Volume 5, Number 1
SPRING 2019
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NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Greenhouse Enoteca Restaurant Blooms out of Former Flower Shop
The brother-sister team of Antonino (left) and Salvatrice (right) Pitruzzella opened Greenhouse Enoteca in early February. They’ve transformed what was once a flower shop into dining and bar space (below).
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
Salvatrice Pitruzzella remembers the feeling of a dream becoming a reality. It was late 2016 and a realtor was showing her and her brother, Antonino, around the former Roth’s Flowers at 2114 Tilghman St. Its previous owner, Dr. Marjorie Roth, had decided to sell the property in 2015. Prior to the sale, the flower shop had been a family business for almost 80 years. “We fell in love with the greenhouse,” Pitruzzella says. “We had been looking for a place for two years. But the first walk we did through here … there was an ease in your soul. You know when you feel good about something?” Standing in the northwest corner of the building on that cold day, under a leaking roof and amidst the spiders, Pitruzzella knew she had found the right place. Her longtime friend, Heidi Borelli, also shared a connection to
IN THIS ISSUE 1 New to the Neighborhood 2 News to Use- Festivals 3 Focus on the Arts 7 School News
7 City News 8 Helping Others- Kiwanis 9 St. Patrick’s Day Information 17 Shop Local 18 Ron’s Ramblings
the property. “When I was nineteen and I moved here, I used to come here and tell Mrs. Roth I was going to open up a restaurant someday,” Borelli says. “There are a few really great spots here in the West End that we all love going to, that we all know, but there just aren’t enough,” Borelli says. “There was a lot of focus downtown and in Bethlehem and Easton. My husband went to [Muhlenberg Elementary]; he went to Muhlenberg College. My children are at Allen and at Trexler. This is our community,” Borelli says. Salvatrice and Antonino purchased the property and, after two years of renovations, opened Greenhouse Enoteca in early February 2019. The bones of Roth’s Flowers remain. “We wanted to maintain the integrity of the natural structure,” Borelli says. That’s why they kept the wrought iron trellises, the exterior glass, and the namesake greenhouse, which sits off the dining room. But the meat of Greenhouse Enoteca is a new design concept that has modernized and revitalized the space. A long bar lines the back wall. A brand-new, bright-red, custom Kuma Forni pizza oven draws attention to the far corner. Tables
19 For the Birds 20 Students of Note 21 Medical Program 22 City News 23 Where Is It? 23 Important Numbers SPRING 2019 WEST
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COVER STORY
NEWS TO USE
constructed from reclaimed wood invite guests into the seating area. Pitruzzella designed the space, even measuring the square footage with her own steps. That love and attention carries to Greenhouse Enoteca’s menu, which is stocked with local Pennsylvania ingredients. Pitruzzella blends the restaurant’s wine herself. The liquor comes from PAbased distilleries. Wittman’s World Cheeses in the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market makes the cheese. “Anything we
can’t find from around here, we work with a co-op in Lancaster to find,” Pitruzzella says. The menu is seasonal, which means that the roasted Brussels sprouts salad on their menu when they opened may change into a more spring-centric starter when the weather warms. For that reason, plus the vegetables and herbs the restaurant plans on rotating in the greenhouse, Greenhouse Enoteca’s offerings shift with the calendar. You can, however, always expect an abundant and varied wood-fired pizza and pasta menu. At time of publication, Greenhouse Enoteca’s hours are 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Lunch and brunch hours, along with outdoor seating, are forthcoming. The restaurant only takes reservations for parties of 10 or more. You can reach them directly at (610) 707-1152 and visit their website at www.ghenoteca.com. n
Save the Date: Fun in Allentown! Mark your calendar now so you won’t miss these exciting upcoming events. Mayfair Festival of the Arts May 24 to 26
Food and craft vendors, artists, music, and live performances on the campus of Cedar Crest College www.cedarcrest.edu/mayfair/ mayfair@cedarcrest.edu (610) 740-3762
Blues, Brews, and Barbecue June 8
The name says it all—plus numerous exhibitors 500 to 800 blocks of Hamilton St., Allentown www.downtownallentown.com (484) 542-7827
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
West End World of Food Festival
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West End Alliance, Inc.
PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105
West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District. PUBLICATION STAFF Editors — Paul & Meghan Kita Writer — Frederick Jerant Copy Editing —Sara Muir Designer — Publication Design, Inc.
EDITORIAL Editorial suggestions or comments? Contact us at
westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com 2 WEST END LIVING
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September 21 Tasty delicacies from around the world, along with music, art, eating contests, kids’ craft activities, beer and wine, and much more. Proceeds benefit the West End Alliance. 19th St. between Liberty and Allen www.westendworldoffoodfestival.com/ www.facebook.com/worldoffoodfestival/ n
Photographers — Jane Geist — Hub Willson Editorial Consultant Michael Drabenstott
ADVERTISING Neighborhood Coordinator Ann Biernat-Rucker For advertising information, contact Ann at 610-703-8004 annbiernatrucker@gmail.com
West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. PO Box 173 Allentown, PA 18105
Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
FOCUS ON THE ARTS
Spring will be here before you know it. Come out of hibernation and see a play, film, or
gallery exhibition at the West End Theatre District’s many venues.
