Freedom Let it Ring

 If you want a good cry today, listen to Trace Adkin's song Arlington.  I know it's July 4th - I am not all decorated like I used to be.  I do have one American Flag out and I asked Alexa to play patriotic songs, which led to the song Arlington.  I cried.

Two years ago the freedom of what woman can do was taken away from us.  Roe vs. Wade was overturned.  I called my friend Cathy and all I could say was Cathy and she knew and felt like I did.  Being 67 I can remember what woman went through with back room abortions.  But that day freedom was taken away.  I cried.

Yesterday the BBB was passed, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unless you a Rich White man, you lost a little freedom.  You might not feel it now, but I guarantee you will.

Today is July 4th, today we celebrate the Declaration of Independence - “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.” 

I think right now we are losing that happiness.  I remember hearing patriotic songs on the 4th and they made cry, but not because I was sad, but I was proud, proud to be an American.  Proud to think about how our forefathers fought for freedom.  

My family came from Poland.  Their names are at Ellis Island.  This country is made up of immigrants, everyone, unless you are a Native American. Yet we are persecuting immigrants right now.  I know some are in the country illegally, but all they are looking for is the same thing we want, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.  

Isn't there a way to help, instead of sending them to Alligator Alcatraz?

And, if they can build that in a few days why can't we do that for the homeless.  Remember what the Statue of Liberty had engraved on it -  

 Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.  Send these, the homeless, temptest-tost to me.  I lift my lamp beside the golden door.   

I cried

Do you remember 9/11 - Cathy called me to tell me - we came together as nation that day.  Showing the world nothing can tear us apart.   Except right now we are letting something tear us apart.  We aren't the same.  We lost the happiness of the USA.

Do you know what I like to hear on this day - July 4th - it's not a speech by Washington, Lincoln or JFK.  It's  a speech from a movie President in the movie Independence Day where we are attacked by Aliens.  The space kind.

"In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind, that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it's fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression or persecution, but from annihilation. We're fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, we will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We're going to live on. We're going to survive. Today, we celebrate our independence day." yup - I cried.

Best line is - We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore.  So true!

Happy 4th of July - may you take this day to remember what it is all about.  Remember what freedom means.  Remember the flag, the Statute of Liberty, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States of America.  Remember those who died for our freedom, for America,  

Liberty is the right to live free, you and me, let us not lose it to any authority which chooses to oppress us.  

and I cried, but that's another day in Catasauqua.

The Great Dirt Hole of '24

 Last night while I was at crochet group at the Catasauqua Public Library, my friend, Judy asked what Parke thought about all the trucks going by.  I wasn't sure what she meant until this morning.  

As I did the morning struggle to get in the car while parked

on Howertown Road during school traffic, I was memorized by the fact there were 2 giant dump trucks in front of me, crossing paths.  When I looked down, I saw that dirt covered parts of the street; and then it dawned on me, these were the trucks Judy was talking about.

The trucks that were putting the end to an era.  The trucks that were filling the Catty pool with dirt.  

Yesterday after work I was making a run to Hartzell's to pick up a prescription.  I had seen pictures of the pool being filled with dirt on Facebook, but when I saw it in person my heart dropped.  

The pool which opened in 1935, Grand opening July 11, 1936, which measured 60 feet by 220 feet.  The pool which became my home away from home in the summer months.  The pool where I learned to swim and where I tried to learn to dive but couldn't.  The pool where I hoped to be one of those ladies that sat under the tree (best spot on the grass) someday, watching my children play and swim.  But it never happened, we sat along the fence.  Three generations of my family swam there, my mom, me and my son.  The pool was now a giant dirt spot.  

I am not going to get into the politics or price that led to this.  My point is I am sad to see it go. It is an end to something that lasted 89 years.  

It was where I got snow cones and pretzel rods as a kid. It was where I met friends, and even fell in love once.  It was the pool. 

Yes, the Catasauqua Swimming pool has bit the dust, literally, and that's another day in Catasauqua.

 

Happy Father's Day

For many, many years I did not celebrate this day.  Yes, I did with my ex-husband and son.  Plus today I called my son to wish him Happy Father's Day, a special one with a baby on the way.  I had a grandfather I celebrated and Pop-pop my Step-Father but never a Father.  

You see, my mom and dad were divorced when I was 4 months old.  My grandmother thought it best that I had no contact with him.  Let me tell you, she was so wrong.  I met my paternal grandparents once, they came to my grandmother's house, they seemed so nice and brought me a giant stuffed rabbit, but I remember hearing her tell them to never come again.  And they didn't.  

When I around 17ish my Aunt Anne, my Father's step sister mentioned where my dad was living. I thought here it is, the opportunity to contact my father.  Visions of uniting were in my dreams.  The man would take me in his arms and call me daughter.  I wrote a letter, in it I gave him options.  One my phone number to call me. Two, write me back. OR three, if he did not want further contact from me, just put the letter in the self addressed stamped envelope and mail it back to me, at least I would know he got it.  I would respect his wishes and never contact him again.

