Fall 2019 West End Living

FALL 2019

www.westendallentown.com

Volume 5, Number 3

WEST END LIVING

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FESTIVAL TIME

SAVE Saturday, September 21st IN THIS ISSUE 1 World of Food Festival 2 Cornerstone Partners 3 Focus on the Arts 6 Instagram News 7 Business Buzz

West End World of Food Festival is sponsored by the West End Alliance, a nonprofit neighborhood association. The festival brings together live music, beer and wine, crafts, activities for children, eating contests, and of course, lots of

8 Shop Local 9 Health News 10 Grow Local 11 News to Bank On 12 Ron’s Ramblings 12 Our Perfect Day

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

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0 peopl 0 0 , 7 • ks! ood truc endors! f 0 2 • lv dditiona un! a 5 1 • f ll day of u f 1 •

13 Representative News 13 Great West End Clean Up 14 Seen About Town 15 Letters to WEL 15 Where Is It? FALL 2019 WEST

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FESTIVAL TIME food. The food vendors represent everything from Puerto Rican to Greek cuisine, with local favorites also available.

“This is a great opportunity to bring people into the West End while acting as a major fundraiser for the West End Alliance,” according to Scott Smith, events committee chair. n

Thank You to our West End Alliance Cornerstone Partners

The band schedule this year is:

•12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Smith Compound Band •2:30 to 5:00 p.m. Girl Cru •5:30 to 8:00 p.m. M80 •8:30 to 11:00 p.m. Kevin Miller’s Smashed

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.

The admission-free, kid-friendly event runs from noon to 11 p.m.

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West End Alliance, Inc.

PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105 www.westendallentown.com

e apart of proud to b is r a B r e d We know The Ud d Festival. o Fo f ity o d rl d Commun the Wo ur West En o s u lo u b how fa veryone an ival gives e experience is. The fest me out and co to y it n u race the opport s. We emb e f lv se m e he World o it for th mmunity. T co r u o f o culture s all. al unites u Thank you, Food Festiv

n ontests: Two Eating C Mary Ann’s Donut Kitche

PUBLICATION STAFF Editors — Paul & Meghan Kita Writer — Frederick Jerant Copy Editing —Sara Muir Designer — Publication Design, Inc.

er Mike, Own Bar The Udder

Photographers — Jane Geist — Hub Willson

What continues to bring us back is the large diversity of all the different, delicious food, the music and the positive, accepting atmosphere. We laugh, we feel welcomed, and we have fun!

Thank you, Jessica Rodriguez-Colon, Vice President Puertorrican Culture Preservation Inc

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

om Cafe •Donutslafr from Wert’s e k a c te •Choco

Editorial Consultant Michael Drabenstott ••• ADVERTISING Neighborhood Coordinator Ann Biernat-Rucker For advertising information, contact Ann at 610-703-8004 annbiernatrucker@gmail.com ••• West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District.

West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105

••• 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.

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FALL 2019

FOCUS ON THE ARTS

Fill Your Fall with Local Entertainment At the Civic Theater

she regales listeners with the bizarre journey her life has taken since that fateful night in Whoville when a certain Grinch tried to steal Christmas. (FOR MATURE AUDIENCES) December 13, 14, 19, 21: 8:00 p.m.

December 15, 22: 3:00 p.m.

n Christmas Carole 1944 During World War II, entrepreneurial magnate Carole Scrooge reigns over a cosmetics empire. Carole’s journey introduces her to an entirely new series of “spirits” who surprise and delight. The script remains true to not only much of Dickens’ text, but also to its enduring lessons.

December: 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20: 7:30 p.m.

Decemeber 8: 2:00 p.m.

December 14: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

December 21: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. n Who’s Holiday It’s Christmas Eve and the now 40-year-old Cindy Lou Who lives in her shoddy trailer home on Mount Crumpit, former hideout of the infamous Grinch. While she awaits her Christmas party guests,

COURTESY OF JANUS FILMS

n Beauty and the Beast (1946) Long before the Disney animated version, Jean Cocteau directed this stunning fantasy of enchantment, desire, and death.

September 8: 2:00 p.m.

n Sunset Boulevard In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screenwriter Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, meets Desmond and becomes entrapped until his love for another woman leads him to break free—with dramatic consequences.

October 11,12, 17, 19, 24, 26: 7:30 p.m.

October 20, 27: 2:00 p.m.

song-studded holiday musical where you can sing along with all the classics! Lyrics unfold onscreen for each song.

