Volume 3, Number 2
SUMMER 2017
West End Living
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Allentown Fairgrounds transformed into WWI military base 2017 marks 100 years since U.S. entered WWI After more than 150 years, people still line up at the box office for tickets to the next show at the Allentown Fairgrounds. But 100 years ago, a whole different crowd came calling as the United States Army transformed the Fairgrounds into Camp Crane, an army base for training ambulance drivers for service with the French infantry in World War I. “The French government said we really need ambulances and medics,” explains Bonnie Brosious, Marketing Director of The Great Allentown Fair and Lehigh County
1917 USAAC Section 527 Cadets, In Formation, Camp Crane, Allentown PA
Agricultural Society. “The Army eyed the Allentown Fairgrounds as a great location for training the medics and the ambulance drivers.” The French had been fighting the Germans for three long years and needed help getting their wounded from the battlefield IN THIS ISSUE 1 Camp Crane 3 Mike Bruckner 4 Focus on the Arts 9 New to the Neighborhood
to aid stations. According to Jeff Klinger, PhD, of the Ambulance 255 Project, the United States Army Ambulance Service was formed to meet that function primarily in France. In 1917, Allentown’s West End was a sparsely populated section of the city at the time. Recruits went on long and countless marches through rural towns and countryside just minutes from the camp. The U.S. Army leased the fairgrounds from the Lehigh 10 On the Move 12 Picnic Recipes 14 Students of Note 15 Sportsfest Update 16 JFS Food Bank 18 Dr. Christine Oaklander
County Agricultural Society for $37,000, less than half the revenue typically generated by the fair. “And literally the Army took over the Allentown Fairgrounds,” says Brosious. “This was in May 1917, and about a month later, they opened and had their first recruits from Philadelphia already training,” adds Jill Youngken, Assistant Director of the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. The Great Fair went on hiatus while Camp Crane trained ambulance drivers and personnel. Recruits and staff became known
20 Muhlenberg Q&A 21 Schlossberg Column 22 Ron’s Ramblings 24 Where is it? 24 Important Numbers 24 St. Patricks 5k SUMMER 2017 WEST
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CAMP CRANE
as USAACs, an acronym that replaced corps for service. Eager volunteers poured into Camp Crane from all over the country. Many came from more than forty colleges and universities. In two years, 18,000 troops trained there. “It was almost a city unto itself. They had everything that they needed there. The grandstands were like a dormitory,” explained Youngken. Seats in the grandstand were replaced with cots to create makeshift barracks. Men also slept in the barns and sheds and throughout the grounds in pup tents. Under the grandstand where the Farmers Market is today, restaurant facilities became Army mess halls. One mess hall held 2,500 people at a time, according to Brosious. The Army built other buildings on site including a $125,000 steam plant to heat the various facilities. The troops practiced driving on the half-mile harness racing track in front of the grandstands, and they used the infield for parking “They were trained actually in a variety of ways. They need, first of all, to learn how to drive. Then, they learned how to get men
1917 Camp Crane Football Team at Franklin Field Philadelphia.
properly into the ambulance,” says Youngken. “They picked up a living person and knew that to the extent that they could rapidly get them to a field hospital or a base hospital, that would often mean the difference between life and death,” adds Klinger. The USAAS used Model T Fords modified for use as ambulances, because, Klinger explains, “It’s small, it’s agile, it’s light, and it’s relatively, easily repaired. It’s designed to carry three individuals.”
1918 Camp Crane Trainees on Parade in Racetrack Infield
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Klinger recently joined Ambulance 255 Project Executive Director George King in delivering a restored Model T to the America on Wheels Museum in Allentown. “The ambulance that we have here today represents 1,200 ambulances that were donated by Americans and driven by American volunteers during the first three years of WWI before the United States entered the war and thus before Camp Crane. The Camp Crane ambulances looked exactly the same because they were also Model T Fords,”
explains George. The men learned to repair the ambulances in difficult conditions. They also trained for gas attacks, a big threat during World War I. The training was rigorous, but it wasn’t all work and no play. “The band that formed was, you know, it was constantly parading and very good musicians and they invited John Phillip Sousa to come and listen and reportedly he did,” explains Brosious. “The troops had an amazing fifteen All-American college football players.” The 1917 Army-Navy game was cancelled because of the war, so the USAACS played the U.S. Marines instead. Chester Delvey Lewis, who was stationed at Camp Crane, writes about it in a letter to his dad: “We won the Army-Navy game of ’17, and our camp claims the best football team of the world. We bar no one.” The people of Allentown gave them a hero’s welcome. The YMCA had a presence on the grounds. The YWCA had a hostess area, and The Knights of Columbus had a recreation building for the troops. As soldiers returned home, parades were held to welcome them back. n
1918 Mess Line Camp Crane, Allentown, PA
MOVING ON
“Mayor of Muhlenberg” retires after 21 years Mike Bruckner is affectionately known as “the Mayor of Muhlenberg,” and with good reason. He’s worked at the college for 21 years as presidents, faculty, and students have come and gone. And in those 21 years, he’s come to know every Muhlenberg
West End n
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West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173 Allentown, PA 18105
PUBLICATION STAFF Editors — Laura McHugh and Michael Drabenstott Writer — Frederick Jerant Designer — Publication Design, Inc. Photographers — Jane Geist — Hub Willson Contributors — Brittany Garzillo Grover Silcox ••• 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. ••• EDITORIAL Editorial suggestions or comments? Contact Laura McHugh at westendlivingallentown@gmail.com ••• West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173 Allentown, PA 18105 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.
employee, most of the students, and thousands of alumni. Now the “mayor” is moving on. Mike’s 39-year career in higher education will wrap up on June 30, as he retires from his current post as Vice President of External Affairs and Community Relations. Although his key responsibilities have been media relations, crisis management, community relations and overseeing Commencement, he’s also supervised WMUH radio, athletic communications, theatre marketing, the ‘Berg Bookshop and the Woman’s Auxiliary. During his tenure, Mike has served on innumerable committees, chaired the school’s United Way effort for over 15 years, and served on the board of the College and University Public Relations Association of Pennsylvania which awarded him with the 2017 Don Hale Award at its annual conference, as well as a gold CUPPIE award for Muhlenberg’s annual report. Mike’s also been a busy part of the Lehigh Valley community. Mike is a founding member of both the West End Alliance and the Friends of the Allentown Parks; a long-time board member and past president of Communities in Schools of the Lehigh Valley; board member of the ARC of Lehigh and Northampton County, and currently chairs the marketing advisory board at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. He’s also helped judge entries in the Lehigh Valley Coalition for Organ and Tissue Donation’s annual essay contest for many years. Mike’s retirement doesn’t mean he’ll disappear, though. As he spends more time with family (wife Jane, daughters Katie and Jennifer and two grandsons), he’ll also attend as many Muhlenberg athletic events as he can. n
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS
Summer Guide to West End Arts Scene Summer may be near, but our local arts scene isn’t planning a vacation. Film, dance, drama…the West End Theatre District really does have something for everybody!
