Scene in Easton: A Young Entrepreneur Takes Advantage of the Heat Wave



Sydnay Dennis, 10, sits by her lemonade stand outside her parents' hair salon, Sydlex Styles, on Ferry Street in Downtown Easton Thursday afternoon.

While most that could retreated indoors to cool, air conditioned spaces in Thursday's record temperatures, Sydnay Dennis, 10, saw the continuing heat wave as an opportunity to make some extra cash selling bottled water, lemonade, and face paint.

The West Ward tween said she plans on running the stand in front of her parents' salon throughout the summer while she's off from school. While relatively few people were seen walking around Easton's Downtown Thursday, by midafternoon she'd made about $15 from thirsty passersby, she said.

Sydnay's venture is good practice for what will undoubtedly be a bright future as an entrepreneur when she grows up.

"I want to run my own lemonade and ice cream shop," she said.

Report of Armed Suicidal Man Closes Ferry Street, Disrupts Summer Nights Program

By Christina Georgiou



Numerous police vehicles and officers were called to the scene of a house
on the 1200 block of Ferry Street Thursday evening for a report of an
armed man who reportedly threatened to harm himself.

Reports of an armed man "tearing up" his house and fears that he was planning to commit suicide disrupted the city's Summer Nights program and had the entire 1200 block of Ferry Street shut down for nearly two hours this evening.

Police say they received a report shortly after 6 p.m. of a man at his residence on Ferry Street just west of Cherry Street armed with multiple firearms who threatened to harm himself. Numerous police officers, along with a car from the Northampton County Sheriff's office, an Easton EMS ambulance, and a few members of the Easton Fire Department were also called to the scene.

The man's wife exited the house safely but was worried he planned to commit suicide, authorities said.

Police said they attempted to communicate with the unidentified man, but were initially unsuccessful. Just as they called special response officers and were seen being about to deploy a robot with a camera, the man, barefoot and shirtless, peacefully surrendered.


The unidentified man surrended and was transported by
ambulance to a local hospital, as worried-looking family
members watch.

EPD officers quickly took him into custody, and, handcuffed, the man was put into a waiting ambulance.

"While we were setting up negotiations, he surrendered peacefully," EPD Captain Scott Casterline said, adding that the man did not appear to be intoxicated.

The man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, Casterline said.

"At this point, he is not facing any criminal charges," Casterline said. He added that the unidentified resident does not appear to have a criminal record and the EPD has not had prior dealings with him nor have they been called to the address for anything similar before.

"He just had a bad day, I guess," Casterline said.

Police found firearms in the house, but they were all legally owned, police said. The exact number of weapons was not immediately available, but Casterline estimated there were between two and six involved in Thursday evening's incident.

Several neighboring residents were forced to wait behind police lines to reenter their homes during the incident. Those that were home at the time of the event were not evacuated. A number of Summer Nights program participants were delayed from leaving the scene until the conclusion because their cars were parked behind police barricade lines.

Casterline credited the neighborhood with making authorities' jobs easier, especially in the heat. Summer Nights program participants quickly cleared Centennial Park when police ordered them away for their safety, and the immediate neighbors of the man who was the center of the incident were helpful, he said.

"There was a high level of cooperation from the neighbors," he said.

And, at least some neighbors were grateful for the EPD's professionalism in handling the situation.

"I'm glad everything turned out good. I thought there was going to be a worse outcome," said Henry Rivera, who lives about a block away and said he's been a friend of the unidentified man for about eight years . "I'm glad it turned out peacefully."

He added, "A lot of people talk about the Easton Police Department, but I think they did a great job. They treated him gently. They even gave him a cigarette."

Ferry Street was reopened to traffic at about 8 p.m., and residents that had been prevented from accessing their homes were also let back in.

No one was physically injured during the event.

Local Town Crier Headed to Canada for World Championships

By Christina Georgiou

Easton's appointed town crier, David Rose, as seen at
the city's Heritage Day celebration earlier this month.
Rose is headed to Canada in August to compete at
the World Invitational Town Crier Championships.

David Rose, Easton's official appointed town crier, will be heading to Kingston in Ontario, Canada on August 1 to represent the city at the World Invitational Town Crier Championships, Mayor Sal Panto's office announced today.

The five day competition will feature more than 30 town criers from Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, England, New Zealand, and the United States. 

Rose will be accompanied by his wife, Kimberly Rose, who will act as his "escort". In the "Queen’s Jubilee Competition" held last year in Bracebridge, Ontario, she received recognition as “Best Dressed Escort” for her Victorian era ensemble.

At the August event, competitors will be judged on their ability to deliver a prepared "cry", the topic of which is assigned before the competition, in the open air before a panel of judges without the use of any electronic amplification. The First Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. MacDonald, and a response to the question of whether Kingston should have remained the capital of Canada instead of it being moved to Ottawa will be the subject addressed at this year's Town Crier Championships. Judges' evaluation of competitors' performances are based on a variety of criteria.

