Occupy Allentown Setting Up Second Camp Site in West End

Allentown, Pennsylvania - November 22, 2011 - Occupy Allentown will start a second camp site at the intersection of Hamilton Blvd. and S. Ott St. in Allentown starting Saturday, November 26th.

Occupy Allentown, part of the larger "Occupy Movement", an international social movement which is primarily directed against corporate greed and political corruption has been occupying space at the corner of 7th and Hamilton streets since October 3rd, and has now elected to start a second occupation site on the west end of Allentown.

"The most prominent reason for starting a second location is outreach" said Adam Santo, one of the groups organizers. " We've garnered a lot of support at our current location, but it's a big city, and not everyone knows we're here, or more importantly, why we're here."

The group is also planning to occupy a third location near the Lehigh Valley Mall, but only for one day as they "Occupy Black Friday" on November 25th.  Members also plan to attend the cities upcoming open houses about the Allentown arena project.

When asked how long the group planned to protest, Craig Friebolin, another organizer who helps maintain the groups online presence at OccupyAllentownPA.org,  answered, "Longer than it takes to get a straight answer from most of our politicians", alluding to the groups online campaign to get public responses from local politicians about the Occupy Movement. "So it might be a while", he added. Of the eleven politicians contacted by Occupy Allentown, only two former city council members, who happened to not be seeking reelection had responded thus far. Both responded favorably.

Occupy Allentown Protestor Describes Visit to New York on "Day of Action" Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011

Thursday, Nov. 17,  2011 was amazing. Zuccotti Park seemed odd without the booths and tents set up but the mood was still as organized, and still as unified. The park looked gorgeous. Smiling faces, bright yellow leaves overhead. Listening to the drum circle, people dancing and talking. I can't remember when exactly we got there but not long after people ran to where the drum circle was set up (before the eviction), yelling in excitement. People were running down the street, yelling join us. Everyone cheered.

Around noon was when a protester was attacked by riot police. We were standing near the middle of Zuccotti park by the drum circle. Protesters started to yell, as I looked to my left I could see the shield of a police helmet over my head as he ran through the park. Everyone quickly surrounded. We could not clearly see what was going on.

The crowd began chanting "shame!" and someone in a tree above us tried to pass along information about what was going on but it was hard for him to see also. Everyone started being pushed back quickly and we managed to get out of the way without injury.

As we stepped back further we saw pepper spray being sprayed into the crowd and we watched as cops seemed to flood in from everywhere. Adam and I were standing next to one another, holding hands as a cop decided he needed to run into our arms to get to the other cops. My natural reaction was to hold Adam's hand tighter. He grabbed our arms to force our hands apart (ripped my poncho). Later from witnesses who were standing closer, told us that the protester under attack simply kicked a barricade. Seems like a logical reason to chase him, make his head bleed and pepper spray the crowd for attempting to help him off the ground while HE IS SURROUNDED BY COPS IN RIOT GEAR.

Not too long after the incident, there was music again. People dancing. Singing... “there ain't no party like an occupy party. Cause an occupy party don't stop”... At one point, there were two older ladies, probably over 60, dancing with two younger guys. It was great to see generations come together to celebrate the cause.

Around 2:30 we marched from Zuccotti Park to Union Square. Little, soft-spoken me yelled and chanted for miles. “Who's Streets?” “Our Streets!”... “Bloomburg Beware. Zuccotti Park is everywhere!” The mood was contagious. People who would normally have never met, were connected for a cause, to fight for our country and our futures. We were followed and led by police officers. We heard people beeping, looking out of their windows at the crowd outside. Others went out on their balconies to cheer us on. Some on the sidewalk joined in on the chants, smiled, and offered words of solidarity. A lot of people were taking pictures. Some from their cars, and some standing on the streets.

When we got to Union Square, I could not believe the amount of people who greeted us. There were thousands of people/students. The plan from Union square was to march to Foley Square to meet up with those from other boroughs and to march to the Brooklyn bridge. Protesters took to the streets.

We made it a block on 5th Ave, before being confronted with a police line. NYPD cars had already blocked the street. In a building to our right, students put up signs that read OCCUPIED. Everyone cheered, excited for the support. After Adam and I moved to the sidewalk, we saw even more police in riot gear begin to line the streets. To avoid arrest, we decided to head to Foley Square.  We walked a few blocks, warmed up, and got waters. We weren't sure that we were headed in the right direction. We walked another block. I looked to my right and saw all the protesters from 5th Ave walking down the street. I couldn't help but get a ridiculously proud smile across my face.

