Scene in Easton: Bacon Fest II

By Christina Georgiou

Kostas Karaminas, of Angelo's on North Fourth Street, cooks up some bacon
during Bacon Fest II, held Saturday on Easton 's Centre Square.
Click on any photo for a full size view

Kim Rothenbeck took first prize at the
the hog calling contest during Bacon Fest II
in Easton on Saturday.

Thousands of bacon lovers flocked to Easton and hammed up the porcine goodness Bacon Fest II had to offer Saturday on Centre Square--and there was quite a lot of it!

From bacon everything--including jams, chocolate-covered bacon, bacon ice cream, and a plethora of savory bacon culinary creations--to pig and weiner dog races, a hog-calling contest, and even "Art du Cochon", the day was packed with fun and food for all.

A sweet potato bacon cupcake with cranberry sauce filling and
goat cheese, mascarpone and cream cheese frosting by Ashley Barlow took first prize at the "Hog Heaven Cupcake Competition", while the honorable mention went to Jessica Delong for her cupcake featuring a bacon pecan crumble and brown sugar maple frosting.

Delong also took a prize at the competition for the presentation of her cupcake creation, and 13-year-old Gracie Barone, whose entry was a banana, peanut butter and bacon cupcake, got an honorable mention for her Elvis-themed presentation at the event.

Kim Rothenbeck, appropriately dressed in hot pink porcine accessories, won the hog calling contest for her energetic, amusing interpretation of attracting swine to come home, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Others made pigs of themselves, as a number of festival-goers were seen sporting snouts, piggy hats, and other animal inspired accessories celebrating the day.

Easton Farmers' Market manager Megan McBride chats with
the proprietor of Bacon on Wheels. The vendor was sold
out by mid-afternoon.

When it was all done, little bacon was left. Though most vendors had brought enough supplies to make it through the day, some others were seen packing it in or enjoying the festival themselves after the crowd had gobbled the last of their popular offerings.

Said one, "I guess we'll just have to bring even more next year."

Easton Hospital appropriately provided free cholesterol
screenings at Bacon Fest II on Saturday.

There was even pig-inspired art at Bacon Fest II.

Artist Charles Vail works on a pig painting at Bacon Fest II
held in Easton's Centre Square on Saturday.

Easton's Centre Square was temporarily renamed "Bacon Street" on Saturday.

Woman Seriously Injured in Hit-and-Run, Easton Police Seek SUV Driver

A young woman was seriously injured Friday evening on Lehigh Drive near the Lafayette College boathouse when she was struck by a vehicle that was traveling east along the road. The driver did not stop and left the scene, the Easton Police Department reports.

The victim was transported to a local trauma center with serious injuries, police report.

Investigation into the hit-and-run incident is ongoing, but EPD Captain Scott Casterline said policed are looking for a small dark colored SUV that probably has front end damage on the passenger side as a result of the accident.

Anyone with information about the involved vehicle and/or driver is asked to call the EPD via 610-759-2200.

Three Pennsylvania Couples Legally Marry During Easton Equality Rally--in NJ

By Christina Georgiou

Marcus Laurence and Bill Mauro, Jerry Schmidt and Chuck Woodbury, and
Jennifer and Maryann Kelley, all Pennsylvania residents, were legally
married in Phillipsburg, New Jersey Thursday evening after a rally
and march that began in Easton advocating for marriage equality.
Click on any photo for a full-size view.

On the same day the U.S. Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), offering federal protection from workplace discrimination for sexual orientation, more than 100 people gathered in Easton's Centre Square to support marriage equality in Pennsylvania and march over the bridge to Phillipsburg, NJ to witness three same-sex couple be legally wed.

After the couples took their vows and exchanged rings, cheer and applause erupted from the crowd.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in New Jersey for just over two weeks, since October 21.

"We're here where the Declaration of Independence was read," said rally organizer Adrian Shanker, president of Equality PA, on Centre Square before the march. "You can see New Jersey from here."

Easton Mayor Sal Panto speaks in favor of equal rights for
all during the rally for marriage equality on Centre Square
Thursday evening, while rally organizer Adrian Shanker,
to his right, holds the megaphone.

Easton is known for its long history of diversity, and it's one of about two dozen  Pennsylvania municipalities that grants benefits for same-sex partners of its municipal employees, as well as having passed anti-discrimination legislation.

Thirty state representatives and 22 mayors support marriage equality, Shanker said.

"If Senator Toomey can vote for a bill that says you can't discriminate in employment against someone for being gay, then surely Democrats can vote for marriage equality," he added.

Three Easton elected officials attended the rally in support of marriage equality--Mayor Sal Panto, Councilwoman El Warner, and Councilman Jeff Warren.

