SUMMER 2022
www.westendallentown.com
Volume 8, Number 2
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Long-time readers of West End Living will probably recognize a common theme threading through the years: we live in a very walkable neighborhood. Pharmacies, restaurants, jewelry stores, theatres, corner bars, the Farmers Market…all that and much more are just short hikes away. And the tree-lined streets and nearby grassy parks are perfect settings for relaxing strolls. We talked to several Theatre District residents about the ways they take advantage of this enviable resource. Damien Brown, a former member of the West End Alliance board, is a lunchtime walker. “I usually spend 4 days a week working from home. Being inside so much can get uncomfortable, so I feel fortunate to live in the West End. At lunchtime, I take advantage of the neighborhood and really stretch my legs after sitting behind a computer for hours. “Sometimes, I’ll have a specific goal; I might walk to O’Brien’s Really Good Food Company and order lunch, walk some more,
Kate Christein
PHOTO COURTESY OF KATE CHRISTEIN
Our Wonderfully Walkable West End
and return to pick up my order. Thursdays and Fridays, I’ll go to the Farmers market to pick up some weekend groceries, grab some coffee at Heffelfinger’s, and enjoy running into old friends or new acquaintances,” he said. “At other times, I’ll simply check out the residential areas and observe investments that homeowners have made – new porch furniture, or new sidewalks, for example. The Muhlenberg campus offers a lot of natural beauty, and I can also stop at Jay’s Local or the Liberty Tavern. There are so many things I can do without using a car.” IN THIS ISSUE 1 Walkable West End 2 Bonnie’s Flower Boutique 3 Adult Education 4 Little Libraries 5 QNB Banking News
Kate Christein has lived in the West End for 15 years and has been walking “forever.” She sees the Theater District as a growing neighborhood, because “Every time we go out, we run into someone pushing a stroller. That’s a sign that a lot of kids are coming up,” she said. Favored paths are through the alleys, especially when the family dog – a mix of golden retriever and Pyrenean Mountain dog – is along with their three-year-old boy and infant girl. “Our son is very social,” she adds. “He recognizes where this adult friend lives, where that young pal lives. He knows people in all parts of our neighborhood.” Christein often livens up their walks by playing on her son’s curiosity. “I’ll ask him to see how many flags he can find, or how many holiday decorations. Allen St. is wonderful for doing that,” she said. And she agrees that the Theatre District is loaded with convenient amenities. “We can walk, jog or bike-ride to a coffee shop, grocery store, café, restaurants and the Farmers Market. In fact, I sometimes challenge myself to going a whole day, or even several days, without using a car. And I can do it!” There are plenty of adventures in the West End, and they can begin as soon as you walk out your front door. 6 St. Luke’s Pediatric’s 7 Ron’s Ramblings 8 Focus on the Arts 10 Jimmy’s Barbershop 10 World of Food Update 10 LatinaFM Radio
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE KUNKLE
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Debbie & Cherie in West Park
Debbie Kunkle, who works in the Phoebe Home’s occupational health/employee health department, is another noon walker. For years, she and a colleague spent their lunch breaks walking along Chew St. toward Muhlenberg College – an easy 10 minutes out and 10 minutes back. But since they signed up for Allentown’s “Million Clicks for Million Hearts” fitness program, they’ve regularly headed to West Park. “It’s the perfect place to go,” she says. “It’s so pretty there, and we usually find people reading on (continued on page 2)
11 Pet Groomer 12 St. Pat’s 5K 13 Students of Note 14 Remembering Greg Wert 15 Schlossberg Report 15 Where Is It? SUMMER 2022
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FLORIST UPDATE
Walkable West End
Bonnie’s Flower Boutique Arrangements for Many Occasions
benches, kids playing on the stage, or people walking their dogs. West Park is really a hidden gem in the West End.” She added that Phoebe itself encourages walking – one loop around the campus measures 0.4 mile, and there’s an indoor track as well.
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
The previous issue of West End Living inadvertently missed a long-standing neighborhood florist. We apologize for the oversight.
