Will Obama visit ART MART in Allentown?

President Obama is scheduled to visit Allentown this coming Friday Dec. 4th as the first stop on his "White House to Main St." tour. Allentown was chosen because of its potential for future economic growth and job creation. Obama will also stop at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville. Enrollment is up at community colleges across the country, because they offer a more affordable choice during tough economic times. Obama plans on increasing the level of federal support for community colleges, because education translates into jobs.

Speaking of community and economic development ... the Obamas were community organizers, so they understand the importance of volunteer work. I believe the perfect stop on Obama's tour of Allentown would be ART MART at 813 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Art Mart is a new holiday gift shop and fine art gallery created by a large and growing community of local artists and volunteers. The volunteers have come together to promote the arts and help revitalize downtown Allentown. The industrious artists have been given permission by a gracious property owner to take over his vacant store on Hamilton St, and turn it into a holiday art emporium. Very cool cooperation all around. Local artists are hoping this location will eventually become a permanent art gallery, because all these dedicated professional artists really should have a home of our own.

The arts play a central role in revitalizing cities, and in creating much needed social capital, which leads to economic capital. Read about Art Mart and other arts news at The Allentown Chen Arts Group Blog

WFMZ Channel 69 News covered the very successful opening of ART MART this past Friday night. Check it out: 69 News Coverage of ART MART

There are great things happening in downtown Allentown, and now there is a growing art scene led by a community of talented artists and arts supporters. And that's what's going to turn the downtown around ... progressive-minded people working together to make positive things happen.

Support our local artists by buying their art at ART MART!

Visit ART MART at facebook.com/AllentownArtMart
Photo: Very Cool ART MART sign designed and made by local artist Vicki DaSilva and her husband Antonio

Photo from WFMZ News website

Will Obama visit ART MART in Allentown?

President Obama is scheduled to visit Allentown this coming Friday Dec. 4th as the first stop on his "White House to Main St." tour. Allentown was chosen because of its potential for future economic growth and job creation. Obama will also stop at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville. Enrollment is up at community colleges across the country, because they offer a more affordable choice during tough economic times. Obama plans on increasing the level of federal support for community colleges, because education translates into jobs.

Speaking of community and economic development ... the Obamas were community organizers, so they understand the importance of volunteer work. I believe the perfect stop on Obama's tour of Allentown would be ART MART at 813 Hamilton St. in Allentown. Art Mart is a new holiday gift shop and fine art gallery created by a large and growing community of local artists and volunteers. The volunteers have come together to promote the arts and help revitalize downtown Allentown. The industrious artists have been given permission by a gracious property owner to take over his vacant store on Hamilton St, and turn it into a holiday art emporium. Very cool cooperation all around. Local artists are hoping this location will eventually become a permanent art gallery, because all these dedicated professional artists really should have a home of our own.

The arts play a central role in revitalizing cities, and in creating much needed social capital, which leads to economic capital. Read about Art Mart and other arts news at The Allentown Chen Arts Group Blog

WFMZ Channel 69 News covered the very successful opening of ART MART this past Friday night. Check it out: 69 News Coverage of ART MART

There are great things happening in downtown Allentown, and now there is a growing art scene led by a community of talented artists and arts supporters. And that's what's going to turn the downtown around ... progressive-minded people working together to make positive things happen.

Support our local artists by buying their art at ART MART!

Visit ART MART at facebook.com/AllentownArtMart
Photo: Very Cool ART MART sign designed and made by local artist Vicki DaSilva and her husband Antonio

Photo from WFMZ News website

A New Playground in Allentown!

We are lucky to have a wonderful park system in Allentown. Our family spends a lot of time at parks and on playgrounds. We take advantage of the Muhlenberg School playground, where our son can stay after school and play with his friends. Other than the school playground, which has old equipment, and is like a swamp after it rains, there are no other public playgrounds in the west end of Allentown. This is why I am excited about plans for a new fully accessible destination playground to be built at Allentown's Cedar Beach park. According to the mayor, this playground will "consist of the latest technology and most innovative playground equipment available." Wow, that sounds great!

Unstructured play is so important to a child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Childhood obesity is a problem in this country. Too many kids stay home and play video games or watch television. Too many parents use television as a babysitter. The American Heart Association advocates for one hour of play a day for kids.

Our community is changing and growing. There are more children. Children of all ages can benefit from a new playground. New playground equipment looks more like big modern sculptures for kids to explore and be creative. These newer structures are safer than the old equipment, and are handicap accessible. They are also designed with less flat surfaces, which helps to deter graffitti. And it's free fun! I know that there are many Allentown children (and parents) who will benefit from the new playground.

