Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast

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The Poisoner: Flint, Water, Power and a National Tour Beginning in Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:18:19 +0000

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The Flint water crisis did not begin at the faucet. It grew out of economic decline, aging infrastructure and a system that removed local control from the people most affected by decisions about their water.

George Wacker talks with playwright Maura Haney and two-time Obie Award-winning director Lee Sunday Evans about The Poisoner, a neo-noir thriller inspired by Flint. Maura explains why the play takes place in the fictional Mack City, while Lee discusses theater’s ability to connect individual lives with larger structures of power.

They also discuss emergency management, the journalist at the center of the story, the production’s four-person cast, and the decision to tour seven industrial cities ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The conversation reaches the Lehigh Valley through growing questions about data centers, water use and who gets a voice when communities make decisions about essential resources.

The Poisoner begins its national tour at Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, September 17 through 19, 2026, at 8 p.m. The production runs 90 minutes without an intermission.

Tickets and Bethlehem performance information: https://touchstone.org/events/the-poisoner/

Production and national tour information: https://www.uncommonproductions.com/the-poisoner

Get more Lehigh Valley with Love content: https://www.lvwithlove.com

Thank you to our partners: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, WDIY 88.1 FM, Banko Beverage and QuoteAhead.com.

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Moms Mean Business and Kids Do Too at The Mom Market with Devika Knafo

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:14:31 +0000

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Moms mean business, and at The Mom Market, kids do too.

Founder Devika Knafo returns to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast as The Mom Market approaches its first anniversary. What began with 40 women supporting Devika’s vision has grown into a community platform that she says has supported more than 160 mom- and women-owned businesses.

Devika talks about creating space for women at every stage of business, from entrepreneurs developing their first idea to established owners opening brick-and-mortar locations. She also explains how her own postpartum experience inspired her to build the support system she wished she had.

The Mom Market’s Summer Glow event will include a dedicated Kids Market for young entrepreneurs ages 5–17. Parents can offer support, but the children will run their booths, speak with customers, and learn how to adjust in real time.

The Mom Market: Summer Glow Sunday, August 23, 2026 9 AM–2 PM Bethlehem Rose Garden Free admission

Kids Market registration: https://kidsmarkets.com/markets/bethlehem-3

Learn more about The Mom Market: https://momsmeetmarket.com/

Hear Devika’s first appearance on the podcast: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/themommarket/

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Gun Violence Prevention in the Lehigh Valley with CeaseFirePA’s Maggie Hartmann

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:17:53 +0000

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CeaseFirePA Lehigh Valley Organizer Maggie Hartmann joins George Wacker to discuss gun violence prevention in Allentown and the work continuing after the July 16 Allentown Gun Violence Prevention Forum.

Maggie talks about bringing elected officials, community organizations, law enforcement and residents together, including young people in decisions that affect them, addressing gaps in after-school support and building trusted partnerships within Allentown neighborhoods.

The conversation also covers school safety, secure firearm storage, House Bill 2244 and practical ways Lehigh Valley residents can support CeaseFirePA’s work.

Parent and Caregiver School Safety Survey: https://act.ceasefirepa.org/a/schoolsafetysurvey

Sign the Petition: https://www.mobilize.us/ceasefirepa/event/996058/

Learn more about CeaseFirePA: https://www.ceasefirepa.org/

Contact Maggie Hartmann: maggie@ceasefirepa.org

This episode is brought to you by Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, WDIY 88.1 FM, Banko Beverage and QuoteAhead.com.

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Musikfest Is Banko Beverage’s Biggest Stage

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:00:36 +0000

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Banko Beverage President Tony Gallo joins Lehigh Valley with Love at Musikfest to talk about the family business, its relationship with the festival and where the beverage industry is heading.

Banko supplies bars, restaurants and retailers across ten counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. Gallo discusses the importance of spending time with those local businesses, supporting smaller brands and growing Banko’s selection of non-alcoholic, sports and wellness drinks.

He also shares his own Musikfest traditions, including people-watching, waiting all week for Go Go Gadjet and trying as much festival food as possible. His advice for first-time visitors is simple: Start at Aw Shucks and figure it out from there.

Banko Beverage Company is a strong supporter of Lehigh Valley with Love. Follow Banko on Instagram for daily Musikfest ticket giveaways, behind-the-scenes videos and more throughout the year.

Banko Beverage Company: https://bankobeverage.com/

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https://22is22toomany.com/

22 Is 22 Too Many: Gabe Atkins’ Coast-to-Coast Ride for Veteran Suicide Awareness

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:37:21 +0000

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Marine veteran Gabe Atkins is taking on a roughly 3,500-mile bicycle ride from Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania, to San Diego, California, to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention and support organizations helping veterans in crisis.

After serving two tours in Afghanistan, Gabe struggled to readjust to civilian life and watched friends and fellow veterans battle PTSD, isolation, and a loss of purpose. He talks about why asking for help can be so difficult, how photography helped him begin moving forward, and why finding a community can be an important first step.

Gabe also explains the planning behind the 102-day ride, his decision to document the journey in 22-mile blocks, and his commitment to being transparent about the money raised. Fifty percent of proceeds after costs will support organizations including Battle Borne and Wounded Warrior Project.

Follow the journey, donate, or purchase campaign merchandise at:

Veterans in crisis, or anyone concerned about a veteran, can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for free, confidential support.

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Mayor’s Musikfest Preview Podcast 2026

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:36:33 +0000

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Musikfest Preview Night arrives Thursday, July 30, followed by 10 days of music, food, art and nearly unavoidable reunions throughout Bethlehem from Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 9.

For the fifth annual Mayor’s Musikfest Preview Podcast, we set up at StadtPlatz outside Bethlehem City Hall with Mayor J. William Reynolds and eight guests who plan the festival, perform on its stages, volunteer behind the scenes and help create the community around it.

The 43rd Musikfest features more than 400 performers and 500 performances across 16 stages, 15 of which are free.

Mayor Reynolds described Musikfest as a shared experience that cannot be recreated through a screen.

“You can’t one-up somebody else’s experience. What happens there is that it brings people together, and it shows us what’s possible when we’re focused on people.”

Building a temporary city

ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert started with the people responsible for turning more than 50 acres of Bethlehem into the country’s largest free music festival.

“It takes 5,000 people to put this festival up and to tear it down. You’ve got volunteers that are taking 10 days from their vacation time at work to support this festival.”

Hilgert also made a direct appeal for people to support the vendors, restaurants, hotels, artists and cultural organizations that keep events like Musikfest alive.

Patrick Brogan, ArtsQuest’s Chief Programming Officer, said more than 2,000 artists applied to perform this year. The final program includes 417 artists presenting 512 sets, with roughly one-third of the festival changing each year.

His advice is simple:

“Follow your ears through the festival.”

Turn a corner, stop at an unfamiliar stage and stay long enough to find the artist who could become your next favorite.

“The soundtrack of Bethlehem”

Miguel Perez-Soto has experienced Musikfest as an ArtsQuest board member, a musician, a B. Braun Medical employee and a supporter who has been attending for 25 years.

He has also watched Musikfest and ArtsQuest’s year-round programming grow to represent more of the cultures found throughout Bethlehem.

“Musikfest is the soundtrack of Bethlehem. We’re going to have a great time doing this for the next 10 days, but throughout the year, Bethlehem always has the initiative to reinvent itself and put events together for the entire family, for the entire community.”

A place where everyone can Fest

Richard Liu helped lead the creation of SoberPlatz, the inclusive alcohol-free space that returns to the SouthSide for its second year. Located near Americaplatz and the Flywheel, SoberPlatz offers room to relax, activities, recovery resources and a community that does not revolve around drinking.

Everyone is welcome. The only request is that visitors not bring alcohol into the space.

Liu shared the response that showed exactly why SoberPlatz was needed.

“I’ve had people tell me they didn’t feel like they could Fest until SoberPlatz was there.”

For Liu, Musikfest ultimately comes back to people.

“It’s the volunteers that I see year after year and become friends with. It’s the friendships with performers who come back year after year. It’s the community members who I see and become friends with. It’s the people.”

Learn more about SoberPlatz and its 2026 activities.

Community voices and volunteers

WDIY Executive Director Margaret McConnell described the station as another community organization powered largely by volunteers.

WDIY was built by community members who wanted their own radio station. Its programming still reflects that original mission.

“Picking hand-curated music, no algorithms involved. Very little automation. This is really led by this community, for this community.”

ArtsQuest ambassador-level volunteer Robin Sherrerd has poured beer, sold tickets, worked with the Eco Squad and served as a site supervisor.

“I worked my way up to site supervisor and enjoyed every bit of it because of the camaraderie that we have with all of the other volunteers.”

Those relationships continue after the tents come down. Sherrerd said many volunteers have become friends who see one another and spend time together throughout the year.

Two Bethlehem artists step onto the stage

Bethlehem country artist Lilly Moss opens for Russell Dickerson at the Wind Creek Steel Stage on Friday, July 31. She returns Sunday, August 2 for a free Main Street performance.

Two years ago, Moss opened a fortune cookie while attending the Maren Morris concert at Musikfest.

“I opened a fortune cookie and it said, ‘You will make a name for yourself.’”

She kept and framed the fortune. Now she plans to carry it onto the largest stage she has ever played.

Moss said she no longer becomes more nervous as the crowds grow.

“As the crowds get bigger, I get more excited. I feed off the energy and the adrenaline.”

Jenny Founds performs with Ruby Dear at Zinzenplatz from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 2. The Bethlehem alternative-rock trio is expanding for a special Ruby Dear Big Band performance featuring additional musicians from Start Making Sense.

Founds performs original music with Ruby Dear and Talking Heads music with Start Making Sense. She sees value in both.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘I’ve never heard you before, but I can relate to your lyrics, and I’ve never felt seen like that.’ So both are valid, and both give opportunities to musicians.”

A free Musikfest stage gives original artists something particularly valuable: people who were walking past, heard something interesting and decided to enter the tent.

