Best of the people's blogs II

Here's a shout out to the the voices that matter in the Lehigh Valley, sponsored by Totie Fields. Congrats and many pats on the back to my fellow bloggers.

From Molovinsky on Allentown: "As I drive through town at night I'm constantly fearful of a small child darting out between parked cars. Their parents must be constantly afraid of gunshots and random violence. I wish these children, and their parents could enjoy a bit of serenity, they deserve it. "

From Lehigh Valley Lexicon: "Our downtown is very quiet after 6 p.m. on weeknights or on Sundays. It's tough to find things to do outside traditional corporate hours."

From Lehigh Valley Ramblings: " Back in March, The Morning Call was looking for someone "to act as a zealous crusader for the reader by exposing fraud, inequity, injustice and incompetence in government, institutions, bureaucracies, corporations and business via a twice weekly watch dog column."Gee, I thought they were all supposed to do that. Silly me.

From AJ's Web blog: "Hatred is not aimed just at Allentown as many people like to think - it's aimed at people. The Lehigh Valley as a whole suffers more and more because TMC lacks ethics and morality, but hey, at least they're profiting!"

From LV Ramblings: "I'll be selling kisses and might do a Chippendale routine."

And here's a hot comment from my blog, a special recognition award:

From dedicated first responder Bill Villa:" That's our Morning Call, the Cock of the Walk. [Definition, cock of the walk, noun, a dominating person in any group, esp. an overbearing one]"

Somewhere over the rainbow

At the end of Tim Russert's Memorial Service the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was played. While people were leaving they witnessed an actual rainbow outside, and were convinced that Tim had something to do with it. These kinds of magical moments are what make it a little easier to deal with the untimely death of a loved one.


Watching the coverage of this touching memorial service has brought back memories of what it was like when my beautiful step daughter was tragically killed two years ago, by a drunk driver, on her 25th birthday. I don't like to write about it, but for some reason I feel I should.

There were 900 people at her memorial service. My husband was brave enough to get up and speak in front of all those people. My step-daughter was a young person who touched the lives of so many people. She was a popular teacher, a talented performer, an idol and an icon to hundreds of young girls.

We have had some instances of what we believe are signs from beyond, similar to the Tim Russert rainbow. With so much that has been taken away from us, we hang on to those little signs, cherish them, and hold them close. When we were celebrating the 1st anniversary of her death, and her 26th birthday, the family had Chinese food together. We made sure it was from her favorite restaurant. When we opened our fortune cookies, our 6 yr old son got a nice surprise.

The fortune said on one side "Angels are among us; when you find them, cherish their presence everyday." On the other side it said "learn Chinese: Miss You : Xiang-nian-ni" These letters are in my son's name. We believe that this message came from somewhere over the rainbow.

UPDATE: I've added a picture of the heart shape that appeared on the tree after the car crash that killed my step daughter. See comments.

Somewhere over the rainbow

At the end of Tim Russert's Memorial Service the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was played. While people were leaving they witnessed an actual rainbow outside, and were convinced that Tim had something to do with it. These kinds of magical moments are what make it a little easier to deal with the untimely death of a loved one.


Watching the coverage of this touching memorial service has brought back memories of what it was like when my beautiful step daughter was tragically killed two years ago, by a drunk driver, on her 25th birthday. I don't like to write about it, but for some reason I feel I should.

There were 900 people at her memorial service. My husband was brave enough to get up and speak in front of all those people. My step-daughter was a young person who touched the lives of so many people. She was a popular teacher, a talented performer, an idol and an icon to hundreds of young girls.

We have had some instances of what we believe are signs from beyond, similar to the Tim Russert rainbow. With so much that has been taken away from us, we hang on to those little signs, cherish them, and hold them close. When we were celebrating the 1st anniversary of her death, and her 26th birthday, the family had Chinese food together. We made sure it was from her favorite restaurant. When we opened our fortune cookies, our 6 yr old son got a nice surprise.

The fortune said on one side "Angels are among us; when you find them, cherish their presence everyday." On the other side it said "learn Chinese: Miss You : Xiang-nian-ni" These letters are in my son's name. We believe that this message came from somewhere over the rainbow.

