SPRING 2021
www.westendallentown.com
Volume 7, Number 1
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BUSINESS NEWS
After Closure in 2020, The Ritz Returns Under New Ownership providing much needed upgrades. They’ve replaced about 80 percent of the cooking gear. The original booths are still in place, but with new, more comfortable upholstery and improved lighting. Speaking of nostalgia, Wuchter said the revitalized Ritz will be overseen by Barry Fenstermaker, the Stinners’ manager for 22 years and an excellent chef. And the restaurant’s signature butter brickle ice cream is back on the menu—locally made, from the original recipe— along with up to 40 other flavors. The Ritz will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dine-in PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
When Ritz Barbecue closed last June, it left the hearts of many Allentown residents in pieces. Or, you could say, banana-split in two. Yearn no longer, those still suffering of heartbreak, because after six-figures worth of renovations and improvements, the landmark eatery is back. The Ritz’s new owners, Dan and Laurie Wuchter, are Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market veterans. The two have handed over control of their former business, Dan’s Bar-B-Qued Chickens, to their son. “After Grace and Jeff Stinner retired, and closed the Ritz, Raymond Hoffman [the late director of the Lehigh County Agricultural Society] came to us and said, ‘One of your dreams might be coming true.’ Dan’s dream had been to operate the Ritz—and Hoffman was inviting us to take it over,” Laurie Wuchter says. The Wuchters’ goal was maintain the Ritz’s air of nostalgia while
IN THIS ISSUE 1 The Ritz Returns 2 Readers of WEL 3 Focus on the Arts 6 News to Bank On 7 Ron’s Ramblings
and to-go options. The menu combines old favorites—baked beans, crab patties, fried oysters— with new features, such as weeklyspecial combos, and complete ham and turkey dinners-to-go for holiday meals. Wuchter said they’re also looking into re-creating the famous Hess’s strawberry pie. Future plans include creation of a “memory wall,” featuring 8 St. Patrick’s Update 10 Sam Miranda 11 Ringer’s Roost 11 What’s That Thing 12 Q&A Jeff Fries 12 Students of Note
patron-submitted nostalgic pictures, installation of a jukebox or indoor/outdoor sound system, and hosting live music events, fundraisers, and private parties. To submit photos for the memory wall, or for more information about summer employment opportunities, contact Shanel Fuentes 610.432.8425 or shanel@ fairgroundfarmersmkt.com. n
13 Representative Schlossberg 14 In Our Nature: Hawks 15 Tree Planting 15 Market Report Real Estate WINTER 2020 WEST
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A NOTE OF THANKS
Readers of West End Living During the chill of winter in the middle of a persistent pandemic, you truly warmed our hearts. Scores of you responded to our call to support the neighborhood you love, the West End Theatre District. Together, we raised nearly $6,000 for our neighborhood— money that will be put toward beautification like curbside planters and clean-up efforts, supporting West End Living and other 2021 activities. Those of you who agreed to be recognized (and were not previously) are listed below. We’re hopeful that we will be able to have our two signature fundraising events—the West End St. Patrick’s 5k and the West End World of Food Festival—in some form in 2021. In the meantime, your generosity provided a crucial lifeline during a difficult 2020.
restore your confidence
feel a little more whole again
Thank You to our West End Alliance Cornerstone Partners WEA Cornerstone Partners commit to a year-long investment in our neighborhood and WEA activities. We are grateful for their support. For more information on becoming a Cornerstone Partner, contact Michael Drabenstott at (610) 417-0503.
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On behalf of the West End Alliance Board of Directors and our neighborhood merchants and residents, thank you! Dr. and Mrs. Ronald C Yergey Jean Mandel Jessie Snyder Jo-Ann West Joe and Mary Jane Kloss Jon and Mary Roylance Kathleen Monahan Keith Helfrich Linda Davies Linda Rich Michelle Brustlin Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Baehler Quintes and Cynthia Taglioli Ruth A. Weeks Shellie and Rashid Santiago Steven Reiser Tom Shaughnessy William Sanders & Jason Sizemore n
LIVING
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West End Alliance, Inc.
PO Box 173, Allentown, PA 18105 www.westendallentown.com PUBLICATION STAFF Editors — Paul & Meghan Kita Writer — Frederick Jerant Copy Editing —Sara Muir Designer — Publication Design, Inc. Photographers — Jane Geist — Hub Willson Editorial Consultant Michael Drabenstott
ADVERTISING Managing Director Ann Biernat-Rucker For advertising information, contact Ann at 610-703-8004 annbiernatrucker@gmail.com ••• West End Living is published quarterly by the West End Alliance, Inc. to promote the West End Theatre District. ••• EDITORIAL Editorial suggestions or comments? Contact us at
westendlivingmagazine@gmail.com ••• Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or artwork. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
FOCUS ON THE ARTS
Whether you’re interested in stage, screen, or something more hands-on, the West End Theatre District has plenty to offer.
