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www.westendallentown.com
Volume 7, Number 3
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World of Food Festival Returns Sept. 18— Bigger and Better The West End World of Food Festival – a key-fundraiser for the West End Alliance – is poised to return on Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon to 11 p.m. “I like to say that it will be bigger, because we grow every year; and better, because we are taking extra precautions to keep people safe,” said Scott Smith, Event Organizer. For example, there will be free hand-washing stations throughout the festival, and a series of waterfilled “Jersey barriers” will be strategically placed to reduce unwanted vehicular traffic. Volunteers will also haul trash and perform other clean-up duties throughout the day. The popular annual event will feature numerous food trucks vending both typical festival foods – hot dogs, burgers, pierogies
-- as well as a selection of international goodies. “We have definitely booked over a dozen sellers,” Smith said, “and we hope to have as many as 20 by the time we open. Many of our vendors are returning this year, because of our volume of business,” Smith added. “Take-ATaco owner George Pitsilos told me he can sell two or three days’ worth of food during our one-day event.” Here’s a partial “menu” to whet your appetite: n Heaven on a Bun, Signature burgers piled with grilled onions, as well as sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, “crabby” and other types of fries and chicken fingers n Caribbean Islands Cuisine, Yaki Soba noodles tossed with fresh-cut vegetables and topped with your choice of sauce – light and refreshing “Tropical Paradise” or “Caribbean Jerk,” a combo of sweet and heat. n Puertorrican Culture Preservation, offering a variety of island dishes n Sherri’s Crab Cakes, Freshly made cakes of lump and jumbo lump crab with a signature spice mix, used in sandwiches and IN THIS ISSUE 1 World of Food Festival 3 Focus on the Arts 5 Real Estate News 6 Ron’s Ramblings
with mac and cheese; seafoodbased soups, tacos and po’ boys. n TakeA-Taco, A mainstay of fairs and festivals for over 40 years, T-a-T offers their popular soft-shell tacos, taco salads, pierogi fries, and rice and beans Festival goers can dance off some of those calories in front of the music stage, which features continuous free live performances. The opening slot will be the Large Flowerheads performing from noon - 2 p.m. May Be Right (Billy Joel tribute) from 2:30 - 5 p.m.; M80 (recreating ‘80s hits by
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PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
FAMILY FUN & FOOD
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8 Banking News 9 Students of Note 10 Coaches Interview 11 Health Award News 12 Mayoral Candidates Q&A
14 West End Fall CleanUp 14 Bikelife 15 Representative Schlossberg 15 Where Is It? FALL 2021 WEST END LIVING
FAMILY FUN & FOOD Aerosmith, Billy Idol, Depeche Mode, Eurythmics, Joan Jett, Journey, Madonna Motley Crue, Van Halen and others) from 5:30 - 8 p.m.; and the hard-rockin’ original sounds of Emily’s Toybox, 8:30 - 11 p.m. “Of course, we’ll also have a great selection of beer, wine and other beverages; activities for kids, and our always-popular eating contests,” Smith said. (Get more info on those contests – which award $100 gift cards to the winners – by visiting westendworldoffoodfestival.com/) He stressed that tickets are
required only for purchasing alcoholic beverages. “There’s been some misunderstanding about this in the past,” he explained. “Our food vendors accept cash, not tickets, but beer and wine sellers accept only tickets.” But it’s the neighborhood itself that really makes the festival, Smith observed. “Everyone can just come out and enjoy themselves. There’s food, music, crafts, dancing. We’re family-friendly and dog-friendly, and we encourage visitors to patronize the other merchants in the Theatre District. We’re hoping
for a successful year, so we can fulfill our earlier plans of extending the festival out to Tilghman Street,” he said. All the profits go back to the West End Alliance, and stay in the neighborhood, paying for street banners, Christmas décor, plant maintenance and other amenities. Volunteers for the festival are always welcome. Signing up is easy; just visit westendworldoffoodfestival.com and click on the “volunteer” menu item. n
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.
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West End Alliance, Inc.
PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105 www.westendallentown.com PUBLICATION STAFF Editor — Robert Stevens Writer — Frederick Jerant Copy Editing —Sara Muir Designer — Publication Design, Inc. Photographers — Jane Geist — Hub Willson Editorial Consultant Michael Drabenstott
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ADVERTISING Managing Director 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. ••• 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.