UPDATE: I've added a picture of the heart shape that appeared on the tree after the car crash that killed my step daughter. See comments.

Allentown Chen-Arts at chez Gregory

The new fab, hip, and ultra-chic Allentown Chen-Arts Group (CHARGE) is charging over to artist Greg Coates' cool downtown post-modern studio for an informal artist get together this Sat. June 21 at 6:30 pm.

Bring ten slides of your work to show and share. If you don't have slides, bring jpegs, or photos, video, or the actual work if it's not too big. If you are a musician, bring cd. For those hipsters who just want to make the scene.........you can wear your art, baby. If you want, bring a bottle of vino to share, or soda, or whatever you like to drink. If you are not on my group e-mail list and would like to attend please let me know, like now.

I have heard that there will be a show of art work by the late Greg Weaver at Hava Java on 19th St. starting this Friday, with an opening on Friday night. So don't miss this, if it happens.
Studio. Gregory Coates.

6:30 pm, Sat. June 21

C.a.N Studio
614 Washington Street
Allentown Pa

UPDATE: Greg Coates has informed me that Paul Marin has graciously offered to cater our event. The food will be Vegan! Sounds great, I can't wait to try something different. Thanks Paul!

Allentown Chen-Arts at chez Gregory

The new fab, hip, and ultra-chic Allentown Chen-Arts Group (CHARGE) is charging over to artist Greg Coates' cool downtown post-modern studio for an informal artist get together this Sat. June 21 at 6:30 pm.

Bring ten slides of your work to show and share. If you don't have slides, bring jpegs, or photos, video, or the actual work if it's not too big. If you are a musician, bring cd. For those hipsters who just want to make the scene.........you can wear your art, baby. If you want, bring a bottle of vino to share, or soda, or whatever you like to drink. If you are not on my group e-mail list and would like to attend please let me know, like now.

I have heard that there will be a show of art work by the late Greg Weaver at Hava Java on 19th St. starting this Friday, with an opening on Friday night. So don't miss this, if it happens.
Studio. Gregory Coates.

6:30 pm, Sat. June 21

C.a.N Studio
614 Washington Street
Allentown Pa

UPDATE: Greg Coates has informed me that Paul Marin has graciously offered to cater our event. The food will be Vegan! Sounds great, I can't wait to try something different. Thanks Paul!

The Morning Call struts its sensationalism stuff

We lost internet access all day yesterday and last night, so I am kinda behind with posts. But I would just like to say how appalled I am at that headline on the front page of Sat's Morning Crawl. Purely sensational. And students are encouraged to read the newspaper? I shouldn't have to explain this one to my little inquisitive guy.

Rape suspect says penis cast would acquit him

Too big? Lawyer calls Landsdale man 'freak,' says girl's injuries don't match.

PENIS, Page A10

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_2penis.6459112jun14,0,1793573.story


What about this poor 13 yr. old girl who was raped? How about her family MC editors, ever think about the family of the victim??

I'm posting about this because I think if we continue to ignore this it will just get worse.

The Morning Call struts its sensationalism stuff

We lost internet access all day yesterday and last night, so I am kinda behind with posts. But I would just like to say how appalled I am at that headline on the front page of Sat's Morning Crawl. Purely sensational. And students are encouraged to read the newspaper? I shouldn't have to explain this one to my little inquisitive guy.

Rape suspect says penis cast would acquit him

Too big? Lawyer calls Landsdale man 'freak,' says girl's injuries don't match.

PENIS, Page A10

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_2penis.6459112jun14,0,1793573.story


What about this poor 13 yr. old girl who was raped? How about her family MC editors, ever think about the family of the victim??

I'm posting about this because I think if we continue to ignore this it will just get worse.