Bonnie’s Flower Boutique, at 524 N. St. Cloud St. has been around since 1985. The shop began in the Egypt/Whitehall area in1985, but owner Bonnie Schneck and her family later relocated the business to the West End of Allentown because of personal circumstances. “We were friends with Fred and Connie Wert,” she said, “and we set up the shop in a space behind the restaurant. We were there for about a dozen years. We moved to our present location about six years ago; it offered a lot more space for inventory and storage,” Schneck said. Although Bonnie’s Flower Boutique produces arrangements for many occasions – anniversaries, birthday, sympathy expressions – the shop is perhaps best known for its funeral home work. “I take special care with those jobs,” she said, “because they represent such special messages.” She can provide practically 2 WEST END LIVING
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anything from casket sprays to “set pieces” – arrangements that form specific shapes, such as a cross. And they accommodate special requests whenever possible. “I’ve made arrangements with football, baseball, Army and Navy themes. In fact, I once duplicated a person’s car in flowers.” Schneck said most personal arrangements (birthdays, for example) start at $45-$50, while funeral pieces begin at $75. “I can’t provide an upper limit, simply because I’m committed to providing exactly what my customers want,” she said. Bonnie’s Flower Boutique, Inc. 524 N. St. Cloud St. Allentown (610) 841-3644 HOURS Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weds.: 9 a.m. - noon Sat.: 8 a.m. - noon n
Karen and Anthony Kikulski enjoy regular roadwork – she’s a daily runner, and he often enters the D&L Trail’s Half-Marathon (in the walking category), so it’s no surprise they often take to the streets of the West End. “We live in a third-floor condo,” she says, “and there’s no yard or garden or anything like that. So, we make it a point to get out for a brisk walk after work (we both have indoor jobs). “The neighborhood has so many sidewalks. I don’t envy people who live in communities that lack them. I feel safer when I walk because of them.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KIKULSKI’S
(continued from page 1)
Karen and Anthony Kikulski
There’s plenty to see on the evening trips – lots of attractive landscaping and plenty of wildlife – even foxes from time to time. “In the fall and spring, I often walk locally instead of taking a bike trip,” he says. “If it rains, I can get home pretty quickly.” Anthony also likes to walk from Muhlenberg College to the Rose Garden. “There’s a good path around the lake, and when I go back up the hill, I’m practically home.” 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
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.
Adult Education Opportunities at Cedar Crest and Muhlenberg Colleges In an ideal world, moving from high school to college is a smooth and natural progression. But for many people, life has a nasty habit of throwing things in their way: lack of funding, illness, family responsibilities and other day-to-day situations can throw education plans off-track. Resuming your quest for more knowledge as an adult may seem daunting, but we’re lucky to have two nearby colleges that offer programs tailored to the needs of older students. Let’s take a quick look. Muhlenberg College offers full four-year degrees, certificates and other non-credit programs. “We focus on mid-career professionals,” says Shane Baglini, marketing director for the school of continuing studies. “Those people are looking to take the next step in advancing their careers.” “Muhlenberg’s accelerated degree program enables adult learners to complete degrees in 24 months or less, in fields such as human resources, healthcare management and business administration,” Baglini said. Traditional undergraduate degrees are available for numerous other fields, such as psychology, accounting, and chemistry. Classes for them are generally held during evening and weekend hours. And if you already have a degree – but want to change career directions – Muhlenberg’s certification program might meet your needs. “For example, you might have a degree in accounting, but decide you really want to teach. You can take college-level classes in your new field, although without earning actual college credit, and receive a certificate that documents your accomplishment,” Baglini said. Adult learners will often find a different type of teacher there. Classes are often led by people who still work in that field, giving older students the benefit of their real-world experience.
There’s a different structure for adult-education tuition, Baglini adds. “You might earn credit for real-world learning, or take advantage of scholarships. Many employers offer business-related tuition reimbursement. And in some instances, you can pay per-course, rather than a flat fee for a semester,” he said. “Your tuition also gives you access to Muhlenberg’s career center and other services.” And don’t sell yourself short. Admission qualifications vary by program, “Don’t presume you can’t get in. Many people see Muhlenberg as a very selective school, and presume they won’t qualify. But that’s not necessarily true. There are many variables that can assist you, and you might be surprised to learn how accessible a Muhlenberg education can be,” he said. For more information about adult education opportunities at Muhlenberg College, visit Muhlenberg.edu/gce. Cedar Crest College offers 20 bachelor degree programs for adult learners, according to Dr. Erika Davis, vice president of enrollment and marketing. “These include nursing, education, social work, psychology, accounting and business,” she said. Most of these classes are available during evening hours, along with online and weekend formats. Undergraduate certificate programs include healthcare management, human resources management, crime and community mapping, child welfare and gerontology. Graduate certification fields include CPA; human resource management; management information systems; strategic leadership and analytics; early childhood education; English as a second language; reading specialist; special education; sports performance and many others. Davis added that Cedar Crest offers the only M.S. in crime science in the country. “Our students to get actual
PHOTO COURTESY OF MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
ADULT EDUCATION
field experience,” she said, and the school’s center for police innovation and community engagement works closely with the Allentown Police Department. If you’ve already made headway toward a degree, you can transfer up to 68 credits from a community college, and up to 90 from a fouryear school. “We take a high-touch approach,” Davis said, “and we can meet with you while you’re still enrolled at a community college and help guide you through the transition – making sure you receive maximum credit.
