1st Annual Global Renewable Energy Expo Networking Summit Coming to Allentown

The 1st Annual Global Renewable Energy Expo Networking Summit will be held at America On Wheels April 15,16 & 17, 2009 (right here in Allentown).

300 to 500 Government Ministers, Delegates, Industry Leaders, Investors, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Academia and Corporate Execs from around the world will Summit at America On Wheels. The subjects under discussion are new and existing technologies in business trades within the renewable energy sector. Specific provisions in Sectors of: Biofuels, Clean Coal, Biomass, Geothermal, hydroelectric, Solar, Transmission and Transportation, medical Waste, Investments and Proto-type Projects, Green Education of Resources Industry Globally, Nationally and Regionally. We're pretty excited! If you need any additional info, please call America on Wheels at 610-432-4200.

Chen Artist Meeting This Saturday

I saw the following message on the Chen Arts Blog about their upcoming meeting this Saturday at the House of Chen and thought it was worth repeating here.

These Chensters are the dynamic "creative class" of Allentown and beyond that you've heard rumors about. They organized that incredible visual arts show, "Momentum" in the Butz Building in December. Here's your opportunity to meet them, find out what they are working on next, and maybe pitch in to help. You will be amazed at the high quality working artists and creative types that are now coming out of the woodwork to create an emerging arts scene in Allentown.

"Just a reminder that the group is meeting this Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at House of Chen for dinner and conversation. If you plan on attending the Art Museum opening or other event, feel free to come later. Discussion will begin around 7:30 p.m.

If you plan on coming and have not RSVP'd to the previous email, please email the organizer at chenarts.info@gmail.com so we can give the restaurant an accurate count.

Dance instructor Sharon Hillman and Pana Columbus of Circle of Stones Ritual Theatre, have asked to speak. There may also be some discussion on what to do for a Spring show and what the group might do for Mayfair.

Hope to see you there."

Early Morning Snowstorm

One of the benefits to apartment living that I had forgotten about during all of my years of owning a home is that carefree feeling one gets when it snows.

With no sidewalk to shovel, no driveway to plow -- and now living within walking distance of work, I enjoyed the early morning snowfall today with a hike down Hamilton Street.

I'd like to report that while I was enjoying feeling carefree and irresponsible, others were acting more responsibly. Crews were out early from the Allentown Parking Authority and Summit Management, clearing their respective properties. The City of Allentown's crew had already been by to clear the street.

For anyone in the suburbs tiring of shoveling snow in the winter, I can report that living in an apartment in a mixed use neighborhood within walking distance of everything is easier!

While on the hike down Hamilton, I noticed that a new gym has opened downtown, Extreme Fitness. It's located on the north side of Hamilton between 9th and 10th (just east of Deli Plaza). Other early birds will appreciate the 5 a.m. opening -- and everyone will appreciate extended hours and the gym's proximity to Deli Plaza. Imagine a fresh bagel and amazing smoked salmon treat after a work out.

Reflection on Allentown Attractions

Over the holidays Councilperson Donovan took his son, Ned, sightseeing around Allentown. One of their stops was at the America on Wheels Museum. Being that Ned does not live in our area, he had some interesting thoughts about his trip. Click here to read about his experience

Cool music and wheels

Not sure what to do this weekend? Round up your music loving friends and head to the America on Wheels Museum in downtown Allentown! The America on Wheels Museum and WXLV-FM (LCCC's radio station) proudly presents the first Americana Bluegrass Festival. The festivities start at 1:00 pm in the museum's South Gallery. Here is the schedule:

1:00 pm - Cabinet (a Wilkes-Barre sextet)
2:30 pm - Red Molly (a New York based female trio)
4:00 pm - The Youngers (a Berks County foursome)

According to a Morning Call article from 1/22 - Cabinet has built a repuatation as a jam ban with its folk-influenced bluegrass. Red Molly is nationally known for its crystalline three-part harmonies, tight musicianship and energetic stage show. The Youngers, whose second CD, 2008's "Heritage", was produced by John Carter Cash (Johnny's son), straddles the line between country and rock roots.

Allentown Video on youtube

I was just trolling the Chen Arts Blog and noticed that there is now a youtube video of the Chen Arts show, Momentum, that occurred in December in the Butz Building.  Click here to see what I'm talking about.  And, thank you Pancho, for creating this and posting it.  Finally, there is something on youtube when you search on "Allentown" besides Billy Joel singing that song.

New Vision for Rite Aid on Hamilton Street

The formerly Rite Aid building on the south side of Hamilton Street between 7th and 8th was just listed this week with a broker.  That's good news as our minds race with the possibilities of what could go in this diamond in the rough!

To it's credit, it's clean, meets all codes and has an art deco facade screaming to come out from under what appears to be a 1970's brutalist facade.  A discussion of the possibilities of restoring the facade to art deco integrity resulted in this picture of a similar building in Harisburg from Pete Lewnes.

7th Street is Buzzing with New Businesses

There is plenty of good news to report on behalf of 7th Street! There are currently 4 new facades in progress, 2 new restaurants, a new clothing store and a new magazine and music store. In addition to the new businesses and business improvements 7th Street and Old Allentown were recently awarded $100,000 in a Neighborhood Partnership Program. The Morning Call's Retail Watch recently ran a story highlighting 7th Street - check out the full story here.

Did you know.....

Public safety, education, amenities, business climate and residential climate are aspects of Allentown that are mistakenly viewed as negative. Members of the Allentown Ahead Marketing and Public Relations committee and AGN are setting the record straight. In the first post of this "Did you know..." series we will address public safety but check back reguarly for positive facts on the other topics and help spread the (positive) word!



Allentown's Police Department has made may changes in the past few years and is working hard to ensure a safe 2009. New training procedures, tools and technology are making the department more effective and more efficient. Some of the new, positive changes include:
*Implementation of community policing

*Rebuilding of the deparment since 54 officers retired in 2005 (The city now has 197 officers and intends to reach 215 in 2009)

*Installation of 44 surveillance cameras throughout the city (The city plans to install as many as 100 cameras.)

In general, the crime rate in Allentown is falling at a much better rate than the national average. According to the FBI's Preliminary Uniform Crime Report for 2007 released in June, violent crime in the city fell more than 19% from 2006 to 2007. During the same period, the national crime rate fell just 1.4%. Property crime (inlcudes burgulary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson) in Allentown has dropped 12% in 2007 compared to 2.1% across the country.

Lights in the Parkway

The Lights in the Parkway exhibit has become a standing holiday tradition for most families in the Lehigh Valley and is becoming increasingly more popular for residents outside of the Valley. The holiday exhibit was a huge success this year, reporting an average of 100 more cars per night than last year. Click here to check out the WFMZ story

Thanks to all those who volunteered, visited and spread the word!