Well, I am guessing you know what happened.  The letter came back in my self-addressed stamped envelope.  No comments, no hello daughter.  No, I love you.  

But I still love the man who donated his sperm even though I will never know what he thought about me.  He passed away December 5, 2022.  I didn't know until a few months ago when I googled him.  I did this periodically.  I was sad that no one let me know, but then who would.  Does anyone in his family even know I exist.

All I know about him is what I read in the obituary:

Luther was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. As a long-time member of the Paradise Hunting and Fishing Club in Weatherly, Luther was known for his love of hunting and fishing. He enjoyed the opportunities to pass he love for the outdoors onto his children and grandchildren.

An amazing father.  

It looks like I have half-siblings, but I guess I will never meet them.  I wasn't even mention in the obit, although my twin brothers, who died, were.  

I don't write this blog out of hate, I write it out of love.  Love for the father I never knew, but also as a message to those fathers out there.  The ones that leave and never ever have contact with there children again.  You leave a hole.  You leave a hole so deep in a child that you could not  possibly understand.

I would have been happy with a birthday card or a phone call.  One I love you in the last 64 years would of sufficed.  

As usual I don't really celebrate this day: but let me say this -to my dad in heaven, happy father's day.

And to my heavenly Father, thank you for always be there.

and that's another day in Catasauqua

Getting Back to Normal

 Ever day is a new day and with each new day comes a little more normalcy in our lives.  Today was the First Day of Sunday School again.  Of all the things that I missed the most during Covid was my Church family, especially the children.  

Tammy, bff and co-teacher and I are blessed with a great group of children.  They are smart, even when I think they aren't paying attention, they are.  They are funny, they do and say the funniest things, I am always laughing with the.  They are our future leaders and I don't mind leaving the world to them.

The most popular spot in our room is the hot chocolate corner and of course, the marshmallows.  We had all kinds of marshmallows.  Big ones, small ones, flavored ones and the kind that are in marshmallow cereals.  I seen them wear marshmallows on their head, spear them with coffee stirrers and finally put them in their hot chocolate.  

I learn, as I teach them and I have been learning for over 30 years.  All the children that have come through have blessed me in some way.  When I see some of the ones that I had years ago now married with children I realize how old I am.  But you know what, the new ones keep me young.  They give me energy that I usually don't have and let me tell you, covid  had sucked a lot of my energy away.  Even though I worked every day, nighttime was mundane.  Come home, eat and sleep - repeat.  

When I cleaned the room last week I found a lot of spider webs, one daddy longlegger, which Linus tells me is the most poisonous spider but is unable to bite humans with its fangs, and the world's most hardest  marshmallows that ever existed.  Along with out dated snacks, candy that was 2 years old and some other outdated items.  

Today is was only Linus and I.  We did the lesson about Deborah and Barak, talked about what we can do for others in the church.  Talked about the food bank, the church carillons and daddy longleggers.  Being it was only the two of us, we were done early so we threw yarn balls around and then did some origami, unsuccessfully.   But I was never happier.  

Yes, maybe we are taking baby steps to becoming normal and some things may be never normal again, but for today is was at Salem UCC Sunday School, and that's another day in Catasauqua.

Let's have some Cheese with you Wine, oh wait that gets delivered on a Tractor Trailer

 It's a rainy day, a soggy Memorial Day weekend.  I can't help but read Facebook and one of the Catty pages is really getting bogged down with whining about noise and tractor trailers.   Especially Fed Ex tractor trailers.  But we need to face one big fact - none of use could live without tractor trailers, they bring us our food, our clothes, our medicine and basically everything.  Unless you live your life on a farm, raise animals, butcher them, and grow all your food you rely on tractors trailers.

• Of the 1.9 million semi-trucks that operate in the U.S., one-third of them are registered in California, Florida and Texas.
• In 2015, commercial trucks traveled an estimated 279.8 billion miles collectively.
• A typical semi-truck diesel engine weighs 3,000 pounds.
• 70 percent of American goods are transported via semi-trucks

During Covid we even relied more on Fed Ex  and Amazon.  Let's face - some of us didn't go out to shop and we had everything delivered. 

I worked for Fed Ex (for a whole week) and do you know what that truck was full of - everything.  Chewy.com; medical supplies, rugs, furniture, box after box after box going somewhere around the United States.  It gets from place to place by tractor trailer.  

Yes I know that the tractors trailers are big and our streets are small - I live on Howertown Road, I hear it all, trucks being the quietest.  Motorcycles and loud cars don't bother me like they bother my mom, who has to say OY every time they go by.  

I lived at 2nd and Mulberry Streets growing up and I am old enough to remember the noise from the Brewery.  And lets talk about the airport, I could hear planes start up and roar overhead.   They are much quieter now.  Oh, and what older Catasauquan cannot remember the banging from the Phoenix Forge.

Oh our poor ancestors.  Historically, manufacturing was Catasauqua's principal industry, and, in 1839, it was the location of the first manufactured anthracite iron in the nation..  Betcha that was a nuisance at the time.    

