City Leaf Collection Begins This Week

The City of Easton will begin leaf collection this week, beginning Monday, October 21, and continuing throughout the fall season.

There are three options for disposing of fallen leaves in the city:

• Leaves may be placed curbside for pickup according to the tentative schedule posted below. The public works department notes that this schedule may be altered due to unforeseen circumstances, including equipment malfunction, inclement weather, etc. The city will continue to collect leaves as far into the season as possible until its trucks must be changed over and prepared for snow removal.  Please note, the city’s machinery will be damaged by sticks, branches, grass clippings, and stones. Therefore, piles containing any of these materials will not be picked up.
• Leaf pick-up by appointment is available to all city residents. Leaves to be picked up by appointment must be collected in clear plastic bags. To arrange for pick-up, call 610-250-6680 or email publicworks@easton-pa.gov and leave an address where the leaves are to be picked-up by a city crew, with the goal of doing so within 72 hours of arrangements being made.
• Leaves may be dropped off at the city's recycling center at 500 Bushkill Drive on any Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Easton is also making clear plastic leaf bags available to city residents free of charge while supplies last. A limit of 5 bags per week per property may be picked up at the recycling center during the hours listed above or at City Hall, 1 South Third St., on the fourth floor from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This schedule is tentative and city crews may work in multiple wards on any given day, based on need, the Easton
Public Works Department noted.

More information can be obtained on the city's website at www.easton-pa.gov under the "Public Works" link or by calling the department directly at 610-250-6680.

Acclaimed Rare Books Scholar to Present Lecture at Lafayette

Michael Suarez
Contributed photo

Michael F. Suarez, S.J., director of the Rare Book School at the University of Virginia, will present a talk, “The Rare, The Medium-Rare, and The Well-Done: Thinking about Books, Microchips, and Libraries as the Skillman Turns 50” at 4:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Gendebien Room of Skillman Library at Lafayette College.

The event is free and open to the public.

Suarez is a distinguished scholar and speaker in the fields of book history, bibliography, and 18th century English literature and was co-editor of the Oxford Companion to the Book (2010), a million-word reference work on all aspects of book history from the invention of writing to e-books. It was chosen as a best book of the year by the Times Literary Supplement.

He is currently co-editor of the eight-volume Oxford University Press edition of The Collected Works of Gerard Manley Hopkins and serves as editor-in-chief of Oxford Scholarly Editions Online, one of the largest digital humanities projects extant today.

A Jesuit priest, Suarez has taught at Fordham University and Campion Hall, Oxford University. He holds four masters degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy in English from Oxford. In 2014-15, he will hold the J.R. Lyell Readership in Bibliography at Oxford University. A former Marshall Scholar, he has won awards for his poetry, as well as for bibliography and literary criticism.

The event is sponsored by the Schlueter Lecture Series with support from the Friends of Skillman Library, the Department of English, and the Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Studies Program at Lafayette. The 2013-14 academic year marks the 50th anniversary of expanded facilities at Skillman Library.

His talk is the 2013 Paul and June Schlueter Lecture in the Art of the Book. The Schlueter Lecture Series was established in 2007 by Drs. Paul and June Schlueter in support of Skillman Library’s Special Collections.

Click here to view a map of the Lafayette College campus.

Scene in Easton: Crowds Flock to See Budweiser Clydesdales in Easton

By Christina Georgiou

The Budweiser Clydesdales set out on Larry Holmes Drive after making a delivery at Champs Corner. The hitch stopped at a number of bars and restaurants in Easton Friday afternoon, drawing huge crowds everywhere they went.

Assistant Supervisor Eric Soto stands with the Clydesdale
team in the parking lot outside Champ's Corner before setting
off to deliver beer to a number of bars and restaurants in
Easton.

The iconic Budweiser Clydesdale team was met by a crowd comprised of several thousand people in Easton on Friday in the streets of Easton as they made symbolic deliveries of cases of Budweiser beer to a number of bars and restaurants in the city.

Averaging about 2,000 pounds apiece, the six-foot show horses seemed to attract and charm everyone everywhere they went in the city.

Pasquale Cesci, owner of Antonio's Pizza,
accompanied by family members,
receives his beer.

The tour kicked off at Larry Holmes' Champs Corner, along Larry Holmes Drive, heading south along the river to South Third Street, where the hitch stopped to deliver beer to Antonio's Pizza.

Then it was off to Lafayette Bar, followed by deliveries to Pearly Bakers, Mother's, Rivals, and Drinky's on Centre Square.

The eight-horse team then proceeded east on Northampton Street to the free bridge, where it turned left and headed up river to Frank and Dot's Beverages, where another case of Budweiser was dropped off at the distributorship, fittingly with the Budweiser logo that graces the building overhead.

Crowds flock to see the Budweiser Clydesdales Friday
afternoon along Spring Garden Street.