We walked with everyone else to Foley Square. Again, such a renewed sense of energy. Everyone so in-sink. So united. When we reached Foley Square, the amount of people already there was insane. The entire park was full of people. 32,500 protesters - was the estimate from police scanners. A marching band playing. People were just flooding into the park. I was moved by everyone who came to the city to support the occupation.  We stood on the sidewalk in amazement. Like kids in a candy store.

We couldn't stay for the march to the Brooklyn bridge because of work but I am so happy that we made the trip up there. To just be a part of OWS for the day. It was exhilarating, inspiring, frightening at times, but worth every second. This is history in the making.

- Alyssa

AWeek In Review

We have passed that 1 month mark with our 24 hour occupation and life is running smoothly on camp. Each day brings new challenges, and new reasons to rejoice.

Last week I read in the Morning Call that there is now a lawsuit that may delay the construction of the Arena. It looks like our comments about the abuse of eminent domain have reached the right ears finally. The entity that has filed the suit has stated that they do not see this as something that is for the community as residents will still have to purchase tickets. Those behind the Arena Project contend that they will allow the schools to use it for graduations and the like. The first thing that popped into my head after reading that? "Yeah, sure they will, for a price." It is however refreshing to know that all the noise we make on a local level doesn't just fall on deaf ears. I can only hold onto my belief that the same thing is happening nationwide with the broader Occupy Movement. I still believe that the collective is being heard, but that our law makers are slow to respond- how not unusual.

The Occupy Movement is starting to settle in for the winter all over. Here in Allentown, we are still asking for donations of wooden pallets. We will be using them to lift the tents off the ground for the winter to allow for enhanced drainage, as well as to help to preserve precious body heat. We have received one delivery, but not enough of them yet, we are asking for some more to help keep us in place through out the winter.

Saturday in camp we held two General Assemblies, discussion topics included preparedness for the Halloween parade as well as our thoughts on out reach to the community. We are still in the planning phases of a Thanksgiving event as well as a Black Friday occupation. 

Sunday's occupation of the Allentown Halloween parade was remarkable. Our numbers were enough to be seen, and a small group from Tamaqua Helped to get us the ability to march IN the parade. I can only imagine what people were thinking as we marched down the street chanting. We handed out TONS of fliers, which caused our web site's unique hits to Soar! It also appears that this may have helped our donations list a bit, there are many things that we are in need of still, so please take a look and give a hand. Most of all we still need people. Each new person who arrives to camp brings new energy and reignites the flame that drives us forward. Without that, we would run out of steam.

Until next week I will keep up the fight on the street front, keep supporting us!
-M

How you can help from home

Be Heard! Demand a response from local politicians.

On Friday October 28th 2011 the members of Occupy Allentown began contacting local officials for their public opinions of the Occupy Movement as well as examples of their personal efforts to aid "the 99%". We also contacted several local media outlets to encourage them to ask our local politicians these same questions.      

If for no other reason than to force our politicians to educate themselves about the issues facing "the 99%" ... we are encouraging YOU to get involved!      

More info: http://occupyallentownpa.org/response.php

Michael D’Amore (Allentown City Council President) Michael D’Amore spoke publicly about "Occupy" durring the Oct. 19th 2011 City Council meeting. A audio recording of his comments can be heard here "Last week I had the occasion to stop by the Occupy Allentown demonstration and speak with some of our fellow citizens who've spent a great deal of time there, in the last few weeks including camping out over night. This is at the corner of Seventh and Hamilton street. My visit was prompted by an article in the Morning Call that indicated that their first amendment rights might possibly be compromised by the city, and I was greatly concerned by that. After speaking personally with the solicitor, Mr. Snyder, and the police chief, Mr. Maclean, I was assured that the first amendment rights of these citizens would be protected by the city, and I want to thank those officials as well as Mayor Pawlowski, for insuring that free speech and free expression continues in the city of Allentown. I applaud the citizens of occupy Allentown and encourage my colleges to stop by and have a dialog with the folks at Seventh and Hamilton street. I found after speaking with many of them, even as we spoke on issues where there is disagreement , such as eminent domain for the arena, that the people I spoke with were very committed to social change and were reflecting a deep seeded concern for the future of our country and that is something that many of us share. So I salute them and support them."        Get involved now at: http://occupyallentownpa.org/response.php Thank you for your support!

A Week In Review

It's been almost 1 month from the day Occupy Allentown went 24/7, and the occupation has grown to become an entity of it's own. Many people in the community thought that the first snow storm would send us packing back to our respective homes. It is my extreme pleasure to say that it did not!
While the Lehigh Valley was socked by 8 inches of wet snow, the occupation continued with business as usual. I believe we may have been better prepaired than the city in some respects. This is primarily due to the benevolent nature of our supporters.