We want to help you build a pathway to success.” Cedar Crest offers tuition assistance, such as merit scholarships and grants, but also collaborates with local companies for tuition reimbursement and similar programs. Get more information about adult learning at Cedar Crest College by visiting https://www. cedarcrest.edu/sage/. And please note: this article is not exhaustive, and is meant for general-information purposes. For answers about your particular situation, contact the schools. n
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Little Free Libraries Abound in the West End in their place. That helps keep the inventory fresh and boosts other visitors’ chances of finding something they like. Book club member and Calvary Moravian Church Cindy Kelly former English teacher Cindy Kelly has one near her “I kept a little notebook inside, home in the 900 block of Ott St. so I could correspond with the “A business contact in the patrons. After a while, people Baltimore area encouraged me would see Tom outside and call to join the program,” Kelly said. out to him to thank me – by “When she closed her own Little name! – for the books. He had no Free Library, I obtained her idea who they were, but realized charter [an optional registration that they were actually using the with LFL] and created my own service,” she said. box. There are no set guidelines Calvary Moravian Church on for its appearance. Some are N. 21st St. prides itself on being a very whimsical, others are “neighborhood” church. straightforward. Some stewards “Many of our congregants live build mini-versions of their own within walking distance of the home.” church,” says Rev. Janel Rice, Her husband Tom was skeptical pastor, “so we focus on hyper-local of the whole concept – until he outreach as much as we can.” received unexpected feedback. That goal led to the installation of a LFL in 2018. “Dave Teel is one of our congregants, and he’s a good woodworker,” Rice said. “He jumped at the chance to build it – and he made it resemble the church itself.” The little library is well-used. “I often look through my office window and see people of all ages Join us in stopping for a book. Although the celebrating Allentown Public Library is great, not everyone has easy access to it,” our 5 year she said. anniversary Rice added that books come from member donations with giveaways (including her own), and many and specials! S A L O N children’s books come from the church’s “Reading Room” afterschool program. HAIRCUTS & STYLING y FACIALS As a professor of communication NAILS & PEDICURES y UP DOS arts and sciences at Penn State Lehigh Valley, and President/ EYELASH LIFT & EXTENSIONS y WAXING y MAKEUP board member of The Literacy We look forward to seeing you soon! Center, Nichola D. Gutgold has a keen interest in reading. “I’ve always loved books,” she said, “and was drawn to the Little Free Library concept after visiting one in Woodstock, New York. We’ve lived in the country, the 1741 Liberty Street, Allentown, PA 18104 suburbs and now the West End – www.s3salon.com which is the perfect place for one
If you walk, bike or drive through the West End, you’ve probably noticed pole-mounted boxes filled with an assortment of books. They’re actually part of a worldwide program to encourage literacy: the Little Free Library (LFL). Based in Hudson, Wisconsin, the non-profit organization’s mission is to build community, inspire readers and expand access to books. They’re especially valuable to communities that either lack an actual library or access to one. These little bookstops are open around the clock and available to everyone – no registration, no card, no fee required. Led by volunteer “stewards,” LFLs require just a small investment and minimal upkeep. Its operation is simple – if you take some books, put some others
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PHOTOS BY FAMILIES OF EACH LIBRARY
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Nichola D. Gutgold
because it’s so walkable.” She set hers up at her home in the 2600 block of Greenleaf St. about seven years ago, and the bright yellow LFL has become a popular neighborhood attraction. “Almost every day, we meet people who are visiting our library,” she said. One patron mentioned a lack of children’s books, so Gutgold put out a call on Facebook. Within a week, she’d received several boxes full. “Now, kids who are out with their parents or grandparents can return home with a free book!” She agrees that LFLs are practically self-sustaining. “I repaint it every year and check for water leaks. I also make sure it’s stocked with a good mix of topics, for various age levels. “I love being a small part of the global community of Little Free Libraries. It feels good and brings a lot of joy,” she said. Here’s a round-up of other Little Free Libraries in our area: Betsy’s Orange Library 1852 W. Chew St. Eunice Dodson 1718 W. Congress St. Linda Kubinsky 1620 W. Turner St. Little McLibrary 1602 N. 19th St. Connie Lott’s Library 1235 N. 27th St. UNIDOS “La Bodeguita Gratis” 1329 Hamilton St. For more information Little Free Libraries, visit littlefreelibrary.org The Literacy Center offers ESL, GED and workforce development programs, among others. Visit theliteracycenter-lv.org to learn more. n
BANKING NEWS
Designs by
Maria Anastasia
QNB Bank Celebrates its 145 Anniversary
PHOTOS COURTESY OF QNB BANK
Bring summer into your home or office with beautiful flowers!
This year, QNB is celebrating its 145 Anniversary. Our annual Founders’ Day Celebration is our way of thanking the community for its patronage and support. Join us, rain or shine, for an evening of fun on Wednesday, July 20, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Quakertown Community High School inside the Performing Arts Center. Parking will be available behind the High School in the lot on 5th Street. The night will include a performance by The Quakertown Band. Food and other entertainment will also be provided. Plus, enjoy an appearance by QNB’s youth banking mascot, QuiNBy the Savings Squirrel! Mark your calendar for this fun celebration. The Anniversary Celebration will continue Thursday, July 21, at all QNB Offices, with food and giveaways for all customers. QNB Bank takes pride in its 145year history of serving the local area as an independent community bank. Founded on July 21, 1877, QNB Bank was a company formed by a group of local merchants who wanted Quakertown to have a bank of its own to serve the community’s interests. Over the years, QNB Bank grew with the area and now serves customers from its 12 offices located throughout Bucks, Montgomery,
and Lehigh counties. Today, QNB is a full-service, customer-focused community bank that provides a broad range of deposit and loan products for businesses and consumers. What makes QNB special is our style of community banking, where customers work directly with financial professionals and have access to local decision-makers and leaders who live and work in our communities. QNB is large enough to support customers of all sizes and small enough to provide individualized attention. On 3/31/22, QNB assets were slightly over $1.6 billion, and its legal lending limit is just above $20 million.
