Saturday, June 29, 2013

Plans for Vacant Former Weller Building in the Works

A photo of the Weller Center building, from real estate listings.
Plans are afoot for the former Weller Health Education Center building, at 325 Northampton Street in Downtown Easton, which has been vacant since the teaching facility transitioned doing to in-school education programs in 2008.

In a media release Friday, Mayor Sal Panto announced the specifics of the plans will be unveiled on Tuesday, July 2 at 3 p.m. inside the building. Both members of the press and the public are invited to attend the official announcement.

In addition to Panto, Melissa Lee, president of the Weller Center, and Jared Mast, project manager for the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), are expected be on hand to speak about the new project.

None were immediately available for comment about the specifics.

In 2009, it was announced the space would be converting into a new restaurant by the Downingtown-based Victory Brewing Company, but the plan never came to fruition.

The building, located just off Centre Square, across from the newly-redeveloped Pomeroy building, offers approximately 20,300 square feet of space and is listed for sale at $1.2 million or for lease at $128,000 per year.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Easton Planning Director Leaving to Take Regional Position

By Christina Georgiou

Becky Bradley, at the ground breaking
ceremony for Easton's new city hall and
transportation center earlier this year.
The City of Easton Planning Director, Becky Bradley, will be leaving her position with the city in mid-July to become the executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, it was announced today.

"The loss to the City of Easton is the Lehigh Valley’s gain," said Easton Mayor Sal Panto in a media release. "Her professional training in planning and design was very helpful in the professional application process especially with the amount of economic development taking place."

He touted her accomplishments since taking on the Easton planning department's directorship, citing the adoption of "Smart Code" and her initiative in developing a new Comprehensive Plan for the city.

Bradley has been the city planning department director since 2008, having been promoted to the position after being hired as chief city planner in 2006.

Panto said the city wil immediately begin to search for a new planning and codes department director.

"It is our hope that an individual with her training and caliber of professionalism is found," Panto said.

Promoting current Chief City Planner Brian Gish is not an option, as he has given the city notice that he will be leaving the position in mid-July to pursue a doctorate degree in geology.

The city is reportedly already advertising to fill his position.

Weekend Guide, June 28 to 30

Lots of art and live music this weekend...


Friday, June 28


Tunes at Noon - Pour Man’s Band: Noon to 1 p.m. Centre Square. Free, sponsored by the Easton Main Street Initiative. Centre Square.

Madame Mim's One Year Anniversary Celebration: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Live music by The Roux, intuitive/tarot readings, meet psychokinetic technicians. Refreshments. Madame Mim's, 22 North Third St. 610-829-0661 or click here

Line Dancing: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Lessons at 7:15 p.m. $5 per person for members, $6 for non-members. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com

Live in the Square - Dave Leonhardt Trio: 7:30 p.m. Free, sponsored by the Easton Main Street Initiative. Centre Square. Click here for more details.

Romeo Vegas Band, DJ Jeze Funk: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10:30 p.m.  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Alex Radus: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

TBA: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Brian Dean Moore: 9 p.m. Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136-138 Spring Garden St. 610-252-3033 or www.colonialpizzapub.com

DJ Mikey Z: 10 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Selectronics: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

DJ Realion: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net


Saturday, June 29


Easton Farmers' Market Free Range 5K Run: 8:30 a.m. Registration 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. or preregister online. Join with the Delaware and Lehigh Trail Alliance for this scenic run and walk along the banks of the rivers. Riverside Park, Larry Holmes Drive (just north of the free bridge). Free parking across the street. www.EastonFarmersMarket.com

Easton Farmers' Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The oldest continuous open-air in the United States. Centre Square. www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Madame Mim's One Year Anniversary Celebration: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music by The Lovesick Homeboys swing band and The Roux, intuitive/tarot readings. Refreshments. Madame Mim's, 22 North Third St. 610-829-0661 or www.madammims.com or click here.

