Winter 2022 West End Living

WEST

LIVINGn n

BRUSH TOUCH

Gateway Mural Unveiled at

Civic’s 514 Theatre

Last month the City of Allentown, the Allentown Arts Commission, Materials Conservation and Civic Theatre dedicated a gateway mural on the exterior wall of the 514 Theatre on 19th and Early streets. “Follow the Stars” was created by Lehigh Valley artist, Rosemary Geseck, to celebrate the magic of the theater. Geseck was chosen through a regional call to artists, where the Allentown Arts Commission, City and Civic Theatre staff worked collaboratively to select the artist.

Rosemary Geseck is a long-time instructor at the Baum School of Art, and an Instructor for Art Residencies with the Allentown School District. Her artistic presence is visible in many works of art in the Lehigh Valley. The design for this mural incorporates the Art Deco elements of the Civic Theatre and many of the characters and iconic elements

from their theatrical productions. The artist’s hope is that this theatrical journey will spark happy memories of productions the viewer has seen and hopefully encourage a curiosity about those productions that are less familiar.

The mural process began by creating the upper portion on parachute cloth in a studio. It was then cut into 2-foot sections and then all 21 strips were carefully adhered to the building’s wall. The lower portion was painted

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

on site to finish the work of art. A dedication of the mural took place on October 14.

Geseck was asked what her favorite features of the mural were and she replied that she loved incorporating different painting techniques in the piece. For instance, the couple on the left with the umbrella is painted using pointillism, a technique used by artist Georges Seurat. The roses on the mural were created with a gradient or ombre effect, inspired by Georgia O’Keefe.

According to the Allentown Arts Commission, the mural is just one of many works of public art being created in Allentown. The goal of these projects is to enhance the aesthetics of the city while creating meaningful connections between community members and the spaces we inhabit. We feel fortunate to have one of these creations in our neighborhood. n

Nort Port Cheese Balls

As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to guests and food. And you can impress your family and friends with delectable cheese balls, made right in our neighborhood.

Lauren Geldon, owner and “chief cheese baller” at Nort Port, The Cheese Ball Company, recently relocated her production facility to Jay’s Local, 2301 West Liberty Street, Allentown.

“I had been making cheese balls for years,” she recalls, “and I realized that, by law, wineries and breweries needed to have some kind of food available when no food trucks were around. I started marketing them wholesale to wineries and breweries, and eventually expanded to pop-up sales announced through my website.”

Thank

Geldon also appeared at various local events, such as the Bethlehem Harvest Festival, the

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.

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.

Perkasie Farmers Market, Black River Farms & Black River Wine Bar in Bethlehem, and Cellar 159 in Easton. Her production facility moved through three other commercial kitchens in Easton and Allentown before establishing a home-base at Jay’s Local.

“I live nearby,” Gledon said, and am a regular visitor to Jay’s Local. My own production space was limited and Lyell Scherline was looking for people to use the commercial kitchen at Jay’s – and that’s how we came together,”

Geldon said.

Nort Point always has a selection of four flavors: two year-‘round and two seasonal. Her best-seller, the “Everythang” is a combination of vegetable cream cheese and “everything bagel” seasoning mix. It comes with toasted bagel chips, and Geldon suggests pairing with Riesling wine or Pilsner beer.

The “Mammoth” is a classic mix of Vermont and sharp cheddars, coated with roasted pecans and accompanied by pretzel snaps. Geldon says it goes well with Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio or your favorite beer. It weighs over 12 ounces.

Holiday flavors include the “Frenchie,” reminiscent of French onion soup shot through with sharp cheddar cheese, coated in toasted almonds, and sold with rye bagel chips. Try pairing with Viognier white wine or a Guinness beer.

And although Linus van Pelt’s “Great Pumpkin” has come and gone, Nort Port carries the namesake cheeseball. Bursting with pumpkin pie spice, and coated with cinnamon-honey pretzel graham bits, it goes well with Vidal blanc or porter wine.