Civic Theater
power of free speech and free love as they groove to the music, including beloved 1960s hits “Good Morning Starshine” and “Let the Sunshine In.” Director James Peck returns to MSMT following last season’s production of “In the Heights.” He is reunited with musical director Ed Bara and choreographer Samuel Antonio Reyes. Showtimes: June 14 through July 2 Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.
Civic Stage
www.civictheatre.com 610-432-8943 n Angels in America May 5-20 One of the most honored American plays in history, Tony Kushner’s groundbreaking two-play masterpiece Angels in America opened at the Civic Theatre on May 5. Subtitled “A Gay Fantasia on National Themes,” it spans the Reagan-Bush eras and spirals around the AIDS crisis in 1980s New York, weaving the lives of fictional and historical characters into a web of social, political and sexual revelations. The alternately hilarious and heartbreaking play received two Tony Awards for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is currently a sell out playing at London’s National Theatre. Gretchen Furst (Harper Pitt), Barry Glassman (Roy Cohn), and JoAnn Wilchek Basist (The Angel) will recreate the roles they played in the show’s last appearance at Civic, 20 years ago. Showtimes: Part One: “Millennium Approaches” May 5, 6, 13 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. May 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. Part Two: “Perestroika” May 11, 13, 18 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. Patrons can view both parts on May 13 and May 20; part 1 is at 2 p.m., and part 2 is at 7:30 p.m. n Tonys & Tapas June 11 Civic’s annual fundraiser takes place in the historic Nineteenth Street Theatre and Theatre514 on June 11 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a delicious assortment of tapas from local restaurants and caterers, a stage performance, complimentary Mar-tony, wine and beer open bar, and both a silent auction and a 4 WEST END LIVING
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Angels in America
spirited live auction. Tickets: $100 per person or $175 per couple
Civic Theatre School
www.civictheatre.com/cts
Give your budding thespians a chance to unlock the transformative power of the arts at the oldest continually operating theatre education program in the Lehigh Valley At the Civic Theatre School, they don’t just learn acting skills, they also acquire important life skills that help them grow. Students involved in the arts watch less TV and display more tolerant behavior towards others. Classes like those at Civic Theatre help foster positive achievement, collaborative-working and critical-thinking skills. Studies have shown that theatre classes can not only enhance creativity, but help develop skills that assist in learning languages and even mathematics. The Civic Theatre School is based in solid educational principles and incorporates many of the elements of the Pennsylvania Education Standards for the Arts and Humanities. Open to pre-K through 12th
grade students, the programs will inspire them to imagine…create… and explore! Session 1: July 10-21 Session 2: July 24-August 4 Scholarships are available.
Muhlenberg College Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre
www.muhlenberg.edu/SMT 484-664-3333.
n Hair June 14-July 2 Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre’s ambitious 37th theatrical season kicks off with the American tribal love-rock musical Hair. A celebration of the freewheeling “Age of Aquarius,” Hair commemorates the 50th anniversary of its original Broadway run. Passionate, outspoken Claude must choose between submitting to the draft and continuing to fight the establishment through a pacifist lifestyle. Joining him is a “tribe” of nonconformists who believe in the
n My Fair Lady July 12-30 Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. My Fair Lady took the 1957 Tony Award for Best Musical. Lerner and Loewe’s beloved musical features a score that includes such standards as “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “The Rain in Spain.” It tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl in training to become a lady of society. At first, her lessons with phonetics professor Henry Higgins could not be more frustrating, but their squabbles eventually foster an unlikely partnership — Eliza and Higgins realize they have a lot to learn from each other. MSMT founding artistic director Charles Richter will direct the production. Ed Bara serves as musical director, and Karen Dearborn choreographs. Showtimes: July 12-30 Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets: Admission to the first four performances of “Hair” and “My Fair Lady” are $35 All other performances: $41 Discounted tickets available for seniors, students and children
n Wild June 28- July 29 Children of all ages are sure to go “Wild” over the world premiere of this new modern circus production. It spins the tale of a runaway boy and his journey into the unknown. Along the way, some unusual characters teach him about love, family and what it means to be home. The show mixes elements of aerial acrobatics, juggling, magic, dance, theater, and clowning into a high-energy performance. A free 45-minute circus-themed activity workshop follows each performance of “Wild.” Participation is limited, and advance registration through the box office is recommended. Evening workshops will focus on circus skills for all ages. Daytime workshops are geared toward children and will focus on storytelling and play through circus activities. And special “relaxed” performances happen on July 8
and July 13. They’re designed for children with autism and other sensory challenges – lowered lighting, reduced sound levels, and no startling movements. The theater staff and cast will receive special training in meeting the needs of patrons with autism and sensory issues. Interactive workshops will follow these performances as well. Attendance is limited, and you are encouraged to visit the MSMT website (http://www.muhlenberg.edu/ main/academics/theatre-dance/ smt/) for more information. Showtimes: June 28 – July 29: Wednesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM; Friday and Saturday at 10:00 AM and 6:30 PM. “Relaxed” performance schedule: July 8 at 10:00 AM, and July 13 at 1:00 PM. The show is recommended for adults and children ages 3 and older. Tickets: All tickets to “Wild” are $11 for
Martin Art Gallery at Muhlenberg College
Baker Center for the Arts 2400 West Chew Street 484-664-3467 Open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. Galleria open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Altered State
the first week of performances and $13 for remaining performances. Subscriptions and group rates are available at a discount. Tickets and information are available at muhlenberg.edu/SMT and 484-664-3333.
n Selections from “Altered State: Painting Myanmar in a time of transition.” Through June 4 “Altered State” is an exhibition of contemporary painting from Myanmar organized by Ian Holliday, vice-president and provice-chancellor (teaching and learning) at the University of Hong Kong. Myanmar, the Southeast Asian nation formerly known as Burma, was ruled by repressive military-
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The Cast of The Church Basement Ladies (From L to R) Karisa Hope Fulmer as “Signe,” Dan Baker as “Pastor Gunderson,” Lori Ann Sword as “Mavis,” Natasha Ricketts as “Karin,” and Stacy Bechtel as “Vivian.”
backed regimes from 1962-2011. The junta that seized power at a time of mass political unrest in 1988 was internationally condemned for its gross human rights abuses, leading to Myanmar’s isolation on the world stage. Ian Holliday has a long-standing interest in, and engagement with, Myanmar and regularly takes undergraduate students to teach inside the country and along its border with Thailand. He has a major collection of contemporary paintings, many of which are on public display; most can be viewed at thukhuma.org. His most recent book is “Burma Redux: Global Justice and the Quest for Political Reform in Myanmar.”
