Fall 2023

WEST END LIVINGn

A History of Possibly the Oldest House in the West End

By Ron Epstein

The West End has been part of Allentown for over 100 years. The 11th Ward was annexed in 1900, but didn’t experience much housing growth until the mid-twenties. The 17th Ward became part of the city in 1924 and the 18th Ward joined shortly thereafter. The housing boom in these areas did not really begin until after World War II.

Compared to Center City, where many homes go back to the 1800’s, and compared to the South and the East sides of the city — which were already partially developed before becoming part of Allentown — homes in the West End are among the newest in the city.

However, this area was originally part of South Whitehall Township, and was primarily rural, with many farms and open spaces. While those farms are now gone, a small number of what had been farm homes still exist; some go back to the early to mid-Nineteenth Century, thus predating most West End homes by 70 to 90 years.

One of those homes at 620 N. 25th St., may possibly be the oldest

in the West End. One of its owners was the late State Representative Kurt Zwikl, who researched the history of the house, including deed records. With the help of architect Ben Walbert, he looked at every piece of the home’s building materials to determine its approximate age, since apparently there are no records of the actual construction date.

Zwikl found a map published in 1862 that references the house. After checking the types of screws used (before 1846, the tips of wood screws were flat, not pointed as they are today), the color of the paint and other aspects of the building material, he concluded that the house was built at least as far back as the 1850s, although there are other issues about the

property that led him to believe that it may have been built as far back as the 1830s.

One of the first families, if not the very first to live on the property, was that of Joseph Reichard, who lived there from 1855 until 1901. At the time, the home had a red brick front which

(continued on page 2)

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON EPSTEIN

RON’S RAMBLINGS

See Pages 8 & 9

Oldest House

was similar to other farm houses of the era.

The property was purchased in 1901 by Edwin Lichtenwalner. His son Edwin F. farmed the property from 1901 until the 1920s with the help of his two sons, Carl and Francis.

By the 1920s, major social change was taking place in the nation and Allentown was no exception. Electric streetcars and automobiles were replacing horses and urbanization was gobbling up farmland, transforming the West End.

According to Zwikl, Charles W. Kaeppel, a well-known Allentown attorney at the time and the senior partner in the real estate firm of Kaeppel and Kester, purchased the property in 1923 or 1924 and had the farm divided into subdivisions, where new homes were constructed and sold.

Kaeppel liked the house at 620 so much that he used it for a time as his own.

Additions were added to the building as a number of families owned the home over the years, until it was purchased by the Zwikls. From the time he first visited the home, he knew he wanted to own it. He told the previous owners, “If you ever decide to sell it, give me a call.” They did and the rest is history.

Speaking of history, in the fall of 1984, Zwikl contacted Hope Luhman, a part-time lecturer at Muhlenberg College, and allowed her and a number of her students to dig through the yard of the property to search for buried artifacts.

After two weeks of digging, they found the site of an old well, although they were not able to dig

too deeply because they lacked the proper safety equipment. According to Luhman, people in the Nineteenth Century would use the well for dumping trash items they wanted to get rid of. Luhman’s team found pieces of pottery, an old penny, and a set of calipers, a tool used by carpenters to measure the dimensions of logs. Further digging uncovered field stones that had lined what was the original road to Fogelsville.

They also discovered the site of the old outhouse which, along with its obvious purpose, was used as another hole for dumping unwanted items.

Unfortunately, nothing of great value was found during the dig and Luhman’s crew filled in the site of the well and outhouse.

The Zwikls sold the home in December 2014 to a gentleman named Mike Kane, the current owner.

The living room, which is part of the original house, contains a stairway and fireplace,which Mike believes may be as old as the house itself. He also pointed out that when this was a farm, 25th St. between Tilghman and Allen did not exist, as it was part of the farm. Mike believes that a barn was once located on the other side of 25th St., where an apartment building now stands

While the farm is now gone, the house at 620 N. 25th St. stands as a testament to a much simpler, but hard-working time in our local history when farmers arose at 5 a.m., or earlier, to begin their farming chores and worked until dusk. 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.

The Winter 2022 Edition of West End Living has won an APEX Award for the whole issue in the category of “Magazines, Journals & Tabloids.

APEX is the Annual Awards for Publication Excellence Competition. It is open to communicators in corporate, nonprofit and independent settings. It is sponsored by Communications Concepts, Inc. APEX awards are based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry — in the opinion of the judges — in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. n

WEST END LIVING

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 — Robert Ayers

— Publication Design, Inc.