Civic Theatre At the
n Buyer & Cellar A struggling actor in L.A. takes a job working in the Malibu basement of a beloved megastar. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? Recommend for those 14+, due to mature language and themes. March 15 and 22: 7:30 p.m. March 16 and 23: 7:30 p.m. March 21: 7:30 p.m. March 24: 2:00 p.m. Civic Theatre 514
n Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. This Civic Theatre School production tells the tale of the Pridelands. With Simba presumed dead, Scar becomes king. In a stroke of luck, Simba runs into his old friend Pumbaa, who tells him of the horrors of Scar’s rule and begs Simba to return. April 4, 5: 6:00 p.m. April 6, 7: 11:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m. 19th Street Theatre
encounter between a man and a woman. However, what happens next defies the boundaries of the world we think we know—delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny. June 21 and 22, 27 through 29: 7:30 p.m. June 23 and 30: 2:00 p. m. Civic Theatre 514
n Fun Home This Tony Award-winning musical traces the coming-of-age of lesbian author Alison Bechdel, from her youth, to her years at Oberlin College, and finally to the present, where Alison is struggling to write her own graphic autobiography. Recommend for those 14+ due to mature language and themes. May 3 and 4, 9 through 11, 16 through 18: 7:30 p.m. May 12 and 19: 2:00 p.m. 19th Street Theatre
n Tonys & Tapas 2019 Join us for our largest fundraiser of the year, featuring a musical performance by the Civic Theatre Company, delicious tapas from the Valley’s finest restaurants, our signature MarTony cocktail, open wine and beer bar, and spirited live and silent auctions. June 9: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Civic Theatre 514 and 19th Street Theatre
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS to the malt shop and relive the days of juke boxes, bobby socks, soda fountains, and that glorious music. May 24 through July 7
Civic Theatre School Summer 2019
Enroll your kids in a class that will have them engaging their creative and social skills with other students. Summer Session 1: July 8 through 19 Summer Session 2: July 22 through August 2 Visit www.civictheatre.com or call (610) 432- 8943 for more information
Pines Dinner Theatre At the
n I Do! I Do! Marking its 10th anniversary, the Pines Dinner Theatre presents a repeat engagement of its very first production. The story of marriage is at the center of this intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the authors of The Fantasticks. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds. Runs through March 24 n Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical When the church thrift shop is threatened with closure to make way for condos, the team pulls together to save the store. Spend a year with the lovable, yet quirky group and see how they band together to save the shop and discover it’s not just old treasures that get a second chance. April 5 through May 12 n Rock Around The Clock Get ready to dance in the aisles with this high-energy music revue, featuring all your favorite hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s. Head back
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n Thesis Exhibition Graduating seniors premiere their thesis projects developed over the past year while working with Assistant Professor Emily Orzech. This lively annual show in Performance Schedule (all shows) the main Martin Art Gallery will Matinees (12:30 p.m. dinner and feature sculpture, painting and 2:00 p.m. show): Wednesday, photography by emerging artists Thursday, Sunday from the class of 2019. Evenings (6:30 p.m. dinner and 8:00 April 29 through May 18 p.m. show): Friday and Saturday Opening reception: April 29, 5:00 Ticket Price for Dinner and Show: to 6:30 p.m. Adult: $50 Martin Art Gallery Student (10-16): $35 For more information contact Child (2-9): $20 Paul M. Nicholson at (484) Show Only Ticket Price: 664-3467 or paulnicholson@ Adult: Preferred seating $30, muhlenberg.edu General admission $25 Child: Preferred seating $20, General admission $15 At the For ticket information, call the box office at (610) 433-2333 or visit www.pinesdinnertheatre.com.
Jewish Community Center
At
Muhlenberg College’s
Martin Art Gallery
n Lydia Panas: Sleeping Beauty This series of video installations and photographic works examines the contradictions women face in a world struggling to embrace their power. In conjunction with this solo exhibition there will be an interdepartmental panel discussion. Sleeping Beauty is accompanied by a 20-page catalog with an essay by Seph Rodney. Through April 13 Artist talk: March 27, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Panel discussion: March 12, 7:00 p.m. Recital Hall n Leslie Tucker: Devotionals The artist premieres a wide array of new digital C-prints in the Galleria space, in the Baker Center for the Arts. Works use the aesthetic of commercial advertising to discuss consumerism through dynamic composite imagery. Through March 24 Artist talk: March 13, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Recital Hall
Unless noted otherwise, all events take place at JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown.
Theater:
n Stagemakers Youth Theater presents Annie Jr.
Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award-winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, Annie Jr. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. May 16: 7:00 p.m. May 19: 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Ticket Prices: $15/Adult, $12Child JCC Member Ticket Prices: $10/Adult, $8/Child Group Rate (10 or more on the same day): $9/ticket For more information contact Brenda Finberg at (610) 435-3571 ext. 183 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org
Art:
n Adult Mosaics Class Learn the skills needed to create your own beautiful mosaic art.
Instructor Cindy Schneider will teach participants how to safely handle glass and how to use appropriate glass cutting tools. Whatever your art level, Cindy will support and encourage you to grow as an artist and designer. All materials are included in this course. For more information contact Amy Sams at (610) 435-3571 or asams@lvjcc.org n Art Gallery Opening Reception: The Baum School This free exhibit runs through May 9. Opening event receptions are free to the community and include refreshments and live music by the duo “Just So” featuring Mickey Freeman and Jon Fields. April 11: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. For more information contact Diane Lemberg, gallery manager, gallery@lvjcc.org n Art Gallery Opening Reception: Marge Hill and Micki Auerbach Wechsler This free exhibit runs through July 11. Opening event receptions are free to the community and include refreshments and live music by the duo “Just So” featuring Mickey Freeman and Jon Fields. For more information contact Diane Lemberg, gallery manager, gallery@lvjcc.org
Film:
n 24th Annual Jewish & Israeli Film Series The Jewish and Israeli Film Series offers thought-provoking, entertaining, and educational film events, often featuring guest speakers and discussions. The JCC partners with various groups in the community to present a diverse mix of films. The films are presented at the JCC and various locations in the greater Lehigh Valley.
Art Gallery
Miller Forum, 2400 W. Chew St., Allentown Price: $12; JCC Members: $8; Muhlenberg students: Free
n Nicky’s Family This docudrama tells the story of Nicholas Winton, an Englishman who organized the rescue of 669 Czech and Slovak children just before the outbreak of World War II. March 19: 7:00 p.m. Price: $5 Congregation Brith Sholom 1190 W. Macada Rd. Bethlehem n PJ Library Film Event: Paddington This family friendly PJ Library program accompanies the film Nicky’s Family. This fun afternoon
event includes bear-themed crafts, snacks, and watching Paddington. March 24: 3:00 p.m. Price: $10/Family n Wrestling Jerusalem Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies 17 different characters in and around the sacred city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Cosponsored by Muhlenberg College and the Institute for JewishChristian Understanding (IJCU) April 4: 7:00 p.m. Muhlenberg College, Moyer Hall,
n The Testament Yoel, a meticulous historian leading a significant debate against holocaust deniers, discovers that his mother carries a false identity. A mystery about a man who is willing to risk everything to discover the truth. April 14: 7:00 p.m. Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 Chew St. Allentown Price: $12, JCC/KI Members: $8 (Foreign language film with English subtitles) n Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel This David-and-Goliath story documents Israel’s national baseball team as it competes for the first time in the World Baseball Classic. Their odyssey takes them from the Holy Land where they are hailed as modern-day Maccabees
to the tournament in South Korea where they must debunk their reputations as has-beens and wannabes. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley and presented in partnership with Civic Theatre. April 28: 7:00 p.m. Civic Theatre 527 N 19th St., Allentown Price: $12; JCC members: $8; Civic Theatre members: $7 (Foreign language film with English subtitles) n An Act of Defiance In 1963, Nelson Mandela and nine other black and Jewish South Africans risk their lives to free their country from segregation and are arrested for sabotage. Their lawyer, Bram Fischer, puts his own life and career in jeopardy to defend them. April 30: 7:00 p.m. ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem Price: $12; JCC/ArtsQuest/Brith Sholom members: $8
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS n The Cousin After a well-meaning ArabMuslim handyman arrives in an Israeli village, a young woman is assaulted, and the community assumes he was her attacker. May 30: 7:00 p.m. Price: $12, JCC Members: $8 Language: English
William Allen High School At
Acting Lessons
For more information about the JCC Film Series, please contact Stephanie Bennett at (610) 435-3571 or sbennett@lvjcc.org. Purchase tickets by calling (610) 435-3571 or visiting lvjcc.org/film
J School of Visual & Performing Arts: Lessons
fundamental singing exercises, and expansion of vocal music repertoire.
