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.

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.

First Responders of the Blogosphere

Sometimes the first comment can set the tone for the rest of the comments on a post, but not all the time. Thanks to those brave first responders of the blogosphere who are not afraid to be out there all alone for a little while. Here's a salute to those brave bloggers who have taken the plunge to be first on the scene:

From Anonymous: "I suspect many male (and female) voters would like to lay on Mrs. Obama....damn, she's cute"

Luckily, this first responder did NOT set the tone for the discussion, although I think he would have liked to. I guess I should not salute this one, but I will use it as an example.

From Bill Villa: "I'd call it "Bunk Science" and typical Morning Call framed agenda baloney, laziness, and arrogance. Geez. If you're gonna rig a poll for a front page story, have your survey methodology be somewhat believable ..."

I think this first responder nailed it.

AJ Cordi: All the recent murders and attacks lately is plenty cause for concern and plenty proof that a hose and a few signs won't stop the crime.

AJ doesn't mince words.

Alfonso: Thanks, Dottie, for including me in your "Best Of" blog. I am honored to be listed along with the others you mentioned. I feel with a combined effort, we can make these words into a tangible reality, and A-town will become the great city we all are working towards !

Alfonso is hopeful and realistic.

Bernie O'Hare: "Maybe I can augment my wardrobe." BernO finally realizes he should look presentable for the ladies of the blogosphere

Michael Molovinsky: i like your photo and the sentiment behind it. when my son was about 5, his mother hired a balloon-man in a gorilla suit to entertain the kids. he was very late and she was vicious. i recall seeing her out on the porch pounding on his chest when he finally arrived. This former hippie and film maker is a great storyteller. Peace, man.

Sorry if I left anyone out. Thanks for responding!

First Responders of the Blogosphere

Sometimes the first comment can set the tone for the rest of the comments on a post, but not all the time. Thanks to those brave first responders of the blogosphere who are not afraid to be out there all alone for a little while. Here's a salute to those brave bloggers who have taken the plunge to be first on the scene:

From Anonymous: "I suspect many male (and female) voters would like to lay on Mrs. Obama....damn, she's cute"

Luckily, this first responder did NOT set the tone for the discussion, although I think he would have liked to. I guess I should not salute this one, but I will use it as an example.

From Bill Villa: "I'd call it "Bunk Science" and typical Morning Call framed agenda baloney, laziness, and arrogance. Geez. If you're gonna rig a poll for a front page story, have your survey methodology be somewhat believable ..."

I think this first responder nailed it.

AJ Cordi: All the recent murders and attacks lately is plenty cause for concern and plenty proof that a hose and a few signs won't stop the crime.

AJ doesn't mince words.

Alfonso: Thanks, Dottie, for including me in your "Best Of" blog. I am honored to be listed along with the others you mentioned. I feel with a combined effort, we can make these words into a tangible reality, and A-town will become the great city we all are working towards !

Alfonso is hopeful and realistic.

Bernie O'Hare: "Maybe I can augment my wardrobe." BernO finally realizes he should look presentable for the ladies of the blogosphere

Michael Molovinsky: i like your photo and the sentiment behind it. when my son was about 5, his mother hired a balloon-man in a gorilla suit to entertain the kids. he was very late and she was vicious. i recall seeing her out on the porch pounding on his chest when he finally arrived. This former hippie and film maker is a great storyteller. Peace, man.

Sorry if I left anyone out. Thanks for responding!

Keep Coloring the Wall!

Here's a fun project for a bored kid. If you have a brick wall in your yard (this is the back of our garage) your kid will have fun coloring each block a different color. All you need is some sidewalk chalk. Makes a boring yard look festive and keeps kids entertained while you work outside.

Happy Memorial Day!

Keep Coloring the Wall!

Here's a fun project for a bored kid. If you have a brick wall in your yard (this is the back of our garage) your kid will have fun coloring each block a different color. All you need is some sidewalk chalk. Makes a boring yard look festive and keeps kids entertained while you work outside.