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Serving the Allentown Market: In October of 2019, QNB opened its Allentown Office located at 535 North 19th Street to better serve the community of Allentown better. We invite you to experience QNB community banking at its best, where customers get the support they need for their banking and borrowing needs while enjoying exceptional, personalized attention and service. To learn more, check us out on the web at QNBBank. com, visit our Allentown Office, or any of the other eleven offices with bankers who are here to help you along your financial journey. n SUMMER 2022
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HEALTHY NEWS
St. Luke’s University Health Network has opened a new 37,500-square-foot Pediatric Specialty Center, the region’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to kids. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new center at 5425 Lanark Road in Center Valley, took place on May 4th. Many of St. Luke’s Pediatrics growing team of pediatric specialists will now be located under one roof at the three-story building. Conveniently located at 5425 Lanark Road off Route 309 near I-78, the Center has ample parking and is designed with children and families in mind. Each floor has a unique theme – Underwater, Animals of the World and Outer Space – to make kids comfortable. The Center, the new home to St. Luke’s Coopersburg Pediatrics,
will house multiple pediatric specialties, including: Behavioral Health Speech Therapy Nephrology Gastroenterology Cardiology Pulmonology Developmental Neurology Endocrinology Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Pediatric Primary Care Pediatric Nutrition At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tecile Andolino, MD, Pediatric Nephrologist and Medical Director of Pediatric Specialty Care, said, “I am overjoyed to now have so many specialties that will fill an entire building. This center allows our team to work even more collaboratively but, most
PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. LUKE’S
St. Luke’s Opens New Pediatric Specialty Center
importantly, parents will enjoy the convenience of having most of their child’s specialists in one location.” St. Luke’s has invested in growing its pediatrics and pediatric specialty program through the addition of experienced, compassionate providers and convenient locations. In 2020, St. Luke’s opened its eight-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, providing advanced care to critically ill children close to home. The Network also recently announced its membership to the
Children’s Hospital Association, a national organization of hospitals and health systems committed to pediatric health care. “We have made a promise to this community to bring quality, pediatric care close to home, and today we are again fulfilling that promise,” said Jennifer Janco, MD, Chief of Pediatrics, St. Luke’s University Health Network. “With our hospital services, outpatient services and family-centered services, families can expect to stay local to get quality care for their children.” n
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Proud to live and work in Allentown’s West End. 6 WEST END LIVING
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RON’S RAMBLINGS
By Ron Epstein
The County Fair is an annual event that tends to draw people into town, often from vast distances. This creates the need for good hotels to house the weary travelers until they are ready to return home. From 1853 until 1888, when the Allentown Fair was located between 5th and 6th St. and between Liberty and Tilghman in center city, fairgoers took advantage of the many hotels in the area, such as The Eagle Hotel or Hotel Allen -- both located at Center Square -or the Hotel Hamilton, on the 500 block of Hamilton St., and many others. In 1889, however, when the fairgrounds moved to its present location at 17th and Chew Sts., the West End was a very rural area; homes were few, and hotels were non-existent. Seeing the need for adequate housing for their patrons, the Lehigh County Agricultural Society constructed a one-story frame building on the 17th St. side of the fairgrounds adjacent to the beer stand, brought over from the old fairgrounds, which would eventually become the beer gardens. Back then, the word “hotel” referred not only to the manystoried lodgings, but also to the one-two-or three-story edifices that today would be called motels or inns. Unfortunately, not much is known about that first hotel, except that it became the Agricultural Society’s first source of income other than the fair itself. Operators leased it on a yearly basis, and there were probably no more than two rooms for the guests to check into. After a successful semicentennial fair in 1901, a motion was made to build a new and larger hotel. In 1904, the frame building was torn down and a beautiful new two-and-a-half story, red brick and stone hotel was built. While no one today knows for sure, it is believed there were four rental rooms on the second floor and three or four on the third. It also operated as