n Voice Lessons: Students will learn proper vocal technique through personalized instruction,
n Music Lessons (piano, guitar, drums): Whether instructor Jeff Bowers is teaching guitar, piano, or beginner drums, his approach to music instruction does not stick to a rigid curriculum that uses a one-size-fits-all approach.
Kindergarten through adult ages, available Monday through Friday, April 1 through June 14, 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
n Acting Lessons: Learn the craft and business of acting and auditioning for stage, film, and television work. Gain selfconfidence and find your own unique voice. For pricing and other information, or to register, contact Brenda Finberg at (610) 435-3571 ext. 183 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org
n Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy Vegas lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a gangland hit and goes on the run—straight into a convent run by The Holy Order of the Little Sisters of Our Mother of Perpetual Faith. Posing as Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris resurrects their feeble choir and leads them to glory. April 4 through 6: 7:00 p.m., April 7: 2:00 p.m. Adults $12, seniors 10, students $ 8 (plus processing fees) www.ticketor.com/wahsboxoffice John F. McHugh auditorium, 106 N. 17th St., Allentown n
Meet our Orthopedic Care team at St. Luke’s Allentown Campus Turn to St. Luke’s for extraordinary Orthopedic Care in Allentown. Drs. Jennifer Banzhof and Daniel Heckman are part of a team that works together to determine the best course of action for each and every patient. Seeing patients at St. Luke’s West End Medical Center in Allentown.
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Visit us at ortho.sluhn.org
Jennifer Banzhof, DO Joint Reconstruction
Daniel Heckman, MD Sports Medicine
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Register Now! St. Luke’s Half Marathon is April 28. Visit stlukeshalfmarathon.com. 6 WEST END LIVING
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SCHOOL NEWS
Allentown School District Foundation to Host Area Musical Gala On March 30, more than 120 students from local schools will perform a fast-paced musical production at Miller Symphony Hall in downtown Allentown. This year marks the 9th anniversary of the annual High Notes Gala and it will feature students from Canary Cavaliers Jazz Band, the WAHS Dance Academy, WAHS Chorale, Dieruff’s Select Choir, and Dieruff Jazz Band. Awardwinning local theater students will also showcase snippets from five spring musicals. Co-chaired by Kay Kurtz and Donald Bernhard, the event will also feature an international buffet-style dinner. The festivities run from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the show only run $20 for adults and $10 for students. Dinner and the show costs $150 per guest. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, including: A volunteer literacy program for kindergarten and first grade students in more than 60 classrooms.
Education for 325 students about local history using graphic arts, literature, and tours of some of Allentown’s landmarks. A science fair featuring projects by more than 1,600 middle- and high-school students. Flutophones for all 3rd graders; a middle school strings program; and instrumental music lessons, instruments, performance opportunities, and instrument repair. Grants to teachers which benefitted more than 3,000 students last year. For tickets for the show only contact the Miller Symphony Hall box office at (610) 432-6715. For ticket for the dinner and the show contact Vicki Newhard at newhardv@allentownsd.org or (484) 765-4121. For more information about the Allentown School District Foundation contact P.O. Box 328, 31 South Penn St., Allentown 18105, (484) 765-4093, williamssu@allentownsd.org, or visit www.allentownsd.org/asdf n
CITY NEWS
New Citywide Initiative
to Hold Open Meeting in West End Allentown has been through a lot in the last 10 years: a new stadium, an influx of modern apartment and office buildings, budding waterfront redevelopment, and a host of infrastructure improvements across the city. What’s in store for the next 10 years? Allentown wants you to hear from you. A new city initiative, Allentown Vision 2030, aims to develop a plan that will incorporate everything from land use and development to environmental conservation and historic preservation. Because these topics cocern the West End of Allentown, Vision 2030’s representatives will host a
fine dining
Fine Dining
Where the OWner Wears
community collaboration meeting on June 18 at Muhlenberg Elementary School, 740 N 21st St. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. To learn more about the initiative visit AllentownVision 2030.org. n
an aprOn, nOt a tie!
1926 West Allen street AllentoWn 610-434-2628 henryssAltoftheseA.com SPRING 2019
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HELPING OTHERS
Local Kiwanis Club Continues to Support Neighborhood Youth
Established in 1915, Kiwanis International is a service organization that promotes the well-being of children around the world. Its Allentown club, formed in 1918, carries out that mission on a much smaller scale—and it has a solid presence in the West End. “For the past 10 years, we’ve hosted a picnic at the Rose Gardens each May for the Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers. We provide food and fun for about 350 kids at that event,” says Thomas Harp, immediate past president of the club. The group also sponsors Key Clubs in Allentown high schools, including one at William Allen, and awards a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding member of the school’s club. Other scholastic leadership programs include
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a K-Kids Club at Luis Ramos Elementary School, which encourages elementary school students to participate in community service projects, and a similar Builders Club at Raub Middle School. “We hope to restart a K-Kids Club at Muhlenberg elementary school,” Harp added, “and want to create a Circle-K Club, an international collegiate service program, at Cedar Crest College.” The Kiwanis Club also maintains a foundation that provides $10,000 in grants to local non-profit groups that offer music, arts, reading, and similar programs for children. “We invite anyone who is interested in the Kiwanis Club to join us at a monthly meeting,” Harp says. “We gather on the second Thursday of each month
at The Shanty On 19th. In evennumbered months, we meet at noon; odd months at 6:00 p.m. For more information about the group, visit www. allentownkiwanis.org or contact Harp directly at (610) 428-1427 or grundsow67@hotmail.com. n
Annual picnic (above) for 230 preschool children from four Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers locations. Annual LVCC Christmas Party (below) for 170 children, with some of Allen High School Key Club members helping.
The 62nd Annual Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade will take place on
Sunday, March 17th at 1:30 pm But the celebration starts well before that!
We
invite you to celebrate with us!
An Allentown Tradition...