A New Playground in Allentown!

We are lucky to have a wonderful park system in Allentown. Our family spends a lot of time at parks and on playgrounds. We take advantage of the Muhlenberg School playground, where our son can stay after school and play with his friends. Other than the school playground, which has old equipment, and is like a swamp after it rains, there are no other public playgrounds in the west end of Allentown. This is why I am excited about plans for a new fully accessible destination playground to be built at Allentown's Cedar Beach park. According to the mayor, this playground will "consist of the latest technology and most innovative playground equipment available." Wow, that sounds great!

Unstructured play is so important to a child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development. Childhood obesity is a problem in this country. Too many kids stay home and play video games or watch television. Too many parents use television as a babysitter. The American Heart Association advocates for one hour of play a day for kids.

Our community is changing and growing. There are more children. Children of all ages can benefit from a new playground. New playground equipment looks more like big modern sculptures for kids to explore and be creative. These newer structures are safer than the old equipment, and are handicap accessible. They are also designed with less flat surfaces, which helps to deter graffitti. And it's free fun! I know that there are many Allentown children (and parents) who will benefit from the new playground.

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

Takin' it to the Streets of Allentown

During tough economic times, the arts can thrive. Some of our best American art was created during the Depression in the 1930's, which triggered important art movements such as Regionalism, and Social Realism. Artists such as Thomas Hart Benton painted WPA sponsored murals on public buildings. Artists and photographers Ben Shahn, Jacob Lawrence, and Dorothea Lange depicted American life and the realities of living in poverty. These art movements influenced artists all over the world.

Art brings people together, raises our social consciousness, and can trigger and enhance economic development and urban renewal. While our town's only "newspaper" reports on the cut-backs and financial struggles of arts institutions like the Allentown Art Museum and The State Theater, the local community art scene is flourishing, especially in Allentown.

This past Saturday night, in an overflowing reserved space at the House of Chen Restaurant on Hamilton St. in downtown Allentown, a large group of enthusiastic local artists (The Allentown Chen Arts Group) announced and specified plans for a variety of community art events to take place this Spring and Summer, while dining on amazingly dee-lish Malaysian cuisine, thanks to Jenny Chen!

A driving force behind Allentown's street art movement is Allentown artist Duane (Yodi) Vaden, http://yodiobono.spaces.live.com/ who is involved in street theatre, making large puppets, parades, African drumming, youth programs, political activism, and his own fine art.

There are many free outdoor events planned. To mention a few, starting in April on 7th St., the Artists in Action program will be happening every second Sat. of the month. Thanks Pete Lewnes and Yodi. Artists will be on the street in front of local businesses making and selling art, and there will be dancers, musicians, and a teen art program.

The Chen Arts Group is planning Second Saturday artist studio tours, music, and dancing on Hamilton St. And we will be having an indoor fine art show in the lower level community room of the Allentown Art Museum in June.

There will be a Peace Parade in May organized by The Arts Luminarium, a non-profit group. If you are interested in participating, or for more info, check out the Chen Arts Blog. http://www.chenarts.blogspot.com/

Image is Thomas Hart Benton Mural "City Activities" in NYC subway

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

George Clooney at The White House

Oo la la! Yesterday my fave actor, the Academy Award winning George Clooney met with President Obama and Vice President Biden at the White House to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. He asked the administration to appoint a "high-profile full time envoy" to Darfur. They said "yes." Darn, I missed George on Larry King last night! I think the genocide in Darfur is something that we just can't ignore, even though we are in an economic crisis at home. Clooney believes that the United States can help, not by sending money, but through diplomacy. It's great to see that Obama's doors are open.

So, who is your favorite celebrity/political activist??

Opportunity for Community Service

I received this e-mail from community activist Alfonso Todd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and help the women in our community who may be struggling.

"Hello my name is Ben Nicholson. I’m here to introduce you to Life-styles of the Grown, Sexy and Sober. Life-styles of the G.S.S. (Grown, Sexy and Sober) has been an idea for some time. I was talking to an associate, Alfonso Todd, who told me to put this out to the public and let them see what your doing! Let them learn from the good choices that others make.

I shot my first video with a friend of mine, “George” He, at the time, had only a few months clean, yet he had managed to state something that caught my ear, which was “Just don’t pick up!” Those words he has repeated on many occurrences and it’s keeping him clean and off drugs and alcohol.