Dad plays a tune

Happy Father's Day weekend. This is my dad, the youngest of ten children. This photo is from the early 1950's, I believe. Out of the ten children, both the oldest (98 yrs.) and youngest (75 yrs.) are still alive, along with two others. My grandparents both came to the US from Palermo, Sicily. I believe my grandmother was just a teenager when they were married. I never knew my grandparents, they both died when I was a baby. I was named after my grandmother. I was born on Father's Day. Although dad can't read music too well, he's good at improvising. He's probably playing the Tarantella, his way.

Dad plays a tune

Happy Father's Day weekend. This is my dad, the youngest of ten children. This photo is from the early 1950's, I believe. Out of the ten children, both the oldest (98 yrs.) and youngest (75 yrs.) are still alive, along with two others. My grandparents both came to the US from Palermo, Sicily. I believe my grandmother was just a teenager when they were married. I never knew my grandparents, they both died when I was a baby. I was named after my grandmother. I was born on Father's Day. Although dad can't read music too well, he's good at improvising. He's probably playing the Tarantella, his way.

The A-team is mobilized!

For those of you concerned about AutoZone moving in to the "19th St. Theatre District", here's a letter from the mayor telling us what we can do. My question is why did the neighborhood group hang banners declaring the area a theatre and arts district if it is not zoned as such? While I am opposed to AutoZone, by law they are permitted to locate at the former Shanty, and unfortunately it is too late to change the zoning.

To All Concerned:

Thank you for your interest and concern for the development of the 19th street corridor. I share your desire and passion to not see the former Shanty restaurant turned into an Auto Zone. This is an entirely inappropriate use of this site and will the destroy the character and integrity of this blossoming business district.

Over the course of the last several years the ownership of the property has changed several times, The property is now in the hands of a third party who is extremely anxious to sell the property to the first buyer, not necessarily to the most appropriate or compatible buyer for this neighborhood.

Over the course of the last month we have tried desperately to identify and recruit another restaurateur to this property. Such efforts have to date resulted in several tours of the location by potential restaurateurs but no offers have emerged to date. We continue to try to secure a new restaurant for this location and have mobilized the city's entire economic development team for this said purpose.

In regards to zoning. Auto Zone is currently before the zoning board for a sign variance. The city administration has written a letter in opposition to the variance. Unfortunately, our zoning and other laws currently permits such commercial uses on this site. We are working to modify our zoning ordinances, but under state law this property would be grand fathered under our old code. The bottom line is that if they want to go there, the City cannot legally stop an Auto Zone from occupying the former Shanty restaurant property.

While our options for denying this use is limited, you can help us by doing the following:

Contact Auto Zone corporate either by phone or email to voice your concern about placing an Auto Zone in this area and the need for such an entity to respect the neighbors and preserve the integrity and feel of the neighborhood. Below is contact information for the company.

· Primary Investor Relations Contact

Tel: 901.495.7185
Fax: 901.495.8374
Email: investor.relations@autozone.com

Specific Contacts

William C. Rhodes - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Harry L. Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Lisa R. Kranc - Senior Vice President, Marketing
James A. Shea - Executive Vice President-Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain

Mailing Address for aforementioned individuals:

123 South Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Primary Corporate Telephone to reach aforementioned individuals:

Tel: (901) 495-6500
Fax: (901) 495.8374


2. Write a letter to the zoning hearing board and request they not approve the sign varience in order to keep the integrity of the neighborhood.

Send letters to:
Allentown Zoning Board
Bureau of Zoning, 4th Floor
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

3. Plan on attending the next hearing date is Monday, June 23, 2008. My understanding is that there will be no testimony heard, but your presence will speak volumes.

Thank you again for your interest and concern, by working together we will make Allentown a great place to live, work, play and SHOP.
Ed Pawlowski
Mayor

The A-team is mobilized!

For those of you concerned about AutoZone moving in to the "19th St. Theatre District", here's a letter from the mayor telling us what we can do. My question is why did the neighborhood group hang banners declaring the area a theatre and arts district if it is not zoned as such? While I am opposed to AutoZone, by law they are permitted to locate at the former Shanty, and unfortunately it is too late to change the zoning.

To All Concerned:

Thank you for your interest and concern for the development of the 19th street corridor. I share your desire and passion to not see the former Shanty restaurant turned into an Auto Zone. This is an entirely inappropriate use of this site and will the destroy the character and integrity of this blossoming business district.