FOCUS ON THE ARTS
The West End Theatre District’s arts scene is beginning to stir. Why not treat yourself to a play, movie or art exhibition? At the Jewish Community Center
of the Lehigh Valley
n Jewish Film Nights Join other film fans via Zoom to gather and discuss a Jewishinterest film. Watch the films at your convenience and then join us for the discussion (limited to 30 participants). No fee, but advance registration is required. For more information, visit lvjcc.org/film or call the JCC Welcome Desk at 610-435-3571. Oct. 5, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, Dec. 14 7:30 p.m. n JUniversity: The Tattooed Torah
Price: $10; JCC Members: Free Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link JUniversity presents the awardwinning animated film The Tattooed Torah. Marc Bennett, the renowned filmmaker and award winning artist, will join us via Zoom (along with Martine Lemelman, the illustrator of the original book and film) to discuss the film and offer a Q-and-A session on this incredible feature. Registration ends Wednesday, October 20 at 5 p.m. Visit lvjcc.org/JUniversity or contact Beth Kushnick, Adult Program Coordinator, at 610-4353571 or bkushnick@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Oct. 21 6:30 – 8 p.m. n Private Music and Voice Lessons
The JCC offers private oneon-one piano, guitar, and drum lessons as well as voice lessons. Students will learn proper technique through personalized instruction, fundamental exercises, and expansion of music repertoire. Contact the JCC Welcome Desk at 610-435-3571 for availability before registering. Visit lvjcc. org/musiclessons for more information.
Fine Dining
Mon. - Fri., 4 – 6 p.m. 30 minutes, by appointment Ages: 5 years - adults Price per lesson: $50; JCC members: $35 n Sing N Move Bond with your child as you play, sing, dance, learn, and giggle together with Ms. Lena SandulovaBaeza of Sing N Move during this parent/child style class for ages 0-4. Visit lvjcc.org/familyevents or contact Ally Wiener-Avraham, Jewish Education Coordinator, at 610-435-3571 or awiener@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Fridays, 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Session 1: Sept. 24 – Oct. 15 (4 weeks) Session 2: Oct. 29 – Nov. 19 (4 weeks) Price: $85; JCC Members: $75 n Challah Club Make-and-take challah during this monthly class. Learn how to create fun braids, different styles, and even rainbow challah. Includes a take-home baking set when registering for two or more classes. Visit lvjcc.org/family events or contact Ally WienerAvraham, Jewish Education Coordinator, at 610-435-3571 or awiener@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3 All Ages Price per class: $25/family; JCC members: $20/family n Kids in the Kitchen Kids will learn fun new recipes and bake alongside special guests
on Zoom. Registration required to get the recipe and Zoom link in advance. Register for all six classes in advance and save $5. Visit lvjcc.org/familyevents or contact Ally Wiener-Avraham, Jewish Education Coordinator, at 610-435-3571 or awiener@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 6 2 – 3 p.m. Ages: 5-10 Online via Zoom Price: $5/class; JCC members: Free n JUniversity: Cooking Class Join JUniversity and a special guest for a virtual cooking class. Registration ends Friday, November 19 at 5 p.m. Visit lvjcc.org/JUniversity or contact Beth Kushnick, Adult Program
Coordinator, at 610-435-3571 or bkushnick@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Nov. 21 11 a.m. – noon Online via Zoom Price: $10; JCC Members: Free Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link
At the Pines Dinner Theatre n “Mid-Life 2! What Did I Come In Here For?”
Three men and three women make up the cast of this wacky musical that takes a comic look at the “age-old” conditions and
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS Ticket Price Adults – Show Ticket: $30.00 Children (2-12) – Show Ticket $20.00 Dinner is served for all performances. All food is available a la carte for an additional cost.
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situations faced in mid-life! From ever-increasing trips to the doctor’s office, to the horrifying moment when one qualifies for a senior discount, everyone will relate to this hilarious, and at times, touching musical about the curiosities and inevitabilities of middle-age. If you bought some Gingko-Biloba, but can’t remember where you put it – then you’re ready for another round of Mid-life! Sept. 10 – Oct. 24 n “Home for the Holidays” Nov. 10 – Dec. 19 A Heart-Warming Christmas Tale! There is no place like “Home for the Holidays,” when families join together in celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. As Sam and Marty plan for their extended family to visit them in upstate New York, their best-laid plans are thrown asunder as a winter blizzard sweeps up the coast, snarling travel for everyone in the storm’s path. Don’t miss “Home for the Holidays,” a new musical comedy that proves that the true meaning of Christmas is alive and well, even in the most difficult of situations. With a sparkling original score, and a timeless message, even the most determined Scrooge will believe in the magic of the holidays. Schedule (both shows): Select Wednesdays and Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show Fridays: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Saturdays: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show Sundays: 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show
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n Sandra Eula Lee A Map is Not the Territory Sept. 9 – Oct. 30
Martin Art Gallery is pleased to host a solo exhibition by the multidisciplinary artist Sandra Eula Lee, who explores links between urban and rural development and the effects it has on residents. She incorporates industrial materials collected from the demolition and combines them with traditional handmade processes from domestic life, such as gardening, weaving, and cooking. The exhibition will open with a public reception on Thursday, Sept.9, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Baker Center for the Arts; the artist will discuss her work on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Recital Hall. n Amy Burke Home