Then it was off to Colonial Pizza on Spring Garden Street, and up the steep slope to College Hill, where the draft horses and carriage made several more deliveries to businesses there.

Along the way, members of the crowd were seen happily taking photos of the equines, as well as posing in front of them. Handlers tended the horses at each stop, wiping their mouths and keeping the well-trained team calm, as well as cleaning up after them as necessary.

Mayor Sal Panto rode upon the carriage too, waving to the crowd, along with dalmatian mascot Brewer, while supervisor Dave Thomas and assistant supervisor Eric Soto drove the hitch.

"They're so gorgeous," was heard from people in the crowd commenting on the massive horses' appearance more than once, along with, "They're really, really pretty."

Mitch and Don led the team of eight Clydesdales through
the streets of Downtown Easton Friday afternoon.

While the Budweiser Clydesdale teams tour around the country regularly, that seeing them in person is a special, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event is clear.

"I haven't seen the Budweiser Clydesdales since I was 10 years old in Texas," remarked one woman who appeared to be well into middle age.

Though a team of eight of the horses pulls the delivery wagon, a total of 11 of the show animals travelled to the area for a week of events in the Lehigh Valley.

Each horse consumes about 50 pounds of hay and 10 pounds of oats per day, and drinks 30 gallons of water, Soto said.

Members of the equine team seen in Easton are all about 10 years old, he added.

The Budweiser Clydesdales, finished with Downtown deliveries, head west
on Spring Garden Street, set to hit College Hill next.

The Budweiser Clydesdales got their start in 1933 when August A. Busch, Jr. and Adolphus Busch III surprised their father, August A. Busch, Sr., with the gift of a six-horse Clydesdale hitch to commemorate the repeal of Prohibition, according to the Anheuser-Busch website. The hitch was increased to an eight-horse team shortly thereafter, and the dalmation mascot was added in 1950.

The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis, MO, Fort  Collins, CO, and Merrimack, NH, where the hitch seen in Easton is based.

A member of the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch
shows his personality by mugging for
the camera.

They also may be viewed at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo.

The Budweiser Clydesdales will again be doing deliveries to local bars and restaurants from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday in Allentown. The hitch will be in the Lehigh Valley through Tuesday, September 17.

Crowds wait for the Clydesdale hitch to arrive on Centre
Square Friday afternoon.

Noted Jazz Couple Plans Recording Studio for Former College Hill Church

By Christina Georgiou

Grammy-winning jazz drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, with his
wife Laura Kahle and twin daughters Isis and Jelena, plan to
become College Hill residents this fall. The couple will
occupy the rectory of the former St. Peter's Lutheran Church,
and use the church itself as a practice and recording studio.

A former College Hill church that has been a video and television studio for the past six years is set to become the practice and recording studio of noted jazz musicians Jeff "Tain" Watts and Laura Kahle this fall after Easton's zoning hearing board unanimously approved a variance for the use.

The city's planning commission similarly unanimously approved the plan last month.

The couple plan to live in the church rectory with their twin 2 1/2-year-old daughters, Isis and Jelena.

The 19,048-square-foot church, which has a sound-proofed studio in the basement, will primarily be used for daily personal practicing and small ensemble rehearsals a few times a week, Watts told zoning hearing board members. His 16-piece New York City-based big band may also rehearse in the space a couple of times per year.

"Some performances may be in the sanctuary, which isn't soundproofed, but the walls are three feet thick," Watts said. "The structure is appealing because of the high ceiling. That makes it ideal for acoustics."

Rudy Vegliante, of Green Leaf Productions, the property's current owner, said there have been no noise complaints during the years his company used the space for filming and theatrical performances, which included the coming and going of production companies and live performances with an audience. The church can comfortably hold 225 people, but Watts' proposed use will not include inviting the public, he said.

Both he and Watts noted that the musical use will undoubtedly be quieter than the activities of the former St. Peters Lutheran Church at the 225 Porter St. location.

"It's private as far as I'm concerned," Watts said of his future musical space.

A seven-time Grammy winner, the drummer said he's particularly sensitive about being heard when he's practicing.

"I'm self-conscious about disturbing people," he told the zoning hearing board. "you're working on stuff you don't do so well. And, it's repetitive...I don't dig putting that on other people."

He's looking forward to the move to Easton from Brooklyn, he said.

"It's going to be a luxury or me to have access to a studio anytime I want," he said. "The priority is to have everything in one place, in a cool neighborhood for my family."

The new use as a music recording studio is very similar in use to the current use for video production, both Watts and Vegliante said, and neighbors are unlikely to even notice the change.

The former St. Peter's Lutheran Church at 225 Porter St.,
currently the video production studio of Green Leaf
Productions, is set to become the practice and recording
studio of noted jazz drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts.
Real estate listing photo

"I'm 53 years old," Watts said. "There are not going to be any slam dance parties. It's mostly going to be jazz and classical."

