I should have posted this message sooner rather than simply disappearing for two weeks....
I'm going to take a short "sabbatical" from blogging. Not sure how long I'll be gone but hopefully not longer than a month or so.
Several wonderful projects have come my way that deserve my full attention.
I look forward to being able to share them with you as soon as they're ready for prime time...
Many of you have written to me off-blog to ask if I'm alright. Thank you for that. Blogging is a unique world onto itself and I'm grateful to be able to inhabit it with so many thoughtful, intelligent people.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas, too, if I don't make it back before then.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mapping It Out...
The Morning Call online has a new feature. No, it's not another blog, survey, or question of the day. It is instead an innovative community service designed to keep the public informed.
What is this new wonder? Why it's the Lehigh Valley Crime Map.
Now, instead of simply reading about the instances of mayhem and violence in our streets, we can actually plot them to scale and in color. There's lots of other cool features, like being able to plug in your own address to see how close the robberies, burglaries, and murders are to your home or your children's school.
The introductory paragraph at the top of the page says, "About this page: This map includes incidents from The Morning Call's police news page and other news reports; it is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of crimes that have taken place. Click here for crime statistics. Incident locations are approximate.
There is also a disclaimer that states: "Incident descriptions such as "Assault" and "Burglary" are used only to broadly classify the nature of the event as described by police but do not indicate guilt.
"
In it's current configuration, as of tonight, when you roll your mouse over Allentown, a little pop-up window tells you that there are 38 incidents on file in the past week. Pity poor Bethlehem and Easton who have only 6 incidents each. I'll bet they don't get near as many people looking at their maps.
Ain't technology grand?
What is this new wonder? Why it's the Lehigh Valley Crime Map.
Now, instead of simply reading about the instances of mayhem and violence in our streets, we can actually plot them to scale and in color. There's lots of other cool features, like being able to plug in your own address to see how close the robberies, burglaries, and murders are to your home or your children's school.
The introductory paragraph at the top of the page says, "About this page: This map includes incidents from The Morning Call's police news page and other news reports; it is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of crimes that have taken place. Click here for crime statistics. Incident locations are approximate.
There is also a disclaimer that states: "Incident descriptions such as "Assault" and "Burglary" are used only to broadly classify the nature of the event as described by police but do not indicate guilt.
"
In it's current configuration, as of tonight, when you roll your mouse over Allentown, a little pop-up window tells you that there are 38 incidents on file in the past week. Pity poor Bethlehem and Easton who have only 6 incidents each. I'll bet they don't get near as many people looking at their maps.
Ain't technology grand?
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Fall Of The Wall
Between the recent passage by the House of the "Healthcare Reform Act", and what appears to be an unfolding story of terrorism at Ft. Hood, the 20 year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall has not received much attention.
But in this house, it brings back memories of vindication for past wrongs, and hope for future successes.
Twenty years ago, today, my husband, a native-born Hungarian, who had engaged in the Hungarian Revolution and Student Uprising of 1956, and was then forced to flee for his life, sat in front of our television, watching the Germans chip away at that wall, with tears streaming down his face.
As Communism was crumbling across Central Europe, Hungary had led the way. Several weeks before sledge hammers smashed in to the Berlin Wall, the Hungarian Parliament adopted legislation providing for multiparty parliamentary elections and a direct presidential election. The legislation transformed Hungary from a People's Republic into the Republic of Hungary, guaranteed human and civil rights, and created an institutional structure that ensures separation of powers among the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government.
First Hungary, then Germany, then the Czech Velvet Revolution took place: The dominoes fell quickly all the way to the Baltic.
Today, with so many Americans facing financial turmoil, and two wars still being fought, I suppose it's understandable that a twenty year milestone about a piece of concrete that no longer exists, would not receive a lot of attention, but I hope we will not forget the words "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it."
But in this house, it brings back memories of vindication for past wrongs, and hope for future successes.
Twenty years ago, today, my husband, a native-born Hungarian, who had engaged in the Hungarian Revolution and Student Uprising of 1956, and was then forced to flee for his life, sat in front of our television, watching the Germans chip away at that wall, with tears streaming down his face.
As Communism was crumbling across Central Europe, Hungary had led the way. Several weeks before sledge hammers smashed in to the Berlin Wall, the Hungarian Parliament adopted legislation providing for multiparty parliamentary elections and a direct presidential election. The legislation transformed Hungary from a People's Republic into the Republic of Hungary, guaranteed human and civil rights, and created an institutional structure that ensures separation of powers among the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government.