Happy Memorial Day!

"Lay Off My Wife"

I guess some radio talk show hosts and media commentators just can't dig up enough dirt on Obama so they have to attack his wife by calling her unpatriotic or elitist. To go after a politician's wife, or to verbally attack a female to me suggests a cowardly, weak man. I hope the Dems don't go after McCain's wife, who I believe has an impressive resume of charity work, and is worth millions from overseeing her family's beer distributing business.

I liked Obama's reaction to the Republican attack ad from Tennessee which criticized Michelle Obama for being "unpatriotic" because she said that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of her country. He said "lay off my wife." And then there's the "he's not sporting a lapel flag pin" crap, and of course the whole pastor Jeremiah Wright issue. I guess the right can try to use this as evidence that the Obamas are not as "patriotic" as they should be. I don't think it is going to work.

One of the reasons why I am supporting Obama is because of the patriotism he showed by not voting for Bush's war, and for speaking out against Bush's policies. Michelle has explained her comment by saying that she meant that for the first time in her life she felt proud that an African American, her husband was being accepted, but mostly she was speaking about how average people have been re-invigorated to vote, and how people like college students and housewives are starting to "give a damn" again. She's a strong, successful woman with strong opinions, and that should be applauded, not put down.

Speaking of being accepted, I wish people would just accept people for who they are and just "lay off." I am going to remember Obama's wise words this weekend at our family barbeque where hubby and I will be the only Democrats out of 30+ people. Just "lay off."

"Lay Off My Wife"

I guess some radio talk show hosts and media commentators just can't dig up enough dirt on Obama so they have to attack his wife by calling her unpatriotic or elitist. To go after a politician's wife, or to verbally attack a female to me suggests a cowardly, weak man. I hope the Dems don't go after McCain's wife, who I believe has an impressive resume of charity work, and is worth millions from overseeing her family's beer distributing business.

I liked Obama's reaction to the Republican attack ad from Tennessee which criticized Michelle Obama for being "unpatriotic" because she said that for the first time in her adult life she was proud of her country. He said "lay off my wife." And then there's the "he's not sporting a lapel flag pin" crap, and of course the whole pastor Jeremiah Wright issue. I guess the right can try to use this as evidence that the Obamas are not as "patriotic" as they should be. I don't think it is going to work.

One of the reasons why I am supporting Obama is because of the patriotism he showed by not voting for Bush's war, and for speaking out against Bush's policies. Michelle has explained her comment by saying that she meant that for the first time in her life she felt proud that an African American, her husband was being accepted, but mostly she was speaking about how average people have been re-invigorated to vote, and how people like college students and housewives are starting to "give a damn" again. She's a strong, successful woman with strong opinions, and that should be applauded, not put down.

Speaking of being accepted, I wish people would just accept people for who they are and just "lay off." I am going to remember Obama's wise words this weekend at our family barbeque where hubby and I will be the only Democrats out of 30+ people. Just "lay off."

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

Junk Science?

The Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll results ...
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5survey.6408850may18,0,7302110.story
on Sunday's front page claim to show "signs of progress" for Allentown's image perception. Hmm. Let's take a look beyond the headline ...

* The poll surveyed only "405 Adults" which allows it to just barely squeak by the standard minimum 400 respondents required for statistical validity.

* 82% (!) of the poll respondents were "White/Caucasian" and what does that mean, really REALLY white? (with 4% Black, 4% Hispanic, 2% Latino, 2% Asian, 1% Native American, 2% Mixed Race).

* 57% were female.

* 21% (the majority of respondents) reported annual family income "over $100,000."

So ... looks like most respondents were Wealthy White White Women.

Okay so (let's play along for a minute) what do these Wealthy White White Women think? Well ...

*48% (the majority) think Allentown is headed in the "Wrong Direction."

* 45% (the majority) have a "Somewhat Negative" view of the city.

* 56% (the majority) said "Crime" is their #1 reason for their negative view.