All Nort Port cheese balls cost $15 each, and are available at Jay’s Local. Geldon adds that she will have some pop-up sales for the holidays, so check regularly at nortport.com. n

West End Alliance is completing another year of hard work to make the

District a more vibrant, more inviting place to live, visit and run a business.

End

You’ve probably noticed many of the things we do. Maybe you didn’t know we did them:

n Maintaining nearly 50 planters along 19th Street and adjacent streets

n Planting trees along our streets

n Publishing West End Living four times a year

n Producing, mounting and maintaining West End Theatre District banners

n Installing roofline lighting and holiday lights in the neighborhood n Conducting neighborhood clean-ups

n Organizing neighborhood events like the World of Food Festival, West End St. Patrick’s 5k and West End Yard Sale

n Keeping you updated and supporting merchants through social media and email n Representing the needs of the neighborhood to Allentown city leaders We can only do these things with support from people like you. Maybe you can send $5. Maybe $20. Maybe $100 or more. Any donation is welcome. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and will send an acknowledgement of your contribution.

are grateful for your support of the West End Theatre District. Your neighbors thank you, too!

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

The

West

Theatre

At the Jewish Community Center

All events take place at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), 702 N. 22nd Street Allentown, PA 18104, unless otherwise noted.

n Stagemakers Youth Theater Presents Disney’s Moana Jr. Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Nov. 13 at 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. Tickets: $15 All Ages

Join Stagemakers Youth Theater for their fall production of Disney’s “Moana Jr.” The show is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana

and her village of Motunui to life onstage. “Moana Jr.” features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tony®, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.”

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana Jr. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us. Tickets are available at www.

lvjcc.org/stagemakers. Contact: Heather Lavin, hlavin@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571

n Broadway Bus Trip: Choose Your Show

Nov. 20, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Choose between Disney’s n “Aladdin” or “A Beautiful Noise” Price: $199; JCC Members: $179 New this year: Choose your show! The program includes a grab-and-go breakfast at the JCC; a private chartered bus to New York City with a bathroom; and a rear orchestra-level ticket to see either Disney’s “Aladdin” or “A Beautiful Noise.” Space is limited. Visit www.lvjcc.org/specialevents for more information and to register. Contact: Tracy Sussman at tsussman@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571

or beginner drums, his approach to music instruction does not stick to a rigid curriculum that uses a one-size-fits-all approach. Vocal students will learn proper technique through personalized instruction, fundamental singing exercises and expansion of vocal music repertoire. Contact Heather Lavin at 610-435-3571 or hlavin@lvjcc.org for availability before registering. Visit www. lvjcc.org/musiclessons for more information.

Visual Arts

n Master Crafters: Adult Felting Workshop with Mallory Zondag Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Ages: 18 and up Mixed-media fiber artist and educator, Mallory Zondag, will lead a workshop to create your own felted snowflake. A felted snowflake is a great way to add texture to your winter decor and learn new skills in a social environment. This workshop is open to all skill levels; beginners are both welcome and encouraged to participate. Seats are limited. Visit www.lvjcc.org/specialevents for more information and to register. Contact: Heather Lavin at hlavin@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571

Cultural Arts/Holiday Programs

n Family Hanukkah Shabbat Party

Private Music & Voice Lessons

Monday-Friday

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Price per Lesson: $45; JCC Members: $35 12-Lesson Package: $540; JCC Members: $420

Ages: 5 and up Lessons are 30 minutes, by appointment only Whether instructor Jeff Bowers is teaching voice, guitar, piano,

Dec. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Join us at the JCC for a special free community Shabbat party for all ages celebrating Hanukkah, including songs and stories led by our Early Childhood Education staff. Contact: Lisa Yoskowitz at lyoskowitz@lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571

n Community Hanukkah Celebration and Candle Lighting Dec. 18, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Price: $20; JCC Members: $15 Bring your family and friends and join us at the JCC as we celebrate Hanukkah with the community. Enjoy fun activities for the whole family including kids crafts, latkes, doughnuts, and

PHOTO COURTESY OF JCC

join us as we light the menorah together. All ages are welcome. For more information and to register, visit www.lvjcc.org/specialevents or contact Jackie Weiss at jweiss@ lvjcc.org or 610-435-3571.