a restaurant and bar in the early decades of the twentieth century. During World War I in 1917-18, the Agricultural Society rented the fairgrounds to the United States Army, which used it as a base called Camp Crane. The hotel was closed during those two years, and served as part of the USAAC ambulance driver training. The fairgrounds and the hotel reopened in 1919. Walter C. Miller was the first to rent the hotel and run its facilities. During the 1920s, it was run by R. J. Miller, followed in the 1930s by Albert Schaeffer. Under Schaeffer, the hotel ceased renting rooms in 1933 and became a full-time restaurant and reception hall. Lee Good ran the business in the 1940s and ‘50s; in the 1960s it was run by Carmine Amici and Woodrow Knappenberger. Over the decades, the handsome exterior red brick and stone walls were covered by white clapboard wood. In 1969, Amici and Knappenberger failed to renew their lease, and the Agricultural Society bought back their liquor license so they could run the “Bier Garten” at the fair annually. Unfortunately, with no one to immediately take over the business the hotel deteriorated during the 1970s and was boarded up. Michael “Skip” Germano and his wife Joan became the owners and operators of the “Bier Garten” which developed into the Main Gate in 1980. Since it made sense to include the hotel as well, the Germanos fully restored it over the next two years. The clapboard wood was removed from the exterior, once again exposing the beautiful Victorian style red brick and stone. The interior was decorated in a Victorian motif of floral wallpaper, period chandeliers, stained glass, and touches of brass. Photographs of the fairs of yesteryear and posters were hung on the upstairs lounge. The restaurant banquet room and full-service bar once again became
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Brief History of “The Fairgrounds Hotel”
1922 Fairgrounds Hotel
fully operational. The Germanos reopened the hotel in 1982 and its restaurant is famous for its local American seafood at fair prices. Since that time the hotel has had numerous managing partners and different names and concepts — “Nathans at the Fairgrounds,” “Grill at the Fairgrounds,” “the Brass Ring,” and others. It returned to its original name
“The Fairgrounds Hotel” about a decade ago under the original owners, the Germanos, and operated by their son Dominic. Since the death of “Skip” in 2016 and Joan in 2019, Dominic (the last of the Germanos) has been the sole owner and chef and, like his parents before him, takes pride in maintaining the hotel’s history. n
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS
At the Civic Theatre n Indecent Written by Paula Vogel Directed by William Sanders When Sholem Asch wrote “God of Vengeance” in 1907, he didn’t imagine the height of controversy the play would eventually reach. Performing at first in Yiddish and German, the play’s subject matter wasn’t deemed contentious until it was produced in English in 1923 when the American audiences were scandalized by the onstage depiction of an amorous affair between two women. Paula Vogel’s brilliant “Indecent” traces the trajectory of the show’s success through its tour in Europe to its abrupt and explosive demise
on Broadway —including the arrest of the entire production’s cast and crew. “God of Vengeance” set the stage for an explosive moment in theatrical history. The evocative work of Jewish culture was praised and criticized for taboo themes of censorship, immigration, and antiSemitism. Inspired by these true events and the controversy, this important play tells the behindthe-scenes story of the courageous artists who risked their careers and lives to perform a work deemed “indecent”. It is a testament to the transformative power of art that is timelier than ever before. Showtimes June 17 - 18, 23-25: 7:30 p.m. June 19, 26: 2 p.m. Pricing Regular $34 Senior/Student/Military $32 Member $29
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PINES DINNER THEATRE
Looking Forward to Summer Time
At the Pines Dinner Theatre n Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Through June 26 A 1960s Trip Down Memory Lane! Millie’s getting married! At her impromptu bachelorette party, Millie and her best friends Sally, Florence, and Dee Dee dive into age-old questions about love, marriage, and the overwhelming dating game. As the celebration picks up steam and the drinks flow, the girls reveal scintillating secrets about their love lives, as they poke fun and challenge each other to take control of their lives. Featuring smash pop-hits from the 1960s such as “My Boy Lollipop,” “I Will Follow Him,” “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me,” and “Hey There Lonely Boy,” this uplifting show reaffirms that during life’s struggles, true friendship will unveil its everlasting strength – and often with a real rockin’ beat! Why Do Fools Fall in Love? is written and created by Roger Bean. Rated PG. n Game Show July 8 – Aug. 21 Join in the antics, on and off stage! Set during a live broadcast of a fictional, long-running TV game show, Game Show places the theater audience in the role of the TV studio audience, in which members are picked as the
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contestants to play the trivia-based game and win actual prizes. In addition to watching and playing during the broadcast – where anything can and does happen – the audience also witnesses all the backstage, back-stabbing antics “behind the scenes” that go on during the commercial breaks of Game Show! Schedules (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 Admission: $32 for adults; $22 for children 2-12. Please note that food is not included in the ticket price, but dinner service is available for all performances, a la carte, for an additional cost. Pines Dinner Theater 448 N. 17th Street Allentown, PA 18104 Box office: 610-433-2333 Pinesdinnertheatre.com.
