NYC Gospel Hip-Hop Artists Playing for EAHS Student Memorial Concert

EAHS student Lewis Ogioba's memory will be honored on what would have been his 16th birthday with a free concert event on Saturday at the Forks Township Community Center.

Running from 5 to 9 p.m., the "Lewis Ogioba Outreach Concert" will feature live gospel hip-hop artists and singers, including Righteouz Knight, Apimael El Guerrero, Hassan, Swinn D Example, Sanctified, Redeemed, J Sky Walker and DJ Prophetic, along with spoken word artists and dancers, from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

An open mic, free food and free giveaways are also planned for the event. The concert is being organized and hosted by Angelo Laro Maldonado.

Ogioba died unexpectedly on August 3, 2011 while playing basketball, of an undetected heart ailment.

"We want his death to be a means of life for everyone who cared and loved this young man, and a comfort to the community that is still trying to figure out,'Why?' says an announcement on the event's Facebook page.

The Forks Community Center is located at 500 Zucksville Road, just off Sullivan Trail in Forks Township.

For more information, visit the event's Facebook page or call 610-252-0785.

Easton Community Bill of Rights Meeting Set for Monday

A public meeting to discuss the proposed Community Bill of Rights for the City of Easton is set for Monday, June 25 at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located on the sixth floor of City Hall, 1 South Third St.

This time and date has been confirmed by city officials and has been advertised in legal notices placed in local newspapers. Any other date, time or location that may be rumored to exist is incorrect, both City Clerk Tom Hess and Mayor Sal Panto have confirmed via email.

All interested citizens are invited to attend.

The proposed legislation would establish by city ordinance that "Corporations are not natural persons and corporate powers shall be subordinate to people’s rights," along with declaring the right of city residents to "exercise governing power in the City of Easton over the behavior of corporations chartered by the state in their name" and calls for changes at the state constitutional level to secure the right of communities to self-governance.

The full text of the bill is viewable here. (Scroll past Bill 23.)

New City Mural Nearly Complete

By Christina Georgiou

Panels were hung Tuesday for the City of Easton's newest outdoor mural and the work is all but complete.

Adorning the west side of Hotel Lafayette, near The Lafayette Bar's entrance at 15 North Fourth St., the art was commissioned by the Easton Main Street Initiative and rendered by Freehand Murals.


Easton artist Kim Hogan works on the   

all-but-finished mural on North

Fourth Street Tuesday afternoon.

 The oversized art depicts silhouettes of jazz musicians, celebrating the city's musical past and is especially relevant to the bar, which has a rich history as a jazz lounge. The bar still regularly hosts performances by jazz artists from as far away as New York City, in addition to well-known local jazz musicians. 



Donna Thatcher, of Easton's College
Hill neighborhood puts finishing
touches on the mural she created with
the other three Freehand Mural
artists.

Seen later in the afternoon on Tuesday were Freehand artists Jenny Leggett, of Martin's Creek, Donna Thatcher, of Easton's College Hill neighborhood, Janet Hodick, of Palmer Township, and Kim Hogan, who recently moved to Wilson Borough. All were hard at work putting on the final finishing touches on their art, smoothing out and repainting screw holes necessary to the hanging process and preparing to give the work a final clear coat finish to ensure its longevity and resistance to the elements.

 

Despite the simple design, the mural has taken a lot of work to complete, the artists said.
 

Freehand Mural artists Jenny Legget  Janet Hodick work to
complete the new mural, to be formally presented
to the public on Thursday.

                                                                                                                 

"We thought we could bang this out in a weekend, but that turned out not to be the case. More like two or three," Hogan said as she worked. "And here we are again." 

Though the work is already in public view, a formal ceremony to "unveil" and highlight the mural is planned for the city's latest art piece on Thursday, June 21 at 1 p.m.

The public is invited to attend.

80s-Themed Prom Aims to Assist 21st Century City Street Beautification

Maybe you had the time of your life at your high school prom. Maybe you didn't, and you'd like the chance to reinvent those memories.