Pocono Greyhound Adoption Meet and Greet: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sam's Club, Receiving Appointments, 3796 Easton-Nazareth Highway, Easton (Lower Nazareth). 570-856-0377 or www.poconogreyhound.com

Illustrated Talk - "Return to the Western Front: Americans in the Great War": 1 p.m. Historian Ed Root talks on the Northampton County men who fought in northern France. Museum admission is $7, or $5 for children 3 to 12. The Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St. 610-253-1222 or www.sigalmuseum.org

Exhibit Opening: 3 to 5 p.m. "Drawing D-Day-An Artist's Journey through War", a series of sketches done on the battlefield by Ugo Giannini. On display through July 31.  Book signing and conversation with Ugo's widow, Maxine Giannini. Museum admission is $7, or $5 for children 3 to 12. The Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St. 610-253-1222 or www.sigalmuseum.org

"Edge vs. Line" Opening Reception: 5 to 7 p.m. Featuring the work of Jamie Cabreza, Mike Cabreza, Gregory Coates, Tom D'Angelo, Thom Cooney Crawford, Cynthia Hartling, David Henderson, Ken Kewley, Jacqueline Lima. Exhibit on view through Sept. 28. Grossman Gallery at Lafayette College, 243 North Third St.

"Road Kill...a deeper kind of dead" Opening Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Works by John Detrick Jr., Paul Deery, Bobby Zeik, Mark McDonald, Rob Riegel, Brandon Wunder, Blkcat Vasbari, and others. Suddenly Samantha, 140 Northampton St. 610-559-8590

"180" Art Opening and Reception: 7 to 10 p.m. Featuring work by Tiffany Calvert, DeAnn Desilets, and Elizabeth Johnson. After party at Maxim's 22 with El Bandito performing live, 9 p.m. to midnight. Our Garage Space, 43 North Sitgreaves St. Click here for more information.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Social Call, Luau Party with DJ Kevin Rogers: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10:30 p.m.  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

TBA: 8 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

The Hammers: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Karaoke with Nort: 9 p.m. Rip Van Winkle's Pub, 3700 Nicholas St., Palmer Township. 610-258-8873

Kill the Broadcast: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Crobot: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

"Dance-a-Palooza": 10 p.m. With a DJ. Mesa Modern Mexican, 42 South Third St. 610-829-2101 or www.mesamexican.com


Sunday, June 30


"Jordan Oliver Day": Parade kicks off from the former Perkins parking lot on South Third Street at 1 p.m., to be followed by a ceremony honoring the two-time NCAA wrestling champion on Centre Square. Click here for more details.

Blues Jam with BC Combo: 5:30 p.m. Bella Luna, 3417 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-7458

Big Band Swing into Summer Dance: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Let's Dance, a 17-piece swing band will be providing the music. Food and beverages by Johnny's Bagels. Tickets are $20 per person.  Temple Covenant of Peace, 1451 Northampton St. 610-253-2031 or www.tcopeace.org

Open Mic Hosted by Jim Stocker: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com


Save the Date!


Easton Heritage Day is next Sunday, July 7! Reading of the Declaration of Independence on Centre Square at noon, fireworks on the riverfront at 9:30 p.m., and a whole lot of other fun stuff in between. We are all Easton's heritage, so don't miss it! Click here for more details and the full day's schedule. And oh, yeah, parking? It's free!

Easton's most comprehensive guide to what's happening over the weekend, in the city and beyond, is published every Friday.

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Popular Free Comedy Show Returns to Riverfront in July

A free comedy show, hosted by Easton comedienne Liz Russo and featuring three national headlining comics, will return to the city's Riverside Park amphitheatre on Friday, July 19 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Keith Purnell, Alex House, and Regina DeCicco will entertain what is likely to draw a substantial crowd, as last year's show proved to immensely popular.

Purnell, from Delaware, has been featured by Howard Stern, on "Last Comic Standing", and BET's "Comic View".

House, also an Easton resident, has also been featured on "Last Comic Standing", "The View", and "Ladies of Laughter".

DeCicco, who hails from New York City, has done "Ladies of Laughter" too, as well as been featured on "The Upright Citizen's Brigade" and "Boston Women in Comedy".

The show is suitable for those over 18, and food and drink will be for sale during the event.

Porters' Pub will be providing the refreshments, which will include beer, available to those over 21.

The event is being sponsored by the Easton Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOOSE).

Riverside Park is located on Larry Holmes Drive, just north of the free bridge.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Live in the Square Performer Has Released New CD

David Leonhardt
Contributed photo
 This week's "Live in the Square" concert series performer, David Leonhardt, is not only a longtime Easton resident, but a prolific, internationally known jazz performer. And, he has just put out a new CD.

Leonhardt will be performing an outdoor concert on Friday, June 28, from  7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on  Easton's Centre Square. He will be performing with his trio including piano, bass, and drums and playing songs from "Sounds Of Silence" as well as original compositions.

The free concert is part of the Easton Main Street Initiative Summer Concert Series.