The property is fairly perfect as it is, too, he said.

"It won't need much," he said, adding that he will be bringing his own instruments and adding some recording equipment, but otherwise, he has no plans to alter anything.

Watts and Kahle, who plays the pocket trumpet and has recording credits to her name as well, will move to Easton in late September or early October, they estimated.

"We're looking forward to it," Kahle said.

Five Arrested in Four Simultaneous Drug Raids

Five people were arrested early Friday morning after police raided three locations around the City of Easton and one on the edge of Wilson Borough, the Easton Police Department reports.

The Easton Police Vice and Special Response units and the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team, along with the PSP Clandestine Laboratory Team, executed four narcotics search warrants at approximately 6 a.m. at a first-floor apartment at 1332 Lehigh St., a second-floor apartment at 1521 Liberty St., at 55 South Fifth St. Apt. 5, and at 520 Monroe St., authorities said in a media release.

Methamphetamine labs were discovered at the Lehigh Street and Monroe Street homes, and the Clandestine Laboratory Team took lab materials into custody due to hazards related to storing the ingredients and equipment, the EPD said.

A stolen motercycle was also discoved at the Monroe Street location, and the Lehigh Valley Auto Theft Task Force is assisting in the investigated regarding the vehicle.

Police said three people were arrested at the Lehigh Street address:

• Gary Everitt, 42, who lives at the apartment
• Danielle Everitt, 36, who also lives at the apartment
• Steven Kaiser, 45, who is reported as homeless

All three will face charges relating to possession and the manufacture of methamphetamine, police said. Additionally, Gary Everitt is expected to face charges related to the stolen motorcycle and stolen motorcycle parts.

Two people were also arrested at the South Fifth Street apartment, where two handguns were found, police report.

Steven Brown, no age given, and Connie Roskilly, 48, were both taken into custody and will face charges via a summons for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The South Fifth Street residence was targeted by EPD detectives in the hopes of gaining evidence and/or information related to the shooting at South Seventh and Ferry streets that occurred on Thursday, July 25, police said, adding that the investigation into the handguns found and the shooting are ongoing. 

The Easton Police Special Response Unit executed the search warrants at the Lehigh Street and Liberty Street addresses, while the  Pennsylvania State Police team executed the search warrants at the South Fifth and Monroe Street locations.

The Wilson Police Department assisted with the 1521 Liberty St. search. Police did not say if evidence of any illegal activities was found at that location.

No one was reported to have been arrested at 520 Monroe Street. The property houses a small warehouse building.

Easton Planning Commission Supports Extension of Arts Trail

By Christina Georgiou


The yellow line represents the planned extension of the Karl Stirner
Arts Trail through College Hill in Easton.


Extending the Karl Stirner Arts Trail through Easton's College Hill neighborhood got one step closer to becoming a reality Thursday evening with a resolution by the city's planning commission to add the planned walking trail extension to the city's new comprehensive plan.

While the move is the first step toward extending the trail, it will take at least another couple of years to execute, said city planning director Becky Bradley.

The new city comprehensive plan won't be complete until 2014, but the trail plan needs to be on it for further approvals from other agencies for the extension to happen, she said.

"We need to have it on the plan so they can even get started," Bradley told the planning commission.

Other hurdles, such as approvals from PennDOT for places where the trail intersects or runs with state roads, as well as finding funding for construction and trail markers, will also need to be overcome for the extension to become a reality, too.

But the planning commission's approval means fundraising and further planning for the effort can begin, she said.

"We shouldn't focus on the money. This is about the plan," Bradley told commissioners. "You set your goals and then pursue funds."


An approximation of what thenew fountain will look like
when placed in Nevin Park, from the presentation project
coordinator Hubert Etchison gave to the Easton
Planning Commission Thursday evening.

The extension of the trail is part of the College Hill Neighborhood Association's plan to revitalize Nevin Park and replace the cast iron fountain that once graced the recreational area.

Volunteer project coordinator Hubert Etchison recently outlined the plan for both the fountain replacement and the group's hopes to extend the pedestrian trail to city council, and the project was promised financial support from the city after it was announced that the committee working on the years-long project had reached a significant fundraising goal, enabling it to be able to commit to purchasing a stylistically appropriate replacement cast-iron fountain.

The fountain will likely be installed in Nevin Park within a year, those connected with the project have estimated, but making the trail extension a reality will take much longer.

"There are massive permitting hurdles to make this happen," Bradley said. "But that's part of the job--what are the hurdles and how do we make it happen."

The trail extension is designed to connect walkers with a more sylvan connection with the rest of the city, as well as highlight Nevin Park and local history, Etchison said.

While the second segment of the project will take much more time--as well as money--to complete, the citizen's group is committed to making it a reality.