First Hungary, then Germany, then the Czech Velvet Revolution took place: The dominoes fell quickly all the way to the Baltic.
Today, with so many Americans facing financial turmoil, and two wars still being fought, I suppose it's understandable that a twenty year milestone about a piece of concrete that no longer exists, would not receive a lot of attention, but I hope we will not forget the words "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it."
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Political Potpourri
One of the definitions of the French word "potpourri" is a medley or collection, an accurate description for this post which is just that, a collection of recent political news and views...
** I have been told, from a reliable source, that Walt Felton is taking the loss of the District Magistrate's race, very hard, to the point where he has been heard claiming that the results are not accurate. According to my information he is talking about a recount.
I was also told that the machines are already being opened for a final official count and certification of results, and that he was present at those openings which is his right. By the time I received that information, the Voter Registration Office was closed, so I could not confirm it.
I understand how painful it is to put your heart and soul in to a race and then lose, however logic should tell Mr. Felton, and his supporters who care about him should tell him, that to have a 177 vote error in a small Magisterial Voting District is, barring blatant fraud, pretty much mathematically impossible. Mr. Felton should concede, gracefully, which he has never done, and move on.
** State Rep. Doug Reichley, who is running for a fifth term in 2010, was the "raison d'etra" (I'm feeling very French tonight) for a lovely party and fundraiser at the home of Attorney Stevens and his wife Jill, on Friday night. Since I was there as a guest of someone else, I didn't want to appear obvious by standing around with my notepad, so the following observations are just that....
It was a large crowd, and since I did not pay to attend, I'm not sure of the ticket price, but I believe it was several hundred dollars. When Rep. Reichley began his remarks, he mentioned that the evening had helped him raise $100,000, an excellent kick-off to what he said will definitely be a contested campaign. He said there is already an unofficially announced Democratic opponent and that the State Dem. Committee is focusing on the race.
The star attraction was Fox News Commentator, and Lehigh Valley native, Andrea Tantaros. Andrea appeared on my radio show a few months ago discussing the "Cap & Trade" bill but this was the first time we had met in person. Oh to be so young, so pretty, and so smart. There was nothing soft or cute about her remarks, which went directly after the administration and their policies.
** Which brings me to the passage by the House of Repsentatives of the 2000 page Affordable Healtcare Act.
There is still a long way to go before it is the law of the land, but if we end up with a fraction of the regulations and restrictions that are in the legislation that is on it's way to the Senate, I believe the country may never recover.
It's not that I don't think our system needs improvement. I know many people are suffering for having been denied care or for being unable to afford insurance, and that is unconscionable in a country such as ours. But H.R. 3962 with it's vague language and numerous loopholes, is not the way to do it.
All we can hope for now is that the Senate comes to their senses before it's too late.
** I have been told, from a reliable source, that Walt Felton is taking the loss of the District Magistrate's race, very hard, to the point where he has been heard claiming that the results are not accurate. According to my information he is talking about a recount.
I was also told that the machines are already being opened for a final official count and certification of results, and that he was present at those openings which is his right. By the time I received that information, the Voter Registration Office was closed, so I could not confirm it.
I understand how painful it is to put your heart and soul in to a race and then lose, however logic should tell Mr. Felton, and his supporters who care about him should tell him, that to have a 177 vote error in a small Magisterial Voting District is, barring blatant fraud, pretty much mathematically impossible. Mr. Felton should concede, gracefully, which he has never done, and move on.
** State Rep. Doug Reichley, who is running for a fifth term in 2010, was the "raison d'etra" (I'm feeling very French tonight) for a lovely party and fundraiser at the home of Attorney Stevens and his wife Jill, on Friday night. Since I was there as a guest of someone else, I didn't want to appear obvious by standing around with my notepad, so the following observations are just that....
It was a large crowd, and since I did not pay to attend, I'm not sure of the ticket price, but I believe it was several hundred dollars. When Rep. Reichley began his remarks, he mentioned that the evening had helped him raise $100,000, an excellent kick-off to what he said will definitely be a contested campaign. He said there is already an unofficially announced Democratic opponent and that the State Dem. Committee is focusing on the race.
