Suspect in December West Ward Shooting Arrested

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect
in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's
West Ward on December 21 has been arrested
and faces multiple charges, Easton police report.
Contributed photo

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's West Ward on December 21 has been arrested and faces multiple charges, Easton police said Friday night.

Authorities, who had been investigating and seeking Alvin's whereabouts since the shooting, found him in the area of Spruce and Raspberry streets, located between Ferry and Lehigh streets and between South 14th and 15th streets, in the city's West Ward at about 4 p.m. on Friday, January 31. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Northampton County Sheriff’s Department and is expected to arraigned at at Northampton County Central Booking sometime tonight, according to a Easton Police Department media release.

Alvin, who police have formerly alleged is a suspected gang member, faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the shooting on Dec. 21.

Easton police said the department will also be filing charges against Alvin for narcotics violations, including possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Easton police said they are not currently releasing any additional information regarding the shooting or the additional narcotics charges, as investigations into both alleged offenses are ongoing.

The Easton Police Criminal Investigations Division had been working in conjunction with multiple agencies in a cooperative effort to locate Alvin, the EPD said.

Drugs, Cash and a Gun Seized in Ferry St. Raids

Simultaneous raids of residences just two doors apart in the 600 block of Ferry Street  resulted in the arrests of two men early this morning, Easton police report.

Arrested at 614 Ferry St. Apt. 2 during the 6 a.m. operation was Richard Wilkins, 30, who is facing charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police say they found and seized marijuana with an estimated street value of $1,900 and $200 cash.

At 618 Ferry St. Apt. 3, police say they found a 9mm automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number, crack cocaine, and approximately $2,000 in cash. Timothy Glasgow, 30, was arrested at the scene and faces felony charges of possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer's number, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also seized at the residence was a 2005 Dodge Durango that police say they plan to search and possibly seek for forfeiture.

Investigations leading to the raids were headed by the Easton Police Department Vice Unit, and police say they believe the suspects' activities are connected.

Easton police noted that a Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team assisted in executing the searches.

Both 614 and 618 Ferry St. are owned and operated by real estate management firms, according to online county records.

Updated at 1:08 p.m.

Weekend Guide, January 31 to February 2

It's a big weekend for football and groundhogs...and some really good chili too.

Friday, January 31

Art Opening: 6 to 8 p.m. "The Aesthetics of Personal Proportion" and "Studio Work", but the advanced drawing students of Lehigh University professor and Easton resident Berrisford Boothe. RE:find, 437 Northampton St.

West Coast Swing Dance: 7 to 10 p.m. Instruction with Con Gallagher 7 to 8 p.m.; dancing with DJ Carol Coffinger 8 to 10 p.m. $10 per person. Benefits the Third Street Alliance. 41 North 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

Easton School of Rock Presents Wilco, DJ Riske One: SOR at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Sal Ritz & Joe Mixon: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

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

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

Family OUT Night: 8 p.m. to midnight. LGBT social with complimentary buffet. Featuring DJ April spinning up some ole skool juke jams. For those over 21. La Pazza Bar, 13th and Ferry streets. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

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

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

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

DJ Richie Romantz: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Saturday, February 1

"What will the Ground Hog see?": 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Children receive three free books with each visit to the Cops 'n Kids Reading Room too. Easton Area Community Center, back entrance, 901 Washington St. 610-250-6562


Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart Spud Day: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market vendors will unearth the goodness of America’s favorite veggie by offering a variety of creative potato dishes for breakfast, lunch and take home, including a mashed potato bar with toppings like lobster, bacon and cheese. Mr. Potato Head contest and silly starchy potato crafts too. Live music by Carter Lansing, plus attendees can register to win a 10 lb. bag of potatoes. At the former Weller Center, 325 Northampton St. 610-258-8500 or www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Live DJs: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. DJ Rabeka (90s, hiphop) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DJ Dogtrane (hiphop, drum & bass) from 1 to 3 p.m., DJ Awol (jungle) from 3 to 5 p.m., DJ Mumbler (electronica, dubstep, darkwave) from 5 to 7 p.m. Used Grooves, 401 Northampton St. www.usedgrooves.com

Easton School of Rock Presents Wilco, Avenue 16, DJ Riske One: SOR at 5 p.m., band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

EAHS Orchestra Spaghetti Dinner: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Entertainment by the EAHS Orchestra, Chamber String Ensemble, and Jazz Combo, with works to include "Star Trek, The Motion Picture" by Jerry Goldsmith, Henry Mancini compositions including the theme from "The Pink Panther", and a medley of popular tunes from Disney movies. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 12 and under, proceeds benefit the orchestra's tour to Chicago in May. Menu includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, dinner rolls, coffee, tea and soft drinks, and home-baked desserts. In the cafeteria at Easton Area High School, William Penn Highway and South 25th Street, Palmer Township. For more information, email here.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