Over the course of the last several years the ownership of the property has changed several times, The property is now in the hands of a third party who is extremely anxious to sell the property to the first buyer, not necessarily to the most appropriate or compatible buyer for this neighborhood.

Over the course of the last month we have tried desperately to identify and recruit another restaurateur to this property. Such efforts have to date resulted in several tours of the location by potential restaurateurs but no offers have emerged to date. We continue to try to secure a new restaurant for this location and have mobilized the city's entire economic development team for this said purpose.

In regards to zoning. Auto Zone is currently before the zoning board for a sign variance. The city administration has written a letter in opposition to the variance. Unfortunately, our zoning and other laws currently permits such commercial uses on this site. We are working to modify our zoning ordinances, but under state law this property would be grand fathered under our old code. The bottom line is that if they want to go there, the City cannot legally stop an Auto Zone from occupying the former Shanty restaurant property.

While our options for denying this use is limited, you can help us by doing the following:

Contact Auto Zone corporate either by phone or email to voice your concern about placing an Auto Zone in this area and the need for such an entity to respect the neighbors and preserve the integrity and feel of the neighborhood. Below is contact information for the company.

· Primary Investor Relations Contact

Tel: 901.495.7185
Fax: 901.495.8374
Email: investor.relations@autozone.com

Specific Contacts

William C. Rhodes - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Harry L. Goldsmith, Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Lisa R. Kranc - Senior Vice President, Marketing
James A. Shea - Executive Vice President-Merchandising, Marketing and Supply Chain

Mailing Address for aforementioned individuals:

123 South Front Street
Memphis, Tennessee 38103

Primary Corporate Telephone to reach aforementioned individuals:

Tel: (901) 495-6500
Fax: (901) 495.8374


2. Write a letter to the zoning hearing board and request they not approve the sign varience in order to keep the integrity of the neighborhood.

Send letters to:
Allentown Zoning Board
Bureau of Zoning, 4th Floor
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

3. Plan on attending the next hearing date is Monday, June 23, 2008. My understanding is that there will be no testimony heard, but your presence will speak volumes.

Thank you again for your interest and concern, by working together we will make Allentown a great place to live, work, play and SHOP.
Ed Pawlowski
Mayor

What's next, faux Mom?

I just read in today's am magazine that local restaurants are providing "mom's cooking, to go." It's the new trend, to suit today's busy lifestyle. http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-momskitchen.6424570jun11,0,2497475.story

For those busy moms on the go who don't have time to prepare a meal for their family, now they can just drive up to an area restaurant, even every day of the week, to pick up dinner. And the article claims it is not that expensive because there is no tipping or drinks! Well, I'd like to debate that. Maybe it's less expensive than actually dining out at a restaurant, but smart moms who take the time to make thrifty and fast meals will tell you that you can really stretch a buck if you want to, and be creative at the same time. I can do a lot of things with a $2.85 pound of 75% ground beef.

It's not that difficult to prepare a home cooked meal, made with mom's love, in 10-20 minutes. Even if you work full time, it is possible. Plus, it's good for your marriage because most hubsters really appreciate a home-made meal even if it's just a sandwich. Men are really quite easy to please and require two things: food and ....... well you can use your imagination for the second thing. ; D Here's a hint, it's not "stimulating conversation." (sorry feminists, I'm just kidding!). But, I think if both husband and wife work, then the husband should help with meals too, and dishes.

I like to be creative with sandwich making. We eat a lot of sandwiches. But I try to make them more interesting by adding blue cheese, bacon, fancy dressings, pickles, tomatoes, red onion, grey poupon, avocado, etc. And I toast the bread. It only takes 10 minutes. Add a can of soup, and voila!

Bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches are quick too, and a fave in our house. I have to try to please a fussy 6 year old. There is so much more, I won't bore you, but I worry if we now have faux mom's cooking, and a faux downtown for shopping, what's next, faux mom? Faux love?

What's next, faux Mom?