"We're not going to finish this fountain and then set up a hammock," he told the planning commission. "We're pretty pumped...We're trying to go beyond 'this is going to be a really cool fountain.' There are some really great opportunities to dial it up from that."

Trail markers highlighting area history, along with a narration of events and places that will be accessible via a smartphone, likely to be completed by local students and non-profit organizations, are to be incorporated into the path, Etchison said.

A full estimate of what adding the trail will cost is not yet complete, but the money to complete the project is expected to come from various state and federal grant sources, both Etchison and city officials have said.

"The historic significance of the things along the (Route) 611 part of this are amazing, and we haven't even started on the Cattell Street side of this," Etchison said.

The trail extension will connect with the existing Karl Stirner Arts Trail at the base of College Hill on North Third Street and form a loop, which would give walkers two ways to scale the steep slope--one directly up the hill, and the other, a longer route that is less strenous that veers toward the river. The trail would incorporated Nevin Park in the middle.

Whether the trail extension will still be named "Karl Stirner" is uncertain though, as Bradley and Etchison said it would be advantageous for fundraising purposes to leave naming possibilities undetermined for now.

"It could be 'give us the money guy' trail," Bradley said.

But whatever it's ultimately named, the plan will further enhance the city, she said.

"I think it's completely sound and smart and reasonable, what they're trying to do," Bradley said. "It's wonderful to have community members to come to the city with ideas of what they want."

The planning commission voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

"I don't think there's any question but that we support it," said Easton Planning Commission Chairman Charles Elliot.

City of Easton Honors Outgoing Lafayette College President

By Christina Georgiou

About 40 city and college officials, joined by a few members of the community, gathered at the Grand Eastonian's Gold Room Tuesday evening to honor outgoing Lafayette College president Daniel Weiss.

Weiss, who has led the College Hill academic institution for the past eight years, is credited with leading a push to establish a closer relationship between the Lafayette College and Easton communities.

Outgoing Lafayette College
president Daniel Weiss
watches the presentation
by the City of Easton
to honor him Monday
evening.

Both current Easton mayor Sal Panto and former Mayor Phil Mitman were on hand for the event, and thanked Weiss for the college's support of local initiatives, such as the Third Street improvement project and development of the Silk Mill rehabilitation project along North 13th Street, as well as the institution's backing of the Easton Ambassadors.

Mitman said he clearly remembered when Weiss came to the city eight years ago, and suggested the Ambassadors program be started.

"It's an expensive program, but it's worth it," Mitman recalled Weiss saying.

"Your investment in the community is important, and we trust your successor will do the same," Mitman told Weiss.


Outgoing Lafayette College president Daniel Weiss watches
as a print of a painting depicting Easton's Centre Square
by local artist Preston Hindmarch is unveiled.

"The freshman handbook used to say, 'Do not go to Downtown Easton,'" Panto said. "We've come a long way since then. And it's not because Easton is a great city, but because Lafayette is a great college."

Panto also said he has faith the college will continue to cooperate with the city in community initiatives, but that he will miss Weiss.

"I know the trustees will continue the town-gown relationship, but I don't think your successsor will be able to fill your shoes," he said. "You're a true personality."

The mayor also issued a proclamation, naming Monday, May 20, 2013 "Daniel Weiss Day" in honor of the college president.

"I give a lot of proclamations, but I've only given this one seven times," Panto said of the naming of a day in honor of a specific person.

Weiss was also presented with a print of a watercolor painting by Easton artist Preston Hindmarch, which depicts Easton's Centre Square.

Weiss said he'll miss Easton and has immensely enjoyed the eight years he and his family spent in the city.

"I can't describe how much a part of Easton my family has felt," he said. "We were moved by this community right from the start. Partnering with the city was an obvious move from the start. I've worked with two mayors that were committed to the city and its wellbeing."

Weiss noted Lafayette College's long history, which spans nearly 200 years, and said the college plans to continue its academic tradition for "hundreds more". Working with the city should be part of the future too, he said.

"I don't think this is about a destination, but a journey we should travel together," Weiss said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate your appreciation and support."

Weiss will step down as Lafayette College president after eight years of leadership with the end of this academic year. He is scheduled to take the reins of the presidency of Haverford College beginning July 1.



Alison Byerly
Photo courtesy of
Lafayette College

Alison Byerly will replace Weiss at Lafayette College, becoming the higher learning institution's 17th president and the first woman to lead the college.



Byerly comes to Lafayette from Middlebury College, where she's served in leadership roles  for the past 13 years, most recently as provost and executive vice president. She is credited in a media release issued by Lafayette as a "thought leader" on the role of technology in higher education, and has been a  visiting scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Oxford University.

Byerly is set to take office at Lafayette on July 1.

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.



Easton City Council to Consider Legalizing Backyard Chickens

By Christina Georgiou



College Hill resident Annie Porter addresses Easton City
Council Wedenesday evening to request an ordinance
change to allow the keeping of up to six chicken hens
by city residents for personal use.