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

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

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

Rich Messbauer Trio, Michelle Glick: 9:30 p.m. Lafayette Bar, 11 N. Fourth St. 610-252-0711 or www.lafayettebarjazz.com

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

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

TBA: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Sunday, February 2

 19th Annual Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chefs from about 18 area restaurants will compete, judges and the public decide who makes the best chili. Admission is $5 per person, includes samples of all the entries and the chance to vote. Proceeds benefit the Easton Farmers' Market. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

Artists' Talk and Poetry Reading: 12:30 to 3 p.m. The artists of the "All Is Vanity" show. Yevette Hendler, curator Jackie Lima, Hye Jin Kim, Elizabeth Snelling, and Robina Middleton,  will talk about their work and answer questions. Poetry reading to follow by Maureen Scanlon, Danielle Notaro, Cleveland Wall, Peggy Campbell, and Beth Seetch. The Gallery at St. John's, 330 Ferry St. www.stjohnseaston.org/ministries/gallery/

Superbowl Party Potluck: Starts 5 p.m. Bring a dish to share, come watch the game with us! La Pazza Bar, 13th and Ferry streets. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Open Mic and Karaoke: 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Party Animal and DJ Gary. Guitar, comedy, sing, and play. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Industry Night: 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

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

Are you planning an event? Did we miss something? Let us know! Email us.

Updated at 1:42 p.m.

Charity Walk Teams Awarded 'Golden' Honors

Members of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton
that participated in the Highmark Walk were honored with a
"Golden Soul"award from ProJeCt of Easton
as the faith group to raise the most money for the agency
in the walk.
Contributed photos

 Two Easton area teams that walked in last year's Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community were honored with "Golden Sole" awards this week by ProJeCt of Easton for raising the most funds on behalf of the city service agency.

Members of the Palmer Kiwanis Highmark Walk team,
Ken Marino, Santa Wright, Debra Ashton-Chase and
Mike Hahn, earned the Golden Sole Award from ProJeCt
of Easton as the agency’s top fundraising business team in the walk.

The "Golden Soul" award went to First Presbyterian Church of Easton, as the faith group that raised the most funds, and Palmer Kiwanis were given the "Golden Sole" award as the top business fundraising group.

The two honored teams were some of the more than 70 walkers who earned more than $9,000 for ProJeCt of Easton during the charity walk last June. Participants registered for teams supporting ProJeCt, vying for top awards in fundraising dollars earned.

"Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to all who participated and supported ProJeCt’s efforts," said ProJeCt of Easton Executive Director Janice Komisor in an announcement of the awards. "We are very close to our goals of 100 walkers and $10,000 raised, and we would love to have a youth group participate next year to help us meet those objectives."

The 2014 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is set to take place on Saturday, May 31 at the SteelStacks campus in Bethlehem, with registration opening Monday, February 3.  Participants may register online and select the non-profit they wish to support. To register or learn more about the event, visit www.walkforahealthycommunity.org

Updates about the Bethlehem walk are also available on the group's Facebook page.

Easton Block Watch Gets New Leadership

By Christina Georgiou

Heather Sutcliffe, second from left, and
Sharon Miller, far left, are sworn in as Easton
Block Watch's new president and vice president
by District Magistrate Antonia Grifo.

The Easton Block Watch Association inducted a new president and vice president Wednesday evening at their reorganization meeting, though the outgoing president and vice president, Scott Reiman and Brian Otto, promised to stay actively involved in the crime prevention organization.

Heather Sutcliffe, who heads the Block Watch's fourth sector, on the south side of Easton's West Ward, was sworn in along with other board members by Magistrate Antonia Grifo in front of about 45 members of the community in the State Theatre's art gallery.

Sutcliffe thanked members for their support and promised to communicate openly with the group during her tenure.

"Being the new president, I'll have a lot to learn," she said.

Sharon Miller, who served previously as the Block Watch secretary, will serve as the group's vice president, and Lorraine Hendershot will continue in her role as treasurer.

Grifo, newly sworn in as the district magistrate for the Downtown Easton area and parts of the West Ward earlier this month, replacing the late Gay Elwell, said she feels Block Watch is an important part of the community and fighting crime.

"This is what it's really about," Grifo said. "We're all in this together."

Easton police Chief Carl Scalzo also praised Block Watch efforts, saying he feels the group has contributed to a decrease in crime in the city.

Easton police Chief Carl Scalzo praised Block Watch efforts
and said crime in the city was down last year.

"The communication between...the citizens and the police in fighting crime is so important, and Block Watch is a big part of that," he said.