Or, maybe you just like the music of the 80s and dancing.

But whatever reason you can come up with to attend this upcoming event, it's probably a good one.

Sponsored by the Elucidator, "Easton's like totally radical Eighties Prom" set for Friday, July 7 at Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St., will benefit the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership's Street Beautification program.

The "prom" will feature live 70s and 80s soft rock hits by Soft Focus--Doug Hawk, Jon Braun, Nick Levinos and Matty Love, and DJ Marty McFly will spin records between sets.

Hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be provided by West Ward food purveyors Black & Blue, Ashley's and the Easton Baking Company. Also included will be Weyerbacher's brews, wine and all-you-can-drink punch.

A prom court, to be voted on at the event, as well as prom king and queen, is planned.

A silent art auction will also be held, with works donated by local artists.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person--come with a date, your friends or single. Big hair, shoulder pads and skinny ties are encouraged attire.

For more information, including where to buy tickets around the city, contact Dawn Nixon of the Elucidator via email.

This Week in Easton, June 18 to 21

Welcome to our new weekly feature! And just in time too, because there's a lot going on this week. (But isn't it always like that in Easton?)

"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!

Monday, June 18

Williams Township Summer Recreation program: Begins today, runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through July 27. The program is for Williams Township children aged 5 to 13. Please pack a lunch and drink for your child(ren). Williams Township Municipal Park, adjacent to the municipal offices on Cider Press Road, Williams Township. You may register your child(ren) under the Municipal Park Pavilion on the first day. For more information, call 610-258-6788.

Easton Area Community Center Summer Day Camp: Begins today, runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Includes breakfast, lunch and a snack. For ages 5 to 15 years, age appropriate programming. The EACC is also open from 2 to 5 p.m. for non-camping members. $25 per week. Through August 17. 901 Washington St. 610-253-8271

Summer Book Sale: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bag day! Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St. 610-258-2917 or http://www.eastonpl.org/

Adult Summer Reading Program: Begins today. Prizes include gift certificates from Giant, Redner’s, ShopRite, Weis, Wegmans, Colonial Pizza and Spaghetti House, Forks Mediterranean Deli, New Wok ‘n’ Roll, Northwood Deli, Pizza d’Oro plus others. Complete a short entry form, read books (print or eBook), audio books included. Entrants must have a valid, fine-free EAPL card. Enter online or use the paper forms available at the Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St., Southside branch, Room 102 at 401 West Berwick St., or Palmer branch, 1 Weller Place, Palmer Township. http://www.eastonpl.org/ or 610-258-2917

Free summer lunch program:  Begins today, for school-aged city children under 18. Served from noon to 1 p.m. weekdays, sponsored by Easton Weed and Seed in partnership with the YMCA of Easton
Phillipsburg and Vicinity. Heil Park, just below Heil Pool, 900 Packer St.

Summer Nights program kickoff: 4 to 7 p.m. The band Joyous will provide Motown sounds and block party picnic kicks off the free summer program. Program runs daily, Monday through Thursday, and also offers a free meal for both children and adults from 4 to 5 p.m. for the duration of the program, through August 16. Centennial Park, South 12th and Ferry streets. For more information, call the Weed and Seed office at 610-438 2680 or email coordinator Laura Accetta. laccetta@easton-pa.gov

COPS & Community Workshop: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Part of a series of workshop meetings designed to improve the Easton Police Department's relationship with the community. Free and open to all members of the Easton community, but registration is required. Register online here, call facilitator Guillermo Lopez at 484-450-6224, or email him. Alternatively, call the Easton Weed and Seed office at 610-438-2680. At Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St.

City of Easton Zoning Hearing Board meeting: 7 p.m., City Hall, 1 South Third Street, sixth floor.

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

Williams Township Land Preservation Board meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Building, 655 Cider Press Road, Williams Township.