At the Pines Dinner Theatre

n “At the Stroke of Midnight” Nov. 10 – Dec. 23

A Heart-Warming Christmas Tale!

Back by popular demand, don’t miss the Christmas show that the Times News described as “the best original musical and Christmas show in years.” When William, an overworked clockmaker, becomes overwhelmed with Christmas orders, it will take a miracle to help him find the true meaning of Christmas. But with a bit of luck, and some holiday magic, he discovers the joy of Christmas, and just in the nick of time! This charming original musical will have even the most determined Scrooge smiling as the true message of Christmas is revealed.

Show Schedule: Select Wednesdays and Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. dinner, 1:30 p.m. show

Fridays: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

Saturdays: 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show

Community Banking at

QNB Bank

takes pride in its 145-year history of serving our local area as an independent community bank. In 1877, the Bank was founded by area merchants who wanted a local bank to serve the community's interests.

Today, QNB Bank continues to serve the interests of individuals and businesses in our community by providing a broad range of robust nancial services to meet your nancial goals.

We invite you to experience local banking with local management and decision making, all while enjoying exceptional, personalized attention and service. Learn more today by visiting QNBbank.com.

n “Summer Lovin’” –The Rodewell High Comedy Murder Mystery Parody! Jan. 27 – Apr. 29, 2023

Get ready to hang with the gang from Rodewell High, including Denny, Cindy, and all their friends in this hilarious immersive murder mystery. It’s time for the summer talent show, and when things don’t go as planned, some unlucky stiff ends up six feet under. Join in the fun and help figure out who is the killer as we head back to the ‘60s in this all-new murder mystery parody!

Show Schedule: Fridays: 7:00 p.m. dinner and show Saturdays: 4:00 p.m. dinner and show, 7:00 p.m. dinner and show

Select Sundays: 12:30 p.m. dinner and show

Ticket Price

Adults: Show Ticket: $32.00

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

Take Small Steps to Secure Your Identity Online

QNB Bank is committed to ensuring our customers and communities are informed about staying safe online. Learn more about protecting your identity and passwords below.

Have you ever taken a tally of every account you’re signed up with? According to a 2021 study done by NordPass, the average person has about 100 passwords and associated accounts (i.e., credentials). Whether or not these accounts are active, we all run the risk of having this information exposed and misused. Given this shocking average, we can take easy steps to ensure our information is protected in cyberspace. While use of multifactor authentication (MFA) can mitigate the threat of credential misuse by requiring at least two pieces of evidence (e.g., password and code sent to mobile phone) to confirm a user›s identity, not all organizations or users have adopted this preferred method of authentication. When MFA is not yet available, the simplest action we can take is to make informed choices when creating passwords, including what mode of protection we apply to them.

Why you should be using a password manager: A secure way to store your passwords is to use an electronic password manager that allows the use of multi-factor authentication. Not only can a password manager generate strong passwords, but it can also hide them from view. Many password managers will only allow you to view your passwords via multi-factor authentication. The password manager also generates unique and long passwords without you having to come up with one on your own, and it stores each unique password for future use. Computers are much better at randomizing characters than

humans, so you can rest easy knowing you aren’t inadvertently re-using character patterns –which is a big password no-no. Those previously mentioned 100 passwords likely won’t be learned by heart, and that’s okay, as your password manager has your back! Below are forms of multi-factor authentication that can be utilized with a password manager to add that extra layer of protection:

Voice call: Exactly what it sounds like – you can opt-in to receive verification calls from many password managers to confirm your identity.

Biometrics: This is a technology that uses fingerprint or facial recognition software.

Push: You can download corresponding apps on your phone or laptop that will trigger a notification to click on and verify identity.