Around the turn of the century the sixth ward was the heart of the Irish community. Most Irishmen belonged to the Immaculate Conception church on Ridge Avenue. (Allentown’s oldest Catholic Church, 1857) In addition, on Ridge Avenue there was a Young Men’s Temperance Society and the Hibernia Fire Company Social Club where many Irishmen belonged for social activities. We believe all of these groups had events on and around St. Patrick’s Day. However, it is said that a certain Barney McNulty stood atop the five story Belleview Apartment house on Ridge and Gordon Streets and blew his bugle every St. Patrick’s Day. No other evidence exists of the celebrations of 100 years ago. 1955 to 1974 A committee of mostly first and sixth ward business and political leaders formed a St. Patrick’s Day Observance Society. Men such as John McHugh, his
brother Joe, Francis McLaughlin, J. Raymond Cramsey, Thomas Egan and others ran the first parade through the first and sixth wards only, for at least two years. By 1958 the parade was large enough to go from 12th and Hamilton Streets to the Immaculate Conception Church on Ridge Avenue. This parade ran every year except 1974 when a fuel crisis and the deaths of some of the active committee members led to the dissolution of this committee. In their hay days this committee ran supplements in green in the Morning Call and hosted a large banquet at Agricultural Hall to honor citizens who saluted the Irish. 1975 to Present A small group of first and sixth ward citizens, attending a banquet at the Allentown Italian Club were expressing remorse to each other that the 1974 parade was cancelled. Among this group were Jerry Weber, Dick McGee, Jim Nolfa, Sue Flood, and Jim Spang. The
group, with less than six weeks until the March 1975 Parade, decided to try to put a parade together. Mayor Daddona was contacted, meetings were held, last minute invitations extended to bands and marchers. The net result was a 5-division parade that came down Hamilton Street with Jerry Weber, the first President, Dick McGee – Vice President, Jim Nolfa-Treasurer, and Orpha Ockenhouse-Secretary. This new committee called itself the “St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee”. At the same time, the first and sixth ward oldtimers at the Harugari Hall on Gordon Street were holding a St. Patrick’s ball. The ball was ultimately taken over by the Parade Committee and moved to the Fearless Fire Company in the 1980’s. In 2013 the ball, or Coronation Celebration as it is now called, was moved back to its home at Agricultural Hall. The committee goes on with many of the original members still belonging. Jim Spang the past President goes back to the
founding days in the 1970’s. Our current Committee President, John Chaya, has taken us into the next phase, moving the parade route to the beautiful West End of Allentown. The current St. Patrick’s Parade is by far the best and biggest event in the history of the parade in Allentown. The Parade will celebrate its 62nd Anniversary on March 17, 2019 departing from the Allentown Fairgrounds at 1:30 pm. For more information or to participate in the 2018 Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade go to www. allentownstpatricksparade.com.
City of Allentown Flag Raising On Friday, March 15, 2019 the flag of the Republic of Ireland will be raised at City Hall Plaza, Allentown at 11:45 am. The flag raising event is to commemorate the contributions of those of Irish heritage who helped to form and grow Allentown and the greater Allentown area. A pipe salute and brief remarks by John A. Chaya, President of the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Inc. and the Honorable Ray O’Connell, Mayor of the City of Allentown will mark the occasion. City Hall is located at 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown.
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Schedule of Events West End Pub Crawl
Saturday, March 9
5:00pm
Sponsoring West End Pubs
Flag Raising
Friday, March 15
11:45am
Allentown City Hall 435 Hamilton Street
Coronation Celebration
Friday, March 15
7:30pm -11:00pm
Ag Hall, AgriPlex Annex Allentown Fairgrounds
(Doors open at 7:00 )
Irish Community Day
Saturday, March 16
Noon - 4:00pm
Ag Hall, AgriPlex Annex Allentown Fairgrounds
St. Patrick’s Parade Mass
Sunday, March 17
9:15am
Immaculate Conception Church, 501 Ridge Avenue
West End St. Pat’s 5K
Sunday, March 17
12:15pm sharp
Memorial Hall, Muhlenberg College, 2300 block, Liberty Street
Grand Massed Pipe Band Exhibition
Sunday, March 17
1:00pm
500 block of N. 19th Street
St. Patrick’s Parade
Sunday, March 17
1:30pm
Beginning at the Fairgrounds
For event information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.allentownstpatricksparade.com
The Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Inc. Proudly Announces...
the registration of the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Tartan on the Scottish Register of Tartans. Designed by 2010 Queen Wendy Ferguson with the assistance of the committee and with special thanks to the staff of USA Kilts, the tartan will be making its debut at the 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade Events. The colors include; Green to represent Ireland and celebrate Allentown’s Irish heritage, as well as Central Catholic High School in Allentown. Blue to represent Dierfuff High School in Allentown. Yellow represents loyalty, and William Allen High School in Allentown. Red pays tribute to Hamilton Street, considered the heart of the city and the route the parade took for many decades. White represents purity, Black represents grief and remembrance of loved ones. Red, white & blue were also chosen to represent the American flag. 10 WEST 2016 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVINGSPRING SPRING 2019
The West End Pub Crawl
Join us for a night out! Pub Crawl! 1926
TILGHMAN ST.
1839
Supervised Cross‐Walks
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2027
17TH ST.
18TH ST.
ALLEN ST.
19TH ST.
1840
20TH ST.
Assembly at each sponsoring pub and starts at 4:30 pm. The pub crawl begins promptly at 5:00 pm. T-Shirts to benefit the parade are $15.
22ND ST.
LIBERTY ST. 2246
2105
1801
448
The Parade Pub Crawl will celebrate it’s 11th Anniversary in 2019! Initiated in 2008, this year’s crawl will take place on Saturday, March 9, 2019 throughout the West End of Allentown. Proceeds from the Pub Crawl benefit the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade to pay for marching units and bands. There are eight sponsoring pubs; Jack Callaghan’s Ale House, The Tavern on Liberty Street, Ringer’s Roost Tavern & Restaurant, Volpe’s Sports Bar, The Shanty on
19th, Fairgrounds Hotel, Sleepy Cat Urban Winery and Greg’s West End Saloon.
23RD ST.
Fun in the West End...
Official 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade T-shirts! Only $15 Distinctive Gold Lettering!
