing —Sara Muir
Designer — Robert Ayers
Publication Design, Inc.
Photographer — Bill Basta
Editorial Consultant
— Michael Drabenstott
ADVERTISING
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 BY BILL BASTA
Jessica Schafer and Alexis Hoke direct the Performing Arts
Fifth graders at Muhlenberg Elementary School rehearse.
Great Activities in Your Neighborhood
At Muhlenberg College
n MITCH MYERS
Quiet Corners
Martin Art Gallery
March 3 - April 18
n Virtual artist talk (Zoom): 5:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5
n Celebrate Purim with the community at the JCC. Enjoy games, activities, snacks, prizes,
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.
crafts, and a costume parade! Admission is free and open to the community. Food (only contains Kosher items) will be available for purchase. Adults must bring photo ID to enter.
Stagemakers Presents:
n Disney’s The Aristocats Kids Show Dates:
Thursday, March 27 at 7pm Sunday, March 30
12:00p.m. & 4:00p.m.
Tickets: $15
Discounted ticket available for JCC members - Call 610-435-3571 for tickets
Non-Members (18+) should bring photo ID to check in at the front desk before the show
n Beginner Pickleball Clinic by Universal Rackets
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 1:45p.m.-3:15p.m.
n Aqua Dance Party With Joyce Tuesday, March 18, 2025 11:00a.m.-11:45p.m.
n Mah Jongg Madness Sunday, April 6, 2025 9:30a.m.-1:30p.m.
At the Civic Theatre
n Beetlejuice Jr Presented by Civic Theatre School April 3 through 6
n Groundhog Day May 9 through May 25
n Hollywood Cinema Surprise Tuesday, March 18, 2025 7:00p.m.-10:00p.m. HOLLYWOOD CINEMA
SURPRISE! is a fun new “Movie Roulette” series.
n It’s A Jazz Vibe with Gerry Pegues
Thursday, March 27, 2025 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Its a Jazz Vibe with Gerry Pegues Join us as we take stroll with our classic Soul, R&B and Jazz sets.
n 13th Annual Tonys & Tapas
Saturday, June 7, 2025
5:00p.m.-8:00p.m. n
Quiet Corners by Mitch Myers
Martin Art Gallery
The City of Allentown Is Helping to Plant Free (Yes, Free!) Trees
By Paul Kita
Jim Higgins had long wanted a few more street trees on his block — and not just for the shade in the summer. “Tree planting was always an item of discussion on our crime watch meetings,” said Higgins, who lives on 23rd Street between Tilghman and Allen. “The police officers on our calls often mentioned that crime decreases when trees are planted in our neighborhoods.”
Plus, street trees beautify the neighborhood and add property value. So, when the city of Allentown hired a new city forester, Higgins jumped on the chance to get some trees planted. That city forester is Matthew
Kuntzman, who took the job in September 2023, and has since been helping Allentown residents plant more trees on their properties. Funded through a grant from the Shade Tree Commission, the city of Allentown provides at no cost the street trees and their planting, which includes hole digging, planting, mulching and a water bag. Property owners are then responsible for the watering and future care of the trees after planting. “With the use of these funds the City has planted many, many, many street trees,” Kuntzman said. Beyond adding value to the home and neighborhood, the environmental benefits of street trees include absorption of carbon dioxide,
filtration of storm water and the cooling effects of the shade on hard surfaces, Kuntzman said. Higgins and his neighbors worked with Kuntzman to select the tree size, tree type and location of each planting. Now 10-plus new trees line either side of the block. “It was an easy and smooth process,” Higgins said. Remember, too, that trees native to Pennsylvania provide a host of benefits to other kinds of neighbors: the birds, insects and mammals that call Allentown home. This chart cross-references street trees available for planting in Allentown with species that are native to Pennsylvania:
Muhlenberg Elementary
Avarie Ubiera has been an important member of Muhlenberg Elementary School and her community. Avarie loves to be involved and to help others. She said she learned this by growing up in a community where everyone supports one another. Avarie quickly volunteers to help during school events. She always has good ideas that help make things go more smoothly! Avarie is part of the school Performing Arts Club and Girl Scouts. She is also a lover of creating new crafts and writing. Avarie is an excellent student who
loves to learn new things and embraces challenge when higher expectations are set for her. Avarie adores all animals, especially her dog Isa and her grandmother’s dog Tater. She loves dancing and music. Her hobbies include crafting with paper and loom bands, and she wants to learn how to play the ukulele. She is adventurous and has a list of experiences that she is working on having, including indoor rock climbing, camping, and going into New York City. This past summer she learned that she loves boogie boarding!