The Musikfest must-do list

Mayor Reynolds and George also shared a few rules for getting the most out of Musikfest:

Put the phone away.
Spend time with someone you unexpectedly run into.
Buy at least one thing.
Watch an artist perform original music.
Show someone your favorite Musikfest spot.
Try a food you are not completely sure about.
Leave one night open and see where Musikfest takes you.

Musikfest Preview Night is Thursday, July 30. The full festival runs Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 9.

Get the complete schedule and download the official app at Musikfest.org.

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Historic Easton Cemetery Tour: The People Who Shaped Easton

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:40:50 +0000

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Historic Easton Cemetery Executive Director Keith Lampman-Perlman leads Lehigh Valley with Love through 85 acres of Easton history, Victorian funerary art, monuments and green space.

The tour stops at the graves of Declaration of Independence signer George Taylor, football helmet inventor George Oliver Barclay, Lucy, Howard Rinek and John Frederic Osterstock, the man whose name lives on through the Freddy Awards. Keith also explains cradle graves, grave gardening, changing burial traditions and the work needed to preserve Easton’s largest green space.

Learn more or plan a visit: https://www.thehistoriceastoncemetery.org/

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Tour Phoenix Ridge Apartments in Allentown

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 13:30:20 +0000

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We were recently invited to tour the new Phoenix Ridge Apartments in Allentown and get a closer look at what the community has to offer. From the grand social space and resident lounge to the fitness center, yoga room, conference room, dog wash station, and modern one- and two-bedroom apartments, Phoenix Ridge is clearly designed around convenience and everyday living.

What stood out most is the balance. Phoenix Ridge gives residents access to downtown Allentown, restaurants, nightlife, and nearby parks, while still offering a setting that feels a little more peaceful and tucked away.

Phoenix Ridge features like in-unit washer and dryer, off-street parking, bike storage, package room access, private balconies, and pet-friendly amenities.

Watch the tour, take a look around, and contact the leasing team to schedule your personal tour here.

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Dylan Stroup is Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for Bethlehem’s Kids

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 03:27:28 +0000

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From the top of South Mountain to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem board member Dylan Stroup is preparing to climb Africa’s highest mountain while raising $50,000 for local kids through his Climb for Kids campaign.

We joined Dylan on South Mountain to talk about the personal goal that started the journey, the six months of training behind it, and why he decided that reaching the summit should also benefit the community around him.

Dylan shares how long aerobic workouts, balance exercises, loaded hikes, and repeated climbs up Blue Mountain have prepared him for the challenge. He also talks about the family and friends who inspired him, the community that has joined the campaign, and his belief that success should be measured by the impact we have on others.

The Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem has served local children and teens since 1930. Today, more than 650 young people rely on its educational, recreational, and character-development programs.

Donate to Climb for Kids: https://givebutter.com/climbforkids

Learn more: https://bgcob.org/climbforkids

Join Dylan’s final training climb at Blue Mountain on Saturday, July 25: https://www.facebook.com/events/1739623163752091/

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Alex Radus Brings Songcraft, Family History, and Original Music to Godfrey Daniels

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:59:12 +0000

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Singer-songwriter Alex Radus joins Lehigh Valley with Love ahead of Songcraft in the Round at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Thursday, July 16.

The quarterly series, curated by Radus, brings songwriters together to perform original music and talk about the stories, influences, and craft behind the songs.

This July edition features Doug “Ol’ Moose” Anderson, Radus’ uncle, one of his earliest musical influences, and a longtime Godfrey Daniels veteran.

Tickets and info: https://godfreydaniels.org/event/songcraft-in-the-round-july-16-2026/

More from Alex Radus: https://www.alexradus.com/

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Conor Hepp on Da Vinci Science Center’s Next Chapter in Downtown Allentown

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:23:23 +0000

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Conor Hepp, the new Executive Director and CEO of Da Vinci Science Center in downtown Allentown, joins Lehigh Valley with Love to talk about the power of hands-on learning, what brought him to museum and science center work, and what comes next for the Center.

Conor shares how childhood visits to places like The Franklin Institute and Penn Museum helped spark his own curiosity, especially as a kid who learned best by moving, touching, exploring, and experiencing things directly.

We also talk about Da Vinci Science Center’s new downtown Allentown location, Curiosity Hall, the Lehigh Valley watershed exhibit, the balance between digital and tactile learning, and why community relevance is central to the Science Center’s future.

The conversation also touches on visitation, brand awareness, responsible planning, and how Da Vinci can continue reaching families, students, schools, and curious people across the Lehigh Valley.

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End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller on Dark Money in Politics

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:25:01 +0000

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End Citizens United President Tiffany Muller joins George Wacker on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast to talk about Citizens United, dark money, super PACs, outside spending, and how campaign finance issues are showing up in Pennsylvania races.

Muller explains why the 2010 Supreme Court decision remains central to modern political spending, how outside groups can influence local and national races, and what voters can look for when they see political ads, mailers, or digital messages.

The conversation also covers End Citizens United’s work, its support for campaign finance reform candidates, and why transparency, accountability, and voter trust remain central to the organization’s mission.

Learn more at endcitizensunited.org.

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The Painted Petal: History, Renovation, and TNT in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:22:42 +0000

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The Painted Petal is a restored 1910 Craftsman-style boutique guest house and event venue at 7809 Hamilton Boulevard in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania.

Owner Maggie Fischer transformed the once-deteriorating historic home into one of the Lehigh Valley’s most unique places to stay, gather, create, and celebrate. Inside, the house is filled with restored woodwork, leaded glass, salvaged antiques, vintage furniture, local history, and surprises in nearly every room.

One of the biggest surprises came during the renovation, when crates marked “high explosives” were found in the basement. What first looked like old storage turned out to be very real, very old TNT.

Maggie shares the story behind The Painted Petal’s renovation, the home’s history, the antiques and artifacts that found their way back, the challenges of restoring a historic property, and why preservation matters in the Lehigh Valley.

Learn more or book a stay: https://paintedpetal.com/

Address: 7809 Hamilton Boulevard Breinigsville, PA 18031

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The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem Celebrates 20 Years of Community

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:32:52 +0000

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The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem is celebrating 20 years in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 2006 by Jesse Thompson, the studio began as a third-floor yoga space in the former Cantelmi’s Hardware Building and has grown into a home for yoga, Pilates, teacher training, wellness, and community.

Owner Rachel Abott, founder Jesse Thompson, longtime teachers, students, and members of The Yoga Loft community reflect on the studio’s beginnings, its evolution, and the relationships that have kept it going for two decades.

From Rachel’s path from student to owner, to Jesse’s original vision, to the teachers and students who helped build the studio’s identity, this conversation celebrates the people who made The Yoga Loft what it is today.

More information about The Yoga Loft of Bethlehem: https://theyogaloftofbethlehem.com/

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Saquon Barkley’s Alpha Invitational Comes to Whitehall June 20 and 21

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:34:57 +0000

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The Saquon Barkley Alpha Invitational is coming to Whitehall High School June 20 and 21, bringing youth flag football, family fun, vendors, music, and community together where Saquon’s story began.

We talk with Tonya Johnson, Saquon Barkley’s mom and Vice President of the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, along with board member Rachael J. Pritzker, about why this event matters, how the foundation is giving back, and what it means for Saquon to continue investing in his hometown.

This one is about football, family, opportunity, and making sure the next generation sees what is possible.

so annMore info and tickets: https://masbhopefoundation.com/upcoming-events

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Mike McGrath Signs Off: You Bet Your Garden’s Final Episode on WDIY

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:22:04 +0000

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Mike McGrath is signing off from You Bet Your Garden on WDIY with a final episode that looks back on 30 years in public radio, a career rooted in organic gardening, and the kind of advice that made him a trusted voice for gardeners everywhere.

In the interview, Mike reflects on his time as editor of Organic Gardening, his years on public radio, and how the show eventually found a home at WDIY. He also shares one last piece of classic Mike McGrath gardening advice: “No trends.” Build raised beds, use real soil, grow without poisons, and do not take advice from random people on the internet.

The final episode of You Bet Your Garden is now available through WDIY. Listen and learn more at https://www.wdiy.org/show/you-bet-your-garden.

Wishing Mike well and thanking him for decades of smart, funny, fiercely organic advice.

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Legends & Legacy: Inside Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s 35th Anniversary Season

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:51:08 +0000

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The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is celebrating its 35th anniversary season in 2026, and Artistic Director Jason King Jones joined the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast to talk about the milestone, this year’s “Legends & Legacy” theme, and why Romeo and Juliet continues to connect with audiences generation after generation.

Founded in 1992 at DeSales University, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival has grown into one of the region’s premier summer theater destinations, blending Shakespeare, musicals, dramas, and contemporary productions into a packed annual season.

This year’s lineup includes Romeo & Juliet, August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, Million Dollar Quartet, Moriarty, and more running through August 2 in Center Valley.

During the conversation, Jones talks about balancing classic works with modern audiences, what makes live theater special in the Lehigh Valley, and why PSF continues to attract both longtime theatergoers and first-time visitors.

Learn more about the festival at https://pashakespeare.org/

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Why Farmers Markets Matter More Than Ever in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:42:44 +0000

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“People are social, and there’s not a whole lot of other opportunity to just go somewhere and socialize with all of your neighbors.”

Lisa Surma Borick said it simply, and she’s right.

Farmers markets are not just places to buy produce, baked goods, flowers, meats, soaps, coffee, mushrooms, or whatever else ends up in your bag on a Saturday morning. They are places where people see their neighbors. They are places where kids grow up knowing the vendors. They are places where customers do not just say they are going to buy something. They say they are going to see someone.

We spoke with Lisa Surma Borick of the Nazareth Economic Development Commission and Nazareth Farmers Market, and Emily Roland, Farmers’ Market Manager with the Greater Easton Development Partnership and Easton Farmers’ Market, about why farmers markets still feel so important right now.