Sept. 9 – Oct. 30 Opening reception, September 9, 6 - 7:30 p.m Artist talk, Oc.tober 7, 6 p.m., in the Recital Hall During the lockdown, Burke turned her camera inward, focusing on her family, specifically her three young daughters. Using traditional photographic
FOCUS ON THE ARTS processes such as wet collodion, tintype, pin-hole photography, and other filmic methods, she’s created a fantastical world of staged portraits of her girls. Victorian looking outfits and props are common, and the technique she’s using feeds into a romantic nostalgia for a prepandemic past. The exhibition will open with a public reception on Thursday, Sept.9, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the
Baker Center for the Arts; the artist will discuss her work on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
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n In November, Martin Art Gallery will host a faculty exhibition featuring works by both fulltime and part-time Art and Art History faculty. Visit muhlenberg.edu/ gallery for additional information after the semester is underway. n
REAL ESTATE NEWS
West End Housing Market–
Desirable, Available and Affordable The housing market throughout the city has lately been experiencing a feeding frenzy – homes are snapped up within days of being listed, often for tens of thousands of dollars above asking price. And while the West End has certainly benefitted from that boom, Realty 365 agent Bob Brown, Jr. says the area still offers accessibility to buyers. “The most affordable entry point to potential West End home buyers is a row home. So far this year, they’ve listed at an average of $150,000; last year at this time, the figure was around $139,900. That’s an increase of about 7%, far below the 18% increase we’ve seen across the market overall,” he said. Low interest rates make the area appealing as well. “The current rate is 3% for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage; with a 3-1/2% down payment on your $150,000 mortgage, your monthly payment could be about $840 per month – and that includes principal, interest, taxes, mortgage insurance and other fees. The government likes to say you should spend no more than 33% of your income on housing. So if you’re making $15 per hour, that mortgage payment should be affordable,” he said. Brown said the current boom
resulted from a combination of factors, including the COVID pandemic, an ongoing exodus from big cities, and job growth in the Lehigh Valley. And as prices continued to rise, many people took advantage of the opportunity to sell. “Earlier this year, we saw a huge increase in inventory accompanied by a major drop in days-on-market, despite the rising prices,” Brown said. He added that he thinks the heat is lowering a bit. “Potential buyers are being more cautious, and taking hard looks at properties -- but when they are truly ready, they’ll buy,” he said. “One good thing is that mortgage underwriters are much stricter than they were in the past,” he added. The days of mortgages for people with no jobs and no income are over. Housing inventory in the West End is on the low side. “Currently, I see just 29 properties on the market, with another 61 under agreement,” he said. And the West End will continue to be a desirable location. “It plays into a broader trend across the U.S.,” Brown said. “People are looking for the ‘traditional America’ vibe – actual neighborhoods, walkable areas – and we have plenty of that here.” n
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RON’S RAMBLINGS
In the 1920s, a lawyer and realtor named Charles W. Kaeppel began developing the College Heights area from which Ott St. evolved. During the same decade, a Muhlenberg College fraternity moved into the former Juruick home. However, by 1931 the effects of the Great Depression had reduced their membership number so low that the fraternity closed its doors. Nine years later, in 1940, a local school teacher named Ada V. Wright opened what was known as a Montessori school at the Ott St. home. Italian educator Maria Montessori developed a method of teaching that was based on lessstructured education. In the words of one educational authority, “teachers were encouraged to stand back and ‘follow the child,’
BY Ron Epstein The 16-room mansion at 933 N. Ott St. in Allentown’s West End is a very unique home. It was built in 1918 by Maximilian Juruick, who was a consulting engineer and a manufacturer of ice and refrigerating machinery, as well as an inventor. Included among his patents were a large door for big cold storage units, and a complex burglar alarm system. With his wife Martha and daughter Georgianna, he came to Allentown from New York City between 1912 and 1915. The 1922 Allentown City Directory lists his home as the only one on Ott St. at the time. In 1923, for some unknown reason, the Juruick family moved out of the home to downtown Allentown.
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that is to let children’s natural interests take the lead.” Her motto was “the child is the hope and promise of mankind.” Montessori visited America in 1912 and spoke to a standingroom-only crowd in New York’s Carnegie Hall. She drew the attention of such notables as Thomas Edison and Woodrow Wilson. In 1915 she set up a fully functional classroom at the Pan-Pacific World’s Fair in San Francisco. By 1925 there were 1,000 Montessori schools in America. Maria died in 1952. When Wright decided in 1915 to open her own Montessori school, she did so at her father’s Victorian home at 1449 Turner St. In her first year she had 15 students, including her two daughters. In 1922, the school moved to a much larger home at 1536 Walnut St. It remained at that location until it moved into the Ott St. home in 1940. That same year, its name was changed from the Montessori School to the Wright School, with Ada as headmistress. Also, that year, the large letter W was inscribed on the side of the building above the third- floor balcony.