Photographer — Bill Basta

Editorial Consultant Michael Drabenstott

ADVERTISING

For advertising information, Elizabeth Martin

Contact us at westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com

•••

West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District.

•••

EDITORIAL

Editorial suggestions or comments?

Contact us at westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com

•••

Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON EPSTEIN

Muhlenberg College

Muhlenberg College’s Martin Art Gallery Fall Artists and Exhibitions

MAG is thrilled to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus for the 2023-2024 school year! This fall semester, MAG will present five exciting exhibitions along with related programming to start off the school year.

n Artists Ashe Kaye and Maria Belén Irusta will have semester-long exhibitions inside the Baker Center for the Arts, and three consecutive exhibitions inside the Martin Art Gallery will showcase work by Rhonda Wall, Myk Eff and Andrew Soria. This group of fall exhibitions deals with a wide range of timely topics from gender identity to life in immigrant neighborhoods.

n MAG will continue two programming series this fall: the Jobs in the Arts Lecture Series and MAG Movie Nights. For our job talk, Sairalyn Ansano will discuss art therapy as a career and the MAG movie will be Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

I would also like to welcome back Lizard Foley ’24, a Spring 2023 MAG Gallery Assistant who is returning this year as the Lead Gallery Assistant. MAG Gallery Assistants play an integral role here at the gallery. They not only learn about how an art gallery is run but also have the opportunity to plan an exhibition themselves. The exhibition planned by Lizard, Sidney Caruth ’23 and Virginia McCoy Swinehart ’23 is currently on view in Fahy Commons, please check it out!

Jessica Ambler Director, Martin Art Gallery

n Rhonda Wall: How Do We Survive? Everything Happens at the Same Time

Rhonda Wall creates hybrids of factual and fictional subject matter in her work to transport the viewer

to an invented world where past, present and future events merge into one, where everything happens at the same time. The paintings in How Do We Survive? were made immediately before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (20192023) and reflect the public discourse surrounding a worldwide crisis.

Exhibition: Aug. 28 – Oct. 6

Artist talk: Sept. 7 at 4 p.m. in CA 166

Opening reception: Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. in CA Lobby

Home Equity Loan Sale

n Myk Eff: Analog Alchemy: Exploring Nonlinear Aesthetics

This exhibition will feature VJ loops, and an associated series of 2D still images derived from them called the Video Rhythmologies. VJ loops are a new kind of silent cinema produced for performances of electronic music. The Video Rhythmologies combine digital video stills from the VJ loops into large scale canvases, in the manner of the photographic typologies pioneered by artists such as August Sander, Bernd and Hilla Becher and Ed Ruscha. Both media series are based on digital emulations of the nonlinear signal patterns of analog video synthesis.

Exhibition: Oct. 16 – Nov. 17

Virtual artist talk: Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. in CA 166

Opening reception: October 18 at 5 p.m. in CA Lobby

800-491-9070

Stop by any of our 12

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate accurate as of 8/1/23. e monthly payment per $5,000 borrowed at an APR of 6.00% for 60 months would be $96.66. $5,000 minimum loan amount. To be eligible for the 6.00% promotional APR, automatic payment from a QNB account is required. Applications may be submitted at any QNB Branch or Online at qnbbank.com/loan-sale, and the Home Equity Loan must be closed within 60 calendar days of the application date. Promotional o er may be withdrawn at any time. Borrow up to 80% of your home’s equity, subject to credit approval. ere are no closing costs. Existing QNB loan or line of credit customers re- nancing require minimum $5,000 in new money to qualify for the promotional rate. Maximum loan amount is $500,000. Rate is subject to change without notice. Other rates and terms are available. Borrower must pay mortgage satisfaction fees at loan payo . Property insurance is, and ood insurance may be, required.

QNB NMLS #781724

(continued on page 4)

Rhonda Wall, “Boosted,” 2021, paint and collage on panel

HAIRCUTS & STYLING y FACIALS NAILS & PEDICURES y UP DOS EYELASH LIFT & EXTENSIONS y WAXING y MAKEUP

We look forward to seeing you soon!