 At the request of a College Hill resident and her family Wednesday evening, Easton officials will consider the possibility of legalizing the keeping of chickens within city limits.

Annie Porter, who lives with her husband and daughter on Pennsylvania Avenue, suggested city ordinances be changed to allow small, penned flocks of no more than six chickens--hens only--to be kept by residents for their non-commercial, personal use.

"A small flock of hens can keep a family in eggs indefinitely," she said, citing the educational and sustainability value of the practice.

Porter, whose family already keeps bees, said if allowed, she has no plans to eat the chickens.

"They'd be more like pets," she said. "We just want fresh eggs."

City health ordinances and laws pertaining to the keeping of caged animals and their welfare are quite specific, Porter noted. She said she thinks changing the law to allow chickens would be relatively easy, since there are already numerous rules in place that would regulate the practice and keep neighbors from being disturbed. High standards would ensure the birds would be healthy and disease-free, she added.

"They'd have to be penned, or they'd be eaten by hawks and such," noted Porter's husband, Sam Cousins.

"I hope the city council will consider making a change to the ordinance," Porter said.

Mayor Sal Panto said the matter will be discussed and looked into by the city council's health and planning committees, probably next month.

If they find the idea is sound, a change to the ordinance could happen in the next few months, he said.

The keeping of chickens in Easton's city backyards has a long history, and was only outlawed about five years ago, after a few residents neighboring another College Hill property that kept both hens and a rooster complained about the noise generated by the male chicken.

Community Sales Abound in Easton Next Weekend

Three out of four of Easton's neighborhoods are planning community-wide sale events for next Saturday, May 11.

The annual College Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale, hosted by the College Hill Neighborhood Association, is the most established of the bunch, offering the opportunity for residents to clean out and make a little cash too from their no-longer needed goods.

The sale is enhanced by a map of participants, which shoppers can pick up in front of the Lafayette Inn, 525 West Monroe St. or from various participating College Hill merchants. The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Residents that haven't yet signed up still have the opportunity to do so until next Tuesday, May 7. It costs $10 to get in on the action, and the fee covers inclusion on both a printed version and electronic version of the map.

To register and get on the map for the annual College Hill Neighborhood Yard Sale, click here or here.

Those wishing to register in person may drop cash, check or a money order off at The Lafayette in by Tuesday during business hours.

In Easton's Downtown, a sidewalk sale, open to all neighborhood merchants and residents, is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The sale is intended to bring Downtown residents and merchants together, as well as attract attention to the neighborhood, said co-organizer Jamie Leisy, of Forgotten Treasure Chest, 245 Northampton St.

"We want to get the word out. It's open to residents too," Leisy said at a recent Easton Business Association mixer. "The more the merrier."

Those wishing to participate my just do so on that day, but to officially get in on the action, contact Forgotten Treasure Chest at 610-829-1077 or stop by the shop during business hours.

In case of rain, the Downtown Easton Sidewalk Sale will be held a week later, on Saturday, May 18.

In South Side, the South Side Civic Association is having a yard sale from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, 902 Philadelphia Road.

The sale is open to both neighborhood residents and those who live elsewhere. There is a fee of $5 for South Side residents. The cost is $10 for those outside the South Side neighborhood.  To reserve a spot, call 610-253-5512.

The rain date is noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.

College Hill House Burglarized While Men Distract Residents

An elderly College Hill couple's house was burglarized Friday afternoon, after two men kept the residents occupied on false pretences, Easton Police report.

On April 19, at approximately 2 p.m., the two residents were outside when they were approached by the men, who posed as contractors and/or Verizon employees, police said.

One man reportedly told the female resident that the pair was there to repair a neighbor's fence, while the other man told the woman's husband that they were Verizon employees replacing telephone poles in the neighborhood.

While speaking with the husband, the second man was reportedly talking on his cell phone  with a third man, who he called "Billy".

At some point while the couple was occupied speaking with the two men, their house in the 600 block of Reeder Street was burgled, police said.

Cash and coins were reportedly among the items taken.

The first man was described to police as a middle-aged white male, about 5-feet-7-inches tall, about 190 pounds, with short brown hair. He was wearing khaki pants and bluish
short-sleeved shirt.

One witness added that he had “a big smile and all of his teeth”

The second man was described as amiddle-aged white or Hispanic male, about 5-feet-9-inches tall, about 160 pounds, with short dark hair and dark eyes. He was  wearing blue jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. Additionally, he was reported to have "a wrap" around his right hand.

"The public should be cognizant of this incident in the event a similar ploy is tried on anybody else in the future," EPD warned in a media release.

Anyone with any information about this incident or similar ones is asked to contact Detective Christopher Miller of the Easton Police Department at 610-250-6656 or the Easton police tipline 610-250-6635.