Avarie has always been respectful and strives to do her best! She loves to help out with the younger classes in Physical Education class various times throughout the school year.
Jewish Day School
Anna Zuieva moved to the United States from Kiev, Ukraine. She lives with her parents, one sister, and a brother. Her siblings attend the JDS as well. They have 2 dogs and her favorite animal is a cheetah. She misses her friends in the Ukraine but has made great friends here at the Jewish Day School. She is a great student
and she loves learning Hebrew at school. In her free time, she has been learning to make friendship bracelets and really enjoys making them.
William Allen High School
Jhane Owens is currently a senior at William Allen High School. She has spent the last 10 years living in Allentown and attending ASD.Jhane is involved in all things Allen, Girl’s Basketball, Dance Academy, Captain for Cross Country and Track and Field, the Allen As Club, Homecoming, and Volunteers with Scholar Blueprint. She loves that many people on the West End know each other and are very supportive. Her favorite restaurant is NY Stromboli Pizza.
She loves the people she has met and formed connections with at William Allen High School. She loves interacting with others and experiencing new things.
Jhane loves being on the West End, and her favorite place is JBC Stadium due to spending most of her high school career there and the memories that were made with her teammates. She is thankful to grow up on the west side of Allentown because of the many diverse cultures and unity.
She plans to attend Arcadia University to study health sciences and run Track and Field. Her dream is to become successful and give back to her community. n
Avarie Ubiera
Anna Zuieva
Jhane Owens
You Can’t Win a Trophy at CJ Wagner Bowling Supplies, but You Can Buy One
By Fred Jerant
The history of C. J. Wagner Bowling Supplies —1814 Green St.— stretches back to 1948, when Pennsylvania Power and Light Co. employee Cornelius J. Wagner connected with a fellow named Walter Kaintz. To earn extra money, they started a small business that offered lane repairs and other services to local bowling alleys.
“Somewhere along the line, they had a falling out, and my dad gained control of the business,” says current co-owner Richard C. “Rick” Wagner. “He continued to repair alleys, and opened a pro shop at 8th and Tilghman Sts. in 1959, selling bowling balls, bags, shoes and other equipment.”
Thanks to working in his father’s business, Wagner grew up in a bowling world.
“I won the Lehigh Valley Junior Masters tournament a few times and bowled in area Classic leagues for decades. I also helped my father and other employees build,
We look forward
resurface, repair and supply hundreds of lanes within 50-60 miles of Allentown.”
But as the popularity of formal bowling leagues began to fade, Wagner had an epiphany. “Bowling trophies had been part of our product line for many years, and I realized that we could supply trophies for practically any sport, just by changing the figure on the base.
“When I took over in 1990, we started focusing on trophies, plaques and similar awards, and have since grown to become one of the largest trophy supply companies on the East Coast,” he says. “I kept the original business name out of respect for my father.”
The company supplies its goods to many scholastic leagues, the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, the PIAA and numerous corporations. One popular line is a series of custom cast-resin
sports awards for Emmaus, Liberty, Allen, Dieruff, Parkland and Allentown Central Catholic high schools, among others. “The designs are specific to each school,” Wagner adds, “and they hold the exclusive rights to them.”