610.774.9532

1741 Liberty Street, Allentown, PA 18104

www.s3salon.com

FOCUS ON THE ARTS

(continued from page 3)

n Andrew Soria: Welcome to the Neighborhood

Welcome to the Neighborhood is a love letter to a city and its culture, conveyed through a series of pop surrealism cityscapes. These artworks embrace the city›s diversity, shining a light on underrepresented neighborhoods and paying tribute to the unique essence of the places we call home. This body of work invites viewers to appreciate the beauty found in some popular and lesser-known corners.

Exhibition: Nov. 27 – Jan. 5, 2024

Virtual artist talk: Nov. 29 at 4 p.m. in CA 166

Opening reception: Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. in CA 166

roles. The work explores how mixed media and sculpture, in conversation with photography, can offer complications to the viewer’s understanding of the work and engage their senses beyond a purely visual experience.

Exhibition: Aug. 21 – Nov. 10, 2023, in the Galleria

Artist talk and opening reception: Sept. 20, 2023 at 5 p.m. in CA Lobby

n Maria Belén Irusta: Onírica

Onírica is a Spanish adjective that means «of the dream or related to the images and events that are imagined while sleeping». The title aptly describes Irusta›s celestial, hypnotic work, which includes digital images and motion art. Irusta is an Argentine interdisciplinary artist based in Santa Cruz, California. She studied at the University of Fine Arts in Rosario (Argentina) and works with a variety of media.

Exhibition: Aug. 21 – Dec. 15, Outer Wall Gallery

n Ashe Kaye: Glut and Guzzle

Glut and Guzzle is a body of photographic work with custom frames and soft sculpture using 3D technology, including large-scale CNC routers and inkjet-printed fabrics to display and subvert religious teachings and societal norms. Specifically, the work is an exploration of how gender norms and the visual language of advertising infiltrates daily lives and the harmful effect of media and religion on shaping and reifying identity and gender

n Lecture Series: Jobs in the Arts

What is Art Therapy?

Sairlyn Ansano will present a virtual public lecture on art therapy as a career path as part of our “Jobs in the Arts” lecture series.

Ansano received an M.A. in art therapy from New York University in 2003 and in 2007; she was awarded the ATR-BC, Board Certified Art Therapist credential from the Art Therapy Credentials Board. In 2013, she was granted the LCAT, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

(continued on page 5)

Andrew Soria, “Chinatown,” 2020, digital collage

Ashe Kaye, “Not My Mother’s Womb,” 2020 archival pigment print

Maria Belén Irusta, “Element3001003”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARTIN ART GALLERY

credential from the New York State Education DepartmentOffice of the Professions. Ansano has practiced and published in the field of art therapy and will discuss why she was interested in it as a vocation, the education and training she received and what it’s like to work as an art therapist.

Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.

Baker Center for the Arts, Room 166

n MAG Movie Nights: Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat

The Martin Art Gallery will kick off MAG Movie Nights this fall with a screening of Boom for Real: The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The 2017 documentary includes previously unseen works, writings and photographs of Basquiat, offering insight into the artist’s teenage years in 1970s New York City.

Oct. 12 at 5 p.m.

Baker Center for the Arts, Martin Art Gallery

For more information:

484-664-3467

muhlenberg.edu/gallery

At the Pines Dinner Theatre

n “Route 66”

Now Playing through June 24, 2023

High Octane Fun!

Take a dollop of Grease, mix in some Pump Boys and Dinettes, and you’ve got the high-octane fun of Route 66! Beginning with the sounds of 1950s Chicago and traveling along the “Main Street of America” to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s, this exciting musical revue features 34 of the greatest “Rock ‘n’ Road” hits of the 20th century. Get your kicks with this smash coastto-coast hit musical revue!

Schedule for both shows: Select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 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

Ticket Price

Show Ticket: $32*

n “Clue: The Musical”

Sept. 8 – Oct. 22, 216 Possible Endings!

The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical that brings the world’s bestknown subjects to life and gets the audience to guess who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room, and with what weapon. Comic antics, witty lyrics, and a surprise twist entertain from beginning to end in this hilarious show sure to please everyone. This show is rated PG-13.

n “Holly Jolly Christmas”

Playing: November 9 –December 23, 2023

It’s the Most Fun You’ll Have This Holiday Season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year at the Pines Dinner Theatre as we celebrate Christmas in grand style. Featuring all your favorite holiday classics and songs, the Nativity and even Santa Claus, this high-energy revue will have even the most determined Scrooge believing in the magic of the season!

Schedule for both shows

Select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 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

Ticket Price: $32*

*While food is not included in the ticket price, dinner service is available for all performances. All food is available a la carte for an additional cost.