Hardware token: This is a small device that is either connected to or separate from your password manager. It generates a randomized code.

Email: You receive an email as a form of identity confirmation.

SMS: Similar to a push notification, you receive a text message to verify identity.

We all have a lot to worry about these days but taking a small amount of time to research and activate a password manager can help us avoid at least one type of online vulnerability. You don’t have to do much to become cybersavvy either, as having and using the right tools is sometimes all you need. n

Information provided by the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center and Stop Think Connect.

COURTESY OF QNB BANK

St. Luke’s Vascular Center – Allentown 1648 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18104

St. Luke’s Vascular Center – Easton

St. Luke’s Anderson Campus Medical Office Building

1700 St. Luke’s Boulevard, Suite 301 Easton, PA 18045

St. Luke’s Vascular Center– Bethlehem

St. Luke’s University Hospital Doctors’ Pavilion

701 Ostrum Street, Suite 304 Bethlehem, PA 18015 484-503-8281

Trust is the foundation of all relationships. It is the type of relationship you should have with your doctor. St. Luke’s specialists in vascular care are focused on building a lasting relationship with you. This means earning your trust and putting your well-being first, above all other considerations.

When it’s time to choose your doctor, trust is essential. St. Luke’s University Health Network offers access to the region’s leading team of vascular physicians who are expertly trained in the diagnosis, treatment and management of all vascular conditions such as:

• Carotid Artery Disease (CAD)

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

• Varicose Veins

• Lymphedema

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA)

The Vascular care you trust. Now more than ever

For more information, call 1-866-STLUKES or visit sluhn.org/findadoctor.

World of Food Festival

The West End Alliance’s “World of Food Festival” was a smash, according to festival organizer Stephen Rohrbach.

“We were blessed with perfect weather for the day, and that really brought out the crowds,” he said. “In fact, indications are that it was one of our biggest festivals ever. Our lineup of entertainment -- Mike Guldin and Rollin’ & Tumblin’; Ostrich Hat, GirlCrue, and our headliner M-80 was ideal. Altogether, I call it an ‘eventless event’ – everything ran smoothly, and all of our visitors were safe and happy.”

Rohrbach noted that all the profits from the West End World of Food festival go back to the West End Alliance and stay in the neighborhood, paying for street banners, holiday décor, plant maintenance and other amenities.

Of course, an event of this magnitude requires plenty of preparation, and Rohbach’s committee is already making plans for the 2023 edition. “We will have our first organizational meeting on November 15,” he said, “and any and all who are interested in helping us are welcome to sign up and attend.”

Interested in being part of next year’s fabulous bash on September 16, 2023? Then contact us at WestEndWOFF@gmail.com n

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

Great Students

Muhlenberg Elementary Zariya Cerezo

Fifth-grader Zariya is a positive force wherever she is! She is a well-rounded, kind, and helpful person. Zariya is a great student and friend who includes and uplifts others. Her teacher, Mrs. Khuzam, and principal, Loren Yerger, want her to be recognized because she is the quintessential Muhlenberg Owl!

Trexler Middle School Laura Rosario Rodriguez

Laura is a straight-A student who is respected by all of her teachers and peers in the sixth grade. She is currently in all

the first grading period. Laura is musically talented and able to play the violin, oboe, and piano. She enjoys writing and listening to music when relaxing. Laura also loves playing volleyball and looks forward to joining the Trexler volleyball team

year in seventh grade.

William Allen High School Shane Reznick

William Allen High School senior Shane Reznick recently received the Good Citizenship Medal from the Valley Forge Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. Shane is an officer in the William Allen NJROTC, as well as a member of the German National Honor

Society, Scholastic Scrimmage, The Canary School Newspaper, and a Representative to the Allentown School District School Board. He spends countless hours involved in community service and embodies outstanding qualities of good citizenship and Canary Pride! Shane recently committed to joining the United States Marine Corps after he finishes high school. n

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHOOLS

Zariya Cerezo

Laura Rosario Rodriguez

Shane Reznick

Violet is a Shih Tzu who loves visiting people “on the turf” at Jay’s Local and getting her fur cut at Petit Paws, 22nd & Liberty Sts.