Here’s what’s on the docket in the coming months. Lucky Lindy’s Not-So-Lucky Landing
At the Pines Dinner Theatre
n “Lucky Lindy’s Not-So-Lucky Landing” Aviator Lucky Lindy is scheduled to make a quick stop at the Outpost—but is he really the pilot he’s cracked up to be? Find out as you play along with this immersive mystery-comedy where anything can happen throughout your visit. Written and directed by long-time Pines Dinner Theatre artistic director Oliver Blatt, with original music by Oliver Blatt and orchestrations by Stacy Bechtel. Please note: this show is rated PG-13. Through May 9 Schedule: Fridays: 7:00 p.m. dinner and show Saturdays: 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. dinner and show Select Sundays: 12:30 p.m. dinner and show. Ticket Price: All ages: $30.00 (includes seat, taxes and ticket fees) All food and beverages are available a la carte For ticket information, call the box-office at 610.433.2333 or visit pinesdinnertheatre.com.
At the Civic Theatre
n Buyer and Cellar Fired from his Disneyland gig, actor Alex More is down on his luck—until he lands a new job as curator of the doll-populated streetscapes in Barbra Streisand’s basement. Eventually, Babs comes downstairs to meet him, and the two strike up an unlikely (but friendly) relationship. Will they ever take it upstairs? An outrageous one-man comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. Streaming April 23-24, 7:30 p.m. For additional information, visit civictheatre.com or call 610.432.8943.
At Muhlenberg College
Muhlenberg’s spring semester features two in-person dance concerts and a theatre festival featuring seven unique theatre projects. n Senior Dance Showcase Mar. 19-21 n Ephemerality: Dances in Time Presented collaboratively by the Muhlenberg Dance Association and the Theatre and Dance Department. Apr. 16-18
Paper Cutting Art Class
n Site-Responsive Dance Event Experience the Muhlenberg campus through a lens of movement. May 7-9 n MAGIC There’s a little magic inside of all of us. Written and Directed by Kiyaana Cox Jones. Choreographed by Randall Anthony Smith Mar. 18-20 n Far Away A play by Caryl Churchill, set in a world where everything we know is at war. Mar. 21-23 n Run Glue Tree Pour Dive: A Re-Membering An ensemble-devised piece of physical theatre about five people helping each other remember — in the most ridiculous ways possible — the things they treasure most. Apr. 5-7 n Unstable Connections A weekly web series that celebrates the accidental comedy of the Zoom screen. Thursdays beginning Apr. 8 n A List Time drags, time races, time spikes. Words stretch, words linger, words implode. A short, endless play by the great American modernist Gertrude Stein. Apr. 11-13 n 10 x 10 (or, The Decameron) On a retreat from the plague, ten friends tell stories of intimacy, politics, and memory. Apr. 22-23
n Memento: Mori: Triptych An immersive, interactive performance event on the Muhlenberg campus. May 14-16 For more information about the events, visit muhlenberg.edu/ academics/theatre-dance/onstage/ mainstage.html
At the Jewish Community Center
n Jewish Film Nights Join other film fans via Zoom to gather and discuss a Jewishinterest film. Watch the films at your convenience and then join us for the discussion (limited to 30 participants). No fee, but advance registration is required. For more information, visit lvjcc. org/film or contact Brenda Finberg, Program Director, at 610.435.3571 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org 3/9, 4/20, 5/11, 6/15 at 7:30 p.m. n Paper Cutting Art Class (via Zoom) Make your own intricate papercut art with Dena Levie of Judaic Papercuts. For this class, you will need an exacto knife with a #11 blade (or small sharp scissors like a cuticle scissors), a piece of cardboard to put under your paper cutting while working (back of a notebook works nicely), glue (Elmer’s or glue stick), piece of construction SPRING 2021
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FOCUS ON THE ARTS
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paper, and a printout of the design (to be emailed after registration closes). Visit lvjcc.org/adultsattheJ or contact Beth Kushnick, Adult Program Coordinator, at 610.435.3571 or bkushnick@lvjcc. org for more information or to register. Mar. 3 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Price: $18; JCC members: Free n Private Music Lessons The JCC offers private oneon-one piano, guitar, and drum lessons as well as voice lessons. Students will learn proper technique through personalized instruction, fundamental exercises, and expansion of music repertoire. Contact Brenda Finberg, program director, at 610.435.3571 or bfinberg@lvjcc.org for availability before registering. Visit lvjcc. org/musiclessons for more information. Mon. - Fri., 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 30 minutes, by appointment Ages: 5 years - adults Price per lesson: $50; JCC members: $35 n Musical Monday Mornings with Morah Ally Join us at the JCC on the lawn (weather permitting) every Monday morning for a special circle time including holiday songs alongside traditional Hebrew and English toddler tunes, games, story time, and more. Visit lvjcc.org/familyevents or contact Ally Wiener-Avraham, Jewish education coordinator, at 610.435.3571 or awiener@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Mondays 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Ages: infants - 5 years Price per week: $12; JCC members: $10 n Stagemakers Youth Theater Radio Show We come to you with an unprecedented theatrical opportunity for Stagemakers—Old Time Radio! Featuring scripts from the golden age of radio, our talented Stagemakers kids will re-create Abbot and Costello skits, Dick Tracy thrillers, and Sherlock Holmes mysteries, to name a few. They’ll not only portray all the characters in the story, but also provide narration, funny sound
