Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast Wins “Best Local Podcast” from Lehigh Valley Style Readers

The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast has been named Best Local Podcast by readers of Lehigh Valley Style in the publication’s 2025 “Best of the Lehigh Valley” awards — marking the podcast’s second win, with its first honor coming in 2020.

Launched in 2018, Lehigh Valley with Love has become a leading local podcast by doing what it does best — telling the stories of the Lehigh Valley’s people, places, and pulse. Whether it’s sitting down with community leaders, walking through neighborhoods and festivals, or simply chasing a good story with a camera in hand, the podcast continues to evolve as a trusted voice for the region.

“We try to tell the kinds of stories you don’t always hear elsewhere, or at least not in the same way.” said George Wacker, host and founder. “And over the past year especially, we’ve really leaned into getting out into the community, not just recording episodes, but filming them, walking with our guests, and showing people what the Lehigh Valley looks like right now. There’s so much out there.”

Deeper Dives with Off The Record

In 2024, the podcast introduced Off The Record, a subseries co-hosted by Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren. It brings a more serious tone to discussions around mental health, incarceration and reentry, and regional development — without losing the podcast’s grounded, conversational feel.

Episodes in the Off The Record series include:

Watch the full series on YouTube: Off The Record Playlist

Community, Culture & Visual Storytelling

In addition to audio interviews, many episodes now include full video walk-throughs — giving audiences a more immersive look at life across the region. From parks and food trucks to holiday drives and music festivals, recent episodes highlight the breadth and depth of the Lehigh Valley:

🎧 Watch or listen to the full archive:

Powered by the Community

The podcast’s continued growth and recognition wouldn’t be possible without its loyal audience, generous guests, and the support of local sponsors. A sincere thank-you to:

  • Lehigh Valley Health Network
  • WDIY
  • Wind Creek Event Center
  • Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate
  • Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub
  • Banko Beverage Company

Interested in being on the show, or becoming a sponsor?
📧 Email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
🌐 Visit www.lvwithlove.com

 

Lehigh Valley Patio Palooza 2 presented by Banko Beverage Co.

Hey Lehigh Valley!

Your favorite spring tradition is BACK! We’re once again celebrating the amazing patios and outdoor dining spaces that make our local bars, restaurants, and beer gardens the place to be when the weather warms up.

Welcome to Lehigh Valley Patio Palooza 2 presented by Banko Beverage Co., where you help crown the Best Patio in the Lehigh Valley for 2025!

🗳️ How it works:

  • Vote for your favorite patio below! (or at this link: https://bit.ly/PatioPalooza2)
  • Don’t see your spot? Write it in!
  • Show love to the bars and restaurants that keep your spring and summer vibes going strong by using #PatioPalooza
  • You might even win free swag from Banko Beverage Co. and other great local sponsors!

🎉 What’s next?
We’ll throw a party at the winning patio in early summer—details coming soon! (Check out what we did last year here: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/blog/patiopalooza)

🗓️ Voting runs from April 14 through May 31, 2025
📩 Questions? Email info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com

One vote per email address per day (duplicate entries will be removed)

Bethlehem Area School District Wins Record 14 State Awards for Communications

Bethlehem Area School District Wins Record 14 State Awards for Communications

This marks the most awards received by any school district in this year’s contest—as well as the most ever earned by Bethlehem Area School District in a single year.

BETHLEHEM, PA, April 2025 – The Bethlehem Area School District (BASD) is proud to announce it has received 14 awards at the annual Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA) Symposium “Excellence in Education Communications” contest.

PenSPRA’s annual contest highlights exceptional work in school communications across Pennsylvania, recognizing and honoring projects that inform, inspire, and connect school communities.

BASD was recognized in a wide range of categories—spanning social media campaigns, video series, special publications, calendars, and the district’s Vision and Strategy Plan—during the 2024-2025 contest held at Penn State University in State College on March 20-21, 2025. The district earned two Awards of Excellence and multiple Awards of Merit and Honorable Mentions for its creative and effective communication efforts.

Awards of Excellence

Awards of Merit

Honorable Mentions

 

“Our team works hard to keep our families, staff, and community informed and engaged,” said Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent, Dr. Jack P. Silva. “These awards reflect the creativity, professionalism, and teamwork that drive our communications strategy.”

The full list of winners can be found at: https://penspra.com/contest-winners/

_____

 

About the Bethlehem Area School District

The Bethlehem Area School District is the 6th largest school district in Pennsylvania serving nearly 14,000 culturally and economically diverse students in 22 community-based schools. The district serves five municipalities: City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg, and Fountain Hill.  The district enjoys numerous community partnerships with universities, businesses, and arts providers that extend the schools’ rich curricular and co-curricular offerings.

 

About The Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association (PenSPRA)

Chartered in 1969, PenSPRA is an organization of school public relations professionals whose goal is to improve educational communication and support student achievement through systematic, proactive, and responsible public relations programs.