Each crier will also be required to perform a "hometown cry", which will give Rose the opportunity to present the City of Easton to an international audience, Wednesday announcement noted.

Rose said he plans to base his entry on an 1893 edition of The Easton Express that highlighted the many successful city businesses of the day and will perform the cry in period Victorian attire.

"It's going to be a promotional cry, encouraging businesses to relocate to Easton," he said.

Many of the most serious town criers from around the world are local history buffs, and use their town crying to spread the word about their city of origin, Rose said.

"This is the first time I've competed at this level," he added. "It's a great chance too to promote Easton."

Veggie Van Proves to Be a Hit with Local Residents

By Christina Georgiou

The Easton "Veggie Van" arrives Tuesday evening at Centennial Park
in the city's West Ward, with an estimated 300 pounds of fresh, locally
grown produce for distribution to enthusiastic residents.
Contributed photo by Larry Malinconico.

Loaded with an estimated 300 pounds of locally grown fresh produce, the new Easton Veggie Van was scheduled to be at the city's Summer Nights program for an hour and a half Tuesday evening. Stuffed to the gills, organizers wondered if they'd brought more food than they could distribute.

Instead, more than 90 percent of the vegetables were eagerly snatched up in about 15 minutes.

Less than an hour later, Veggie Van volunteers packed up, with only four zucchini and eight leaves of collard greens remaining.

The project, one of several to get more fresh, healthy food into the hands of Easton residents, is a collaboration between the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership and Lafayette College's Technology Clinic, which has been studying ways to make healthy food more accessible in the city neighborhood where many don't have cars and struggle to make ends meet.


Lynne Holden, with the West Ward
Neighborhood Partnership, assists
with bagging collard greens, while
right, Lafayette student Tech Clinic
coordinator Allie Nagurney, stands
ready with recipes to distribute.

 The Veggie Van--a small pickup truck, actually--came laden with 80 pounds of cucumbers, 100 pounds of zucchini, 40 pounds of summer squash, buckets of collard greens and swiss chard, beets, carrots, string beans, potatoes, rutabagas, cabbages and onions, along with some herbs like basil and parsley. All the produce was grown locally, coming from the Lafayette farm project, the Easton Urban Farm, the Crayola garden, and various other community gardens around the city.

The Tech Clinic has been working on coming up with solutions to much of the West Ward being a "food desert"--defined in this case as a mostly low-income neighborhood where many residents don't have a vehicle and live more than a mile from the closest full-service grocery store--for the past two years, said Lafayette College geology professor Larry Malinconico, who serves as the group's advisor.

Students in the clinic come from a variety of backgrounds and majors, and aim to come up with solutions to local issues using an interdisciplinary approach. This year, the group decided to focus on better ways to get fresh food to those who may have difficulty getting to a grocery store  or affording it a the city's twice weekly farmers' market.


Nearly completely cleaned out of food in less than an hour,
the Veggie Van crew is ready to pack up.

While the city has a number of community gardens, these weren't solving the problem of getting fresh food to residents either, he said.

"People weren't coming to the community gardens, and (the vegetables) were getting wasted," Malinconico said.

The Tech Clinic looked at what people in other communities were doing to solve their issues, and eventually decided to try "the ice cream truck" model--that is, bringing the food to the neighborhood, he said.

Lafayette sophomore Allie Nagurney, who serves as the project's student coordinator, said the approach seems to be a success so far.

"Once it was announced, everyone wanted some," she said, adding that the truck will be visiting various locations in the West Ward weekly for the next five or six weeks.


A Veggie Van enthusiast sets off for home.

 The method of distribution will probably be tweaked for the Veggie Van's appearance next week, she added. While this week was certainly a success, and about 40 people were recipients of the truck's bounty, some received more produce than others, and some vegetables ran out before others had the chance to get them.

But Nagurney had no complaints about the food going so quickly and said the project seems to be a success so far.

"We worked really hard to make this happen," she said, adding that she hopes the Veggie Van will become a permanent fixture in the neighborhood for years to come.

"We're hoping to make this a yearly thing," she said. "We want to make it sustainable."

For now, the vegetables are free, though donations to help offset costs are welcomed.

Running the Tech Clinic costs about $8,000 annually, Malinconico estimated, noting that it's the one program Lafayette doesn't fund, and that he and students must cover the costs of the projects the program undertakes themselves.

Along with the produce, the volunteers also handed out recipes for the individual vegetables on hand, which might eventually provide one source of offset revenue for the future.

"It would be fun to get a little cookbook together by the end of the summer too," Nagurney said.