effects, and even charismatic commercials. Not only will this bring out the nostalgia for us *ahem* grown-ups, but the kids will stretch their voice acting skills as we will present these radio shows in audio-only format. Visit lvjcc.org/stagemakers or contact Brenda Finberg, Program Director, at 610.435.3571 or bfinberg@lvjcc. org for more information or to register. Dates: Mar.15, 18, 21, 22, 25, and 30; April 5 and 11. 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Virtual presentation Ticket price: $7; JCC Members: $5 n Stagemakers Theater Camp: Frozen Jr. Stagemakers at the JCC is back! Disney’s Frozen Jr. is a shortened version of the Frozen story with lots of well-known songs. Campers commit to this three-week theater experience with instruction in voice, dance, acting, and costuming followed by a showcase of their talents in two full performances. Whether your child has been in a production with us before or longs to perform on the stage for the first time, our knowledgeable theater experts will help your child to build confidence and teamwork skills in a positive environment. To learn more about summer camp at the JCC, visit lvjcc.org/camp or contact Kristen Johnson, Youth & Camp Director, at 610.435.3571 or kjohnson@lvjcc.org. 6/21 - 7/9, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Open to grades: K-6 Price per week: $315; JCC Member: $285 n Challah Club Afterschool Cooking Program Dip into the culinary arts as you experiment with fun flavors, cool toppings, and unique braids/ shapes to make your very own challah. Each class will make one challah to bake at home, and dough to practice making challah for the following week. Virtual pricing includes ingredient pickup box (contains perishables) for following along at home. Visit lvjcc.org/challahclub or contact Ally Wiener-Avraham, Jewish education coordinator, at 610.435.3571 or awiener@lvjcc.org for more information or to register.
FOCUS ON THE ARTS
Mar. 18 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. At the JCC; an online option is available Ages: 5 years and up (families welcome) Price per class: $12; JCC members: $10 n JUniversity: Soom Foods “The Tahini Table”: Cooking Demo w/ CEO Amy Zitelman Join us to hear from Amy Zitelman, CEO and co-founder of female-led Soom Foods (a premium tahini company), as she leads us in a cooking demonstration of delicious recipes from her new cookbook “The Tahini Table: Go Beyond Hummus with 100 Recipes for Every Meal”. Bring your questions. Amy will answer everything you have ever wondered about tahini. Visit lvjcc.org/JUniversity or contact Beth Kushnick,
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
adult program coordinator, at 610.435.3571 or bkushnick@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Mar. 7, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Online via Zoom Price: $10; JCC Members: Free Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link n JUniversity: Learn How to Make Challah w/ Mandylicious Enjoy an Interactive demonstration by Mandylicious, Mandy Silverman the Challah Guru. From kneading to
braiding to stuffing, this workshop will get you thinking about unique and special shaped challahs and delicious stuffed challahs. Please note: this is a two part event: in the first, we will meet to prepare the dough from 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.; we will reconvene 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. to learn all the tricks and techniques for the specialty challahs. An ingredients list and recipe will be given upon registration. Visit lvjcc. org/JUniversity or contact Beth Kushnick, adult program coordinator, at 610.435,3571 or bkushnick@lvjcc.org for more information or to register. Thursday, June 3, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Online via Zoom Price: $10 | JCC Members: Free Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link n
The Great West End Yard Sale
Saturday, June 5 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s time to clean out your attic, basement, and garage for The Great West End Yard Sale, hosted by the West End Alliance. Send your street address and a couple of sentences about what you will be selling (200 characters or less) to thegreatwestendyardsale@ gmail.com and we will post it on our website beginning in May. We ask that during the yard sale all pandemic protocols be obeyed. Thank you! n
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NEWS TO BANK ON
QNB Bank Offers Free Financial Education
An Urban Oasis in the West End Studio 924 salon and spa is the newest chic addition to 19th Street in the West End. What was once a nostalgic neighborhood grocery store is now the embodiment of style and class. Salon guests feel as if they have stepped into a posh big-city space with all the warmth and charm of a small-town neighborhood, a true urban oasis that represents the lifelong dream of owner Anne Giglio. The staff is a merger of the combined talents of two salons: Silver Shears and Anthony Ashley. As an Aveda Concept Salon, they specialize in hair color from single process to balayage, color correction and more, as well as all types of skin care and makeup services. Aveda’s plant-based approach makes this an excellent choice for those conscious of using naturally derived products on their hair and skin. The Studio 924 team members are some of the best in the industry, with the highest standards of excellence and perfection in their work. Check out the talent behind the chair while they make the world more beautiful, one head at a time!