Easton Farmers’ Market has roots dating back to 1752 and is known as America’s oldest continuously operating open-air market. Nazareth Farmers Market was reestablished in 2010 and has grown into a weekly gathering place in the center of town.

But the bigger story is not just history. It is what these markets do every week.

Emily talked about the work people do not always see: selecting vendors, balancing farmers with prepared food and specialty vendors, handling permits, road closures, parking, layouts, special events, and all the details that make a market feel easy for the people walking through it.

Lisa talked about how markets create ownership. People say “my market.” They know the vendors by name. They bring their kids. They make the market part of their weekend rhythm.

The conversation also gets into the phrase “buy fresh, buy local” and what it actually means. Supporting a farmers market helps local farms, small businesses, makers, bakers, and families. It keeps money closer to home. It also supports food access programs, including SNAP matching programs that help more people buy fresh food while also helping farmers bring in more income.

As Emily said, “It’s so much more than buying.”

That is why farmers markets matter more than ever. They are not just about food. They are about people, place, access, relationships, and community.

GUESTS:

Lisa Surma BorickNazareth Downtown ManagerNazareth Economic Development Commission / Nazareth Farmers Market

Emily RolandFarmers’ Market ManagerGreater Easton Development Partnership / Easton Farmers’ Market

WEBSITES:

Nazareth Farmers Market:https://nazarethfarmersmarket.com

Nazareth Economic Development Commission:https://nazarethpanow.com

Easton Farmers’ Market:https://eastonfarmersmarket.com

Greater Easton Development Partnership:https://eastonpartnership.org

HOSTS:

George WackerLehigh Valley with Love Media

Jeff WarrenCo-host, Off The Record with Lehigh Valley with LoveNorthampton County CommissionerHost of The Philly Sports Table

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Tired of Swiping? Date My Mate Lehigh Valley Brings Real-Life Dating to Easton

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 30 May 2026 15:51:57 +0000

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Tired of swiping? Melissa Smith of Balance & Bloom joins us to talk about Date My Mate Lehigh Valley, a new singles mixer coming to Wanderlust Beer Garden in Easton.

The event mixes speed dating, open mic energy, social networking, and a little friendly embarrassment as presenters take the stage to pitch their single friends with short, funny presentations. After that, the room opens up for a mix and mingle where people can meet, talk, and see what happens.

Date My Mate Lehigh Valley takes place Thursday, June 18 from 6 to 9 PM at Wanderlust Beer Garden, 1600 Sullivan Trail in Easton. Tickets are $35 and include entry, the mixer, and one drink.

Learn more at https://www.balanceandbloom.life/

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Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley & Pocono Builds Confidence One Step at a Time

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:22:04 +0000

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Girls on the Run has the word “run” right there in the name, but this program is about a lot more than running.

On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker is joined by his daughter Dahlia, a first-year Girls on the Run participant at her elementary school, for a conversation with Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley & Pocono Executive Director Liz Fones, coach Jennifer Leffler, and Laney, a program alumna who now gives back as a junior coach.

Yes, there is running. Yes, the season ends with a 5K. But the real work happens during the practices, where trained coaches help participants build confidence, make friends, set goals, talk through emotions, and learn how to handle the kinds of social pressure that can show up early in elementary and middle school.

Liz explains that the program gives girls tools at a critical age, especially as they begin thinking more about how they fit in, what others think of them, and how they see themselves. Jennifer, who has coached for many seasons, talks about helping girls navigate friendships, peer pressure, negative self-talk, and the simple but powerful idea of changing “I can’t do this” into “I can’t do this yet.”

Laney shares how her own experience with Girls on the Run helped her meet new people, build a love of running, and eventually return to the program as a junior coach. She now runs cross-country and track in high school, and talks about how running gives her a way to deal with stress and reset when life feels overwhelming.

Dahlia also shares what she has enjoyed as a first-year participant, including making new friends and getting to be part of something that gives girls a chance to try running in a supportive way.

The episode also looks ahead to the Girls on the Run 5K Celebration at DeSales University on Sunday, May 17. The event brings together girls, coaches, families, running buddies, mascots, music, and plenty of cheering as participants complete the season together.

Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley & Pocono serves communities across the region and is open to girls of all abilities. The organization also emphasizes that financial need should not stop a girl from participating, with scholarships and support available for families.

Learn more about Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley & Pocono at: https://www.gotrlehighpocono.org/

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Todd Albright on Country Blues, Twelve-String Guitar, and Godfrey Daniels

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:54:12 +0000

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Country blues guitarist and vocalist Todd Albright joins the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast ahead of his Saturday, May 16 performance at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem.

Todd is a Detroit-based twelve-string guitar player rooted in the pre-war blues tradition, drawing from artists including Blind Willie McTell, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, and others. In this conversation, we talk about what draws him to early folk and blues music, why the twelve-string guitar became such an important part of his sound, and how he approaches songs with deep history behind them.

Todd also talks about country blues as foundational American music, the connection between ragtime, folk, and blues traditions, and what audiences can expect in the intimate listening room setting at Godfrey Daniels.

Todd Albright performs Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8 p.m. at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, with guest Arthur Terembula opening the night.

More information and tickets: https://godfreydaniels.org/event/todd-albright-may-16-2026/

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Sir Dominique, Mariposas Galacticas, and Wood Flower Talk Music, Promotion, and Live in the Garden

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 05 May 2026 09:59:05 +0000

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Live in the Garden returns to Bethlehem’s Rose Garden for its fifth season this spring and summer, and this episode features three artists from this year’s lineup: Sir Dominique, Mariposas Galacticas, and Wood Flower.

The conversation ties into Next Stage PA, the statewide artist development initiative helping emerging artists grow through performance opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on professional development. In this episode, the artists talk about how their bands took shape, how they think about identity and visuals, what platforms they actually use, and what it takes to promote music and live shows in a way that feels real.

Sir Dominique and Mariposas Galacticas will perform May 16 at Live in the Garden, and Wood Flower will perform June 6.

Live in the Garden lineup and info: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/live-in-the-garden-2026-returns-to-bethlehem-rose-garden-with-full-lineup/

Band links

Sir Dominique: https://unitedmasters.com/a/sirdominiquejordan
Mariposas Galacticas: https://mariposasgalacticas.bandcamp.com/album/asi-se-goza-con-las-mariposas
Wood Flower: https://woodflowerbluegrass.com/

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Healthcare in the Lehigh Valley: Costs, Care, and the Patient Experience

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:17:57 +0000

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“It’s really like being dropped into a storm without a map.”

In this episode of Off The Record, George Wacker and Jeff Warren talk healthcare in the Lehigh Valley through the lenses of policy, frontline care, and the patient experience.

Guests: Mike Schlossberg, Majority Whip in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Denise Williams-Dianna, nurse at St. Luke’s Alyssa Glaser, co-founder of Life Always Facing Forward

The conversation touches on access to care, prevention, screening, and what treatment can feel like when real life is already heavy.

For more on Life Always Facing Forward: https://www.laff4hope.org/

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Greg Piccolo Set to Debut New Material at Godfrey Daniels

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:52:59 +0000

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Greg Piccolo is heading to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Friday, April 24, with something new.

Greg Piccolo is not just another touring musician coming through Bethlehem. He is one of those rare artists whose career reaches back through decades of American roots music, with a sound and presence that helped define a generation of blues, jazz, R&B, and rock and roll.

The show will be the first time audiences hear songs from his upcoming record performed live. For Piccolo, that matters. He says this project is less about spotlighting himself as a sax player or vocalist and more about finally giving these songs their chance. “It’s about the songs that I wrote,” he says, explaining that many of them had been sitting with him for years, waiting for the right time to be recorded and heard.

He recorded 15 songs for the project and eventually narrowed it down to 11 for the final release. The album is titled Who Knows What the Future Holds and is scheduled for June 19. The Godfrey Daniels performance will give Bethlehem audiences an early listen before the full release arrives.

Piccolo also sings on the record, something that fits naturally with the way he sees his career. He says singing has always been part of what he does, right alongside the horn, and that his work as a songwriter kept pulling him toward material that needed to be voiced in a fuller way.

That makes Godfrey Daniels a fitting place for this stop. The Bethlehem venue has been welcoming artists and audiences since 1976 and is still known for the kind of close-up listening room experience that puts the music right in front of people. For a songwriter bringing new material into the room for the first time, that kind of setting can matter as much as the songs themselves.

For Lehigh Valley listeners, this one is not just a chance to see a veteran musician on stage. It is a chance to hear a new chapter as it starts.

Show info and tickets: https://godfreydaniels.org/event/greg-piccolo-and-heavy-juice-april-24-2026/

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Hair by Harley Finds a Home in Emmaus

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:46:38 +0000

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Hair by Harley in Emmaus, Pennsylvania feels like the kind of place that comes from years of figuring out exactly what you want your work and your space to be.

For Harley Detrick, that path started with wanting a creative career that still felt practical. He talks about growing up in a blue collar family, wanting to be an artist, and eventually realizing hair gave him a way to do something creative with his hands while also building a career. What pushed it from idea to decision was a conversation with his older brother, who pointed him toward beauty school.

Harley took the chance, and it turned into the best gamble he ever made.

He started working while he was still in beauty school, assisting in a salon in Easton, washing hair, sweeping, and learning the business from the ground up. He began taking clients early, moved around a bit, and eventually found a long home base in Bethlehem, where he spent about 15 years building both his skills and his clientele.

That long stretch matters because Harley talks openly about what the early years in this business are really like.

You do not make a lot of money right away.

You have to build your clientele, build your skills, and stick with it long enough to get somewhere. He was able to do that because he had support, and he is honest about how much that mattered. There is no shortcut in that story. Just time, work, and patience.

Now, in Hair by Harley in Emmaus, he has the chance to shape a more personal space. The studio is located just down the street from where he lives, which made Emmaus a natural fit. He had known the space for years and had wanted to be there for a long time. Now that it is his, the studio reflects what he was aiming for: a smaller neighborhood-based setting, a stronger connection to the people around him, and a place that feels like more than just a spot to get a haircut.