For the latest on all events, check out our WEBSITE... http://allentownstpatricksparade.com SPRING 2016 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVING SPRING 2019 WEST
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The Coronation Celebration
You are cordially invited! An exciting evening to start off the weekend’s festivities... Phil and Kim Ferguson will be crowned the 2019 King and Queen of the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade at the Coronation Celebration to be held March 15
at the Agricultural Hall Annex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The Coronation Celebration begins at 7:30 pm and the Coronation takes place at 8:30 pm. (Doors open at 7:00pm.) Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and include a copy of the 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade Program Book, complimentary beer, soda, and a door prize ticket. The event is BYOB. There is no cost for anyone under 21. The Allentown Fairgrounds/Agricultural Hall Annex is located at 19th and Liberty Streets, Allentown, PA 18104. For tickets to the Coronation Celebration email stpatstickets@ aol.com or go to www.allentownstpatricksparade.com.
Entertainment will Entertainment will include: •Chinese Auction and Door Prizes •Walk the “Green Carpet” and get your photo taken •Performance by The O’Grady Quinlan Irish Dancers •The Mackay Pipe Band serenades the King & Queen •The Official Coronation of the 2019 King & Queen •Recognition of all Past Kings & Queens •Vendors including Eight Oaks Distillery •DJ playing music to dance the night away!
Join Us!
Kick off a weekend of Irish fun at the annual Coronation Celebration! Present this coupon to receive $5 off the price of admission at the door (Regularly $20)!
For the latest on all events, check out our WEBSITE... http://allentownstpatricksparade.com 12 WEST 2016 12 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVINGSPRING SPRING 2019
Congratulations to 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade King & Queen Phillip & Kimberly Ferguson! Meet the Fergusons!
Phillip and Kimberly Ferguson are thrilled and honored to have been selected as the King and Queen of 2019 Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Phil’s parents, Patrick and Marian Ferguson, served as King and Queen in 1991, and Phil’s brother and sister-in-law, Sean and Wendy Ferguson, were King and Queen in 2010. Phil’s Irish roots run deep, and he has traveled to Ireland many times with Kim and family, but nothing compares to the last trip with his father in 2015 when they were able to connect with family in County Mayo. There he learned of his family history going back to his great-great- grandfather. Phil, a member of both the AOH and Hogan’s Social Club, has been active on the Parade Committee since he was a teenager, and currently serves as VicePresident/Operations Director. Kim, also of Irish descent, was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. She is also an active Parade Committee volunteer who has not missed a parade in 18 years. Phil and Kim are parishioners of St. John Fisher in Catasauqua. When they married 8 years ago, Phil happily became stepfather to Kim’s wonderful children: Jessica and her husband Jeff Hudak are both teachers working towards their masters degrees. They currently reside in Quakertown with their silky terrier, Donatello. Nathan is a junior majoring in Finance with a Political Science Minor at Penn State University, University
Park. This summer he plans on working for UBS in NYC as an Incoming Investment Banking Summer Analyst. Kim, a graduate of Nazareth High School, is the Office Manager at Ian D. Webb Insurance. Kim was a youth Cheerleading Coach and Treasurer for CYCA when Jessica was in school. Phil, a William Allen High School graduate, currently works at Kids Peace. He is a former route/sales manager for Stroehmann and Frito Lay. He coached CYAA and Connie Mack baseball for many years and served as Operations Director with the Allentown Flag Day Association and several military parades.
Passing on a tradition.... The honor of being King and
Queen of the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade is held close to the hearts of those who have been chosen to represent the Irish Heritage of the greater Lehigh Valley. Each Queen proudly wears the silver crown pin emblematic of their reign as queen of the Irish community for the year. At each coronation, past Kings and Queens are recognized in a special way during the crowning ceremony. They are introduced individually and form a semicircle around the thrones where the incoming royal couple will be crowned by the couple completing their reign. The semi-circle signifies the bond among the former Kings and Queens, and provides a message of support and love for the newly crowned
couple. All former Kings and Queens are mentioned in the Parade Sponsor Book by their year of reign, and featured in a gallery of coronation photos for all the modern day couples on the official parade website. The incoming King and Queen are presented with flowers as a tribute to their royalty for the year, and they are provided a spectacular dance routine by the O’Grady-Quinlan Academy of Irish Dancers. Following that they move to the dance floor for their first dance as King and Queen, and then joined by all the other former Kings and Queens. Photo Courtesy of Lisa Arnold Photography SPRING 2019 WEST SPRING 2016 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVING
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Community Day The whole family is welcome! Learning and laughter...
The 6th Annual Irish Cultural Community Day will be held Saturday, March 16, 2019 from noon to 4:00 pm at the Agricultural Hall Annex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. The Community Day is presented by the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, Inc. and is sponsored by the West End Alliance as a contribution to the community to highlight the Irish culture in dance, song, art, and music. The Community Day is a family friendly, free event and features demonstrations in Irish dance, hurling, Celtic games, art, bagpipe, and fiddle. Upon entering, each child will be given a Passport which will guide them on their journey through the various areas of the
event. Stations will be set up for the children to answer questions and learn something unique about Irish Culture. Each station (art, history, crafts, sports, health, etc.) will “stamp” their passport, and when the children
complete their “journey” they can enter their name into the drawing for some really great prizes (first prize is a $100.00 gift card from GIANT, 2 $50.00 gift cards donated by RCN and many other prizes). Everything at Community Day is free (admission, soda, snacks, flags, face paint and fun). And for the adults there will be three Irish Themed Vendors (general merchandise, jewelry and pottery) to shop at with something for everyone. New this year will be a Highland Games Competition for kids sponsored by American Bank and Jaindl Enterprises! Participants in the West End 5K race can pick up their race bags and numbers in the Ag Hall vestibule and then come in to join the Community Day!
Activities will include... •Face Painting •Hurling Demonstration by the Allentown Hurling Club •Highland Games including the ”Caber “ Toss •Performance by The O’Grady Quinlan Irish Dancers •Bagpipe Demonstration •Painting with Out of Our Minds Art Studio •Fiddle Workshop •Irish Music •Free Family Fun!
Sponsored in part by:
Prizes for BEST FLOAT in the 2019 PARADE!
Over $1,200 in Cash Prizes will be awarded to floats in two categories: Businesses, and School/Family/Non-Profit. Winners will be announced during the parade, and the awarding of prizes will be televised! There will also be a prize awarded for Best Costume! Missed your chance to enter this year? Registration for the 2020 Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade will open in October of 2019! Visit http://allentownstpatricksparade.com to fill out your official registration form, and join in the fun! 14 WEST 2016 14 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVINGSPRING SPRING 2019
Community Awards It’s a House Decorating/Porch Party Contest... The 2019 Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is once again hosting a house decorating/ porch party contest to be judged by an independent person chosen by the Parade committee. The theme of this year’s contest is “You are Invited”. Prizes will be awarded for the “best porch
party” and “best decorated house” along the Parade route. The Parade route will form at the Fairgrounds track near the Liberty and 17th Streets gate ( Main Gate vicinity) The Parade will proceed West on Liberty, turn North on 19th Street, West on Tilghman to 25th Street, South on 25th Street to Liberty Street then East on Liberty Street and disband at the Fairgrounds 19th
neighborhood affair!