Tuesday, June 19

College Hill Neighborhood Association General Members' Meeting: 7 p.m. Guest speaker is Don Tyson from Easton's own Netherlands Bulb Company, current and new members to discuss College Hill-related issues and projects. College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St. http://www.eastonchna.org/

Easton Recreation Board meeting: 7 p.m., City Hall, 1 South Third Street, sixth floor.

Palmer Township Recreation Board meeting: 7:30 p.m., Palmer Library Meeting Room, Weller Place, Palmer Township.

Wednesday, June 20

Spring Garden Children's Center camp program: Begins today. For children 3 years old to first grade, various art programs designed to introduce young children to art. Mexico will be highlighted as children create a colorful bouquet of paper flowers and learn about Mexican holidays. Class for three-year-olds runs from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. today, and one for four-year-olds is at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. "Painting With the Masters" is this week's theme for kindergarteners and first graders, with "Piet Mondrian and Primary Colors" running from 12:15 to 1 p.m Spring Garden Children's Center, 401 West Berwick St. Visit http://www.springgardenchildrenscenter.com/, click here for printable brochure or call 610-252-0559.

Nurture Nature Center Craft Event: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Appropriate for ages 4 to 12. Use old cereal boxes and craft materials to create nature dioramas. $5 per child. Please register in advance. 610-253-4432 or email Gabby Salazar. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St.

Easton Redevelopment Authority meeting: 5:30 p.m. City Hall, 1 South Third Street, sixth floor.

Easton Business Association Mixer: 5:30 p.m. Easton Business Association Monthly Mixers are held on the Third Wednesday of each month in a different location. Sweet Girlz Bakery, 40 North Third St. 610-829-1030

Williams Township Planning Commission meeting: 7 p.m. Williams Township Municipal Building, 655 Cider Press Road, Williams Township.

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

Open Mic with Scott Harrington: 9:30 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or http://www.porterspubeaston.com/

Thursday, June 21

Easton Parking Authority meeting: 7 p.m., City Hall, 1 South Third Street, sixth floor.

Forks Township Board of Supervisors meeting: Workshop meeting, 6:30 p.m. Regular board meeting, 7:30 p.m. Supervisors' chambers in the Forks Township Municipal Complex, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Forks Township.

First Anniversary Celebration: Black & Blue opened one year ago today. 8 p.m. to midnight. Bring (or wear) your own vinyl party. DJs Horrible Pete/Ernie/Will. 683 Walnut St. 610-438-3604 or http://www.blackandblueeaston.com/

The Subtle Experience: Jazz with a Latin bent. 8 to 11 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or http://www.porterspubeaston.com/

Denis Montana and Go Trio: 9 p.m. to midnight. The Lafayette Bar, 11 North 4th Street 610-252-0711 or http://www.lafayettebarjazz.com/

DJ Discreet: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or http://www.pearlybakers.net/

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

Easton Soap Box Derby Race Seeks More Sponsors

By Christina Georgiou

The 16th annual Easton Soap Box Derby race was held yesterday, Sunday, June 17.

Though it's held on Father's Day, the event is one that involves whole families, who clearly had a great time.

Nearly everyone had a role to play in the racing experience too, as there are many tasks involved, from tallying scores to hauling the racing cars to the top of the hill at Sixth Street to cheering on the young racers to cleaning up when the excitement is over.

That the day was overcast didn't dampen the fun, and many actually said the weather was perfect, as it provided a cool breeze.

The racers, assisted by family and organizers, work on the soapbox cars as needed at the derby, which are built from kits. Each car costs about $400 to $500, estimated one volunteer.

But those costs are steep for many of the young racers and their families, said Easton Soap Box Derby organizer Kent Finkbeiner, of Palmer Township, so many are sponsored by local businesses and organizations, such as the Cub Scouts and the Kiwanis.

Dennis Perez makes adjustments on
his Purple Cow Creamery sponsored
soapbox racer.

