Annual Plaid Show Seeks Submissions

It started as a joke, but after a decade and a half, the annual plaid-themed art show at the Gallery at St. John's Lutheran Church at 330 Ferry St. is an Easton tradition.

Once again, the show, which will run Sundays from noon to 3 p.m. from March 2 through April 27, is seeking submissions from area artists for the 15th Annual Plaid Show, subtitled "To Plaid Or Not to Plaid."

Of course, since entries are strongly encouraged to incorporate plaid in some way, "no matter how subtle", the answer is clear.

The show is open to all art mediums and artist experience levels. All artwork must be framed, wired and ready for hanging. For three-dimensional art, approximately three linear feet of space will be available. Small stands or tables no more than 2 1/2 feet wide may be used.

There is a $10 entry fee per artist. Twenty percent of proceeds from sold works will be donated to the gallery, with the other 80 percent going to the artist. Additionally, some of the entry fee will support the Arts Community of Easton (ACE), which is co-sponsoring the show.

Full show guidelines, along with a registration form, are available online here.

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, March 2 from noon to 3 p.m., and an artists' talk and awards ceremony is planned for Sunday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about the show, call the gallery at 610-258-6119, show organizer Pamalee LaDuca at 610-258-5865 or email here.

Crayola Seeks Contest Entries, Winner to Be Exhibited at Flower Show

The winning entry to a kids' art contest being held by the Crayola Experience will be displayed at the 2014 Philadelphia Flower Show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1 to 9.

Starting today, February 5, parents of kids ages 6 to 14 may submit their child’s original ideas for a 45-foot communal art exhibit that will be part of the annual horticultural show in Philadelphia.

Entries must be submitted by Wednesday, February 12, and the winner will be announced on Thursday, February 13. The winner will get a chance to work with a professional Crayola artist during the week of February 15 to 23 to make their vision a reality, as well as receive a Crayola gift basket valued at $100 and four tickets to the Crayola Experience.

For the official rules and full submission details, click here.

For more about the 2014 Philadelphia Flower Show, click here.

Local Students Nominated to U.S. Service Academies

Seven students from Northampton County, including four from Easton, have been nominated by Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA17) for appointments to the United States Service Academies. 

"It is my distinguished honor to nominate these exceptional young men and women as candidates for appointment to our esteemed United States Service Academies," Cartwright said in a media release.  "Each student nominated is among the best and brightest of northeastern Pennsylvania, and they represent the next generation of great American leaders."

Though nominated by Congressman Cartwright, each student will still go through the academies' competitive application process and nominees are still required to seek admittance from their desired service academy—a decision made by each academy individually. 

If offered an appointment, the students will join their respective academy's class of 2018.

Northampton County nominees from Easton include:

William Scott Begley
Contributed photos

William Scott Begley, a senior at Easton Area High School. The son of William Scott Begley Sr., he is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, the Easton Varsity Track and Field and Easton Varsity Swimming. He is also a lead cadet in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and a member of the Pennsylvania Water Rescue team. William has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

Patrick Connor Nelson

Patrick Connor Nelson, a senior at Easton Area High School and the son of Michael and Margaret Nelson. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. He is also captain of the Boys’ Volleyball Team.  Patrick has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Meredith Susan Ellison

Meredith Susan Ellison, a graduate of Easton Area High School who is currently attending the Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point, NY. Meredith is the daughter of Thomas Ellison and Kerri Leonard-Ellison. She was a member of the Key club, National Honor Society, USMAPS Cross Country and Track Team Captain, Class Secretary of the Student Council, and the School Paper Editor-in-Chief. She has also volunteered for Relay for Life, the Red Cross, and Special Olympics. Meredith has been nominated to the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

Connor Patrick Mellet

Connor Patrick Mellet, a senior at Easton Area High School and the son of Patrick and Joli Mellet. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Technology Student Association, and Student Council. He is also a captain on the Varsity Cross Country team, as well as a member of the lacrosse and track and field teams. Connor has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.

Also nominated were Meghan O’Toole of Bethlehem, Jessica R. Wain of Bangor, and Alan Scott Lancaster of Pen Argyl. All three hope to attend the United States Naval Academy.