December 18: 7:30 p.m.

n Civic Theatre School

Fall 2019

Enroll your kids in a class that will have them engaging their creative and social skills with other students.

September 7 to November 2 Enroll at civictheatre.com/ education/civic-theatre-school/ fallandwinter1920 Civic Theatre Box Office: (610) 432-8943

At the Pines Dinner Theater n Eyes Without a Face (Le Yeux Sans Visage) (1960)

Wracked by guilt, plastic surgeon Dr. Génessier is determined to give his disfigured daughter a new face, by any means necessary. Controversial in its time, it is a haunting and poetic film.

October 12: 2:00 p.m. n The Bishop’s Wife (1947) In this classic romantic comedy, Bishop Henry Brougham is preoccupied with a building campaign, and prays for divine guidance. When angel Dudley appears, Henry believes his prayers have been answered. But Dudley has a different agenda…

December 17: 7:30 p.m. n White Christmas Sing-along Bing and Danny return in this

September 6 through October 27 Matinees (12:30 p.m. dinner & 2:00 p.m. show): Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday Evenings (6:30 p.m. dinner & 8:00 p.m. show): Friday and Saturday

n Clue: The Musical The internationally popular board game Clue comes to life as a fun-filled musical. Join us at the Boddy Mansion as we meet Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Col. Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, Mrs. White and Mr. Green for an evening of fun. Help solve the triple mystery of who killed Mr. Boddy…in what room…and with what weapon.

n A Pines Country Christmas Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with this all-new, high-energy show. This heartwarming revue proves that no matter how far from home you may end up roaming, there truly is no place like home for the holidays. This show also features a visit from the big man at the North Pole himself!

November 8 through December 29 November show schedule: Matinees (12:30 p.m. dinner & 2:00 p.m. show): Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday Evenings (6:30 p.m. dinner & 8:00 p.m. show): Friday and Saturday December show schedule: Matinees (12:30 p.m. dinner & 2:00 p.m. show): Wednesday through Sunday Evenings (6:30 p.m. dinner & 8:00 p.m. show): Friday and Saturday n Santa’s Christmas Singalong Celebration breakfast show

A special one-performance-only event! Enjoy delicious vittles along with a visit from Santa and his elves. Breakfast includes all you care to eat scrambled eggs, French toast, sausage, fruit, orange juice, milk, tea, and coffee, followed by a performance.

November 30: 10:00 a.m.

Pines Box Office: (610) 433-2333 FALL 2019

WEST END LIVING 3

FOCUS ON THE ARTS

At the Jewish Community Center

n Art Gallery Opening Exhibits The Gallery at the J hosts exhibits of various media approximately every six weeks.

Our opening event receptions are free to the community and include refreshments and live music.

Exhibit pieces are available for purchase.

David Ely Molloy: Ceramics and Paintings September 18: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lisa Fraenkel and Susan Smerker: Ceramics, Mosaics, and Paintings November 21: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

n Fall Mosaics Class Learn all the skills needed to create your own beautiful mosaics.

Participants will learn how to safely handle glass and how to use appropriate glass cutting tools.

Session 1: Tuesdays (9/10 to 10/29) 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session 1: Fridays (9/13 to 10/18) 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Session 2: Tuesdays (11/5 to 12/17) 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Session 2: Fridays (11/8 to 12/20) 9:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Price per Session: $210; JCC members: $150 (all materials included) Ages: 18+ To register, please contact (610) 435.3571 or news@lvjcc.org n J’s Got Talent Show off your unique talent during this local competition.

Individual and group acts of all ages are invited to perform over two rounds for the chance to win $200. All participants must register by Sept. 27. Maximum 10 participants in a group. Group acts must have at least one JCC member to qualify for JCC member pricing. All acts must be family-friendly.

Round One: October 19 or

October 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Round Two: November 2 at 7:00 p.m. n Private Music and

Voice Lessons

We offer 30-minute voice, piano, guitar, or drum lessons focusing on proper technique with personalized instruction and exercises. Private lessons are based on scheduled availability.

Mondays to Fridays (9/9 to 12/16) By appointment, 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ages: 5 to 18

n Beginner Musical Theater Tap Dance

Focus on the basic tap elements of rhythm, style, and sound of the tap while having fun. Bring your own tap shoes.

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FALL 2019

Sundays (10/6 to 11/24): 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Price: $120; JCC members: $80 Ages: 12 and older

n Stagemakers Youth Theater Auditions Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

The famous high-flying car is ready to land on your stage and save the day in this Broadway Junior adaptation of the blockbuster musical and beloved classic film. Choose one of the two days to attend.

