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

Community Involvement Key to Safer Neighborhoods, Police Say

By Christina Georgiou

Lt. John Remaley, of the Easton Police Department, told
attendees at the city's quarterly Block Watch meeting
Wednesday evening that reporting suspicious activity
to authorities helps make neighborhoods safer.

Residents that see something amiss or that witness suspicious activity need to report incidents--even small ones--to authorities so they can better serve the community, police said  Wednesday evening.

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo and Lieutenant John Remaley, who heads the EPD's Problem Oriented Policing program, addressed a group of about 30 people from several city neighborhoods that gathered at the Nurture Nature Center to attend the Easton Block Watch's quarterly meeting.

Scalzo said the number and scope of recent drug raids, including some that shut down makeshift labs manufacturing methamphetamines, have put a dent in local illegal drug dealing, and the department will continue to put pressure on dealers and users.

But there are only 62 officers to the nearly 27,000 city residents, and to do the best job, police need community assistance and cooperation, Remaley said.

"You're our eyes and ears," he said. "The more you get involved in your neighborhood, the safer it will be for you."

Remaley praised the work of various local community organizations, such as Weed and Seed, the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership, the College Hill Neighborhood Association, and others, noting that while they are all separate groups, "you all have the same goals."

He said the various groups should work together and with police to continue to improve quality of life in Easton's neighborhoods.

"Pooling our resources, sharing information is a great way of working," Remaley said.

But private citizens should also be involved in helping to keep their blocks and neighborhood safe too.

"Chances are, if something raises the hackles on your neck, something's wrong," he said. "If you sense something's wrong, let us know about it, and we'll check it out."

The combination of vigilant residents and strong neighborhood organizations can improve the quality of life and increase safety, Remaley said.

"Let's pull all the resources into one barrel and make it a better barrel," he concluded.

While the meeting was less than a week following the homicide death of a woman found shot to death in a pickup truck in the city's West Ward neighborhood, police did not specifically address that or other recent violent incidents at the meeting, and authorities have not issued any further information since the murder that happened this past Sunday.

When asked about it after the meeting's conclusion, Scalzo declined to offer more details, saying that the investigation is still in a "delicate" stage, and that detectives are working diligently on the case, but to release more at this point could jeopardize the investigation.

Scalzo added that he expects more information about the homicide will be released"in the next few days."

This Week in Easton, September 23 to 26

Need a little culture in your life? This is a very good week to make it happen...

Monday, September 23

Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority Meeting: 5:30 p.m. County Council Meeting Room, third floor, Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington St.

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.

Wilson Area School Board Excellence in Education Committee meeting: 6:15 p.m. William P. Tollinger Administration Building, 2040 Washington Blvd., Wilson Borough.

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

Forks Township Historical Society Meeting: 7 p.m. Easy parking and handicap accessible. Enter via Sullivan Trail or Zucksville Road. All welcome. Faith Lutheran Church, 2012 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township. For more information contact Karl Miller at 610-253-1035.

Film Screening - "Shun Li and the Poet": 7 p.m. Shun Li works in a textile factory near Rome, slowly paying off the broker that brought her from China to Italy, while saving money so she can bring her young son to join her. She is suddenly transferred to work as a bartender at a pub in a small town along the Venetian Lagoon. There she meets a local fisherman, Bepi; a handsome old Slav immigrant nicknamed "The Poet." Their tender, delicate friendship grows, but gossip soon threatens their innocent relationship. 2011, Italian & Mandarin with English subtitles, 100 min. Not rated. Free. Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St. 610-258-2917 or www.eastonpl.org

"From Flapping Birds to Space Telescopes - The Mathematics of Origami": 7:30 p.m. Robert Lang, the world's foremost paper-folding artist, who also happens to be a physicist, will lead the presentation, part of Lafayette College's "Crease Fold and Bend" origami exhibition, a collection of sculptures that blend math and science. Free. Williams Center for the Arts theater, 317 Hamilton St. 610-330-5361

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

Tuesday, September 24

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

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

Palmer Adult Book Group: 6 to 7:30 p.m. This month's book is "Turn of Mind" by Alice LaPlante. Informal discussion, open to the public. New members welcome. Palmer Branch of the Easton Public  Library at the Municipal Complex, 1 Weller Place (off of Newburg Road), Palmer Township. Click here for more information.