Pines Dinner Theatre www.pinesdinnertheatre.com 610-433-2333
n Church Basement Ladies Through May 14 Get ready for the hilarious hijinks of the Church Basement Ladies in this side-splitting musical. Inspired by the book Growing Up Lutheran, this “heavenly musical hit” mixes delightful original music, endearing characters, and heavenly fun into a deliciously funny musical comedy. 6 WEST END LIVING
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n Puttin’ On the Ritz May 26 – July 2 It’s time to head for Hollywood, as we celebrate the golden age of the silver screen in this sophisticated yet delightful songand-dance salute. Featuring the songs you know and love, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” will have your toes tapping from the beginning to the end of this “celebration of the silver screen!” n The Bikinis July 7 - August 20 With a score that will have you dancing in the aisles, “The Bikinis” is the story of four Jersey girls reunited after 20 years. The show features a hit parade of music, featuring hits like “It’s in His Kiss,” “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and many more. Move over Jersey Boys, here come the Bikinis in “a new musical beach party!” Performance schedule (all shows) Matinees (12:30 p.m. dinner & 2 p.m. show): Thursday, Sunday Evenings (6:30 p.m. dinner & 8 p.m. show): Friday and Saturday Ticket Price for Dinner and Show: Adult: $50 Senior (60+): $49 Student (10-16): $35 Child (2-9): $20 Show-Only Ticket Price: Adult: $25-30 Child: $15-20
Jewish Community Center
Remember
702 N. 22nd Street www.lvjcc.org
22nd Annual Jewish and Israeli Film Festival www.lvjcc.org/filmfestival 610-435-3571
n Remember June 4 Academy Award® nominated director Atom Egoyan creates a thrillingly fast-paced revenge story that deals with the aftermath of one of the most deplorable and significant events in recent history. Starring Christopher Plummer as the frail but unstoppable Zev, “Remember” keeps audiences on the edge of their seats while giving them something to think about long after the film is over. This film is presented in partnership with ArtsQuest. Sunday, June 4 at 7 p.m. Location: Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem Tickets: $10; JCC and ArtsQuest members, $7 n Ahead of Time: The Extraordinary Journey of Ruth Gruber June 6 For seven decades, foreign correspondent and photojournalist Ruth Gruber didn’t just report the news…she made it! The first journalist to enter the Soviet Arctic in 1935, Ruth also traveled to Alaska as a member of the Roosevelt administration in 1942, escorted Holocaust refugees to America in 1944, covered the Nuremberg trials in 1946 and documented the Haganah ship Exodus in 1947. Her relationships with world leaders including Eleanor Roosevelt, President Harry Truman, and David Ben Gurion gave her unique access and insight into the modern history of the Jewish people. Ruth passed away in November, 2016 at the age of 105. This film is presented in
partnership with Civic Theatre of Allentown. Tuesday, June 6, 7 p.m. Civic Theatre, 527 North 19th Street Tickets: $10; JCC members, $7; Civic Theatre members, $6 To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Monica Friess at 610-435-3571 or visit www.lvjcc. org/filmfestival. n NYC bus trip: “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” December 3 Your day includes private deluxe motor coach transportation to and from New York’s Theatre District and a ticket to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in either the front or rear orchestra area of the theatre Front Orchestra. Registration runs through May 31. Sunday, December 3, 8 a.m.
to 9 p.m. Bus departs from the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street, Allentown Price (front orchestra): $225, $175/JCC members Price (Rear orchestra): $175, $150/JCC members To register, or for more information, please contact Tracy Sussman at 610-435-3571 or go online at www.lvjcc.org/charlie.
Art Gallery:
n Ken and Sue Berkenstock and Barbara Kozero May 18-June 30
The Art Gallery at the JCC will feature glass creations by Ken and Sue Berkenstock and mosaics/mixed media by Barbara Kozero. The exhibit runs from May 18 through June 30. All art Stagemakers
gallery openings at the JCC are free and open to the public. Enjoy refreshments and live music while perusing the artwork. Opening reception is Thursday, May 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street, Allentown n Monthly Crafts Class for Adults May 18 & June 15 Join other adults for a fun and creative hands-on project each month at the J. Classes will be taught by Stephanie Bennett. Details about each month’s project will be posted online at www. lvjcc.org/crafts before each class. Advance registration is required. Walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Thursday, May 18 and Thursday, June 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street Allentown Price: $7/class To register or for more information, please call 610-4353571 or visit www.lvjcc.org/crafts.
Stagemakers Youth Theater
n Presents “Fame Jr.” May 18-28 Stagemakers Youth Theater will present their spring musical, “Fame Jr.” Updated for younger audiences, “Fame Jr.” is set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts in the early 1980s. “Fame Jr.” is the bittersweet, but ultimately inspiring, story of a diverse group of students who commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. Showtimes: Thursday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $11/Children, $15/Adults JCC Member Ticket Price: $8/ Children, $11/Adults Call 610-435-3571 for information and tickets, or go online at www. lvjcc.org/stagemakers. Discounts may be available for groups of 10 or more. SUMMER 2017
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Circus Camp at the J
Arts Camp Open Houses May 21
This event is free and open to the public. Bring your friends and family and learn about each of our camps at the JCC. Two open houses will be held simultaneously at our two locations for the various summer camps. The Camp JCC and Adventurers Travel Camp open house will be held at our Center Valley campsite. The Stagemakers Theater Camp and Circus Camp open house will be held at the JCC main building. Sunday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street Camp JCC in Center Valley, 5831 Vera Cruz Road, Center Valley For more information or to RSVP, please contact Brenda Finberg at 610-435-3571.
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n Stagemakers Theater Camp 2017 School House Rock Monday, June 19 - Friday, July 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages: 5 – 14 n Honk Jr. Monday, July 24 - Friday, August 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages: 5 – 14 Get rockin’ with the JCC’s first theater camp of the summer. Bring your friends and family and enjoy three weeks of fun up on stage learning songs and choreography from the hit show School House Rock. Then join the J for three
more exciting weeks, as campers learn musical numbers and dance routines from the quirky and adorable show, Honk Jr. Final performances are held at the end of each camp. Scenes will be written specifically for campers to be a star. Improv games will be introduced into the acting portion of the camp. Campers help with the set design and building, costumes, and props. Each day campers have an hour of swim in our indoor heated pool. Every week the group has a BBQ cookout. To register or for more information, please contact Brenda Finberg at 610-435-3571 or visit www.lvjcc.org/theatercamp.