Over time, the school’s Board of Directors included such notables’ as members of the Leh’s department store family; Donald P. Miller, owner and publisher of the Call-Chronicle Newspapers (who later married Ada’s daughter Marjorie); and Max Hess of Hess Brothers who helped to pay for the auditorium stage. The auditorium is now a garage. Over the next 17 years, the school grew and prospered until after Wright’s retirement in 1957, when the school began to take on fewer students. The Wright School closed in 1961. Ada passed away in 1966. A classmate of mine at Muhlenberg Elementary School in 1961 told me that he attended the Wright School during its last year of operation, 1960-61, and had it not closed he would have remained there, calling it the best school he ever attended. Another classmate of mine at Muhlenberg was Jane Chromiak, now Jane Larsen. Her father, Peter Chromiak, was a local photographer known professionally as Peter Jay. He had been employed many times since 1949 to take pictures of the
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Wright School. He loved that building and according to his wife Rose, he always said if that house were ever for sale, he would buy it. So, you can imagine his surprise when, on Father’s Day in 1961, he saw a real estate ad in
the newspaper indicating that the recently closed Wright School was for sale. The Chromiak family, Peter, Rose and the first three of their four children lived above his Seventh St. studio in a crowded living
space. Peter purchased the Wright School building and it became their dream home, especially for their children. Daughter Jane used the classroom space to play “teacher” to her younger siblings, and put on plays for the family in the auditorium. The building became a fivebedroom home with a very spacious attic. Along with the stage, many items from the school remained, including a grand piano used for music lessons and at least one water fountain. Peter Jay died in 2001. His wife Rose continued living at the home until four months before her death in 2018. About five or six years ago, Jane became interested in the history of the house. She contacted a former Wright School student, now living in Florida, who shared her experiences at the school. One big surprise was to learn that among her classmates were the children of Max Hess. She recalled attending
a party at the Hess home and meeting celebrities such as Sally Starr, Chief Halftown and James Garner. Garner also visited the school where he sat on the stage and signed autographs. Jane and her siblings Peter, Tom and Carol put the house up for sale in 2019. Jane, the home’s executor, gave 800 books left from the school to the descendants of Ada Wright and kept 300 for herself. The house was bought in September 2020 by its current owners, Cassandra J. Stahl and Matthew Clay. Today, the W which is still inscribed on the building is a testament to the great school that Ada Wright founded, and which gave its students fond memories of a great educational experience. n
Note: Some dates in this article are approximate, because of disagreement among source materials.
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BANKING NEWS
The Importance of Saving
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There are many things to consider when saving for the future. The most fundamental factors are to save early and save more. No one can control interest rates or accurately predict what will happen in the stock market. The two things you can control are when you start and how much you save. Starting to save early puts time on your side. Your savings will add up and the longer your funds are working, the longer the power of compound interest will work in your favor. You earn on what you have saved and you earn on what you have already earned. Consider the Rule of 72 - the value of money about doubles when the interest rate times the number of years equals 72. An initial value doubles in 12 years if you earn 6% and doubles in about 14 ½ years if you earn 5%. Establish a Consistent Saving Habit One of the easiest ways to establish a savings habit is to participate in your employer’s 401(k) plan. Funds are withheld from each paycheck and deposited into your account. In addition, if your employer matches part of your contribution, you accumulate even more. A second way to consistently save is with an automatic savings transfer program with your financial institution. You decide how much and when you want funds transferred from your checking account into a savings account. You can also use a payroll deduction plan from your employer and get the same results.
Saving Smart Along with how much and how often you save, what you earn on your funds will determine how fast your money grows. You cannot control what happens with interest rates or the stock market, but you can consider different types of savings vehicles that provide different returns. The simplest of these is to consider buying certificates of deposit (CDs). Traditionally, CDs offer higher interest rates. However, CD rates are influenced by interest rate moves by the Federal Reserve and have subsequently declined in recent past. CDs are also time deposits and have penalties for early withdrawal. If you can accept not having immediate access to your funds, CDs can be an attractive savings vehicle; however, if you want a convenient, easy to access account that pays a competitive rate in today’s low interest rate environment, consider a QNB Online eSavings account. This popular account also features no minimum balance requirements and no monthly fees. A final smart saving idea is to use a regular IRA. You can establish a regular IRA regardless of your income and regardless of whether you are eligible to participate in your employer’s qualified retirement plan. For 2021, you can contribute up to $6,000 or $7,000 if you are 50 or older. One of the benefits of IRAs is that earnings within the IRA are tax deferred. This has the effect of increasing your earnings. You delay paying taxes until you withdraw the funds and there is a penalty if you withdraw the funds before you reach the age of 59 ½. n
STUDENTS OF NOTE
Students of Note at Muhlenberg, Trexler and Allen School hasn’t been in session very long, but neighborhood students are already making their marks!
administration and staff. He is currently participating with the Trexler summer experience “Bike Works,” and Bulldog Fitness Club. Yariel says that he will miss his teachers and Trexler, but is looking forward to ninth grade at Allen High School and all the extracurricular activities he will have to choose from. Basketball is one of his favorite activities away from school, and he plans to try out for the high school team next year.
