New Sidewalk Signs

Look out for the new, attractive sidewalk signs along 7th Street--including Sweet Italian Pizza and Casa Latina (pictured below).

Gifted Gardener, Great Lady and Even Greater Friend passes away

Hello all,
Most of you have heard that Bernadette Cozart passed away this week...I figured I'd get something posted on her memorial service this Saturday -- we invite whoever would like to come and celebrate Bernie's life. There will be a reception following the service -- please feel free to bring a plate.

The service is Saturday, 11am, at the Metropolitan Community Church, 930 N. 4th Street, #101 (the Silkwerks building).

A future post will commemorate Bernie and mark her contributions to 7th Street and the surrounding neighborhoods. For now, see the Morning Call's obituary, and a segment from Channel 69 News.

An excerpt from the Morning Call obituary

Bernadette Cozart, a gifted gardener who won international recognition for founding the Greening of Harlem, passed away suddenly on July 27, 2009. A transplanted New Yorker, Bernie was an active, prolific volunteer and community leader. Most recently, Bernie was unanimously elected Design Chair of the Seventh Street Development Committee and served two years as president of the Allentown Garden Club. Survivors: Bernie is survived by her partner of 17 years Kathleen Kapila, her many friends and community partners. Services: A celebration of Bernadettes life will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 11 a.m. in Metropolitan Community Church, 930 N 4th St #10, Allentown, PA 18102-1881, (610) 709-8800. Arrangements, Nicos C. Elias Funeral Home, Allentown. Contributions: Contributions may be made to Lehigh Gap Nature Center, PO Box 198, Slatington PA 18080, (610) 760-8889, Mr. Dan Kunkle.

New Sign for Hosanna Shoppe

Hosanna Shoppe, the relatively new Christian gift shop at 415 N. 7th, just got a tasteful new sign. The sign is the last piece of a major facelift for the whole building, courtesy of Pete Lewnes and his 7th Street Development Committee facade grant program.

hello all - pete here...here's a before shot. When we pulled the failing stucco off the building there was almost no mortar left between the bricks. This building is owned by Heber and Elsa Silva - the live upstairs and run the shop...we need more owners like this in Allentown! thanks Jeff for the posting!

New Facade at Casa Latina

Casa Latina's makeover is complete, with the installation yesterday of the classic awning. Casa has long been the city's best Puerto Rican and Dominican eatery, but cramped quarters and garish signage had kept some away. Now there's no excuse.

Pete Again...a Before...

and an almost After...

New bike shop opens on 7th Street

I heard a rumor about a new bike shop on 7th Street, which I dismissed as wishful hearing. But there it was, on the 100 block--open on July 4th: Madera Bicycle, at 45 N. 7th. I have an old bike I have been meaning to dig out and return to the streets, so I stopped by later in the afternoon. The owner, Juan Madera, had been part-owner of a Manhattan bike shop for 20 years, he said. (A photo of him and Jennifer Lopez is on the wall, complete with a bike he says he fixed for her.) He's extremely nice, and tuned up my bike (and replaced inner tube) in just one day--for only $50.

Madera Bicycle
45 N. 7th St.
484-350-3608

Outdoor seating comes to La Mexican Grill

The outdoor seating renaissance on 7th Street has reached La Mexicana Grill, the dean of Allentown Mexican cuisine at 7th and Gordon St.

25th Annual Community Fest

For a quarter century the St. Luke’s Church has held the 7th Street Community Fest and it was a load of fun. The weather was the best and the festival was a success. The festival was Jun 6, 2009 from 1pm to 6 pm.

There was food and baked goods, entertainment, crafts and games, raffles, balloon artistry, auction, plant sale, used books sale and local community organizations.

Entertaining was DJ ” George”, Street Theatre Alliance, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Gilbert Family Singers, Inner City Tae Kwon Do School, and the St Luke’s Neighborhood Center Step Team. Some of the highlights of the fest were the raffle for a 32” LCD TV and an 8G iPod Touch as well as a “Chinese” Auction of basket and Gift Certificates. Some of the local community organizations who supported the event were the Blood Mobile, the Allentown Police K9 Unit, the Allentown Fire Department, Latino Health Alliance, Allentown Health Bureau, Allentown Recycling Center, Community Action, Development Corp, Housing Association and Development Corp, Community Bike Works, Thrivent Financial Services, and AmeriHealth Mercy.Fun was had by all.

Thanks everyone…hope to see everyone next year.