Save the Date: Free Summer Picnic on the Horizon

The Pawlowski Family Fun Picnic is set for August 26, 2012 from Noon-4:00 p.m. at the UAW Grove on Mack Blvd.  This is a free event for all Allentown residents and supporters!  There will be food, drinks, entertainment by the Memory Lane Band, and children’s activities including games, face painting, balloon animals and a moon bounce.

This will be a fun event for all of Allentown to enjoy a summer day with the Pawlowski Family as well as your neighbors.  So circle August 26^th and plan on joining us for a picnic for the whole city!

Air Products Partners with Phantoms Hockey Team to Launch Phantoms Charities

Air Products Becomes Funding Partner of New Arena

Air Products Foundation to serve as Presenting Sponsor of Phantoms Charities

Air Products and The Phantoms, the American Hockey League’s top development team of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, announced recently a multifaceted partnership that includes the launch of “Phantoms Charities,” a new nonprofit that will focus on giving back to the Lehigh Valley community. The announcement was made jointly by John Stanley, senior vice president at Air Products, and Jim and Rob Brooks, co-owners of the Phantoms.

Additionally, Air Products will become a founding partner of the new arena, which will be a catalyst to the renovation and revitalization of downtown Allentown. The arena is scheduled to open in the fall of 2013 and will seat 8,500 people for hockey games and up to 10,000 for concerts and other events.

“We feel the arena and The Phantoms, in fact the entire downtown project, are critical to the revitalization of Allentown and, equally as important, will be to the benefit of the entire Lehigh Valley,” said Stanley. “We wanted to find a meaningful way to be a part of it while giving back to the region, and partnering with Phantoms Charities is a perfect fit for Air Products. The project is a vital addition to the Lehigh Valley, a significant economic and growth catalyst for the region, and both our founding partnership and commitment to Phantoms Charities reflect that belief.”

The Phantoms are committed to launching a charity in the region prior to the opening of the new arena. A board of directors for Phantoms Charities will be formed and represent the entire Lehigh Valley. Air Products will be the presenting sponsor of the nonprofit and have a seat on the board.

“This is a very exciting partnership for us. Air Products is one of the most respected organizations in the Lehigh Valley due to their business success and commitment to the community,” said Brooks. “Giving back has always been a core mission of ours and to have the financial, intellectual and employee support of Air Products will make our efforts that much bigger and more effective.”

Phantoms Charities will support nonprofit organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley and provide a mechanism for the hockey team and players to positively impact youth and youth programs in the region. As a leading corporate citizen in the Lehigh Valley, Air Products is also committed to serving the community through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Air Products joins arena founding partners Lehigh Valley Health Network and Service Electric Cable TV and Communications. The partnership was facilitated by Front Row Marketing Services, a subsidiary of the sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor.

Allentown Launches Anonymous Police Text Tip Line

The City of Allentown Police Department is launching tip411, an internet-based tool that enables the public to text message an anonymous tip to police, and lets the police respond back creating a two way anonymous “chat.”

Tip 411 is a web-based application of Citizen Observer for receiving, responding to and managing anonymous web, text message and I-Phone generated tips.  It was unveiled recently in front of a billboard advertising the service at 11th & Linden streets by Mayor Ed Pawlowski and Police Chief Roger MacLean.  They were joined by Assistant Chief Dan Warg and Adams Outdoor Lehigh Valley Division General Manager Tony Cioffi.  The system was demonstrated to those in attendance.

Anyone with a cell phone can now send an anonymous tip to Allentown Police by texting the word TIPAPD, YOUTHAPD or VICEAPD and the tip information to 847411 (tip411).  Anonymous web tips can also be submitted right from the city’s website.  It is 100% anonymous.  The technology removes all identifying information before the Police Department sees it; so there’s no way to identify the sender.

“This new capability will help our residents play an active role in keeping neighborhoods safe, it will engage a younger demographic in the process, and it will save our agency time and resources,” Pawlowski said.

According to MacLean, this new capability reaches out to a younger age demographic that communicates sometimes hundreds of times a day through text messaging.  “When someone may be afraid to come forward, or simply feels like they don’t want to get involved – this is a great way to get information to us without fear of retaliation.”

Pawlowski said, “We’re going to be distributing bilingual business cards with the text tip information on it in all city high schools and middle schools.  The same information will be printed on posters.  We know there are plenty of good kids out there who will take advantage of the opportunity.”

Links to information on how to use the text tip is available on the city website home page at http://www.allentownpa.gov and on the police department home page.  It will also be added to the city’s iphone app.

Take A Dip: City Pools Open

The City of Allentown opened its Irving, Mack and Jordan swimming pools for the 2012 season on Saturday, June 9.  Cedar Beach Pool will open on Saturday, June 16.

The pools are open to the public daily from 12 noon until 7pm seven days a week.

Allentown’s two free spray park locations at Buck Boyle Park and 5th and Allen Street Park are open.  Hours are also 12 noon to 7pm daily.

Residents are also urged to mark their calendars for Family Water Safety Day at Cedar Beach Pool on Friday, June 29 and at Jordan Pool on Saturday, July 21.  Admission to the pool is reduced to $2.00 for all participants.  Activities include educational stations on improvised rescue equipment, life jackets, rescue breathing, boat and river safety, spinal injury prevention, children’s water safety video and calling 911.

Also on the 2012 calendar is the first Family Fun Pool Competition.  It is scheduled for Mack Pool on Saturday, June 23 from 10am – 12 noon.  The registration fee is $10.00 per family.  Events include: balloon toss, run/swim relay, blind disc retrieval, kayak relay and an obstacle course.  The winning family will receive free season passes for the 2012 Summer Season.  Registration forms will be available at each of the pools and at the Parks & Recreation office.