AGAIN!
#1 Major Teaching Hospital in the Country! Muhlenberg Elementary Areli Leon, Kindergarten Areli’s summer teacher Mrs. Kegley says Areli is a bright and inquisitive young lady that navigated through her first year in school during the pandemic with ease! She is learning English as a second language and has conquered every hurdle this year has thrown at her. Areli hasn’t missed a day of Muhlenberg’s Summer Program and has been a leader and a shining example of what a model student should look like.
Trexler Middle School Yariel Molina, Grade 8 Yariel enjoys being back in the building now that Trexler is not virtual only. He is a model student, always offering to assist
St. Luke’s University Health Network received multiple 2021 IBM® Watson Health awards and recognitions: One of the 15 Top Health Systems in the USA One of the 20 Top Small Community Hospitals – (St. Luke’s Miners Campus) One of the 20 Top Medium Community Hospitals – (St. Luke’s Anderson Campus – 3rd time) William Allen High School Tamia Johnson, Freshman An incoming freshman at William Allen High School, Tamia is the CEO of Outrageous Collections -- a fashion accessory company she started a year ago. Tamia had the opportunity, through the school’s Freshman Leadership Retreat, to connect with local entrepreneurs Dixie Lincoln Nichols of Inside Outer Beauty; Quil Mason from Good Guy Made in America; Oscar Gonzalez from Oscar Modeling and Acting Coaching Talent Management; and Shae McPerson from S.H.I.N.E Academy. Tamia’s passion for unique fashion and desire to own her own business is one reason she started her business. You can check out Tamia at www.outrageouscollections.com, follow her on Instagram @lady_ outrageous, Facebook Toutrageous, or on YouTube at living with outrageous collection. n
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COACHES INTERVIEW
Hoops Heroes Call the West End Home It’s common for high school pals to go separate ways, especially after college. But in the case of Darnell Braswell and Ray Barbosa, they’ve been close friends since their days at William Allen High School. So close that they actually share a house in the West End. Here are their stories. Darnell Braswell I loved my time at Allen; I met many people from different walks of life, and it really prepared me for life-after-high school. I graduated in 2006, and many of my classmates have stayed in touch with each other since then. I met Ray when I was a freshman and he was a senior. I’d moved to Pennsylvania only recently, and Ray was like part of an adopted
Ray Barbosa
Darnell Braswell
family; I saw the Barbosas a lot. Ray’s an amazing basketball player. I’d watched him for a few
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years, and he made me want to go to Allen. I realized how hard he had worked to get where he is, and that attitude stuck with me. I was a pretty good player at Allen; I played freshman ball, made the JV team as a sophomore, and was a starter for my last two years. [He averaged 14.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game; shooting 48% and hitting 31 3-pointers.] I went to DeSales University and set out to create my own identity. My basketball coach was a tremendous influence. He’d answer my questions, even slow things down a bit so I could improve my skills. And my game really took off from that point – I was a starter in my third game as a freshman, and I never looked back. We played for championships every year, and our team won the last two. For myself, I went from All-Conference to Player of the Year to All-American; that’s a real credit to the coaching staff and my teammates. After graduation, I worked as an assistant basketball coach at DeSales, and then came back to Allen as the head men’s basketball coach just last year. Living in the West End made sense to me. And when I learned that Ray would be working in Allentown, it made even more sense to share a house. I really like the West End. I grew up on 12th St., but lots of my friends lived in this area, so I was in the neighborhood often. Living here lets me stay connected with other Allen alumni, as well as local sports figures. I enjoy the many food and beer places as well. And whether I’m walking, biking or just visiting friends, there are always plenty of good people and fun times.