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.

Forks Township Planning Commission workshop: 7 p.m. Forks Township Municipal Complex, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.

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

Trivia Night: 7 to 10 p.m. Hosted by comedienne Liz Russo. The Easton Fire Department will be guest bar tending from 5 to 7 p.m. too! Rivals, 5 Lehn's Court. 610-392-2932 or www.rivalseaston.com

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

Wednesday, September 25

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

Weyerbacher Wednesday: 4 to 9 p.m. This is the last week of the year for Easton Farmers' Market's new weekday evening market. Twenty producer-only vendors offer fresh locally grown produce, herb, flowers, raw milk, cheese and yogurt, pasture-raised meat and eggs, artisan breads and baked goods, prepared foods, and vegan specialties. www.eastonfarmersmarket.org or click here for more information.

FAM(iliarity) Tour: 5:30 p.m. This Downtown walking tour will point out unique historical points, new businesses and upcoming downtown & residential developments, promoting the economic development the city has seen in the recent years and the walkability of the downtown district. The tour takes about 45 minutes. Free. Starts from the Weyerbacher sampling tent (samples included!) on the south side of Centre Square. www.EastonMainStreet.org

Easton City Council meeting: 6 p.m. Please note the change in location for this meeting! St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 600 West Berwick St.

Easton Block Watch Association Quarterly Meeting: Sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7 p.m. Scheduled speakers include Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo and Nurture Nature Center Director Rachel Hogan. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. Click here for more information.

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

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

Non-fiction Book Group meeting: 7 p.m. This month's book is "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. By delving into introspection, Cain helps introverts and extroverts understand each other better. New members are welcome. Group meets on the last Wednesday of the month. Easton Public Library, 515 Church St. Call 610-258-2917 ext 393 or email maryannh@eastonpl.org for more info.

Local Authors Night: 7 p.m. Celebrate the wealth of local talent here in the greater Lehigh Valley area. 50 authors of all genres will be here to read from and sign their books. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to interact with your favorite writers and discover new ones. Barnes & Noble, Southmont Center, 4445 Southmont Way, Bethlehem Township. 610-515-0376

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

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

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

Sound Prints: 8 p.m. Grammy-winning saxophonist and composer Joe Lovano and two-time Grammy nominated trumpeter Dave Douglas. Tickets are $20 per person. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 317 Hamilton St.  610-330-5000 or williamscenter.lafayette.edu

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

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

Thursday, September 26

AAUW Book Sale: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Includes books, DVDs, CDs and tapes.  Sale runs through Sept. 28--today is half-price day and bag days are Sept. 27 and 28. Eddyside Poolhouse, Route 611 North and East Lafayette Street. Click here for more details.


Open House & Info Session: 3 to 9 p.m. During this Boys & Girls Club of Easton open house, an information session will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss the upcoming Phillipsburg/Easton Halloween Parade scheduled for Sunday, October 27--input will be taken regarding ideas for this event. The open house event will offer pre-registration for the upcoming 2013-2014 Citywide Basketball Program, after school tutoring and homework help, and tours of the club’s facilities. Boys & Girls Club of Easton, 210 Jones Houston Way. 610-253-5846 or email stars@fast.net for more information.

Artist Talk - Matthew Christopher on "Abandoned America": 6 to 8 p.m. A journey through the artist’s photographs and experiences in abandoned buildings over the past decade, this lecture examines the dangers and rewards of exploration, successes and failures in preservation and restoration and what they mean to the community are explored. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. 610-253-4432 or www.nurturenaturecenter.org


Author Talk with Wallace Stroby: 7 p.m. Author and crime novelist Wallace Stroby will discuss his book, "Kings of Midnight." Question and answer session, book sale and book signing too. Free. Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St. 610-258-2917 or www.eastonpl.org

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

Karaoke and PBR Retro Thursday: Karaoke is 8 to midnight. PBRs are $1 all night. Smoke free from 8 to 11 p.m. La Pazza Bar, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

YanCarlos Sanchez: 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

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

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

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

Last updated on Tuesday, September 24 at 12:39 p.m.