Wagner credits much of his success to his warm personal relationships with athletic directors, coaches, principals and other officials. “They know that working with us will be more than just a business deal,” Wagner says. “And we have never missed deadlines for award programs.”
C. J. Wagner Bowling Supplies 1814 Green St. Allentown, PA 18104 (610) 434-4382
cjwagnertrophies@ptd.net
Hours: Mon. – Fri.: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Contact the shop for off-hour pick-up arrangements if necessary. n
The Wagner family, L-R: daughter Jennifer Wagner Dietz; wife of Rick Wagner, Lois Wagner; Rick Wagner, co-owner and son of C.J. Wagner Bowling Supplies founder.
Get Academic at Muhlenberg College This Summer
Ready to try something new?
Muhlenberg College’s Summer Study program offers a unique opportunity for students and community members to earn college credit while making the most of their summer. Whether you are a high school student looking to get a jumpstart on college, a college student wanting to catch up or get ahead, or an adult learner seeking to expand your knowledge, the program provides a flexible and enriching academic experience.
In addition to current Muhlenberg students, the college’s Summer Study program is open to:
n Community members
n Visiting college students
n High school students
n Full-time traditional and adult students
n Veterans and military personnel
Online or in-person
Participants can enroll in up to four courses across three sessions throughout the summer, with a maximum of two courses per session. Six-week sessions begin on May 21 and July 7, and a 10week session starts on June 2. Each session offers a variety of degree-credit courses in multiple formats to suit different learning preferences. Courses are available online, in-person, and in a hybrid format — all taught by engaging faculty.
In high school?
Jumpstart your college life
The Summer Study program is a great way for high school
students to experience collegelevel coursework, connect with faculty, and explore an innovative curriculum. It’s an opportunity to cultivate meaningful relationships with professors, engage in handson learning, and gain early exposure to the college experience.
What can you do with a summer course?
n Explore a new subject: The summer term provides an excellent opportunity to explore new interests or take elective courses outside of a major without disrupting the regular semester schedule.
n Lighten your fall or spring workload: Reducing the regular semester course load allows more time for extracurricular activities, internships, or focused study.
n Stay on track for graduation: Summer courses help students meet prerequisites, catch up on credits, and avoid graduation delays.
n Accelerate your degree: Taking summer classes can help students graduate early, reducing tuition costs and enabling them to enter the workforce sooner.
n Focus on challenging courses: With a lighter overall workload, students can dedicate more time and effort to difficult subjects, leading to better academic performance.
Ready to get started? See course offerings online at muhlenberg.edu/ summerstudy, or get help via continuingstudies@muhlenberg. edu or 484-664-3300. n
ON STAGE AT CIVIC’S HISTORIC 19TH STREET THEATRE THIS SPRING
Jason Sizemore and William Sanders
Celebrate the Diversity of the Theatre District
Married couple Jason Sizemore and William Sanders have made their home (along with Alfie a rescue mutt) on N. St. George St. in the West End Theatre District
“for nearly 19 years,” says Sizemore, the coexecutive director of the Mindful Child Initiative by Pratyush Sinha Foundation.
They often visited friends who lived in the neighborhood, and fell in love with it.
“We told them to let us know if anything opens on this block – and it did!” Sizemore adds. Both of them appreciate historic homes and were impressed with the wellpreserved house, which they estimate dates from the 1920s.
The location is ideal for Sanders – it’s just a short hop from the Civic Theatre, where he’s been the artistic director for nearly 30 years. But the entire neighborhood serves them well; its walkability and diverse mix of shops mean they can readily find just about everything they need without straying far from the neighborhood.
“We also enjoy the parks, and particularly the campus of Muhlenberg College – it’s a great place to walk with Alfie,” Sanders says.
The duo also celebrates the diversity of the Theatre District.
“Our neighbors comprise all ages, races, and sexualities,” Sizemore adds, “and it’s a good mix of young couples, seniors and children. Everyone gets along with each other. We really got lucky when we moved here.”