Circus Camp at the J July 17 - July 24
This is the second year that Circus Camp is running at the JCC, but its first year as a standalone specialty camp. Operating since 1982, “Circus of the Kids” travels throughout North America to schools, summer camps, and resorts, teaching children circus skills. Campers will also have the opportunity to participate in regular camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, and outside activities at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley. July 17 - July 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street Ages: 6 - 14 To register or for more information, please contact Brenda Finberg at 61610-435-3571 or visit www.lvjcc.org/circuscamp. n
Stop by The Udder Bar for ice cream and more Mike and Hayley De Long have been madly in love with ice cream for over 20 years. The Lower Macungie Township couple enjoys making it, eating it, just being around it. “It makes people happy, it’s fun to do, and it’s inexpensive,” Mike says. They love going to the Jersey shore, too, and feasting on boardwalk goodies like cotton candy, fudge, popcorn and – of course – ice cream. The De Longs also had a dream of someday opening their own small business. Eventually, all the pieces – fun at the beach, ice cream and other treats, combined with an itch to be their own bosses – clicked into place. And so was born “The Udder Bar,” an emporium of super-premium ice cream, popcorn, baked goods and beverages that opened in May at 1852 West Allen Street, next to
Sleepy Cat Urban Winery. “I grew up in the West End,” Hayley says. “I went to Muhlenberg Elementary, Trexler Middle School and Allen High School. And I spent a lot of time at Sal’s Pizza and Carvel [the current site of “Paint ’n Party”]. Mike was raised in Allentown, too. When we decided to start the business, we both knew the West End was the perfect place for it. We both adore this area. It’s quaint, charming and rich in culture.” The shop offers 16 flavors of hand-dipped hard ice cream, including the usual chocolate, vanilla and strawberry – but also venturing off the path a bit with rum raisin, birthday cake, moose tracks and salted caramel pretzel. “We’ll also have seasonal flavors from time to time,” Mike says, “like eggnog or pumpkin.” They also offer vanilla, chocolate and “swirl” soft-serve, and eight
Photo by Jane Geist Photography
NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
flavors of Philadelphia Water Ice, ranging from mango and chocolate chip to root beer and strawberry lemonade. You’ll find plenty of other diet-busters, too. While shore points might be content with plain old cotton candy, the Udder Bar’s will come in some wild flavors: bananaNutella, strawberry shortcake, cookies ’n cream, even pineapplehabanero for the chili-heads. “We also have cupcakes, homemade chocolate-dipped marshmallows, chocolate chip cookies, fudge and Fisher’s popcorn, the same brand you find in Ocean City and Rehoboth Beach,” Hayley says. Perhaps the Udder Bar’s most novel treat is “waffle nachos” – a plateful of Liege Belgian waffle chips, covered with soft-serve ice cream and drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauces. “We make
all of our waffles to-order and onsite,” Mike says, “with pearl sugar and an authentic waffle iron from Belgium.” The De Longs also plan to hold fundraisers, such as the “Udderly Grateful Sundae of the Month,” icecream reward coupons for teachers’ use, and others. You can get details about them when you stop in. And you know you will! n The Udder Bar 1852 W. Allen Street theudderbar.com 484 221-8653 Hours: Sunday – Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday – Saturday, noon to 10:30 p.m.
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If you want to look good without emptying your wallet (and who doesn’t?), then stop in at the Resurrected Consignment shop at 514 North St. Cloud Street, near Jimmy’s Barbershop. Owner Shannon AtiyehDowntain said her shop specializes in high-quality, brand-name clothing for women (and a bit for men, too). “I stock everything from casual activewear to formal outfits,” she said. “Tons of prom gowns, cocktail dresses, mother-ofthe-bride dresses, jeans, shorts, designer shoes, handbags…you name it.” Resurrected’s stock comes from well-known names, including Calvin Klein, Versace, and others. Most of the items are gently-worn, and some are brand-new, complete with their original (high) price tags! “Much of this clothing would have been just tossed out, or donated to a charity. I’m kind of recycling it – providing good quality garments to people who might not be able to afford them otherwise.” But the high quality belies her pricing points. “Typically, you can find a top here for five or six dollars, or up to $50,” she said. “And my most expensive gown right now, which features sequins, beading and other embellishments, is $150. You can find a great prom gown for $100.” Though her stock of men’s wear is limited, she carries a wide range of sizes. “Slacks come in waist sizes of 28” to 44”; I carry dress
shirts from neck sizes 15-1/2 to 18, and casual shirts up to XXL,” she said. You can also browse through other unusual items – some mintin-box Barbies, Longaberger baskets, and various hot sauces and barbecue rubs. “I also have a large collection of retired Lladro porcelain figurines. So if you’re missing a piece, I might have it!” she said. Why did she name her shop “Resurrected?” “I’ve battled multiple sclerosis for 30 years,” she said, “and I’ve experienced some severe side effects from it. I have a degree in neuromuscular therapy and worked in the field for 10 years, but the physical demands became too much for me and I eventually went on disability. Now I’m striving to create my own workplace, and I feel reborn. “I’m also ‘resurrecting’ this clothing and giving it a second life,” she added. Even the store’s mascot – a curiously stitched humanoid figure – continues the theme. “My late brother, Scott Atiyeh, was a resident artist at the Banana Factory and an art teacher at Salisbury High School,” she said. That was my favorite piece, and he gave it to me. And now I feel he’s at the store with me every day.” Shannon is currently accepting spring and summer on consignment (with a 50/50 split on each sale), but will switch to coolweather apparel in late August. The West End is a perfect
Photos by Jane Geist Photography
Resurrected Consignment delivers high-end fashion
location for her. She was born and raised here, and has known many of the local neighborhood business owners for years. “And everyone around here has been wonderful to me,” she said. “The staffs of Wert’s, TDS Technologies, Jimmy’s and other businesses have been amazingly welcoming and helpful. It’s been like coming home again.” n
Resurrected Consignment 514 North St. Cloud Street 484-221-8281 www.facebook.com/ ResurrectedConsignmentStore Hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ON THE MOVE
Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Lawrence Roth Salon relocating Lafayette Ambassador Bank’s branch at 19th and Allen is relocating to a brand-new facility at 1928 Hamilton Street. That’s the development that also houses Big Woody’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts. Spokesperson Laura Wakeley said the bank’s continued growth prompted the move.The larger 10 WEST END LIVING
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building will feature some technological improvements, as well as an attached drive-up window; the current location’s drive-up is physically separated from the rest of the operation. Wakeley added that the new facility is scheduled to open midto-late summer.
Lawrence Roth Salon & Day Spa will soon say goodbye to its long-time spot at 1741 Liberty Street, and move into larger quarters at 619 North 19th Street, the former location of TC Salon and Spa. Co-owner Jason Roth said “We’ve outgrown the old place, and just needed more space to
properly serve our customers. It also lets us nestle deeper into the West End Theatre District.” He added that “Everything that made it ‘Roth’ before will be intact as we carry on Larry’s vision.” The new facility is expected to open in late May. n
NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
New Tripoli-based Eight Oaks Craft Distillers are offering their small-batch, super-premium American vodka, Colonial rum, applejack and American gin at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers’
Market. The company, founded by Chad Butters and Jesse Tyahla, uses locally produced grains, molasses and apples, and copper-pot distillation to create artisan spirits with rich, complex flavors. n
Photos by Jane Geist Photography
Eight Oaks and New Haircut Barbershop, Inc.