Street gate. All homes along the Parade route are encouraged to participate. Prizes will be awarded immediately upon conclusion of the Parade.
Food Drive The Parade is hosting a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley. The Parade is partnering with several local businesses and the Minsi Trails Council to help collect food the day of the Parade. Members of Boy Scout Troop 439 will be marching behind the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley truck in the Parade to collect food brought to the Parade by spectators. Brown paper grocery bags donated by GIANT will be distributed doorto-door in the West End neighborhood the week before the Parade and will also be distributed at some of the Parade sponsored
events. The Food Drive kicks off at the annual Parade Fundraiser event being held Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Christopher’s at the Columbian Home. Donations will also be taken at the Coronation Celebration and the Irish Cultural Community Day being held March 15 and 16 respectively at Allentown Fairgrounds. The Parade is asking all spectators of the parade to bring a nonperishable food item to donate.
11th Annual West End St. Patrick’s 5k adds to parade festivities...
The West End Alliance is organizing the 11th running of the West End St. Patrick’s 5K, Sunday, March 17, 2019, along the parade route. Preceding the annual St. Patrick’s Parade, the race provides hundreds of runners with the chance to race through the beautiful West End and enjoy the pageantry of the Lehigh Valley’s best St. Patrick’s parade. Registration is available at westendstpats5k.com until March 12 or the limit of 1,000 runners has been reached. No race-day registration will be available. There is a $31 registration fee through March 1; $36 thereafter. Commemorative glassware ($5) and technical shirts ($11.50) will be available for purchase through March 1. Extras will be available for purchase on race day. Race amenities include post-race food, immediate race results by text and e-mail, personalized race bibs, indoor restrooms, and bib pick-up on Friday and Saturday in addition to race morning. The race starts at 12:15 p.m. in front of Muhlenberg College’s Memorial Hall on Liberty Street between 23rd and 24th streets; post-race events occur in Muhlenberg’s Seegers Union. Proceeds from the race support neighborhood development efforts and beautification in the West End Theatre District. The race has raised more than $75,000 for the West End Alliance since 2009. Race Photos by Euniece Santiago SPRING 2016 WEST END LIVING SPRING 2019 WEST END LIVING
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Parade Day A truly
spectacular day! Parade Presenting Sponsor
It all kicks off with a grand performance... A Massed Bands Exhibition will take place immediately before the Parade at 1:00 PM on North 19th Street between Tilghman and Liberty Streets. All pipe bands will perform in unison under the direction of Drum Major Jason Litz. After the Parade the pipe bands will proceed to a Pub Crawl Sponsoring pub to perform additional tunes.
“The West End business community has benefitted greatly over the past decade that the St. Patrick’s Parade has been presented in the community. After the long winter with the challenges of snow, ice and cold, the St. Patrick’s week provides an important revenue boost, helps us shake off the winter doldrums, and gets the community smiling and moving out and about. It really had an amazing effect on our businesses.”
The big event... The 2019 Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade, now in its 62nd year, will start its march at 1:30 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2019. The Parade route will form at the Fairgrounds track near the Liberty and 19th Streets gate (Main Gate vicinity). The Parade will proceed West on Liberty, turn North on 19th Street, West on Tilghman Street to 25th Street, South on 25th Street to Liberty Street, then East on Liberty Street and disband at the Fairgrounds 19th Street gate. The Parade will include the 2019 King and Queen riding in a white coach drawn by a team of Belgium horses followed by Parade divisions each led by a pipe band.
Emergencies during the St. Patrick’s Parade…
See it all...
Live on Service Electric Cable Tv the day of the parade and rebroadcast on RCN Television March 17th at 5 pm. and March 23rd at 11 am. Or watch it on Video on Demand!
The St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has established a plan with the City of Allentown to deal with any emergency that should occur during the St. Patrick’s Parade in the West End. Should there be a need (health issue, lost child, fire, need for police, etc.) please dial 911 and report the emergency. First responders are prepared to answer you request for assistance.
Congratulations to our Annual Poster Contest Winners! See All 6 Winners in the 2019 Parade Program! Jasline Ortiz 1st Place Senior Division, St. Joseph the Worker School 16 WEST 2016 16 WESTEND ENDLIVING LIVINGSPRING SPRING 2019
Evan Cardiges 1st Place Junior Division, St. Joseph the Worker School
SHOP LOCAL
Since opening in 2009, Le Femme Boutique has grown to become one of the region’s foremost formal gown boutiques. “We carry gowns for all kinds of occasions,” says co-owner Jane Heimbecker, “including proms, weddings, quinceañera; galas, and general evening wear. We stock about 1,700 gowns across 80 designer lines—as well as our own private label—in sizes from 000 to 40. We also rent tuxedos.” The shop emerged from Heimbecker’s frustration with the local gown scene. “I didn’t see much of a selection,” she says, “and decided that women in the Valley shouldn’t have to drive to Philadelphia or Manhattan to find what they wanted.” She visited her favorite designers’ stores in New York, made a commitment to stock and sell their dresses, and launched Le Femme Boutique. “We opened in Spring 2009, and have been very successful,” she says. “We’re now one of the top 200 bridal shops in the country.” Browse through her stock and you’ll find garments from Alyce Paris, Dave & Johnny, Rachel Allan, Tiffany from House of Wu, Blush Prom, and many others. Of course, the store can’t stock every possible size and color, “but we special-order all the time,” Heimbecker says. You’ll also find an uncommon level of personalized attention. “We strive to make gown shopping a pleasant experience,”
Heimbecker says. “Everyone gets a consultant who will educate the buyer about body shapes, gown styles, and good colors.” The shop features 15 changing rooms, with one that is reserved for wheelchair users or customers with autism, anxiety, or other conditions. Service or therapy dogs are welcome. There’s free coffee and tea, and couches are available for additional comfort. Le Femme Boutique also welcomes members of the LGBTQ community. Another bonus: When you buy a gown from the store, you won’t encounter any copycats later. “We maintain a computerized database,” says Heimbecker. “Sales are sorted by event—even school proms—and we track what we’ve sold for each one. That means we will not sell a dress in the same design to anyone else at your event.” Le Femme Boutique’s only location is in the West End Theatre District, and with good reason. “I was born and raised in Allentown,” Heimbecker says, “and I live in the West End. I’m really pleased with the direction of the Theatre District. There are many cool businesses moving in, and the people that own them are great to work with.” Le Femme Boutique 1931 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, PA 18104 (610) 844-4493 www.lefemmeboutique.com n
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
Shop the West End: Le Femme Boutique
STORE HOURS Through April 30 Sunday: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 12:00 to 9:00 p.m. (opens at 10:00 a.m. on April 19) Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
May to June: Sunday and Monday: by appointment only Tuesday through Friday: 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed March 18 and April 21 SPRING 2019
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RON’S RAMBLINGS
As Spring Springs, Visit Your Local Parks
By Ron Epstein
ALL PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