Next week, the Veggie Van will be stopping at South 10th and Pine streets, the site of one community garden in the West Ward, beginning at 5:30 p.m.


The community garden at South 10th and Pine streets will
be the site of the next Veggie Van stop, next Monday,
beginning at 5:30 p.m.



Expected to be on the truck are zucchini, cucumbers, beets, summer squash, beans, carrots, lettuce and other greens, onion, garlic, and more, Nagurney said, adding that the program will continue weekly, on Mondays, for the next five or six weeks.

Next Monday's location was deliberately chosen to further help raise awareness and hopefully help residents begin to grow their own summer crops too, Malinconico said.

"We want people to know where the community gardens are," he said.

Beyond next Monday, July 22, future Veggie Van drop-off locations are yet to be determined. Bookmark this page and check back for more dates--we'll provide updates as soon as they're announced.

Cooling Stations Open in Easton, Plus Other Ways to Beat the Heat

Due to the current heat wave and expected high temperatures, cooling stations have been opened in the City of Easton.

The Salvation Army at 1110 Northampton St. in the city's West Ward is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 610-258-9531

Boys & Girls Club of Easton at 210 Jones Houston Way in Southside is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Club asks that people call ahead before arrival. 484-239-2075

"In addition, we can recommend that seniors take the bus to the area malls which are air conditioned," said Easton Fire Chief John Bast.

Taking a trip to the local library is also a way to beat the heat, at least for a little while. Pop by those air conditioned stacks and pick out some cool summer reading to enjoy in the shade when you get home.

Cooling off in community pools is another way to beat the heat, with the added benefit that they provide something for all ages for a minimal fee.

Easton pools are open daily from noon to 7 p.m. A day pass for city residents is $5 or $3 for children and seniors. Day passes for those from outside the city are $7 for adults or $5 for children and seniors. There is a $2 discount on admission beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Heil Pool is located at 900 Packer Avenue in Southside Easton--reach the pool at 610-250-6714
(Note, Heil Pool will close at 5 p.m. today, July 16 for a swim team meet. Otherwise, regular hours of operation apply.)

Eddyside Pool is located on Route 611 North at the base of College Hill. The phone number there is 610-250-6713

For more about Easton's pools, including pool rules, click here.

Not up for a swim in the pool, but you'd still like to get a little wet and cool off? Go old-school. Consider dunking your feet in the Bushkill Creek or wade in the shallow, calm parts along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail. Stream-fed, this is probably the coolest waterway in Easton, in more ways than one.

According to the Center for Disease Control, you can take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses during hot weather:

•     Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
•     Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
•     Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
•     Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
•     Pace yourself.
•     Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
•     Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
•     Do not leave children or pets in cars.
•     Check the local news for health and safety updates.

Other simple ways to beat the heat include:

• Keep frozen treats such as ice cream and popsicles in the freezer that can help you keep cool during hot weather
• Eat cold foods such as sandwiches and salads instead of cooking, especially if you don't have air conditioning
• Eating fresh fruits and vegetables are also another way to help keep hydrated.

We Can Always Use a Little More Diversity in Easton



Photos contributed by
Jessica Edwards

Easton Community Voices

By Jessica Edwards

Our fair little city has quite its share of multi-cultural aspects. From the thriving and blooming revolution of restaurants to ethnic festivals, such as the Greek food festival and St. Anthony's Italiana Festival and Lebanese Heritage Days, to name only a few of many events, one could literally travel the world by following their five senses in a series of visits to Easton.

The people who bring this international flavor to Easton also come from all over the world, and you can get a real sense of their upbringing and their trials and tribulations just by having a chat with any of them in passing.

I'm a Korean Irish Jew. I also serve the community full-time as an EMT with Suburban Ambulance, was a volunteer firefighter with Forks Township Fire Department, and when time permits, I volunteer down at the Farmer's Market. Hopefully soon, I'll be volunteering the Easton Community Center too.

I can clearly recall how when I worked as an EMT at the Crayola Experience how useful my knowledge of Hebrew was when I would meet Israelis or Orthodox Jewish families who would travel to our city to see the many colors and activities produced by one of the most well-known brands in the world. Turns out my Israeli dual-citizenship and subsequent learning of Hebrew came quite in handy!

So what does all of this have to do with anything?

In my spare time, I do another thing that I am particularly proud of. I'm a local coordinator for a Chicago-based educational non-profit organization, The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI), which places high school-aged foreign exchange students into schools all over the United States.



One of the great things about America and Pennsylvania
in particular to one foreign student is getting Hershey's
chocolate on his birthday.



These students dream of studying for a semester or year in the United States to get a first-hand experience of our culture, society, customs and personalities.

However, in order to make this dream come true, they need hosts who are willing to take them into their homes and have them become an extended family member during their stay.