Some of their favorite stops include the Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market, Allentown Appliance (“We redid our kitchen with them,” Sizemore says), the Udder Bar – especially its vegan offerings – the Quillian Tattoo, and the L. Roth Salon.
Of course, the Civic Theatre holds a special place for them – it’s where they met in 1999! n
PHOTOS BY VERONICA BOCIAN
Jason Sizemore (left) William Sanders (right)
6 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
Getting a tax refund? There are so many ways to use it! Before you fill up your cart with impulse items, think about how you could use that cash to boost your longterm financial security.
Pay Down Debt
It may not be the most exciting way to spend your refund, but paying down high-interest debt, including credit card balances, is a smart investment. It’s simple math: Putting that $2,000 IRS check in an account paying 1% interest while carrying a $2,000 credit card balance with 15% interest or more doesn’t make much financial sense.
Grow Your Emergency Fund
Using your tax refund to start or add to an emergency fund can help you be prepared for unanticipated expenses. It’s recommended that you have at
least three to six months’ worth of living expenses set aside in an interest-bearing savings account. Remember, every little bit helps – even $500 can help you in an emergency.
Build Your Savings
Experts recommend that you stash away some cash in a separate account where you won’t be tempted to spend it. Consider using your tax refund to open a CD, which often pays a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. Whatever amount you manage to save, the important thing is to get in the habit of putting
money away and sticking with it.
Room for Home Improvements
Putting money into savings is smart, but you can also use it to protect one of your most valuable assets – your home. If you’re thinking about renovations, you’ll want to invest in capital improvements, like replacing windows, updating a kitchen or bath, building a deck, getting a new roof, or building an addition. These are things that increase the home’s value, improve functionality, and make it more attractive to buyers if you put your house on the market.
Save More for Retirement
Investing your tax refund in your retirement fund can really pay off, especially when you harness the power of compound interest. You could take a $2,000 refund, invest it for 10 years with a 6% annual return rate, and you’ll grow that initial sum into more than $3,500. If you keep investing $2,000 annually during those 10 years, you could build an
even bigger nest egg of $28,000. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more your money will grow and the more financially secure you’ll be.
Treat Yourself
If your savings and emergency funds are solid, you aren’t facing major home or car repairs, and you’re already saving for retirement, then maybe it’s time to splurge on that big extravagance you’ve been dreaming about. Experts recommend using 10% to 25% of your refund for something enjoyable, like taking a vacation or going on a shopping spree. By making smart choices, you can ensure that your refund keeps working for you. Whether you decide to use your refund to make an extra payment on your mortgage, to open a CD to fund your future, or even as a means to start your own business, the retail and business experts at QNB Bank are here to help. Stop by your local branch at 535 North 19th Street in Allentown’s West End District or visit QNBbank. com to learn more. n
ART: Jan-Aug
Three full gallery exhibits, Martin Art Gallery
THEATRE: April 3-6
A New Adaptation of Margaret Cavendish’s “The Convent of Pleasure”
MUSIC: April 5
WMUH Spring Concert with Snacktime and Higbee
LECTURE: April 8
“Building the Worlds That Kill Us: Disease, Death, and Inequality in American History”
EXPLORE CAMPUS: April 26
Spring Open House
Home Equity Loan Sale
Electrolysis Services
peculiar name for a business that’s
have only one property payment,” she said.
Although she had originally planned to major in psychology in college, Moyer instead was drawn to the field of electrolysis. She earned her required cosmetology license and then studied at the Kree Institute of electrolysis in Manhattan to fulfill the remainder of her professional requirements.
During its 42-year run, Rose Moyer’s facility has provided electrolysis service for people of all ethnicities, genders and sexualities. However, “I don’t recommend the procedure for children unless they’re a few years past puberty,” she says, to help ensure that conditions are not just temporary phases.
Typically, she works on all facial areas, arms, legs, necks, backs, ears, breasts, and bikini lines.
“Other than the most private parts, I’ve done everything,” she adds.