Let's face it, there always something to gripe about, but I love Catasauqua, the small town charm, it might not be the best place to live but it surely is not the worse.  I love the trees, the parks, and yes I to will miss the pool this year but it is what it is.   We have Skelly on Race Street that makes me smile and we have a lot going for us and that's what we should be happy about. 

You can complain if you wish, but the next time you have get a box from Amazon, or Zulily or anything for that matter, remember it probably was on a tractor trailer at sometime.  and that's another day in Catasauqua

Memorial Day 2020

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Formerly known as Decoration Day,(my grandmother called it this) it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It typically marks the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day", which was first used in 1882^.   It did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967. On June 28, 1968, the Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.  (Thank you Congress I love a three day weekend)  The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect at the federal level in 1971. After some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states adopted Congress' change of date within a few years. (whew)

Memorial Day 2020 will soon not be forgotten, for in Catasauqua we are still in the RED Zone of the Covid 19 Quarantine.  So gatherings, parties and picnics are not a good idea unless it is with your family that you been stuck with for the last 146 days - yes it has been that long. 

Yesterday I ventured to Lowe's, which is  apparently the gathering place for the world - I haven't seen so many people since this all began.  I got some fertilizer and tomato plants, and apparently an impossible to open propane tank replacement, which is going to mean a return trip to people central to either find someone bigger and stronger than me or get a new tank. 

So today we will have grilled (hopefully) chicken and potato salad and pretend for the day that this is normal..  I don't like the phrase the new normal,  I don't want this to be our new normal   As I sit here and write I see things around me that represent my normal,  a bingo dapper, bills, and paper work.   My new normal has hand sanitizer, gloves and masks to my right.

Somethings from the Covid Crisis  I keep just because they make me smile.  Notes from my bff Cathy.

Yes, today is Memorial Day, a day to remember the fallen in Armed Forces, who secured our freedom and liberty.  Today that is what I will remember. 

and tomorrow, well, that's Another Day in Catasauqua

A case of Corona

A case of Corona means something different today - more like a virus than a good time.  In an effort to keep Catasauquians updated, I am posting any cancellations, or virus updates for our area on my Facebook page.

So what are you suppose to do at home as this virus sweeps the nation.

Yesterday I said to Parke, we should play cards - some gin rummy or Uno - we use to have fun doing that.  But as computers and iphones and Amazon prime filled our time we got away from that.  What have you gotten away from that you might like to try again?  Board games, cards, baking, crafts?  I crochet and I saw on Facebook a meme that said Crocheters have been in training for this.   So true, I have enough yarn at home to complete dozens of projects.

If you want to use your iphone or computer,  learn a new skill like belly dancing, a foreign language or learn to whistle through your fingers.  Here is a great article - 50 Amazing Skills you can learn on YouTube

 https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/572087/learn-skills-on-youtube

The thing I miss the most is Church, the singing, the prayers and the people.  They are all like my family and to be without them makes me feel like a piece of my life is missing.

I am lucky to have people at home with me, if you know someone who doesn't it is
time to reach out to them in a phone call!  Check on them, see how they are handling the situation.  Let someone know you care.

Meanwhile at my house I won't consider it a crisis until my mom has no where to go every morning.  So far her and her friends have been meeting at the buffet.  So it's not a real crisis until my Mama stays home.

and that is another day in Catasauqua.

The Paradox of Evil

You know, I don't like to post, to often, my personal opinions on anything.  I prefer telling something historical or an event in and around Catasauqua.  But today I am troubled. 

Yesterday there was another senseless shooting in a church, not to mention a stabbing at a Rabbi's house.  And what bothers me the most is the fact that the shooter in the church was shot dead by security.  I know the security guy was doing his job, he saved countless lives, but he took a life in a place where rule number six is Thou shall not kill.

The volunteer security member was a former reserve deputy sheriff who is a firearm instructor. So my question is, why not just wound him. 

When did we become as aggressive of a society as the evil we so often point out.

The paradox of evil.  What's the answer - I have none. 

Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it[a] to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Matthew 5: 38-39 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Are those the answer, turning the cheek, or leaving the gunman go.  No, it would of caused more deaths.  Did God put the security team in the right place at the right time - to protect his people.

I don't know - but in searching the scriptures for an answer I came up with the next one.  For some reason this struck a chord.  In the ever increasing evil that seems to plague us as a society, we need to look for the source, we need to find answers.  

Ephesians 6:12 -  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

and unfortunately, that's another day in Catasauqua.

When I was a Little Girl, I Kept a Dragon in a Jar

When I was very little,

I thought I kept a dragon in a jar.  Every so often I would let him out to fly around and then I would scoop him back up and place him into the jar again.  My dragon's name was Puff, of course, the song by Peter, Paul and Mary was popular at that time, I was about 6 years old. 