Violet is owned by Trent Sear

This is Bandit (on left) and Ziggy. Roger Kichline and Kathleen Paxson

This is Winston, our 120 pound Old English Bulldog love machine. We rescued him a year and a half ago but he already runs the house. Winston’s owner is Vance Farrell

Heres a pic of our 17 month old Luca. Luca is a AKC full bred Border Collie. He loves going on walks and loves people. He is rare because of his reddish brown color. Mr & Mrs Walsh

PHOTO COURTESY OF OWNERS

St. Luke’s Allentown Campus First in Region to Have AI-Driven Ethos Cancer Treatment

St. Luke’s Allentown Campus is the first in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware to acquire the Varian Ethos therapy system, advancing treatment for cancer patients in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.

“Ethos adaptive radiation therapy is a ground-breaking innovation in cancer treatment,” said radiation oncologist Eleanor Harris, MD, Chief of Radiation Oncology at St. Luke’s University Health Network.

“Adjusting our treatments to precisely match the patient’s specific anatomy and the position of the cancer every day has not been possible before. This is truly the definition of personalized medicine. This technology will allow us to significantly increase the accuracy of radiation treatments while reducing the side effects, and to treat more patients with more types of cancer.”

The new system – located at the St. Luke’s Cancer Center, 240 Cetronia Road, Allentown went live in late September. Ethos therapy is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven holistic solution designed to increase radiotherapy’s capability, flexibility and efficiency. This new solution can deliver an entire adaptive treatment in a typical 15-minute timeslot, from patient setup through treatment delivery. The goal is to target the tumor better, reduce the dose to healthy tissue and potentially improve overall outcomes.

“We are excited to bring this new personalized care to the Lehigh Valley and proud to be the first cancer center in Pennsylvania to offer this therapy to our

patients,” said Mary-Kate Cellmer, MBA, administrator, St. Luke’s Cancer Center.

The streamlined workflow of Ethos therapy is enabled by its AIdriven planning and contouring capabilities. The physician defines their clinical intent from predefined templates, and the initial treatment plan is generated based on the physician’s intent.

The treatment plan is adapted in response to the variability of the tumor’s shape and cellular characteristics, along with fluctuations in the tumor’s position due to changes in nearby organs.

Ethos therapy offers the use of multimodality images, such as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) at the console. By providing an up-to-date view of the patient’s anatomy, Ethos therapy provides clinicians with the confidence to make more informed adaptive treatment decisions. The solution is built on Varian’s latest treatment delivery technology and provides fast imaging and treatment delivery without compromising quality.

“Every patient deserves access to the best and most personalized cancer care,” said Chris Toth, president, Varian Oncology Systems. “Adaptive therapy is the future of personalized radiation therapy, and we are excited that St. Luke’s Allentown Campus has chosen Ethos therapy. Powered by AI, Ethos will allow doctors and clinicians to adapt and personalize the dose to every patient, every day in a typical treatment timeslot. This is a transformational moment for cancer care.” n

Designs by Maria Anastasia

Daddy O’s Studio

It’s music to our ears whenever a business decides to make the West End Theatre District home, but in this case we’ll say it literally!

Daddy O’s Studio – 1752 Allen Street – has relocated to Allentown from its longtime space in Sellersville. Owner Steven Walker, a multi-faceted artist, decided to relocate his music studio closer to his home just over a mile north of the store and benefit from the larger population base of Allentown and the greater Lehigh Valley.

His Allen Street location has a variety of instruments for sale – acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards, percussion – in addition to accessories such as amps, strings, stands and more. He has relationships with a wide range of distributors and manufacturers, which gives shoppers access to a multitude of instruments under the guidance of a seasoned musician.