Auditions December 2 or December 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Callbacks December 4: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Parent Meeting December 5: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Show Dates March 12: 7:00 p.m.

March 15 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Participation Fee (required only upon acceptance of a role): $128; JCC members: $85 Ages: 4 to 18

n Stagemakers Youth Theater Presents Newsies

Set in turn-of-the century New York City, this musical is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.

December 12 and 14: 7:00 p.m.

December 15: 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15 adults, $12 children; JCC members: $10 adults, $8 children Group rate: $9 each for 10 or more tickets purchased on the same day For more information, please contact Brenda Finberg (610) 4353571 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org

n Broadway Bus Trip: Beetlejuice the Musical

Your ticket includes private motor coach round-trip transportation and free time for meals/shopping before the show.

Itinerary: board bus at the JCC and depart for NYC at 8:30 a.m.; free time in NYC 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (approx.), Beetlejuice matinee at 3:00 p.m. Depart NYC at 7:00 p.m., arrive back at the JCC around 9:00 p.m.

December 1, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Price: $195; JCC Members: $165 To register or for more information, please contact Tracy Sussman at (610) 435-3571 or tsussman@lvjcc.org

At Muhlenberg Gallery n Ronny Quevedo:

Space of Play, Play of Space

September 18 to November 2, Martin Art Gallery Opening reception September 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Public artist talk: October 15, 7:00 p.m., Recital Hall, Baker Center for the Arts

n Annual Alumni Exhibition, in the Galleria Aug. 26 to Sept. 23 Tentatively scheduled for 3:00p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

n Laura Beth Reece: Thank You for the Flowers

Solo Exhibition in the Galleria V space August 26 to October 20 Public reception: September 21, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

n Heide Fasnacht solo exhibition

November 19 to February 8: 2020, Martin Art Gallery Opening reception: November 19 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Artist talk: January 23, 7:00 p.m.

Recital Hall, Baker Center for the Arts n

25

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GRAM SLAM

Social Media Account Showcases West End Allentown If you’re on Instagram, you should be following @westendalliance. The account features an array of posts highlighting the neighborhood, from scenic shots of Muhlenberg College’s campus to food photos at local restaurants to information about upcoming events. The current owner of the account, Adrienne Fedor, recently shared her thoughts about the account with West End Living.

West End Living: What made you want to start an Instagram account about West End Allentown?

Adrienne Fedor: To be honest, I didn’t start the account. I’ve been really into Instagram and, being that I am an art teacher, I appreciate the ability to communicate through photographs. I stumbled upon the West End Alliance Instagram and noticed there were about 5 posts that were from over 6 months ago and thought to myself what a shame it is to not be sharing all that is amazing in the West End of Allentown! I grew up in the Lehigh Valley and recently (within the past 5 years) live in the West End of Allentown and felt that it was my responsibility to share my West End community with the Instagram world.

WEL: What kind of response have you received about the account?

AF: For those who are not familiar with Instagram, your popularity is ranked by followers or possibly the amount of ‘likes’ on a picture that you post.

When I started the Instagram last December @westendalliance had about 160 followers and we currently have 462 followers and still growing! It’s been really amazing to see how the account has grown and who in

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the community is following and ‘liking’ what we are doing in the West End of Allentown. It’s very humbling that I have been making a difference simply by posting pictures of how I enjoy and how others can enjoy the West End of Allentown.

WEL: What posts do you find tend to be the most “liked” and why do you think that is?

AF: Definitely my posts about food! We are so lucky in the West End to have such great varieties of restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance. I am a foodie myself, so I know I look forward to seeing great spots to eat in the Lehigh Valley through Instagram and want to share with everyone what the West End has to offer! I have been getting great feedback from the restaurants themselves about my featured posts about them—it’s all about supporting one another. Other popular posts include the West End St. Patrick’s Day 5k, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, West End World of Food Festival, and other local events within the West End. WEL: What do you have planned for the future of the account?

AF: I really hope to create a greater bridge between West End businesses and West End Alliance with this account. I would love to do more featured posts about each restaurant and business or even have businesses be able to reach out to me and create that partnership to help share the best of the West End. I have really enjoyed volunteering my time to the West End Alliance, it’s an incredible organization that is very passionate about where we live and I am very appreciative to be able to share that through social media with the rest of the Lehigh Valley and, really, the world! n

BUSINESS BUZZ

The next time you stop in at Hava Java, the West End Theatre District’s coffee shop, you might see a new face behind the counter.