I just read in today's am magazine that local restaurants are providing "mom's cooking, to go." It's the new trend, to suit today's busy lifestyle. http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-momskitchen.6424570jun11,0,2497475.story

For those busy moms on the go who don't have time to prepare a meal for their family, now they can just drive up to an area restaurant, even every day of the week, to pick up dinner. And the article claims it is not that expensive because there is no tipping or drinks! Well, I'd like to debate that. Maybe it's less expensive than actually dining out at a restaurant, but smart moms who take the time to make thrifty and fast meals will tell you that you can really stretch a buck if you want to, and be creative at the same time. I can do a lot of things with a $2.85 pound of 75% ground beef.

It's not that difficult to prepare a home cooked meal, made with mom's love, in 10-20 minutes. Even if you work full time, it is possible. Plus, it's good for your marriage because most hubsters really appreciate a home-made meal even if it's just a sandwich. Men are really quite easy to please and require two things: food and ....... well you can use your imagination for the second thing. ; D Here's a hint, it's not "stimulating conversation." (sorry feminists, I'm just kidding!). But, I think if both husband and wife work, then the husband should help with meals too, and dishes.

I like to be creative with sandwich making. We eat a lot of sandwiches. But I try to make them more interesting by adding blue cheese, bacon, fancy dressings, pickles, tomatoes, red onion, grey poupon, avocado, etc. And I toast the bread. It only takes 10 minutes. Add a can of soup, and voila!

Bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches are quick too, and a fave in our house. I have to try to please a fussy 6 year old. There is so much more, I won't bore you, but I worry if we now have faux mom's cooking, and a faux downtown for shopping, what's next, faux mom? Faux love?

Let us not fret over Paul Carpenter's past performance

This is in response to PC's Sunday column, "Let us not fret over the ASD's past performance." http://www.mcall.com/news/columnists/all-5civics.6446315jun08,0,1197011.column (I know the ASD has its problems and I am not real happy either, but there ARE good kids and good teachers.)

There are no comments at the forum, which tells me that people just don't bother anymore because PC is just so predictable and boring. Or, the powers that be are not allowing comments. Why am I giving him any time or thought at all? I don't know.

You are so right PC, nobody likes a party pooper. Everyone hates people who try to rain on other people's parades. Therefore, I have decided to say nothing but nice things about your opinion of the ASD and public education.

Here are some ideas for future awards in excellence in journalism (education issues), for columnist Paul Carpenter. Let's think "happy thoughts." ;D

1. The Lunk Head Award- for his support of and compassion for special ed and special needs students. (Applause)

2. The Ed Frills Award- for encouraging and recognizing the importance of the arts in education (Applause)

3. The Rotten Apple Award- for supporting public school teachers and acknowledging their importance to society. (Applause)

4. The Morning Crawl Moral Compasshole Award- For ethics in journalism (Rousing Applause)

PC you rule! ;D

(editor's note: writer is a former ASD art teacher.)

Let us not fret over Paul Carpenter's past performance

This is in response to PC's Sunday column, "Let us not fret over the ASD's past performance." http://www.mcall.com/news/columnists/all-5civics.6446315jun08,0,1197011.column (I know the ASD has its problems and I am not real happy either, but there ARE good kids and good teachers.)

There are no comments at the forum, which tells me that people just don't bother anymore because PC is just so predictable and boring. Or, the powers that be are not allowing comments. Why am I giving him any time or thought at all? I don't know.

You are so right PC, nobody likes a party pooper. Everyone hates people who try to rain on other people's parades. Therefore, I have decided to say nothing but nice things about your opinion of the ASD and public education.

Here are some ideas for future awards in excellence in journalism (education issues), for columnist Paul Carpenter. Let's think "happy thoughts." ;D

1. The Lunk Head Award- for his support of and compassion for special ed and special needs students. (Applause)

2. The Ed Frills Award- for encouraging and recognizing the importance of the arts in education (Applause)

3. The Rotten Apple Award- for supporting public school teachers and acknowledging their importance to society. (Applause)

4. The Morning Crawl Moral Compasshole Award- For ethics in journalism (Rousing Applause)

PC you rule! ;D

(editor's note: writer is a former ASD art teacher.)

