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.

National Canal Museum's New Mule Mascot Needs a Name

The National Canal Museum's new mule mascot
needs a name.

The National Canal Museum & Heritage Corridor has a new mule mascot, and the organization is holding a public naming contest to come up with a moniker for the friendly plush beast.

Members of the public can submit up to two suggestions via the Canal Museum's website until 5 p.m. on Monday, August 12. Entries may also be submitted in person at the Locktender's Table in Hugh Moore Park.

Three finalists will be selected by a panel of Heritage Corridor experts, from which a grand winner will be selected.

The chosen name and winner will be announced at Kids Day at the National Canal Museum on Sunday, August 18. The finalists will get their picture taken with the new mascot.

The grand-prize winner will also receive a century-old blueprint or a $75 museum gift card, and six passes to the museum and canal boat rides. The three runners-up will receive four passes to the museum and canal boat rides.

The winner receives a 100-year-old blue print or $75 Museum gift card and six Museum and Canal Boat passes. Runner ups receive four Museum and Canal Boat passes.

The National Canal Museum & Heritage Corridor is located in Hugh Moore Park, at 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road.

To enter the contest, click here.

In the City or the 'Burbs, There's an Egg Hunt for You

It's time once again for the favorite annual spring sport of both the very young (and their parents!), and the rewards are, as always, very sweet.

We are, of course, talking about the annual egg hunts hosted by each of the municipalities in the greater Easton area.

Read on to find out when your local hunt is scheduled and what's planned...

City of Easton:The City of Easton Recreation Bureau will host its Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 24 at 11:30 a.m. at Cottingham Stadium, just off Northampton Street on North 11th Street.  For children ages 4 to 7, there will be a special visitor for pictures, dancing, and a magic show, in addition to the traditional hunt. To be held rain or shine. For questions, call 610-250-6711.

Also, at Nevin Park in the city's College Hill neighborhood, an Easter egg hunt is set for Saturday, March 30 at 11 a.m. Bring a basket or another suitable containter to carry collected goodies.

Wilson Borough:The Wilson Borough Egg Hunt is set for Friday, March 29, 10 a.m., at Mary Meuser Park, Northampton and 23rd streets. For questions or more information, call the borough at 610-258-6142.

Forks Township:The Kiwanis Club of Forks Township and Forks Township Parks and Recreation will hold an Egg Hunt and Baby Parade on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Forks Township Municipal Park, just off Zucksville Road, near the amphitheatre. The event is open to all children up to 10 years of age. Toddlers up to age 2 are invited to enter the Baby Parade in strollers, wagons, etc. Prizes will be awarded in each age group. Bring baskets or bags to collect the eggs and treats. Springy the Bunny will also be available for photos with children--bring your camera. A $2 donation is requested per child, to be used towards programs for needy children in the community. In case of rain, the event will be postponed and held on Sunday, March 24. The event is sponsored by National Penn Bank and Merchants Bank. For more information, call 610-252-0785 or visit www.forkstownship.org

Palmer Township:One of the premier township events, the Palmer Township Annual Easter Egg Hunt is set to take place on Friday, March 29, at 10 a.m. sharp for all age groups, at Palmer Elementary School, 3050 Green Pond Road, in the township. In the event of rain, the hunt will be held indoors at the Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road. Best to arrive early, as the hunt begins promptly and the popularity of this event means traffic and parking can result in occasional delays. For questions or more information, call 610-253-7191.

Williams Township:The Annual William Township Fire Company Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 23, at 1 p.m., rain or shine at the station, 2500 Morgan Hill Road, Williams Township. For questions or more information, call 610-252-7648.

Updated at 2:35 p.m. to add the time of Wilson Borough's egg hunt, and again on Thursday, March 28 at 12:59 a.m. to add the hunt in Nevin Park.