At Muhlenberg Music and Dance

1: Love and Information

2: Local Girls

3: We Are Proud to Present…

4: The Threepenny Opera,

5: Dance Emerge

6: In Motion

7: Reset: New Dances

Tickets: 484-664-3333 or muhlenberg.

edu/seeashow

Ticket sales will open Sept. 1.

(continued from page 5)

Muhlenberg Theatre and Dance Department

The Labyrinth of Desire by Caridad Svich

Co-Directors: Leticia RoblesMoreno and Troy Dwyer

Sept. 29 – Oct. 1

In Caridad Svich’s contemporary queer adaptation of Lope de Vega’s Spanish Golden Age comedy La Prueba de los Ingenios, high-stakes telenovela glamor meets Shakespeare-esque romantic calamity. An honest-to-goodness gender nonbinary romantic lead goes undercover, and gets way more than they bargained for!

A ravishing heroine and a suave hero both learn that love and sex aren’t as clear-cut as they thought! Intuition! Infatuation! Betrayal! And a sly challenge to the boundaries of fluidity and desire...

n And Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi by Marcus Gardley

Oct. 26-29

A poetic retelling of the myth of Demeter and Persephone set during the Civil War and narrated by the Mississippi River. Having run away from a plantation, a father searching for his daughter is murdered and resurrected in the fertile, war-torn landscape of Louisiana. This lyrical play combines traditional storytelling, gospel music, and a wicked sense of humor to create a rich, imaginative world that allows trees to preach, rivers to waltz, and Jesus to moonwalk.

n Sing Happy! A Kander & Ebb Project

Artistic Director: James Stabp

Musical Director: Vincent Trovato

Nov. 3-5, 2023

Muhlenberg’s musical theatre performers take the stage for a musical revue celebrating the musical works of John Kander and Fred Ebb, two of American musical theatre’s most influential composers. In a career spanning over 40 years, Kander and Ebb have instilled their work with wit and humor, empathy and

cynicism, imbuing their characters with a depth of humanity rarely seen on the musical theatre stage. Some of their most beloved musicals include Cabaret; Chicago; New York, New York; and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.

n Reset: New Dances

Student Choreographed Dance Concert

Artistic Director: Robyn Watson Nov. 16-18

Muhlenberg dancers tell stories through movement, in this showcase for world premiere works by talented student choreographers, in styles ranging from Tap to Modern.

n Fall Studio Sessions

Student Choreographed Dance Concert

Artistic Director: Heidi Cruz-Austin

Week of Dec. 4

See world premiere dance in the intimate confines of the 85seat Dance Studio Theatre — an exciting venue for innovative choreography, created by the talented student choreographers of the Muhlenberg Dance Program.

At the Jewish Community Center

All events take place at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd Street Allentown, PA unless noted.

n Jewish Film Nights

The group meets every few weeks to discuss a Jewish-interest film. Watch the films at your convenience and then join us for the discussion. Everyone is invited. We choose films that are readily available to stream online. Themes are varied: Drama, History, Comedy, Documentary, Contemporary. To join the discussions, visit lvjcc.org/film.

Contact: Heather Lavin (hlavin@ lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571)

Discussion Dates: Oct. 10 and Nov. 21

(continued on page 7)

Performing Arts

n Private Music & Voice Lessons

Monday-Friday

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price per Lesson: $45; JCC

Members: $35

12-Lesson Package: $540; JCC

Members: $420

Ages: 5 and up

Lessons are 30 mins., by appointment only

Whether instructor Jeff Bowers is teaching voice, guitar, piano, or beginner drums, his approach to music instruction does not stick to a rigid curriculum that uses a one-size-fitsall approach. Vocal students will learn proper technique through personalized

instruction, fundamental singing exercises and expansion of vocal music repertoire. Contact Alaina Schaeffer at 610-435-3571 or aschaeffer@lvjcc.org for availability before registering. Visit lvjcc.org/musiclessons for more information.

n Stagemakers Youth Theater Presents “The Addams Family Young@Part”

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family whom her parents have never met. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Contact: Heather Lavin (hlavin@ lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571)

Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.