Dan Taglioli, a former attorney, recently purchased the business.

“I’m usually there 12 to 14 hours a day,” Taglioli said. “Not because I need to. I just really enjoy being in this business.”

“I have two kids in preschool, and we’d stop in at Hava Java every Friday on our way home,” he continued. “After many conversations with [former owner] Dannielle [Makdesi], she asked me if I wanted to buy the place.

Owning a coffee shop had been on my long-term goal list for years; I just moved the timeline a bit.”

Taglioli has retained most of the staff and the shop’s eclectic décor,

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

19th Street Coffee Shop Changes Ownership, Expands Hours

but has invested in numerous “invisible” upgrades. For example, Hava Java’s water system has been replaced and upgraded, and the

coffee grinders, while retaining the vintage shells, have completely new internal mechanisms. “We get our beans from Square One Coffee Roasters in Lancaster,” he added, whose coffee is responsibly farmed, sustainably sourced, honestly traded, and roasted fresh every day.

Taglioli’s a local, too. “My childhood home is just a block or two away from the Fairgrounds,” he added. “I’m an Allen graduate, and I still live in the city. The support from everyone in the West End Theatre District has been unwavering. I love the neighborhood, and I’m really excited about this opportunity.” n

TIMOTHY ZAVERI

New Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

JEWELERS FINE JEWELRY DESIGN & REPAIR STUDIO We have moved five doors up the street in the West End! West End Location 532 N. 19th Street Allentown 610.435.2470

Cedar Crest Location 1403 N. Cedar Crest Blvd.

(Behind Firstrust Bank), Allentown 484.661.1869

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Fine Jewelry GIA Certified Diamonds Custom CAD Designs All Repairs Done on Premises FALL 2019

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SHOP LOCAL

In a world of big-box retailers— brick-and-mortar and online alike—Allentown Appliance is humming along just fine. “We opened our doors on N. 19th St. in 1987,” said Joe Schaefer, president of the business. The business moved to its Allen St. location in 2001, acquired the property in 2006, and remodeled and enlarged it two years later, Schaefer said.

What’s the secret to their success? A great appliance shopping experience, Schaefer said.

“We are appliance experts. We sell no electrical goods, no wood, no flooring, no light bulbs—we do one thing, and we do it very well,” he said. Plus, something the bigbox shops don’t have: high-quality customer service.

“Our sales staff is made up of seasoned career professionals, not people who see it as a summer

job, or a side gig,” said Schaefer.

“In fact, two of our staff members have been in the business for over 30 years. We even use our own delivery crew, not subcontractors.”

Even the overall look of the store is special. The showroom is open and airy, with vibrant colors on the wall. Ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and other appliances are surrounded by cabinetry to illustrate how they might appear in your own home.

Despite being smaller in size than a Home Depot or Lowe’s, Allentown Appliance offers a wide product range. “We are the exclusive dealers in our area for Sub-Zero, JennAir, Wolf, Thermidor, and other brands— even some from Europe,” Schaefer said. “People sometimes think we handle only expensive lines, but we don’t. Many of our customers

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

Allentown Appliance Serves West End and Beyond for 30-Plus Years

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are designers, contractors, and kitchen suppliers.”

Allentown Appliance added kitchen accessories, such as wine glasses, coffeemakers, and toasters, to its product mix several years ago, and operated Counter Culture, an appliance boutique on 19th St., for four years. In July, Counter Culture’s merchandise transferred to the main store. “Our 19th St. lease expired, and it just made good economic sense to consolidate the businesses,” said Schaefer.

Big-box stores and e-retailers can offer low prices thanks to economies of scale, but Allentown Appliance has that covered, too.

“We belong to the Neco Alliance,” he explained. “That’s a huge appliance buying co-op with over 500 members and a combined buying power of over $1 billion.

Our Neco affiliation gives us more purchasing leverage than we’d have on our own. People are surprised when we beat the bigbox price for an item.”

He pointed out one other factor that improves the shopping experience. “You can buy practically anything online,” he said, “but people still like to look at things, touch them, ask about features and benefits. When customers come here, they know they’re talking with someone who’s really knowledgeable about the industry.” n Allentown Appliance/Counter Culture 1824 W. Allen St. Allentown (610) 439-8448 sales@allentownappliance.com

HEALTH NEWS

St. Luke’s University Health Network Unveils Mobile Simulation Lab St. Luke’s Simulation Center has customized a 2020 Freightliner M2 truck to serve as a mobile training unit.