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QNB Bank has joined forces with an organization called KOFE, which stands for Knowledge of Financial Education. Together, the program can help show people and their families how to improve their financial literacy and money management skills. To get started, just go to QNBbank.kofetime.com. Registration is easy and always free. Within the online KOFEtime portal, users will find easy selfhelp tools like budgeting tools, interactive courses, infographics,
webinars, calculators, books, live chat, podcasts, videos, and games. KOFE also offers free and unlimited financial coaching, allowing you to call a certified credit counselor and receive personalized advice about a wide variety of topics like budgeting, understanding your credit report and advice for first-time homebuyers. Learn more by visiting QNBbank.kofetime.com or call 844.231.7871. n
RON’S RAMBLINGS
The Power and Persistence of Art Deco By Ron Epstein
19th St. Theatre Restored Art Deco Ceiling War II; with the exception of automobile styling, and products such as jukeboxes, it largely vanished during the ‘50s. After a brief revival in the 60’s, efforts were made in the 70’s to preserve and repurpose the design on many buildings. Today, its influence continues in contemporary fashion, jewelry, and toiletries. Although styles come and go, our 19th Street Theatre remains as a monument to those exciting, forward-looking times—a real gem of the West End. n
PHOTO BY JOECICAK / ISTOCK
Art Deco is a visual arts and architectural design. It first appeared in France, just before World War I. The name is short for Arts Decoratifs, from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratif ret Industrials Modernes held in Paris in 1925. That’s the same era that produced The Great Gatsby, “talkie” motion pictures, and the classic cocktail known as the mimosa. The style represented luxury and glamour as well as social and technological progress. It featured bold geometric shapes, sharply drawn lines, sleek curves, modern styles, fine craftsmanship, and rich materials. Art deco influenced the designs of furniture, jewelry, fashion, cars, appliances, movie theatres, trains, ocean liners, even skyscrapers such as the Chrysler building in New York City. Because of its broad influence, many West End homes built in that era originally included Art Deco elements. The 19th St. Theatre is an excellent example of the Art Deco style. Built by Thalheimer & Weitz in 1928, it holds an important place in the architectural history of Allentown. It also represents the “architectural modernism” movement, which combines Art Deco styles with the use of construction materials such as concrete, stainless steel, aluminum, and glass. (The PPL building downtown is another example.) This style began early in the Twentieth Century, and despite an ebb in building construction in Allentown during the Great Depression, modernism made a favorable impression on the citizens of this city by these two structures. Art Deco’s influence on the Civic Theatre of Allentown appears in its clean symmetrical design, sharp lines, and the ornate details along the top of the façade (including two elephants with long trunks near the roof, four phoenixes and an owl). The symmetry and balance of Art Deco also appears throughout the interior. The Art Deco movement began to decline after World
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The 2021 Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Goes Virtual, with Events Planned to Keep the Spirit Alive! City of Allentown Flag Raising On March 17, 2021 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 bagpipe salute and remarks by Dianne Mascari, 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. Masks will be required to attend and social distancing will be practiced. City Hall is located at 435 Hamilton Street, Allentown.
A Toast To St. Patrick! The festivities will continue with a Virtual Toast on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday, March 17 at 6pm! Broadcast Live on Facebook and YouTube Live, Jim Foley, former king of the parade and current member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, will lead us in a traditional Irish Toast. Join us from the safety of your own home, and raise a glass in the spirit of the Irish tradition of community, brotherhood, and joy. We invite you to post “selfies” of your family and friends to a special event Facebook link, celebrating our togetherness in spirit! The link to this fun event will be posted on our Facebook page @ Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade as well as our website, AllentownStPatricksParade.com!