Nov. 12 at 12 noon and 4 p.m. Get tickets at lvjcc.org/ Stagemakers

n Musical Theater Workshop

Sundays from Oct. 8 – Nov. 12 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Ages: 4-7

Price: $100; JCC Members: $85 This workshop is a great introduction to musical theater! Kids will explore acting, singing, and dancing without the commitment to a full Stagemakers production. The 6-class workshop culminates with a performance. Register at lvjcc.org/Stagemakers. Contact: Heather Lavin (hlavin@ lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571)

n Creative Movement

Wednesdays from Sept. 6 – Oct. 11 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Ages: 4-6

Price: $100 | JCC Members: $85 An introduction to dance through creative movement. This class is an upbeat way for boys and girls to explore movement through music and dance. Students will develop motor skills, rhythmic awareness, coordination, balance and self-expression in a fun and safe environment. Register at lvjcc.org/Afterschool. Contact: Heather Lavin (hlavin@lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571)

Visual Arts

n Jumbalaya of Art

Mondays between Sept. 11 and Nov. 13 (No class 9/25)

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Grades: K-5

Non-Members: $150; JCC

Members: $125

This super-fun class is taught by animation and illustration artist Cotty Kilbanks. Students will explore different types of art and media including cartooning, drawing, watercolor and acrylic painting, and Sculpey sculpting. Register at lvjcc.org/Afterschool.

Contact: Alaina Schaeffer (aschaeffer@lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571)

n Master Crafters: Mosaics Oct. 8 and 15 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Ages: 18+

Price: $155; JCC Members: $130 Master Crafters takes on mosaics with a two-part course led by expert instructor and local artist Kim Hogan. Registrants must attend both dates to complete the project. Register at lvjcc.org/Afterschool.

Contact: Heather Lavin (hlavin@ lvjcc.org | 610-435-3571) n

PHOTO COURTESY OF JCC

Eat, Drink, Dance and Party On at the World of Food Festival!

The West End World of Food Festival, the Theatre District’s biggest and best block party of the year returns on Sept. 16, from noon to 10 p.m. along 19th and Liberty Streets.

Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your dogs (they’re always welcome here!) as the Theatre District presents its annual smorgasbord of food and beverage vendors, crafts and live music to help you dance off some of those calories!

Festival organizer Stephen Rohrbach said this year’s lineup will feature a mix of new and returning vendors, with a focus on distinct regional cuisines, such as Jamaican, German, Asian and others) in addition to the usual festival favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, Pierogies.

Rohrbach said some of the retuning vendors include Greek Street (Gyros and other Greek delicacies) and Got Chocolate (everything chocolate, including bacon!). Anticipated new purveyors include K’Town Pub (various barbecued meats and luscious sauces) and Cousins Maine Lobster (lobster-based Maine rolls and Connecticut Rolls, rich and creamy soups, and “Lobster Tail and Tots”)

You can wash down all that

deliciousness at any of the beer and wine tents sponsored by Brü Daddy’s Brewing Company. There will also be a full array of area crafters offering their specialty foods and food-related accessories, such as serving bowls and painted wine glasses.

And what’s a block party without music? The Festival has booked a range of acts that will be performing all day. This year’s lineup includes: Noon to 2 p.m.

Video Daze - The Ultimate ‘80s rock tribute band rewinds you to the “Decade of Decadence.”

2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. We’re from Antarcticaan indie/alternative band that creates an original experience to share with the world through its all-original material.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The BC Combo – exponents of Blues, Jazz, Swing, Folk, R&B, Soul and more for over 30 years.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

GirlCrue - All-female rock/ dance/funk high-energy party band covering all your favorites from ABBA to ZZ Top.

And while everyone knows about the festival’s mouthwatering food and drink offerings, our friends at the Udder Bar are sponsoring the all-new Kids’ Korner from noon to 7 p.m. In addition to a free bounce house and a free dunk-tank toss, the Kids’ Korner will also feature activities conducted by several local organizations. All events take place in the Udder Bar (TUB) parking lot unless noted.