Welcome to Nathan Paulino and the crew of the New Haircut barber shop, which provides contemporary cuts and styles– including fades, undercuts, cutin hair designs and more -- to
men and children. It’s located at 1905 Allen St., and is open seven days a week, from 8 AM to 8 PM. Prices range from $10 to $20. Call 610-435-1010 for details. Spanish/ English spoken. n
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PICNIC RECIPES
Add local flavors to your Summer Picnic As the weather warms, why not consider an old-fashioned picnic? Here are a big handful of recipes that are easy to make; need no on-site cooking; and travel well. Pack ‘em up, find a sunny patch of grass, and you’re set!
Sangria
1 orange, thinly sliced and seeded 1 lemon, same way 1 pt. strawberries, stemmed and sliced in half 1 peach, peeled, stoned and sliced 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and sliced 1 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Cointreau or Triple Sec) 3 Tbsp. plain brandy 1 bottle Spanish red wine, like Rioja, or another dry red Directions: Place all fruit in a bowl. Add sugar and both spirits, then mix it well. Allow to steep in refrigerator for about two hours, stirring occasionally. Transfer fruit and juices to a large pitcher, add wine and stir to mix well. Keep in refrigerator about an hour so flavors can mingle. Serve over ice with fruit in each glass. “Dad Cooks Up a Party,” by Bob Sloan. © 1996 by Macmillan. WEST END LIVING Tip: Shop for wine at Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery. Find fruits at Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market stands, such as Bedway’s Fresh Fruits, Berghold Produce and Red Barn Produce.
Rum Punch
1 cup orange juice 1 cup grapefruit juice 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1 cup dark (not gold) rum 1/2 cup brandy Directions: Mix all ingredients, and stir well with plenty of ice. Makes one quart. “Dad Cooks Up a Party,” by Bob Sloan. © 1996 by Macmillan.
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WEST END LIVING Tip: Look for fruit juices at the Allentown Fairgrounds Grocery Store. Try applejack from Eight Oaks Craft Distillers instead of brandy.
Add lemon juice. Stir well. Pour strawberry lemon mixture and cold water into a large pitcher. Stir well and add ice. Pour into glasses and top with chopped strawberries and a lemon slice. VARIATION: Spike it with vodka, tequila, and even lemon flavored rum WEST END LIVING Tip: You can always find plenty of fruits at Bedway’s Fresh Fruits, Berghold Produce and Red Barn Produce. Eight Oaks Craft Distillers offers vodka and rum.
SIDES Photo by istock/pilipphoto
DRINKS
Strawberry Lemonade
(6-8 servings) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 medium lemons) 6 cups cold water ice 1 cup strawberries, chopped for topping lemon slice, for garnish Directions: In a small sauce pan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Place strawberries into a food processor or blender and process/ blend until smooth. Pour pureed strawberries into the sugar water.
Classic Macaroni Salad
(serves 10) 4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 2/3 cup white sugar 2-1/2 Tbsps. prepared yellow mustard 1-1/2 tsps. salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 1 large onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup grated carrot (optional) 2 Tbsps. chopped pimento peppers (optional) Directions: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in the onion, celery, green pepper, carrot, pimentos and macaroni. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, but preferably overnight. http://allrecipes.com
WEST EN D LIVING Tip: Shop lo cal at th Allentow n Fairgrou e nds Farmers M arket!
Barbecued Succotash
(Serves 4) 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive or vegetable oil 1/2 red onion, chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (10-ounce) box frozen corn Salt and pepper 1/4 cup smoky barbecue sauce 2 tsps. chopped chives, parsley or cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional) Directions: Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add onions and peppers and sauté 5 minutes. Add beans and corn and season with salt and pepper. When corn heats through, add barbecue sauce. Stir to combine and serve succotash with chopped chives, parsley or cilantro to garnish. http://www.foodnetwork.com/ recipes/rachael-ray/barbecuedsuccotash-recipe
High Country Barbecue Beans
(Serves 8) 1 15-ounce can pork’n’beans 1 15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1/2-lb. thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped 2 cups smoked ham, diced 1 large green pepper, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 small Fresno chile pepper, minced (including seeds) 1 cup light brown sugar 1/2-cup barbecue sauce 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
Photo by istock/stephen barnes
Directions: Dump all ingredients into a large baking pan and mix well. Bake covered at 350° for about one hour; stir, and continue to bake UNCOVERED at 200° for another hour or until raw vegetables are tender. Add a bit of water if it gets too dry. “Cook Like a Man” ©Phillip Morris USA, 2004
Muffaletta Sandwiches
The New Orleans version of a sub. Olive Salad: 1 cup each pitted green and black olives, coarsely chopped 1 Tbsp. tiny capers 1/3 cup diced (1/4 inch) roasted red bell pepper 1/4 cup diced (1/4 inch) celery, with leaves 2 tsps. chopped flat-leaf parsley 2 teaspoons finely minced garlic 2 Tbsps. red-wine vinegar 2 Tbsps. olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Sandwich: 1 round loaf of peasant-style bread (about 7 inches in diameter, 5 inches high), halved crosswise, insides pulled out 4 ounces each thinly sliced Genoa salami and mortadella 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese Directions: Prepare the Olive Salad ahead of time: Combine all the ingredients and set aside in the refrigerator for 4 hours or longer. Assemble the sandwich: Spread half of the Olive Salad on the bottom half of the bread. Layer with salami, provolone and mortadella, then top with the
remaining Olive Salad. Cover with the top of the bread, weight it down and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let stand for 1 hour. Unwrap, cut into 6 wedges, using a serrated knife, then wrap them for the road. www.epicurious.com/ WEST END LIVING Tip: Get your Italian goodies from David’s Italian Market, and look for bread at the Amish Village Bake Shop or The Bread Brokers.
Oven-fried Chicken
2-1/2 to 3 lbs. bone-in chicken pieces (legs, breasts or combo) 1 large egg, beaten with a little water 2 cups well-seasoned bread crumbs Cooking spray Directions: Remove skin and fat from chicken, then cut each leg into two pieces. Dip chicken pieces in beaten egg, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs. Place chicken pieces in lightly greased baking dish, in a single layer. Spray coated pieces until they are moist (this light coating of oil helps make chicken crispy), then bake at 375º about 1 hour. Do not turn. VARIATION: substitute crushed potato chips (plain or flavored) for the crumbs, but do not use cooking spray. Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, 1976 edition WEST END LIVING Tip: Get your chicken from Mr. Bill’s or the Fairgrounds Poultry Market.