"I want to thank these outstanding young adults for their willingness to commit to service to and for country.  They give me hope that our best days are surely ahead," Cartwright added.

Annual 'Souper Bowl' Cook-Off Highlights Area's Best Chili

By Christina Georgiou

Local restaurants competed in the 19th Annual Souper Bowl of
Chili cook-off Sunday at Pearly Baker's in Downtown Easton.
Click on any photo for a full size view

Chef Jake Snyder said he started by smoking pork shoulder, belly and tenderloin, along with a variety of peppers on Wednesday, a process that took 20 hours. Once that was accomplished, he was ready to actually begin cooking the "Three-Way Pig Chili" that was to be his entry on behalf of Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse in the 19th Annual Souper Bowl of Chili cook-off.

While some might think that's a lot of trouble, Snyder's efforts paid off in the form of taking first place in the People's Choice contest.

The line into Pearly Baker's Alehouse stretched out the
door and down the block as chili fans waited
patiently for the chance to sample 15 different kinds of
chili and vote for a favorite.

The chili cookoff, a favorite annual Easton event of those in the know, raised more than $2,000 for the Easton Farmers' Market on Sunday, with more than 400 paying $5 a head to sample 15 different chilies and vote for the best. Some waited hours in a line that stretched down the block for the privilege.

Four judges--Ed Stahley, Steve Flowers, State Representative Robert Freeman, and Pat Locquasta--also tried all the chilies.

Judges honored Horns in Bethlehem with top honors for their veggie and shortrib chili.

Two Rivers Brewing Company chef
Jeremy Bialker's entry , a mole
braised pork belly chili, won
third place in the judges hearts.

The Spinnerstown Hotel came
in second with a smoked porter chili
topped with a bit of fried mozzarella
stick and garlic-onion sour cream.

The Spinnerstown Hotel came in second with a smoked porter chili topped with a bit of fried mozzarella stick and garlic-onion sour cream.

Pearly Baker's served up two different chilies, which competed
with each other: "Wired Verde", which was a pork verde
simmered in Seattle's Best coffee, and "Breakfast of Champions"
a pork, ham, and bean chili with "a ton of onions" topped with
home fries and cheddar cheese. Between the two, "Breakfast"
won the day.

Jeremy Bialker's entry for Two Rivers Brewing Company in Easton, a mole braised pork belly chili, won third place in the judges hearts.

Pearly Baker's also offered two kinds of chili which competed against each other, but weren't part of the main competition.

"It wouldn't be fair," said Pearly Baker's executive  chef Peter Felton. "If we won, it would be like 'fix!'"

While smoked meats and pork were especially big this year, overall, the entries were as diverse as the eateries in the contest, and each seemed to reflect a bit of the philosophy of the restaurants themselves.

Daddy's Place served up a lamb
and white bean chili with distinctly Mediterranean hints

V-lish, which makes vegan soups, offered a sweet and spicy chili soup topped with carrot hummus, while Daddy's Place served up a lamb and white bean chili with distinctly Mediterranean hints typical of the Lebanese delicacies the new Northampton Street restaurant is fast becoming locally known for.

Others, such as Porters' Pub, went with tried-and-true for their entries.

"This is our house chili," said chef Derek Chimel. "We have it all day, every day."

Win or lose, though, the day was clearly a "win" for attendees. After all, how often does one get to have 15 different kinds of chili for Sunday brunch, possibly accompanied by a nice craft beer?

Thankfully, in Easton, the answer is: once a year.

Shawn Doyle of Savory Grille in Macungie
offered up his avocado creme fresh topped
chili with a smile.

A chili-lover votes for his favorite offering.

Pork and tomatillo chili, topped with cayenne popcorn was
Valenca's entry.

Chef Ricky Heinricks from the Spinnerstown
Hotel tops his chili creation with garlic
onion sour cream.

This Week in Easton, February 3 to 6

So there's more snow. Blame the groundhog, or blame February...or just make a snow angel!