Would YOU Choose Hillary?

If you were Barack Obama would you choose Hillary Clinton as your running mate? I have been thinking a lot about this and discussing it with my soul-mate. We both like Jim Webb, junior senator from Virginia, and think he would be a good choice for VP. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Webb But I haven't really decided.

I am worried that if Obama doesn't choose Hillary, the women who supported Hillary would vote for McCain, because they are just so pissed off. Or, maybe they won't. But I think Hillary really has no choice and has to campaign for Obama, whether he picks her or not, if she wants a future in Democrat party politics. She has to look like a team player and not an opportunist. Or a sore loser. As a result, Obama does not have to pick Hillary. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free (sorry feminists). Would YOU choose Hillary?

Would YOU Choose Hillary?

If you were Barack Obama would you choose Hillary Clinton as your running mate? I have been thinking a lot about this and discussing it with my soul-mate. We both like Jim Webb, junior senator from Virginia, and think he would be a good choice for VP. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Webb But I haven't really decided.

I am worried that if Obama doesn't choose Hillary, the women who supported Hillary would vote for McCain, because they are just so pissed off. Or, maybe they won't. But I think Hillary really has no choice and has to campaign for Obama, whether he picks her or not, if she wants a future in Democrat party politics. She has to look like a team player and not an opportunist. Or a sore loser. As a result, Obama does not have to pick Hillary. Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free (sorry feminists). Would YOU choose Hillary?

Sometimes you have to look back to move forward

I recently found this weirdo painting at my parents' house. I think I did it in the 80's while listening to REM and trying to make sense of the lyrics. Waste of time. But back then I had a lot of time to waste. I don't remember much about this piece, other than it's Queen Victoria with some kinda symbols from Dutch 17th Century Vanitas still-life painting, a la Andy Warhol repetition. Gee, I used to be so deep, but now I don't take myself that seriously. It needs to be touched up cause it got damaged. Seems like nobody really cared about it. And that's just how I felt back then after my first "love" dumped me for some vacuous blonde.

Puzzles from the past. It's June, and as another birthday looms, I realize I may need reading glasses. Can't read the fine print. Trying to make sense of things again. Wish I had more time to waste. The Shanty's not coming back. Neither is Saylor's. But at least there's Hersh's! And I just heard from Katie Bee that Hava Java on 19th St. will be having art shows. Starting June 12. See LV Voice for more info http://lvvoice.blogspot.com/

The first show will feature the work of legendary local artist Greg Weaver, who started an art scene in Allentown in the 70's. This is great news, and I will be posting about it when I get more info. Obama gives me hope. Let's be civil, but let's not take any BS. So........... get outta the way of MY weekend. It's gonna be hot.

Sometimes you have to look back to move forward

I recently found this weirdo painting at my parents' house. I think I did it in the 80's while listening to REM and trying to make sense of the lyrics. Waste of time. But back then I had a lot of time to waste. I don't remember much about this piece, other than it's Queen Victoria with some kinda symbols from Dutch 17th Century Vanitas still-life painting, a la Andy Warhol repetition. Gee, I used to be so deep, but now I don't take myself that seriously. It needs to be touched up cause it got damaged. Seems like nobody really cared about it. And that's just how I felt back then after my first "love" dumped me for some vacuous blonde.

Puzzles from the past. It's June, and as another birthday looms, I realize I may need reading glasses. Can't read the fine print. Trying to make sense of things again. Wish I had more time to waste. The Shanty's not coming back. Neither is Saylor's. But at least there's Hersh's! And I just heard from Katie Bee that Hava Java on 19th St. will be having art shows. Starting June 12. See LV Voice for more info http://lvvoice.blogspot.com/

The first show will feature the work of legendary local artist Greg Weaver, who started an art scene in Allentown in the 70's. This is great news, and I will be posting about it when I get more info. Obama gives me hope. Let's be civil, but let's not take any BS. So........... get outta the way of MY weekend. It's gonna be hot.