And even though electrolysis is no longer discussed in hushed whispers, Moyer maintains strict confidentiality. Although her clients enter both businesses through a common door, Moyer’s treatment room is separate from the waiting area.
“If someone arrives early, they’ll have no idea who I’m seeing at that time,” Moyer says.
Whitehall Electrolysis maintains a strict “no tipping” policy.
“Unlike appointments with hairdressers or manicurists, my clients tend to see me every week for several weeks or longer for an hour, and I think it’s unconscionable to expect more money from them,” she says.
Because the shop provides a single service, fees are time-based: a 15-minute session costs $30, and progresses to $75 per full hour. Consultations – if desired -- are free, although Moyer says most of her clients know exactly what they want to achieve.
All sessions are by appointment only, and are available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Contact the shop for more information.
Whitehall Electrolysis Center 822 North 19th St. Allentown, PA 18104 484-347-1094 n
School-to-Work Program Helps Non-English-Speaking Students
Genesis Santiago enrolled in St. Luke’s School-to-Work (STW) Program at Liberty High School after moving to Bethlehem from Puerto Rico as a sophomore in high school. STW has expanded learning and career opportunities for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students such as Santiago for more than 27 years.
Founded in 1997 in collaboration with the Bethlehem Area School District (BASD), the initiative aims to engage at-risk students and expose them to diverse health care careers to encourage ESOL students to remain in school and graduate on time. Since inception, 92% of the students that completed the program have graduated from high school.
“Students are interviewed and selected by St. Luke’s and BASD staff, and a cohort of 16 to 18 students participates each year in the academic/career program, which integrates healthcare-focused English and Science courses taught by ESOL teachers at Liberty High School with observational experiences at St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus,” explained Diana Sanchez, St. Luke’s Workforce Development Specialist.
Santiago majored in health care administration and human resource management at DeSales University. During her time as a student, she worked part-time as a patient access representative at St. Luke’s Allentown Campus Emergency Room, where she registered and welcomed patients, including many who primarily speak Spanish. Last summer, she completed a paid internship with St. Luke’s Department of Community Health.
“I’m very proud of where I came from and what I’ve gone through,” Santiago said. “The challenges I have overcome have made me a better, more compassionate person. People should never exclude or look down upon others because they don’t speak English or come from somewhere else. I enjoy helping people because I’ve
been in their shoes.”
During the academic year, STW students participate in a range of program activities, including clinical and non-clinical rotations, college visits, education sessions from health care professionals, and educational fields trips to connect classroom learning to real-life experiences. Students learn from St. Luke’s health care professionals about their roles and education necessary for that occupation, as well complete rotations through various departments, such as the Emergency Room, Radiology, Laboratory and Women & Babies. At the end of the academic year, the students present their experiences to the School District Superintendent, teachers, St. Luke’s staff members, and their families.
“By the end of the academic year, we see consistent and significant growth in their communication and language acquisition skills, as well as their career goal development,” Sanchez said. In addition, national standardized tests that measure English proficiency, given at Liberty High School, have shown that School-to-Work students scored much higher in English language proficiency than other
ESL students in their cohorts. The School-to-Work Program is one of several programs administered by St. Luke’s Department of Community Health to provide workplace experiences and expose high school students to careers in health care. “Over 400 students have participated in these programs to date,” Sanchez said. Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to the United States in 2017 when she was 13 years old after Hurricane Maria devasted the island, leaving it without power or water for an extended period. When she enrolled in the STW program, Genesis was committed to academics and improving her English language acquisition to continue pursuing higher education. After completing the STW program, she enrolled in regular education
and college preparatory classes and graduated with a high gradepoint average.