"Sounds Of Silence" features  jazz versions of pop hits like "Blackbird" by the Beatles, "Hound Dog" by Elvis, "So Far Away" by Carole King, "Sounds Of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel, and other songs familiar to Boomers and Millennials that aren’t often performed by jazz artists.

The familiar selections done in a new way give the recording an appeal that will please a wider audience than just fans of traditional jazz.

Leonhardt's new CD, his 24th publicly released full-length recording, as well as other selections, will be available to buy at the concert.

Leonhardt's recordings are also available through the artist's website and at CDBaby, as well as available for purchase digitally for download through iTunes.

To hear some of Leonhardt's performances or learn more about this well-known Easton musician, visit his website at www.davidleonhardt.com

Easton City Council Grants Free Parking on Heritage Day

By Christina Georgiou

If you're going to attend Easton's 36th Annual Heritage Day, you don't have to worry about feeding a parking meter, since Easton City Council voted Wednesday evening to suspend metered parking enforcement in the Downtown district for the day.

A resolution introduced by Councilwoman El Warner calls for free curbside parking on Sunday, July 7.

Councilman Roger Ruggles initially worried free parking on Heritage Day would cause problems down the road.

"My concern is, if we suspend for this, what about other days, like the Garlic Festival?" he asked.

Warner said however, Heritage Day is a special circumstance, more so than other festivals held in the city.

"It's the city's festival. It's about our heritage," she said, adding that Heritage Day is Easton's largest, most widely attended festival of the year. "This is the first year we've enforced meters on Sundays, so this is the first year we've had to do this."

City administrator Glenn Steckman said he worried free parking on Heritage Day would "create an anticipation of free parking" and cause a bigger problem on a day when parking is already limited due to street closures.

But the council voted 6-0 in favor of the resolution. Councilwoman Sandra Vulcano was not present.

Warner said council may look at changing the city parking ordinance in the near future and switch July 4th for Heritage Day as a defined holiday when parking enforcement is not in effect.

That wasn't done this year because there wasn't enough time between realizing Sunday enforcement would affect Heritage Day and the event to enact an ordinance change, so a resolution was used to decree free parking for the day instead.

"Families that are enjoying their time won't have to worry about feeding the meters," Warner said. "The meters have a three hour time limit, but the festival doesn't have a three hour limit."

Also on the subject of parking, an executive order from Mayor Sal Panto issued on Tuesday, June 25, provides for meters to again be placed in the former Perkins parking lot.

Citing a need for additional parking during the summer months when "parking will be at a premium" and ongoing construction projects, the order allows for paid parking at the lot for ninety days.

The site is part of where the Easton's new city hall and transportation center will be built. Construction was originally announced to begin in April, but the date has since been reportedly pushed back to this coming autumn.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Local College Wrestling Champion to be Honored

Local two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion and Easton Area High School graduate Jordan Oliver will again be honored this weekend with a parade celebrating his achievements.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto announced today that the city will honor Oliver's achievements this Sunday at 1 p.m. with a parade that will begin on South Third Street, at the former Perkins parking lot, and proceed to Centre Square, where a number of local dignitaries will speak.

"Jordan's accomplishments on the wrestling mat are fantastic but his accomplishments off the mat even more deserving of recognition," Panto said in a media release.

In addition to winning the NCAA wresting title twice, Oliver also holds the record for the most matches in a season earning a fall at Oklahoma State University, from which he graduated this past spring.

The mayor's office says that others are still welcome to take part in Sunday's celebration. Any youth organization or individual that would like to participate in the parade or the event should call the Mayor's office at 610-250-6610.

This is the second time Oliver has been recognized by the City of Easton for his athletic achievements. In 2011, Panto declared April 9 as "Jordan Oliver Day" which was also celebrated with a parade and public ceremony.

“It's very rare that we do this, but it's important not just for Jordan, but for the children of Easton,” Panto said at the time.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Summer Nights Program Draws Hundreds at Kickoff

By Christina Georgiou

Click on any photo for a full-size view.
About 200 local residents stopped by Centennial Park in Easton's West Ward Monday evening, undeterred by scattered thunderstorms, for the first evening this year's "Summer Nights" program, annually hosted by the city's Weed and Seed program.

While the event was briefly interrupted by a thunder shower that included strong winds and  hail, the hardy crowd did not disperse, instead choosing to wait out the weather, taking shelter under the park's pavillion and canopies erected for the event.

Those attending enjoyed hot dogs, nachos, blueberries and ice pops, as well as live music by Charlie Brown's Notorious Groove.