Walker is offering guitar lessons at the studio with a free initial lesson to gauge the proficiency of the player and discuss goals

and objectives. He said he can teach just about level and any style. “There are a lot of lessons available online, but nothing beats an in-person lesson where you get immediate and personal feedback and have another person keeping you accountable to practice and progress,” he said.

Other offerings at Daddy O’s include artwork, collectibles and books. Walker said he is also considering setting up a recording studio at the location.

He added that he wants to find ways to use music to collaborate with other businesses and bring the community together. That might take the form of musician gatherings at Daddy O’s and performances at neighborhood businesses. “I have my own thoughts and am open to other ideas. There are lots of opportunities to work together,” he said.

He invites the community to stop in, check out the merchandise and talk about music. “I look forward to being part of the neighborhood,” he said.n

PHOTOS BY JANE GEIST PHOTOGRAPHY

Walking Around the Neighborhood

LizBeth Johnson needed a change. Weary of commuting 75 minutes from her home in Westchester County, New York to Manhattan’s Upper West Side, she found a new gig as director of information and instructional technology at Penn State’s Lehigh Valley campus.

Of course, that meant finding a new home. “My #1 consideration was finding a place close to work,” she said. “I wanted to drive about 15 minutes each way.”

She set a radius for her search, and started looking. Although she found several possibilities in Allentown, she was drawn to Livingston St. – which ultimately became her new home.

“I like to walk,” she said, “and I could really see myself walking around this neighborhood.”

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she discovered just how walkable the Theatre District is.

“The kids were pretty much quarantined at home,” she recalls, “and I started going out every afternoon for some fresh air and exercise.”

That experience turned into a daily habit. “I walk about two miles every morning before work, and log about five miles on weekends. Two of my favorite routes are Trexler Park and Cedar Beach Park. Allentown’s parks are lovely, and I even walk through

them in the winter.”

Her favorite spot in the West End Theatre District? The Fairgrounds Farmers Market. “I’m a vegetarian,” she said, “and I was elated to find that place. It was one of the first places I visited when I moved here. I love to cook, and I always find good, fresh produce there.” n

Serving your West End neighborhood since we invented cable TV in 1948.

The only place to watch LIVE and EXCLUSIVE coverage of the LV IronPigs, Phantoms, Musikfest and High School Sports coverage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZBETH JOHNSON

“I like to walk, and I could really see myself walking around this neighborhood.”

LizBeth Johnson

A Christmas Carol at the Civic Theatre

By Ron Epstein

Charles Dickens immortal classic “A Christmas Carol” has been read every Christmas since it was first published in 1843, and has since been performed in plays, movies, and musicals.

At Allentown’s Civic Theatre, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge has been an annual event since 1991, with the exception of 2020 when the COVID-19 virus forced its cancellation.

“A Christmas Carol” was first performed at Civic (then known solely as the Nineteenth St. Theatre) in 1931. Fred McCready, one of the founders of the theatre played the part of Scrooge.

The play was not performed again at Civic until the 1980’s when it appeared in two different versions. One in 1982, and the other in 1989. Both versions were written by Civic Board President Sharon Lee Glassman. William Sanders, who as a gig artist directed the play in 1989, added scenes that were not in the 1982 script, such as the scenes with Mr. Fezziwig, the story teller being Tiny Tim, and the scenes with the urchins. Every performance since has had something new added to it. After becoming artistic director for Civic in 1991 William Sanders suggested the play be produced every year based on the 1989 version. He believed that since so many theatres across the country have made “A Christmas Carol” an annual event, it would be a perfect opportunity for them to do the same.

Over the years “A Christmas Carol” has featured hundreds of actors, some of whom, especially the younger ones, return year after

year. Many have bounced from one roll to another.

There are usually over 80 actors involved ranging from ages 5 through 78. Some have gone on to national fame, such as Christine Taylor, who played Marcia Brady in the Brady Bunch movies. Dan Roebuck, who starred in many movies including “the Fugitive”, Oaks and Winslow Fegley, two brothers who have appeared in at least four films each, Dane De Haan, known for his role as Andrew Detmer in the film “Chronicle” among others, James Cusati Moyer, who received an Oscar nomination for best performance actor, and of course Amanda Siegfried, well known Allentown actress who starred in numerous movies such as “Mean girls”, “Nine Lives” and “American Guns”.