The star attraction was Fox News Commentator, and Lehigh Valley native, Andrea Tantaros. Andrea appeared on my radio show a few months ago discussing the "Cap & Trade" bill but this was the first time we had met in person. Oh to be so young, so pretty, and so smart. There was nothing soft or cute about her remarks, which went directly after the administration and their policies.
** Which brings me to the passage by the House of Repsentatives of the 2000 page Affordable Healtcare Act.
There is still a long way to go before it is the law of the land, but if we end up with a fraction of the regulations and restrictions that are in the legislation that is on it's way to the Senate, I believe the country may never recover.
It's not that I don't think our system needs improvement. I know many people are suffering for having been denied care or for being unable to afford insurance, and that is unconscionable in a country such as ours. But H.R. 3962 with it's vague language and numerous loopholes, is not the way to do it.
All we can hope for now is that the Senate comes to their senses before it's too late.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Which Do You Want First....
Okay, which do you want first, the good news or the bad news, with the interpretation of what constitutes good news and bad news being very subjective and totally from my point of view, and with somewhat limited information before all the numbers are in:
Good news: Ron Manescu appears to have won the Magisterial District Justice race in Allentown. Opponent Walter Felton, who started with a lot of good will and momentum, blew it by not playing by the rules. Not a good thing if you're going to be entrusted with enforcing the rules. Congratulations Ron. You ran a good, clean campaign and worked very hard. You deserve this win.
Bad news: Ed Pawlowski routed challenger Tony Phillips by almost 3 to 1. So it's four more years of smoke & mirrors and power point presentations. Let's hope City Council gets some guts and at least asks a few questions before passing a bogus budget.
Not quite as bad news: City Council remains all Democrat. Mike D'Amore is now positioned to succeed Pawlowski, which is his plan, although O'Connell came in a very close second in vote count, so we may see a little power struggle for leadership of council. Schlossberg came in third, and with this just being a stepping stone to higher office, he knows his voting record will follow him, which may motivate him to show some independence. The biggest disappointment on council is the apparent re-election of Julio Guridy. I won't elaborate on that one any further.
County good news: Glenn Eckert held off the well financed challenge of Hilliary Kwiatek. It's reassuring to know that elections do not always go to the highest bidder. And at the writing of this post, I admit I am surprised by the solid numbers being shown by County Executive challenger Scott Ott. It doesn't look like he's going to pull off a win, but he sure is giving Mr. Cunningham a run for his money. I predict this will not be the last we hear of Mr. Ott.
National fabulously good news: Christie knocked off Corzine in New Jersey. Hallelujah. Look out 2010...here we come.
Good news: Ron Manescu appears to have won the Magisterial District Justice race in Allentown. Opponent Walter Felton, who started with a lot of good will and momentum, blew it by not playing by the rules. Not a good thing if you're going to be entrusted with enforcing the rules. Congratulations Ron. You ran a good, clean campaign and worked very hard. You deserve this win.
Bad news: Ed Pawlowski routed challenger Tony Phillips by almost 3 to 1. So it's four more years of smoke & mirrors and power point presentations. Let's hope City Council gets some guts and at least asks a few questions before passing a bogus budget.
Not quite as bad news: City Council remains all Democrat. Mike D'Amore is now positioned to succeed Pawlowski, which is his plan, although O'Connell came in a very close second in vote count, so we may see a little power struggle for leadership of council. Schlossberg came in third, and with this just being a stepping stone to higher office, he knows his voting record will follow him, which may motivate him to show some independence. The biggest disappointment on council is the apparent re-election of Julio Guridy. I won't elaborate on that one any further.
County good news: Glenn Eckert held off the well financed challenge of Hilliary Kwiatek. It's reassuring to know that elections do not always go to the highest bidder. And at the writing of this post, I admit I am surprised by the solid numbers being shown by County Executive challenger Scott Ott. It doesn't look like he's going to pull off a win, but he sure is giving Mr. Cunningham a run for his money. I predict this will not be the last we hear of Mr. Ott.
National fabulously good news: Christie knocked off Corzine in New Jersey. Hallelujah. Look out 2010...here we come.
My Hero...
My husband was working 17-1 & 17-2 poll this morning at the Jewish Community Center when a Felton supporter wearing a huge sandwich board sign, like you see on the boardwalk, sauntered up on the JCC property.
My husband was the only Republican among many Democrats, working the morning crowd. But he stopped the woman with the sign and told her it was illegal for her to be there and that she would have to stand on the sidewalk or public right-of-way. At first she argued with him and several other Felton workers came to her defense.