Cedar Beach Pool will be the site of the city’s first Flick and Float event on Friday, August 10.  Patrons are invited to bring their own floating device.  Admission is $2.00.

For information on Allentown’s four municipal pools or spray parks, season passes, Learn to Swim programs and special events at public pools, please visit http://www.allentownpa.gov/parks or see pages 10-11 in the 2012 Spring/Summer edition of Adventure Allentown.

Healthy Choices: Downtown Growers’ Market Opens for Season

Allentown’s Downtown Grower’s Market is back for the 2012 season in a brand new location, The Allentown Art’s Park!  Eight vendors are scheduled to appear  Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1:30pm, June through October, at the Allentown Arts Park located on 5th Street between Linden and Court streets.

“The outdoor market offers a tremendous opportunity for downtown employees to do some quick shopping on their lunch break,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski.  “Downtown employees can enjoy their lunch in the beautiful park and purchase some goods to take home.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

The Downtown Growers’ Market is a sustainable market as well as a community gathering place in Allentown’s downtown where citizens can access healthy, local produce, thereby creating a farm-city connection and assisting revitalization of the downtown while protecting Eastern Pennsylvania’s farmlands.

This project is supported by the friends of the Downtown Growers Market, a group of citizen volunteers, supporting the market through organizing music, events and community tables.

Smoking Good Blues: Fifth Annual Blues, Brews & Barbeque

Downtown Allentown was smokin’ with the Blues last Saturday during the fifth annual Blues Brews & Barbecue, presented by the City of Allentown and the Hamilton District Main Street Program.  National Blues acts like Popa Chubby, Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band, and Beaucoup Blue rocked the 800 block of Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown.   Local acts As the Sarah Ayers Band, the James Supra Blues Band and Maria Woodford rounded out the day of non-stop music.

“This year’s event was bigger and better than ever,” said Mayor Pawlowski.  “Great music, great food, people packed on Hamilton Street, what a great day it was.  I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”

The free event also featured a children’s corner sponsored by Action Party Rentals, with other activities like face painting, a ride on a trackless train, and pictures at a green-screen booth.

The City of Allentown and Hamilton District Main Street Program are preparing for the fifth Party on the Deck celebration that is set for Thursday, June 21 on the top level of the 8th and Linden streets parking deck from 5pm-8pm.

The event will feature live music by the Toga Party Band and is combined with food and drinks in a party atmosphere.  It takes place on a rooftop eight stories up at one of the Lehigh Valley’s most historic icons – the famous Hess’ Spiral Parking Deck that boasts one of the most unique views in the city.  It offers phenomenal views of the city’s skyline including Coca Cola Park and Downtown Allentown.

“Downtown Allentown is the place to be for great fun, delicious food and outstanding entertainment,” said Leslie Suhr, Hamilton District Main Street Manager.  “Downtown events like Party on the Deck create a sense of community for residents and visitors and offer a chance to showcase the city’s assets in a fun environment.”

The cost for the event is only $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The price includes: admission, parking, entertainment, two drink vouchers (beer, sangria, soft drinks or water) and a food sample by Sangria.  This event is for persons age 21 and over.

Water Plant Honored for 5th Consecutive Year

The City of Allentown Water Filtration Plant is the recipient of a national award for maintaining the Directors Award of recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water.  The Partnership is a national volunteer initiative developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other water organizations representing water suppliers striving to provide their communities with drinking water quality that surpasses the required federal standards.

“The employees of the water plant are to be commended,” Mayor Ed Pawlowski said.  “They should be very proud that their work is being noticed for the fifth straight year.  The city’s water users are assured that we are continuing to meet high standards.”

Awards were presented on Monday, June 11, at the Partnership Award Luncheon held during the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference & Exposition in Dallas, Texas.

Ground Broken For Butz Phase II

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held recently on Phase II of the Butz Corporate Center project. The 50,000 SF, Class-A Office and Retail Expansion is located at 824 and 830 Hamilton Street. The expansion is expected to bring another 150 jobs to downtown Allentown. The Phase I, 74,000 SF Butz Corporate Center has already brought approximately 200 jobs to the city since it opened six years ago.

“This day is very significant to our company’s future. We see a great opportunity here for other companies looking to do business in Pennsylvania,” says Greg L. Butz, president and CEO. “We look forward to filling our expanded building with high quality businesses that can reap the rewards of being located in downtown Allentown.”

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski couldn’t be happier. “When phase one of the Butz Corporate Center opened six years ago, I said, We have begun a new era in Allentown, an era that will be marked by positive progress, by the revival of our downtown business district, and by the renewal of the pride in our city triggered by people like the Butz family and their desire to help us turn things around,” Pawlowski said. “And, now the Butz family is doing even more. Greg, on behalf of the people of the City of Allentown, I thank you again for your support and for your investment.”

Allentown Adds Four New Police Officers

Four new City of Allentown police officers were introduced late this morning during a swearing-in ceremony in City Council chambers.

Mayor Ed Pawlowski administered the oath of office to officers Maurice Flowers-Williams of Philadelphia, Andrew Holveck of Allentown, John Leonard III of Havertown and Scott Snyder of Emmaus.

Flowers-Williams will be attending the next Allentown Police Academy class beginning next month. Holveck, Leonard and Snyder are already Act 120 certified and are undergoing in-house training.

Pawlowski urged the officers to pay strict attention to their instructors. “Being a member of law enforcement is a dangerous job, but it is also very rewarding. The people of this city admire your bravery and your courage. I want you to know that we appreciate your efforts every single minute of every single day.”

The four additions increase the department compliment to 207 officers. Retirements at the end of 2005 had reduced the police force to 164 officers.  Over the next few months the city plans to hire nine additional officers thanks to two federal COPS Program grants.