Puff was an actual puff, you know the puff that is bigger that a dandelion puff, the way the seeds of a plant spread.  Anyway, when I was a child I caught one of these big puffs (thinking it was a dragon, hey I didn't know what a dragon was suppose to look like, don't judge me)  and that was what I kept in my jar.  It was truly magical, I had it in the jar for days and I would let him out to fly and I would run around the yard with him.  I sang to him (Puff the Magic Dragon lived by the see and frolicked in the Autumn mist with a girl called Beverleeeee, sorry I am a creative singer) I tried to feed him. but he didn't eat anything.  But like my grandfather taught me, you can't keep creatures in a jar really long, they will die.  So eventually I left him fly away.  I truly loved Puff, I told him all my secrets, well at least the secrets of a 6 year old girl.

So why am I tell you this, well, this morning on my way to work suddenly there was a puff on my car window.  It plopped right directly in front of me, like it was looking at me, then it swirled across my window, just like a little dance and I smiled and all the memories of Puff, my dragon, came rushing back to me.  I even had tears thinking about it.  Isn't it amazing how little things can make you happy.

In this world, as a grown-up, it seems like it takes a lot to make us happy.  Everything seems so technical and we are skeptical of everyone and everything.  But, then I thought about it, isn't the simple things  still what make us truly happy.  Think about it.  A baby being born, love, a smile and even a fart makes us laugh. (Yes, Barbara I am thinking about you!).

Today I am thankful for that magical puff, the one I met today, and the one that played with a lonely little girl back in 1963.  Heck, maybe it was the same Puff.

May you find still find pleasure in the simplest of things.  Don't let life get so busy and complicated that you miss it. 

Smile, because, that's another day in Catasauqua.

The Loss of a Firefighter Made Me Think

My Mom always has the WFMZ news on in the morning.  As I passed through the living room this morning they were talking about bringing home the body of Erik Hirner.   Erik was an 11 year veteran of the Reading Fire Department and a life member of the Charotin Hose Company in North Catasauqua.  


Erik lived in North Catasauqua and was only 38 when he departed this life from injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an SUV.  

Today a procession will bring him home and to the Funeral home in Northampton for a viewing Sunday and Memorial Service Monday.  This is a sad time for all Firefighters and his family and friends; and I am sure that so many are asking why.  

This morning I thought about that on my drive in.  I don't know why; but I do know that we should live our life everyday to the fullest that we are able,  because we don't know when our time is up.   

Now, I don't mean that we should live recklessly or party like it is our last.  I always had this dumb way of thinking, if I died tomorrow, how long would the line at my funeral be and how long would my obituary be.  I know it sounds lame but I want to be more than 3 lines that say....Beverly Werner of Catasauqua died peacefully in her sleep leaving behind a son, 3 grandchildren, her partner and her dog.  No, I want it to say Past President of Consistory, choir member, Sunday School Teacher and occasional Blogger.  I want it to go on and on.  I want people to miss me who didn't even know me personally but knew me as "that nice lady who smiled"  "the lady who always said Thank you kind sir" when the door was hold open for her.  

Lately this world has been filled with a lot of hate.  Social media, which for me, was a way to see what was happening with friends and family has turned into a playground for adults insulting each other's politics.  

Twitter has turned into a weapon.  We have the freedom of speech but lets not turn it into the freedom to be stupid.   Where is the love, where did it go.  

As we mourn the loss of this young man, let it help us not to ask why but to ask how we can be better.

and that's another tear in another day in Catasauqua.

Firefighter Erik Hirner 

Procession & Service Information

Procession from Reading

Departing Reading Hospital 

through the city approximate time 1pm - 2pm

VIEWING
Sunday, June 3rd from 6 PM - 8 PM
Schisler Funeral Home
2119 Washington Ave
Northhampton, PA 18067

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Monday, June 4th at 11 AM
A viewing will be held prior to the service

Schisler Funeral Home
2119 Washington Ave
Northhampton, PA 18067

Spirits of the Past

Yesterday morning I spotted a cardinal in some bushes in the alley behind my house.  I saw it while on my morning walk with Blade, my dog.  I didn't think much of it yesterday, but this morning the cardinal was now squawking at me.  Let me add, it was REALLY squawking, so much it caught my attention right away.   They say cardinals are angels.  They say a cardinal is a representative of a loved one who has passed.  When you see one, it means they are visiting you.   

I immediately thought of a friend of mine - Miriam - she loved cardinals, she passed a few years ago and then of thought of Shirley, another friend who passed a little over a year ago and suddenly I had a hole in heart from the loss of several friends over the years.

It's inevitable, as we get older, we start to loose friends and family.

As I continued walking, I was really sad, but then I thought of all the good things these friends brought to my life and I became filled with love; and suddenly the hole in my heart was filled. 

Death happens, it will happen to me one day.  But this morning I realized that life is full of love.  Loving memories, love of friends and family, the love of my dog and I would say the cat, but cats, I not so sure about.  The world doesn't need love, it has it - you just have to recognize it and share what you have with everyone else.  So that one day, when you depart this life to go on to the next one that you don't leave holes, but instead you leave love.

and with that it is another day in Catasauqua.