Graduating from DeSales in December, Santiago also works also as the part-time Project Coordinator for Allentown Blueprint Communities. Through this role, she continues to collaborate with St. Luke’s Department of Community Health. Sanchez notes, “we are St. Luke’s Community Health Proud to have mentored Genesis and continue assisting her to develop her professional skills to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
As for Santiago, she envisions a positive future. “I see myself working in a hospital, and I’d like to be in management role,” she said. “If it’s St. Luke’s, even better!” n
COURTESY OF ST. LUKE’S
Genesis Santiago
Get Inked at Queer-owned Studio and Art Gallery
By Fred Jerant
Ethereal Fawn Tattoos
and Art Gallery is not your typical tat shop – and that’s purely intentional, says co-owner Sam Euston.
“Historically, the tattoo industry in Pennsylvania has been very much a ‘boys club.’ It’s only within the last 20 years or so that women artists have been able to acquire apprenticeships and build portfolios.” And both she and co-owner/tattoo artist Shelby Strix had been subjected to shady dealings and outright harassment in the industry.
“That was a big reason we opened this studio,” Euston adds. “We wanted our clients to feel comfortable with the studio and our artists. Many women are looking for tattoos in ‘sensitive’ areas, so we stress that any fears
they have will be acknowledged, and any anxiety will be mitigated. And as a queer-owned business, we make it clear that everyone is welcomed here.”
The shop opened in September 2023, and currently offers only tattooing. “But tattoo artist
Lauren Whittaker is a licensed cosmetologist and has been certified four times as a permanent makeup artist for eyebrows and lips,” Euston says. “That’s a service we added just a couple of months ago.”
Ethereal Fawn has four tattoo artists that work as full-time independent contractors, as well as three apprentices in various stages of learning the business. There’s a $100 minimum fee (typically for a small all-black image), and rates rise according to the complexity and size of the finished piece. Euston points out that the shop
itself is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. but the artists won’t necessarily be on-site during those times. “They set their own available hours, so they also do their own bookings,” Euston explains.
New clients can fill out an online form. Repeat customers can book directly with their chosen artist over the phone or by coming to the studio and booking inperson. “The last method is most commonly used by walk-ins, or by existing customers that are setting up the next phase of an ongoing piece,” Euston adds.
The art gallery portion of the business enables Ethereal Fawn to give back to the community by spotlighting local artists who produce paintings, handmade jewelry, artisanal candles and similar items. Euston notes that all artists enter a short-term contract with the shop; sales proceeds are split 70/30 in favor of the artist.
Both owners are delighted with the West End Theatre District’s vibe. As Strix puts it, “We genuinely love being located where we are; the area is beautiful, and there are so many small businesses local to us that we adore! I am incredibly grateful for our lovely neighbors, specifically the Susan Bella jewelry store nextdoor to us! As a studio trying our damnedest to be as inclusive and welcoming to others, it sparks joy at how diverse the local community is. We are so grateful for the locals for welcoming us as a small business!”
Ethereal Fawn Tattoo and Art Gallery 1740 W Allen St. Allentown PA
etherealfawntattoo@gmail.com
Text/call: (610) 679-1819
linktr.ee/etherealfawn
etherealfawn.wixsite.com/ ethereal-fawn
IG: etherealfawntattoos n
PHOTOS BY BILL BASTA
Ethereal Fawn Tattoos and Art Gallery co-owner Shelby Strix inks a customer.
Lehigh County Agricultural Society’s History of Purpose and Growth
By Ron Epstein
Agriculture has been the life blood of our nation since its founding. In the 18th and 19th Centuries, between 65% and 90 % of the population was engaged in agricultural farming.
The Pennsylvania Dutch farmer would rise in the wee hours of the morning and eat a hardy meal that today would be eaten for dinner, then burn it off by the end of the day through hard work.
In January 1851, 55 Pennsylvania counties sent a total of 358 delegates to a farmer’s convention in Harrisburg, which established the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society for the purpose of promoting agriculture. The society urged each county to form a county agricultural society to promote farming and agriculture in each of their respective communities.
While most counties acquiesced immediately, Lehigh took longer to organize because of sharp differences between two groups of farmers. One group was interested in new farming methods. They would pore over journals in an attempt to find newer and easier ways of farming.