The Cops 'n Kids Reading Room also gave out books to children, and will do so again each Monday at Summer Nights from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.


Patrolman Diego Santiago, a member of the Easton Police
Department's Problem Oriented Policing program, chats
with a young boy who brought his bike and his friends
Monday evening at Centennial Park.
Members of the Easton Police and Fire Departments also stopped by Centennial Park Monday evening, chatting with members of the community.

The Summer Nights program will run every Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the exception of July 4, through August 15.

Meals will be provided each evening to attendees by the YMCA of Easton and Phillipsburg Summer Food Program, and a variety of crafts and other fun activities are planned throughout the season.

Linda Paar and Paul Bauchspies, both of West Easton,
served up more than 400 hot dogs at the event Monday
evening.

The Summer Food Program will provide meals for residents in several locations in the city over the next couple of months, including Monday through Friday from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Heil Pool, Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Centennial Park, and on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Weed and Seed office, 1201 Ferry St.

Summer Nights is made possible through the cooperation of a number of local nonprofit organizations and agencies, as well as by the sponsorship of local businesses and individuals.

Weed and Seed Director Laura Accetta poses for a photo
with two Summer Nights volunteers Monday evening.
More sponsors for Summer Nights are still welcome too, said Weed and Seed Director Laura Accetta.

Attendees and volunteers crowd under a popup tent during
Monday evening's brief thunderstorm, which included hail.

Those wishing to sponsor a night or to get more information, should call the Weed and Seed office at 610-438-2680, Accetta said.

It was a team effort to hold down a popup tent to keep
it from blowing away during Monday evening's brief storm.

 
 


  
A young attendee at the Summer Nights
program Monday evening checks out her
new book, provided by the Cops 'n Kids
Reading Room.

Easton Area Community Center Director Anita Mitchell
smiles while taking shelter from the rain in the EACC van,
which was used to distribute free books to Summer Nights
attendees Monday evening.


 
Stomping in puddles left behind by the brief storm Monday evening was an impromptu bit of fun a number of
children indulged in.
 
Playing basketball is a perennial activity at Centennial Park in Easton's West Ward.


 
 
Yes, that really is a unicorn on the young lady's head.

The crowd watches as, right, Charlie Brown's Notorious Groove
plays at the Summer Nights program kickoff Monday
evening. Below, others enjoy the hot tunes by dancing in
the street.


 
 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Easton Heritage Day Schedule Announced

The 36th Annual Easton Heritage Day is set to take place on Sunday, July 7 and will feature the traditional events and activities, along with a few new ones, that attendees of the city's largest annual festival have come to love and expect.

City resident Chris Black will portray Robert Levers, reading the Declaration of Independence at noon on the Heritage Stage. Preceding the reading, a new feature this year will have a number of town criers, lead by Easton town crier David Rose, argue the causes of independence from Great Britain (Patriots) or continued loyalty to King George (Loyalists).

Easton resident Chris Black, left, will portray Robert Levers
and read the Declaration of Independence at noon at
the 36th Annual Easton Heritage Day on Sunday, July 7.
Another new attraction at this year’s celebration, said Heritage Day committee chairperson Diane Bower, is a "Trading Post" that will sell t-shirts, pint and shot glasses, tote bags, hats, flags, buttons, and other souvenirs, which will be at Centre Square during the day and near the free bridge at night.

"Our hard-working Heritage Day committee of volunteers has put together a broad range of activities, from walking tours, trolley rides, and horse-drawn carriages to Easton’s historic sites, to lectures and exhibits, children’s activities, a full program of varied, live musical entertainment, and, of course, fireworks, which this year will be more spectacular than ever," Bower said in a media release.

Also making a return this year will be a beer tent, featuring brews based on recipes used by Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. During the evening, craft beers from Easton’s Weyerbacher Brewery and Stoudt’s Brewery, along with a special collaboration brew between ShawneeCraft and Two Rivers Brewery, will be available at the Riverside Park beer tent.

Reenactors from the Revolutionary War, French & Indian War, Civil War, and World War II will be set up in the downtown and Centre Square areas all day, as will period crafters.

The festivities will move from being centered on Centre Square during the day to the riverfront beginning at 4:30 p.m. More live music, food, and other activities are planned prior to the annual fireworks show, which will take place at 9:30 p.m.