The Fourth in Catasauqua-Huzzah!

Declaring our Independence!

It seems that every year I write a post about the 4th of July in Catasauqua, and that is because BFF, Cathy and I always go to the George Taylor home for the festivities and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.  

Cathy and I were pleased to see that more and more people are attending the presentation.  This year it was an “interactive” reading of America’s Declaration of Independence – complete with patriots, loyalists, and muskets.  Huzzah!  

Original desk of David Thomas

The first couple of years Cathy and I went it was lightly attended, now you better get there early to get a good spot to watch;   oh, and listen to Gettysburg’s Antebellum Marine Band!

Jean in the Garden

Got to love the strains of the Patriotic music along with people strolling about in costume.  If you visit the George Taylor home at some later date, check out the garden that is taken care of by another BFF, Jean.  It is beautiful.


Cathy and I did something also different this year and so did the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, they celebrated the Froth of July with a exhibition of breweries, bottles and beer at the Beiry House Museum located at 8 Race Street in Catasauqua.  (Thanks Ben for showing off your collection)

Heads up (that was a beer pun) if you ever get the opportunity to tour through the Beiry house do it, it is beautiful! The house is decorated with original pieces.  Along with the art work  of local artist,  Bob LeFevre of the homes and businesses of Catasauqua. He collection is  breath taking, along with other artists,  the whole museum is a great experience.

 A visit to the upstairs is a must, but do not be alarmed by the headless women they are only mannequins (yes Cathy!)

Oh - and get this - The Biery House is available for special occasions.  Affordable elegance for small gatherings - such as - Birthday - Showers and special occasions. And here is what I want to do - but I might be too old, Fancy Dress-Up Tea Parties for the birthday girl!!!  Call 610-264-9716 for information.

I would like to end with this from the Declaration of Independence - 

"He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

...

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

...

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

....

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."

("He"-is King George, just in case you didn't know there for a moment)

and that's Another day in Catasauqua ........

The Real Housewives of Catasauqua

Last week the ladies of "Keep me in Stitches", which is a crochet and knitting group at the Catasauqua Public Library, were having a conversation when one thing led to another in my mind, what would a Real Housewives of Catasauqua show be like?

We were talking about Dancing with the Stars and Erika Jayne.  Someone asked who she was.  I said I think she is from one of those Housewives shows; which led to the above question as to what would a Real Housewives of Catasauqua show be like?  (We had some answers that actually kept us in stitches)

Who would star in the "The Real Housewives of Catasauqua"?  

I found an article that explained the casting of the show as follows:

1) There is no such think as too much personality.

2)  A sense of humor is a must.

3)  Friends of the housewives are preferred.

4) A willingness to be open is essential.

5) You don't have to be a wife (that is just too funny)

It seems that BRAVO has redefined the term"housewife", being that most of the women on these shows have probably not done any actual domestic chores.  

Think of what our women could do in Catasauqua - they could brunch at the new Bridge Street Restaurant.  They could visit an Art Exhibit at Gallery 415 or take swing lessons at The Gas House Dance Hall.  THINK of all the possibilities!!!!   They could even drink too much at the Auquasat Lounge and enter rehab which is conveniently located across the street at the Malvern Institute.  Do you notice how I managed to do all that in basically a two block radius - imagine the infinite scenarios involving the whole town!  Maybe we could even include North Catasauqua in the show.  

So, I ask you, fellow Catasauqians, who would star in The Real Housewives of Catasauqua?

and with that .. it's another day in Catasauqua.

What a weekend in Catasauqua

My weekend started last night as usual - food shopping.  But, when we came home my mom had said "there was a man here to see me."  What man, what was his name; my mother, of course, did not ask.  The gentleman did, however, show up after 8 o'clock and what a fantastic story.  He tracked me down, by this blog!  It was kind of exciting hearing the man say to Parke, "I am a looking for Beverly Werner, she writes a blog called "Another Day in Catasauqua"  ooooooo!  That's me!!! "I am a private detective."  ooooo! That's not me! "Don't worry you are not in trouble" Okay - it's me then.

It was very interesting -we talked about a 2014 story that I wrote - I just happened to take a picture that helped him in a case he was working on, unfortunately I could not be of more help to him, but  it was still the most exciting thing that has happened to me lately.

The Sweets

Then this morning it was to church for a fundraiser called Soup, Salad and Sweets.  My laughs started with my BFF, Tammy, who had Hallmark hair.  If you watch as many Hallmark movies as Tammy, Cathy or I do, you know what I mean.  It is that kind of hair you have when you meet Mr. Right, but of course, you dislike each other at first, perhaps you met in a fender bender in the parking lot or you spilled soup all over him, but by the end of the movie or this blog whichever happens first, you kiss and inevitably live happily ever after.

But, maybe the best laughs came later with the arrival of BFF's Jaime and Rami. You see, they have been remodeling their bathroom and Rami's new pride and perhaps joy is the bidet.  Yes, a bidet, which has a heated seat and lights up in the dark; which I may try in the future.  If I do, watch for my blog, "Another bidet in Catasauqua"  it is sure to be one that captivates your imagination.