More 4G Service Coming to Downtown Easton

By Christina Georgiou

Add Cingular to the growing list of cellular carriers that are upgrading service in the area to offer faster data speeds and accomodate smartphone users.

Representatives for the company came before Easton's Historic District Commission Monday evening, which granted a request to replace three antennas and add three more to the cell phone company's array atop the Alpha Building.

The additions, bringing Cingular's total to 12 in a veritable forest of transmission antennas that populate the roof of Easton's tallest building, will mean AT&T  wireless customers can expect 4G and 4G LTE speeds to be available in the city in about three months, said representing attorney Catherine Durso of Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba.

However, those in the College Hill section of the city will still have to wait a bit longer for the faster service, Durso said in answer to questions about the reach of the upgrade by Historic District Commissioner Clay Mitman.

The College Hill section is notorious for spotty cell phone signals, and upgraded speeds are lacking for most carriers on the hill.

Durso said the topography of the area, in addition to Lafayette College, one of the few commercial building owners with the right elevation, being resistant to placing cellular antennas on its buildings, poses challenges to service providers. Currently, cell phone companies use a variety of methods to service the area, she added.

"We're looking to provide better coverage there in the future," she said.

The new antennas on the Alpha Building won't be visibly different from those that are already there to anyone looking at the building from ground level, HDC members noted.

A number of cell phone companies pay rent to the City of Easton to place their transmission antennas on the Alpha Building's roof, including Sprint, which similarly announced intentions to upgrade their local service to 4g LTE last month.

City of Easton Declares Snow Emergency

The City of Easton has declared a snow emergency in advance of what is expected to be a heavy snowfall later today into tomorrow.

From this evening Friday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. through tomorrow afternoon, on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m.,  vehicles parked along any "Snow Emergency Routes" in the city must be moved and may not return until the emergency is lifted.

Residents living along Snow Emergency Routes are permitted to park in the South Third Street Parking Garage beginning this evening at 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, without charge during the course of the emergency.

Snow emergency garage patrons are required to have their vehicles removed by 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 to avoid being charged for parking.

Fourth Candidate Announces Run for District Court Judge

By Christina Georgiou

Tim Prendergast

Local lawyer Tim Prendergast announced today that he intends to run for the district magistrate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Judge Gay Elwell.

With a law practice in the West Ward, Prendergast said he has extensive experience arguing a wide variety of cases in district court, as well as serving as a part-time public defender.

"It is this practical experience and knowledge and skill set that I would offer the citizens of this District, along with my love of this city and its residents and a commitment to my profession," Prendergast said.

Prendergast also cited his family's deep roots in the city, that his father and grandfather were Lafayette College graduates, and a family history of community service in a variety of roles.

"It is this commitment to serve this community that I now seek to emulate in seeking this position, and I believe that I not only have the legal knowledge necessary to perform the duties of magistrate, but the temperament, energy, compassion and commitment that this particular district requires," Prendergast said.

"This district will be best served by an experienced attorney, versed in criminal and civil procedure and the rules of evidence and capable of making the fair and appropriate decisions from day one," he added.

Prendergast said he will be knocking on doors and meeting with local residents in the coming months, asking for their votes.

Prendergast is the fourth to announce his intention to run for magistrate of district court 03-2-05, which covers the Downtown, College Hill and part of the West Ward neighborhoods in the City of Easton.

Others that have announced they will vie for the position are Easton codes enforcement officer Sharbel Koorie, Downtown attorney Antonia Grifo, and Northampton County Constable Lance Wheeler.

It is rumored that Easton City Controller Tony Bassil is also intending to run, but he has not yet made an official announcement.

It is still possible that Governor Tom Corbett might appoint someone to fill the vacant position, but this is seeming more and more unlikely as time passes. It is expected that the declared candidates will all crossfile and run in the primary election in the spring, with the final winner to be decided in the November election.

Neighborhood Association to Hold Holiday Party on Saturday

The College Hill Neighborhood Association (CHNA) will hold its fourth annual holiday party from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, January 5.

The party is planned to be significantly larger than those of prior years and will feature music, wine and cheese, and raffle prizes, according to the announcement on the CHNA website.

"We're delighted to be a vehicle through which the community of Easton as a whole can come together to celebrate the holiday spirit," said CHNA president Phillip Hart in the announcement, adding that it's a good opportunity to meet neighbors and make new friends, as well as possibly join the CHNA.

The event is set to take place at the Young Republicans Social Club, 622 North Delaware Drive (Route 611). All residents of the City of Easton are invited.

All who attend are kindly asked to bring a favorite snack or holiday dessert to share at the party.

Sharbel Koorie Announces Run for District Justice

Lifelong Easton resident Sharbel Koorie has announced his intention to run for magistrate of District Court 03-2-05, which was left vacant by the sudden passing of District Justice Gay Elwell earlier this month on Dec. 3.