At that point my husband got out his camera and his cell phone and said he was going to take her photograph and call voter regs. She reluctantly left and went to stand at the entrance to the parking lot.
What is it about Walter Felton, his campaign, and following the law? They must think rules are for other people.
As a footnote: While all this was going on, there were many Dems, who most likely know the rules, standing around, and not one of them told her she should leave or agreed with my husband, except for Michael Schlossberg, who stepped in while the woman was arguing, and said, "I think he's right. You need to leave the property". Thanks Michael for having the courage to do the right thing.
My husband was the only Republican among many Democrats, working the morning crowd. But he stopped the woman with the sign and told her it was illegal for her to be there and that she would have to stand on the sidewalk or public right-of-way. At first she argued with him and several other Felton workers came to her defense.
At that point my husband got out his camera and his cell phone and said he was going to take her photograph and call voter regs. She reluctantly left and went to stand at the entrance to the parking lot.
What is it about Walter Felton, his campaign, and following the law? They must think rules are for other people.
As a footnote: While all this was going on, there were many Dems, who most likely know the rules, standing around, and not one of them told her she should leave or agreed with my husband, except for Michael Schlossberg, who stepped in while the woman was arguing, and said, "I think he's right. You need to leave the property". Thanks Michael for having the courage to do the right thing.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Write-in Instructions
The days of hoping someone was standing outside a polling place handing out those little golf score card pencils, or having to remember to take one with you to the poll, is over. That's how it used to work if you wanted to do a write-in. In this day of touch screen voting machines, no such effort is necessary.As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm protesting the choices in the mayor's race by voting "NOTA", None Of The Above. If you're considering doing the same, here are the instructions from the Lehigh County Voter Registration website.
How To vote For Write-in Candidates
- Touch the check box beside Write-In
- A touch keyboard appears on the screen
- Type in the candidates name exactly as it should appear (In this case, type in NOTA)
- Touch the Record Write-In button to record this candidate, or touch the Cancel button to return to the ballot without recording a candidate's name.
My Two Cents...
For some reason, this has seemed like a long campaign season. As much as I love politics, I have not been able to muster much enthusiasm for this cycle, with the exception of the District Justice race in 31-1-03 which encompasses my own neighborhood. Back to that one in a moment.
In the "for what it's worth" department: After serious deliberation, I've decided to ignore at least one of the races that are on the ballot. In the case of the Allentown Mayoral Election, I cannot in good conscience vote for either candidate. I'm thinking of writing in NOTA; None Of The Above, so that my presence at the poll is registered and my displeasure at the choices is clear. I'm going to do a little research beforehand to figure out how to do a write-in on these new machines. If I find good information, I'll post it for anyone who is inclined to do the same.
The City Council race options are not much better than mayor. I'm going to vote for Joe Brudnak to let him know that I appreciate the fact that he put himself out there to run. I heard him at one debate and his "everyman" approach was very refreshing, although I have been disappointed that in the last weeks of the campaign he hasn't made more of an effort to become better informed and develop positions on the issues.
During Primary season, I was intending to vote for Ray O'Connell for Council in the General Election. I wrote a profile of him for my column when he retired from the School District, that left me with the impression he cared about the district and the city, which may well be true. But his involvement in Mayor Pawlowski's sleazy politics and nasty robo-call against Lou Hershman changed my mind. The last thing we need is another Pawlowski yes-man on City Council. If Mr. O'Connell can be so easily persuaded to do something that underhanded, he does not get my vote.
And then there's Lou Hershman. Lou and I served together during my time on Council and I will tell you he drove us all insane with his endless complaining and flood of memos. But underneath the mumbling and frenetic stream of consciousness, I believe Lou is honorable and honest, and that he cares deeply for the city. Looking over the field of Council candidates, he is the only hope for a voice in the wilderness to cry out against the abuses of what has become the Pawlowski machine.
Finally, there is the DJ race between Ron Manescu and Walt Felton. I've made my feelings about that one pretty clear over the past few weeks; Manescu will get my vote. But when it comes to sheer excitement on Election Night, I'd say this is going to be the race to watch. Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw did an analysis of the 31-1-03 Magisterial District, which unfortunately did not get printed in his profile piece on the two candidates. Statistically it looks like it could be a squeaker, although Felton's playing fast and loose with the "no involvement in politics" rules the past few weeks, may cost him votes. Of course, this is Allentown, so his behavior may have no effect at all.