Panto said changing the law happens at the state level, but local municipalities need to stand behind the change.

"As local politicians, we could say that it's not our job, but...this is where change has to start, at the local level," he said.

"Last week a reporter asked me what the cost of same-sex benefits were to the city, and I said 'Nothing,'" he added. "But it's not just dollars, it's what's right. Today we stand for marriage equality because it's the right thing to do. Equal rights is for all of the people, not just some of the people."

Easton Councilwoman El Warner at
the rally and march advocating marriage
equality held in the city's Centre Square
Thursday evening.

For Warner, who is open about her sexual orientation, the issue is personal.

She said having to cross the bridge to New Jersey to get married is "absurd", and noted that 2014 elections are "just around the corner."

Warner urged that voters vote out Governor Tom Corbett and others up for election that oppose equality so "we can finally bring Pennsylvania into the 21st century."

Michele Kessler, secretary-treasurer for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, recently went to Maryland to legally marry her partner.

"Let's walk across that bridge and show the hypocrisy of this state," she said.

But it's not just the state that refused to treat same-sex couples fairly, said Liz Bradbury, executive director for the Pennsylvania Diversity Network. She criticized St. Luke's Health Network for going back on a promise to grant benefits to same-sex partners, despite previously making a promise to do so.

Marchers make their way down Easton's Northampton Street Thursday
evening on the way to Phillipsburg NJ to witness the legal marriage
of three same-sex couples.

"Their spokesperson told me they would do the right thing," she said, adding that the health organization now says it won't grant the benefits until the law requires it.

"Who is it at St. Luke's that is making the decision to make them the most discriminating health network in the Lehigh Valley? How can you trust an institution that is supposed to heal people if they won't grant equal benefits to an employee?" she asked.

But even if Pennsylvania state law doesn't afford equal rights, committed same-sex couples that want to wed should still get legally married in another state for the federal tax benefits and protections, Shanker said.

For two of the couples that got married in New Jersey Thursday evening, that was the primary reason, in addition to love and commitment, for the legally recognized ceremony.

Marcus Laurence and Bill Mauro, Jerry Schmidt and
Chuck Woodbury, and Jennifer and Maryann
Kelley, all Pennsylvania residents, at the beginning of
their wedding ceremonies in Phillipsburg, NJ
Thursday evening.

Small business owners Jerry Schmidt and Chuck Woodbury of Kunkletown had a civil union in Vermont 13 years ago, but until they were married Thursday evening, their union was not legally recognized. They have been together for 26 years.

For Marcus Laurence and Bill Mauro of Franconia, together for eight and a half years, the wedding was their first, but they planned a low-key celebration together afterwards with dinner and drinks at River Grille back in Easton.

Allentown residents Jennifer and Maryann Kelley said they took part in the ceremony specifically to have their union legally recognized.

Maryann and Jennifer Kelley pose for a photo after
being legally wedded Thursday evening with Rev. Beth Goudy
of the  Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley.
and one of their young daughters.

"There's joy in the celebration, but honestly, we were married nine and a half years ago," Jennifer Kelley said. "This was about taking care of our family. That's my thrill."

The Kelleys are parents to three young children.
 They said they'd probably still celebrate their new legal status later in the evening though.

"Maybe we'll crack open a bottle of wine," Jennifer Kelley said.

"After we put the kids to bed," Maryann Kelly added.

Marcus Laurence and Bill Mauro talk
with a television reporter Thursday evening
after the ceremony.

Weekend Guide, November 8 to 10

Everything is better with bacon, and this weekend in Easton is no exception!

Friday, November 8

Holiday Mart and Bake Sale: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gift items being sold in the gift shop; Baked goods and craft items can be purchased in the lobby  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Benefits local nursing scholarships. Easton Hospital, Patient Information, 250 South 21st St., Wilson Borough. 610-250-4079

Artist Reception: 5 to 8 p.m. Hillcrest Camera Club members exhibit "Community Resiliency: Recovery, Adaption, Sustainability", on display through Dec. 14. Nurture Nature Center, 518 Northampton St. 610-253-4432 or www.nurturenaturecenter.org

Downtown Easton Art Walk: 5 to 8 p.m. Includes exhibits at Nurture Nature Center, Sigal Museum, State Theater, Easton Hospital Gallery and Annex, Re:find Gallery, Just Around The Corner Gallery, Quadrant Book Mart Gallery, Gallery at St. John's, Connexions Gallery, Mercantile Home Gallery, Lafayette College galleries. ArtsQuest InVision Photography Festival event. Contact The Nurture Nature Center for more information, 610-253-4432.