The full schedule of the 36th Annual Easton Heritage Day is:

9 a.m. – First United Church of Christ will serve as the host church for this year’s ecumenical worship service in union with First Presbyterian, St. John’s Lutheran, and Trinity Episcopal Churches. Coffee and refreshments will be served at First UCC, 9 a.m.

10 a.m. – Ecumenical Worship Service at Riverside Park amphitheatre. All are welcome.

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Free admission and tours of Bachmann Publick House.  “Hot Looks,” an 18th century fashion show, at 11 a.m., followed by a mock Colonial trial of an alleged horse thief

11 a.m.-5 p.m. – Sigal Museum, “Liberty Called and Northampton County Answered,” a special exhibit of WW I and WW II posters and artifacts, $5 admission

11 a.m. – Sigal Museum, “A Sampling of Easton’s Historic Buildings,” presented by historian Richard Hope

11 a.m. – “For Independence or King George,” argued by American and Canadian town criers, Heritage Stage

12 noon – Reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence by Chris Black, Heritage Stage

12:30 to 5 p.m. – Classic car show with calliope music by George Badger, North Third Street

1 to 4 p.m. – Continuous children’s shows at the Pint-Size Stage, 200 block of Northampton Street in the Kids’ Area, including: Puppets by The Yipee Show, Clancy the Clown, juggling by Alex Kowalcyk, a magic show by Tom Yurasits, and Lilli and Clown

1 to 4 p.m. – Historic Easton Trolley Tour (free) – State Theatre (tour), Easton Area Public Library (view original Easton flag), Jacob Nicholas House (tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m.), Parson Taylor House/St. John’s Lutheran Church, Trinity Episcopal Church

1 to 5 p.m. – Trolley Tour of College Hill, sponsored by the College Hill Neighborhood Association, leaves from Bachmann Publick House on the hour. Nominal fee charged.

1 p.m. – Uke Jackson’s Big Bottom Band, Star Spangled Stage

1 p.m. – Carter Lansing, Homespun Stage

2 p.m. – The Lost Ramblers, Homespun Stage

2:30 p.m. – Music of the Civil War and the Maritimes by The Jolly Tars, Heritage Stage

2:30 p.m. – At the boat launch in Scott Park, Mayor Panto will meet a boat carrying a keg of Three Sisters Brew, a specialty beer made by the Shawnee Craft Brewery. The beverage is made from the three staples of the Colonial era Indians – corn, beans, and squash. Samples of the brew will be available to those over 21 at the Bachmann Publick House.

3 p.m. – Maria Woodford Band, Star Spangled Stage

3 p.m. – Last Small Town, Homespun Stage

3 p.m. – Whitehall Guard, Heritage Stage

4 p.m. – “Be the Bugler,” with bugler, Mayor Panto, and children, Heritage Stage

4:30 p.m. – Heritage Day festivities move to riverfront

4:30 p.m. – Patriot Parade to the Delaware River, leaves from Centre Square

5 p.m. – The Great White Caps, The Dell at Scott Park

6 p.m. – The School of Rock, Riverside Amphitheatre

7:30 p.m. – The Philadelphia Funk Authority, The Dell at Scott Park (and encore after fireworks)

8 p.m. – The Large Flowerheads, Riverside Amphitheatre (and encore after fireworks)

9:30 p.m. – Fireworks viewing from Scott and Riverside Parks

This Week in Easton, June 24 to 27

It's really, really, really finally summer...

Monday, June 24


Easton Weed & Seed Summer Nights program kickoff: 4 to 7 p.m. This popular and vital summer evening program provides food, activities and a lot of fun to West Ward families and youngsters, as well as those from other city neighborhoods. Runs Mondays through Thursdays, from 4 to 7 p.m. throughout the summer. Free. Centennial Park, South 12th and Ferry streets. 610-438-2680

Palmer Township Shade Tree Committee meeting: 6:30 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Wilson Borough Council meeting: 7 p.m. 2040 Hay Terrace, Wilson Borough.

Forks Township Historical Society Meeting: 7 p.m. Lynn Kline will talk about the "History of Klein Farms." All are welcome, handicap accessible. Faith Lutheran Church, 2012 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-1035

Comedy show: 8 p.m. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com


Tuesday, June 25


Butterfly Walk: 9 a.m. to noon. Learn some of the local butterflies on these walks in the meadows. Species will differ slightly on each walk. Bring binoculars!  Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a water bottle. No preregistration is necessary. Free. Walks will meet in the parking lot. Walk will proceed in misty conditions but cancel in case of downpour or lightning. Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunnyside Road (from Rte.611, take Spring Hill Road, make a right onto Sunnyside, follow it to the end), Williams Township. Click here for more information or email timburris@natlands.org

Duplicate Bridge: 11:30 a.m. Temple Covenant of Peace, 1451 Northampton St.