Rolled smoked turkey and cheddar cheese sandwiches
12 12-inch soft flour tortillas 4 oz. jarred cranberry sauce 4 oz. honey mustard 2 pounds smoked turkey, thinly sliced 1/2-lb. cheddar cheese, thinly sliced 12 large leaves of romaine lettuce, cleaned Directions: Lay out six tortillas on a clean counter. Working quickly – so the tortillas don’t dry out – lightly spread them with a thin layer of either cranberry sauce or honey mustard, and then cover each with a single, even layer of smoked turkey. Arrange two slices of cheese across the bottom third of the turkey and top with a lettuce leaf. Roll up the tortilla, and then cut (on on angle) into three pieces. Set the pieces, seam-side down in a plastic container. When you complete a layer, cover it with a sheet of plastic wrap. Repeat the process, using the remaining ingredients. “Dad Cooks Up a Party,” by Bob Sloan. © 1996 by Macmillan. WEST END LIVING Tip: Look for smoked turkey at S. Clyde Weaver’s or Stoltzfus Amish Deli Shop and for cheddar at Wittman’s World Cheeses.
Orange Creamsicle Pie
(makes two pies) 1 8-oz. package of cream cheese 1 16-oz tub frozen dessert topping, thawed 1 cup orange juice 1 package vanilla instant pudding 1 package orange gelatin 2 graham cracker (or chocolate cookie) crusts Directions: Allow cream cheese to soften thoroughly. Mix pudding, gelatin and orange juice in a small bowl. Let it rest 5 minutes.
Blend softened cream cheese and thawed topping in a large bowl. Thoroughly stir the juice/pudding/ gelatin mixture and add it to the cream cheese/topping. Use an electric mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy. Divide this mixture between the two crusts. Garnish with darkchocolate shavings, orange zest or similar. Refrigerate at least three hours before serving. Can also be served frozen. www.food.com
Chocolate Fudge Brownies
7 oz. low-fat cream cheese, softened ½ tsp. vanilla extract 1 generous cup superfine sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup butter 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa ¾ cup self-rising flour, sifted 1/3 cup chopped pecans Fudge frosting 4 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. milk 2/3-cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa Directions: Beat together the cheese, vanilla extract, and 5 teaspoons of superfine sugar, then set aside. Beat the eggs and remaining superfine sugar together until light and fluffy. Place the butter and cocoa in a small pan and heat gently, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture combines, then stir it into the egg mixture. Fold in the flour and nuts. Pour half of the brownie mixture into a lightly greased 8-inch square shallow cake pan, and smooth the top. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over it, then cover with the remaining brownie mixture. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes and cool in the pan. To make the frosting, melt the butter in the milk. Stir in the sugar and cocoa. Using a spatula, spread the frosting over the brownies. Let the frosting set, and then cut brownies into squares. Chocolate, © 2006 Paragon Books n
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STUDENTS OF NOTE
Congratulations on a “noteworthy” 2016-17 school year! Jaden Barr 8th Grade Trexler Middle School
Milani Brown Kindergarten Muhlenberg Elementary School
Jaden is in National Junior Honor Society, and is active in Trexler’s Theatre Arts club. He’s appearing in our musical this year, “Aladdin.” You can count on this caring, mature young man to encourage his peers. In addition to serving on Student Council, Jaden’s amazing speaking voice is heard school-wide every day -- he does our morning and afternoon announcements!
Muhlenberg Elementary student Milani Brown is in Mrs. Thompson’s kindergarten class, and is already showing great promise. Milani is a very hard-working, conscientious and curious student who wants to learn more about the world around her. She’s knows how to apply simple math concepts in real life situations, and often picks out the cylinders, spheres and other shapes that form objects out on the playground. Milani is a great reader and is very thoughtful about what she
Jaden Barr
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Milani Brown
reads. Her writing is very neat and she is an excellent speller. Milani aspires one day to be a doctor and to help others. Milani is always a kind friend, helping her classmates when they are down and encouraging others to do their best each day.
! e m i T g n Its' Spri
Come Out
Emma Marhefka 12th grade William Allen High School If ever there was a person who embodied the Allen spirit, it is senior Emma Marhefka. Throughout her time at Allen, Emma has maintained a perfect 4.0+ GPA and ranks number one in her class. She has been the lead actress in every Allen Spring musical since she has been an Allen student; served as president of her class for the past three years; and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society; and Mu Alpha Theta, our Mathematics Honor Society. Emma has dedicated much of her time to Allen’s chorus and Chorale groups, completing community service and acting as the Chorale’s choreographer for 10th, 11th and 12th grades. Emma will study vocal performance and theater. After applying to the University of Michigan, James Madison University, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and SUNY Potsdam, she will attend SUNY’s Crane School of Music. What stands out most about
&
Emma Marhefka
Emma is her personality. At first, she seems polite, quiet and shy. But once you get to know her, Emma’s fun-loving personality emerges – and she absolutely blossoms on stage! She is a powerhouse performer and has “wowed” many audiences. Last year, Emma won the Freddy Award for her lead role in “West Side Story.” She is a 2016 National Young Arts Foundation Merit Winner in the Voice/Soprano category – chosen from a pool of over 12,000 applicants! This spring, Emma took the stage as the lead role in “Bonnie and Clyde: the Musical.” With all of these accomplishments on paper, it still does not truly do Emma justice. Emma is well liked and respected by all and a pleasure to be around. n
SPORTSFEST
Save the date for Sportsfest Lehigh Valley Sportsfest – our area’s premier amateur athlete competition – rolls into town for its 20th annual tournament, July 13 – 16. This year’s event includes over two dozen sports, ranging from arm wrestling and ping-pong to power-lifting and hurling. There’s even a First Responder competition! The proceeds of Sportsfest benefit the community and inner-city youth. For example, capital purchases -- such as bleachers, dance floor, fencing, tables and chairs, roller hockey rinks, and portable baskets -are also used for the city of Allentown’ recreation activities. And Lehigh Valley Sportsfest has awarded a $1,000 scholarship for boys’ basketball since 2008. And part of the event’s proceeds go to inner-city sport programs and their volunteers. You can check out the full schedule of events by visiting www.sportsfest.org. n
Enjoy
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Office: (610) 770-9000 Barb: (610) 360-9543, harriesbarb@gmail.com Tara: (610) 703-1561, tara@welcomehomelehighvalley.com CRS, ABR, SRS, Platinum Club 2013-2016 SUMMER 2017
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JFS FOOD BANK
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: The Jewish Family Service Food Pantry An active food pantry operates right in the heart of the West End Theatre District. You’ll find it at 2004 West Allen Street, inside the offices of Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley. “We see approximately 125 families per month,” said Rebecca Axelrod-Cooper, LSW, the JFS community impact coordinator. More people are vulnerable to food insufficiencies than you might think, she added, pointing out that people in minimum-wage or low-wage jobs, those on fixed incomes, and families headed by single females often can’t make their checks stretch far enough. Clients visit the pantry by appointment only and select the items they want from the pantry’s inventory. Axelrod-Cooper said this is the trending model for food supplementation, rather than
simply handing over a box of miscellaneous foodstuffs – items that might not be wanted and thus possibly later discarded. “They take just enough food to last a few days,” she said. “We’re a supplementary program, so no one counts on us for their total food supply.” Admission to the program is a simple matter. It’s open to residents of ZIP code 18104, as well as to all members of Allentown’s Jewish community. The only other criterion is a signed “declaration of economic need.” The food pantry is located in a designated room that’s equipped with an industrial refrigerator and freezer for safe storage of perishables. Most of the food is ordered from the Second Harvest Food