Of course, Rami, who is eating for two can't understand the complaints of pregnant women, since he is not experiencing any morning sickness and I heard laughter coming from the table, since he was surrounded by women.

You know what--
isn't that a great thing.  To sit with friends, to make new friends and to eat great desserts (okay threw that one in because I ate some of the best desserts today) and to laugh.  I feel so happy today I just had to share it with you, my readers.

Yup this is my weekend so far, who knows it isn't over yet, maybe some more craziness will happen.  BUT that's the great thing, you never know what is going to happen next, Hallmark hair, baby daddy's (Dale and Rami) and bidets, you know what I call that ........Another day in Catasauqua.

He had a Dream, I am Not sure What I am having

As I start to write this blog post I can't even think of a title for it.  Which is unusual.  But the fact is, as I look at the next four years, I don't know what to expect.

On my drive into work this morning I was reflecting on the fact that today is Martin Luther King. Jr. Day.  Martin Luther King Jr., was a great man and a great speaker.  Today his words spoke even louder to me than they ever did.

As our nations embarks on a new political era, I could not help but think that if we are scared by what one man can do, can't we, the American people stand united and stay united instead of being divided by hate.

"Love is the only force capable of transforming an an enemy into a friend" is just one quote of MLK that comes to mind.  He talked greatly of love and how love can drive the hate away.   "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

In looking back to our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson said; "When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is Liberty."  Here is where I think the problem lies, does the government fear us.  I think not.  Are they working for us or for themselves?   Thomas Jefferson also said "Experience hath shown, that even under the best forms of government, those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."  Are President-Elect Trump's threats, warnings and tweets just the tip of a iceberg that I pray doesn't meltdown into more hate and more division in this nation?

James Madison said "If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be under the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." Hmmm, makes you wonder if that is ISIS?  Ronald Reagan said "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."  Trump says build one.  History is funny that way.  It makes me wonder in 50 years how our next 4 years will read.  Maybe there are enough checks and balances out there in our government that nothing terrible will happen and it will read as a small chapter of some successes and some losses and our biggest problem was which reality star we were electing into office next.

For me at this time I prefer to think of this quote by MLK - "I have decided to stick with love.  Hate is too great a burden to bear."

I prefer to agree with Dr. King when he said "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

Maybe it is not by accident that we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day before the inauguration.
Let it help us not take a giant step back when it comes to equality, let's not let hatred take the forefront and be what America is about.  Let's not fear but love.  Let's join hands and remember we can make a difference.

I leave you with this quote of Ben Franklin's - "It is the first responsibility of ever citizen to question authority."

and with that... it's another day in Catasauqua.

"It's a Wonderful Life"

A long time friend, (better than saying old) gave me a gift last night.  Brenda gave me a little wooden sign with stars that said "It's a wonderful Life".  When I got home last night I hung it in the living room, when I got up this morning it was the first thing I saw when I came downstairs.  My first thought was, it is a wonderful life, even though my stomach was upset from all the different food I ate last night at a Christmas party, my mom was talking about something and I was running a tad late; all I could think about was all the great friends and family that I have.  I am blessed.

It is so easy at this time of the year to get disgusted with people, with shopping and with crowds.  The shopping takes precedence over what the holiday is all about, LOVE.    The gift of a baby, Jesus was God's love coming down to us.  He sent Jesus to guide us and show us love.  To help others, to give love away.  Simply, to love.

I have another friend, I will keep her name of out this, she knows who she is, who told me she had an issue with a family member.  She was very upset, so upset she did NOT want to do anything. She did not want to attend anything, go anywhere or help with anything.  She sat, but she prayed, and she wrote in her journal.  Then she prayed more and wrote more.  I thought, how strong this woman was.  She might not of thought so at that moment, but she was.  She didn't fly off the handle, like I might have, or got sick with worry - she was turning over her problems to someone much bigger who is there to handle our problems.  And the answer is always the same, love.  If someone has done something that you

are upset about you need to love them anyway.  You need to love yourself, even if you think you can't.

Now before I get too preachy let's just talk about how wonderful life is.  Sometimes we might not think that but it is.  I love living in Catasauqua, it's not Bedford Falls, but it is a nice small town and you know what - the world would not be a better place without you in it.  Clarence showed George Bailey just that.  George did not have enough love for himself, but soon found out that everyone in town loved him and helped him in his time of need.

I am lucky, I have a house, food, family and friends.  What I lack in money, I make up in love.  So, if you see me and I am not smiling, remind me to smile.  If you come across someone suffering from PHS (Pre-Holiday Syndrome) flash them a smile, give them patience and add a little love.

Everyone is dealing with something, remember that and remember, it is a wonderful life....and that's another day in Catasauqua.

A Stitch in Time saves Nine - Nine What?

When I started to write today's blog I decided to use the old saying a stitch in time saves nine and then I realized that I didn't have the foggiest idea what then meant.  Nine what and how do you stitch time.  So I did what anyone would do - I googled.