Easton City Council committee meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St. CANCELLED
Palmer Township Board of Supervisors meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Line Dancing: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Beginner lessons 7:15 p.m. Open dancing follows. $5 per person. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com


Wednesday, June 26


Easton City Council meeting: 6 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, 6th floor, 1 South Third St.

Easton Block Watch quarterly meeting: Sign in begins at 6:30 p.m., meeting begins at 7 p.m. Scheduled speakers are Northampton County DA John Morganelli, Easton Fire Chief John Bast, and a member of the Easton Police Department. Olivet Presbyterian Church, 1151 Northampton St.

Palmer Township Environmental Steering Committee meeting: 7 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Williams Township Zoning Hearing Board meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Complex, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Free. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Brosky & Meyers: 7 p.m. The Widow's Tavern, 200 Main St., Stockertown. 610-365-8890 or www.widowstavern.com

Traditional Irish open jam session: 7:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Jam Session: 8 p.m. Hosted by Lou Franco. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com


Thursday, June 27


Opening Reception: 5 to 7 p.m. "Masters Re-worked," presented by Mercantile Home, in partnership with the Nurture Nature Foundation. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 27.
The Grand Eastonian Suites Hotel, 140 Northampton St. 610-258-6350 or www.mercantilehome.com

Tiffany & the Skyliners: 8 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Bring (or wear) Your Own Vinyl night: 8 p.m. to midnight. With the Easton Record Exchange. Black & Blue, 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or blackandblueeaston.com

Karaoke with Off the Grid Entertainment: 8 p.m. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com

Karaoke: 8 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

TBA: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

DJ Discreet: 9:30 p.m. Pearly Bakers, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

"This Week in Easton" lists what's happening during the weekdays, from special events to who's playing to government meetings, all in one handy place. Not just in the City of Easton, but for the entire greater Easton area...Published every Monday morning!

Is there a community or entertainment event you'd like to see here? Are you organizing something you'd like to have posted? Did we miss something? Email us!

Last updated on Tuesday, June 25 at 12:48 p.m.

Friday, June 21, 2013

NY Rapper to Shoot Video on Centre Square

By Christina Georgiou

Rapper Young Chizz will shoot a video for his latest release "#Mobbin" Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. on Downtown Easton's Centre Square.

Those present will reportedly have the possible opportunity to be in the video's background shots if they sign a release. But whether as participants or spectators, the public is invited to the shoot, according to T.O.N.Y Media Group, who is producing the video.

Mayor Sal Panto with Young Chizz, as the artist posted the
meeting on Monday to Instagram.
The shoot was apparently confirmed after Young Chizz met with Mayor Sal Panto in his office on Monday.

"So I just got out of a meeting with the #Mayor and he told whatever I need, it's not a problem. #mobbin" the rapper tweeted  on June 17.

Young Chizz also posted a photo of himself and Panto on Instagram, presumably at the meeting's conclusion.

The video is being shot in a number of locations--the Easton shoot on Saturday is the seventh, according to Young Chizz tweets. Washington DC and Norfolk, VA, as well as Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx in New York have also been video filming locations.

The event in Centre Square seems likely to draw a crowd, and is also probably designed to do so, as T.O.N.Y., is selling t-shirts with the #Mobbin logo that reflect the Easton shoot's location.

Shirts are also available on the production company's website for most of the other video shoot locations.

Hip-hop artist Ed Monsta, who is also signed with T.O.N.Y. and is from Easton, is also set to make an appearance in the #Mobbin shoot Saturday.

Ed Monsta, as seen recently on his Facebook page.
#Mobbin was released earlier this year. Young Chizz's first single as a solo performer was "Swagger on a Million."

According to Young Chizz's page on Reverbnation, the hip-hop artist, born Naeem Cunningham in Jamaica Queens, turned to rapping as a way to escape the poverty and violence that plagued his neighborhood. Until recently, when he struck out on his own, he was one half of the hip-hop "super duo" Fame & Chizz.
His debut album, of which #Mobbin will be a part, is entitled "Why Not?" The video for #Mobbin is reportedly to be shown on MTV.