Allentown has been blessed with a wonderful public park system, especially here in the West End. And, as we become more concerned with healthier eating habits and getting more exercise, our parks provide plenty of space for hiking, biking, and swimming—all while surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. We don’t have to go very far to take advantage of them, either. Of the dozen or so parks throughout the city, six are located here in the West End. West Park, located between Linden and Turner and between 15th and West Streets, was founded in 1909 by General Harry Clay Trexler. At that time, the land was being used as a community trash pit and sandlot baseball field. But today’s park features a bandshell, elegant
walking paths, ornamental tree wooded area for picnics. Also, the and flower gardens, and a large park is home to several hundred central fountain. ducks. Cedar Beach Park, located on Lehigh Parkway is located Ott Street between Hamilton behind the Queen City Airport, and Linden, was developed in and was where William Allen, the the 1920s by the then-Mayor city’s founder, built his hunting Malcolm Gross. Its amenities and fishing cabin known as Trout include four lighted basketball Hall. The 1730s cabin no longer courts, two beach areas, and two exists, but his son, James, named volley ball courts. For years, it was his home at 4th and Walnut the location of the former Sports Streets “Trout Hall” in its honor. Fest, and was the original site of Amenities include trails, bridle Mayfair Festival of the Arts. paths, a disc golf course and Trexler Park, off Springhouse fishing. The Little Lehigh Fish Road, was General Trexler’s Hatchery Museum of Indian summer home in the Culture is also 1920s and early ‘30s. located there. Spring, Summer, Union Terrace It was bequeathed to the city upon his Park (the popular Winter, and Fall name for Joseph death in 1933. It contains a lake, about S. Dadonna Lake Allentown Parks and Terrace) was three miles of paved trails for biking created in 1932 have it All and walking, and a with 11 acres of
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land after a donation to the city by M.A. Reisensmith & Associates. Completed in 1935 by Work Progress Administration workers, it includes a grassy amphitheater, a pond, a softball field, and a picnic grove with grill. It is home to Allentown’s annual Shakespeare in the Park festival. The Allentown Rose Gardens was founded in 1929 by Mayor Malcolm Gross. Officially known as the Malcolm Gross Memorial Rose Gardens, the park is located between Hamilton and Linden off Ott Street. One of the most beautiful parks in Allentown, it features a variety of roses and other flowers along with walking and biking paths. Many couples host their weddings there. Our public parks are for all of us to enjoy. Please take advantage of them and all they have to offer. n
FOR THE BIRDS
Volunteers from the Friends of Allentown Parks and nearby colleges built the tower, with donated or near-cost materials, and planted dozens of native trees, shrubs, and grasses on the island. The birds offer a benefit to us, as well: They gobble up mosquitoes and other insects almost as much as bats do. n
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
As you stroll along Lake Muhlenberg, you may have wondered about the tall structure arising from Sparkle Island. Wonder no more: It’s a high-rise for birds—chimney swifts, to be exact. Those sleek, sooty-grey birds with elongated bodies like to nest inside hollow trees or in chimneys during the summer. (The swifts migrate to South America for the winter months, so they don’t interfere with a chimney’s function in cold weather.) But squirrel guards and alternative homeheating systems have reduced the birds’ access to chimneys. The 20’ x 2’ x 2’ structure, built in 2013, helps to remedy that. It’s designed to mimic the birds’ favored habitat by providing plenty of airflow, insulation, and protection from the elements.
PHOTO BY JIM McCULLOCH CHIMNEY SWIFT
Swift Structure Benefits the Birds
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STUDENTS OF NOTE
Muhlenberg
Adrianna Candelario is a hardworking 5th-grade student. At any point in the day, if you walk into her classroom, you will see her acting as a role model for her peers. She initiates discussions, uses kind words, and includes others. Not only does she work hard in school, she is artistic and plays the violin. You can see her determination and successes in her extracurricular activities as well.
Trexler
Jashua Maldonado-Bruno is a very hard-working and passionate 8th-grade student. The school slogan this year teaches students to “BARK like a Bulldog” – Be safe, Attitude, Responsibility and Kindness – and that’s what he does. He comes to school every day with a smile and an eagerness to learn. Jashua is always willing to participate in class and works
Adrianna Candelario
Jashua Maldonado-Bruno
Steven Cruz
well with others. He is dedicated to helping his classmates succeed and grow in every way he can. He is very polite, and usually says “thank you” on his way out the door at the end of class. Jashua often helps teachers with odd jobs, or assists others in the hallways.
9:30 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. and is just two courses away from total recovery and on-time graduation with the support from WAHS
teacher Ms. Sterner. Steven is also an accomplished songwriter, and is a member of the NJROTC Rifle Drill Team.
William Allen
Steven Cruz is a student focused on graduation in 2019. Steven has been attending the Canary Nation Saturday School program from
Timothy Richard
F
William Allen sophomore Alexis Rounds recently qualified to perform with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 (Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, and Schuylkill counties) band. It’s made up of advanced players, and the selection process is quite competitive. Alexis has played tuba for just two years, and is very proud to have attained this level of success. The District 10 band performed at Catasauqua High School on January 25, 2019. n
ZAVERI JEWELERS
LARGEST SELECTION OF DIAMOND JEWELRY IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY Now with two locations!
520 N. 19th Street West End, Allentown 610.435.2470
YOUR DIAMOND SPECIALISTS F F F F
GIA certified Work only with the owners Custom CAD jewelry design All repairs done on premises
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1403 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 190 (rear), Allentown 484.661.1869
MEDICAL PROGRAM
Designs by
St. Luke’s Nationally Recognized Weight Management Center Expands Services in Allentown Obesity affects millions of Americans and is a serious health concern. Conditions associated with being overweight or obese include diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, joint pain and more. St. Luke’s Weight Management Center, which for many years has offered both medical (non-surgical) and surgical weight loss options for area patients, has expanded services in the Allentown. In addition to the series of free monthly informational seminars that St. Luke’s Weight Management Center offers to patients at St. Luke’s Allentown Campus, the Center is now offering weight loss seminars at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus, where attendees can learn about the bariatric programs and procedures offered, as well as expected results. The seminars are presented by St. Luke’s bariatric surgeons Dr. Leonardo Claros and Dr. Maher El-Chaar. At St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus, a weight loss seminar is offered the first Wednesday of every month at 6 pm in the hospital conference center on the second floor of the hospital at 421 West Chew Street. In addition, on the third Friday of every month at 1 pm a Spanish language seminar is presented at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart. By achieving a healthy weight, patients can decrease the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes, high blood and sleep apnea and improve their quality of life. St. Luke’s Weight Management Center has cared for thousands of patients and offers a comprehensive, team approach that provides patients with support before, during and after their procedure or care.