Fellini and Fenders

Scott Armstrong at the Allentown Commentator message board has posted some info regarding the vacant Shanty Restaurant, once a popular nightspot, restaurant, and venue for local bands in "The 19th St. Theatre District." According to Scott, the iconic Shanty on "La strada 19th" will become Les Auto Parts Centre. Is this really a done deal? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAllentownCommentator/message/9895

If it is true, how tres' chic for our upscale boutique and theatre distreect! But those new banners that mark the area may have to be changed to say "Theatre and Auto District." Hey folks, drop your car off for an oil, lube and filter while taking in a foreign film at the historic 19th St. Theatre. We specialize in foreign cars. The city can market this as "Fellini and Fenders." It's so European. I must commend the city for this multicultural and surrealistic vision. This really does show the importance of the arts in Allentown's Renaissance. Or, maybe I'm just dreaming too. Nothing really makes sense to me anymore. C'est la vie!

Fellini and Fenders

Scott Armstrong at the Allentown Commentator message board has posted some info regarding the vacant Shanty Restaurant, once a popular nightspot, restaurant, and venue for local bands in "The 19th St. Theatre District." According to Scott, the iconic Shanty on "La strada 19th" will become Les Auto Parts Centre. Is this really a done deal? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheAllentownCommentator/message/9895

If it is true, how tres' chic for our upscale boutique and theatre distreect! But those new banners that mark the area may have to be changed to say "Theatre and Auto District." Hey folks, drop your car off for an oil, lube and filter while taking in a foreign film at the historic 19th St. Theatre. We specialize in foreign cars. The city can market this as "Fellini and Fenders." It's so European. I must commend the city for this multicultural and surrealistic vision. This really does show the importance of the arts in Allentown's Renaissance. Or, maybe I'm just dreaming too. Nothing really makes sense to me anymore. C'est la vie!

It's a Downtown Happening!

These are pictures from the Chen-Arts Group Meeting held at House of Chen Restaurant in Allentown on Sat. May 31. Thanks Jenny Chen and staff for accomodating our large group. Twenty-eight supporters of the arts in Allentown attended the fun and productive meeting. Thanks to Lee Vedder from the Allentown Art Museum, Joyce Marin Director of Economic and Community Development, Joe Skrapits, Joan Gaydos, Sharon Glassman (AllentownArts Commission)
Pete Lewnes Main St. Manager, Alfonso Todd community activist, and most importantly all the artists. Artist Gregory Coates has volunteered to sponsor our next meeting at his fab studio on Washington St. Details to follow. Let's keep the ball rollin.'

UPDATE: correction: 29 people attended!

It's a Downtown Happening!

These are pictures from the Chen-Arts Group Meeting held at House of Chen Restaurant in Allentown on Sat. May 31. Thanks Jenny Chen and staff for accomodating our large group. Twenty-eight supporters of the arts in Allentown attended the fun and productive meeting. Thanks to Lee Vedder from the Allentown Art Museum, Joyce Marin Director of Economic and Community Development, Joe Skrapits, Joan Gaydos, Sharon Glassman (AllentownArts Commission)
Pete Lewnes Main St. Manager, Alfonso Todd community activist, and most importantly all the artists. Artist Gregory Coates has volunteered to sponsor our next meeting at his fab studio on Washington St. Details to follow. Let's keep the ball rollin.'

UPDATE: correction: 29 people attended!

Chen-Arts Group Meeting

The Allentown Chen-Arts Group (gotta call it something) will meet this Sat. evening for an informal dinner and discussion at 6:30 pm House of Chen Restaurant, 732 Hamilton St. Allentown. Did you know that NYC artists in the 50's and 60's, people like Frank Stella and James Rosenquist would all meet for Chinese food?

Here's the PLAN:

Lee Vedder from the Allentown Art Museum will be available to answer your questions and talk about opportunities for local artists like the annual juried show, cocktails and collecting, how to get a cd of your work on file at the museum. I know that some of you have some good questions for her. She will speak before we get to our outlined discussion below. Joyce Marin, Director of Community Development will be attending as well.