That's my job. I strive to make these matches and then throughout the year, I organize monthly meetings, activities, and volunteer projects to create memories that last a lifetime, not only for the student, but also the host family, the school and the community at large.

Easton Area High School has a rich history of foreign exchange students, but unfortunately, a few years ago, the local coordinator for a different program quit. At one point, the school had four foreign students per year studying in their classrooms, but they for the past two years, they have not had any.

I want to change that, but I need your help. After speaking with a number of teachers and EAHS' vice-principal, I have determined that not only are they still very open to the idea of hosting students, they in fact have determined quite a need for it.



Martin, pictured with exchange student coordinator
Jessica Edwards, on his way to the prom.



Not only do local students benefit from having their eyes opened to a new culture but the exchange students get to become a functioning member of the school's community, joining sports teams, presenting cultural programs, participating in after-school events and experiencing their first prom, with all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it.

This year, CCI has over 815 students representing 28 different countries who will be landing in America at the end of August and embarking on a year-long journey that will change their lives. So far, I have one girl from Finland who will be studying in Bangor High School this year, but – call me selfish – I want students in Easton!

I am currently looking for families that reside in the Easton Area School District who would be willing to host a student for a semester or academic year. Families can live anywhere in the district and can come from all types of backgrounds. Single parents, singles, working families, families with no children in the home, empty-nesters, grandparents, same-sex couples, etc. Our host families are some of the most varied and amazing people!

Host families are required to fill out an application, pass a background check, have an in-home interview which takes less than an hour, and promise to provide the student the following:

• Open communication, encouragement, patience and sound advice
• A separate bed, which can be in a shared room with a host sibling of similar age and same gender, and a quiet place to study
• Three daily meals (school lunch may be one of them)
• Local transportation (students are not permitted to drive while on the program)
• Treatment as a member of the family, which may include household rules, responsibilities and privileges.

So, if I have grabbed your interest, I would love to speak with you! Our students are coming in mid-August, and the deadline for applying to host a student is July 31. Help me to bring Easton some more international flair!

To contact Jessi Edwards for further information or to apply to become a foreign exchange student host family, contact her at 484-544-3684 or click here to email her.

For more information about CCI's foreign exchange student program, click here.

Do you have something to say? The Easton Eccentric would love to hear it and so would our readers! Whether a once, occasionally, or regularly, we're always looking to add voices from the  local community. Send us your idea for a post--chances are good that we'll say 'yes!'

Sneaker Drive Aims to Cover Many Student "Piggies"

By Christina Georgiou

Going back to school may be the furthest thing from most Easton kids' minds right now, but several local organizations are hard at work making sure that when the school bell rings for that first day, area students have the basic necessities.

The "Let's Help Cover those Piggies!" drive is collecting new and like-new sneakers and shoes for the third year in a row, to ensure students have well-fitting footwear for the coming school year.

The initiative, coordinated by First United Church of Christ in cooperation with the Easton  Weed and Seed program, Easton Area School District's "Family Connection", Third Street Alliance, and other local churches and agencies, will provide sneakers to a couple hundred local students who might otherwise not be able to afford them, said First UCC's community outreach coordinator Margaret Parisi.

Those who will receive the sneakers don't necessarily rely on government benefits, she noted, though certainly many are recipients.

"We're really trying to reach the families not just in the social service programs, but also the folks in between," she said.

While the recession is officially over, there are still many in the Easton area who struggle to pay the bills, she said, and the need for the free footwear program has grown since it started.

"There are a growing number of piggies to cover," Parisi said.

While sneakers and shoes are being collected through a number of Easton houses of worship, local residents and businesses are more than welcome to contribute to the effort. The only stipulation is that donated footwear be in very good or new condition. All sizes are needed, from tiny preschool and toddler sizes all the way up to hard-to-find men's size 14.

"The goal is to get school-age children to have nice sneakers," Parisi said. "We make sure we have at least one pair in every size for everyone who is registered (to receive a pair of sneakers)."

Extra sneakers and shoes will go to students' family members, as they're needed, she said.

The church hopes that local businesses will get involved in the effort too, perhaps by local shops collecting gently used sneakers and shoes from customers and maybe offering an incentive like a small discount or free item for those who contribute, Parisi said.

"If people want to ask their job or their employees if they want to collect shoes, that would be great," she said, adding that churches and other houses of worship not yet involved in the footwear drive are also welcome to contribute.

Whether through a business or from private citizens, donations will be accepted through Monday, August 5.

To arrange to drop off a donation or for more information on how you can help, contact Margaret Parisi at 610-258-3361 or via  email at firstucc2@verizon.net

The church specifically asks that donors not leave sneakers and shoes by the door when the church is closed.

"That's our sexton's nightmare," Parisi said.

Donated sneakers and shoes are set be distributed to registered recipients on Saturday, August 17, a little more than a week before the school year starts again.