And yet, The Morning Call's headline and sub-head accompanying Mayor Pawlowski's trance-like smiling face says:

"Image Overhaul ... poll shows signs of progress"

Hey. I've got nothing against optimism. But isn't this Junk Science?

Junk Science?

The Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll results ...
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5survey.6408850may18,0,7302110.story
on Sunday's front page claim to show "signs of progress" for Allentown's image perception. Hmm. Let's take a look beyond the headline ...

* The poll surveyed only "405 Adults" which allows it to just barely squeak by the standard minimum 400 respondents required for statistical validity.

* 82% (!) of the poll respondents were "White/Caucasian" and what does that mean, really REALLY white? (with 4% Black, 4% Hispanic, 2% Latino, 2% Asian, 1% Native American, 2% Mixed Race).

* 57% were female.

* 21% (the majority of respondents) reported annual family income "over $100,000."

So ... looks like most respondents were Wealthy White White Women.

Okay so (let's play along for a minute) what do these Wealthy White White Women think? Well ...

*48% (the majority) think Allentown is headed in the "Wrong Direction."

* 45% (the majority) have a "Somewhat Negative" view of the city.

* 56% (the majority) said "Crime" is their #1 reason for their negative view.

And yet, The Morning Call's headline and sub-head accompanying Mayor Pawlowski's trance-like smiling face says:

"Image Overhaul ... poll shows signs of progress"

Hey. I've got nothing against optimism. But isn't this Junk Science?

Prom Season

Here's a drawing I did of my mom going to her prom. The next piece "Prom Night" is made from scarves that belonged to my mom, and some from my collection. There is a photo in the center, of mom and her prom date. The top part is an old purse handle, and it used to have a doll's head glued on but that fell off and I can't find it. Have fun at the prom kids! Don't drink and drive. I can remember how horrible my senior prom was. Since I went to an all girl's school and did not have a boyfriend, I could not get a date, so I went with my best friend's brother. Eeewww!
Wouldn't it be fun to have a "Prom Night" party as older adults!

Prom Season

Here's a drawing I did of my mom going to her prom. The next piece "Prom Night" is made from scarves that belonged to my mom, and some from my collection. There is a photo in the center, of mom and her prom date. The top part is an old purse handle, and it used to have a doll's head glued on but that fell off and I can't find it. Have fun at the prom kids! Don't drink and drive. I can remember how horrible my senior prom was. Since I went to an all girl's school and did not have a boyfriend, I could not get a date, so I went with my best friend's brother. Eeewww!
Wouldn't it be fun to have a "Prom Night" party as older adults!

Is the Mall Safe?

I don't shop at the LV Mall too often, mostly because I hate the traffic and crowds, the poor design of the roads, trying to park, and the whole experience gives me a headache. The Promenade is outta my price range, too far away, and I don't like the idea of patronizing a faux downtown. I am surprised that the Stop signs are not spelled "Stoppe." Well, anyway you wanna spell it, some very important people don't like to stoppe, but they sure like to shoppe, so get outta their way and the way of their huge luxury vehicle! It's best for me to avoid the stress.

I was talking to my friendly neighbor Gordy about crime. Gordy always has time to talk, and I like that about him. He said that a lot of crime that goes on at the mall does not get reported in the police report because the paper needs the mall for mega advertising revenues. If that is true, then it's a disservice to the public. I remember a recent news story about a woman abducted at JC Penney, was raped, and she managed to jump out of the car half naked while the car was moving pretty fast on the highway. It's a miracle this brave woman survived. This happened during the day. And I remember about 5 or 6 yrs. ago an art teacher/mother was killed in the parking lot at the mall after trying to defend herself from her attackers. That's when I decided never to go to the mall by myself. These were serious crimes.

I actually enjoy shopping out at K-Mart or Target. But Target can get kinda crowded, unless you go at 8 or 9 am on a weekday, that's pure joy. I think at Target you are paying for the style more than the quality. Ever notice how paper thin the women's clothing is? And it does not last. But at least you'll look stylish, even with shabby-chic holes in your sweater.