At a press conference held at his home on South Ninth Street, accompanied by his wife and four children  along with four generations of his family, the Easton native said living in the West Ward and his day-to-day experience with residents and business owners gives him a clear perspective of the issues that face the city.

Currently, Koorie is employed as a city code inspector. He also operates a disc jockey business, is  landlord for a number of properties on the block on which he lives and is in the process of converting the former Northampton Glass building into a restaurant.

“This job requires a person who is able to understand the issues before them and make judgments based on the facts presented in each case,” he said. "“I’ve lived it here. Our neighborhoods have had murders, shootings, accidents involving loss of life, thefts, fires, vandalism, graffiti, domestic violence, carjacking, and the list goes on. Growing up in this type of neighborhood, you really learn to understand how things work and why."

Koorie said that he plans to be knocking on doors and meeting with constituents to ask for their vote.

“We need someone who will understand the issues and are able to read the people before them to make the right decisions when needed. I’m the person who has that unique insight of the issues that come before a district judge,” Koorie added.

District Court 03-2-05 covers Wards 1 through 6 in the City of Easton, which includes the Downtown district, as well as College Hill and a portion of the West Ward.

The court is currently being covered by retired local district judges.

While it's still possible, it seems unlikely that Governor Tom Corbett will appoint someone to fill Elwell's vacant district.

Koorie, along with any others that may vie for the magistrate position, will first go through the primary election on Tuesday, May 21. While judges are technically non-partisan, this step will whittle the possibilities down. Those who win in the primary will go on to the general election in November, and a new magistrate is likely to be sworn in in January 2014.

Updated at 11:24 a.m. to correct election details and at 11:50 a.m. to add photo.

City, State Make Some Progress in Clearing Roads

The damage left in the wake of "superstorm Sandy is extensive. While crews have been working diligently to clear downed trees and power lines, there are still many roads that are unpassable.

One issue that is slowing the process is wires caught in downed trees. In these cases, for the sake of safety, utility crews must be on the scene before highway workers can begin to clear them.

Obviously, because the storm's damage is so widespread, this is taking some time.

Here are updated lists of roads that are closed in both the City of Easton and PennDOT-serviced roads in the Easton area. We will update both as we have more information, so be sure to stop back for the latest.

Closed Streets in the City of Easton

Some or most of the streets in the City of Easton listed below as being closed are probably now open as of noon on Monday, Nov. 4, but the city has yet to release an updated list. More as we have it.

Downtown

• Washington St between S. 5th St. and S. Union St.
• S. Delaware Dr. between Third and Nesquehoning streets
• N. Delaware Dr. between Bushkill Street and Park Avenue

Downtown update, 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1: Most of Downtown never lost power, but the residents of Rosewood Court, the Harlan and Walter houses and the Northampton County Courthouse complex do not have power.

A snapped pole on Washington Street is to blame, said Mayor Sal Panto, adding that when that is fixed, electricity will be restored.

The city has not yet gotten an estimate of when that will happen; however, MetEd has repeatedly stated that the City of Easton should be mostly restored by the weekend, with the remainder of customers getting power back by Monday, Nov. 5.

The Harlan and Walter houses are currently running back-up generators to provide some heat to the residents. The Northampton County Courthouse remains closed, but tonight's county council meeting will still take place.

West Ward

• Maple Street between Washington and Lehigh Street
• Elder Street between Vine and Wood Avenue
• 9th & Jackson St. - Intersection
• N 14th St. between Northampton and Liberty Street

Southside

• St. Joseph St between Folk and Charles St.
• Folk Street between Nesquehoning and Cooper Street
• W. Kleinhans St. between Folk and St. John St.
• Williams St. between Philadelphia Rd. and Seitz St.
• Wilkes-Barre Street between Valley and Center Street

Southside update, 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1: Most of these streets have been cleared or will be by tonight, but there is not yet an official list.

A MetEd crew working on Folk Street between Nesquehoning and Cooper streets indicated they may have that problem solved by about 7 p.m. this evening. If they are successful, about 900 more Southside residents will see their power restored this evening.

According to Mayor Sal Panto, that will mean the majority of Southside will again have power.

Panto's own residence is currently dark too, he mentioned, but he's not sure his house will be included in tonight's hoped-for restoration of service.

College Hill

• Lafayette St. between Coleman and Hamilton St.
• McCartney St. between Pierce and Burke St.
• Pierce St between Reeder and Brodhead St.
• Burke St. between Reeder and Brodhead St.
• Taylor Ave. between Park and Mixsell St.
• College Ave. between McCartney St. and Clinton Terr.
• Cattell St. between Clinton Terr. And College Ave.
• Clinton Terr. Between Reeder and Porter Street
• Parsons Street between Reeder and Porter Street
• Brodhead Street between Burke and Pierce
• Pierce between Paxinosa and Brodhead Street
• Lafayette Street from Mixsell to Lafayette Street
• North of Lafayette Street is generally impassable
• Lafayette Street from Park to Rte 611

College Hill update, 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1: Most of these streets have been cleared, but there is not yet an official list. Lafayette Street west of Hamilton was still closed and impassable late afternoon, and some streets near the EFD substation were also not quite finished, though one public works crew member said he thought they might be done by later today.