Virtual Food Drive... more important than ever! In the spirit of St. Patrick and in keeping with our tradition of remembering The Great Hunger, The Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is encouraging online donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank at shfblv.org. Second Harvest Food Bank believes that all people deserve access to healthy, nourishing food. Last year alone they distributed 11.8 million pounds of food to more than 200 nonprofit agencies in six Pennsylvania counties. Food banks see an average increase of over 55% more of our neighbors visiting food banks than before the pandemic. Let’s come together and help our neighbors!
With support from our sponsors.... 9 WEST END LIVING SPRING 2016 8 WEST END LIVING SPRING 2021
House Decorating Contest! Keep the Spirit of The Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade alive by decorating your house/porch/yard along the parade route in Allentown’s West End! Seeing the streets draped in shamrocks puts a twinkle in the eyes of the community no matter your age! Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated houses! • Houses MUST pre-register to enter the contest March 1st through March 14th via the link posted on our Facebook page @ Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade or our website, AllentownStPatricksParade.com. • Decorations must be completed by March 15th, and will be photographed by The Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade Committee for online judging. • Online judging will commence March 17th, and run through 2pm March 21st. The link to cast your vote will be posted on Facebook @ Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade and allentownstpatricksparade.com • Vote as many times as you like! Your $5 donation will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.
The winning houses will receive their prizes on Sunday March 21 at 3pm during a special LIVE event, broadcast on our Facebook page following the virtual parade! Special thanks to the West End businesses that donated prizes!
A Virtual Parade! Service Electric Cable TV will air a special Virtual St. Patrick’s Parade, broadcast on Sunday, March 21 at 12 Noon. This special TV event will include live segments featuring Pipe Bands and Irish Step Dancers performing remotely, highlights from the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Parades, as well as a special introduction from our Mayor. RCN will be broadcasting a St. Patrick’s Parade Marathon on Wednesday, March 17 from 12pm to 6pm and Sunday March 21 from 3pm to 9pm. The marathon will include the Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade from 2017, 2018 and 2019 .
For the latest on all events, follow us on Facebook @ Allentown St. Patrick’s Parade or our website...allentownstpatricksparade.com
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Retired St. Luke’s COVID Vaccinator Returns to Help Immunize the Community When Sam Miranda was a first-year nursing student at Sacred Heart Hospital back in the mid‘70s, an instructor told his class, “Before you retire, you all will be involved in a pandemic.” “We laughed, and thought she was crazy,” Miranda says. “Because of penicillin and all the other advances in medical science at that time, we naively thought a pandemic seemed unlikely.” Now, nearly a half century later, the 64-year-old nurse from Center Valley is hard at work giving hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine injections each day at St. Luke’s Allentown campus, doing his part to immunize people against the virus that has taken the lives of some 400,000 Americans to date and millions world-wide. He’s also teaching MSN/MBA students at De Sales University, helping prepare the workforce of the future. From the bedside to the board room to the classroom, this long-time nurse leader and health care executive lives and loves his vocation. Miranda has retired from it several times, but only for a few months until there’s another challenge that inspires him back into service. Shortly after he left Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network in 2018 after 12 years as their chief clinical officer, they asked him to come back to run the organization when their president suddenly departed. He stayed for six months, then left to help take care of his nowthree-year-old granddaughter, Claire Christina, whom he calls, “my angel.” When his daughter-in-law, a teacher, went “back to school” online, Miranda was needed less at home, and so he looked for other ways to help, this time at SLUHN with whom has had a decades-long connection. That was in April 2020, as the pandemic raged. “I told Bill Moyer (president of St. Luke’s Allentown), whatever I can do, I want to help,” Miranda says, who knows Moyer from the board of
trustees of Cedar Crest College on which they both serve. “I’m so impressed with Bill’s leadership style and how St. Luke’s fulfills its mission of taking care of the community.” A few per diem assignments led to nursing supervisory roles for Miranda as the hospital struggled to save patients from the ruthless coronavirus. Fast-forward to last December when COVID-19 vaccines were approved in the U.S., and Miranda stepped forward for his next assignment. Since then, he has been spending sometimes 12 hours a day giving injections of the vaccine, working longer hours than he ever imagined as he cruised into retirement. But he has no regrets. “It’s the right thing to do,” he says, “for the community and for St. Luke’s.” And there’s a personal reason for his motivation. He also does it in memory of a relative who died of the virus on Christmas Day. Having given 2,400 COVID-19 shots and counting, Miranda will likely again blend being a grandad for his “angel” with new challenges at SLUHN when this pandemic is vanquished. He’ll continue training the future nurses who will replace him and his aging generation. He promises his students that today’s health care system is headed for other major changes that they’ll have to face during their professional lives. He’s seen a few of them in his 48 years in the industry. n