I'm sure for everyone who is running, this must also seem like a long campaign season. Unless you've personally experienced the process, it is hard to understand the level of energy and commitment it takes to mount a campaign, and the sheer exhaustion that you are left with when it's over...win or lose.
Blogger's Note: 11/2, 9:15 a.m. I originally referred to Mr. O'Connell by the wrong first name. The correction has been made to Ray.
In the "for what it's worth" department: After serious deliberation, I've decided to ignore at least one of the races that are on the ballot. In the case of the Allentown Mayoral Election, I cannot in good conscience vote for either candidate. I'm thinking of writing in NOTA; None Of The Above, so that my presence at the poll is registered and my displeasure at the choices is clear. I'm going to do a little research beforehand to figure out how to do a write-in on these new machines. If I find good information, I'll post it for anyone who is inclined to do the same.
The City Council race options are not much better than mayor. I'm going to vote for Joe Brudnak to let him know that I appreciate the fact that he put himself out there to run. I heard him at one debate and his "everyman" approach was very refreshing, although I have been disappointed that in the last weeks of the campaign he hasn't made more of an effort to become better informed and develop positions on the issues.
During Primary season, I was intending to vote for Ray O'Connell for Council in the General Election. I wrote a profile of him for my column when he retired from the School District, that left me with the impression he cared about the district and the city, which may well be true. But his involvement in Mayor Pawlowski's sleazy politics and nasty robo-call against Lou Hershman changed my mind. The last thing we need is another Pawlowski yes-man on City Council. If Mr. O'Connell can be so easily persuaded to do something that underhanded, he does not get my vote.
And then there's Lou Hershman. Lou and I served together during my time on Council and I will tell you he drove us all insane with his endless complaining and flood of memos. But underneath the mumbling and frenetic stream of consciousness, I believe Lou is honorable and honest, and that he cares deeply for the city. Looking over the field of Council candidates, he is the only hope for a voice in the wilderness to cry out against the abuses of what has become the Pawlowski machine.
Finally, there is the DJ race between Ron Manescu and Walt Felton. I've made my feelings about that one pretty clear over the past few weeks; Manescu will get my vote. But when it comes to sheer excitement on Election Night, I'd say this is going to be the race to watch. Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw did an analysis of the 31-1-03 Magisterial District, which unfortunately did not get printed in his profile piece on the two candidates. Statistically it looks like it could be a squeaker, although Felton's playing fast and loose with the "no involvement in politics" rules the past few weeks, may cost him votes. Of course, this is Allentown, so his behavior may have no effect at all.
I'm sure for everyone who is running, this must also seem like a long campaign season. Unless you've personally experienced the process, it is hard to understand the level of energy and commitment it takes to mount a campaign, and the sheer exhaustion that you are left with when it's over...win or lose.
Blogger's Note: 11/2, 9:15 a.m. I originally referred to Mr. O'Connell by the wrong first name. The correction has been made to Ray.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fool Me Once...
I've made my share of mistakes in life, most of them oversights of time or focus, so I try to not be too judgmental of others. I take a "walk a mile in their moccasins....living in glass houses" approach to life whenever possible. As a private citizen, I have the luxury of such an attitude.
However when it comes to someone who is going to sit in legal judgment of others, I would prefer that person show some concern and respect for the rules and laws they will administer, as well as demonstrate a willingness to try to live by them.
To date, Allentown 31-1-03 Magisterial District Justice candidate Walter Felton, seems to be having a little trouble in the rules and laws department. As Bernie O'Hare reported in L.V. Ramblings a week ago, the front yard of a property owned exclusively by Mr. Felton, contained a wide array of campaign yard signs from other candidates; a clear violation of the "no direct involvement in politics" law that applies to judicial candidates.
Now it appears Mr. Felton has committed yet another "faux pas" by contributing $200 to the re-election campaign of Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Campaign signs in a yard is one thing, hundreds of dollars in contributions is quite something else when the law clearly states "magisterial district judge candidates shall not make or solicit political contributions". It will be interesting to hear what Candidate Felton has to say about this latest breach.
And while we're on the subject of what Mr. Felton has to say; it seems he's been talking quite a lot lately about being officially endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. Not only did he tell that to Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw, today someone calling from a Felton phone bank told one of my neighbors that she should vote for Felton because he was the choice of his fellow police officers and had been endorsed by the FOP. I question this only because several members of the rank and file have told me personally that they did not vote for nor were they asked to support Felton.