West End Gators - T-ball practice and a dribbling contest for the kids

Calvary Moravian Church - book store (TUB lot or along 19th Street)

DaVinci Science CenterFREE hands-on science experiment (Location: TUB lot or along 19th Street)

Discinsanity - FREE demonstrations on playing disc golf (in the alley next to Discinsanity)

Daddy O’s StudioFREE musical instrument demonstrations

FREE corn hole tournament and open corn hole games FREE photo op

Funtastic Faces - Face Painting (Location: On 19th Street)

Your Balanced WorldMake your own fidget toy and bracelets (along 19th Street) The Civic Theatre will be showing FREE classic cartoons inside the Civic Theatre throughout the day. As always, the profits from the West End World of Food festival stay in the neighborhood, and are administered by the West End Alliance, to pay for street banners, Christmas décor, plant maintenance and other amenities. n

PHOTOS BY JANE

GEIST

PHOTOGRAPHY

Thank You to Our Sponsors

(As of August 15)

St. Luke’s University Health Network

QNB Bank

Allentown Appliance

Bru Daddy’s City Center Allentown

Gross McGinley, LLP

Robert C. Weir Funeral Home

Civic Theatre

Service Electric Cable TV

YourPM.mobi llc

Drabenstott Communications Group

Embassy Bank

One Valley Realty

The Udder Bar

Yocco’s

Jay’s Local

Sleek Styles Salon

Truth Beauty Salon

Foresight Business Solutions CPA

Art In The Park Returns to West Park

BY MICHAEL SCHELP

On Saturday, September 16th, Art In The Park returns to West Park with painters, potters, woodworkers, music, food, and fun. Visitors will not only see and be able to buy works from 120-plus artists, but also enjoy bandshell performances by the Allentown Band (America’s oldest concert band, founded in 1828), the Civic Theatre, the Community Music School, the Repertory Dance Theatre of the Lehigh Valley, MunOpCo, and William Allen High School. Food from Strut Catering, Battle Ground Coffee, and Church of the Mediator will be available.

In addition, the Allentown Masonic Temple will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking by offering free tours of its Lodge building across the street from West Park. It is a rare opportunity for members of the general public to explore the inside of this National Historic Site. The Temple will also curate “Centennial Celebration,” a oneday-only exhibition highlighting rare books, artworks, and ceremonial objects from the Temple’s archives, some of which have never before been seen by non-Masons.

Organized by the West Park Civic Association, Art In The Park began in the 1970s with about a dozen Allentown artists. It has expanded over the years to include exhibitors from as far away as Colorado.

In the late 1800s, the beloved West Park itself was originally slated to be a reservoir. When that idea was abandoned, the land became a baseball field. Finally, thanks to General Trexler’s vision, it became West Park.

Artists acknowledge the importance of West Park in making the event a success. “Art In The Park is the best vending event I’ve ever attended,” says mixed media artist Jay Echevarria. “I sell dozens of works at prices ranging from $20 to $600. It’s a can’t-miss happening that attracts thousands of passionate art lovers and serious collectors.” Cash prizes are awarded to artists in various categories.

Art In The Park

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, September 16, 2023

Where: West Park, 16th and West Turner streets, Allentown

What: Artists exhibit their work and musicians perform n

STUDENTS OF NOTE

New Fall in the Fairgrounds Concert Series

Muhlenberg Elementary

While not a student at Muhlenberg Elementary School, Diego Siguencia is a William Allen High School student who has been gaining real world work experience this summer as a part of the Allentown Youth Internship

William Allen High School

Ayelen Burgos BritoAyelen is entering 10th grade next year. She moved to Allentown last year from the Dominican Republic and attends Newcomer Academy in ASD. Her favorite things about school are her classmates, the activities, and learning English. She loves Allentown because it is quiet and beautiful. She really

Are you planning fun for the fall? The neighborhood has a new concert series, and QNB Bank is pleased to be the Corporate Presenting Sponsor.

Fall in the Fairgrounds is a new community concert series organized by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Allentown Chamber of Commerce. The concert series will occur every Wednesday evening running for six weeks from September 13 to October 18. Each concert will take place at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmerama Stage located at 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The shows will feature different local musicians spanning various genres with diverse musical talents to satisfy every taste. Plus, an assortment of vendors and food trucks will fuel the live music festivities with goodies and menus ranging from gourmet cuisine to classic fair favorites. There’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy!

As the corporate presenting sponsor of Fall in the Fairgrounds, QNB takes pride in its 146-year history of serving the local area as an independent community bank. QNB is a full-service, customerfocused community bank that provides a broad range of deposit

and loan products for businesses and consumers. QNB is large enough to support customers of all sizes and small enough to provide individualized attention with local management, local lending decisions, and a legal lending limit of up to $20 million.