Ray Barbosa I grew up near Sixth and Washington Sts., in Allentown, near the Boys and Girls Club. My family moved to the 15th St. area when I was 14. Just like Darnell, I played for Coach Doug Snyder, and started all four years that I was at Allen. It was a really good experience for me; it taught me to work hard and helped make me the man I am today. [He’s Allen’s leading scorer (2,202 points), a two-time Morning Call Player of the Year, two-time Third Team All-State and one of the top boys scorers in the history of District 11 basketball.] I didn’t spend much time in the West End but I did when I was older, especially during high school term breaks and summers. And Darnell is right – we practically adopted each other. My first three years of college were at James Madison University. I was on the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team, hit the 1,000-point mark in my junior year, and then transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where we took a conference championship and played against Georgetown in an NCAA tournament. After I graduated, I played professional ball in Puerto Rico for five years. I realized I wanted to coach, so I returned to the U. S., and worked as an assistant coach at Allen as well as Cheltenham High School and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School. In 2019, I accepted the head basketball coach position at Bethlehem Catholic high school, and I’m currently head coach at Executive Education Academy Charter School in Allentown. I love the whole West End area; the people are just great, and it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. n
HEALTH AWARD NEWS
St. Luke’s Allentown and Bethlehem Campuses Among 15 Top Health Systems with THE TOP Teaching Hospital in USA St. Luke’s University Health Network is a first-time winner of the prestigious 2021 15 Top Health Systems award, part of the Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals national benchmarks series. St. Luke’s is the only health system in the Lehigh Valley to receive this honor – and one of only two health systems in Pennsylvania. IBM Watson Health has identified the top health systems in the United States through a rigorous, objective evaluation of 324 health systems with multiple hospitals. The annual top health system list recognizes excellence in, among other measures, clinical outcomes, patient experience and operational efficiency through effective system integration. For the first time, this year’s ranking also introduces a measure
of hospitals’ contributions to community health with a focus on equity. It is based on three components: 1. assessing hospital contributions to community health 2. identifying ways that hospitals contribute to community health as a community partner teaming up with local organizations and 3. focusing on ways that hospitals promote community health through their practices as anchor institutions supporting local economic and social progress. Many health care “systems” in this country do not operate as actual systems; rather, their various components – hospitals, service lines, practices, information technology, electronic medical records, human resources, etc. –
largely operate independently, explained St. Luke’s University Health Network President and CEO Rick Anderson. In contrast, St. Luke’s success is a direct result of a legitimate, thorough integration, providing patients with a seamless and consistent patient and clinical experience in all of the Network’s 12 hospitals and more than 300 outpatient locations. “The IBM Watson 15 Top Health
System award recognizes St. Luke’s University Health Network’s ability to provide fully integrated services and the highest level of quality care at a lower cost than any hospital network in our region.” #1 Nationwide in the Major Teaching Hospital Category In addition to the 15 Top Health Systems recognition, individual St. Luke’s campuses won IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospital awards for the ninth time. St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem and Allentown campuses, for the seventh time in a row and the ninth time overall in the Major Teaching Hospital category. THIS YEAR ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL (Allentown and Bethlehem) WAS RANKED #1 IN THE COUNTRY IN THE MAJOR TEACHING HOSPITAL CATEGORY – #1 IN THE COUNTRY! In addition to the 15 Top Health Systems recognition, individual St. Luke’s campuses including St. Luke’s Bethlehem, Anderson and Miners campuses. n For more information, visit http://www.100tophospitals.com/.
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Proud to live and work in Allentown’s West End. FALL 2021
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CANDIDATES Q&A
Mayoral Candidates Discuss West End Challenges, Future Plans than ever, Allentown needs leaders who will put residents first. That’s what I’ve done for the past decade through non-profit work and bringing community concerns to elected officials, and that’s what I’ll do as mayor.
Allentown will elect a new mayor in just a few months, and the victor is sure to have an impact on life in the West End Theatre District. The staff of West End Living asked candidates Matt Tuerk and Tim Ramos some relevant questions; their responses appear below. Please note that West End Living does not endorse either candidate; the information presented below is strictly for voters’ benefit.
Tim Ramos What are your top 3 priorities if elected?