The J is offering many summer camps focused on the arts – performing, culinary and others. For more information about these programs or to register, visit lvjcc. org/camp or contact Rachel Doyle at rdoyle@lvjcc.org or 610-4353571.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JCC
At the Jewish Community Center
sign up for all three week s. Price shown below is per week. Grades 1-6 Price: $345 | JCC Members: $315
n Junior Chefs Camp: Baking Week 1 (June 20-24) Campers will take their baking skills to the next level with this week of baking camp. Kids will love exploring and executing recipes for cookies, cupcakes, pies, pizzas, and bread in a fun camp environment. Working with experienced bakers and cake decorators, campers will bake from scratch and reinforce their knowledge of fractions, measurement, and basic science while feeding their creativity. For grades 1-6 Price: $385; JCC members: $355
n Junior Chefs Camp:
Cooking & Baking Around the World
Week 5 (July 18-22) Campers will take a tour around the world whipping up both sweet and savory creations. Foods and cooking styles will highlight different areas of the world, introducing kids to new flavors and some familiar favorites. Our experienced instructor will get kids curious about what they are eating and knowledgeable about how ingredients become classic dishes. For grades 1-6 Price: $385; JCC Members: $355
n Art Camp Week 2 (June 27-July 1) Kids love expressing themselves through art! Our cartoon and crafts experts will lead campers to develop their ideas through experimental, creative, and expressive art projects. Campers will explore unconventional art materials and learn new crafting methods while making friends and firing up their imaginations in a supportive creative environment. For grades 1-6 Price: $385; JCC members: $355
(July 5-22) Theater Camp’s three-week session culminates in a production of a musical revue around the theme “Theater Gone Wild.” Campers will have time to hone their skills in acting, singing and movement while learning scenes, songs and dances. They will stretch their imaginations and gain confidence with fun theater games, teamwork and opportunities to improve literacy skills. You must
And for the adults… n Broadway Bus Trip:
Funny Girl
June 29 2 p.m. Matinee Join us at the J for a Broadway bus trip to see Funny Girl the musical. Your ticket includes private motor coach round-trip transportation and free time for
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PHOTO COURTESY OF JCC
n Theater Camp Production: Theater Gone Wild Weeks 3-5
Campers will unlock Shakespeare’s language and develop their acting skills. For grades 4-8 Price: $385; JCC Members: $355
meals/shopping before and after the show. Recommended for ages 10+ (Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater). Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, a revised book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre is ready to step back into the spotlight. Itinerary: 8:30 a.m. Arrive at JCC for lite breakfast/board bus 11a.m. (approx.) Arrive in NYC 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free time in NYC 2 p.m. Funny Girl Matinee 7 p.m. Depart from NYC 9 p.m. (approx.) Arrive at the JCC Price: $220/person; JCC Members: $190/person For more information or to register, visit lvjcc.org/ specialevents or contact Tracy Sussman at tsussman@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571. n
n Theater Camp Workshop:
Shakespeare For Kids
Week 6 (July 25-29) This 1-week workshop will transform campers into Shakespeare’s characters through voice, movement, and imagination.
1850 West Allen Street, Allentown
484-221-9334 SUMMER 2022
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COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Jimmy’s Barbershop, Whitehall Electrolysis Move to N. 19th St.
West End World of Food Festival Saturday 9-17-2022
PHOTO BY R. AYERS
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Long-time fans of Jimmy’s Barbershop are sure to appreciate its new digs at 822 N. 19th St, effective on or about June 1. “We had leased our space from the Wert family for many years,” says Co-owner Jimmy Moyer. “And we were so busy, we started looking at nearby properties that could provide 20 parking spaces for our customers.” But as the Covid pandemic continued, Jimmy’s switched to appointment-only bookings, reducing the need for parking. But Moyer still wanted a spot with greater visibility from the street. After months of searching, he purchased the 19th St. property. “My understanding is that it had been the rectory for Redeemer Lutheran church next door,” Moyer said. “It’s along the gateway to the West End, so it’s a good location for us.” He added that the building underwent major renovations – better parking, an entrance ramp, new central air, new carpeting, refinished hardwood floors and much more. “We practically gutted the place and started over,” he said. Moyer said the shop will continue to offer its array of services – haircuts for men, women and kids; beard/mustache trimming; nose/brow/ear “pruning”; hot towel shaves and hot razor shaves, among others. 10 WEST END LIVING SUMMER 2022
Business hours will remain the same and, although appointments are preferred, walk-ins are welcome too. But the building has become a real family affair. Jimmy’s wife, Rose, is moving her own electrolysis business into the same facility. Still named Whitehall Electrolysis Center, the business had been located for decades at 581 Florida Ave. in Whitehall. Just as Jimmy did, she wanted a spot with better visibility. “It’s the only method that provides permanent hair removal,” Rose said. “And my services are for men and women alike. I can remove unwanted hair from arms, legs, brows, ears, bikini areas – pretty much anywhere you wish,” she said. Electrolysis services are available Tuesdays and Thursdays – Saturdays by appointment only, and pricing is based on the time required, ranging from $30 for a 15-minute session up to $80 for a full hour. Rose adds that she’ll continue to maintain her Wednesday barbering schedule at Jimmy’s. Jimmy’s Barbershop Whitehall Electrolysis Center 822 N. 19th St. Allentown 610-841-4773 (Jimmy’s) 610-821-0330 (Whitehall Electrolysis) n
In September Allentown’s Theatre District comes together for the West End World of Food Festival from noon to 10 p.m. on 19th and Liberty streets. It’s a celebration of Allentown’s diverse cultural community, filled with finger lickin’ food, bands all day, varieties of beer, wine, art, and crafts for the kids. Interested in learning more or joining the fun as a vendor? Go to www. westendallentown.com/woff. Hope to see you there!
IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Oye! LatinaFM Radio Station Moves into Theatre District LatinaFM – comprising three radio stations that cover the Allentown (92.1), Reading (107.1) and Hazelton (107.9) markets -recently moved its headquarters to 1904 Allen. St. The all-Spanish broadcaster focuses on “tropical” music, a format that includes salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, and vallenato styles. Its roots are in the Spanish-speaking islands of the Caribbean. Station manager Sandra Vargas said LatinaFM’s core audience is men and women aged 25-55, primarily having Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Caribbean Island backgrounds. “We’ve been around for five years or so,” Vargas said, ‘and built the station from the ground up.” Its facilities were originally on Wyoming St. in south Allentown. “We were renting while the station
established itself,” Vargas said, “and then the station owner began looking for a property to buy. “It’s a good location for us,” she added. “We always wanted to be in a place where people could see the building and our logo, and be reminded of our presence.” The amount of pedestrian and vehicle traffic through the Theatre District certainly meets that goal, and Vargas said the neighborhood itself is another plus. “The merchants and residents are so friendly, and I really like walking to the restaurants,” she said – particularly O’Brien’s Really Good Food Company, Salvatore’s Pizza and Sleepy Cat Urban Winery. Why not stop in and say hello? LatinaFM 1904 W. Allen St. 610-628-9538 484-860-6282 Latinafm.net n
NEARBY PET GROOMER
Pet Groomer Makes Pups and Kitties Pretty
Community Banking at its Best QNB Bank takes pride in its
145-year history of serving our local area as an independent community bank. In 1877, the Bank was founded by area merchants who wanted a local bank to serve the community's interests. Today, QNB Bank continues to serve the interests of individuals and businesses in our community by providing a broad range of robust financial services to meet your financial goals. We invite you to experience local banking with local management and decision making, all while enjoying exceptional, personalized attention and service. Learn more today by visiting QNBbank.com.
Owner Lisa Tillman with Willow, an Aussiedoodle, owned by Andrew Nieto.
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re looking for a convenient, professional spot for making your small dog or cat look its best, Petite Paws may be the place for you (and them). The small-breed grooming shop opened in November 2021. Owner Lisa Tillman has about 25 years of experience in Florida, including owning her own shop for 18 years. She moved to the Lehigh Valley to be closer to her aging parents; after their passing, she decided to stay. She originally worked for another local groomer before striking out on her own. “I had many customers from the West End, and I was confident they’d follow me, so I looked at various spots in the Theater District before settling here.” Petite Paws offers haircutting and styling – as the owner chooses and in accordance with various breed types – nail clipping, ear cleaning and similar services. All visits are by appointment only; “People’s pets are important, and I reserve enough time to do the job right,” she said. “I don’t move clients through here like an assembly line.” The shop is dedicated to
Visit Our Allentown Office 535 North 19th Street
grooming, with no retail merchandise available. Pricing ranges from $50 - $100 for cats; dogs begin at $50 and go up. “Different breeds have different requirements,” Tillman explains. Many of her previous clients have followed her, and she’s done business with her neighbors as well. “It’s obvious that people in the West End take good care of their pets,” she noted. Tillman expects her business to grow as the neighborhood gets to know her better, and is already seeking an experienced fulltime pet groomer. Call her at the number below if you’re interested. Petite Paws 509 N 22nd St. 610-762-7960 n
215-538-5600
QNBbank.com
Visit any of our 12 offices in Allentown, Colmar, Coopersburg, Dublin, Perkasie, Quakertown, Souderton, Upper Perkiomen Valley, Warminster & Wescosville
SUMMER 2022
WEST END LIVING 11
THANK YOU TO ALL
Over 500 runners returned to the streets of the West End after a three-year COVID hiatus in the 12th running of the West End St. Patrick’s 5k. Participants as young as 6 and as old as 84 -- most wearing green and festive St. Patrick’s garb -- traversed the 3.1-mile course before the St. Patrick’s parade. Alex Price (14:59) and Eileen Cody (17:33) captured the titles with new course records. The event raised nearly $15,000 for the West End Alliance. Registration for the 2023 race, March 19, will open in late fall at westendstpats5k.com. n
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
West End St. Patrick’s 5k
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STUDENTS OF NOTE highly on the leadership and drive which she brings to the classroom each day. They have observed her grow throughout the year with confidence in her abilities, and stand up for herself for improvements with her personal academic experiences. She is a classroom leader who is an example to all those around her personally and academically.
Muhlenberg Elementary School Laila Batista Mendez 5th Grade Laila is a dedicated and hardworking 5th-grader at Muhlenberg Elementary. She is a quiet leader in the classroom, always helping those around her and looking out for her peers. Most recently, Laila performed in “Color the World” with the Performing Arts Club, where she stepped up to the challenge of a solo when her duet partner got sick. No matter the challenge, Laila does her best to rise to the occasion and sets an example for those around her.
fine dining
Fine Dining
Trexler Middle School Wislianny Gomez Urena 6th Grade Wislianny is currently a sixthgrade student at Trexler Middle School on Team Army. She worked passionately to earn honor roll for the first marking period, and is currently on track to repeating honor roll for marking period two. Her teachers speak
Where the OWner Wears
an aprOn, nOt a tie!