Scalzo added that city crime statistics for 2013 will be released shortly and hinted that they the numbers will be good news, though he declined to be specific, saying that Mayor Sal Panto "likes to announce these things."

"I think we've had a very successful year," he added. "I'm really pleased with where we ended up this year."

The Easton Police Department was re-accredited by the state on schedule, and the planned addition of one more officer this year will bring the department to its full complement of 63 members, Scalzo said.

The department will continue to pressure those engaged in illegal activity in the city, Scalzo said.

"Last year we conducted over 30 raids, and I'm not going to go into it, but we're going to keep that up," he said. "We're going to make it as uncomfortable for these people as we can."

While some may criticize the tactic as being "bad publicity", Scalzo said he feels the tactic is effective and sends the message to drug dealers and gang members that Easton is not a good place to conduct their business.

Informants have indicated to police that some dealers won't sell in Easton because it's gotten too risky, he added.

Block Watch efforts have contributed to the trend, Lt. John Remaley said, echoing Scalzo's comments.

"Not one of these raids happened without some information come in from the community," Remaley told members. "The information you feed in to us makes our job that much easier.

He urged citizens to continue to communicate with city authorities to help improve their neighborhoods.

"We also want to hear about the quality of life issues," Remaley said. "Please keep it in mind when you think 'do I want to call the police on this?' Yeah, you do. We want to hear about it."

For more information about Easton Block Watch or to join, visit the group's Facebook page or email eastonblockwatch at yahoo.com

Dunkin' Donuts, Subway Robbed at Gunpoint, Police Hunting for Suspects

Easton police are searching for the man pictured in surveillance camera
footage above in connection with an armed robbery
that took place at the Subway sandwich shop in the city's Downtown
district Tuesday night.
Photo courtesy of the Easton Police Department
Click the photo for a full size view

Two popular Easton food venues, one in the West Ward and the other in the center of the Downtown district, were robbed in what appear to be separate incidents Tuesday night, and police are actively searching for suspects.

Police say they received the first call for a hold up in progress at the Dunkin' Donuts located at 1300 Northampton St. just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police say the robber, described as being a Hispanic man wearing a black hood, red scarf, black pants, and black boots, reportedly entered the store armed with a handgun partially wrapped in a plastic bag and robbed the clerk at gun point. He then fled the store on foot  with an undetermined amount of cash, reportedly heading south on 13th Street.

Upon arrival, police say they immediately began searching for the suspect, but he was not immediately found. Authorities also processed the scene of the crime and collected evidence.

About half an hour later, police were again called for a hold up in progress, this time at the Subway sandwich shop located at 16 North Third St., just before 7:30 p.m.

Police report they found that a black male, wearing a black knit hat, and a black jacket--possibly bearing a "North Face" label with white writing on the front--had robbed the clerk at gunpoint and then fled the store heading west on Church Street with an undetermined amount of cash.

Again, police immediately searched for the suspect but have not yet located him, though in processing the scene evidence was recovered, police said.

No one appears to have been injured in either robbery.

EPD Lt. Matt Gerould said the investigations into both robberies are ongoing.

"The investigation is very active and expected to continue into the night," Gerould said in a media release.
"When additional information is available, we will be sure to pass it on. If anyone (has) seen or knows anything that may help, please notify us immediately."

Anyone with information regarding either of these incidents is encouraged to call Easton police, 610-759-2200, or the EPD tipline, 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Updated on Wednesday, January 29 at 12:08 a.m. to correct the time of the second robbery.

New Art, Music to Be Featured at Lafayette College

The exhibit "Mercury Retrograde: Animated Realities", opens
Tuesday, January 28 at Lafayette College's Williams Center Gallery.
Contributed photos

A new art exhibit taking its name from an astronomical optical illusion referred to as "Mercury retrograde" and a musical performance devoted to the ecstatic writings of the Persian poet Rumi are among upcoming programs the public is invited to enjoy at Lafayette College.

The exhibit "Mercury Retrograde: Animated Realities", opening Tuesday, January 28 in the Williams Center Gallery of the college, 317 Hamilton St., features animations by Brian Alfred, Karina Aguilera Skvirsky, Aline Bouvy & John Gillis, eteam, Cliff Evans, Jan Nalevka, and Noah Spidermen and Scott Gelber.

In popular astrology, Mercury retrograde marks intense periods when things go awry, signaling the need for reflection and revision. Mercury's cycle, it has been speculated, is the cause of major course corrections for society; it gives us a chance to grow as humans, to raise critical awareness, and possibly make a movement toward radical change.

Appropriating popular culture images from television, film, web, newspaper, tabloid, and fashion magazines, the artists in the exhibition have manipulated source materials with a variety of aesthetic approaches and montage techniques that offer reflections upon mass media-saturated cultures and an uncertain future. The works grapple with complex topics surrounding spectacle, excesses of consumption, economic and power relations in the era of globalization and interconnectedness, and reveal the artists' simultaneous fascination with and critique of our culture, society, and politics.

