Betcha didn't know...

Shankweiler's Drive-in in Orefield is the oldest drive-in theater in American and has been in continuous operation since 1934.

Emmaus Art in the Garden

On Saturday, June 30, 2007, nine of Emmaus’ most beautiful and imaginative gardens will be open to visitors for strolling, looking, learning and smelling the wonderful fragrance of flowers. It’s all about the art – of gardening that is!

The nine locations are:

• Knaus Homestead & Remembrance Garden: 444 Minor St.
• 1803 House: 55 South Keystone Avenue
• Veteran's Memorial Garden
• Farmer's Garden: 221 N. 3rd St
• Lee's Front Garden: 228 N. 3rd St
• Boehmer's Garden: 332 N. 3rd St.
• Tempest's Garden: 127 W. Berger St
• Loch's Garden: 105 Spruce St.
• Nowak's Garden: 104 E. Spruce St.

Art in the Garden is a self-guided event designed to showcase the art of creating beautiful gardens. Regardless of the setting, you are assured an intimate visit to gardens that reflect the owners’ personalities—their garden dreams, their garden desires, and their garden treasures. You’ll see artful yards filled with fishponds, interesting fences, shrubs, perennials, garden ornaments -- each different, and packed with imagination. It’s a combination that is sure to excite and inspire you as you stroll along yard paths and lean in to smell the perfect rose, or catch a glimpse of a whimsical garden sculpture.

Participation by local artisans and musicians will add to this memorable day. Along with the walking tour, there will be learning sessions during which attendees will have the opportunity to converse with master gardeners and designers discussing such topics as cottage gardening, unusual plants for the garden, groundcovers, growing and using herbs, to name a few. All presenters are key players in the development of creating ideas for successful home garden. All gardens will be hosted by the owner as well as some designers. You’ll have the opportunity to have hosts answer questions about the gardens and plants combinations included. Visitors are invited to see the gardens at their own pace and photographers are welcome. Each garden is within walking distance of downtown Emmaus.

Tickets are $5 per person and available at various locations. Children under 12 FREE! You may also buy tickets the day of the tour at any of the tour houses.

Regionalism and the Lehigh Valley

David Thornburgh knows progress that can be made by working across boundaries – be they business, political or imagined. As president and chief executive officer of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, he works to bring together the leaders in business, government, education and civic affairs to find innovative solutions to today’s problems.

Many communities have come to rely on a collaborative “pickup team” approach bringing together leaders from the public, private, and independent sectors but these teams need good coaching -- the game is tough and the odds of failure high.

The Alliance for Regional Stewardship was created in 2000, to serve as a coach and advisor to regional leaders and civic entrepreneurs around the country on the strategies and tactics that lead to results. The Alliance helps community leaders work together in a disciplined, structured way to achieve breakthrough results and build vibrant, competitive regions.

When: 5 p.m., June 27

Where: Cedar Crest College, Allentown

Please join us at 5 p.m. June 27 at Cedar Crest College in Allentown for LVEDC’s annual Mid-Year Meeting – our half-time report to our investors -- as David Thornburgh describes the tremendous potential offered by continued regional cooperation and the game plan to achieve it.