I guess it's not that I am anti-mall. I'm just anti-crowds and anti-jerks. I actually like the vintage malls and the visual appeal of a huge indoor space, and how it is divided, with weird sculptures, lights, and fountains. The picture above is of Moorestown Mall in NJ. See my link to "Malls of America" at the sidebar. Do you like the mall? Do you feel safe? I would like to see new retail downtown on "Hamilton Mall."

Is the Mall Safe?

I don't shop at the LV Mall too often, mostly because I hate the traffic and crowds, the poor design of the roads, trying to park, and the whole experience gives me a headache. The Promenade is outta my price range, too far away, and I don't like the idea of patronizing a faux downtown. I am surprised that the Stop signs are not spelled "Stoppe." Well, anyway you wanna spell it, some very important people don't like to stoppe, but they sure like to shoppe, so get outta their way and the way of their huge luxury vehicle! It's best for me to avoid the stress.

I was talking to my friendly neighbor Gordy about crime. Gordy always has time to talk, and I like that about him. He said that a lot of crime that goes on at the mall does not get reported in the police report because the paper needs the mall for mega advertising revenues. If that is true, then it's a disservice to the public. I remember a recent news story about a woman abducted at JC Penney, was raped, and she managed to jump out of the car half naked while the car was moving pretty fast on the highway. It's a miracle this brave woman survived. This happened during the day. And I remember about 5 or 6 yrs. ago an art teacher/mother was killed in the parking lot at the mall after trying to defend herself from her attackers. That's when I decided never to go to the mall by myself. These were serious crimes.

I actually enjoy shopping out at K-Mart or Target. But Target can get kinda crowded, unless you go at 8 or 9 am on a weekday, that's pure joy. I think at Target you are paying for the style more than the quality. Ever notice how paper thin the women's clothing is? And it does not last. But at least you'll look stylish, even with shabby-chic holes in your sweater.

I guess it's not that I am anti-mall. I'm just anti-crowds and anti-jerks. I actually like the vintage malls and the visual appeal of a huge indoor space, and how it is divided, with weird sculptures, lights, and fountains. The picture above is of Moorestown Mall in NJ. See my link to "Malls of America" at the sidebar. Do you like the mall? Do you feel safe? I would like to see new retail downtown on "Hamilton Mall."

Another Child is Murdered

A while back I wrote about the tragic murder of 17 yr. old Sondra Yohe, a former student of mine. Ironically, she was mistakenly shot by boys who were also former students of mine. http://bloggingdottie.blogspot.com/2008/02/one-aspect-of-crime-problem-allentowns.html

According to the Morning Call 17 yr. old Davine L. Law, who was shot and killed last week in Allentown was a skilled basketball player, and despite low grades had academic ability. He was a student in the ASD's VISTA school for at-risk kids. Maybe a youth program could have saved his life. I'm getting really tired of hearing about kids being killed, and kids killing other kids. It makes no sense. Now another family has to deal with the surrealistically painful and completely unnecessary loss of a child. Life is hard enough.

I hope the neighborhood groups and the city officials can pull together and implement real programs for the city kids this summer. If anyone from our artist group has any ideas for events or programs to get kids interested in the arts, maybe we can apply for a grant. Every little bit helps. We should discuss this at our meeting.

Another Child is Murdered

A while back I wrote about the tragic murder of 17 yr. old Sondra Yohe, a former student of mine. Ironically, she was mistakenly shot by boys who were also former students of mine. http://bloggingdottie.blogspot.com/2008/02/one-aspect-of-crime-problem-allentowns.html

According to the Morning Call 17 yr. old Davine L. Law, who was shot and killed last week in Allentown was a skilled basketball player, and despite low grades had academic ability. He was a student in the ASD's VISTA school for at-risk kids. Maybe a youth program could have saved his life. I'm getting really tired of hearing about kids being killed, and kids killing other kids. It makes no sense. Now another family has to deal with the surrealistically painful and completely unnecessary loss of a child. Life is hard enough.