Screenshot

That shows up in the details too. Harley talks about wanting people from the neighborhood to come in, wanting to know his neighbors better, and wanting the space to feel connected to Emmaus itself. He even partnered with Apport Used Books down the street to sell a small selection of books in the studio. It is a small touch, but it says a lot about the kind of environment he wants to create.

After years in the business, this space feels like the result of someone spending a long time learning the work, building trust with clients, and then creating a place that feels true to who he is and how he wants to work.

Hair by Harley official website: https://www.hairbyharley.com/

Hair by Harley contact page: https://www.hairbyharley.com/contact

Lehigh Valley Style feature: https://lehighvalleystyle.com/everything-lv/around-town/hair-by-harley/

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Gráinne Hunt and Jules Stewart Talk Touring, Songwriting, and Their April 17 Godfrey Daniels Show in Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:19:04 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Gráinne Hunt and Jules Stewart ahead of their April 17 show at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem.

Gráinne, an Irish singer-songwriter, talks about how she describes her music as “nu-folk” and explains why that label fits. The conversation gets into the difference between traditional assumptions people sometimes make about Irish music and the original songwriting work she and other contemporary artists are doing.

Jules talks about what she brings to the live show as a drummer, percussionist, and harmony singer, and how she approaches supporting songs that are deeply personal without getting in the way of them. One of the more interesting parts of the conversation is hearing how much thought goes into leaving space in a performance, not just adding to it.

We also talk about Gráinne’s songwriting process, including why lyrics usually come first for her and how she often builds songs outward from the chorus. From there, the conversation turns to “Magnets,” how the song came together, and how certain images or ideas can sit with a songwriter for years before becoming part of a finished piece.

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Maniya Brings Covered in Soul to ArtsQuest’s Fowler Blast Furnace Room on April 11

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:21:06 +0000

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New York-born, Macungie based R&B and neo-soul artist Maniya joins us ahead of her April 11, 2026 performance at ArtsQuest’s Fowler Blast Furnace Room in Bethlehem.

Known as “Songbird,” Maniya has been building her sound since childhood, performing with Harlem’s Emmy Award-winning Gospel for Teens choir, studying vocal performance at Berklee College of Music, and now stepping further into the spotlight with her own music.

In this episode, we talk about her background, her artistic style, and what people can expect from Covered in Soul, an intimate live show that reimagines classic R&B, pop, and soul through her own voice and perspective. We also touch on her single “Curious,” her upcoming EP Dear Diary, and the path that continues to shape her as both an artist and vocal coach.

For tickets, visit: https://www.artsquest.org/event/maniya-covered-in-soul-hosted-by-rudy-rush/

To learn more about Maniya, visit: https://www.maniyasworld.com/

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Ce-Ce Gerlach Talks Allentown, Housing, and the May 19 Primary

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:35:03 +0000

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Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach joins the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast to talk about her run for Pennsylvania’s 22nd House District.

After Josh Siegel left the seat to become Lehigh County Executive, Democrats held a special election process that ended with Ana Tiburcio winning the seat. Now, Gerlach is running in the May 19 primary for the full term.

In the interview, she talks about grassroots politics, the special election process, and why housing is at the center of her campaign.

We have contacted Rep. Ana Tiburcio to see if she is interested in an interview.

Ballotopedia Page for the 22nd District: https://ballotpedia.org/Pennsylvania_House_of_Representatives_District_22

Ce-Ce’s Page: https://www.ceceforallentown.com/

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Bethlehem Runner Alex Price Qualifies for 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:49:49 +0000

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Bethlehem runner Alex Price is headed to the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials after running 2:15:24 at the California International Marathon.

In this episode, we talk with Price about how he went from a Pocono Mountain East and Susquehanna University runner to one of the top marathoners in the region, and now one of the few athletes in the country to hit the Olympic Trials standard.

He talks about how his brother helped lead him into the sport, how his first marathon in New York helped reignite his competitive drive, and how years of steady training helped him get to this point.

The conversation also gets into why Bethlehem has become such an important part of his running story. Price talks about the support of the local running community, the role of Aardvark and Team Vark, and what it means to train and race on roads he now considers home.

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Moravian Academy Joins Villars Institute as First Pennsylvania Partner School

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:47:25 +0000

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Moravian Academy has been named the first school in Pennsylvania and one of only five in the United States to partner with the Villars Institute in Switzerland, and that news is opening the door to a new global opportunity for students here in the Lehigh Valley.

We sat down with Moravian Academy Head of School Adrienne Finley Odell to talk about what the partnership means, why systems thinking matters for today’s students, and how sustainability education can connect directly to real-world leadership. The conversation also touches on Moravian Academy’s long history, its three-campus presence in Bethlehem and Allentown, and how that legacy continues to evolve.

This spring, Moravian Academy’s first student cohort will begin preparing for the program before heading to Switzerland in mid-June for the Villars Institute leadership symposium. It is a chance for students to learn alongside peers and global leaders while bringing those ideas back to their school and community.

Learn more at www.moravianacademy.org

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Ryan Crosswell | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 11:29:53 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. Mark Pinsley is not included because he dropped out. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie’s office and did not receive a response.

In this episode, we speak with Ryan Crosswell. Crosswell describes his background in public service, including serving in the Marine Corps after graduating from Duke Law School, and later working as a federal prosecutor. He also discusses why he decided to run for Congress now.

Campaign: https://ryancrosswell.com/

Day to day financial stressCrosswell says people are feeling higher costs across the board, and he mentions grocery costs rising in Pennsylvania. He says the biggest day to day stress he hears most often is healthcare costs, and he argues that cuts to Medicare and ACA subsidies destabilize care providers and make the system worse for everyone, including people who already have insurance. He says he is talking to residents who are losing insurance or are uninsured.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsCrosswell says he supports extending the ACA premium tax credits for as long as needed to keep premiums down. He adds that long term he wants a public healthcare option, described as a government regulated healthcare option, and argues that broader access would also drive down costs for people who keep private plans.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationCrosswell says he served as a federal prosecutor in San Diego and prosecuted immigration related offenses, including drug smuggling, illegal entry, and human smuggling. He says he supports a strong border, and also says he prosecuted law enforcement officers who broke the law, including a Border Patrol agent. He then focuses on internal enforcement by ICE, calling it disturbing and saying it violates Fourth Amendment rights through actions like entering homes without search warrants and detaining people without adequate cause. He argues Congress should rein ICE in, including by using funding leverage, and he supports requiring federal agents to remove masks and display identification. He also calls for accountability when due process is bypassed. He says his law firm is filing lawsuits on behalf of people he says were detained illegally by ICE.

Warehouses and data centersCrosswell starts with data centers and says a major concern is energy use and the risk of higher energy prices. He says data centers should provide their own energy so local residents are not left paying more. He also raises concerns about environmental impact and water consumption, and says builders should be required to power facilities with renewable energy sources. He also says there should be requirements tied to water, including investment in desalination. He says he is uncomfortable with how quickly data centers are being rushed into the area without deeper cost benefit analysis and without clearer answers on environmental impact, energy impact, and job creation. He also connects warehouse growth to the loss of green space and says projects should be evaluated case by case based on what the community gets in return.

HomelessnessCrosswell highlights local nonprofit work and then focuses on federal steps. He says he supports passing the ROAD to Housing Act, which he describes as bipartisan and currently stuck in Congress, and says it would provide funding for more affordable housing and cut red tape so building can move faster. He also supports grants or low interest loans to developers who build affordable housing in areas with abandoned buildings and businesses, as long as it can be done safely, and he frames that as a way to add housing while protecting green space. He also calls for reducing large institutional home buying by Wall Street buyers, including cutting tax incentives that he says encourage that behavior and drive up housing costs.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyCrosswell says his third place is Nowhere Coffee near where he lives. He says it is often where he meets with people in the community to talk about local issues, and he also describes it as a place that helps him reset and reconnect with routines he had before the campaign.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Lamont McClure | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:05:44 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

In this episode, we speak with Lamont McClure, who says he recently completed his second term as Northampton County Executive and announced his run for Congress last February. He describes his candidacy as a response to what he calls growing national chaos, and he ties his platform to affordability, healthcare, and public safety.

Campaign: https://mcclureforpa.com/

Day to day financial stressMcClure says the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about is housing affordability. He argues that tariffs are limiting the ability of home builders to build homes, which limits supply and contributes to rising costs and homelessness. He says national solutions should include incentivizing affordable housing builders so more housing gets built at every level of the market. He also argues that rolling back tariffs would help control affordability, saying tariffs have raised prices, raised taxes people pay, and are killing jobs.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsMcClure says he supports extending Affordable Care Act benefits, especially the premium tax credits, and says he supports making them permanent. He criticizes Congressman Ryan McKenzie’s actions around the tax credits, arguing McKenzie had opportunities to leverage his vote to secure an extension but did not. He frames his own approach as using his vote to make sure constituents are taken care of, and he links the ACA tax credits to the stability of small businesses and self employed people in the district.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationMcClure says the country needs secure borders and says violent criminals who are in the country without documentation should be deported. He then focuses on what he describes as his record pushing back on ICE actions in Northampton County. He describes an incident where ICE arrested someone in a courthouse hallway, and says he researched the law and issued an executive order preventing ICE from making arrests in his courthouse. He says that policy remains in place under his successor. He also emphasizes that he has taken on MAGA aligned opponents electorally, and frames that as proof he can win in a politically mixed county.

Warehouses and data centersAsked about warehouses and data centers and what makes a project worth it for the region, McClure points to his record combating warehouse proliferation in Northampton County. He cites land preservation work, including preserving 20,000 acres of farmland and 3,800 acres of open space, creating four new county parks, and preserving environmentally sensitive land that contains rare species. He also says he fought warehouse proliferation “to the tune of over twenty five million dollars” in Northampton County. He frames his approach as protecting a green future for the district.