The next time Mercury goes retrograde is Feb. 6 and exhibit curators William Heath and Zeljka Himbele will give a talk that day at 4:10 p.m. in room 108 of the Williams Center for the Arts, 730 High St. The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission. A reception follows.

Two performances by duoJalal, comprised of violist
Kathryn Lockwood and percussionist Yousif Sheronick,
are scheduled for the first week of February at Lafayette College.

Also upcoming at the college are two performances by duoJalal, husband and wife musical duo comprised of violist Kathryn Lockwood and percussionist Yousif Sheronick in the first week of February.

Michael Newman and Laura Oltman will be joined by Avery Fisher violinist laureate Tim Fain  on Sunday, Feb. 2 at Lafayette College’s Williams Center for the Arts, 730 High St., to be preceded by a performance by duoJalal for a 3 p.m. concert.

Michael Newman and
Laura Oltman will be
joined by Avery Fisher
violinist laureate Tim Fain,
pictured above,
on Sunday, Feb. 2

The main performance will feature a diverse program of music extending from Vivaldi to Philip Glass. Concert-goers will hear the "Winter" section of the Four Seasons, as well as works by Pablo Sarasate and Manuel de Falla. Fain, who plays the violin music for the original movie soundtrack of “12 Years a Slave,” will also perform solo music composed for him by Glass.

Opening for the main concert, duoJalal will perform for the first time "Honey from Alast" by composer Evan Ziporyn. The work was commissioned by Lafayette College in honor of the Peskys, who created the college’s artist-in residence program, now in its third decade.

duoJalal will appear again, performing a program of music devoted to the ecstatic writings of the Persian poet Rumi at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Williams Center for the Arts.

Utilizing a wide array of musical instruments and sounds to create a vibrant intercultural experience that crosses the globe and bends genres, the program will focus on the poetry and musical kinships suggested by Rumi, the 13th century Persian poet and includes original commissioned works from "Silk Road" region composers such as Lev "Ljova" Zhurbin, Hafez Nazeri, and Evan Ziporyn, in a world premiere performance.

Ziporyn will give a composer’s chat before the concert at 7 p.m.

Tickets for each concert are $15 per person.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here or call the box office at 610-330-5009 between the hours of noon to 2 p.m. or 4 to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets will also be available beginning one hour before each performance at the box office.

This Week in Easton, January 27 to 30

Can you believe January is nearly over?

Monday, January 27

Open Mic Night: 6 to 10 p.m. P.A. will be provided, please bring yourself, your songs and your instruments. Come to play or just come to enjoy the music. BYOB ok, but please, no soda or food. New Seasons Event Center, 905b Line St. Email SlideTheBlues@gmail.com for more info.

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.
 
Film Screening of "Broken": 7 p.m. Starring actors Tim Roth ("Lie to Me", "Reservoir Dogs", and "Pulp Fiction") and Cillian Murphy ("28 Days Later" and "Batman Begins"). Patrons are welcome to bring light refreshments, and the screening is free and open to the public. Handicapped accessible. Click here for more details. Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St. 610-258-2917 ext 307

Forks Township Historical Society Meeting: 7 p.m. All are welcome, handicap accessible. Faith Lutheran Church, 2012 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. 610-253-1035

Comedy Show: 8:15 p.m. With J. L. Cauvin, Brian Jian, Randy Tonge, and Glen Tickle. Free. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com

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

Tuesday, January 28

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

Palmer Adult Book Group Annual Book Swap: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a holiday wrapped new or gently used book that you have read and enjoyed this past year. The book should be one that would create a good discussion. Area book groups are welcome to attend to gather titles that they can use in 2014. Palmer Library, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township. Click here for more details.

Safe Harbor Medical Clinic: 6 to 10 p.m. Free, for those without health insurance and in need of medical care. Advance appointments are requested. Safe Harbor Easton, 536 Bushkill Drive. To schedule an appointment, call 610-258-5540, email trogers@safeharboreaston.org, or stop by in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Easton Area School Board meeting: 7 p.m. Education Center, board room, 1801 Bushkill Drive, Forks Township.

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.

Bingo: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, corner of South Fourth and Ferry streets.