Friday evening we blitzed Social networking sites detailing our need for things like shovels, ice melt, and warm clothing. All of those things arrived quickly! We were able to shovel and brush off tents on a regular basis, and none of the 12 structures at the occupation sustained any dammage. The city on the other hand is stil cleaning up downed limbs, and many people are still without power. This proved to be an exceptional trial run for what we all expect will be a messy winter. Even with all the work we were still able to laugh and play a bit, proving that it will not be ALL hard work and no play.

The weekend also brought some welcome guests. Mitch from; "Pennsylvania from below", an underground publication featuring articles that are pertinant to the lives and wellbeing of the residents of Pennsylvania came out to  bring the Lehigh Valley occupations into his tour of PA. They interviewed a number of us asking what brought us out, what we hoped to accomplish, why we thought we were part of the 99% and other questions. They were great to have around and wonderful to talk to. I am looking forward to seeing their publication of Occupy Pennsylvania. I will keep you all informed of the release!
We also had a few guests arrive in the past week from other occupations. They came from Occupy Dc and Occupy Wall Street, bringing us insite and information as to how things are run on the large scale. We appreciated the fresh energy, and the enthusiasm they brought, and renewed in us!

On a side note, we are still awaiting replies to the letter that was sent out to various members of the chamber of commerce, city council, the mayor, and the local press. We will continue to wait with baited breath to our call asking what they are going to do to help be the change.

Up coming events this weekend:

Saturday at 1 pm we will have a poetry workshop

Sunday we will be occupying the Allentown Halloween Parade. Details at: http://OccupyAllentownPA.org/#parade

Come out and visit!

- M.

Occupy Allentown Needs You

While we have had an overwhelming show of support from the community, there is a small rag-tag bunch that manage to keep the actual occupation of 7th & Hamilton Streets running. We feel that the occupation serves as an important symbol of the movement and without it, it would be increasingly difficult to effect change at home.

As we come up on the 1 month anniversary of #OccupyAllentown the very dedicated group of occupiers need a well-deserved day of rest. With that said, we are asking that you give just-a-little of your time to come down to 7th & Hamilton street, grab a sign, share your ideas, and physically show the community your personal support for the cause. We are a 24/7 occupation. So weather you conscientiously plan to come out for a while or just stop by for 30 minutes on your way home from work; any time that you can give, will be very much appreciated.

Additionally, If you did not already know, the Nov. 6th 2011 Allentown Halloween Parade route ends at 7th & Hamilton streets. Since this is coincidentally the same location as our Occupation, and also the location of the judging station for the parade, it is a great opportunity to come out and show the politicians in attendance as well as your community that you support Occupy Allentown and the Occupy Movement.

Bring a sign ... bring a friend ... and stand with us in peaceful protest to let it be known that the 99% can not be ignored!

Parade info: http://occupyallentownpa.org/#parade

Occupy Allentown Questionnaire

The View at Occupy Allentown

For those that don't know, Occupy Allentown started on October 3rd 2011 in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street and similar movements happening throughout the world.  We have occupied the corner of 7th and Hamilton Streets in Allentown.

Just a few yards from our camp sit a row of city parking meters in front of a vacant lot. In spite of the fact that these meters are pretty unnecessary for a vacant lot, the time limit on them is vigorously enforced. If only we could harness the exuberance of the Allentown Parking Authority to go after those responsible for the banking crisis.

Around the corner police are often required to tell citizens that they may not walk their dogs on Hamilton Street. Also, like many other American cities, skateboarding is definitely not allowed. After all what would our city be like if we allowed pets and recreational activity near the fine business establishments that the City of Allentown is currently seeking to demolish to make room for a new Hockey Arena.

From down the street someone appears with a newspaper from The Morning Call offices and begins to read aloud an article entitled "Peeling back the curtain on arena: ACIDA made key decisions about the Allentown complex without public debate" as occupiers shake their heads in disappointment.

Across the street members of the "Carpenters Local 600" stand protesting the non-union business practices of a company that hires workers as "Independent Contractors" to avoid paying taxes, health benefits, living wages, etc. They look frustrated with the fact that "playing by the rules" (paying taxes, etc.) makes their overhead cost uncompetitive when compared to the, probably-won't-file-their-taxes, dangerously-uninsured, do-the-same-work-as-regular-employees,  local handyman that used to build decks around the neighborhood but now builds schools and hospitals as cheap labor.

We see a stream of cars honking their horns in support of our effort while other random strangers stop to drop off supplies to help keep the occupation going and thanking us for putting in the time.

All-in-all we don't have to go very far to see why we are here.  But there is one thing we aren't seeing that we so desperately want to see ... a response from our local politicians.