HomelessnessMcClure calls homelessness a multifactorial problem and says it is not the same for everybody, so solutions vary. He says Northampton and Lehigh counties put millions of dollars a year into addressing homelessness and says he has been in that fight for years, including a focus on veteran homelessness. He also describes using money won from opioid manufacturers for efforts to fight the opioid crisis, including drug and alcohol treatment, and he references a suicide prevention task force that focused on lowering suicide rates, especially among veterans. He says he would work to ensure federal law and policy help combat homelessness, addiction, and support veterans.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyMcClure says his third place is Minsi Lake, describing it as a serene place that helps him decompress. He also mentions other places he enjoys, including Leaser Lake Park near his home, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and going to his native Carbon County in the fall.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Bob Brooks | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 11:43:29 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

In this episode, we speak with Bob Brooks, a career firefighter with the City of Bethlehem and a union leader. Brooks talks about affordability in the Lehigh Valley, what federal policy can do to expand housing supply, and how he thinks about public safety, healthcare, and local development.

Campaign: https://brooksforcongress.com/

Day to day financial stressBrooks says the biggest day to day financial stresses he hears about are healthcare and housing, and he focuses first on housing. He argues the region needs to build a lot more housing quickly and says that requires cutting red tape, including permitting and zoning reforms. He supports first time home buyer help and talks about expanding programs similar to the HELPERS Act style loan concept. He also argues for cracking down on bulk home buying by private equity and corporate purchasers that he says distort the housing market.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsBrooks says he supports extending the ACA premium tax credits and argues they should not be removed without a replacement plan. He warns that cutting help people rely on will raise costs, and he links paying for coverage support to tax policy changes. He argues for a minimum tax on billionaires and large corporations, saying that would fund major priorities. He also says making programs permanent will require negotiation and compromise, and he frames himself as a negotiator from his labor leadership experience.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationBrooks frames the issue through public safety and argues enforcement efforts should focus on serious criminals, not everyday people. He says the purpose of ICE should be to target drug dealers and people committing violent crimes, and he argues the agency should be refocused. He also calls for streamlining the pathway to citizenship and supports adding more immigration judges to speed up the process, criticizing long wait times.

Warehouses and data centersBrooks says he will side with workers, and evaluates projects based on whether they bring real jobs and benefits. He says he is concerned about data centers in particular because of infrastructure impacts, especially strain on the electric grid. He says federal involvement is limited compared to local government, but argues there is room for federal regulation related to electricity markets and for slowing or tightening approvals. He also argues data centers should be required to generate their own power rather than pulling heavily from the existing grid.

HomelessnessBrooks argues federal action should expand housing options and help people afford them. He supports expanding Housing Choice Vouchers, but says vouchers are capped and that cap is linked to the lack of available housing. He argues the solution requires building more housing and increasing affordable and entry level housing. He also emphasizes mental health funding, saying mental health needs are a major factor in homelessness and that resources have not matched the scale of need.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyBrooks says his third place is a baseball field behind the Nazareth Intermediate School, where he coaches varsity baseball for Nazareth High School. He describes it as a place where he can put his phone away and focus on helping young people grow.

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Daniel Roebuck’s The Hail Mary Premieres in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:40:48 +0000

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We were lucky to catch up with Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck while he’s back in town for the premiere of The Hail Mary.

Written, directed by, and starring Roebuck, the film tells the story of a reluctant man pulled into coaching an all-boys Catholic football team and finding redemption along the way. For Lehigh Valley audiences, this one hits especially close to home.

Scenes were filmed at Bethlehem Catholic High School, the Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, and at the Bethlehem Area School District stadium, where game sequences were shot over eight nights, sometimes as late as 2 and 3 a.m. Real Bethlehem Catholic players, Liberty and Freedom band members, and local residents filled the stands.

This weekend, you can see The Hail Mary at SteelStacks, The Roxy Theatre, and other regional theaters. There is also a special event at Hotel Bethlehem following a screening, including dinner and a behind-the-scenes conversation with Roebuck and the team.

If you are from the Lehigh Valley, you will recognize faces, locations, and that unmistakable local energy on screen.

Find showtimes and details at:https://www.achannelofpeace.org/

Get out there and support a film made here, with our people, telling our story.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Carol Obando-Derstine | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:13:13 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie’s office and did not receive a response.

In this episode, we speak with Carol Obando-Derstine, who shares why she is running and what she is hearing from residents across PA-07.

Campaign: https://www.carolforpa.com/

Day to day financial stressObando-Derstine says people are struggling to make ends meet and pay for the essentials of life, specifically naming housing, healthcare, groceries, utilities, and childcare. She cites the United Way ALICE report and says it shows 41 percent of district families are struggling to cover the essentials, which she describes as roughly 124,000 households.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsObando-Derstine supports extending the ACA premium tax credits. She frames healthcare as personal, sharing stories of people she knew who could not afford care and how costs can financially devastate families. She argues that access to care helps families and also strengthens the economy because prevention and early treatment keep people healthier and working. In this conversation, she focuses on why the subsidies matter and does not detail a specific funding mechanism.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationObando-Derstine says immigration policy is personal to her as an immigrant who came to the United States at age three with parents who fled violence in Colombia. She says the system needs fixing in a way that is legal, effective, and humane. She criticizes what she describes as cruelty, racial profiling, and unaccountable enforcement, and says fear is widespread in immigrant communities, including among documented Latinos. She also says she supports secure borders, but argues the current approach creates chaos and does not make communities safer. She calls for more immigration judges and support staff, modernizing immigration courts, speeding up asylum processing, and opening up DACA applications so people are not kept in limbo.

Warehouses and data centersObando-Derstine notes that local governments make many of the key decisions, and she emphasizes a robust local stakeholder process so residents have meaningful input. Drawing on her background as an energy engineer, she describes work connecting projects to the electric grid, including warehouses. She argues against a top down approach that overrides state and local authority and says local voices should guide what gets built and how communities are impacted, especially when projects use significant resources and create limited jobs.

HomelessnessObando-Derstine says she has direct experience with this issue through service on the Homeless Veterans Task Force for Lehigh County, volunteer work with North Penn Legal Services, and her work advocating for prevention programs to keep families off the streets. She calls for federal action that prevents unjust evictions and proposes establishing a federal Office of Tenant Rights so people understand their rights and landlords are accountable. She also points to the role of legal aid and says cuts to legal aid programs affect the ability to prevent evictions. She supports expanding and strengthening incentives for affordable housing, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and suggests reform to reduce bureaucracy and improve consistency in how states administer that federal credit. She also names local organizations doing the work, including New Bethany and the United Way.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyObando-Derstine says her third place is her church community, specifically the Spanish service at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which she attends with her parents. She describes it as a gathering place with a strong community focus and notes that it also hosts local meetings such as housing related committees.

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Lewis Shupe | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:07:20 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

In this episode, we speak with Lewis Shupe of Allentown.

Campaign: https://realchange.us/

Why he is running and his first term goalShupe says a key goal is to harness the power of registered voters to help compose and promote legislative initiatives led by citizens.

Day to day financial stressShupe points to food insecurity and says demand at food banks is rising, including among working people. He argues wages and cost of living are pushing more households toward needing help with basics.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsAsked about extending the ACA premium tax credits and making them permanent, Shupe focuses on restoring Medicare cuts he says were made in a major federal bill, and he says he would go further by supporting Medicare for All.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationShupe argues that people already in the country should have a legal pathway to citizenship and says families should not be separated. He also claims recent border politics are being misrepresented and frames the issue as needing less drama and more workable solutions.

Warehouses and data centersShupe responds to the region becoming “the land of warehouses” and data centers by describing tradeoffs. He says there are pluses and minuses to data centers and references a proposed facility in the western part of the region. His emphasis is on weighing local impacts rather than treating these projects as automatically good.

HomelessnessAsked what the federal government can do about local homelessness, Shupe connects the issue to limited income and the gap between assistance and real costs. He references his own experience going on Social Security due to health issues and says that being on a limited income is not enough.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyWhen asked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Shupe points to Make Lehigh Valley! a “workshop for people who love to tinker.” Their members include engineers, woodworkers, programmers, artists, amateur radio enthusiasts, radio-controlled airplane flyers, and more. Check out their website https://makelehighvalley.com/

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Congressional Candidate Conversations | Aiden Gonzalez | PA-07 (2026)

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:01:00 +0000

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On this special series of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sat down with candidates running for U.S. House in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary.

To keep this fair and useful, every candidate was asked the same core questions. We also reached out multiple times to Congressman Ryan McKenzie’s office and did not receive a response.

In this episode, we speak with Aiden Gonzalez, a Bethlehem resident running in the Democratic primary for PA-07.

Campaign: https://www.aidenforpa7.com/

Day to day financial stressGonzalez says healthcare is the biggest day to day financial stress he hears about. He also connects affordability to housing, saying his generation is far more likely to rent long term than to own a home. He adds that energy is a leading cause of inflation and ties that to investing in future technology.

Healthcare and ACA premium tax creditsGonzalez calls the ACA a great program but a half step, and says the country should move to single payer healthcare. He says more than a million people who were on the ACA last year are not on it this year because subsidies expired, and he connects that to rising premiums and costs.

Immigration enforcement, legal pathways, and work authorizationGonzalez emphasizes due process and constitutional protections. He argues that the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments apply to everyone in the country, not only citizens. He also says the U.S. should encourage talented people to come here to work and contribute, and argues current approaches are driving people away.

Warehouses and data centersGonzalez says data centers are not the kind of future focused investment he wants for the region. He argues they raise electricity and water costs and do not create many permanent jobs. He also says the region has enough warehouses and data centers and describes his preference for projects that create lasting jobs and contribute back to the community.