EAT LOCAL
Ringer’s Roost Continues to Innovate Through Pandemic
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
One key to business success is agility—the capacity to adapt to unexpected changes. And agility has been on display at Ringer’s Roost since the COVID-19 pandemic hit us. Owner Don Ringer has offered take-out and curbside food service for many months. In the summer and fall months, the popular eatery added al fresco dining to its options. “The response was unbelievably good,” Ringer says. “We’re fortunate to have space in front of the restaurant, but we also started using our parking lot to seat guests. If you had told me in March that people would enjoy eating in a parking lot, I’d have said you were on drugs or something. But people really like it.” Changing its mode of operations was challenging, he added, especially for the waitstaff. “They’re covering at least twice as
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much ground as usual,” he said, “carrying orders from the kitchen to the outdoors and back again. My hat’s off to them.” Through the winter, Ringer adapted once again. “I’ve added four stand-up heaters for our parking lot seating, and we’re enclosing our sidewalk area with plastic partitions; overhead heating panels will keep guests warm,” he says. “We’re fortunate to be in this location, and to have so many resources.” n
Allentown Office 535 North 19th Street
PHOTO BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT’S THAT THING
Whether you prefer to do your banking in-person, from your car or online, QNB is always ready to serve you. From in-person to 24/7 online service, discover a better banking experience with a true community bank.
If you travel along 22nd St., you’ve likely seen a billowy white structure, located on the site of Muhlenberg College’s volleyball fields. It’s a “sprung structure,” essentially a fabric building that can be dismantled, reconfigured, re-erected, or relocated for many applications. Currently, it’s used as studio space for Muhlenberg’s acting classes, primarily Acting on Camera. Its formal campus designation is “Studio 22,” although it’s also informally known as the “Wonder Yurt.” n
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Q&A
Jeff Fries, Muhlenberg Elementary Principal Whether on-site or remotely, Muhlenberg Elementary School serves about 475 students through its campus at 740 N 21st St. Jeffrey Fries has been principal of Muhlenberg since 2019, and he recently talked with us about his experiences.
West End Living: Tell us a bit about your background. Jeffrey Fries: I grew up in Macungie, and graduated from Emmaus High School. From there, I earned a bachelor of education degree from Kutztown University; master of education degree from Wilkes University. Currently, I’m pursuing a doctoral degree in superintendence and educational system administration from East Stroudsburg University. WEL: So what brought you to Muhlenberg? JF: It was a roundabout course. At Kutztown, one of my undergrad assignments was to observe education in an urban setting. I contacted City Space Childcare Center, which ran an afterschool homework club and a full-time summer educational program. I studied my coursework in the
morning, and then participated in the homework club. I also worked there during the summer. When it was time to consider student teaching, I asked to be assigned to an Allentown school, and I was.
WEL: You went straight to Muhlenberg? JF: No, there were several stops along the way. I taught at the Wilson early childhood center— which has been replaced by a CVS—for about five years. In 2006, I became an administrator at Midway Manor Center, and then at Central Elementary. In 2013, I joined the Upper Perkiomen school district as the principal of Hereford & Owatin Creek elementary schools, and was hired as principal of Muhlenberg in 2019. WEL: What’s your take on the school district overall? JF: The dedication and commitment of the faculties and staff are amazing. Let me give you an example. A year ago, we suddenly had to shift from in-person teaching to virtual classrooms. The Muhlenberg faculty went from working face-to-
face with the kids to seeing them only on a screen. It was a bit easier, I think, for our younger teachers, because they’re “digital natives,” but our veteran faculty members weren’t quite as confident. Ultimately, though, they ran with it, and succeeded. I can zoom-in on any classroom and be certain that the kids are in their classes, they’re engaged and they’re learning.
WEL: Speaking of remote learning—have you seen any positive outcomes? JF:: Yes, I have. Many parents are nearby while their kids are in online class, and they get to see and hear just how much effort a teacher invests in keeping students engaged all day, every day. They also understand the level of expectations that teachers set for their students. WEL: Are you facing any other challenges? JF: One of the biggest is making sure our students have the tech they need for remote learning. The district has done a fabulous job of allocating resources, getting Chromebooks, laptops, and wifi hotspots to the kids who need
them. We’ve issued over 100 to our own students. And we must deal with issuing replacements when malfunctioning gear is returned to the school.