In order to give the children in the play less of a commitment in terms of performance and rehearsal time, and to give them more stage time so the number of actors in group scenes are smaller, the urchin and party kids are divided into two groups: Holly Cast and Ivy Cast. The children of each cast appear in every other performance.

Over the years 13 people have played the part of Scrooge including two women. In 1999 Sharon Lee Glassman played the part as Carole Scrooge (A

BY KENEK PHOTOGRAPHY

Christmas Carole) in a new adaption taking place 100 years later in 1943 during World War II. A miserly boss who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Jo Ann Wilchek Basist was Carole Scrooge in the 2019 production which took place in 1944 because the staff wanted to make it closer to the end of World War II. Both versions took place in New York City rather than London.

During one nighttime performance in 2014, marking the 25th anniversary of this version of the play, the actors who played the part of Scrooge over the years took turns as Scrooge in the various scenes. Fortunately, this version was recorded, because in 2020, when COVID-19 forced the plays cancellation, for the price of a ticket, the public could watch the video online and not have to miss “A Christmas Carol” that year.

At the end of each performance, when they come on stage to take their bows, the show always ends

with the actors singing “Angels We Have Heard On High,” while they each hold an electric candle and snow begins to fall. At last year’s performance they sang “White Christmas” which was then overlaid with a verse of “Angels We Have Heard On High.”

All in all, a beautiful performance, but there is no way the annual event could have lasted this long if it were not for the interest of the public. In William Sanders words “It keeps coming back year after year because the interest is there.”

Adults and youngsters alike have made “A Christmas Carol” at Civic an annual event, as have I. After learning of the play from the theater billboard in 1989, I attended the play and it has since become an annual tradition for me as well, except in 1990 when “A Miracle on 34th Street” was performed.

I’ve already purchased my ticket for this year. I hope you will too. n

PHOTO

Fred McCready

Tiny Tim with the small bear is Robert Pierno behind him is Kelly Herbert James as Mrs. Cratchit in 2013.

JoAnn Wilchek Basist as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Stan Zukowski as Scrooge in 2012.

Kirk Lawrence as Scrooge and Nia Clements Fratrik as the Ghost of Christmas Past in 2014.

REAL ID Enforcement Deadline Extended

In April, the US Department of Homeland Security announced the deadline for REAL ID enforcement was extended to May 3, 2023 due to issues many individuals were facing in obtaining documents required for states to issue REAL ID complaint products. While the deadline has been extended, there is nothing to stop you from getting your REAL ID product to avoid last minute problem in 2023.

REAL ID is not mandatory.

Beginning May 3, 2023, it will be required to board a domestic commercial flight, enter a military base and enter a federal facility that requires identification at the door. Valid US Passports are considered REAL ID. pastedGraphic.png

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

To obtain REAL ID, applicants should be prepared to visit the REAL ID Center at 1101 MacArthur Rd in Whitehall with proof of identity (birth certificate w/ raised seal), Social Security Card, two proofs of current address and proof of all legal name changes (certificate marriage certificate, court order or divorce decree). In addition to renewing your identification, there is a $30 one-time REAL ID cost.

For more information about REAL ID, visit dmv.pa.gov/REALID or call my office (610-821-5577) to request the REAL ID newsletter we put together.

Where Is It?

Do

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

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

By December 4, 2022.

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

Do

Each

have Unclaimed Property?

often

as

as a misspelled

or an out-of-date address. In fact, 1 in 10 Pennsylvania residents has unclaimed property waiting to be claimed.

Visit PaTreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to see if your name is listen. Then follow the instructions to claim your money.

My office can help by searching and printing the forms. Give a call 610-821-5577 or email RepSchlossberg@pahouse.net if you need help.