We at Occupy Allentown would like to see City Council Members, the Mayor, School Board Members and the like, weigh in publicly on "The Occupy Movement" and tell us what they are personally doing to help the "99%" at the local level.

Occupy Allentown
7th & Hamilton Streets
Allentown PA 18101
http://OccupyAllentownPA.org
http://OccupyLehighValleyPA.org

A Week in Review

I believe that I should start with an introduction of sorts, as I find myself to be one of countless hundreds of thousands. I am the 99%- a full time student with 2 jobs. I find every day to be a struggle while I try to get through yet another degree program and hopefully come out without massive student debt. I hope to keep my house in the crisis that has become the banking system, and I hope to keep my friends even if I can not find the time to spend with them. I spend my life doing the juggling act which I hope will one day make my American dream come true, a comfortable life with those I hold dear. Often I feel as if I am on a conveyor belt in reverse, I continue to try to move forward only to see that the distance between me and the light at the end of the tunnel has not changed. In my actions of juggling work, school, friends, and famly I find that it is all too often that one of the balls fall to the ground. I am the 99%. I am proud to work for my future, and pray that I still have one when the time comes. I am the 99% and I am part of the revolution.

Occupy Allentown began with few members nearly 4 weeks ago. I still remember the first night I came out after work. I raced in the door fed and watered the pets, and raced back out. That night began a new chapter in my life. When I arrived at the corner of 7th and Hamilton streets I found only a few people, I believe 5 total. Just this week in talking to a few of the other original occupiers I over heard them reminisce about telling each other to watch and see, they had thought there would only be 3 of us. What astounds me is the fact that we have grown by leaps and bounds over the last few weeks. I recall a week day night where I counted over 100 people at one given moment.

The grace of our community has also  been somewhat mind-blowing. The first night our occupation went 24 hours we greeted the morning with such vigor, and zest. I recall a nice young woman and her daughter coming to us just a few hours after the sun had come up. They came to bring a case of water, and a package full of chips. They wanted no thank you, nor did they want anything from us, they wanted to tell us that they supported us in our endeavors. Thinking about that moment reminds me why I will spend a night sleeping on the cold hard ground.

Our fledgling movement while growing has not been with out it's growing pains, the weather has been relentless, bringing us miserable days of cold rain and miserable nights of even colder rains. With each passing storm we learn better and better how to keep our camp safe and dry. We are eager to take on the winter and show everyone that we have the guts to stay with it as long as it takes. We also have learned how to protect ourselves from the wants of the city. Within 3 days of becoming a 24 hour occupation we were confronted by upper level police demanding our immediate disbanding. Several calls to the ACLU later, we were told that we may stay. We had previously gotten permission for tents, and in that they could stay. There were other unrelated signs attached to city fixtures such as lights, so our signs could remain. This was the first of what I am sure will be many battles faced by the occupation. It was in our moment of triumph however that I realize that this was going to be a battle hard fought. One where guns and other munitions would not come into play. it would be a war seen and heard world wide. We are standing in solidarity, and will continue to stand as long as it takes to be heard.

From the news both local and national I see that our movement has made political waves. On the local level an article in the Morning Call addressed the outrage found in the lack of communication between the city and the people who reside and work here. The Arena issue, which we chose to tackle as a local project has been brought out to the public specifically the use of eminent domain to obtain the buildings slated for demolition. Our outrage as a group is not specifically with the Arena itself, but the means by which the city has chosen to obtain the properties ousting businesses who have stood for in many cases a decade or longer. The city council has allowed plans to be made to hold public forums where the issue will be discussed but at this time has not released the dates or the times of these meetings. Simply stated we can not allow our government to bypass our concerns. We must stand together as a community. When we see our local government stop to listen to our battle cry, we know that on a national level we will be heard and that there is no stopping the occupation movement.

Nationally I have read information from all sides of the political spectrum. The GOP has introduced their own ideas, the democrats are pushing their jobs bill, and while these things are still being "tweaked" I for one see them as a step into the right direction. They all have their failings, but we have proven that failings are human.

It becomes the time to start to represent the people instead of the corporations so until that moment I will continue to advocate for the change I see in my own future. I will continue to fight the good fight so that others may live in a world where the lives, and welfare of the people inhabiting it will be the most important. It is my humble asking that others join on what will be the revolution of your life time. Make your own waves, or help us make waves. We will no longer be silenced against the machine that has become our government and banking systems. We will stand up for the rights that our founding fathers called "unalienable" Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Until the day you stand to fight for me, I will continue to fight for you.

- Meagan

Occupy Allentown Blog

Welcome to the official blog for Occupy Allentown PA.
( Blog Created: 10/22/2011 )

http://OccupyAllentownPA.org