The Large Flowerheads, DJ Menson: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 11 p.m..  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Bear Night:  Begins at 8 p.m. Join us for a night of fellowship and fun! Complimentary buffet. Novus ACS will also be offering free STI testing for members of the LGBT community. Novus ACS offers affordable healthcare to members of the LGBT community, a fantastic resource for those without health insurance.  La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Artist Reception: 6 to 7:30 p.m. With photographer Frank Smith. Easton Hospital Gallery at the State Theatre, Fifth and Northampton streets.


The Penelopiad: 8 p.m. Adapted from Homer’s Odyssey, Margaret Atwood brings one of history’s most powerful myths to the contemporary stage. Destined to spend eternity in Hades, Penelope recounts her life’s story and the murder of her 12 handmaidens by her vengeful husband Odysseus. Atwood’s acerbic wit and boundless imagination give us a provocative new look at a woman’s longing, lust and culpability. The all-student performance is directed by Suzanne Westfall, director of the arts and professor of English and theater. Tickets are $6, and available by phone at 610-330-5009 between noon and 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., as well as at the box office one hour before the show. Show runs on Saturday, Nov. 9 also. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 730 High St.

Lelica, BD Lenz: 8 p.m. Valenca, 64-66 Centre Square. 610-923-5142

Kevin O'Connell: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

Tom Goehring: 9 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Naked Jake: 9 p.m. Colonial Pizza & Spaghetti House, 136-138 Spring Garden St. 610-252-3033 or www.colonialpizzapub.com

DJ Mikey Z: 10 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Start Making Rent: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

Modern Romantz: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

Schubert and Binder: 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Saturday, November 9

Baconfest II: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This admission-free festival will feature more than 60 vendors with a focus on farm-to-table and locally-produced fare.  Festival events will include pig racing, culinary competitions, a snout-to-tail cooking demo and tasting, bacon cupcake competition, an Elvis impersonator contest, a hog calling contest, "Art du Cochon", a historical agriculture display and games, live music and kids’ activitied. Bacon bloody Mary’s and beer too. Hosted by the Easton Farmers' Market. Centre Square. Click here for more details or go to www.pabaconfest.com for the complete schedule

Free Admission for Veterans: Veterans get free admission to the Sigal Museum all weekend. Sigal Musuem, 342 Northampton St. 610-253-1222 or www.sigalmuseum.org

Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Great gift items, crafts, hot food and baked goods for sale. There will also be free blood pressure screenings. Trinity Episcopal Church, 234 Spring Garden St. 610-253-0792

"Sachets to Scent the Home": 10:30 a.m. A workshop for adults with local aromatherapist Joan Good. Materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Easton Public Library South Side Branch, 401 West Berwick St., room 102. Call 610-258-3121 for more information or to pre-register.

Kim Brewer Band: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cool jazz and R&B. Stop by and groove to the tunes! Madame Mim's, 22 North Third St. 

Tricky Tray: Doors open at 4 p.m., drawing at 6 p.m. Over 100 large gift baskets are expected, along with 50/50. Super prizes and door prizes. Flat screen TV, iPad, Coach purse, gift certificates. Gyro and baklava sale, in addition to other refreshments. Handicap accessible. $10 for 1 sheet of raffle tickets. Bonus prizes 3 tickets for $10. Super prizes 4 for $20 or $5 each. Proceeds to benefit local charities. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, South 20th Street and Hay Terrace, Wilson Borough. 908-246-5148 for more info.

Ham Loaf Dinner: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Eat in or take out. $10 per person, $5 for children. New Creation United Church of Christ, 3730 Nicholas St., Palmer Township.

Free Texas Hold'em: 7 & 9 p.m. Registration is 15 minutes prior to each game. La Pazza, 1251 Ferry St. 610-515-0888 or www.lapazza.com

Notorious Groove, DJ Nicky K: Band at 7:30 p.m., DJ at 11 p.m..  Rivals Sports Bar & Nightclub, 5 Lehns Court. 610-923-7625 or www.rivalseaston.com

Walter Parks - Live at the Gold Room: 8 p.m., doors open at 7:30 p.m. Inspired by the swampy gospel blues that wails from storefront churches and roadhouses in and around the southeast Georgia low country, Parks' music is full of boot-stomping, guitar-strumming tunes that explore matters of the soul and spirit, built upon a foundation of jazz and folk. Total per ticket charge is $19.98. Following the concert there will be a reception and meet and greet at Mercantile Home. The Eastonian, Gold Room, 140 Northampton St. 610-258-4046 or click here for more information.

The Penelopiad: 8 p.m. See Friday's listing for details. Tickets are $6, and available by phone at 610-330-5009 between noon and 2 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m., as well as at the box office one hour before the show. Lafayette College, Williams Center for the Arts, 730 High St.