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Bank, with the remainder coming from donations within the Jewish community. Pantry coordinator Rose Miller likes to think creatively, bringing in a variety of foods. “Sometimes Rose will find an item that’s useful, but might be too ‘pricey’ for our clients if they bought it themselves. This way, they’ll have some extra money to spend on other necessities,” Axelrod-Cooper said. The pantry also stocks some cleaning products, diapers, feminine products and similar goods. “These can be expensive,” she said, “and they’re not covered by SNAP. It’s another way we can help our clients make their money go further.” During the summer months, Monocacy Farm in Bethlehem provides in-demand fresh produce, such as carrots, kale and zucchini. Gardening neighbors can help by planting an extra row or two of fruits or vegetables, and donating the extra output to the JFS pantry. It’ll go fast. Although many community organizations lack sufficient workers, Axelrod-Coop said the food pantry has about a half-dozen
Fine Dining
dedicated volunteers that show up regularly and have forged good relationships with the clients. “This consistency makes a positive experience for the volunteer and the client,” she said. “It really helps to preserve our clients’ sense of dignity, something that’s very important to them and to us. If you’d like to help, AxelrodCooper said you can bring food to the JFS during its normal business hours, or bring it to the Jewish Community Center at 22nd and Tilghman Streets. “The JCC is also equipped with storage facilities,” she said. Her only stipulation is that you maintain quality. “We have often received expired goods, or halfempty boxes. Please don’t give us items that you wouldn’t want to receive yourself.” Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley 610-821-8722 racooper@jfslv.org Office hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pantry appointments: Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. n
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Art Historian DR. Christine Oaklander
Some say art is in the eye of the beholder. In the trained eyes of Dr. Christine Oaklander art can go from discarded to discovered. With a PhD in American Art History, the West Allentown resident works as an art historian and private consultant based in Allentown. She has curated art for galleries throughout the Lehigh Valley including the Allentown Art Museum, Lehigh Valley Health Network and the global pipe-coupling manufacturer, Victaulic. For more than 30 years, she’s cultivated an eye for finding valuable and often forgotten works. During a trip to the Allentown Paper Show in April of 2014, Oaklander rediscovered the works of a 19th century artist named Henry Grant Plumb. “I knew that I had found something very important the likes of which I have never found before,” said Oaklander. Stashed underneath an exhibitor’s table were boxes filled with hundreds of handwritten letters from the artist. Also inside were Plumb’s palette that still remains decorated with color, a battered box filled with brushes, oil and water color paints, his studio sign, sketchbooks filled with drawings, and his original works of art. “It’s unprecedented,” said Oaklander. “It’s a remarkable rediscovery and I am on this magic carpet ride to bring him back to life.” According to Oaklander, Plumb was born in 1847 in Sherburne, New York. He established a successful career in New York City as a painter, printmaker and teacher at Cooper Union College. He died in 1930. “Henry was brilliant and funny and kind and just a unique character,” said Oaklander. “He did a number of water colors, drawings, he did oils of mice and cats.” Some of the letters in Oaklander’s collection were 18 WEST END LIVING
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Photo by Jeff Frederick, PBS39 WLVT
Historian rediscovers lost works of art
heavily illustrated and depict life during the time period. In one letter, Plumb writes about seeing Abraham Lincoln’s funeral procession in New York. “I have those letters, that’s living history,” said Oaklander. “For me, reading these documents which some people may think ‘Oh what a bore’, they’re dusty, they’re creased, it’s hard to read…I
get incredible excitement,” said Oaklander. With a donation from her parents, Oaklander purchased Plumb’s estate for $28,000. With her archival and restoration work, she currently values it at about $200,000. “I don’t think learning something needs to be boring and so what I try to do with the
material I have is to share what I have,” said Dr. Oaklander. Since re-discovering Plumb, Dr. Oaklander has donated some of the archival materials and conducted lectures on his story. “I want people to know about him more,” said Oaklander. “I want them to enjoy this uniquely talented, humorous, funny man and to join me in that.” n Art historian Christine Oaklander, PhD, (above) has cultivated an eye for spotting valuable works of art. (left) A Henry Grant Plumb drawing, found by Christine Oaklander,PhD.
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MUHLENBERG COLLEGE Q&A
Talking “town and gown” with Muhlenberg College leaders “Town and gown” relationships are an important consideration in any college community. In Allentown, the West End residential district overlaps with Muhlenberg College in many ways. WEST END LIVING recently spoke with Dean of Students Allison Gulati, Director of Residential Services Jan Schumacher and Director of Campus Safety Brian Fidati about their perspectives on maintaining good relationships between students and neighbors. If an off-campus student asks you what s/he can do to maintain good towngown relations, what would you say?
Neighbors near the college are sometimes concerned with noise, parking and trash. What steps does the College take to help with all of this? Brian Fidati: We deal with these situations on an individual basis, generally through neighborhood meetings. If there’s a complaint about student behavior, we address it with an in-person meeting; we don’t just send a letter. AG: We’ve been working all year on a new strategic plan that speaks to the need to increase on-campus residential housing and parking. Those are long-term goals. In the short-term, we met each semester with off-campus representatives, and present them with lots of information up front, including a reminder that their ability to live
off-campus is contingent on their academic standing and conduct.
Allentown police – but it rarely escalates to that level. It can also be helpful to ask the city to contact landlords and do other sorts of follow-up. We’ve noticed a major difference between local and absentee landlords – the local owners seem more vested in the neighborhood than the others are. We’ve also been working with the neighbors and students to form community partnerships, and everyone has a role to play in them. Neighbors can have legitimate complaints – but it’s important to remember that students can have them, too. In addition, we’d like to see more students get involved with our neighborhood associations. There would be a sense of shared responsibilities, of working toward common goals.
Jan Schumacher: If you’re approved to live off-campus, it will be either in a landlord-owned, or a college-owned, property. Students are treated as adults; they sign the lease agreements, and must abide by those terms. If they don’t, their off-campus privileges can be revoked for the next academic year. If they’re in college-owned housing, their only option is to move back to the campus. What’s the best way for a neighbor to approach a difficulty with a student? AG: They should start out by talking to each other. We’ve found that neighborhood residents and students are good about responding to this. Once the college is aware, we will work with students and families if needed. If that doesn’t resolve the situation, they can follow up with
How does the college cooperate with Allentown police officers? BF: Much of it is jurisdictional. Campus security has authority over college-owned properties, but not private properties. If a serious situation arises, we encourage neighbors to call both Muhlenberg security and the Allentown police. Each can support the other, depending on the particular circumstances. For example, one of our officers might see a developing situation at a privately owned residence and call it into the APD. And the Allentown police can help us keep an eye on things in the same way. Photo by STEVE KAUFFMAN, PBS39 WLVT
Allison Gulati: Treat your neighbors the way you’d treat your parents or neighbors at home. Introduce yourself. Be mindful of their property and yours, and the way it looks. Take care of
your trash. If you have guests, introduce them, too, and always be respectful.