The 34-foot-long truck, called the Simulation in Motion Medical Education Lab, will bring training sessions to all St. Luke’s hospitals including its Allentown and Sacred Heart Campuses. The mobile lab will allow staff to practice hands-on skills with stateof-the-art technology in a realistic and safe environment, according to Megan Augustine, MEd, director of St. Luke’s Simulation Center.

The centerpiece of the blue-andyellow truck, emblazoned with the St. Luke’s star, is a life-size human simulator that can cough, bleed, sweat, cry and speak a few words on its own.

“The simulator can do almost everything a human can do but get up on its own and walk out of a room, but don’t be surprised if you see that happen in a couple years,” Augustine said.

The simulator can be programmed to display a host of medical conditions, including fevers, seizures, high blood pressure, low pulse rates, and rapid heartbeats. “He can come into the truck with chest pain one day and a completely different set of symptoms another day,” she said.

As part of the training, staff can simulate drawing blood, administering oxygen and IV fluids, and use a defibrillator, Augustine said. “It’s not just for new skills. It’s for brushing up on old skills,” she said. “It’s all about improving skills in a safe environment.”

St. Luke’s has simulation classrooms at multiple sites where physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students and other clinical staff can work on skills with a simulator, devices such as IV arms and injection pads as well as standardized patients— people hired to portray patients.

Non-clinical staff can practice interacting with patients in various

grey slacks and a hoodie, is prone on a stretcher. It has a skills station where staff can practice before working on the simulator. The room is equipped with two 42-

scenarios linked to their duties.

St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus even has two simulated operating rooms for learners to practice their surgical skills.

The simulation department has been a success for St. Luke’s, going from training 3,792 staff members in 2014, the year it opened, and to more than 12,000 in 2018, Augustine said. But, she said, it was difficult to bring training to the network’s rural campuses. “We have the equipment, the supplies and staff, but we didn’t have the space,” she said. “Now, we can do that on the truck.”

The mobile simulation truck features a simulated room where the simulator, dressed in

inch monitors that display vital signs, benches for storing medical supplies, an AED, and oxygen and IV lines.

The truck also has a control room with computers where Simulation Center staff, each wearing a headset and mic, can control the simulator and even lend a voice to it. The truck has a camera and mic for recording sessions for subsequent review and debriefing.

It also has a cab with seating for two and can run on a generator or electrical hookup.

In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, Augustine said, the truck can be converted into a live treatment center.

To learn more about the fascinating world of Simulation in Health Care, tune in to a special episode of St. Luke’s Health Now on Monday, September 9 at 6:30 pm on Channel 69/WFMZ. n

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GROW LOCAL

Many people “shop local” for foods, beverages, clothing, artwork, and other merchandise.

But did you know you can take a similar approach to landscaping?

Pennsylvania is home to more than 2,000 native plants, ranging from flowers to trees, and many of them are well suited to residential use. But that diversity means there’s no simple answer to, “What should I plant this fall?”

“Although just about any native plant is suited to fall planting, your choices must be guided by the conditions of your property—the type of soil, the space you have, how much light falls on that spot,” said Consuelo Almodovar, a Master Gardener affiliated with the Penn State Extension in Allentown. “The fact that a plant is native doesn’t mean it will grow well everywhere.”

Installing plants in the last quarter of the year makes a lot of sense. As examples, Almodovar cited oak,

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Black-Eyed Susans

Trees Shrubs Grasses Perennials/Vines

Sunny/Dry eastern white pine, sassafras New Jersey tea, mountain laurel little bluestem common milkweed, sundrops, black-eyed Susans

PHOTO BY THE ELVISH FARMER

ad off s i d th 0% ule 1 n d tio ive che nt! n e s e e M rec xt tm d ne in an ur ppo yo a

PHOTO BY ©2007 DEREK RAMSEY

For Fall Gardening, Consider Native Plants

Mountain Laurel

maple, and cherry trees. “If you plant them in September or October, the soil will be warm enough to let them establish their roots before going dormant,” she said.

In addition to decorating your homescape, native plants can be food sources for Pennsylvania’s birds and will attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds.

Almodovar provided a few general tips to promote successful native plantings. “Be sure you have welldraining soil. If you’re not sure what type of soil you have—sand, loam, or clay—arrange for a soil test. And don’t fertilize properly chosen native plants. Remember, they’ve adapted to this area; too much feeding can stress them out.”