HomelessnessGonzalez says immediate relief requires federal funding through Housing and Urban Development to build homes to house people experiencing homelessness. He says the longer term goal should be making home ownership achievable, and he mentions increasing first time home owner loans. He also argues for discouraging large scale corporate landlord practices, including a progressive tax on corporate landlords based on how many residences they buy.

Third place in the Lehigh ValleyAsked where he likes to spend time outside of work and home, Gonzalez says he is a big gym person and names Powerhouse Gym in Bethlehem.

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Language of Dolls at Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem, PA March 5 to 8, 2026

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:30:23 +0000

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Touchstone Theatre presents Language of Dolls, an original production created and performed by New York City theater artists Lizzie Olesker, Peggy Pettitt, and Louise Smith.

The show runs March 5 through March 8, 2026 in Touchstone’s 75 seat theatre on the SouthSide of Bethlehem.

Language of Dolls follows three older women friends who come to a cabin in the woods to reconnect. Over one night they eat, laugh, argue, dance, dream, and share unexpected stories as they question how their racial and social identities were formed. The piece uses dolls as a way into deeper understandings of one another and American history, including the discovery of each character’s inner “soul” doll.

Tickets are available at touchstone.org or 610.867.1689.

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Children’s Art Classes in Allentown: A Studio Built on Art Fundamentals

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 12:45:06 +0000

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We visited Children’s Art Classes in Allentown and spoke with Peter and Andrea Nation about why they built a studio focused on real art fundamentals and skill building for kids.

We also talked with their teaching artist about what makes the program different and why it clicks for students.

Children’s Art Classes in Allentown offers programs for multiple age groups, including Tiny Hands (3 to 4), Intro to Art (5 to 6), Beginning Art (7 to 8), Art 1 (9 and up), plus a homeschool art curriculum option. Be sure to ask about summer workshops!

Studio info 327 South Cedar Crest Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18103https://pa-allentown.childrensartclasses.com/

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How the Pottsville Maroons Were Almost the Green Bay Packers of Pennsylvania

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:55:55 +0000

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The Pottsville Maroons were one of the most dominant teams in early professional football, yet their story remains one of the greatest injustices in NFL history.

On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with author and sports journalist David Fleming about the Maroons historic 1925 season, how a small Pennsylvania coal town helped legitimize professional football, and why the NFL championship they earned was ultimately taken away. (more…)

Todd Snider Tribute Brings Songs and Stories to Godfrey Daniels on February 19

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:49:54 +0000

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Various artists will come together at Godfrey Daniels on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM for a special tribute honoring the life and music of Todd Snider.

The Todd Snider Tribute is a benefit show featuring musicians sharing Snider’s songs and personal reflections on how his writing shaped their own musical paths. Known for his humor, honesty, and sharp storytelling, Snider built a career rooted in connection and songs that thrived in intimate listening rooms like Godfrey Daniels, where he performed in 2001 and 2002.

The evening is organized and emceed by Dan Sullivan and Miki Sparks and will feature performances by Jack Murray, Nick Franclik, Jason Agar, Rin Elizabeth, Josh Herman, Hobo Houston, Ian Gallagher, and Josh and Amber Finsel.

This is a rescheduled show from January 25. If you already RSVP’d, you do not need to do so again.

A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the door. RSVP is requested to save your seat.

More information and RSVP details are available here: https://godfreydaniels.org/event/todd-snider-tribute-january-25-2026/

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The Chopper Foundation: Keeping Pets With Their Families

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:23:44 +0000

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On this episode of Off the Record with the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re highlighting The Chopper Foundation and the work they’re doing to help families access lifesaving veterinary care when money is tight, so people do not have to surrender a pet or make an impossible decision.

We’re joined by Sharon, Moreen, and Dr. Lee for a conversation about how The Chopper Foundation started, what the need looks like in real life, and how community partnerships make it possible to keep pets healthy and at home.

Sharon shares what she saw again and again when dogs were relinquished: lack of funds for care, or behavioral issues, often after a dog had already been rehomed. She talks about how the unexpected loss of Chopper became the turning point, and how she decided to turn that loss into action that helps other families keep their pets.

The episode also digs into what support can look like beyond emergency vet bills, including food distribution. The foundation has worked with community partners to provide large food donations and run what they call a “chow line,” with past stops in Reading, Allentown, and Bethlehem, and a goal of expanding to Easton. The point is simple: help families who are stretched thin so they do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.

Looking ahead to 2026, The Chopper Foundation shares plans for a low-cost vaccination clinic and ways local sponsors can help make basic care more accessible, including a “sponsor one shot” approach.

For more information and ways to support: https://www.thechopperfoundation.org/

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Alison Conklin on Photography, Bonus Days Magazine, and Finding Beauty in the Hard Parts

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:05:03 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sit down with photographer and storyteller Alison Conklin, the publisher of Bonus Days Magazine, to talk about what it means to keep creating, even in the middle of the hardest seasons of life.

Recorded at Dan’s Camera City, this conversation starts with the way Alison sees the world through a lens and how “who you are personally is like your power.” From there, she shares the moment her health story took a sharp turn: “he told me in July that I had six months to live,” and what happened next as she faced the reality of needing a heart transplant.

Alison talks candidly about the waiting, the fear, and the pace of it all, including the shock of how fast things moved once she was listed. But the story doesn’t stop at survival. It turns into purpose and into print.

That’s where Bonus Days Magazine comes in, a print magazine centered on “all transplants and chronic illness,” created to “tell these stories that are not toxic positive.” Alison’s not pretending it’s easy: “not gonna tell you it’s all sunshine and rainbows.” She makes space for nuance too: “two things can be very true at the same time”… and sometimes, “just existing is enough.”

LINKS Bonus Days Magazine: https://www.bonusdaysmag.com/ Alison Conklin: https://www.alisonconklin.com/

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David Bennett Cohen Trio at Godfrey Daniels, Keyboard Roots and a Hendrix Memory

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:18:54 +0000

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David Bennett Cohen is a founding member of Country Joe & The Fish and a keyboard player with deep roots in blues and early rock. He brings the David Bennett Cohen Trio to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM.

Cohen has been a professional musician for more than 60 years, known for innovative keyboard playing and a career that stretches across major blues and rock scenes. Along the way, he played and recorded with a long list of artists, and he also built a serious teaching catalog through Homespun, plus published piano instruction with Hal Leonard. (more…)

Anja Keister Brings Burlesque to the Roxy Theatre in Northampton this Valentine’s Weekend

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:58:36 +0000

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Anja Keister is bringing burlesque back to Northampton, and she is doing it with intention.

Keister, an award-winning burlesque performer and producer who grew up in Northampton, will return home this Valentine’s Weekend with a live burlesque and variety show at the historic Roxy Theatre. The performance comes after more than a decade spent working in New York City and performing internationally across Europe, including shows in Germany and Prague. (more…)

Allentown Trombonist Brody Segan Talks Jazz, Yacht Rock, Original Music, And Life On A Ship

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:49:25 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we sit down with Allentown born trombonist, composer, arranger, and educator Brody Segan to talk about his original music, his independent label Brodacious Music, and his next big step as a showband musician with Royal Caribbean.

Brody has been busy releasing a string of projects, including the country rock single Make Lovin Great Again, the soundtrack to the short action film The Great Escape, and his final 2025 single Im Kinda Busy Now, a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know the people in our everyday lives.

Under his Brodacious Music label, Brody is building a catalog that pulls from country, rock, funk, blues, film music, and big band writing. Make Lovin Great Again was released August 1 on all major streaming services, with artwork by his father and an animated lyric video by Miami based animator Juan Menache that earned a Special Mention from the Global Shorts Film Festival. Brody and collaborator Michael Ford promoted the track on PA Live in Wilkes Barre.

Im Kinda Busy Now followed on October 24 as the final 2025 Brodacious Music single. Brody describes it as a 1980s inspired funk blues song about unrequited love that also encourages getting to know those in our everyday lives. The track features music and lyrics by Brody Segan, mixed and mastered by Michael Ford, with Segan on lead and backing vocals and keys, Ford on electric guitar, electric bass, and cowbell, and Denisse Ferrara on backing vocals.

Beyond his singles, Brody composed the soundtrack for Sukavision’s short action film The Great Escape, recorded live at the Frost School of Music’s Weeks Recording Studio, and he continues to write for large ensemble. His big band chart Honk on This, a saxophone feature in the style of 1950s rock and roll, is available through JW Pepper.

Since graduating from UM in May 2025, Brody has stacked experience as both player and educator, including serving as low brass faculty for the PA Jazz Institute at Misericordia University, performing at the 20th Annual Scranton Jazz Festival, and working with groups across eastern and central Pennsylvania such as Panchito Bongo y Su Orquesta, Jessee Hernandez of La Maña Brava, Schutzengiggles Oompah Band, and M&J Big Band.

Next up, he performs with the Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band for their Christmas Spectacular and then begins a contract as a showband trombonist with Royal Caribbean starting December 14, performing nightly while continuing to write and release new music under Brodacious Music.

Where To Listen And Follow Brody Segan

Website:https://brodysegan.com

SoundCloud:https://soundcloud.com/brody-segan/

YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQSBUeq3kTCa8xFrboyNrOA

Facebook (Brodacious Music page):https://www.facebook.com/p/Brodacious-Music-61560112600953/

Facebook (profile link):https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560112600953

Instagram:https://instagram.com/brodysegan

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Jack McCallum on Bird vs today’s NBA, Victor Wembanyama, and storytelling in the AI era

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:32:08 +0000

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Today I’m joined by NBA and Lehigh Valley legend Jack McCallum, a New York Times bestselling author of “Dream Team” and “Seven Seconds or Less” who spent decades covering the league for Sports Illustrated.

I caught up with Jack at WDIY 88.1 FM before he recorded a Something to Say segment to talk about how today’s NBA compares to the Larry Bird era, why he would build the next decade around Victor Wembanyama, and what AI and changing media mean for storytelling.