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Any final words? BF: Just recently, some of the more active or more vocal residents have spoken up at neighborhood meetings. And their comments have generally been favorable, they’re acknowledging the improvements we’ve made in the past several months. n
Schlossberg Column
Representative Schlossberg: Free Credit Reports, Trout Stocking Schedules Available Comsumer Protection: Get Your Free Credit Report As your state representative, my office receives many calls about how consumers can get credit reports. These reports can have an impact on employment and your ability to buy a home, car or insurance. Thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to receive a free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) every 12 months. You can order your credit report from all three credit agencies at the same time or spread those requests over the
Three free ways to get your credit report 1) Online at www.annualcreditreport.com. 2) By Phone at 1-877-322-8228. 3) By mail, just print out the form available online and send it to: Annual Credit Report Request Services, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281. My office also has these forms available course of the year to better monitor your credit. These reports will not include your credit score. Be cautious of websites that claim to offer free credit reports. Some of these sites will only give you a free report if you buy other products or services. Others give you a free report and then bill you
for services you have to cancel. When you apply online, you should be aware that you will be asked questions for security reasons. As always, if you have questions about this or any governmental service, please don’t hesitate to connect me.
Outdoor Trout Season 2017 Stocking Guides and Fishing Booklets Available My office has 2017 Trout Stocking Schedules for Lehigh and Northampton Counties and PA Fishing Regulations and Law booklets available. Stop by to pick up copies. Information is also available online at www. fishandboat.com and on Facebook. com/PaFishandBoat.
Representative Mike Schlossberg
Stay Connected My office is located at 2030 W Tilghman Street and is open Monday through 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: facebook.com/RepSchlossberg Twitter: twitter.com/RepSchlossberg
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The holiday we now celebrate as Memorial Day was called “Decoration Day” when it was established just after the Civil War, by the Grand Army of the Republic. As Memorial Day 2017 approaches, neighborhood historian Ron Epstein fittingly tells us about Ignatz Gresser, an Allentown cobbler turned Civil War hero. Gresser came to the United States from Germany in 1851, at the age of 15. The Lehigh Valley’s strong German roots appealed to him, and he eventually settled in Allentown, where he plied his trade as a shoemaker. “In 1861, as the Civil War as developing, Gresser joined the Allen Infantry, a militia commanded by Capt. Thomas Yeager,” Ron said. “When President Lincoln called for troops, that group set out to defend Washington, D. C.” The Allen Infantry later became part of the First Defenders. As they marched through Maryland, Gresser’s unit encountered Confederate sympathizers, who pelted the soldiers with rocks, bricks and
bottles. One of those missiles damaged Gresser’s ankle and left him with a limp. (That was as close to combat as he got during his original 90-day enlistment.) The soldiers were greeted on their arrival in Washington by the president himself. A year later, he re-enlisted as a corporal in the 128th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment., and arrived in Maryland in time for the battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862 – later called the bloodiest battle in the history of the world at that time. “Gresser arrived on the battlefield at 2 a.m.,” Ron said, “and his unit charged at 6:30 through the woods into a cornfield where the enemy lay in wait.” These were rookie troops, with minimal training and no battlefield experience. “Despite the bullets whizzing all around him, Gresser captured two rebel soldiers. As he was marching them back to his outpost, a voice called out to him for help. It was another Allentonian from the 128th, William H. Sowden. “Gresser put the Rebs under guard, and then returned to the scene.”
From Gresser’s own account, he found Sowden near the rebel lines, with a bad leg wound. As the battle raged around them, Gresser was able to carry Sowden to safety, That act of bravery earned Gresser the Medal of Honor. Sowden later served two terms in the U. S. House of Representatives. Gresser’s award proves that government has always moved slowly. “He was supposed to receive the Medal of Honor right after the Civil War ended – but he didn’t get it until he was 65 years of age!” Ron said. After the war ended, he returned to his shoemaking business, and
later worked in a shoe factory. He married and had a daughter. “For the rest of his life, Gresser never missed a reunion of the First Defenders. And he was a firm believer that, if the U. S. was ever at war, young men should enlist in the armed forces, and not
wait to be drafted. When World War I began in 1917, he was 82 years old – and still stopped young men in the streets of Allentown, urging them to enlist,” he added. In June 1919, Gresser rode in the victory parade that celebrated the end of hostilities. He died a few months later, and is buried in Allentown at the Union West End cemetery. But the story doesn’t end here. Ron may have had a close encounter with the old boy! “In 2006, I was on a nighttime walking tour of local Civil War graves – including Gresser’s -with some friends. My flashlight’s batteries were weak, so it didn’t project a lot of light,” Ron said.
“When the guide stopped at Gresser’s gravesite, I told the whole group that Gresser was the greatest local hero of the Civil War. Suddenly, my flashlight blazed to full power, and stayed that way until the tour ended. “I like to think it was his way of saying ‘Thanks for remembering me!’” n
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St. Patricks 5K
Where is it?
By June 1, 2017. One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries. Congratulations to Susan Smith, winner of our spring contest!
Photo by Jane Geist Photography
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
Runners get festive in the West End St. Patrick’s Day 5K
West End Important Numbers Ambulance: 9-1-1 Animal Control: 610-437-7535 City Information Desk: 610-439-5999 Code Enforcement: 610-437-7661 Code Enforcement - Rental Licensing: 610-437-7694 Community Problems (neighbor disputes): 610-437-7773 Crime Prevention Unit: 610-437-7719 Emergency Medical Services (non-emergency): 610-437-7751 Emergency Medical Services (paramedics): 610-437-7531 Fire: 9-1-1 Graffiti Busters: 610-437-8729 Graffiti in Progress: 9-1-1 Housing Compliance/Inspections: 610-437-7697 Leaf Pickup: 610-437-7638 Mayor Ed Pawlowski: 610-437-7546 Noise Complaints: 610-437-7751 Police Calls (emergency): 9-1-1 Police Calls (non-emergency): 610-437-7751 Police - Vice Unit: 610-437-7726 Rental Unit Inspections: 610-437-7695 Sewer Back-up: 610-437-7639 Sewer Emergencies (after hours): 610-437-7751 State Representative Michael Schlossberg: 610-821-5577 Street Lights: 610-437-7735 SWEEP (Bureau of Recycling and Solid Waste): 610-437-8729 Vacant Property Issues: 610-437-7694 Zoning: 610-437-7630 Zoning Violations: 610-437-4360 24 WEST END LIVING
SUMMER 2017
PhotoS by Jane Geist Photography
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