My second interview was with “Becky” who is a survivor of breast cancer! She endures the effects of her regular cancer treatments and working a full time job. She is, also, responsible for the management of six Oxford houses that are inhabited by women and men. TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP ABILITY!!!

Currently, I am I hearing about how down right dirty Allentown is, and how corrupt the streets are; and that people only want welfare /disability checks, free food, soup kitchens and a life without responsibilities. Yes, that is true for some individuals “but” when you’re out in the community and you’re rubbing elbows with these men and women, talking, relating, and experiencing, first hand, the accounts of their struggles and plights, you learn the need to be creative and somewhat manipulative. One learns simple survival skills in a society that has rarely taken hostages in any circumstance.

Pride and honor needs to become fashionable, once more; and it’s time to stop the glorification of fast money and recognize the benefits of self employment, schooling, and self-respect.
There are many businesses that I have encountered that are willing to help and they are open to the suggestions I have offered. They want to be a part of more grassroots activities which will allow them to grow closer to the community they serve. The excitement has grown so much among local businesses that many have agreed to assist the G.S.S with the creation of its’ first SINGLE MOTHER AND CHILDREN APPRECIATION DINNER which will be a bi-monthly event. It’s our goal to expose the attendees to guest speakers who will be professional, intelligent, and successful women. Hopefully their words may inspire and show the ladies in the crowd that they are still valuable, special, and can make a difference in their lives, as well as their children’s."

So if you would like be a guest speaker/sponsor/volunteer at one of these dinners/events please e-mail me :

Bestimpression4u@yahoo.com
Call: 610 351 3975
See: http://www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com/

Opportunity for Community Service

I received this e-mail from community activist Alfonso Todd. This is a great opportunity to reach out and help the women in our community who may be struggling.

"Hello my name is Ben Nicholson. I’m here to introduce you to Life-styles of the Grown, Sexy and Sober. Life-styles of the G.S.S. (Grown, Sexy and Sober) has been an idea for some time. I was talking to an associate, Alfonso Todd, who told me to put this out to the public and let them see what your doing! Let them learn from the good choices that others make.

I shot my first video with a friend of mine, “George” He, at the time, had only a few months clean, yet he had managed to state something that caught my ear, which was “Just don’t pick up!” Those words he has repeated on many occurrences and it’s keeping him clean and off drugs and alcohol.

My second interview was with “Becky” who is a survivor of breast cancer! She endures the effects of her regular cancer treatments and working a full time job. She is, also, responsible for the management of six Oxford houses that are inhabited by women and men. TALK ABOUT LEADERSHIP ABILITY!!!

Currently, I am I hearing about how down right dirty Allentown is, and how corrupt the streets are; and that people only want welfare /disability checks, free food, soup kitchens and a life without responsibilities. Yes, that is true for some individuals “but” when you’re out in the community and you’re rubbing elbows with these men and women, talking, relating, and experiencing, first hand, the accounts of their struggles and plights, you learn the need to be creative and somewhat manipulative. One learns simple survival skills in a society that has rarely taken hostages in any circumstance.

Pride and honor needs to become fashionable, once more; and it’s time to stop the glorification of fast money and recognize the benefits of self employment, schooling, and self-respect.
There are many businesses that I have encountered that are willing to help and they are open to the suggestions I have offered. They want to be a part of more grassroots activities which will allow them to grow closer to the community they serve. The excitement has grown so much among local businesses that many have agreed to assist the G.S.S with the creation of its’ first SINGLE MOTHER AND CHILDREN APPRECIATION DINNER which will be a bi-monthly event. It’s our goal to expose the attendees to guest speakers who will be professional, intelligent, and successful women. Hopefully their words may inspire and show the ladies in the crowd that they are still valuable, special, and can make a difference in their lives, as well as their children’s."

So if you would like be a guest speaker/sponsor/volunteer at one of these dinners/events please e-mail me :

Bestimpression4u@yahoo.com
Call: 610 351 3975
See: http://www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com/

Mayor Pawlowski Books Interview with LV Somebody

Readers, our promised post on The Morning Call Forum is coming soon ... but we interrupt this program to announce that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski (the recipient of a whopping 59% popular vote mandate in the 2005 election) has agreed to a Q&A interview with Lehigh Valley Somebody, one of the Top 20 Most Influential Political Blogs in Pennsylvania, to help kick-off his re-election campaign.

Per our gracious and popular (59%!) Mayor, you are cordially invited to SUBMIT QUESTIONS for his Q&A interview which we will relay to the Mayor.