Trivia Night: 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by comedienne Liz Russo. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com

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
 
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Concert: 8 p.m. With pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii. Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, "Emperor," Beethoven favorite, the Overture to Coriolan and Mozart's Symphony No. 39 will be performed. Tickets are $29. Click here for more details. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 317 Hamilton St. 610-330-5009 or williamscenter.lafayette.edu

Wednesday, January 29

Public Discussion - "How Do You Envision Home?": 6 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, this free public meeting is designed to to determine what the region's residents most want and need in housing in the years to come. Gathered input from this and nine other regional meetings will be incorporated into the LVPC's forthcoming report, "Regional Housing Analysis of the Lehigh Valley." Palmer Library Meeting Room, 1 Weller Place, Palmer Township. Click here for more details.
 
Easton Block Watch Annual Re-organization meeting: Sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. Guest speakers to include Easton Magistrate Antonia Grifo, EPD police representatives Chief Carl Scalzo and/or Lt. John Remaley, and Easton Weed & Seed Director Laura Accetta. State Theatre Gallery, 453 Northampton St. 610-252-3132

Non-Fiction Book Group: 7 p.m. Easton Area Public Library, Marx Room, 515 Church St. www.eastonpl.org or 610-258-2917 ext 393

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Tower Suite: 7 p.m. Vintage Restaurant at The Club at Morgan Hill, 100 Clubhouse Drive. 610-923-8480 or www.vintagerestaurantandbar.com

Brosky and Meyers: 7 p.m. Widow's Tavern, 200 Main St., Stockertown. 610-365-8890 or www.widowstavern.com
 
Waver Wednesday: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. All new wave, dark wave, indie and electronica music, with DJ Brad Scott Smith and DJ Mumbler.  Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Open Mic with Scott Harrington: 9:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Thursday, January 30

Cops 'n Kids Reading Room open: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Children receive three free books for visiting. Easton Area Community Center, back entrance, 901 Washington St. 610-250-6562

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

Game Night: Available for your endless enjoyment and nostalgic lapses are a wide assortment games we all grew up playing, plus, Ring-the-Bull and Shut-the-Box. La Pazza Bar, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.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 www.blackandblueeaston.com 

Yan Carlos and the Subtle Experience: 8 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

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

Pour Man’s Band: 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!

Easton Hospital Launches New Diabetes Education Program

Easton Hospital is offering a new diabetes education program called "ABC Diabetes" to help patients manage the disease. The program will include individual sessions, group classes, glucose monitoring systems and support teams, all anchored by Easton Hospital primary care physicians.

Recognized by the American Diabetes Association, the comprehensive program will assist people who been recently diagnosed as well as those who have had the disease a long time.

The program is based on self-management education, and participants can learn the importance of monitoring blood sugar, healthy eating, avoiding complications and living well with diabetes. Participants are encouraged to bring a family member or friend who can help support diabetes management.

The ABC Diabetes Education Program is covered by most health insurance carriers, including Medicare, the hospital notes.

To learn more about the program, call 610-829-9645. For a complete list of services offered at Easton Hospital, click here to visit the hospital’s website.

Weekend Guide, January 24 to 26

Cabin fever? This weekend could cure that...

Friday, January 24

Easton Restaurant Week: Last two days! Runs through tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 25. Has been extended and will run through Wednesday, January 29. Nineteen local restaurants are offering fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner. Visit  www.eastonrestaurantweek.com for full details.

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

Easton School of Rock Punk Show, DJ Riske One: SOR at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

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

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

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

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

Ali Oop's Ole Skool Jam: 10 p.m. A funky good time, with Motown, Philly sound and dance. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

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

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

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

Friction: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Saturday, January 25

Easton Farmers' Market Winter Mart: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 35 vendors offering fresh, local and organic food and fine crafts. Runs every Saturday through April 26. At the former Weller Center, 325 Northampton St. 610-258-8500 or www.eastonfarmersmarket.com

Live DJs Mix: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. DJ Rabeka (90s, hiphop) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DJ Kru (ska, reggae, rocksteady) from 1 to 3 p.m., DJ Dogtrane (hiphop, house) from 3 to 5 p.m., DJ Mourning Glory (trapstep, club, more) from 5 to 7 p.m. Used Grooves, 401 Northampton St. www.usedgrooves.com

"Souper" Healthy Living event: 1 to 4:30 p.m. In celebration of the upcoming Super Bowl and as an extension of Easton Weed and Seed's Summer Nights program. Come dressed in your favorite team gear to play with Bridge Community Church members and then stick around to sample some "souper" healthy food recipes at 3 p.m. demonstrated by the Kellyn Foundation that you can make at home. Weed and Seed will hand out $10 vouchers redeemable at the Easton Wintermart promoting healthy food options, and the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership will provide information on their community garden program. Free to all families in the Easton Area School District. Paxinosa Elementary School, 12th and Northampton streets. Click here for more details.