My top priorities are public safety, quality of life, and affordability. I will restore community policing, bringing back foot and bike patrols so that our police and neighborhoods can better address the day-today issues our residents are facing. Building off that, I’ll take a proactive approach to dealing with the smaller issues impacting the quality of life of homeowners, ranging from littering to noise. People who litter on our streets, repeatedly create noise issues, or create an unsafe environment must be cited. Finally, I’ll address the mounting property tax burden that is forcing out longtime residents — especially seniors — and discouraging new homeowners from moving in. I will do everything in my power to prevent new tax increases and work to lower rates in the coming years, particularly for retirees and those with disabilities. Explain how the West End will be part of the Allentown renaissance. The success of the West End is key to the success of Allentown as a whole. It’s the part of the city where generations of Allentonians have bought homes, raised families, and retired. By living, working, and raising families in Allentown, West End residents 12 WEST END LIVING
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Tim Ramos
have made this neighborhood the rock on which much of the city relies for stability in a rapidly changing Lehigh Valley. Unfortunately, our elected officials have tended to lean too hard on the West End in recent years; West End homeowners have borne the brunt of repeated tax increases from the city and school district. In order to ensure the success of the West End and the city at large, the needs of homeowners must be addressed, starting with affordability and quality of life. Why should West End voters support you? I’ve lived in Allentown since I was two years old. I’ve seen the dramatic changes that have taken place in Allentown over the last few decades, both the good and the bad. When it came time for my wife and me to find a home, we knew we wanted to live in Allentown because of all the history, culture, and opportunity this city offers. Today, we live in the West Park neighborhood where we raise our five kids. It’s my hope that when West End voters go to the polls on November 2nd, they’ll look for a candidate who has the experience that comes with a lifetime spent living, working, and raising a family in the city. I’m running because, more
What is the biggest challenge facing Allentown’s West End, and how do you propose to address it? Housing issues are popping up throughout the country, but they’re getting especially bad in Allentown where prices are rising more than three times faster than the national average. At its core this is a supply and demand issue — there is a high demand for houses and an even higher demand for apartments, but there’s not enough supply to keep up. Businesses which deal in properties know this, so in many cases they’re buying houses for more than normal homebuyers can afford and then renting them out. This is a big problem for neighborhoods like the West End. Already, 62% of housing units in Allentown are rentals and 55% of residents have moved in the last five years according to the Census. For perspective, our ratio of renters to homeowners could be at New York City levels by the end of the decade if things continue at the current rate. That’s unsustainable in a small city like ours. As mayor, I’ll do two things to address this problem. First, we need more houses that are actually houses, not apartments. That’s why I’ll work with city council to create a five-year tax abatement for any resident who purchases a house that’s been converted to apartments and deconverts it to the single-family home it was intended to be. Second, we need to encourage the development of new, market-rate apartment buildings. Apartment buildings are much better rental options for our neighborhoods than converted houses because they take up less space, require less maintenance, and can more easily supply their
Matt Tuerk
own parking. Additionally, it will take pressure off the local housing market and make West End homes more accessible to families interested in owning a home, not renting it. We can do this by rezoning unused and abandoned industrial space in center city and the east side.
Matt Tuerk What are your top 3 priorities if elected? First, I’d prioritize public health. I think that public health goes beyond components like vaccination and nutrition—I see it as an extension of neighborhood health. Good physical health, secure homes, and safe communities are all essential components of public health. Second, I spent the past 13 years in economic development, and I believe that we as a city would benefit from more efficient delivery of city services. We have so much talent and technology available to us, yet some neighborhoods in Allentown don’t get to share in those assets. We must take advantage of the resources available to us to improve communication and services between residents and City Hall.
Third, I want to make sure that all of the decisions we make as a city fall in line with our new branding tagline, “Allentown – All inspiring.” Challenges our city faces, like trash in the streets, poor housing conditions, and bureaucratic roadblocks to starting a small business, all hold us back from being the all-inspiring city we want to be. Nationally, I think the Lehigh Valley has more name recognition than Allentown itself. I think that by addressing these three priorities, we can continue to build a safe, clean, and inspiring city, and put Allentown on the map nationally. Explain how the West End will be part of the Allentown renaissance. My marathon training has allowed me to run through every street in Allentown, which has reconfirmed for me that Allentown is a city of amazing neighborhoods. Every neighborhood has a distinct vibe and brings something different to the table. The West End offers phenomenal restaurants, ever-increasing diversity, and wonderful parks. It is a truly unique and beautiful part of our city. I think that the West End will be part of the Allentown renaissance by collaborating with other neighborhoods, by both sharing knowledge and learning new tools. The West End could support the entire community by promoting the Rose Garden, Trexler Park, and cultural events throughout the city, or by sharing information about the tree-planting program so other neighborhoods can parallel the scenery of the West End. Why should West End voters support you? I’ve lived near West Park for 17 years, which situates me geographically between the West End and Center City. Easily and frequently being able to travel to all corners of Allentown has helped me build strong relationships in all neighborhoods, so I have the opportunity to collaborate between the West End
and other neighborhoods. I think we are facing an important economic moment. We need to take advantage of this moment so Allentown can thrive, and I have a record of working with the city of Allentown and with numerous outside partnerships. We need to bring young, energetic ideas to the mix, and develop the partnerships needed to bring those ideas to life. This is how we will keep the West End thriving and keep its quality of life high as the city modernizes. What is the biggest challenge facing Allentown’s West End, and how do you propose to address it? The West End of Allentown has an inviting population and beautiful neighborhoods, but it risks losing some of that vibrancy because relatively few younger people are moving in. I’d like to open the West End to new people and new ideas. It’s a great asset to the city, and many Allentown residents would love to have the same quality-of-life. I think that we need to use novel ideas to maintain the West End’s vibrancy. Improving the housing stock will be key, as much of it is relatively old, built before 1940. We must also invest in education, as only 15% of city residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, which creates a barrier for young people who wish to invest in their communities and bring their new ideas into reality. We have so many talented and passionate people in our city, and investing in them will elevate the entire city, along the West End. I’ve explained a few challenges that are threatening to the West End, but I will also offer a new, positive challenge. I challenge the West End to share its knowledge and experience – neighborhood associations, the way the West End Theatre District markets itself, the high level of cooperation among neighbors – with other parts of the city and the Lehigh Valley. These assets make the West End a desirable place to live. Sharing these strengths will help us all advance. n FALL 2021
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UPCOMING EVENT
Fall Clean Up Saturday, September 11, 9 a.m. to noon After the Allentown Fair the neighborhood can look a little messy. Help us clean it up so it looks great for the West End World of Food Festival. Meet at the southeast corner of 19th and Allen streets (the War Memorial) at 9 a.m. to pick up your supplies. Trash bags, brooms, butlers and trash pickers will be provided. Bring gloves, a rake or leaf blower if you have them available. Thank you for helping clean up the neighborhood!
