OK, so the Valley really isn’t that small. But there’s nothing more refreshing, in my humble opinion, than witnessing a group of people band together for one particular cause.

Maybe you’ve seen the commercial for Pepsi Refresh Everything. It’s pretty neat. Well, I’ve several times written about the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project here and here (in case you want to catch up), but I have an update.

The Skateplaza is one of the hundreds of ideas in the running to win grant money. On Monday, March 1 voting began for the huge $250,000 award and the Skateplaza Project went from the 100s, to the teens, to the single digits and is now currently ranked in 6^th place. This grant money will ensure that Phase 1 is completed by July 2010 and will also help put a dent into the costs for Phase 2.

The best part about this is you can help! It’s simple and takes less than one minute to vote. Click this link and log in using your Facebook account or an e-mail address. Hit “Vote” and you’re finished! You can vote once every single day for the entire month. Additionally, if there are other ideas that you would like to support, you can do that, too. You have up to 10 votes to vote for 10 different causes.

Spread the link to all of your family and friends. Who knows, maybe if you have an idea you can submit an application of your own!

Last month, I attended a Bethlehem City Council meeting because one member was threatening to take away funds specifically allocated for the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project. On Wednesday, Jan. 6, I attended the Bethlehem Skateplaza Ceremonial Groundbreaking across from Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem along with more than 200 skateboarders, BMX riders, and community supporters alike. Cold winter temperatures couldn’t stop us!

Photo by Mike Emery

Phase One is expected to be completed by July 2010. More funding is still needed to complete phases two and three. Donors, sponsors, and those interested in learning more about this amazing project should visit bethlehemskateplaza.com or homebase610.com.

Photo by Mike Emery

Congrats to all involved…again!

Photo by Daniel Cobar

I know what you’re thinking, not another South Side Bethlehem blog. But, I feel that it is necessary to let everyone know I attended my first Bethlehem City Council meeting last Tuesday and for very good reason, too.

At about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday I received an urgent text message encouraging me (and everyone else on the mass text list) to meet at Homebase Skateshop. Why? Well, because owner Andy Po had found out several moments prior to the frantic text messaging and social media networking overload that someone on the council was threatening to take funding specifically allocated for the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project and use it for a “rainy day” savings fund instead.

Photo by Daniel Cobar

There was no way Andy and all of his supporters were going to let that happen! So, at 6 p.m. a large group, including myself, met at the Skateshop, picked up a handmade rally sign (the room wreaked of magic marker), and prepared for what could have been a horribly disappointing meeting.

At City Hall, nearly 100 people gathered and quietly entered the budget meeting making it one of the largest crowds at a final budget hearing ever. Supporters spilled into the hallway. At 7 p.m., deliberations began with the public forum. About 10 people, including well-known community members, Police Commissioner Stuart Bedics, Andy, and local skateboarders spoke in support of the project citing it will finally give skaters and BMXers a safe and legal place to go. Plus, the Skateplaza will become a destination point as well as an economy booster encouraging those (especially parents who drop their kids off at the Skateplaza) to visit local shops, restaurants, and the Casino.

After two budget amendment discussions were complete, Councilman Joseph Leeson, Jr., took to the mic to explain why he wanted to use the funding for something else like the city’s water system. His rationale was that the economy is poor and this is no time for luxuries. However, what he apparently failed to realize is that the grants could only be used for the project and nearly $350,000 would have been lost, gone back to the state, or used in another community. Only about $200,000 could have been placed in that “rainy day” fund. It almost seemed like a moot point.

Skateplaza rendering

After Leeson spoke, we intently listened to the council’s rebuttals. Many of that night’s silent supporters (who truly spoke volumes) were on the edge of their seats. It was incredibly pleasing to hear what the council members had to say. In a final 6-to-1 vote, Leeson was outvoted and the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project was saved! Clapping and hushed shouting ensued as the verdict was announced. Council president Robert J. Donchez even took a moment to thank everyone for attending and graciously acknowledged our support then issued a two-minute intermission so we could leave because by then it was 9 p.m. Mayor John Callahan rushed out into the hallway to shake hands and congratulate Andy and those who attended for a job well done.

Skateplaza rendering

Honestly, it was rather neat to witness a group of people came together for one particular cause and fight for it. Democracy is not dead! Who knew? I simply attended because I have seen first-hand the fundraising and hard work done by my friends and skateboarders alike and I thought it was ludicrous one person wanted to take it all away. Congrats to those involved with this incredible project! If you’d like to learn more about the Bethlehem Skateplaza project, visit bethlehemskateplaza.com or homebase610.com.

This weekend was busy! Not to mention a hot one. But you knew that already. I was out gallivanting around the Valley making appearances at Spring on 4^th in Bethlehem, the Bethlehem Skateplaza Benefit Show at Blue Sky Café, and hitting up the sidelines at the Easton-P’burg Replay Game at Lafayette.

It was great to see the streets of the South Side filled with people on Saturday afternoon. It kind of made driving and parking annoying, but overall it was well worth the slight hassle. Winston, my loyal wiener dog, and I bypassed the chili tasting and made a b-line for the Homebase and Source Bike Shop Skateboard and BMX Demo. After a couple of hours in the sun, my sister took Winston home, and I hopped over to Greekers with Liz, my trusty sidekick to refuel. We even saw Mayor John Callahan sneak by as the crowd began to dwindle.

Saturday evening was filled with music and friends at Blue Sky Café. While the turn out wasn’t fantastic, the complimentary snacks–hummus and pita bread plus mini burgers and chips and fresh salsa–provided by Blue Sky definitely were.

Sunday morning, the sun was shining and the Easton morale was high as families, friends, alumni, teachers, coaches, students, and everyone else prepared for the Replay game–part of an original program from Gatorade featured on missiong.com. If you’ve been following the news, the 1993 Thanksgiving Day rivalry between the Easton Rovers and the Phillipsburg Stateliners ended in a 7-7 tie. On Sunday, original team members met again to settle the score once and for all; this time, with the Manning brothers–Eli and Peyton–as honorary coaches.

A sold-out stadium, block party on Monroe Street, bars overflowing, and a sea of team colors were all relatively overwhelming especially for a girl with zero attachment to Easton sports. On the field, it was a cool 115 degrees. I was sweating just wearing shorts and a tee and couldn’t imagine being fully padded running around. As it would turn out, Easton lost (27-12), but overall it was a pretty decent game. Glad I could witness a little part of history.