The other group distrusted change and saw no reason to give up time-tested methods.
Disagreements between the two sides delayed the formation of an agricultural society in Lehigh County.
Realizing their disagreements were depriving them of a voice in Harrisburg, both sides finally met at William Leisenring’s Public House in Egypt on January 24, 1852 and founded the Lehigh County Agricultural Society (LCAS). Daniel Beisel was named acting President.
On February 2 or 3 of that year, Daniel’s father, George Beisel, authorized the draft of the society’s constitution and delegates elected Edward Kohler of North Whitehall Township as the LCAS’s first permanent president.
Article 10 of the constitution
called for an annual three-day agricultural fair to be held in the fall, and on October 6, 7, and 8, the first Lehigh County Agricultural Society Fair (now known as the Allentown Fair) was held on rented land on the east side of S. Fourth St. between Walnut and Union.
In 1853 the LCAS moved the fair to a more permanent location between 5th and 6th streets, and between Liberty and Tilghman streets.
Having outgrown that location, in 1889 the fair was moved to its current location on land purchased by the society at 17th and Chew streets and took the name, “the Great Allentown Fair.”
For the first 100 years, the LCAS’s sole project was the Allentown Fair. The fair was almost entirely an agricultural event back then. Carnival rides were added well after the Civil War. In 1917 and 1918, during World War I, the society rented the grounds to the United States Army as Camp Crane, and no fair was held either year.
The LCAS began to bring entertainment shows to the fair in the 1930’s. One act was the George Hamid View of Tomorrow show in which young women in short skirts would ride around on bicycles and do stunts. They appeared almost every year until the mid-fifties.
The first Grandstand shows began in 1956 when Guy Lombardo appeared at the fair, and during the late 1950’s and throughout the 1960’s the LCAS brought in many well-known celebrities such as Lawrence Welk and Johnny Carson. Danny Kaye, Liberace, Donald O’Connor, Perry Como and many other entertainers appeared at the fair. Rock and roll and country groups followed and today they pretty much dominate the Grandstand shows.
Just a few years ago outside groups rented space from the LCAS to hold Summer Rock Concerts, but they have since been discontinued.
Agricultural Hall, (the Agri-
Plex) was built in 1957, and later expanded, for housing exhibits, not just during fair week but throughout the year when trade shows are held there.
These include modern arms shows, book and paper shows, computer shows and many others, including new ones held just last year that include the Fiber Arts Show, the Spa Show, the Lego Show, and the Tattoo Show. Senior Fest and job fairs are held there as well.
Each year over 1.400,000 people visit the 46 acres of the fairgrounds either to attend the Allentown Fair at the end of the summer, or one of the shows held during the year at the Agri-plex. Shoppers visit the Allentown Farmers Market, which opened behind the grandstand in 1953. It’s open throughout the year, except the week before and during fair week, and of course diners eat at the popular Ritz Barbeque, which is open all year long.
The LCAS invests an average of $325,000 in capital improvements to the fairgrounds each year using all local contractors and suppliers.
It owns two banks on its property, and provides free parking spaces for William Allen High School, Lehigh Valley Hospital, the Phoebe Home, and Express Care pharmacy.
The property is also dedicated for use for emergencies and disasters.
Daryl Urmy is the current president of the LCAS, and Beverly Gruber is the Executive Chairman.
Despite many changes over the past 173 years, the original agricultural mission of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society has never wavered. Each year the LCAS, and the Allentown Fair team up with the Lehigh County Grange, the Lehigh County Farm Bureau, and the Penn State Agricultural Extension and 4-H program, as supporting partners in Agriculture Education days every October over a two-day period. The goal is to educate 4th grade students about agriculture and where their food comes from. This past year students from the Sheridan, Jefferson, Washington, and Ritter schools participated in the program.