WEL: Can you tell us about any future plans? JF: Well, our playground equipment is over 30 years old and needs replacement. We’ve raised about half of the necessary funds, and we’re working on a campaign to get the rest. We hope to have the new equipment ready-to-go when students return to in-person classes. WEL: What’s your take on the West End experience? JF: You can’t beat the community surrounding Muhlenberg Elementary. It’s changed and evolved over time, but it’s still a great place to work in. n
STUDENTS OF NOTE Muhlenberg Elementary: Cynthia Sanchez, Grade 5 Cynthia is a hardworking student who always puts forth her best effort. She strives to reach her potential in all academic areas. She is a talented writer (recently writing a “How To” piece on slime). She is kind and thoughtful in all of her interactions with peers. Cynthia exemplifies excellence in behavior and cooperation. She comes 12 WEST END LIVING
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prepared every day to the virtual setting, ready to learn. Trexler Middle School: Derrick Houser, Grade 6 Despite the need to become accustomed to virtual classrooms, as well as dealing with personal health issues, Derrick has persevered through his sixthgrade school year. Even with all the distractions and uncertainty, Derrick has been a model student in all of his classes and
maintained perfect attendance. Through the first two grading periods he earned As and Bs in all classes. Derrick has been an inspiration to his classmates and teachers with his positive attitude and constant smile or kind words. Because of the pandemic, Derrick has never stepped foot into the school—and he can’t wait to actually see his classrooms at Trexler and meet his teachers in person! William Allen High School: Jeramy Csaszar, Grade 12 Jeramy Csaszar is an exceptional student who always works his hardest within our virtual campus. He attends daily academic sessions and gives his best effort to his teachers and fellow
classmates. Jeramy has a friendly personality and dedicates himself to making the people around him feel positive within the current situation. He likes to send daily emails to the staff of WAHS to say hello and he always remembers to pass along a smile, handshake, or fist bump to those that need it. Jeramy is a not only a great student but he is an awesome person and Csaszar with Allen’s Assistant Principal, friend to Mike Bolinsky many. n
From Representative Schlossberg
Opening Soon!
Mail-In Ballot Applications If you asked to be added to the annual mail-in ballot list, you may have received your application already. Returning the application will allow you to vote for a mail-in ballot in the Pennsylvania primary and general election. If you wish to vote in person, simply discard the application. To have your named added to the list or to apply for a mail-in ballot, you can do so online at www.VotesPA.com or give my office a call for the application, which we can send to you by mail.
At the Fairgrounds 302 N. 17th Street, Allentown Property Tax Rent Rebate: File Online
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Help Available by Appointment My office is located at 2030 W Tilghman Street and is by appointment only. We do miss the many friends who stop by for help, but we recognize it is more important for our community to keep people safe. If we do need to set up an appointment, masks are required… no exception. Phone: 610-821-5577 Email: RepSchlossberg@pahouse.com Online: www.pahouse.com/Schlossberg Facebook.com/RepSchlossberg
20th ANNIVERSARY
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to n Eligible seniors 65 or older n Widows and Widowers 50 or older n People with permanent disabilities 18 or older
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The window to apply for the 2020 Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate is open. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2021. My office is ready to help you file. We do require appointments, so call ahead. To qualify, applicants must earn less than $35,000 per year (for homeowners) or $15,000 per year (for renters) – and only HALF of Social Security or railroad retirement benefits count toward eligibility. Residents of assisted living facilities may be eligible if they reside in a facility which pays property taxes and meet the income limits for renters. My office has forms, which we can mail if you would like. For the first time, the PTRR can be filed online. If we helped you file in the past, please call our office to see if we can make arrangements over the phone to file your claim online. We are trying to limit inperson interaction right now, but we might also be able to help save you a trip.
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IN OUR NATURE
What the Hawk? Raptors Love the West End Too!
Red-tailed hawk
Cooper’s hawk
Sharp-shinned hawk
PHOTO ISTOCK / BRIAN E KUSHNER
PHOTO ISTOCK / JOHN M. WOODCOCK
PHOTO ISTOCK / PAUL REEVES PHOTOGRAPHY
The soaring flight paths of hawks are common sights in the neighborhood. That may not surprise you. After all, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is only 30-odd miles from here. What might surprise you, though, is the number of hawk species that live in or pass through our area. “Throughout the state, we see about 16 species regularly,” says Dr. Laurie Goodrich, director of the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning at Hawk Mountain. “In general, the populations are doing well, especially in farmland and wooded areas—but they’ve adapted to city living as well.” Visitors to Hawk Mountain might see kestrels, golden eagles, merlins, peregrine falcons and other raptors, such as bald eagles. But the species commonly seen in and around the West End are limited to red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and sharp-shinned hawks. Roam a bit, and you may encounter black vultures, turkey vultures, and peregrine falcons. “Both types of vultures are scavengers,” Dr. Goodrich says, “so they often hang out at garbage dumps. Farmland can attract them, too, because of road-kill and other prey, even in the winter.” In recent years, they’ve nested on the PPL building as well as beneath the Albertus L. Meyers (AKA “Eighth Street”) Bridge.