I hope the neighborhood groups and the city officials can pull together and implement real programs for the city kids this summer. If anyone from our artist group has any ideas for events or programs to get kids interested in the arts, maybe we can apply for a grant. Every little bit helps. We should discuss this at our meeting.

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.

Mom's Parties

Thanks, Mom for planning some fun birthday parties. I can remember taking my record player outside and dancin' to The Partridge Family at this one. Or was it Donny Osmond? The year- 1971. I'm on the left side 2nd from front. I don't know why I did not get to sit at the head of the table. Don't forget to honor Mom on Sunday!

Mom's Parties

Thanks, Mom for planning some fun birthday parties. I can remember taking my record player outside and dancin' to The Partridge Family at this one. Or was it Donny Osmond? The year- 1971. I'm on the left side 2nd from front. I don't know why I did not get to sit at the head of the table. Don't forget to honor Mom on Sunday!

"Best of the People's Blogs"

Allentown's only newspaper likes to congratulate itself with "Best of the Blogs "
which is actually the best of their blogs.

To their credit, The Morning Call's Queen City Daily Blog sometimes runs "Elsewhere in the Blogosphere" where they actually have mentioned my blog and linked to it. That's nice of them to acknowledge the people's voice from elsewhere.

So now I thought I'd do my own "best of." It's purely my subjective opinion. I know MSM blogger Bill White does the Hall of Fame thing, but that's different. I think the worst stuff speaks for itself, and after the "Blog Wars" I don't want to call any more attention to that. Although I think awards and fanfare are a waste of time, I'd like to shine a light on some stand-out blogger quotes from my "Peeps."

From Michael Molovinsky: http://molovinskyonallentown.blogspot.com/ see "Merchant Dog Days"
"If one would add up the total taxpayer investment on Hamilton Street over the last two decades, then factor in the hit the merchants took by the Pawlowski endorsed Lanta move, it makes the Afflerbach Police Pension fiasco seem like small change."

Alfonso Todd at LehighValley Flavor http://lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com/?cr=4 (not really a blog but it's his opinion) likes to emphasize certain words. I like his style:
"The word DIVERSITY is often used as a "catch phrase". You hear things such as "DIVERSITY is our strength"; "DIVERSITY" makes Allentown great" "I can appreciate the "DIVERSITY" in my neighborhood and schools" but in reality until a person truly embraces DIVERSITY, it is just lip service and Allentown will continue to spin its' wheels and go no where; and this goes for EVERYONE living in Allentown. No race or lifestyle can be exempt from this process."

City Councilman Michael Donovan has a lot to say, but I think this sums it up. Let's hope this really happens: http://donovanforallentown.blogspot.com/
"We need to consider the opinions of those who do not often have a voice in city government."

Sarina at Lehigh Valley Lexicon http://lehighlexicon.blogspot.com/ writes:"God forbid, if Allentown gentrifies, Oscar the Grouch will have to move into a recylcing bin, Cookie Monster will have to switch to low-fat soy-based treats, and Maria and Luis will flee to the suburbs. Let's keep our little city the Sesame Street that it is!"

From AJ Cordi:http://ajcordi.blogspot.com/ "The Morning Call is widely known for posting incomplete and sometimes inaccurate information, often changing, or "updating" as they call it, articles and reports without actually noting what was changed."

And the Pope Bernie O'Hare has this to say when he's not thinking about Sam Bennett ; D : "Baseball is much more complicated than blogging. It's also more fun."

"Best of the People's Blogs"

Allentown's only newspaper likes to congratulate itself with "Best of the Blogs "
which is actually the best of their blogs.

To their credit, The Morning Call's Queen City Daily Blog sometimes runs "Elsewhere in the Blogosphere" where they actually have mentioned my blog and linked to it. That's nice of them to acknowledge the people's voice from elsewhere.

