Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit City Neighborhood Groups

The 2nd Annual Greater Easton Open, a four-person, best-ball scramble format golf tournament, will be held on Friday, August 30 at the Riverview County Club, and tournament proceeds will benefit four Easton neighborhood improvement organizations--the College Hill Neighborhood Association, South Side Civic Association, the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership, and the Easton Main Street Initiative.

The event tees off at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start, and a barbecue luncheon begins at noon.
For an entry fee of $85 (or $100 after August 15), or $320 ($380 after August 15)  players receive greens fees, lunch, a GEO t-shirt, GEO collectible golf balls, and gifts and coupons from area merchants and restaurants. Longest drive and closest-to-the-pin prizes will be awarded, along with door prizes.

For non-golfers who would like to attend the luncheon, the fee is $20.

All fees are tax-deductible.

Beer will be served at the luncheon to those over 21, and a beverage cart will make the rounds during play.

The event is also still accepting sponsorships, which range from $30 to $1,000, and are crucial to the success of this fund raising event, said organizers from the College Hill Neighborhood Association.  Area businesses may also support the event by donating items to the player gift bags and/or making donations.

To register for the 2nd Greater Easton Open online or to attend the luncheon, click here.

For more information about sponsorships or to become a sponsor, click here.

For additional information about playing or sponsorships, e-mail geo@eastonchna.org.

Nevin Park to Finally Get Fountain Restored

By Christina Georgiou


The fountain in Nevin Park, as it appeared about 100 years ago. It was
dismantled for maintenance in the 1920s, which never happened. The

iron fountain was later melted down for scrap during World War II.

A long-time plan to replace the pile of rocks that sits at the center of Nevin Park in Easton's College Hill neighborhood with a fountain reminiscent of the one that formerly graced the park is finally coming to fruition, and it will include the expansion of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail as well, it was announced at Wednesday evening's city council meeting.


The pile of rocks that sits today where the old fountain
used to be in
College Hill's Nevin Park.



It's been about 90 years since Nevin Park's fountain, originally erected in Downtown Easton's Centre Square in the 1860s as a celebration of clean water and moved to the park in 1899 to make way for the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil War monument, disappeared. Historic record says it was dismantled for maintenance in the 1920s, but the repairs never happened. Instead, it was melted down for scrap during World War II.

Residents have long lamented the antique fountain's loss, but a similar fountain of the same style will soon grace the park, thanks to the efforts of a committee of dedicated citizens.



CHNA president Hubert
Etchison outlines the
Nevin Park fountain
plan to Easton City Council
members Wednesday
evening.

 Hubert Etchison, president of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, which spearheaded the effort, presented a plan to Easton City Council Wednesday evening outlining the plan.

The group considered both a custom-made restoration of the original fountain and the purchase of a ready-made piece. A low bid for a recreation of the original fountain came in for $367,500, which was far beyond the amount the group budgeted for the project.

"It would take a lot of yard sales to get there," Etchison said. "Unless someone wants to write us a check..."

However, the committee chanced upon an opportunity to buy a ready-made fountain, identical to one currently erected in Marietta, Georgia, for $37,500, Etchison said.

"The restoration of the fountain area in Nevin Park will provide a focal point for activity along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail, provide an adult-friendly vista, and aid in enhancing the economic growth of College Hill through increased traffic to its key business corridor" he said. "This vision and plan will highlight key historical aspects of Nevin Park and College Hill that might otherwise be lost."

The fountain the CHNA committee intends to purchase, as seen in its current
location in Marietta, Georgia.

The expansion of the trail will include new historic markers outlining the stories of key events in Easton's history. The marker project may include an audio project that could be completed by local middle- and high school students and would be playable on smartphones, Etchison said.

The graceful beauty of the fountain will add aesthetic appeal to the park, and also provide photographic opportunities at the park for things like weddings, Etchison said.

The walking trail would be extended from the base of College Hill on North Third Street up the hill and have two paths, one for "strong walkers" and another, longer route that would accomodate more leisurely paces.

The group has raised nearly $22,000 toward the effort, which in its entirety is expected to cost about $205,000

The city earmarked $75,000 in its capital improvements fund two years ago, Mayor Sal Panto said, with an agreement that the city would match citizens' fundraising efforts 2 to 1 and release the funds when the goal was realized.

About $31,000 in demolition, site prep work, and the preliminary utility installation work has been secured as in-kind donations, Etchison said.

The group hopes to secure $90,000 in grant funding, and will cover the estimated remaining $18,300 through further fundraising efforts, he added.


A map of the proposed extension through College Hill of the Karl Stirner
Arts Trail.



As part of the plan, the group also intends to create a refurbishment fund to cover the costs of future maintenance, expected to be needed about 25 years after the fountain's installation, to ensure it is properly kept in good working order for future generations.