For those that do not yet have power on College Hill, it may still be another day or two; city officials said that most downed trees had entangled wires and that finally getting the trees cleared required MetEd assistance.

Now that is accomplished, the majority of the remaining work is utility-related, which should begin to happen on Friday, they added.

Closed PennDOT Roads in Northampton County

• Durham Road between County Line Road and Stouts Valley Road in Williams Township is closed due to a downed tree in wires; Now open

• Hexenkopf Road between Buttermilk and Morgan Hill roads in Williams Township is closed due to a downed tree in utility wires;

• Raubsville Road between Kressman Road and Royal Manor Road in Williams Township is closed due to downed utilities;

• Jacobsburg Road between Belfast Road and Sexton Road in Bushkill Township is closed due to downed utility wires; Now open

• Jacobsburg Road between Henry and Belfast roads in Bushkill Township is close due to a downed tree in utility wires;

• Cherryville Road between Thirty Second Street and Springhill Road in Allen Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• PA 987 between Monocacy Avenue in Chapman Borough and Valley View Drive in Moore Township is closed due to a downed utility;
• Moser Road between Scenic Drive and Delps Road in Moore Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• PA 611 between Browns Drive in Williams Township and Cedarville Road in the City of Easton is closed due to a(nother) downed trees and utility; Now open

• PA 611 between Washington Street and Smith Avenue in Easton City is closed due to a downed tree; Now open

• PA 611 between Royal Manor Road and Mill Street in Williams Township is closed due to downed tree in utility wires; Now open

• PA 611 between Taylor Avenue in the City of Easton and Frost Hollow Road in Forks Township is closed due to downed trees and utility wires; Now open

• Island Park Road between Berger Hill Road in Glendon Borough and Tumble Creek Road in Williams Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• Stones Crossing Road between Nicholas Street and William Penn Highway in Palmer Township due to a downed utility; Now open

• Morgan Hill Road between Morvale Road and Cedarville Road in Williams Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• Tatamy/Uhler Road between Short Road in Forks Township and Richmond Aston Road in Lower Mount Bethel Township is closed due to downed trees in utility lines; Now open

• PA 611 between Stone Church Drive and Evergreen Road in Upper Mount Bethel Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• Cider Press/Tumble Creek Road between Gaffney Hill and Texas roads in Williams Township is closed due to a downed utility  Reported cleared and now open.

• Freemansburg Avenue between Dunkle and Leeman streets in Palmer Township is restricted due to a downed tree and utility;

• High Street between Broad and Main streets in Nazareth Borough is closed due to a downed tree in wires. Now open

• Greenpond Road between Bethman Road in Bethlehem Township and Northampton Street in Palmer Township is closed due to a downed tree in utility wires;

• Newburg Road/Main Street between Northwood Avenue and Fischer Road in Lower Nazareth Township is closed due to downed utility wires in trees;

• PA 191 between Lake Minsi Drive and Fox Gap Road in Upper Mount Bethel Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• PA 191 between Kesslerville and Pen Argyl roads in Plainfiled Township is closed due to a downed utility;
Now open

• PA 248 between Creek Road in Lehigh Township and Cottonwood Road in Moore Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• South Main Street between True Blue and Flicksville roads in Washington Township is closed due to a downed tree and utility; Now open

• Flint Hill Road between Waldheim Road and the Bucks County Line in Lower Saucon Township is closed due to a downed tree; Now open

• Seidersville Road between the Lehigh County Line and PA 378 in Lower Saucon Township is closed due to downed utility lines; Now open

• Seidersville/Hickory Hill Road between PA 378 and Bingen Road in Lower Saucon Township is closed due to downed utility lines;

• Center Street between Dewberry Avenue and Macada Road in the City of Bethlehem is closed due to a downed utility line;

• Main Street between Poplar and Broad streets in Bath Borough is closed due to downed utility wires. Now open

• Yost Road between Delaware Avenue in Chapman Borough and English Road in Moore Township is closed due to a downed utility; Now open

• Bushkill Drive between Church and West End roads in Moore Township is closed due to a downed tree in utility wires;

• Walnut Drive between Lehigh Drive and Elm Road in Lehigh Township is closed due to a downed tree in wires; Now open

• Kreidersville Road/Main Street/Walnut Drive between Lehigh Drive and Elm Road/Walnut Drive in Lehigh Township is closed due to downed utility wires in trees

Last updated on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 2:21 p.m.
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