Easton School of Rock Punk Show, Todd Wolfe, DJ LAX: SOR at 5 p.m., band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

2014 Chocolate Lovers’ Soiree: Preview entrance at 7 p.m., general admission at 8 p.m. Showcases the culinary talents and creativity of local independently owned businesses and features decadent desserts, savory treats, great conversation, live music and dancing. A cash bar will also be available. Preview admission is $40 per person, general admission tickets are $30. Click here for more details. Bank Street Annex, 316 Northampton St. 610-330-9947 or www.eastonmainstreet.org/chocolate

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

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

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

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

Matt Roman: 9:30 p.m. The Widow's Tavern, 200 Main St., Stockertown. 610-365-8890 or www.widowstavern.com

Quimby Mountain Band (unplugged): 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

Swift Technique: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Sunday, January 26

1st Annual Easton DECA Mattress Sale Fundraiser: Doors open at 10 a.m. Quality name brand mattresses, proceeds benefit the EAHS marketing club. Easton Area High School, cafeteria, William Penn Highway and 25th Street, Palmer Township.

"Repair and Share": 2 to 4 p.m. A get together to fix some things...Needles, thread, and assistance provided; you bring the things from home that need some hand stitching.  Missing buttons, holes in the knees, or torn stuffed animals? No problem!  A fun afternoon of sewing and socializing. There is no charge for this community event. Mercantile Home, 140 Northampton St. 610-258-4046 or www.mercantilehome.com

Yoga Under the Sphere: 5:30 p.m. With an Easton Yoga instructor. $15 fee, benefits the Shanthi Project and Nurture Nature Center. 518 Northampton St. www.nurturenaturecenter.org

Open Mic and Karaoke: 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Party Animal and DJ Gary. Guitar, comedy, sing, and play. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Industry Night: 10 p.m. Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

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

Are you planning an event? Did we miss something? Let us know! Email us.

Last updated at 4:31 p.m.

Weed and Seed to Hold "Souper" Healthy Living Event

In celebration of the upcoming Super Bowl and as an extension of the popular Summer Nights program, Easton Weed and Seed will hold a collaborative event with with Bridge Community Church, Paxinosa PTA, and Kellyn Foundation this Saturday, January 25 at Paxinosa Elementary School, 12th and Northampton streets, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. to promote healthy foods and lifestyles.

Come dressed in your favorite team gear to play with Bridge Community Church members in the school's gymnasium and then stick around to sample some "souper" healthy food recipes at 3 p.m. demonstrated by the Kellyn Foundation that you can make at home.

Weed and Seed will hand out $10 vouchers redeemable at the Easton Wintermart promoting healthy food options, and the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership will provide information on their community garden program.

The program is free to all families in the Easton Area School District.

Easton Police Searching for Gunmen After South Side Shooting

A Google satellite image showing the approximate location in Easton's
South Side neighborhood where a 33-year-old man was shot multiple times
early Wednesday evening.

A 33-year-old man was reportedly shot multiple times Wednesday evening in the 700 block of Mauch Chunk Street in Easton's South Side neighborhood, and police are searching for the gunmen.

The Easton Police Department says officers were dispatched to the area at about 5:22 p.m., where they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Suspects in the case have been described as being three or four black males, wearing all black. Two of the suspects were reportedly wearing hooded sweatshirts.

Police say the gunmen may have fled the area in a black car, possibly a Dodge Charger, and that the vehicle possibly fled either east on Canal Street or east on Mauch Chunk Street after the attack.

The man was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive the injuries, police said, adding that they are not currently releasing the victim's name. No possible motive for the shooting was immediately offered by authorities.

Police are asking anybody with any information about the crime to contact Easton detectives at 610-250-6656 or to call the Easton Police tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers can remain anonymous.

Gov. Wolf Building Gets Zoning Approval, Other Projects Postponed

By Christina Georgiou

The Governor Wolf Building on North Second Street is one step closer to
being renovated into more than 50 apartments after the project gained
the city zoning hearing board's approval Monday evening.

Plans to renovate the Governor Wolf Building on North Second Street into more than 50 one- and two-bedroom apartments were approved by Easton's Zoning Hearing Board Monday night, though five other scheduled hearings for various other projects were postponed until February due to the properties not being posted with the hearing date.

A tech glitch, compounded by a communication failure in the zoning office, resulted in the city not mailing hearing notices to property owners surrounding all six of the properties on Monday night's agenda, and consequently, the properties weren't posted notices of Monday evening's hearing date as well, said Zoning Administrator Cindy Cawley.

The lack of notice left the applicants facing the prospect of any approvals by the zoning hearing board might make Monday being appealed, noted board solicitor Robert Nitchkey.

Five of the proposed projects, which included an application to convert a row of garages on South Tenth Street into a delicatessen and small grocery store, will either be heard at a special zoning hearing board meeting to be held on Monday, February 3 or at the regular meeting on Monday, February 17.