I have invited Randall Forte (LV Arts Council)

We should discuss:

Theme: I have proposed "Outspoken on Allentown" for our first indoor event. Since most of us have met through the blogs discussing the future of Allentown, our vision for the downtown, and other city issues, it seems appropriate for our first show to reflect what's been on our minds. If you have any suggestions please bring them to the meeting. It would be neat to have a multi-media event, and include written work related to the theme. Let's nail it down and get to work.

Dime Bank Building- Joe Skrapits (Allentown Arts Commission) and anyone else interested will be visiting the building on Fri. morning 10 am and owner John McClave will give a tour. Can we have a show in this building this summer? Let's set a date and talk about what's involved.

Upward Bound Allentown-Alfonso Todd has organized this street festival on Hamilton between 6th and 7th July 12th. He is looking for street artists and volunteers. He can say a few words about that.

Corporate Building- Alani Jiminez can tell us more about possibly having a show at this building, and about an upcoming event in June.

Future Shows at Restaurants or Clubs- If we have time we can discuss some possible future venues.

Grants- Should we apply for a grant through the Allentown Arts Council? Greg Coates has researched this and he could tell us more.

See you at Chen, and let's keep the ball rollin.'

Chen-Arts Group Meeting

The Allentown Chen-Arts Group (gotta call it something) will meet this Sat. evening for an informal dinner and discussion at 6:30 pm House of Chen Restaurant, 732 Hamilton St. Allentown. Did you know that NYC artists in the 50's and 60's, people like Frank Stella and James Rosenquist would all meet for Chinese food?

Here's the PLAN:

Lee Vedder from the Allentown Art Museum will be available to answer your questions and talk about opportunities for local artists like the annual juried show, cocktails and collecting, how to get a cd of your work on file at the museum. I know that some of you have some good questions for her. She will speak before we get to our outlined discussion below. Joyce Marin, Director of Community Development will be attending as well.

I have invited Randall Forte (LV Arts Council)

We should discuss:

Theme: I have proposed "Outspoken on Allentown" for our first indoor event. Since most of us have met through the blogs discussing the future of Allentown, our vision for the downtown, and other city issues, it seems appropriate for our first show to reflect what's been on our minds. If you have any suggestions please bring them to the meeting. It would be neat to have a multi-media event, and include written work related to the theme. Let's nail it down and get to work.

Dime Bank Building- Joe Skrapits (Allentown Arts Commission) and anyone else interested will be visiting the building on Fri. morning 10 am and owner John McClave will give a tour. Can we have a show in this building this summer? Let's set a date and talk about what's involved.

Upward Bound Allentown-Alfonso Todd has organized this street festival on Hamilton between 6th and 7th July 12th. He is looking for street artists and volunteers. He can say a few words about that.

Corporate Building- Alani Jiminez can tell us more about possibly having a show at this building, and about an upcoming event in June.

Future Shows at Restaurants or Clubs- If we have time we can discuss some possible future venues.

Grants- Should we apply for a grant through the Allentown Arts Council? Greg Coates has researched this and he could tell us more.

See you at Chen, and let's keep the ball rollin.'

Local Corner Market Returns!

I just drove by the newly re-modeled Hersh's Market on 19th St. and it sure looks fab.(sorry for the lame photo) The grand opening will be this Friday, May 30th. Since I am a nostalgia freak I truly believe that sometimes you have to look back to move forward, even though I have been told by an anonymous commenter, "times change, sweetheart." Well, poo-poo on you sweetheart, have fun at Wegman's, and make sure to go on a Saturday! ; D

If you click on photo it will enlarge and you can read their hours posted on the window. I am glad they will be open till 7pm on weekdays, and open on Sundays. The sign painted on the side of the building looks very nostalgic. Somebody seems to care about preserving this old-fashioned corner market. There was even a bench in front of the store yesterday, and some plants. I hope it's not too upscale. I was hoping to see more chrome, I think the black trim is kinda dark, but the lighting fixtures inside are really neat. Maybe that hippie-cynic Molovinsky will even like it. Nah, Mikey won't like it.