If you say it slightly different it makes a tad more sense - one stitch in the nick of time will save you nine stitches later. It is an incentive to not be lazy.  If you have a small rip - stitch is now, if not it will lead to more work later.

Whew, now that I got that out of the way let me tell you about my new hobbies, which I learned at the CATASAUQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Crocheting and knitting.  Yes, and I learned it at the public library.  The Catasauqua Public Library is not the old dreary library that you might remember from your youth.  Although I didn't mind it so much when I was a kid, I loved to read and the place was full of new adventures, love stories and information.

The library has a new head librarian who has been implementing new programs and activities, like our group called Keep Me in Stitches.  I never thought that I would get the opportunity to learn crocheting or knitting and now I can do both.

The best part though of the whole time together, which is Monday nights at 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM is the friendship.  It is the quickest hour and one-half in my life.  Sitting, talking and learning is so much fun.

Last week as I sat there working on a scarf for my mom (don't tell her) I listened to all kinds of talk. Some of it was just Catty gossip, there were stories, the who is seeing who and a little history all thrown in to the mix.  I stopped and said that I felt like this was a book I once read. Women sitting around talking, knitting and crocheting, I am thinking  the next thing to do would be to solve a mystery, or be involved in a love story or maybe a little magic.

Yes, the library is a great place and in case you haven't been there for a long time they now have computers, internet, a children's room, story time and even visits from everyone including Snow White to wildlife.

So if you find yourself in the vicinity of Third and Bridge Streets in Catasauqua, stop in and check out the library.  If you do it on a Monday evening chances are you will find me at a table knitting a sweater, or knot (pun intended); and that's another day in Catasauqua.

  

Tour de Fence

I have said this many times, my favorite part of my drive home is coming up Pine Street. Pine Street with all it trees, is a seasonal spectacle of color.  Even in the winter the street is postcard picture perfect.

One day, not long ago something caught my eye on my drive up Pine Street, it was a bicycle, actually it was a few bicycles, in row.  I later learned that this work of art was the brain child of one, Ben Ferenchak who lives at the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets.  Later I found the Tour de Fence Facebook page and I learned why Ben built the bike fence.

Ben road in 5 Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer, including his first 1000 mile ride in 1983.  In 2008 Ben road from Pennsylvania to Florida to raise $10,000.00 for Autism Speaks.  I am sure there are a lot more rides and fundraisers that I don't know about.

Also, let us not forget Ben organized the Mother of All Class Reunions in 2014 - that was the best class reunion ever!

An illness has sidelined Ben from riding in these long bike rides, but it hasn't stopped him from raising money for the American Cancer Society.  You see, this artistic endeavor of Ben's fence is to help raise money for the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer.

Tour de Fence is a tribute art exhibit made from old bikes that is a memorial to those who have lost their battle to cancer, and also honors those fighting cancer and those who have survived cancer.

I asked Ben how he got the idea, not why but how does one think of using bikes for a fence.  He told me it started with one bike, Joe Galm's.  Joe's wife called Ben and wanted Ben to find a home for Joe's bike.  If you remember Joe, an elementary teacher in the Catasauqua Middle School, he was a tall man, so was his bike, it wasn't easy to find someone who could use the bike, so that's when Ben came up the idea, Joe's bike was the first brick in the de Fence; and what a fence it is.

On this Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 1:00 PM there will be a Dedication of Tour de Fence and Block Party at the corner of Fifth and Pine Streets in Catasauqua. There will be live music supplied by Tavern Tan, food, games, Basket Raffle, & 50/50.  There will be Attic Treasures, a bake sale, prayer booth and more.  I don't know about you - but I plan on being there.

Cancer has probably touched your life, if not personally I am sure you know a family member or friend who either is gone because of it or is fighting it or has had victory over it.  I hope so many people come out this Saturday that is causes a traffic jam.  (I don't care I am in walking distance)

If you can't make it and want to donate - here is the site

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/CommunityFundraisingPages/CFPCY16EC?px=42886374&pg=personal&fr_id=77601

Ben's goal is $10,000.00 he is almost half way there, let's make it happen!!!!

You know, times like this, events like this, make me proud to live in Catasauqua.  The Morning Call tomorrow will have an article from Bill White on Tour de Fence.  Tour de Fence has been on WFMZ

and in the Catty Press.  Each time I pass the fence now  I get a little choked up, I lost my grandfather to lung cancer, and friend of mine to breast cancer.  It is time to start celebrating victories instead of mourning loss.

So DONATE, or just COME ON OUT Saturday to TOUR DE FENCE and celebrate and I can promises you it won't be just ......Another day in Catasauqua, it will be special.