Curiously, most of the species we see around the West End are “partial migrants.” In other words, part of a local population will head south for the winter while the rest of the group stays behind. “That’s a subject for further study,” Dr. Goodrich says. “It seems to be connected to the quality of their habitat in a particular territory.” If you’re interested in hawk-spotting, this checklist will help you find and identify the most common hawks in our neighborhood.
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Species: Red-tailed hawk Size: 1”5” to 1’10”; wingspans between 3’6” and 4’4” Coloration: White underside; brownish back, with distinctive reddish tail Weight: 1.8 to 3.3 lbs. Diet: Typically, small animals such as squirrels, rabbits, rats and mice. Nesting habits: Mature trees, building ledges Traits: Tend to perch on trees and watch for prey Species: Cooper’s hawk Size: Smaller than red-tails; a bit larger than crows; wingspans between 2’4” and 2’10” Coloration: Grey back, red bar on chest, long slender tail
Weight: 10 to 24 oz. Diet: Birds such as blue jays, doves, pigeons; sometimes small mammals Nesting habits: In trees, even those in residential yards Traits: Cooper’s hawks are more slender than redtails; they fly rapidly and move quickly. Species: Sharp-shinned hawk Size: 9” to13” long; wingspans between 1’8” and 2’2” Coloration: Grey back, reddish markings on chest Weight: 3 to 8 oz. Diet: Primarily small birds. Bird feeders may attract these hawks. Nesting habits: Mostly in forests, and so are rarely seen in summer. Traits: Long legs, short wings, very long tails. Note: If you’ve heard rumors of Muhlenberg College turning to raptors for on-campus rabbit control, breathe easy: they’re just rumors. “I’d heard about this before and looked into it,” said Peter G. Saenger, of Muhlenberg’s Acopian Center for Ornithology. “Apparently, no one knows anything about this supposed program. I personally doubt it, and don’t think we have a rabbit problem on campus.” n
LEAVING AN IMPRESSION
Tree Planting Restores Foliage to Liberty Street Corridor
through TreePennsylvania, a private non-profit organization. Rohrbach adds that neighborhood merchants rewarded the volunteers with “swag bags” of food vouchers, coupons and other items. The combined effort is already paying off. “Only a week after planting, people were praising its immediate impact on the neighborhood,” Rohrbach says. n
PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY
On Nov. 14, 30 volunteers from our neighborhood pitched in on a major beautification project. In just a few hours, the team planted 40 new bare-root trees—a mix of American elms and Japanese zelkovas along the south side of Liberty St. between 17th and 20th Sts. “We had a wonderful turnout for this project,” says Stephen Rohrbach, past president of the West End Alliance. “It was truly a collaborative effort, combining the efforts of municipal agencies, private owners, community organizations, and neighborhood volunteers.” Rohrbach: “Individual residents and households planted the trees; the city of Allentown performed the prep work, and arborist Rick Howells was on-site to offer advice and guidance. And the Lehigh County Agricultural Society allowed us to plant on its property and its right-of-way.” Other attendees and participants included State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, Beverly Gruber of the Agricultural Society, and Allentown mayoral candidate Matt Tuerk. The trees were acquired through the TreeVitalize Bare Root Tree initiative with funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and administered
MARKET REPORT
Demographic Mix Fuels Continued Real Estate Demand The West End continues to be a desirable location for homeowning, says Rob Ritter, a Realtor at Weichert Realtors. “I see quite a few Millenials and Gen X-ers who are attracted to the area, and I have several that are actively looking right now,” he says. Much of that appeal comes from the walkability of the
neighborhoods and their proximity to so many amenities, such as the Theatre District. “Many of them have young children or dogs, and it’s a convenient place to take them for a stroll,” Ritter says. The area’s “charm factor” makes it attractive as well. “These aren’t cookie-cutter houses,” Ritter says.
“It’s one of the few places you can find older homes that have plenty of character and distinctiveness.” He’s also seeing an influx of older buyers to the West End. Babyboomers are downsizing their large suburban homes and are looking for something smaller and more conveniently located. “Buying here brings them closer to city life,”
Ritter says. “And there are many relatively small one-floor ranch homes in the West End as well.” Overall, though, he sees a relatively low rate of turnover in West End homes and for a simple reason: Owners love the amenities and convenience so much, they’re reluctant to move. n
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