The following is a chart that includes iConservePA.org’s “backyard best bets” for a variety of plants and conditions. Clip it out, save it, and use it for your next round of planting. n

Sunny/Moist serviceberry, white oak black chokeberry, red-osier dogwood Indian grass Joe-pye weed, bee balm

Shady/Dry sugar maple witch hazel, arrow-wood

Shady/Moist river birch, black-gum spicebush, highbush blueberry

wild columbine, black cohosh

Wild geranium, Jacob’s ladder

NEWS TO BANK ON

Carbon Community College Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity.

The West End Theatre District has already made a positive impression on its new neighbor.

“I’ve been introducing myself door-to-door,” Michael said. “The neighborhood is very welcoming, and businesses are open to helping us make even more connections.

It’s amazing to see this level of support.” n

Meet Your New Local QNB Banker: Sharon M. Michael QNB Bank’s latest Lehigh Valley branch (and 12th location overall) is scheduled to open in September in the former Lafayette Ambassador Bank at 535 N. 19th St. One of the key staff members there will be Sharon M. Michael, senior vice president/commercial lender.

Michael has more than 35 years of banking industry experience, including 20 years in the commercial segment, and six as a commercial lender. She’s on Muhlenberg College’s Board of Associates, an organization of local business, professional, volunteer, and civic leaders. That board works with the administration, faculty, and students to improve community understanding and support for the college. She also serves on the board and is the cochair for the events committee of CREW (Commercial Real Estate

Women Network) Lehigh Valley.

The network is dedicated to advancing the success of women in commercial real estate, and Michael is co-chair for its events committee.

As a key member of the West End Allentown QNB location, she plans on being at the grandopening event of the bank in October 2019. The location will offer an array of financial products and services, including lending, investments, merchant services, deposits, even “QuiNBy’s Savers Club,” a program that fosters good financial habits in children.

And because it’s a community bank, lending and other financial decisions are made locally and quickly.

The branch will also feature 24hour ATM service, but drive-in banking is no longer available.

“That part of the property will be converted to additional parking spaces,” Michael said.

QNB is also a good corporate neighbor, donating generously to organizations in our area, including Allentown School District Foundation, Allentown Symphony Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley, Inc., Lehigh

QNB Bank 535 N. 19th St. Allentown (215) 538-5600 Qnbbank.com Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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RON’S RAMBLINGS

Remnants of Trolley Lines Hold Clues to Once-Vibrant Commuter System

By Ron Epstein

The streetcar was a convenient way of getting around Allentown for nearly a century. It began in the 1850s with the horse-drawn streetcar. In 1891 the electrified version, the trolley car, replaced the horses. The name “trolley” refers to the “trolley pole,” a wooden or metal pole that transferred electricity from an overhead wire to power the car’s onboard motor.

According to my mother, the trolley originally came around every 10 minutes at first, and then in later years, every 20 minutes.

Today, the local bus service runs on 30-minute intervals.

While most trolley lines (such as the Liberty Bell line) ran through Center City or from Allentown to other communities, the Greenawalds line ran through the West End of Allentown.

The trolley would come up Hamilton St. from Center City and turn right onto Seventeenth

St. before proceeding to Chew St. where the Lehigh Valley Hospital is located. That spot was considered the beginning of the Greenawalds run.

The trolley would then turn left onto Chew, traveling on tracks running through the middle of the street. After passing the Fairgrounds and Greenwood Cemetery near 20th and Chew, it would turn right onto Albright Ave. It may be difficult today to picture that, because many sections of Albright Ave. no longer exist due to the construction of homes and other buildings. But according to lifelong West Ender Dave Beazley, who remembers the trolleys from his childhood, “Albright Ave. ran in a straight Northeast direction.” It crossed Liberty St. along the left side of Kerns Café, which later became Stooges. From there it crossed Allen just to the right of the Oakmont tennis club and continued to Tilghman St. The tracks then crossed Tilghman

just a few feet to the east of 21st St. and, with the tracks running through a grassy area, it continued across Washington and St. Elmo Sts. and passed through the parking lot of the former West End Youth Center. From there it crossed 20th St. through an area where apartment buildings now stand.

The route continued across Livingston St. and headed northeast past the back of a gas station that is now the site of the Orange Blossom laundromat.

From there, it crossed Walbert Ave. (long before the Rte. 22 bridge was built), and proceeded to the former Main Blvd., a street we now call Huckleberry Rd. From there, the route turned right onto Whitehall Ave., passed the Kratzer School and a cornfield to Gerard Ave., ending in the Greenawalds area.