Representatives for the Governor Wolf building, however, chose to go forward with their hearing, saying the agreement of sale to buy the property from Northampton County for $1.92 million is contingent on city zoning approval.

William Vogt, a principal partner of VM Management, which is purchasing the former Easton High School campus, said he'd talked with neighboring property owners and feels their concerns have been satisfied, making the chance of a substantial appeal unlikely.

The Penny Arch will be restored, VM Management partners
have promised.

Architect Lucienne Di Biase Dooley of Artefact, directing the project, echoed statements made by VM partner Mark Mulligan last week, telling zoning hearing board members the building's exterior will not be altered, and that plans include the application for historic preservation tax credits. She added that the group intends to restore the Penny Arch, currently in serious disrepair, and also the former school's bell tower.

Other features of the Governor Wolf building, including an interior spiral staircase and ornamental doors, will also be preserved, she added.

Neighboring property owner Charles Klabunde said he supports the preservation of the building, though he had some questions about the project.

"I think it's a good use," he told zoning board members. "It's not my first choice...(but) I appreaciate the consideration these people are giving this old building."

He added that he was concerned that construction vehicles might cause congestion on the street and inconvenience current residents during the renovation work.

Klabunde also suggested that the clock tower's bell be operated manually after its restoration, saying that the building's residents might not appreciate it ringing every hour through the night. He added the bell could be rung for special occasions, such as on Independence Day.

"It's really worth saving," Klabunde said. "It's the only really big bell we have left, and we ought to maintain it."

Dooley said that construction vehicles will mostly access the building from the rear through the parking lot on Larry Holmes Drive and that traffic along North Second Street won't be affected by the project.

"Historic renovation is what we specialize in," said Vogt. "We're sensitive to the neighborhood. We've done projects like this before. We're looking forward to bringing this building back."

Zoning hearing board members, along with city staff, said they support the project, and noted the variances it requires--including relief from a requirement that the first floor be used for commercial space--largely stem from the nature of the historic building's situation.

"I really think this is a good reuse of an existing building," Cawley said. "They're providing all the parking that's required, and I recommend it."

"Regarding the retail space, they're right. It's too far back," said board chairman Michael Civitella.

Vogt said the board's approval is the last step in ensuring the project will go ahead, and that he expects the agreement of sale with Northampton County to be executed and the property officially transferred to VM Management ownership soon.

It has been previously estimated the project will be complete and the apartments occupied by new residents by the end of 2015.

'We're making a big investment here," Vogt said. "We want everything to work for everyone in the city."

Authorities Warn Counterfeit $100 Bills Are Being Circulated Locally

A notice posted on the Palmer Township website
by police warns that counterfeit $100 notes are being
circulated locally and lists five serial numbers that
counterfeits may carry.
Click on the image for a full size view.

Area residents and businesses are being warned to inspect any $100 bills carefully to ensure they are not counterfeit.

A notice posted on the Palmer Township website by police and issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service instructs members of the public to look for signs that $100 bills they may receive might be fakes.

Signs that the bills may not be legitimate including the number "77" on the back in the lower right-hand corner above the "100" denomination marker. The notice includes a list five serial number sets that have been apparently found by authorities on counterfeit currency circulated in the area.

"If anyone attempts to pass one of the above described counterfeit notes, please obtain as much information as possible about the individual(s) and contact your local police and the U.S. Secret Service field office at 215-861-3300," the notice instructs.

Click here to view the original notice in its entirety.

This Week in Easton, January 20 to 23

Why not resolve to give back and do something good, however small, for your community this week?

Monday, January 20

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.

Federal, state, county, and most  local government offices, including Easton city hall, are closed, along with local schools and most banks. The Easton Area Public Library and its branches are also closed.

LANtaBus and LANtaVan services will run normally today.
 
Easton Restaurant Week: Runs daily through Saturday, Jan. 25. Nineteen local restaurants will offer fixed-price menus for lunch and dinner. Visit www.eastonrestaurantweek.com for full details.

2nd Annual Paying it Forward Day: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Easton Area Community Center, along with the Pan African Caucus Togetherness group from Northampton Community College, will host activities and performances throughout the day structured to stress the importance of coming together to work for the benefit of others. Arts and crafts, storytelling, a youth panel discussion, a performance by drama and dance students, and packaging toys and books for children in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. are all scheduled. Easton Area Community Center, 901 Washington St.

Martin Luther King Celebration Day: 5 p.m. Hosted by the Greater Shiloh Church cultural and scholarship ministry. Speeches by local religious and political leaders, music, dance, and spoken word performances are planned. Greater Shiloh Church, 403 Pastor Fred Davis St. 610-252-5640 or www.greatershilohchurchpa.com

Easton Zoning Hearing Board meeting: 6:30 p.m. Easton City Hall, 1 South Third St., sixth floor.