The funds raised and pledged so far are enough for the CHNA committee to commit to buying the Marietta fountain and get the ball rolling, hopefully by July 1 of this year, Etchison said.

Getting to the point of seeing the fountain completely installed will likely take about a year. New piping and electrical lines need to be run in the area, and the pad needs to be replaced, he noted.

Marietta has been helpful too in providing advice for the future preservation of the fountain, Etchison said. Unlike the installation in Georgia, in Easton it will likely have a granite pool rim, which will help keep the fountain's iron in good condition, he said.

The extension plans for the Karl Stirner Arts Trail will likely take at least two years, said Easton Planning Director Becky Bradley.

To effect that change, the city's comprehensive plan, currently undergoing an update, will need to be modified, and the regional greenway plan will need to be updated as well, both processes that take time.

Additionally, some funds will likely need to be raised in addition to those already budgeted for, she said.

"Their vision is great," she said, enthusiastic about the plan.

Other officials were also very upbeat about the park upgrade and citizen involvement in extending the walking trail through the city.

"(The fountain) is one of the few things we can do for College Hill because they're not eligible for grant dollars," Panto said. "We're 100 percent on board at the administration."

Councilman Jeff Warren also praised the plan.

"This is truly a visionary project for College Hill," he said, noting that the pile of rocks currently in the fountain's place is one of his first memories of the city. "Believe me, I'll be happy to see it go, but it does hold some fond memories for me."

Etchison credited committee members for their persistance and dedication to the effort.

"There's no way we would have gotten here without our volunteers," he said.



An old photo of the original fountain, as seen in Easton's Centre Square, before it was moved to Nevin Park in 1899 to make way for the Soldiers' and Sailors' monument, which still stands in its place today.



Judicial Candidates Vie for Votes at Neighborhood Meeting

By Christina Georgiou

 The five candidates running for the magisterial district judge position left vacant by Gay Elwell's sudden death last December got a chance to introduce themselves to the public at a "Meet the Candidates" event held during the College Hill Neighborhood Association's meeting last evening. About 40 people attended the event.

Three of the candidates are cross-filed and are on both the Democrat and Republican tickets for the May 21 primary: Tony Bassil, Antonia Grifo, and Sharbel Koorie.

Tim Prendergast intended to run on both tickets, but fell short of the 100 signatures necessary for his inclusion on the Republican side of the ballot by one after it came to light that on signator had signed twice and another was from outside the voting district, he said, noting that he believes he could have contested the situation and successfully run on both tickets, but decided against the move.

Candidate Lance Wheeler only filed on the Democratic ticket because he's a loyal Democrat, he said.

All five were given five minutes each to speak uninterrupted in front of the audience. A chance for questions from the crowd was offered at the conclusion, though few were offered. Those assembled seemed to prefer to chat privately with the candidates afterwards, which was also a planned part of the event.


Tony Bassil

Each of the five stressed their connections with the community, particularly the area covered by Magisterial District 03-2-05, which includes Easton's Downtown and College Hill neighborhoods, along with much of the West Ward. Most struggled to get in all they wished to say in the five minute allotted.

"Although no one can replace Gay (Elwell), someone must fill that office," said Bassil, speaking first.

Bassil noted his past experience in both the private and public sector, including his current position as Easton City Controller and ownership of the Carmelcorn Shop since 1996 with his wife Sia.

"With my corporate and public experience, I'm qualified to serve in this office," he said. "My goal is to futher my service to my community. I will be fair and an honest representative."


Antonia Grifo

Grifo, an attorney who runs a Downtown law practice with her husband Ron Shipman, stressed her legal experience, as well as multi-generational ties to the Easton community and a dedication to being non-partisan.

"I think people innately understand this is not a partisan race," Grifo added.

She noted she attended nursery school at the College Hill Presbyterian Church, where the CHNA meetings are held, and grew up on Paxinosa Avenue.

"My family came to the West Ward a hundred years ago. I truly know this town," Grifo said. "My first job here was as an assistant DA--I was on the 'Easton team'. I've pretty much dealt with every type of legal matter that can come before this court."

She also stressed her volunteer efforts.

"I think my community service is extremely important, not just on boards of directors, but more in hands on," Grifo said.

It is not required to be a lawyer or have experience with the legal system to be elected to the magistrate position, Grifo noted, "but why not raise the bar?"

She added, "This is the place where people see our judicial system. A judge makes a lot of decisions. Think about who you want to represent you."


Sharbel Koorie

Koorie, a code enforcement officer for the city, said his experience in that position makes him uniquely qualified to be a district magistrate.