According to Dave, trolley cars actually had two front ends. He explained that a driver’s seat, a brake, and other controls were located at both ends of the car. This

meant that the car could easily run in either direction along the tracks.

The motorman simply moved from one end of his car to the other, and flipped the seats so they’d always face the trolley car’s direction of travel. (Of course, this was done only when the car was empty!)

Traffic gridlock, an increase in automobile usage, and economics were just some of the factors that led to the demise of streetcars.

Local trolley lines began to shut down in 1951, and the last of them ceased their runs on June 6, 1953.

According to Dave, the tracks were removed shortly thereafter.

Today there is still evidence of the existence of the trolley on some West End streets. St. Elmo just north of Washington, and 20th at Livingston, for example, still show a small part of the street jutting out in a Northeast direction only to come to an end after a few feet because a home is there now. That is all that is left of what once was a very convenient and popular way of getting around town. n

run—even with a jogging stroller.

We’ll take a family run around our neighborhood north of Tilghman, checking up on some of our

favorite houses, and trying to find as many dogs as possible for Theo to point at and say “DAWG!” After lunch, ideally Sumo sushi delivered, and a long nap, we’d walk Theo over to his grandmother’s, who is also a West End resident. We’d then take the opportunity to walk a few blocks south to find an outdoor table at Tavern on Liberty to sip a sour or hazy IPA from our mugs—because we earned them, dangit!

Back home again, we’d invite our West End friends (shout out Kate and Pete, shout out Sam and Steve) over to our back porch to eat those grilled chicken sausages with a salad picked from our garden while all our kids played happily ever after. n

OUR PERFECT DAY IN THE WEST END

Bologna, Pickles, and IPA This issue, we bring you a Perfect Day from one of our own—actually, make that two of our own. Meghan and Paul Kita, editors of West End Living, share what they’d do if they had an entire day to spend entirely within West End Allentown.

After waking up and having a cup of coffee at home, we’d rouse our toddler Theo and take him to our favorite breakfast spot: Syb’s West End Deli. (Meghan may even wear her purple Syb’s shirt.) Depending on his mood, Paul might order either a smoked salmon bagel or a Reuben sandwich on a bagel. Meghan would most definitely order bologna scrambled eggs and, 12 WEST END LIVING

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because she’s not sharing, Theo would have to order his own of the same.

Bellies full of bologna, we’d likely make our way over to Ag Hall to see if there’s anything interesting worth seeing, crossing our fingers for a pinball exhibition.

Then we’d head into the Farmers’ Market to restock on Baringer Brothers scrapple’ (for Paul), some cheddar from Wittman’s World of Cheese (for Meghan), and a quart of garlic dills from New York Pickle (for everyone). And if we’re grilling for dinner, we’ll grab a few pounds of Mr. Bill’s chicken sausages.

Then it’s back home for some exercise. Not only is the West End walkable, it’s a great place to

FROM REPRESENTATIVE SCHLOSSBERG

Hot Car Law Goes Into Effect Governor Wolf signed legislation empowering law enforcement to take action to rescue dogs and cats left in unattended cars. It went into effect recently and allows law enforcement to make decisions on behalf of an animal’s welfare to remove a dog or cat from an unattended vehicle if they believe it is in imminent danger after searching for the operator of the vehicle. The law does not give protection to civilians, so if you see an animal in a hot car, call 911. The Hot Car Law builds on Pennsylvania’s progress in protecting animals, following improvements to laws about tethering and increased penalties for those who abuse animals.

Fine Dining

Absentee Voting If you cannot go to your polling place in person on Election Day, you can apply for an absentee ballot through Lehigh County. After receiving the application, an absentee ballot will be mailed to you. You can mark and cast your ballot by returning it to the county election office. Ballot applications must be in the county voter registration office by

Representative Mike Schlossberg

October 29, 2019, and ballots must be returned by November 1, 2019. Applications can be obtained through my office by calling or emailing me. n Let’s Stay Connected My office is located at 2030 W. Tilghman Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feel free to stop by or call (610) 821-5577.

Email: RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com Website: pahouse.com/Schlossberg Facebook.com/RepSchlossberg Twitter.com/RepSchlossberg

fine dining Where the OWner Wears

an aprOn, nOt a tie!

1926 West Allen street AllentoWn 610-434-2628 henryssAltoftheseA.com

PITCH IN

Help Beautify Your Neighborhood!