Wilson Area School Board regular meeting: 7 p.m. William P. Tollinger Administration Building, 2040 Washington Blvd., Wilson Borough.

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

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

Tuesday, January 21

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


Games Day: 2 to 4 p.m. Adults are invited to enjoy board, card, and trivia games. Free, no registration required. Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St. Click here for more details.

Safe Harbor Medical Clinic: 6 to 10 p.m. Free, for those without health insurance and in need of medical care. Advance appointments are requested. Safe Harbor Easton, 536 Bushkill Drive. To schedule an appointment, call 610-258-5540, email trogers@safeharboreaston.org, or stop by in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Bingo: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., bingo starts at 7 p.m. Refreshments available. Williams Township Fire Company, 2500 Morgan Hill Road, Williams Township. www.wtfireco.com

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

Easton Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m. City Hall, third floor, 1 South Third St.

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

Trivia Night: 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by comedienne Liz Russo. Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com CANCELLED due to snow

Bingo: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, corner of South Fourth and Ferry streets.

Palmer Township Recreation Board meeting: 7:30 p.m. In the Palmer Library meeting room, at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township.

Wednesday, January 22

Williams Township Sewer Advisory Board meeting: 9 a.m. Williams Township Municipal Complex, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

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

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

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.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com 

Todd Wolfe: 7 p.m. Vintage Restaurant at The Club at Morgan Hill, 100 Clubhouse Drive. 610-923-8480 or www.vintagerestaurantandbar.com

Fahad and Kelly: 7 p.m. 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

Waver Wednesday: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. All new wave, dark wave, indie and electronica music, with DJ Brad Scott Smith and DJ Mumbler.  Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Thursday, January 23

Cops 'n Kids Reading Room open: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Children receive three free books for visiting. Easton Area Community Center, back entrance, 901 Washington St. 610-250-6562

Public Discussion - "How Do You Envision Home?": 6 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, this free public meeting is designed to to determine what the region's residents most want and need in housing in the years to come. Gathered input from this and nine other regional meetings will be incorporated into the LVPC's forthcoming report, "Regional Housing Analysis of the Lehigh Valley." Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. Click here for more details.

Northampton County Council meeting: 6:30 p.m. County Council Meeting Room, third floor, Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington St.

Community Health Talk - "Nutrition": 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. With Heather Farkas, clinical nutrition manager at Easton Hospital. Free and open to the public. Forks UCC, 4500 Sullivan Trail, Stockertown. For more details, contact Forks UCC at 610-759-5676 or Easton Hospital at 610-250-4953 or click here. 

Game Night: Available for your enjoyment and amusing nostalgic lapses are a wide assortment games we all grew up playing, plus, Ring-the-Bull and Shut-the-Box. La Pazza Bar, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.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 www.blackandblueeaston.com

BD Lenz: 8 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

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

Public Displays of Rejection: 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!

Updated on Tuesday, January 21 at 2:20 p.m.

Easton Library to Show British Film 'Broken'

The British independent film "Broken", starring actors Tim Roth ("Lie to Me", "Reservoir Dogs", and "Pulp Fiction") and Cillian Murphy ("28 Days Later" and "Batman Begins") will be shown at the Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St., on Monday, January 27 at 7 p.m.

Eleven-year-old Skunk is an innocent daydreamer until the day she witnesses her bitter and angry older neighbor, Mr. Oswald, savagely beating Rick, a psychologically-troubled boy from the neighborhood. Skunk’s innocence begins to fade as she is unwittingly drawn into her neighbors’ dark troubles. Her home, her neighborhood, and her school all become dangerous environments where her happy childhood gives way to fear-filled doubt and the promise of a complex, broken future.

The unrated film, which runs approximately 90 minutes, will be shown in the Catherine Drake Meeting Room, which is handicapped accessible from Church Street. Patrons are welcome to bring light refreshments, and the screening is free and open to the public.

Broken is part of the Film Movement series featured at the Library. The DVD will be available to patrons for checkout after the public showing.

For more information, call 610-258-2917 ext 307.

Blasting to Cause Traffic Stops on Rte. 33 This Week

Intermittent traffic stops are planned to take place along PA Rte. 33 in Palmer and Lower Nazareth townships between routes 248 and 191 this week to allow a contractor for the Charles Chrin Corporation to perform blasting operations, PennDOT has announced.

The work will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Monday, January 20 through Friday, January 24. No stops are expected to take place on Wednesday, January 22, PennDOT said.

Motorists should expect delays and and use caution driving through the area, the state transportation agency added.

PennDOT did not give an estimate of how long traffic will be stopped during each blasting, but similar past  announcements for blasting in the area estimated stop times at about 15 minutes.