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY AND ANN BIERNAT-RUCKER
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BIKELIFE
Bicyclists en masse Bewildered by dozens of bicycles flying along neighborhood streets? The mystery is solved – they’re part of 610_BikeLife, a loose aggregation of bicyclists throughout Allentown and Bethlehem. “They’re really an amazing group of kids,” says Michael Frassetto, who executive-produced a documentary film about them. “They’ve decided they want no part of drugs or gang life, or other negative lifestyles. Instead, they put their energies into healthy activity.” Frassetto said that the riders 14 WEST END LIVING
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are so dedicated, they’ll be outand-about for most of the year, even during cold weather. And they stay in groups, both for companionship and mutual safety. And while there have been some altercations with local police, he added that the riders understand the conflict between their group and local government and want to reach some sort of win-win compromise. Alex (last name withheld by request) lives near the border of Allentown and Bethlehem, and is the impetus for the group’s formation. He’s had some run-ins
with the law (including prison time) but has put those days behind him. “Alex wanted to avoid resuming a negative lifestyle,” Frassetto said. “He’d seen friends go down that road.” He took up cycling as a means to stay occupied, get fit, and stay off the streets. “I started riding around, and kids would stop to ask about my bike and why I was riding so much,” Alex said. “I told them it was a good way to stay out of trouble, and they started to join me.” The idea spread, and there are now about 100 cyclists in 610_BikeLife. Juan Lopez lives in the West End, and said “I’ve been through a lot, and biking has really changed my life for the better. My first ride – on a PK Ripper bike – felt like I was free for the first time. It’s a good way to let off steam.”
For some, 610_BikeLife offers a sort of support system. “It helps keep kids away from violence,” said Joseph Tancredi of Whitehall. “Everyone has your back. And if you need something, someone will always help you.” And while 610BikeLife covers several cities, neighborhoods often form their own little subgroups; the West End’s is called “Wheels Up.” “They’ll ask around, see who’s available, and then assemble to go riding,” Alex said. There are some more formal events, too – such as the “Rideout,” which can draw enthusiasts from New York and Baltimore. “Most people don’t understand,” says Zaire Massey of Allentown. “We’re not looking for trouble. “We just want to ride and have a good time.” n
From Representative Schlossberg
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.
2021 Election: Important Dates Oct. 18 Last day to register to vote or change your registration Register.VotesPa.com
Oct. 26 Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot VotesPA.com/ApplyMailBallot Nov. 2 Voted mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8 PM Deliver to Lehigh County Voter Registration Office at 17 South 7th St, Allentown, PA
Nov. 2 Municipal Election Day—Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM VotesPA.com/Polls
Send your entry by e-mail to michael@drabenstott.com or mail to: M. Drabenstott, 2346 W. Allen St., Allentown PA 18104 By September 24, 2021.
SEPTA and LANTA Senior Passes
One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.
LANTA provides free fares to seniors 65 or older to ride transit buses (not LANTAVan/Metro Plus vans). With a SEPTA Senior Fair Card, seniors, age 65 & older ride FREE at all times on all Transit Routes. Call my office for a LANTA Senior ID Card application or for an appointment to enroll for a SEPTA Senior Fair Card.
SEPTA and LANTA Senior Passes
LANTA provides free fares to seniors 65 or older to ride transit
Let’s Stay Connected My office is located at 2030 W Tilghman Street and is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Feel free to stop by or call (610-821-5577) Email: RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com Online: www.pahouse.com/Schlossberg Facebook.com/RepSchlossberg Twitter.com/RepSchlossberg
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