We also revisit the time Michael Jordan called him during one of my Moravian University classes and get into what he is working on now, from a new novel to the short radio pieces he jokes are his Tuesday “elevator music.” Let’s get into it.

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Go Behind the Scenes of Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem with Kris Kringle, Hanna Scotch, and Charlotte Surak.

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:29:50 +0000

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Today we’re getting into the holiday spirit with Meredith Willson’s Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical, coming to Wind Creek Event Center right here in Bethlehem, the Christmas City December 10 – 14!

In this episode you’ll hear from three members of the company: first, a visit from Kris Kringle himself; then Hanna Scotch, onstage swing and assistant dance captain who was actually born here in Bethlehem; and finally, eight-year-old Charlotte Surak, a precocious young actor who plays Susan Walker.

We’ll talk about bringing this classic story to the stage, what it’s like performing it in Bethlehem during the holidays, and what families can expect when they come out to the show.

For tickets and showtimes, head to windcreekeventcenter.com, and you can also enter to win a Family 4 Pack of tickets at lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com.

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‘Hazel’ Starring Bethlehem’s Own Madelyn Dundon Comes to ArtsQuest for Three Special Screenings

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:36:45 +0000

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Bethlehem Catholic graduate and Lehigh Valley native Madelyn Dundon is bringing her latest film Hazel to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at ArtsQuest for three special screenings this December AND you can find it on streaming soon!

Hazel is a survival thriller based on the true story of Hazel Miner, a teenager who tried to protect her younger siblings during a deadly 1920 blizzard in North Dakota. The film has played to sold out audiences across the Dakotas and now arrives in Bethlehem before it begins streaming later this month.

The production converted an abandoned Kmart in Bismarck into a full movie studio, complete with a snow landscape, lighting rigs, VFX elements, and even horses brought inside for filming. Local audiences will appreciate the creativity of turning a forgotten building into something new.

Dundon also spoke about what it means to bring the film home. From her years at Bethelehem Catholic High School to the Freddy Awards to her breakout in Getting Grace with Dan Roebock (who has also been on our podcast), she credits the Valley for giving her the foundation to take on roles like this one.

ArtsQuest screening dates:• Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m. with Q and A• Monday, December 8 at 7:15 p.m. with Q and A• Wednesday, December 10 at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets: https://www.artsquest.org/event/hazel-standard-screening/

Hazel will also be available to stream on Apple TV beginning December 23.

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How Women Can Reduce Holiday Stress with Micro Joys and Better Mornings featuring Melissa Smith of Balance and Bloom

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 12:54:30 +0000

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-smith-3b834610/

This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re talking with Melissa Smith, corporate wellness coach and founder of Balance and Bloom, a health and wellness coaching company helping women, leaders, and organizations reduce stress, prevent burnout, and rebuild their spark.

With the holiday season in full swing, Melissa breaks down why this time of year hits women especially hard and what small shifts can actually make a difference.

In this episode, Melissa shares:

• Why the first three minutes of your day matter and how they set the emotional tone• Why women often feel responsible for “everything” this time of year• The difference between stress and burnout and how you can tell which one you’re in• Micro joys, what they are, and how they instantly shift your mindset

Learn more about Melissa Smith and her work at:https://www.balanceandbloom.life/

https://www.instagram.com/balanceandbloomnow/

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Discover the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 10:37:22 +0000

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The D&L Trail is one of Pennsylvania’s most significant outdoor corridors, stretching 165 miles through five counties and connecting communities along the historic canal and rail routes that once fueled the American Industrial Revolution. To understand the impact of the trail today, we visited Hugh Moore Park in Easton, Pennsylvania, home of the National Canal Museum and one of the most historically rich sections of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. (more…)

Helping Kids Grow: Ivy Rehab for Kids Opens in Bethlehem and Allentown

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 18:52:17 +0000

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This week on the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re talking with Megan Cara, Clinic Director at Ivy Rehab for Kids in Bethlehem. (more…)

Popcorn Pushers premieres at The Emmaus Theatre on November 8

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 10:23:03 +0000

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The Lehigh Valley’s comedy scene takes center stage this fall with the premiere of Popcorn Pushers: Season 01, a darkly funny new sitcom from creator Jiah Peck and his production team, Pigeon City. The series follows the eccentric staff of a struggling movie theater secretly owned by loan sharks, inspired by Peck’s real-life experiences working at Regal Cinemas in Quakertown and the County Theater in Doylestown.

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Pass the Budget Episode Featuring Meals on Wheels Greater Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:39:40 +0000

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In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we talk with Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Development and Communications for Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, about what happens when politics stall and how delayed budgets are putting real lives at risk. (more…)

Zoellner Arts Center Executive Director Mark Wilson on Pigeons, Partnerships, and a “Non-Shushing” Family FUN-A-PALOOZA November 1

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:08:50 +0000

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Families and young people are the future of the arts, and no one knows that better than Mark Fitzgerald Wilson, Executive Director of the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University.

Mark joined Zoellner in 2020, bringing an eclectic background as an educator, business professional, and opera singer. Originally from Iowa, he discovered the Lehigh Valley through his son’s lacrosse tournaments and fell in love with the area’s energy, trails, and sense of community.

When he arrived at Zoellner, he noticed a missing piece in local arts programming: family experiences that were fun, welcoming, and accessible. The result was Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, an annual event that brings families together for live theater, interactive arts activities, and partnerships with local organizations.

This year’s Family FUN-A-PALOOZA takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM, featuring Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical, based on the beloved children’s book by Mo Willems. Developed by the Kennedy Center, the show promises laughter, energy, and plenty of opportunities for kids to move and make noise.

“This is a non-shushing show,” Wilson says. “Kids, have fun. Parents tell us that when they hear that, the weight just lifts off their shoulders. This is for everyone. We have families with neurodivergent children, sensory-friendly audiences, and people who just want to enjoy being here together.”

The event features more than 20 community and campus partners, including PBS, Lehigh University Art Galleries, and local dance groups. Visitors can take part in crafts, art projects, and pre-show performances throughout Zoellner’s lobby and open spaces. Costumes are encouraged, even for parents.

“It’s the day after Halloween, so bring your costumes,” Wilson laughs. “Dress up, have fun, and parents, wear a costume too.”

Beyond Family FUN-A-PALOOZA, Zoellner’s fall and spring lineup is packed with major performances and new experiences. Wilson highlights Postmodern Jukebox, Dirty Dancing in Concert, and the Morgan Freeman Symphonic Blues Experience, along with orchestral performances from the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra.

“We want to bring world-class artists to our stage while also connecting students to the professional world,” Wilson says. “There are so many great arts organizations in the Lehigh Valley, and each of us brings something different. For Zoellner, it’s about giving people cultural experiences they might not get anywhere else.”

He also points to Zoellner’s new well-being concert series, which lets audiences lie onstage among musicians for a meditative, health-focused experience.

“The arts are part of the ecosystem that keeps our community healthy,” Wilson explains. “Music and movement make people feel better. Across the country, doctors are prescribing the arts as part of someone’s physical or mental health. That’s where we’re headed too.”

Wilson says innovation will define the next phase of Zoellner’s growth. Expect site-specific performances, partnerships with local nonprofits for community ticket programs, and more creative collaborations that bring people together in unexpected spaces.

“People want experiences, not just events,” Wilson says. “Some want to sit in Baker Hall, some want to see a show outside, and some might even want to see something in a parking garage. The arts can meet people wherever they are.”

Family FUN-A-PALOOZA 2025 takes place Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM at the Zoellner Arts Center on the campus of Lehigh University.

Visit zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu for details and upcoming events.

Listen to the full episode: www.lvwithlove.com

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WDIY Celebrates 30 Years of Community Radio in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:39:34 +0000

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WDIY is celebrating 30 years of community radio from its home in Bethlehem’s historic Flatiron Building. Since first going on air in January 1995, the station has become a hub for local voices, diverse music, and civic engagement across the Lehigh Valley.

We had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Margaret McConnell on the roof of the Flatiron Building, overlooking the valley WDIY serves. She talked about everything from the station’s ten-year founding journey, to its 130 dedicated volunteers, to the challenge of replacing federal funding cuts.

“Try to replace 15 percent of your personal budget,” McConnell said. “That is a part time job. We have to fill that gap.”

We also talked about WDIY’s commitment to future generations through its youth media program, which has already trained more than 200 students to host shows and create podcasts.

“Through WDIY we combat homelessness, address mental health, prevent teen suicide, alleviate senior citizen loneliness, and spread joy,” McConnell said. “WDIY is not just a radio station. It is a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for everyone in our community.”

The 30th anniversary celebrations continue with concerts, community programming, and a unique new fundraiser at the State Theatre in Easton — Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares.

Learn more about Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares at: https://www.wdiy.org/lehigh-valley-hollywood-squares

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/1f3M-X8Iw88

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Ziggy Marley Talks Children’s Books, Legacy, and His Return to Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:40:59 +0000

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Eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley is heading back to Bethlehem for a special night of music and message. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear bring the Do the Reggae Tour to the Wind Creek Event Center.

We had a chance to sit down with Ziggy for a quick conversation ahead of the show, and he talked about everything from his new children’s book Pajamming, to family collaborations, to carrying forward the legacy of his father, Bob Marley.

We also shared our memories of Ziggy playing Musikfest in Bethlehem, where our late friend Reverend Hopeton Clennon once introduced him on stage.

“People need this music, people need this message,” Ziggy said. “They need the joy and togetherness right now.”

Beyond the tour, Ziggy says he’s already looking ahead: “Right after this tour is finished, I’m going in the studio to make one of the greatest albums ever.”

Tickets for Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear at the Wind Creek Event Center are available now: Get Tickets

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/g4G_KtQKo7s

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More Than a Tournament: Pickleball for a Purpose Helps Local Kids

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:49:15 +0000

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We sat down with Jane Ervin, Board Chair of The Fund to Benefit Children & Youth, and Bob Black, Event Chair of Pickleball for a Purpose and Chair of St. Luke’s Board.