Neighbors Get Together for National Night Out

By Christina Georgiou

Judy and Michael Turlington grill hot dogs on the 1000
block of Ferry Street.

Block party-goers on the 1200 block of Spring Garden
Street pose for a group photo.

There were at least eight block parties in the City of Easton Tuesday evening to celebrate the 30th Annual National Night Out, five of which were in the West Ward neighborhood of the city.

Neighbors took advantage of streets that were closed, barbequing and sharing food, fun, games, and just generally enjoying the opportunity to get together.

Of the five parties that took place in the city's West Ward, the one on the 1200 block of Spring Garden Street is probably the oldest and was one of the best attended.

However, organizer Ella Mae Mushlitz said this year may be the last one she puts together.

She has continued to sponsor and host the party since her husband, Walter, died in 1996. He hosted neighborhood gatherings regularly even before National Night Out was created and served for years as a sector coordinator and as a block captain for Easton Block Watch.

A tribute to Walter Mushlitz is seen at the block
party on the 1200 block of Spring Garden Street.

"He loved block parties and this neighborhood," she said.

Children wait for their number to be called for raffle
prizes at the block party on Spring Garden Street.

Yesterday would have been the couple's wedding anniversary too, Mushlitz said, adding that her husband would have held a block party that evening if he were still alive.

"He would have said 'I'll take you out to dinner Saturday night' and held the block party," she said.

The parties for National Night Out on her block have continued to grow and the area is strong because of it, she said.

"The last couple of years have been really good because the neighbors have been working together," Mushlitz said.

Adults take part in a water balloon toss on Spring Garden
Street Tuesday evening.

And, for that reason, she expects they'll continue even if she doesn't organize it next year.

Tuesday evening's party on the 1200 block of Spring Garden Street included a DJ, games including a water balloon toss, and raffle prizes of toys for the 35 or so children in attendance.

A lot of the food, beverages, candy, and prizes for the event came from a number of local businesses, Mushlitz said.

"They really deserve a lot of credit," she said. "They've been supporting this for years."

While other parties around the West Ward may not have the same history, the spirit of neighborliness was evident across the district.

On the 1000 block of Jackson Street, neighbors shared a potluck feast while children played in the street and faced off over knock hockey.

Kids play knock hockey in the street on the 1000 block of
Jackson Street Tuesday evening.

At Centennial Park, representatives from area businesses handed out goodies to parents and children, including coupons for free drinks at Wawa.

In the 1000 block of Ferry Street, children enjoyed the street's closure, riding bikes and running around, and neighbors enjoyed a cookout in front of their houses.

Chief Carl Scalzo and Captain David Beitler talk with residents
about their concerns during their National Night Out block party
Tuesday evening on the 1000 block of Jackson Street.

And, in the community garden at South 10th and Ferry streets, about 50 neighbors enjoyed a potluck surrounded by sunflowers and vegetables, well into the evening, only heading home when it became too dark to see.

"This is really nice," one garden party guest was overheard saying. "We should do this more often."

 

 

Ella Mae Mushlitz, right, hands out candy donated by
the Carmelcorn shop at the National Night Out block
party on the 1200 block of Spring Garden Street Tuesday evening.

City finance director Chris Heagele and his family walk to the next block
party in the West Ward after attending the one held by the Easton Weed
and Seed Summer Nights program.

A young girl takes advantage of the closed street during the block party on the 1200 block of Spring Garden Street.

Easton Block Watch Announces Scholarship to Honor Memory of Late District Magistrate



Gay Elwell

 Each year an Easton Area High School senior will be awarded a $500 college scholarship in memory of the late District Magistrate Gay Elwell, the Easton Block Watch Association announced at their quarterly meeting Wednesday evening.

The scholarship will focus on students who are working towards a career in the legal or criminal justice sector, the group added, noting that Elwell was a longtime advocate for Block Watch.

The full details and description of the new award are expected to be released at the association's June quarterly meeting.

Elwell passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in December 2012, of natural causes.

For more information about Easton Block Watch Association, visit the group's Facebook page, or email them.