Students witness agricultural practices, by watching sheep being sheared and being permitted to pet a pony. They visit a dairy station as well as stations for plants and vegetables, honey, sheep, eggs and poultry, apples and equine. They also hear a brief history of the fair and how to compete for blue ribbons.
The Lehigh County Agricultural Society’s commitment to agriculture remains, and will continue, throughout the rest of the 21st Century and beyond. n
State Grant Aims to Encourage Physical Activity in Allentown
By Allentown Project Manager Megan Brehm
The City of Allentown was awarded a $35,000 Walk Works grant from the Shapiro Administration last summer to develop an Active Transportation Plan. This grant is helping the City to create safer, more connected walking and biking networks, boost physical activity that also includes using a wheelchair or other micromobility device and riding public transit, and improve road safety and public health for everyone in our community.
With the help of Michael Baker International, Inc., the City is gathering community input and assessing:
n Current biking conditions and potential new bike routes
n How connected bikeways
could improve health and activity levels n Metrics for future bike development, safety, and health outcomes
The City of Allentown will be conducting a survey and a public outreach event in the next few months to gather community input and suggestions related to the bike plan. This plan will be presented to City Council and adopted by
June 2025. Please keep an eye on the City of Allentown’s social media for more information, or contact Megan
Brehm, Public Works Project Manager, at megan.brehm@ allentownpa.gov or 610-437-7574 x 2784. n
PHOTO BY BILL BASTA
REAL ID Enforcement Goes into Effect May 7, 2025
For years, REAL ID enforcement has been delayed due to complicated logistics. The US Department of Homeland Security has said it will go into effect on May 7, 2025. That is in less than a year.
REAL ID is not mandatory. However, when it goes into effect on May 7, 2025, REAL ID will be required to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military base and enter a federal facility that requires identification at the door. Valid US Passports are considered REAL ID. Most people, however, will “upgrade” their Pennsylvania Drivers License or Photo Identification to be REAL ID compliant.
REAL ID is NOT required for driving, general identification purposes, accessing a hospital,
Where Is It?
Do you recognize the image below? 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 March 28, 2025. One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.
visiting a federal court or voting.
To obtain REAL ID, be prepared to visit the REAL ID Center at 1101 MacArthur Rd in Whitehall with proof of identity (birth certificate w/ raised seal), Social Security Card, two proofs of current address, and proof of all legal name changes (certificate of marriage, court order or divorce decree). In addition to renewing your identification
or license, there is a $30 one-time REAL ID cost.
For more information about REAL ID, visit dmv.pa.gov/ REALID or call my office (610821-5577) to request the REAL ID newsletter we put together. n
Items Needed for REAL ID
n Birth Certificate with raised seal
n Social Security Card
n Two proofs of current address (existing license or identification, vehicle registration, bank statement, etc)
n Proof of ALL legal name changes (certificate of marriage, court order, divorce decree, etc) Obtaining Documents
For documents issued by agencies in Pennsylvania, my office can help you figure out how to make the request. For out-of-state documents or federal documents, we will need to redirect you to the right agency or office.
Monday-Friday. 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
Oakmont Tennis Club Preparing for the 2025 Season
Winter will soon ease its frigid grip on the West End, giving way to milder temps, longer days, blooming flowers and trees and the dawn of the red clay tennis season, 2025, at Oakmont Tennis Club. Oakmont features seven clay courts, organized doubles, clinics, lessons and more ways to get involved with the world’s healthiest sport. Individuals, couples, families and friends can play from spring until late fall, meeting new friends, getting exercise and fresh air, and improving their game on the gentle, joint-friendly clay surface. For West Enders, the club is an easy walk or bike ride away. Thinking of joining the area’s only red clay club for miles around, at 21st and West Allen streets?
Between now and the end of March, you can save $75 when you purchase a 2025 membership. Whether it’s for a first-time or returning member, family of players or young adults, now’s the time to take advantage of the club’s special early-bird discount.
Visit oakmontennis.com for more information or to purchase a membership or two. n