"The magistrate is going to hear cases that represent what's happening in our community. The magistrate should be someone who can keep an open mind and listen to both sides," he said. "I am, of all the candidates, the only one who has a proven record of working in the community (in this capacity) day in and day out."

His West Ward residency, along with his zoning officer position, gives him a unique view of residents and their situations, Koorie said.

"I get to see a lot of homes in the city. We see these real things that happen," he said. "I think whoever's district judge...should have a clear idea of the people who live in it...and to resolve problems."


Tim Prendergast

 Prendergast also stressed his long-term ties to the community, noting he too grew up in Easton's College Hill neighborhood, and attended the church's nursery school, along with March Elementary school across the street.

"My ties to this community are deep. I have a great love for this community," he said. "I've walked a lot of miles in a lot of shoes."

Prenderagast, also a lawyer, said he's represented clients in all sorts of cases, having worked in 17 counties before coming back to Easton, but, "in the long run, most of my time is spent as an Easton public defender."

He's further gotten to know the community he grew up in recently too, he said.

"In the past two years, I've lost 200 pounds. And I did it by walking the streets of this city," Prendergast said. "My commitment to this community is deep. I think this is a position (in which) I can both serve my profession and serve my city."

The district judge requires someone who is "fair, respectful, understanding of the law, and compassionate" Prendergast said. "And I hope to be able to do that with a smile."


Lance Wheeler


Lance Wheeler, currently a Northampton County constable who has also moonlighted in the security field, notably at Lafayette College, said his experience transporting prisoners and evicting tenants gives him a unique perspective on the magisterial justice position.

"I'm familar with the courts as I work with them every day," he said. "There is no substitute for justice."

As a West Ward resident, he also understands neighborhood issues, he said.

"I'm a big supporter of block watch. If there's someone in my neighborhood that shouldn't be (there), I'll deal with it."

He added, "This is a very important job."

All five candidates said they plan to continue meeting with community members in anticipation of the primary election, to be held on Tuesday, May 21.

Updated at 12:18 p.m. to correct a detail about Antonia Grifo's legal practice and to add links to candidates' election announcement articles.

Benefit Golf Outings Planned for September

Three upcoming golf events, planned for the coming month, will benefit local deserving causes.

Blue Star Mothers Golf Tournament to Support Military Families

The Second Annual Blue Star Mothers Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, rain or shine.

Registration and lunch will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The event, which begins at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start, is a “Four Man Scramble” and prizes will be awarded for: Men's Longest Drive, Women's Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, Pot of Gold as well as to First, Second and Third Place winners.

Enjoy a fun day of golfing at beautiful Whitetail Golf Course in Bath, PA and at the same time raise money for our service men and women who are fighting for our freedom. The money raised by this event will go towards the Blue Star Mothers' efforts to support our troops—shipping care packages, providing funds for the families of injured soldiers to travel, assisting veterans in financial crisis, sponsoring Christmas parties for the children of deployed military (complete with Santa and presents) holding welcome home parties for returning troops, and community outreach.

To register or more information, call 610-258-4363.

RMG Insurance 6th Annual Ladies Golf and Gourmet to Support State Theatre

The 6th Annual RMG Insurance Ladies Golf & Gourmet will take place on Thursday, Sept.

20 at the Club at Morgan Hill.

The outing benefits the non-profit State Theatre Center for the Arts in Easton, and the FREDDY Awards, which recognizes the achievements of local high school stage productions.

Ladies of all golfing levels are invited to participate. Nine holes of golf are followed by a gourmet dinner presented by Vintage Restaurant and Head Chef, Michael Pichetto.

Chef Pichetto will demonstrate the preparation of some of the many hors’ doeuvres our guests will enjoy. There will also be a mixology class as well as live entertainment. A silent and live auction are also featured.

This low-pressure, women-only event offers an invaluable networking opportunity and typically attracts more than 80 businesswomen from the Lehigh and Delaware Valleys.

For more information or to register, click here.

Greater Easton Open to Benefit City Neighborhood Groups

The Greater Easton Open (GEO) golf tournament will be held on Friday, Sept. 28, at the Riverview Country Club, beginning at 8 a.m.

To allow golfers of all abilities to compete together in a fun format, the event will be a 4-person scramble event, with a shot-gun start. This means that each 4-person team will hit a shot, the team will go to the best shot result at which point all 4 golfers will hit another shot from there until the ball is in the hole.

The GEO benefits four major neighborhood groups in Easton, and golfers will be entitled to a gift bag as well as a luncheon after the event featuring a hot lunch buffet and BBQ. Beer will also be provided at the luncheon, for which those not golfing but wishing to attend can also buy tickets. Additionally, there will be beverage carts available during play.

Registration discounts are available for early sign ups. For more information, call 917-549-5161 or email geo@eastonchna.org. To register or purchase GEO merchandise, click here.