The Catasauqua WPA Projects - Catasauqua Pool and Playground

As promised this is the second blog I am reprinting in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Playground. Originally blogged on June 3, 2011 -  My Grandfather, George Temos worked on the pool area when he worked for the WPA, along with my bff's  Judy CB and Cathy's fathers.  Let me just say this, I love Catty, it is rich in history and there is a story everywhere you look.  From the history to now.  Don't believe me - drive up Pine Street rich in history, but then look at Ben Ferenchak's house and see Tour de Fence - history in the making.  So - here you go -

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When funds became available to the Borough of Catasauqua they first changed the channel followed by the Catasauqua Creek and enclosed the creek bed with limestone walls. With the creek now flowing along the eastern edge of the playground, planners now had enough area (255 feet by 410 feet) to build an athletic field. Catasauqua resident L. James Boucher, plant manager of Atlas Cement Company brought crews from the cement company who surveyed and leveled the ground and they erected the chain link fence that surrounded the area.

On October 1, 1932 the field was dedicated as Thomas Field. The Catasauqua Drum and Bugle Corps led a procession of teachers, school directors and students from the High School to the field. The following resolution was read:

"The newly built athletic field of the Catasauqua Playground be known and distinguished as the Thomas Athletic Field in honor of William R. Thomas Jr. and in memory of Millie Milson Thomas in recognition of their distinguished service to the youth of our Borough in aiding the playground movement"

The second WPA playground project was the swimming pool and bathhouse. Depression unemployment relief contributed largely to the construction. The cost of labor (WPA workers, my grandfather was one) and materials was $75,000.00.

The area fenced in was 90 by 300 feet, the pool measured 60 by 220 feet and was from six inches to nine feet deep. It was constructed of concrete and could accomodate 1500 people. When filled it held 588,000 gallons of water.

The water was pumped from artesian wells by pumps in the brick pumphouse.

The bathhouse was of wood construction and the wood came from Oregon via the Panama Canal. (I thought this was cool).

The pool opened for swimming in 1935 but the official grand opening of the pool and bathhouse was July 11, 1936. Six life guards were on hand, Bud Winters, Jack Morgan (WHO was also a WPA worker and my good friend, Cathy Reiter's Dad!!) Sis Lynch, Ray Guzynski, Bill Mullins and Tony Imhof who handled the crowd of 1500 bathers!!! Entrance to the pool that day was free and the weather was perfect....however, a thunderstorm late in the day postponed a formal program which was to include aquatic skills, fancy swimming and diving.

In 1938 WPA workmen built four tennis courts and leveled and area for rollerskating in summer and ice skating in winter (that area is now the parking lot for the pool).

New playground equipment was also installed with WPA funds. These included a slide, two sets of swings for younger children, a small merry-go-round, a set of large swings for adults, two thirty foot chutes (?) and one ocean wave (ok, someone please tell me what that is?)

Generally, the playground provides an area for fun, play and relaxation and wow, what an area of history in Catty and that's.......Another day in Catasauqua.

The Catasauqua Playground Celebrating 100 Years!!

Since this weekend was the 100th year celebration for the Catasauqua Playground I wanted to re-publish two blogs I wrote back in 2011 - I was laid off at the time and spent some time researching the history of Catasauqua.  On Friday night I was down at the park to hear the Large Flowerheads.  Deb Mellish did give a little of the park history - so it made me look back - please enjoy this blog from June 2, 2011 -

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So, I just rediscovered a great place in Catasauqua and that is the Catasauqua Public Library. Got myself a new Library card, haven't seen my old one for over 25 years probably. But, I wanted to do research on the Catty Swimming Pool and couldn't find the information online so it was off to the Library. I must say I will be stopping in more often they have a lot of James Patterson books, who I love to read and since I am not working and I am almost through the books I had piled to read, it will be a great place to go.

Anyway, I found what I wanted and so much more. Here we go. John and Lesher Yeager sold 15.728 acres of land for $3,145.60 to the newly formed Catasauqua Park and Playground Association, with the stipulation that the area remain as a playground for 30 years. In 1921 the Association bought the area known as "the Dips". Bascom and Sieger Construction was hired in to do the work of building a playground and on July 3, 1916 the playground opened with 2 basketball courts, 4 tennis courts, 2 volley ball courts and a band shell.

A hand dug lake which was dammed below Bridge Street was built. The lake was 600 feet by 100 feet and was 5 to 6 feet deep.

During the post war years the park and playground where the hub of the community.

The only disappointment was the lake, the water was good for a couple of years, but then it began to drain. It became muddy after rains, it developed sink holes and eventually turned into a marsh, which kids loved to muck through.

There was a park curfew at 9:00 PM, the whistle from the water works would blow and it was time to go.

Improvement came to the Catasauqua playground in in the form of funds from the WPA Program (Works Projects Administration) and the Borough used these funds to develop the playground.

The Works Progress Administration (renamed during 1939 as the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest and most ambitious New Deal Agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. It fed children and redistributed food, clothing, and housing. Almost every community in the United States had a park, bridge or school constructed by the agency, which especially benefited rural and Western areas

There are TWO (we all know the pool was one, but what was the other?) great projects that were built by the WPA at the playground, and I will discuss them in my next blog and with that...... it's another day in Catasauqua.