QNB Bank is committed to serving the interests of our community with twelve Branch Offices conveniently located throughout Lehigh, Bucks, and Montgomery counties. We invite you to experience community banking at its best. Come visit our booth at the concerts or stop by our Allentown Banking Office at 535 North 19th Street, just a few short blocks from the Allentown Fairgrounds! Our Allentown Office hours are:

Monday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

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

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to noon

QNB Bank encourages you to mark your calendar and come out with your family and friends to experience these fun evenings with live music and delicious food as we engage in the festivities with our fellow community members and music lovers. We hope to see you at the new Fall in the Fairgrounds Concert Series!

QNB Bank – Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. n

Corps. He has been helping the main office secretaries answer phone calls and assist families this summer. He has also worked with the school leaders and teacher to help make sure that the school is ready for students to return this fall!

Trexler Middle School

Ryan Rodriguez was an 8th grade student who will be starting at Allen High School this coming 2023-2024 school year. Ryan has been a leader in the Trexler classrooms and on the volleyball court throughout his time at the school. He is trusted and respected by his teachers and

likes Trout Creek Park, Dorney Park, and the Farmers’ Market. She learned a lot as an intern this summer and believes that the skills she learned will help her get a job in the future.

Estheisy Duran DuranEstheisy will be an 11th grader this year at William Allen High School. She moved to Allentown from the Dominican Republic three years ago. The teachers, students, great friends and all the opportunities to get ahead are her favorite things about William Allen. She loves living in Allentown because there

administration, he also quickly took a leadership role with his intern placement this summer. Ryan is reliable and will succeed with all future endeavors as he moves into his high school years. Trexler Middle School will miss having Ryan as a leader and student in the building next school year. Best of luck Ryan! Once a Bulldog. Always a Bulldog!

are lots of parks, the streams, and great people. Her first job was as an intern this summer. She loved meeting new people, had great bosses, and learned what will be expected later for other jobs. n

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHOOLS

St. Luke’s Announces Establishment of Children’s Hospital

St. Luke’s University Health Network is proud to announce the opening of St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital based at the Network’s Bethlehem Campus in Fountain Hill.

“St. Luke’s is the first established hospital in the Lehigh Valley and has been caring for children for the 150 years since its founding in 1872,” St. Luke’s President & CEO Richard A. Anderson said. “This new children’s hospital designation recognizes the incredible depth of pediatric expertise developed across our Network over its long and storied history, including an array of specialty services added in recent years.”

This announcement is the culmination of a coordinated effort to reorganize pediatric care under the concept of a children’s hospital.

St. Luke’s became a member of the Children’s Hospital Association in 2022. In May 2022, St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center, the region’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to children, opened, allowing families to coordinate multiple specialty appointments in the same day at one convenient location. Shortly thereafter, St. Luke’s 17-bed pediatric inpatient unit was renovated and relocated to include 24/7 hospitalist coverage, support from pediatric trained respiratory therapists and specialty trained pediatric nurses, pharmacists and pediatric surgeons.

In 2020, St. Luke’s Bethlehem Campus added a $5 million, 8-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which provides advanced care to critically ill children. Prior to that, in 2017, St. Luke’s opened the Baby & Me Support Center, the region’s only comprehensive service offering prenatal education, lactation support, post-partum depression counseling and support groups in

one location.

St. Luke’s robust pediatric services complement the Network’s award-winning obstetrics group – named Best Place to Have a Baby – and stateof-the-art birth centers. More Lehigh Valley babies have been born at St. Luke’s than at any other health network in the region.

“St. Luke’s is committed to ensuring that parents enjoy access to St. Luke’s personalized and high-quality care, from pregnancy through all stages of their children’s development,” said Jennifer Janco, MD, Chair of Pediatrics. “Whether for planned routine check-ups or unexpected illnesses and injuries, St. Luke’s is prepared to deliver on the promise to care for your family.”

Dr. Janco noted that St. Luke’s continues to invest in its pediatric programs through the addition of experienced, compassionate providers. The current team of 35-plus pediatric specialists includes the region’s only pediatric nephrologist and only developmental pediatricians, as well as the largest team of fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeons in the area. The most recent additions to the specialty team include a Network Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and a Child

Life Specialist.

St. Luke’s also offers the region’s only pediatric dialysis center and the first and only pediatric specialty labs, designed to make children more comfortable and parents less stressed.