City Parking Lot Goes Back to Meters After Box Fails to Please

By Christina Georgiou

The parking payment kiosk at Easton's South Third Street
municipal parking lot is covered and awaits removal after
drawing complaints from the public. Individual smart
meters have replaced the unpopular payment station system.
The city parking lot on the east side of South Third Street has gone back to using individual meters for each of its 22 parking spots after the new box to administer the whole lot failed to impress parkers.

The box, which accepted credit and debit cards, as well as cash, and produced a printed receipt that patrons were require to display as proof of payment on their cars, had been installed for a two-month trial period and will go back to the manufacturer, said City Administrator Glenn Steckman.

"We were getting mixed reviews," he said, adding that complaints included people not liking the inconvenience of having to walk back to their cars, opining the system was complicated and confusing, that the machine was difficult to read, and that the machine was slow to process card payments and generate the required receipt.

"From my personal standpoint, I think the boxes are more efficient for the city, but we listened to what our customers were saying," Steckman said.

He estimated the single payment station would have saved the city about $1,000 annually in operating costs over smart meters that accept card payments, which is what has replaced the unpopular box.

Removing the parking payment station won't cost the city more, as the money that would have been spent on its purchase was reallocated by city council to pay for the new smart meters in that location, and the box had been installed on a trial basis offer from the company that offers it.

"We leased it (on a trial basis) at a very, very low rate," Steckman said.

The city administrator added the city may try out the single payment station method again at other municipal lot locations in the future, but those will probably not be from the same company that produced the one being removed.

Where the system might be tried again is undetermined, though it's possible one could appear next year at the city's new 20-spot lot on North Fourth Street.

That lot, which has long term, 10-hour parking limit, is planned this year to have individual meters that only accept quarters. City officials have cited the costs of card-accepting smart meters as being a barrier to their immediate implemenation at the new lot.

Steckman said the solar-powered new smart meters, which also accept all denominations of silver coins, cost $495 apiece, versus the quarter-only meters, which cost $180 each.

The city's new lot may eventually get a more versatile payment system though, whether another payment station trial or card-accepting smart meters. It depends on the amount of revenue the new lot generates and if the city determines it to be cost-effective, the city administrator said, adding that since the location is new, it's too early to tell.

"We need to look at the whole year, not just a couple of months," he said.

The new smart meters were installed earlier this year, coincident with a rise rates for curbside metered parking from 50 cents to one dollar per hour.

The rate of parking in the city's parking deck has not changed, and the city is offering discounted evening rates in the deck as well in an effort to encourage locals and employees to park there more frequently during peak city visiting hours.

Boys & Girls Club Offering College Tour Trips

Beginning today, the Boys & Girls Club of Easton will hold a total of 17 college tours over the summer.
 
The college trips are open to all local teens. The cost for each tour is $5 for existing club members, and $20 for the first trip for non-members, which also includes a year-long membership to the club. Subsequent trips are then $5 each.
 
Each tour departs from and returns to the Boys & Girls Club facility in South Side Easton, 210 Jones Houston Way. Bus seating is limited, and registrations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Today's trip was to New York University (NYU).
 
Future trips are:

  • Lehigh University on Tuesday, June 25, departs at 1 p.m., returning by 5 p.m.
  • Bloomsburg University on Thursday, June 27, departs at 9:30 a.m., returning by 5 p.m.
  • Howard Universíty on Monday, July 1, departs at 5 a.m., returning by 5 p.m.
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) on Monday, July 8, departs at 10:30 a.m., returning by 2 p.m.
  • West Chester University on Tuesday. July 9, departs at 11 a.m., returns by 5:30 p.m.
  • Kutztown Universíty on Monday, July 15, departs at 8:30 a.m., returns by 1 p.m.
  • Penn State Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, July 17, departs at 10 a.m., returns by 1:30 p.m.
  • East Stroudsburg University (ESU) on Thursday, July 18, departs at 8:45 a.m., returns by 1:15 p.m.
  • Bucknell University on Monday, July 22, departs at 9:30 a.m., returns by 5 p.m.
  • Temple University (TU) on Friday, July 26, departs at 10:30 a.m., returns by 5 p.m.
  • Rutgers University (Camden) on Monday, August 5, departs at 9 a.m., returns by 4 p.m.
  • DeSales University on Wednesday, August 7, departs at 1 p.m., returns at 5 p.m.
  • Moravian Cofíege on Friday, August 9, departs at 10 a.m., returns by 2:30 p.m.
  • Lafayette College on Monday, August 12, departs at 9:30 a.m., returns by 1 p.m.
  • Northampton Community College (NCC) on Wednesday, August 14, departs at 10:15 a.m., returns by 1 p.m.
  • Cedar Crest College (an all female college) on Monday, August 19, departs at 10 a.m., returns by 2 p.m.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Easton or the trips or to request a registration form, call  610-253-5846 or 484-239-2075 during regular business hours.