1926 West Allen street AllentoWn 610-434-2628 henryssAltoftheseA.com
William Allen High School Yaxlei Alejo Ortiz 12th Grade Yaxlei Alejo Ortiz is a firstgeneration student, whose father always encouraged her to prioritize her education. At WAHS, she has taken many AP and honors classes, is involved in athletics and participates in several after-school clubs. Despite all her hard work, going to college was not always the plan. Earlier this year, she worked with chemistry teacher Ms. Grecian to apply for the Questbridge College Prep Scholars, and the Questbridge National College Match program, which matches high-achieving, low-income students with top schools. One day after indoor track practice, Yaxlei found two unopened emails – one from Questbridge and one from the University of Pennsylvania -- informing her she had been matched and would receive a fullride scholarship. She is forever grateful to Ms. Grecian, and everyone at WAHS who supported her throughout the college application process. She can’t wait to start at UPenn in the fall! n
Saturday, June 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the mood for a treasure hunt? Then plan on winding your way through The Great West End Yard Sale on June 4. Participants will display their wares in front of their homes. You can find a list of addresses and some of the items for sale at each location at www.westendallentown.com. Sponsored by the West End Alliance, your nonprofit neighborhood association.
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We’re Growing In Support of a HealthiER Allentown • • • •
More exam rooms New and convenient entrance Improved access Innovative air-purifying technology
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sluhn.org • 1-866-STLUKES
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SUMMER 2022
PHOTO COURTESY OF WERT FAMILY
Remembering Greg Wert Restaurant Icon
Known by many as “the face of Wert’s Restaurant,” Co-owner Greg Wert died unexpectedly April 2 at the age of 59. Parents Fred and Connie Wert founded the popular eatery in 1968, and Greg actually grew up in the business, spending 40 years there. “So many of our customers have told us that Greg was usually the first person you saw when you came in, and the last one when you left,” said his sister Kathy Drake. “He would always step in if someone needed help opening a door or getting settled at a table, and you could hear his contagious laugh through the building all day long.” During the pandemic, Wert’s switched to outdoor dining in tents. “There was a heavy snow one night, and we all stayed overnight in the restaurant so we could sweep snow off the tents to keep them from collapsing,” Kathy recalls. “It was just me, Greg, our brother Phil and his wife Tina and their daughter. We slept a bit in
the booths, and I was awakened several times by loud snoring. We all knew it was Greg, but he tried to put the blame on me!” An avid bowler, Greg nailed three perfect games. He was also a skilled golfer, scoring two holes-inone. “Let me tell you about one of those,” brother Phil said. “He was playing in a ‘skins’ tournament with about 100 other guys. Greg took hole #11 in a single shot, so he was expecting to win the cash prize. “Later that day, though, another golfer did the same thing, also at hole #11. Instead of splitting the pot, neither of them won anything; the money just stayed in the general prize kitty. But Greg still had to uphold the hole-inone tradition – which means he covered drinks for everyone in the clubhouse!” He was also a 25-year member of the Greenleaf Lodge # 561 F. & A.M. and the Coplay Saengerbund. n
From Representative Schlossberg
Get Out and Enjoy Pennsylvania Warmer weather in Pennsylvania offers a wide range of fun opportunities for travel. Visit a State Park Camping, hiking, fishing or even a relaxing stroll, Pennsylvania’s state parks offer a great way to explore the outdoors. Visit dcnr.pa.gov/ StateParks for a list of state parks and activities you can plan for your summer. Fishing & Boating The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and partners take a lot of effort to make sure our freshwater ways are clean stocked with fish for the full season. You can plan your fishing adventure by visiting www.FishAndBoat.com. My office also keeps a list of stocking schedules and guides. Give a call (610-821-5577) and we’ll help you get one.
Visit the West End Theatre District On the 1st Saturday of the Month and See What’s Going On! Hooray, it’s the First Saturday in June!
SEPTA and LANTA Senior Passes
There are discounts, music, drinks, food and more. Check it out! Visit www.westendallentown.com for all the details!
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.
Need More Ideas? Go to www.VisitPA.com to plan your Pennsylvania trip. Want to plan something local? www.DiscoverLehighValley.com offers you options in our own back yard.
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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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.
LIVING
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A Note To Our Readers
Send your entry by e-mail to michael@ drabenstott.com or mail to: M. Drabenstott, 2346 W. Allen St., Allentown PA 18104
The goal of West End Living is to keep our readers informed of the neighborhood’s activities (artistic, business and others) in ways that other local media can’t. Now it’s your turn to help us. What sorts of articles would you like you see in future issues?
By July 1, 2022.
SPRING WINNER! Fairgrounds Hotel Congratulations to
Nanette Leiby, Winner of our SPRING contest!
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries.
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How the West End Alliance benefits the neighborhood Profiles of local businesses Notable personalities Information about activities at Muhlenberg and Cedar Crest Seasonal recipes Historical features Little-known neighborhood facts Places to visit Reports of police activity Scenic photos (a/k/a “The Beautiful West End”) Scholastic news (Muhlenberg, Trexler, William Allen) Other _______________________________________________
Please email your feedback to us at westendlivingmagazine@ gmail.com, or e-fill the form on the Alliance’s Facebook page. Either way, you’ll be helping us serve you better! SUMMER 2022
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