Monday, February 3

AARP Palmer Township Area Chapter 2144 Meeting: 1 p.m. Steven Uhas, pharmacist and owner of Neighbor Pharmacy in Forks Township will discuss generic drugs and Medicare Part D. For members, yearly membership is $5. Wilson Borough Community Center, 2200 Liberty St., Wilson Borough.

The regularly scheduled Palmer Township Supervisors meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items

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

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

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

Tuesday, February 4

Independent Transportation Network Lehigh Valley Volunteer Driver Information session: 9 to 11 a.m. Light refreshments will be available. Diner 248, 3701 Easton-Nazareth Highway (Route 248), Easton (Lower Nazareth Township). 610-419-1645

Duplicate Bridge: 11:30 a.m. Temple Covenant of Peace, 1451 Northampton St.
 
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: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, corner of South Fourth and Ferry streets.

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

Palmer Township Zoning Hearing 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, February 5

Easton Planning Commission meeting: 6:30 p.m. City Hall, city council chambers, sixth floor, 1 South Third St.

Strong Foundations Charter School Public Hearing: 7 p.m., with an executive session preceding the hearing at 6 p.m. Snow date is Thursday, February 6. Easton Area Middle School , auditorium, 1010 Echo Trail, Forks 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

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

Stevie Vicks Duo: 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, February 6

Williams Township Landfill Advisory Committee meeting: 8 a.m. Williams Township Municipal Office, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

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

Forks Township Board of Supervisors workshop meeting: 7 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Complex, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.

Fry's Run Watershed Association Meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Office, 655 Cider Press Road, Easton (Williams Township)

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

Jazz Sililoquy: 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

Open Mike with Carter Lansing: 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!

Police Looking for Driver Who Led Them on Chase

Easton police are looking for the driver of a car that led officers on a chase through the city, Wilson Borough and West Easton in the early hours of Saturday morning, eventually abandoning the vehicle in which heroin which was apparently packaged for sale was found.

Police say an officer on patrol noticed a white Plymouth Voyager traveling south on South 15th Street without its headlights on just before 1:30 a.m. As police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver turned right on Washington Street and sped away when the officer turned on his lights and siren, police said.

The minivan continued to head west and further south on several streets in Wilson Borough. The driver reportedly struck a parked car on South 17th Street but didn't stop and continued into West Easton, heading west on 10th Street, where it got ahead of police in pursuit by more than a block.

When authorities caught up with the fleeing vehicle, it was found to have struck the rear of a building at 1019 Iron St., and the officer on the scene reported seeing someone wearing either orange or pink climb a fence and flee the area.

Police say the suspect, who has not been identified, escaped, but 34 packets of heroin were found inside the vehicle. They added investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the matter is asked to call the Easton Police Department tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Boys and Girls Club Program to Feature the Arts

A new after-school program hosted by the Easton Boys & Girls Club designed to open minds of local youth by accentuating their talents, passion, and skills through the arts will hold an introductory session this coming Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the club's Teen Center, 1101 Northampton St.

"In showcasing their talents and learning or adapting new ones, the 'All About the Arts'  program shows members how to open up, become more confident with their peers, and gives youth a platform where they can express themselves while working to develop their routines and stage presence," said program director Jacquline White.

Regular sessions--to be held at the Teen Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and at the Boys & Girls Club, 210 Jones Houston Way, on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., will include dance movements, step/drill team, role-play, and dramatization, along with photography, arts and crafts, singing, fashion, poetry and spoken word, and other arts activities.

The program offers mentors, equipment, space and fosters positive attitudes which are required when practicing and when preparing for dance and artistic performances, White said.

There is no charge to attend Thursday's introductory session, though donations will be accepted at the door.

Activities planned for the event include a performance by the Little Ones United Dancers, presented by 5- to 10-year-old B&G Club members, and a dance by the teen Action Words & Inspiration group. A photo corner, line dancing, and registration for the after-school program will also be part of the evening's activities, which run until 7 p.m.

While not strictly necessary, pre-registration is encouraged to attend.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Jacquline White at 610-253-1102 or at 610-253-5846.