Wilson Wrestling Fundraiser: 8 to 10 p.m. Dub's on Fifth, 402 South Fifth St., West Easton. 610-438-3827 or www.dubson5th.com

Brooke Shive and the 45s: 8 p.m. The Riegelsville Inn, 12 Delaware Road, Riegelsville. 610-749-0100 or www.riegelsvilleinn.com

The Ultra Kings: 8:30 p.m. Two Rivers Brewing Company, 542 Northampton St. 610-829-1131 or www.tworiversbrewing.com

Amos: 9 p.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Scott Harrington and Friends: 10 p.m. Porters' Pub, 700 Northampton St. 610-250-6561 or www.porterspubeaston.com

The What Nows: 10 p.m. Pearly Baker's Alehouse, 11 Centre Square. 610-253-9949 or www.pearlybakers.net

Sunday, November 10

Third Anniversary Celebration: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m The Roux plays at 3 p.m. Refreshments, special anniversary sales, and raffles for gift certificates. Salvage Goods, 24 South Third St. 610-258-8176 or www.SalvageHomeGoods.com

History Channel/Lou Reda Film Screening: Noon to 4 p.m. A film screening in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps. Admission is free and open to the public. Plus, veterans get free admission to the Sigal Museum all weekend. Sigal Musuem, 342 Northampton St. 610-253-1222 or www.sigalmuseum.org

Veterans Day Program: 1 p.m. Honor township veterans, special commemoration by Williams Township children. The public is most welcome. Williams Township Veterans Memorial, 655 Cider Press Road, Williams Township. www.williamstwp.org

Sitgreaves Coffee House and Open Mic: 7 to 9 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Church, 234 Spring Garden St. 610-253-0792


Open Mic Hosted by Jim Stocker: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Riegelsville Tavern, 1274 Easton Road, Riegelsville. 610-510-3030 or www.riegelsvilletavern.com

Easton's most comprehensive guide to what's happening over the weekend, in the city and beyond, is published every Friday.

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Updated at 9:07 a.m.

Public Input Sought on Local Food Economy

A forum, "The Lehigh Valley Local Food Economy", will be held at The Nurture Nature Center this coming Thursday, November 14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. as part of a series of public gatherings in the Lehigh Valley planned that will discuss strategies for policy, system, and individual changes that can lead to a stronger local food economy and ensure the availability of fresh, healthy, affordable, culturally appropriate food for local residents.

At the coming forum at Nurture Nature Center, Lynn Prior, director for Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley, will speak, and public input will be gathered to guide the creation of a Fresh Food Access Plan towards a healthier, more sustainable food environment in which fresh food is available to all Lehigh Valley residents, both now and in the future.

The plan will be used to update the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Comprehensive Plan, "The Lehigh Valley … 2030."

A local foods reception will follow the forum.

This event is free, but organizers ask that participants register in advance by calling Brooke Kohler at 610-253-4432 or sending an email to info@BuyLocalGreaterLehighValley.org

Additionally, the newly published "Assessment Report:  Lehigh Valley Local Food Economy"  is available on the BuyLocalGreaterLehighValley.org website today. The report outlines the current state of the local food system, including both its challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Easton Police Name Suspect in September Stabbing

Easton police announced today that Sean West, 23, will be charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault in connection with a stabbing that occurred in the city's West Ward neighborhood in September.

In the early hours of September 19, an unidentified 39-year-old man was found  stabbed multiple times near South 12th and Ferry streets. Police discovered the man's injuries when called to the location for a welfare check just after 6 a.m. The victim was transported to a local hospital.

Police report West is currently in Northampton County Prison on unrelated charges. He is expected to be arraigned in the court of District Magistrate Richard Yetter later today.

Second Downtown Easton Alley Gets Cafe Lighting

European-style café lighting has been added along both
North and South Bank Street in Downtown Easton. The lights
are identical to those added to Lehn's Court just off of
Centre Square and are intended to highlight the
surrounding businesses and increase neighborhood
walkability.

Downtown Easton's Bank Street just got a little brighter, as European-style café lighting has been installed in the alleyway for about a block on both the north and south sides of Northampton Street.

The new strung lights are identical to ones that were hung on Lehn's Court just off of Centre Square in September. Both projects are the product of the Easton Main Street Initiative (EMSI) design committee, intended to highlight surrounding businesses and increase walkability in the city's Downtown district, according to an announcement from the EMSI.

The new lighting for the Bank Street alleyway was funded by the EMSI, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Easton Mayor Sal Panto, along with businesses Maxim’s 22, EPS Financial, the Easton School of Rock, and Terra Cafe.

A dedication ceremony for the new lights will be held this Saturday, November 9 at 11 a.m. where Bank Street intersects with Northampton Street during the Easton Farmers’ Market second annual Bacon Fest, taking place in the downtown all day.