Weekend Guide, June 21 to 23

It's officially summer beginning today, and the longest day of the year, also known as the summer solstice or Midsummer's Day. And, the full moon Saturday night is a "supermoon" too. So you know it's going to be a great weekend...

Friday, June 21


Tunes at Noon - Maria Woodford with June Thomas: Noon to 1 p.m. Centre Square. Click here for more details and upcoming shows.

Dancing: 7 to 10 p.m. The Hustle with Con Gallagher, 7 to 8 p.m.; dancing with music by DJ Carol Cofffinger, 8 to 10 p.m. $10 per person, benefits Third Street Alliance. 41 N. Third St.
 610-433-7804 or www.thirdstreetalliance.org

Line Dancing: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Lessons at 7:15 p.m. $5 per person for members, $6 for non-members. Tatamy Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy. 610-759-2786 or www.purecountrydancers.com

Organ Recital: 7:30 p.m. Music will be performed by Dale T. Grandfield, director of music for  Trinity Church Easton. A reception will follow. Donations accepted, to benefit Integrity. 234 Spring Garden St. 610-253-0792 or www.trinityeaston.org

BC Combo, DJ Menson: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10:30 p.m.  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Steve McDaniel: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Patrick Poladian: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Trevor Purdy & Scott Young: 9 p.m. Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136-138 Spring Garden St. 610-252-3033 or www.colonialpizzapub.com

DJ Mikey Z: 10 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Leoce Fresh: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Modern Romantz: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net


Saturday, June 22


Easton NAACP Multicultural Day Celebration: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live entertainment, informational displays, food, and more. Scott Park, Larry Holmes Drive (just south of the free bridge). 610-360-4957

Annual Butterfly Census: 9 a.m. to noon. Bring your binoculars and help count butterflies in the meadows. Free. Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, 240 Sunnyside Road, Williams Township. 610-258-6574 or www.natlands.org

Easton Farmers' Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The oldest continuous open-air in the United States. Centre Square. www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Open House: 1 to 4 p.m. See a historic spring house. Free. 3300 Bushkill Drive, Forks Township. Sponsored by the Forks Township Historical Society. 610-253-1035

Exhibit Opening: 3 to 5 p.m. "Liberty Called and Northampton County Answered," on display through Nov. 30. The Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St.  610-253-1222 or www.sigalmuseum.org

"Island Jams in the Alley" music festival: 3 to 9 p.m. Featuring performances by ReaLion,  Echo Cellar Rockers, The New Kings of Rhythm, Trouble City All Stars and others. $10 admission, includes one free beverage. North Bank Street, next to Terra Cafe.

Strawberry Festival: 4 to 7 p.m. Food, desserts, more. Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Palmer Township.

John Carelli, tenor: 6 to 9 p.m. Bella Luna, 3417 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-7458

Film Screening - "Close to You": 7 p.m. A 40-minute film from MaGiK Studio's past. The event will also highlight a future project in collaboration with musician Yancarlos Sanchez, and be the kickoff for the new video's fundraising efforts.  MaGiK Studio, 34 Sebring St. 610-983-8125 or www.magikworld.com or click here for more about the screening and project.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Large Flowerheads, DJ Kevin Rogers: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10:30 p.m.  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Saturday Night Dance: 8 to 11 p.m. Music by King Henry & The Showmen. Admission is $10 per person.  Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer Township. 610-252-2098

Steve Brosky and Jimmy Meyer: 8 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

George Kilby Jr.: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Truth 'n Soul: 9 p.m. The Widow's Tavern, 200 Main St., Stockertown. 610-365-8890 or www.widowstavern.com

KJAMM: 9 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Karaoke with Nort: 9 p.m. Rip Van Winkle's Pub, 3700 Nicholas St., Palmer Township. 610-258-8873

Echo Cellar Rockers: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Mike Mettalia & Midnight Shift: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net


Sunday, June 23


Artist talk: 2 p.m. Karen Steen will discuss "Assembled", on display through July 7. Connexions Gallery, 213 Northampton St. 610-250-7627 or www.connexions.com

Blues Jam with BC Combo: 5:30 p.m. Bella Luna, 3417 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-7458

Open Mic Hosted by Jim Stocker: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

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