So now I thought I'd do my own "best of." It's purely my subjective opinion. I know MSM blogger Bill White does the Hall of Fame thing, but that's different. I think the worst stuff speaks for itself, and after the "Blog Wars" I don't want to call any more attention to that. Although I think awards and fanfare are a waste of time, I'd like to shine a light on some stand-out blogger quotes from my "Peeps."

From Michael Molovinsky: http://molovinskyonallentown.blogspot.com/ see "Merchant Dog Days"
"If one would add up the total taxpayer investment on Hamilton Street over the last two decades, then factor in the hit the merchants took by the Pawlowski endorsed Lanta move, it makes the Afflerbach Police Pension fiasco seem like small change."

Alfonso Todd at LehighValley Flavor http://lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com/?cr=4 (not really a blog but it's his opinion) likes to emphasize certain words. I like his style:
"The word DIVERSITY is often used as a "catch phrase". You hear things such as "DIVERSITY is our strength"; "DIVERSITY" makes Allentown great" "I can appreciate the "DIVERSITY" in my neighborhood and schools" but in reality until a person truly embraces DIVERSITY, it is just lip service and Allentown will continue to spin its' wheels and go no where; and this goes for EVERYONE living in Allentown. No race or lifestyle can be exempt from this process."

City Councilman Michael Donovan has a lot to say, but I think this sums it up. Let's hope this really happens: http://donovanforallentown.blogspot.com/
"We need to consider the opinions of those who do not often have a voice in city government."

Sarina at Lehigh Valley Lexicon http://lehighlexicon.blogspot.com/ writes:"God forbid, if Allentown gentrifies, Oscar the Grouch will have to move into a recylcing bin, Cookie Monster will have to switch to low-fat soy-based treats, and Maria and Luis will flee to the suburbs. Let's keep our little city the Sesame Street that it is!"

From AJ Cordi:http://ajcordi.blogspot.com/ "The Morning Call is widely known for posting incomplete and sometimes inaccurate information, often changing, or "updating" as they call it, articles and reports without actually noting what was changed."

And the Pope Bernie O'Hare has this to say when he's not thinking about Sam Bennett ; D : "Baseball is much more complicated than blogging. It's also more fun."

Artist Gregory Coates

Gregory Coates is an established artist from NYC who lives and works out of his studio on Washington St. in Allentown. Yes, he lives in Allentown, and has lived here since 2001, but I have never seen his work exhibited here. I find that very strange. I would think a show at the Art Museum would be appropriate, since we have no fine art gallery on Hamilton St. anymore. He transforms found objects like rubber, pvc pipe, wood, rope, and plastic into powerful post-modern sculptures and installations.

How Do You Like Me Now? (top) is Coates' take on a billboard in Washington DC which showed Jesse Jackson with a bleach white complexion, blue eyes, and blonde hair.

"There is a necessity in the material I use that provokes itself. It's needy. The palette is off the street. The rubber is off the street. It's about the need to create something out of nothing, translate the physical into a separate form. I like freeing myself within the painting format simply by using found materials."- Coates

His blog is called The Unspoken Word in Allentown http://theunspokenwordinallentown.blogspot.com/

Artist Gregory Coates

Gregory Coates is an established artist from NYC who lives and works out of his studio on Washington St. in Allentown. Yes, he lives in Allentown, and has lived here since 2001, but I have never seen his work exhibited here. I find that very strange. I would think a show at the Art Museum would be appropriate, since we have no fine art gallery on Hamilton St. anymore. He transforms found objects like rubber, pvc pipe, wood, rope, and plastic into powerful post-modern sculptures and installations.

How Do You Like Me Now? (top) is Coates' take on a billboard in Washington DC which showed Jesse Jackson with a bleach white complexion, blue eyes, and blonde hair.

"There is a necessity in the material I use that provokes itself. It's needy. The palette is off the street. The rubber is off the street. It's about the need to create something out of nothing, translate the physical into a separate form. I like freeing myself within the painting format simply by using found materials."- Coates

His blog is called The Unspoken Word in Allentown http://theunspokenwordinallentown.blogspot.com/