In an effort to verify that the endorsement does indeed exist, I put in a call to FOP President Tony Alsleben, but did not receive a call-back. I also called immediate past President, Mike Rooney, who would not comment, referring me to Alsleben. Hopefully, someone in a position to know will comment on this post.
While we're waiting for the endorsement issue to be resolved, the campaign contribution to Ed Pawlowski is not in doubt...it's in black and white and filed in the Voter Reg. office.
Speaking for myself, Mr. Felton's seeming willingness to play fast and loose with the rules does not represent the kind of person we need as this neighborhood's first line of defense against the bad guys.
Update: A reliable source has told me the following: He (Felton) is endorsed by the FOP, after they gave other candidates a chance to talk to them and none did. He was endorsed by motion at a lightly attended meeting.
However when it comes to someone who is going to sit in legal judgment of others, I would prefer that person show some concern and respect for the rules and laws they will administer, as well as demonstrate a willingness to try to live by them.
To date, Allentown 31-1-03 Magisterial District Justice candidate Walter Felton, seems to be having a little trouble in the rules and laws department. As Bernie O'Hare reported in L.V. Ramblings a week ago, the front yard of a property owned exclusively by Mr. Felton, contained a wide array of campaign yard signs from other candidates; a clear violation of the "no direct involvement in politics" law that applies to judicial candidates.
Now it appears Mr. Felton has committed yet another "faux pas" by contributing $200 to the re-election campaign of Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Campaign signs in a yard is one thing, hundreds of dollars in contributions is quite something else when the law clearly states "magisterial district judge candidates shall not make or solicit political contributions". It will be interesting to hear what Candidate Felton has to say about this latest breach.
And while we're on the subject of what Mr. Felton has to say; it seems he's been talking quite a lot lately about being officially endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. Not only did he tell that to Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw, today someone calling from a Felton phone bank told one of my neighbors that she should vote for Felton because he was the choice of his fellow police officers and had been endorsed by the FOP. I question this only because several members of the rank and file have told me personally that they did not vote for nor were they asked to support Felton.
In an effort to verify that the endorsement does indeed exist, I put in a call to FOP President Tony Alsleben, but did not receive a call-back. I also called immediate past President, Mike Rooney, who would not comment, referring me to Alsleben. Hopefully, someone in a position to know will comment on this post.
While we're waiting for the endorsement issue to be resolved, the campaign contribution to Ed Pawlowski is not in doubt...it's in black and white and filed in the Voter Reg. office.
Speaking for myself, Mr. Felton's seeming willingness to play fast and loose with the rules does not represent the kind of person we need as this neighborhood's first line of defense against the bad guys.
Update: A reliable source has told me the following: He (Felton) is endorsed by the FOP, after they gave other candidates a chance to talk to them and none did. He was endorsed by motion at a lightly attended meeting.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A Word From Our Local Station
One of our family's favorite traditions is the "annual pumpkin carving contest". Everyone gathers for dinner, after which the table is cleared and layered with newspaper. Each member is responsible for bringing their own pumpkin and carving utensils. Designs, often sketched out in advance, are closely guarded secrets until revealed at the very last moment.As with all things in life, some years are better than others; this year was one of our best. The pork roast turned out just right, the pumpkin cheesecake was delicious, and the "mine will be better than yours' banter brought lots of laughter. Even the weather was cooperating by being unusually warm, allowing us the rare October treat of open windows. Lingering over coffee, the peace and calm was suddenly shattered by screeching tires and what sounded like cars chasing each other.
Today, I received a notice from our neighborhood group, West Watch, that not only was there an incident in the neighborhood involving speeding vehicles, but that there had been shots fired from or into those cars, just several blocks away. The thought of the tragedy that could have ensued had a member of my family, or any other family in the neighborhood, been caught in the middle of such mayhem makes my blood run cold.
Even more worrisome is that a day earlier another West Watch bulletin informed us that a search warrant had been served and the SWAT team was on the scene in the same block as the shots were fired two nights later. I feel so sorry for the people who live on that block; it must be a nightmare.
After what seemed like a long crime spree filled with burglaries and home invasions, the last few peaceful months have lulled us in to what now seems like a false sense of security. We won't make that mistake again.
Welcome to the new reality in Allentown.
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