Feel free to ask Mayor Pawlowski anything you like, in a comment here.

LV Somebody will compile your questions (and we'll have some too) and present them to Mayor Pawlowski for his consideration ASAP.

*** UPDATE, JANUARY 31: Popular (59% Mandate!) Allentown Mayor Pawlowski's people just contacted our people (jealous?) Mayor Pawlowski's answers to Lehigh Valley Somebody's Reader Questions will be here "within 2-3 days," and we'll have 'em posted in a new post ASAP after we get 'em!  

Mayor Pawlowski Books Interview with LV Somebody

Readers, our promised post on The Morning Call Forum is coming soon ... but we interrupt this program to announce that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski (the recipient of a whopping 59% popular vote mandate in the 2005 election) has agreed to a Q&A interview with Lehigh Valley Somebody, one of the Top 20 Most Influential Political Blogs in Pennsylvania, to help kick-off his re-election campaign.

Per our gracious and popular (59%!) Mayor, you are cordially invited to SUBMIT QUESTIONS for his Q&A interview which we will relay to the Mayor.

Feel free to ask Mayor Pawlowski anything you like, in a comment here.

LV Somebody will compile your questions (and we'll have some too) and present them to Mayor Pawlowski for his consideration ASAP.

*** UPDATE, JANUARY 31: Popular (59% Mandate!) Allentown Mayor Pawlowski's people just contacted our people (jealous?) Mayor Pawlowski's answers to Lehigh Valley Somebody's Reader Questions will be here "within 2-3 days," and we'll have 'em posted in a new post ASAP after we get 'em!  

Upward Bound, Allentown!

(From Alfonso Todd) UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN ! A multi-cultural celebration being held on July 12, 2008 on Hamilton Street between 6th and 7th streets that will highlight the positive aspects of the Allentown community. Music, food, children's activities, local performers, artists, and community organizations, will be on hand. This will be a day of entertainment, as well as education. We are currently seeking bands, performers, and food and craft vendors of different nationalities that would represent different racial backgrounds. We, also, are requesting volunteers. In addition, small / large businesses and community organizations are encouraged to come out and introduce yourself to the public and obtain possible new clientele and contacts. For more information, contact Alfonso Todd-484 707 9592 or alfonsotodd36@msn.com

Upward Bound, Allentown!

(From Alfonso Todd) UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN ! A multi-cultural celebration being held on July 12, 2008 on Hamilton Street between 6th and 7th streets that will highlight the positive aspects of the Allentown community. Music, food, children's activities, local performers, artists, and community organizations, will be on hand. This will be a day of entertainment, as well as education. We are currently seeking bands, performers, and food and craft vendors of different nationalities that would represent different racial backgrounds. We, also, are requesting volunteers. In addition, small / large businesses and community organizations are encouraged to come out and introduce yourself to the public and obtain possible new clientele and contacts. For more information, contact Alfonso Todd-484 707 9592 or alfonsotodd36@msn.com

Artists For Allentown Will Meet Again

Our 2nd Artist get-together will be held Sat. May 31, 6:30 pm at House of Chen, 732 Hamilton St. I have invited Randall Forte from the LV Arts Council, Debora Roberson/Eric Butz (architects), and I am waiting to hear from someone at the Allentown Art Museum.

We should discuss the theme, space possibilities, and date for an indoor art event, and talk about street art at Alfonso's event in July. Also the idea of "support" for the arts and what that really means in Allentown. Bethlehem features local artists' work in the Rotunda at City Hall. Can we do this? We need good exposure.

Should we apply for grants? What do you think?

PS If anyone is attending the Visioning Meeting tonight please mention our group.

Hope to see you at Chez Chen! Bring a pen.

Artists For Allentown Will Meet Again

Our 2nd Artist get-together will be held Sat. May 31, 6:30 pm at House of Chen, 732 Hamilton St. I have invited Randall Forte from the LV Arts Council, Debora Roberson/Eric Butz (architects), and I am waiting to hear from someone at the Allentown Art Museum.

We should discuss the theme, space possibilities, and date for an indoor art event, and talk about street art at Alfonso's event in July. Also the idea of "support" for the arts and what that really means in Allentown. Bethlehem features local artists' work in the Rotunda at City Hall. Can we do this? We need good exposure.

Should we apply for grants? What do you think?

PS If anyone is attending the Visioning Meeting tonight please mention our group.

Hope to see you at Chez Chen! Bring a pen.