Helma Rosenthal of Macungie, along with her husband Richard, underwent weight loss surgery at St. Luke’s three years ago, “The St. Luke’s approach included highly qualified and experienced doctors but did not stop there. They also offered a supportive staff which included small group topical information sessions given by the social worker and access to a nutritionist, in addition to broad based supports such as monthly large group support meetings. Prior to deciding we also attended a support meeting. This broad-based approach as well as the reputation of the St. Luke’s surgeons and program sold us on the program offered at St. Luke’s.” St. Luke’s Weight Management Center is recognized for outstanding clinical outcomes and has achieved national accreditation as a Comprehensive Center from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. To learn more about the Center or to register for an upcoming free information seminar, call St. Luke’s InfoLink, toll-free at 1-866-ST-LUKES, option 4 or visit www.sluhn.org. n
Maria Anastasia
Countdown to Spring!
Get a jump start on spring with fresh flowers. Delivering throughout the Valley
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD FLOWER & GIFT STORE Fresh Flowers, Plants, Silks, Candles, Cards, Purses, Scarves, Placemats, Aprons and so much more!
607 N. 19th Street, Allentown
(610) 770-3213
Westend Mission Collaborative Join us for these Lent and Easter Traditions
Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 18 | 7:30 PM Redeemer Lutheran Church 822 N. 19th St. Good Friday Friday, April 19 | 7:30 PM St. Timothy Church 140 S. Ott St.
Easter Vigil Saturday, April 20 | 6 PM Christ Lutheran Church 1245 W. Hamilton St.
Richard and Helma Rosenthal (above) of Macungie, before each of them lost 100 pounds through the St. Luke’s program. Richard and Helma (left) after they lost weight.
Christ Lutheran Church | 8 and 10:30 AM Redeemer Lutheran Church | 10:15 AM St. Timothy Lutheran Church | 10:30 AM SPRING 2019
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CITY NEWS
Completed Roadwork Eases Traffic at Cedar Crest and Broadway
Traffic flow at the busy intersection of Broadway and Cedar Crest Blvd. has improved since the completion of major renovations by The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 5. Here’s a quick recap of the nearly $5 million project. The former Cedar Crest Blvd. bridge over Little Cedar Creek, constructed in 1957, was inadequate for modern conditions and its average daily traffic volume is over 20,000 vehicles.
We would like to
Thank Our Advertisers for their support of
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Supplying timely insite into events and activities in our community!
If you would like to advertise contact our Neighborhood Coordinator Ann Biernat-Rucker at 610-703-8004 22 WEST END LIVING
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PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
n
At 100 feet long and 168 feet wide, its load limit was 16 tons (30 tons for combinations). But its replacement, a 187 feet by 77 feet triple-cell concrete box culvert-type bridge, has no weight restrictions. Other aspects of the project include new roadway approaches, new signs and guardrails, upgrades to the traffic signals, and miscellaneous construction. Kinsley Construction, Inc. of York, PA, was the general contractor. n
West End Important Numbers
Where is it? Do you recognize this image? Identify its location in the West End Theatre District and you could win a $25 gift certificate from a restaurant in the neighborhood. Send your entry by e-mail to michael@drabenstott.com or mail to: M. Drabenstott, 2346 W. Allen St., Allentown PA 18104 One winner will be randomly selected from all the correct entries. Congratulations to Donna Peiffer, winner of our winter contest!
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
By March 29, 2019.
Accident Reports: (610) 437-7707 Ambulance: 911 Animal Control: (610) 437-7535 Building Permits: (610) 437-7592 Crime Prevention Unit: (610) 437-7719 Fire: 911 Graffiti Busters: (610) 437-8729 Graffiti in Progress: 911 Housing Compliance/Inspections: (610) 437-7697 Incident Reports: (610) 437-7709 Information Desk: (610) 439-5999 Leaf Pick Up: (610) 437-7638 Mayor’s Office: (610) 437-7546 Medical Services, non-emergency: (610) 437-7751 Medical Services, paramedics: (610) 437-7531 Moving Permits: (610) 437-7753 Parks Office: (610) 437-7628 Police, emergency: 911 Police, non-emergency: (610) 437-7751 Recycling and Trash: (610) 437-8729 Rental Unit Inspections: (610) 437-7695 Sewer Back Up: (610) 437-7515 Snow Control: (610) 437-7669 State Representative Michael Schlossberg: (610) 821-5577 Street Cleaning: (610) 437-7636 Street Lights: (610) 437-7735
Tree Permits, prune/remove/plant: (610) 437-7628 Vacant Property Complaints: (610) 437-7604 Zoning and Zoning Violations: (610) 437-7630
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Minuteman Press Your Neighborhood Post Office
FREE
$1.00 PA Instant Lottery Ticket with any purchase
FULL SERVICE POST OFFICE ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE
• US Postal Services - Stamps - Priority & Express - Package Shipping • Boxes & Packing • PA Lottery • Fax Service
• Copies & Color Copies • Printing & Mailing Services • Creative Design • Blueprints • Posters & Banners • Custom Apparel • Promotional Products
Regular USPS PRICING & NO WAITING!
Visit Our PACK & SHIP STATION!
Expires 4/13/2019. Limit one per customer. Must present original coupon at time of purchase. Not redeemable for cash. Only redeemable at Tilghman Street location.
WHY CHOOSE US? • Efficient and Friendly Staff • Post Office Services & Prices • Located at 18th & Tilghman with FREE Parking • Fully-Stocked Packaging Station • FREE Priority and Express Mail Packaging • Monday – Friday: 8AM–6PM Saturday: 8AM–2PM • Prepaid UPS/FedEx Drop Offs • UPS/FedEx Shipping available from our City Center Store • PA Lottery Retailer with On-Line & Instant Tickets • Customer Use Computer Station with Color Printer
Now Open
Saturday! 8AM–2PM
1801 West Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104 Phone: 484-223-3311 | Fax: 484-223-3314 | mmplv.com allentown@minutemanpress.com 24 WEST END LIVING
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