“The establishment of St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital represents a decade of intensive planning and investment in pediatrics,” said Jessika Haynos, Service Line Administrator, St. Luke’s Pediatrics. n

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. LUKE’S

With outstretched arms, St. Luke’s Pediatrics Chair Dr. Jennifer Janco celebrates the ribbon cutting for the new St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital.

for 12 mos from service start date, subject to change thereafter. 2-year price lock available with promotional Internet pricing for speeds of 600 Mbps or greater only. Offer includes an additional $5/mo discount for enrollment in both automatic payments (autopay) & paperless billing (e-bill); valid email address required. Must enroll in e-bill & paperless billing within 30-days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $5/mo. Discount appears on bill within 3 bill cycles after enrolling. If either auto-pay or e-bill s canceled, services are

Introducing Liz Martin, West End Alliance’s New Managing Director

Elizabeth Martin became the new managing director of the West End Alliance in July. In that spot, she will establish relationships with the many businesses in the West End Theatre District, support neighborhood activities and events, and assume an array of sales and administrative duties.

Liz also works with the Allentown Chamber under the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce

Her West End roots are deep, having grown up around 21st and Allen Sts. She attended Cathedral School (now St. John Vianney Regional School), and was involved in numerous activities for the West End Youth Center, including cheerleading and softball. After graduating from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., Liz returned to what she calls her

“perfect place,” and is raising her own family in the Highland St. area.

“I’m back to stay,” she said.

“I love the walkability of the neighborhood, and it’s good to see so many young families creating their own memories. It really is an amazing part of the Lehigh Valley.”

Tyler’s a Valuable WEA Volunteer

Tyler T. Stalletti, Business Development Officer at QNB, is another new member of the Alliance. He’s part of QNB’s commercial lending team, and helps all divisions in the bank and its branches, Prior to retiring, Sharon Mitchell had been one of his colleagues, and had told him about the Alliance’s beneficial programs. “I sat in on a board meeting, and saw that the Alliance would be a great way for me to serve the community,” he said. “In fact, I think more people from the neighborhood should sit on it.”

Tyler’s primary activities on the board revolve around the beautification and finance committees, as well as the World

of Food Festival.

He notes that he’s also on the board of the Lehigh Valley Chamber – which wants to increase its focus on the West End – and hopes to contribute to that effort.

Although Tyler and his family (wife Alexis and infant son Harrison) aren’t West End residents, he capitalizes on its location when taking clients to lunch. “We’ll often meet at the office, walk to Wert’s or Ringer’s,” he says, “and then walk back, rather than driving to a restaurant.

“And the longer I’m here, the more I realize that all the business owners and neighbors know each other. It really feels like a small town to me,” he said. n

REAL ID Enforcement Deadline

Extended to May 7, 2025

REAL ID enforcement goes int effect May 7, 2025. While that seems like a long time from now, do not wait until the last minute to get your REAL ID if you will need it.

REAL ID is not mandatory. However, beginning May 7, 2025, it will be required to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military base and enter a federal facility that requires identification at the door. Valid US Passports are considered REAL ID.

It is NOT required for driving, general identification purposes, accessing a hospital, visiting a federal court or voting.

To obtain REAL ID, applicants should be prepared to visit the REAL ID Center at 1101 MacArthur Rd in Whitehall with proof of identity (birth certificate w/ raised seal), Social Security Card, two proofs of current

Where Is It?

address and proof of all legal name changes (certificate marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree). In addition to renewing your identification or license, there is a $30 one-time REAL ID cost. For more information about REAL ID, visit dmv.pa.gov/ REALID or call my office (610821-5577) to request the REAL ID newsletter we put together. n

SEPTA and LANTA Senior Passes

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.

Let’s Stay Connected

n

Do you recognize this image? Identify its location in the West End Theatre District and you could win a $25 gift certificate from a restaurant in the neighborhood.

Send your entry by e-mail to michael@ drabenstott.com or mail to: M. Drabenstott, 2346 W. Allen St., Allentown PA 18104

By Sept. 29, 2023.

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

SUMMER WINNER!

Congratulations to Barbara Hallman, Winner of our Summer contest!

n

There’s a great Children’s Hospital in the Lehigh Valley.

It’s at St. Luke’s.

Now the region has more choices than ever for children’s health care. You’ll fi nd everything from routine primary care to a long list of pediatric specialists as well as pediatric emergency, surgical, inpatient and critical care. Kids staying in our hospital are treated with leading-edge expertise and a big dose of compassion. Our complete range of pediatric care is convenient to home, close to family and easy to access. St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. Just another example of how we‘re caring more for kids, parents and the community.

sluhn.org/childrenshospital