However, in the last couple of years, sponsorship, as well as participation, has dwindled, Finkbeiner said, adding that he's been in charge of the race for a number of years, and his own children are now too old for the sport. He said he continues organizing the event because he doesn't want to see it die.

"It's such a family-oriented sport," he said, noting too that in a lot of "race cities" the event is fully sponsored and organized by the local business association as a way to attract more people to town.

"I'd like to see more involvement," Finkbeiner said. "I've been doing it for so many years."

Though he'd like to be able to pass his organizer title to someone else, he's already looking to next year and  for more sponsors. 

Sponsors, in addition to the satisfaction of helping out a good cause, get advertising space on the sides of the racers. Seen Sunday were the names of several Easton businesses, including the Purple Cow Creamery and Certified Chemical Company.

It's never too early to get involved, as the racers usually go to many races in season and the soapbox cars, several of which he owns and loans to the young racers, need to be built and maintained, Finkbeiner added.

Those wanting to sponsor the Easton Soapbox Derby in 2013 or an individual soapbox racer and those that just want to get involved should contact Kent Finkbeiner via email.

 

  

Janice Wetzel, of Macungie, keeps track of the race heats, while Leslie
Finkbeinger, of Palmer Township, announces the winners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis Perez wins another heat, driving the Purple Cow Creamery soapbox racer.

 

 

 

 

The young soapbox racers help with clean up.

Tara Casey, left, 12, is seen with her brother Kevin Casey,
16, who won first place in the Super Stock Division. Tara
wasn't allowed to race because she's already won
first place in Super Stock at the Easton Soap Box
Derby in 2011, after taking first place in the Stock
Division in 2009...and because she's a 7th Place World
Soapbox  Derby Champion after winning the title
in Akron, Ohio in 2011.

 

That the Easton Soap Box Derby is on Father's Day is not forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

2012 Easton Soapbox Derby Winners



Dennis Perez receives
his first place trophy.



Jarius Negron carries off
his second place trophy,
which is nearly as big
as he is.



Stock Division

First Place - Dennis Perez

Second Place - Jarius Negron

Third Place - Elijah Palmer

Fourth Place - Skyler Patricia

Fifth Place - Devin Lucheros

Sixth Place - Miles Yengst

Seventh Place - Edgar Perez

 

 

 

Super Stock Division                                                                                  

Daniel Guthmiller and Kevin Casey pose for a photo with
their soapbox racers.



First Place - Kevin Casey

Second Place - Daniel Guthmiller

Third Place - Mark DeJesus

Fourth Place - Romont Pearyer

Fifth Place - Ryan Kutzler

Sixth Place - Jacob Wodleigh

Seventh Place - Tony Serrano

Eighth Place - Codi Consentino

Summer Nights 2012 Kicks Off

The Easton Weed and Seed program will kick off its annual Summer Nights program today, Monday, June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a free concert by Joyous at Centennial Park, South 12th and Ferry streets.

A free block party is also planned for the event, serving hot dogs, nachos, and ice cream supplied by Centre Square hot dog vendor Dave Rose, along with snacks and beverages.

Bringing a lawn chair or blanket is recommended.

The Summer Nights program will run Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m. until Thursday, August 16, with the exception of Wednesday, July 4. It is open to all Easton residents.

The Easton Area School District will provide a free meal daily for both adults and children during Summer Nights, served from 4 to 5 p.m., along with recreation and educational activities.

Also, Weed and Seed will offer a free summer lunch program, available to Easton school-aged
children, daily from 11 a.m. to noon at Heil Park, just below Heil pool, at 900 Packer St. in Easton’s Southside neighborhood, in partnership with the YMCA of Easton Phillipsburg and Vicinity.

The Summer Nights program would not be possible without the assistance donated by local businesses, community organizations and the faith community, including Legacy Ministries, the Nurture Nature Center, JWear and the Kellyn Foundation. Opportunities to sponsor an evening or volunteer are still available.

For additional information, contact Weed & Seed Coordinator Laura Accetta, at 610-438-2680 or via email.