Hometown Hero -- AHS Alum Nominated for Congressional Gold Medal!
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Jeff D. Johnson grew up in Allentown, graduated from Allentown High School in 1941, and like many young men of “The Greatest Generation,” went off to war. As an African American, however, Johnson faced additional challenges in his quest to serve. Undaunted, he became one of the first African American Marines, training at Montford Point in North Carolina, and fighting in key battles of the Pacific Theater like Okinawa, Guam and Iwo Jima. 

Now Johnson’s service, like that of many other Montford Marines, is being recognized by the U.S. Congress.  He has been nominated to receive a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian award. 

TAVI is proud to present the story of Jeff Johnson and his fellow Montford Point Marines in a special Black History Month presentation, “A Few Good Men” on Saturday, February 24, 2024 beginning at 6 pm in Allentown Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown. Mr. Kelly Atkinson, president of the New Jersey chapter of the National Montford Marines Association will share this remarkable story. The program begins with a pasta dinner ($5 suggested donation). Register at www.allentownvinj.org 

TAVI (The Allentown Village Initiative) is a 501(c)(3) volunteer driven group which is working diligently to improve the quality of life in and around Allentown. Visit www.allentownvinj.org today to learn about – and become a part of -- TAVI’s many ongoing projects. Call (609) 208-9991 if you need more information or email [email protected] 
 
“A Few Good Men” is part of TAVI’s “Allentown Arts” program showcasing the history and talent of our community. Allentown Arts is made possible in part by a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. 

​“We hold these truths to be self-evident” – familiar words for any American. To celebrate
America’s 247 th birthday, town leaders from Allentown and Upper Freehold Township will
join members of the community to publicly read the Declaration of Independence once again
this July 4 th .  All are welcome to witness the event at 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in Pete
Sensi Park, Main Street in Allentown. The program is free; refreshments will be served.
The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was held in Philadelphia on July
8, 1776, and other readings were held later that same day in Trenton and Easton, Pa. Adopted
by Congress on July 4, 1776, copies of the document were printed and sent by messengers to
be distributed throughout the newly founded 13 states.  At the time, Allentown, NJ was a
village frequented by many travelers en route from Philadelphia to New York.  It is likely that
the Declaration was proclaimed in 1776 from very close to the same site at which it will be
read 247 years later on July 4, 2023.
The reading is free and sponsored by The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI).  For more
information, please call the McCormicks at (609) 208-9991.

Acclaimed as the premier touring jazz big band in the United States, the US Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors will perform a free concert in Allentown, New Jersey on Saturday, September 17, 2022 beginning at 3 pm behind the Allentown United Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Allentown, NJ. In case of rain, the concert will be held on the same date and time in the Allentown High School Auditorium at 27 High Street, Allentown, NJ 08501.

The band is coming to Allentown at the invitation of The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) through its “Allentown Arts” program, a series of performances and exhibits throughout the year designed to highlight the artistry of Allentown and Upper Freehold in the historic setting  of the village of Allentown. Allentown Arts is made possible through the generosity of our community as well as a grant from Monmouth Arts, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.

Established in 1969, the 19 piece Jazz Ambassadors orchestra has performed in all 50 states and around the globe. From Carnegie Hall to London, and now to Allentown New Jersey, the Jazz Ambassadors have brought America’s original art form – jazz – to audiences of all ages. Please bring a chair and join us for a program of favorites. Come early and browse TAVI’s “Makers Market” featuring the creativity of our area’s artisans and small businesses. Make it an afternoon and enjoy a stroll down historic Main Street with its unique shops and restaurants. More information on the band is available at ​https://www.armyfieldband.com/about/ensembles/jazz-ambassadors.

Visit www.allentownvinj.org for news and information about TAVI’s ongoing community service programs. A volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) organization, TAVI welcomes everyone’s input and participation.

Allentown, NJ. Did you know that Allentown New Jersey was a stop on the Underground Railroad?  Local historian John Fabiano will tell the amazing story during a free 90 minute walking tour sponsored by The Allentown Village Initiative (TAVI) on Saturday, June 18, 2022 beginning at 10 a.m. in Pete Sensi Park, Main Street Allentown. With Mr. Fabiano’s introduction, “They Came for Freedom” will lead participants past historic homes, shops, cemeteries and landmarks which played a part in helping escaped slaves from the South reach freedom in the North. 

A long-time Allentown resident, Mr. Fabiano serves as the Executive Director of the Monmouth
County Historical Commission and is an avid local history expert. He has conducted extensive
research on Allentown history and is a frequent presenter, sharing a wealth of knowledge with
our community. Allentown's Underground Railroad history is unique thanks to documented sources of this activity, which are rare due to the secrecy kept. Please register in advance for a timed tour start at www.allentownvinj.org Registrants will be assigned timed starts in 30 minute intervals beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2022.

TAVI (The Allentown Village Initiative) is a 501(c)(3) volunteer driven group which is working diligently to improve the quality of life in and around Allentown. Visit www.allentownvinj.org today to learn about – and become a part of -- TAVI’s many ongoing projects.