2008 Woodie Awards
Fighting the brain drain
Laura Doto
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Op/Ed
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I am writing in response to Andrew Smith's article "It's so hot outside; 'Urine' was a bad choice." The editorial was composed not from a theatre perspective, but from the perspective that the author's lackluster attitude towards Allentown is defeating. Having been born and raised in Allentown, I have done my fair share of complaining about the seemingly lack of cultural events in the area; however, I have realized over the years that are plenty of cultural activities occuring locally on a daily basis.
Every Thursday, The Morning Call produces the "Go Guide," which is filled with listings of cultural happenings in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Students can easily collect a free issue of the Morning Call at Seegers Union any day of the week. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council publishes a monthly publication called the Arts Calendar, where the public can find listings of performing, visual and literary arts events in the Lehigh Valley. This is available at the information desk in the Center for the Arts. Recent efforts have also been made by the 'Berg Organization of Musicians (BOOM) to provide all students with a listing of musical events in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas in a newsletter called BOOMBOX delivered to campus mailboxes.
The issue that bothers me the most about Smith's editorial is his vapid, biting claim: "It's not like we live in some cultural mecca, full of fun and interesting activities. This is Allentown!" On the contrary, the Lehigh Valley is the fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania. According to census estimates, "the Lehigh Valley ranks above the national average in income" (www.lehighmba.com). As a result of this, many new and exciting projects have come to fruition or are in the works in this region. Here in Allentown, a Community Arts Park project is nearing completion. It will be a meeting place among the Allentown Art Museum, Baum School of Art, Allentown Symphony Hall and the Community Music School. The new Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley just opened on October 27. The Promenade offers the latest in fashion, home furnishings, restaurants and a movie theatre. SteelStax, a performing arts and education center, will be constructed out of the old Bethlehem Steel Works. As you can see, there are and will continue to be opportunities to engage in both entertaining and cultural activities in the Lehigh Valley.
Every Thursday, The Morning Call produces the "Go Guide," which is filled with listings of cultural happenings in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Students can easily collect a free issue of the Morning Call at Seegers Union any day of the week. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Arts Council publishes a monthly publication called the Arts Calendar, where the public can find listings of performing, visual and literary arts events in the Lehigh Valley. This is available at the information desk in the Center for the Arts. Recent efforts have also been made by the 'Berg Organization of Musicians (BOOM) to provide all students with a listing of musical events in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas in a newsletter called BOOMBOX delivered to campus mailboxes.
The issue that bothers me the most about Smith's editorial is his vapid, biting claim: "It's not like we live in some cultural mecca, full of fun and interesting activities. This is Allentown!" On the contrary, the Lehigh Valley is the fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania. According to census estimates, "the Lehigh Valley ranks above the national average in income" (www.lehighmba.com). As a result of this, many new and exciting projects have come to fruition or are in the works in this region. Here in Allentown, a Community Arts Park project is nearing completion. It will be a meeting place among the Allentown Art Museum, Baum School of Art, Allentown Symphony Hall and the Community Music School. The new Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley just opened on October 27. The Promenade offers the latest in fashion, home furnishings, restaurants and a movie theatre. SteelStax, a performing arts and education center, will be constructed out of the old Bethlehem Steel Works. As you can see, there are and will continue to be opportunities to engage in both entertaining and cultural activities in the Lehigh Valley.