Join us Saturday, September 14, for the Great West End Clean Up. Meet at the southeast corner of 19th and Allen streets (the War Memorial) at 9:00 a.m. Trash bags, brooms, butlers, and trash pickers will be provided. Bring a rake, leaf blower, and gloves if you have them available. Help us clean up the neighborhood! n

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SEEN ABOUT TOWN

West End Allentown Has New Neighbors: A Growing Fox Population Maybe you watched one dash across the street. Maybe you know someone who has snapped a few photos of the canines. Maybe you’ve even had a too-close-for-comfort encounter yourself. Regardless of your interactions with foxes in the West End, you know that they’re here.

It’s true that foxes are becoming more common in the area, according to Dustin Stoner, the information and education supervisor for the southeast region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“Foxes need a certain amount of space to establish a ‘home range,’ usually in an agricultural or wooded area,” Stoner said. “As more fox families develop, some of them will seek new home ranges.” And, as construction and other development reduce their available habitat, that search can bring them closer to human communities. Over time, they can even lose their fear of humans.

The general fox population has expanded in recent years, in part because “fewer people are trapping foxes for business,” Stoner said.

“The market for fur has decreased, so the potential for making money has gone down as well.” And with about six pups in each litter, it’s easy to see how quickly an area’s population can increase.

If you’ve spotted a single fox, chances are good it’s male; they tend to be loners, Stoner said. On the other hand, vixens (female foxes) will take the litter with them as they teach the pups to hunt.

Trexler’s COMMUNITY second annual

Y AR D S LE A Make sure people visit your yard sale by being a part of this HUGE community event!

Saturday, September 28, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Trexler Field, 15th and Greenleaf $15 per 10' x 10' area, $5 extra for a table Reserve your spot today! trexleryardsale@gmail.com All proceeds benefit Trexler Middle School’s 8th grade field trip.

14 WEST END LIVING

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What should you do if you encounter a fox? “Keep your distance; don’t approach, harass, corner, or try to capture the animal,” Stoner said. And don’t feed them. “Leaving dog or cat food outside can attract foxes; so can scraps that you put out for birds. And if someone does start feeding them, the fox may start coming closer to people, or visiting neighbors. It’s not to attack. They’re just looking for more handouts. Bears exhibit the same kind of behavior.”

On the other hand, don’t hesitate to act if the fox looks sick or injured.

“You might see bare spots on its coat, or perhaps a broken or damaged leg. If anything seems amiss, contact the Game Commission right away,” he said. “Let them handle the situation.” The Game Commission’s number is (610) 926-3136. n

HAVE YOU SEEN?

West End Bird Houses

YOUR FEEDBACK

Designs by

Maria Anastasia

Letters to WEL

Delivering flowers throughout the Valley

Flowers, Gifts and More!

est End Hi, n and in the W e for the w to en ll A in ing magazin I have lived e West End Liv at it provides. v lo I .

08 20 since ews th history, and n utting out this information, p r fo preciated! y much Thank you ver extremely enjoyable and ap t is publication. I Sincerely, Linda Rich

Fresh Flowers, Plants, Silks, Candles, Cards, Purses, Scarves, Placemats, Aprons and so much more!

Summer 2019 Edition was Great

607 N. 19th Street, Allentown

Hello, I just read the Summer 2019 volume and wanted to let you know I really enjoyed it. The article about William Allen Construction Co was informative, I didn’t know that program existed. It was great to hear an update on the rose garden. And the article about the couple at the St. Luke’s emergency room was touching and had me close to tears. Thank you for a great read.

Bill Jones

O O D IN

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 27, 2019.

RELICS and REUZITS at REDEEMER PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

Congratulations to Desnee Mease, winner of our summer contest!

R

D R YA E L A S

Where Is It?

One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.

(610) 770-3213

Friday, Oct. 4 - Saturday, Oct. 5 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Housewares, toys, collectibles, books, jewelry and more!

Bake sale. Lunch is available.

Redeemer Lutheran Church, 822 N. 19th Street Handicap access from 19th Street FALL 2019

WEST END LIVING 15

Community Banking at its Best

Allentown Office Now Open!

535 N 19 th Street

142 years of independence, serving families and businesses in our area.

Long-time employees dedicated to raising the bar on customer service.

Strong, true to our roots and committed to the community.

800-491-9070

QNBbank.com

Visit any of our 12 conveniently located offices in Allentown, Colmar, Coopersburg, Dublin, Pennsburg, Perkasie, Quakertown, Souderton, Warminster, and Wescosville 16 WEST END LIVING

FALL 2019