The Fund has been serving the Lehigh Valley for more than 30 years, providing critical support to abused, neglected, and at-risk children — from beds and tables to utility help and enrichment programs.

In this episode we cover:

How The Fund fills urgent needs that government and community agencies can’t
Why pickleball was chosen to launch their first-ever tournament fundraiser
What attendees can expect on October 11 at St. Luke’s SportsPlex
Why 100% of donations go directly to helping kids

Learn more about Pickleball for a Purpose → https://helplehighvalleychildren.org/Pickleball/

Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxgOoWhrDMw

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The Foundry Recording Studio Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:39:28 +0000

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We visited The Foundry Recording Studio in Bethlehem to talk with co-directors Jason Wegfahrt and Justin Blackstone.

The Foundry was created to be more than a professional recording space. It is also a community hub where musicians, producers, and engineers can work, learn, and connect.

In this episode we cover:

How the idea for The Foundry began in local classrooms
Why access, community, and education guide everything they do
How they make recording more approachable and less intimidating
Their vision of helping put the Lehigh Valley on the national music map

Learn more about The Foundry → https://thefoundryrecordingstudio.com

Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmHeS48ACiA

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Lesbians Connect in the Lehigh Valley | A Growing Group Building Community

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:40:10 +0000

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Lesbians Connect is one of the fastest-growing community movements in the Lehigh Valley. On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with founders:

Meagan and Rebecca, Founders of Lesbians Connect

We talk about:• How Lesbians Connect started and quickly grew from small meetups to major mixers• The importance of safe and empowering spaces for lesbians, queer women, trans women, and non-binary individuals• Why their events are welcoming and community-focused• How connections made at mixers are building lasting friendships• Their biggest upcoming event — Lez Bash: The Autumn Remix at Big Woody’s in Bethlehem on September 27

LinksLesbians Connect: https://linktr.ee/lesbiansconnect

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/C1rOVk5SDAE

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/lISGtsiMk6s

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The Housing Podcast Part 2: New Bethany and Habitat for Humanity Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:42:44 +0000

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Housing is one of the hottest topics in the Lehigh Valley right now. On this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with two leaders on the frontlines:

Gina Loiacono, Director of Community Engagement and Grants at Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley
Marc Rittle, Executive Director at New Bethany

We talk about:• Habitat’s 142 homes in the Valley and what it takes for families to qualify• The reality of transitional housing and how New Bethany is adapting programs to meet demand• The difference between affordable housing and attainable housing• The stigma around low-income housing and how nonprofits are working to change it• Habitat’s ReStores in Hellertown and Whitehall and how donations fuel more homebuilding

“No child should ever wonder where to lay their head at night.” — Gina Loiacono“At the end of the day, there is more power in the private sector than the public sector when it comes to housing.” — Marc Rittle

Links

Habitat for Humanit: https://habitatlv.org/
New Bethany: https://newbethany.org/

Subscribe for more conversations about the people and issues shaping the Lehigh Valley.

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/LNeLUT6rQtM?si=et7JPuXmx_UaSJ5E

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Louis Lamont’s Exhibition at Stirner Modern Gallery: An Easton Legacy Curated by Bibi Monnahan

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:19:13 +0000

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The Stirner Modern Gallery in Easton presents the Louis Lamont Exhibition, opening September 13.

Curated and installed by Bibi Monnahan, this exhibition brings together nearly 100 works of Lamont’s vibrant folk art, blending them with furnishings, masks, and artifacts from the Karl Stirner collection.

Hear from:

Jonas Stirner, gallery founder and sculptor, on continuing his father Karl’s legacy
Bibi Monnahan, curator and designer, on creating the show’s loft-like installation
The story of Louis Lamont, outsider artist and friend of Karl Stirner, whose paintings tell raw and colorful stories of everyday life

“His paintings have such a sincere perspective of the world… weddings with drunken brides, the chain lady, snow scenes, Allentown, Chicago, New Orleans.” – Jonas Stirner

“They were dusty, they hadn’t been shown or hung or dusted off in years. They were just waiting to be rediscovered.” – Jonas Stirner

Stirner Modern Gallery, Easton Exhibition opens September 13 More info: stirnermodern.com

Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM

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Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/05iM_rx7rPE

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Meet the Authors: Adriana Allegri, Alison Gaylin, Jason Rekulak | Society of the Arts 2025

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:27:40 +0000

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The Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast sits down with the featured authors of the Society of the Arts’ Cocktails with the Authors (October 15, 2025) and Luncheon with the Authors (October 16, 2025).

This year’s lineup includes:• Adriana Allegri, debut author of The Sunflower House• Alison Gaylin, Edgar and Shamus Award–winning author of We Are Watching• Jason Rekulak, New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Pictures and The Last One at the Wedding

These events bring acclaimed authors to Allentown for conversations, panel discussions, and book signings. Proceeds benefit arts education at the Allentown Art Museum, the SOTA Print Fund, and the SOTA Education Endowment.

Tickets and info: https://www.sotapa.org/lwta More episodes: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast

Special thanks to sponsors: Michael Bernadyn with RE/MAX Real Estate, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Banko Beverage Company, Wind Creek Event Center, WDIY 88.1 FM

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Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/7RpzdyyKQ_A

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Fizz That Fights: A-TREAT Partners with PCFLV for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:01:01 +0000

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For more than a century, A-TREAT has been part of the Lehigh Valley story. The sodas and seltzers we grew up with, the flavors that feel like home. Now the brand is doing something new: using that fizz to fight pediatric cancer.

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast we are on site at the A-TREAT facility with Luke Jaindl, Vice President of Jaindl Companies, and Michelle Zenie Rounds, Executive Director of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV).

Together they share the story behind “Fizz That Fights” Lemon Twist Seltzer, a limited edition release that puts community first. Every bottle helps raise awareness and support for PCFLV’s mission to provide hope, programs, and direct assistance to more than 450 local families navigating childhood cancer.

We talk about:

How the A-TREAT and PCFLV partnership came to life
Why local matters, from Jaindl’s rescue of A-TREAT in 2015 to PCFLV’s hyperlocal mission
The importance of awareness initiatives like “30 Days, 30 Stories” during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month
A-TREAT’s unique place in Lehigh Valley history, from Big Blue to holiday flavors, and what the future looks like

Listen in for community, history, and a whole lot of fizz.

Learn more about PCFLV: https://www.pcflv.org/

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Roman Patterns Channel 90s Alt-Rock on Debut Album

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:29:25 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker sits down with Michael Fickes, songwriter and frontman of Roman Patterns, to talk about the band’s debut full-length album Somewhere on the Highway, out now on Shaky Records.

The album follows their 2024 Darts EP and features 11 brand new tracks, including the singles Modern Man and Daylight Saloon, plus a reimagined cover of Fuel’s hit Hemorrhage (In My Hands). Recorded and produced at Shaky Records, the album blends grunge and alternative rock influences from the late 90s and early 2000s with modern indie rock sensibilities.

Michael shares how his creative partnership with producer Shaky reignited after a long break from music, how family and friends contributed to the record, and why Roman Patterns is focused on the studio rather than the stage — at least for now.

Listen to Somewhere on the Highway:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube

Watch Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vEwJRWduyQ&feature=youtu.be

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The Mom Market Comes to Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 12:48:31 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re joined by Devika Knafo, the organizer behind The Mom Market, a vibrant new pop-up event coming to the Bethlehem Rose Garden on August 24.

The Mom Market is designed to celebrate and support mom and women entrepreneurs in the Lehigh Valley, featuring artisan goods, local businesses, wellness vendors, food, and entertainment in a family-friendly community setting.

We talk about how Devika came up with the idea, the challenges moms face balancing business and family, and why creating spaces for women to connect, collaborate, and grow is so important. She also gives us a preview of the day’s schedule, from community yoga to kids’ storytime and even Disney princess dance-offs, and shares what’s next for this seasonal series of markets.

Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast

The Mom MarketAugust 24, 9:30 AM–3 PMBethlehem Rose GardenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsmeetmarket

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/dKoVJFn6DP8

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DISCOFRUIT and the Power of Diverse Poetry with Kenna DeValor of Flowermouth Press

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:15:05 +0000

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On this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we’re joined by Kenna DeValor, a poet, publisher, and founder of FlowerMouth Press. Kenna’s new poetry collection DISCOFRUIT is a shimmering celebration of queer identity, vulnerability, and joy.

We talk about how the book was born in a small Poconos café under a disco ball, Kenna’s creative upbringing in Coopersburg and Charter Arts, and how FlowerMouth Press grew from a solo idea in 2019 into a nonprofit platform amplifying Gen Z voices around the world.

We also explore the importance of art, physical media, and why the next generation isn’t done with poetry.

Listen now:www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast

Grab DISCOFRUIT:Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/discofruit-kenna-devalorBlurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site

Submit to FlowerMouth Press:Website: https://flowermouthpress.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowermouthpress

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/42ZFIC_813k

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How Route 22 Filmworks is Uniting Independent Filmmakers in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:41:01 +0000

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What started as three filmmakers meeting at a Wegmans café has grown into one of the Lehigh Valley’s most collaborative creative communities. In this episode, George talks with Dawn Daignault, Michael Sheridan, and Vince Stahl, the founders of Route 22 Filmworks — a grassroots filmmaking group that now boasts more than 200 members and an annual film festival at Bethlehem’s Ice House.

We discuss the group’s origins, how they’ve built a space where newcomers and seasoned pros collaborate on no-budget films, and why their festival focuses on showcasing local talent. They also share behind-the-scenes stories, the unique challenges of keeping films under 20 minutes, and why they believe the Valley’s indie film scene is thriving.

Learn more: Route 22 Filmworks → http://route22filmworks.com/ All episodes → www.lvwithlove.com

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/hbiRvFFAneQ?si=noUjK-WpNWLt8uLe

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This Survey Could Change the Lehigh Valley Arts Scene: Add Your Voice

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:16:52 +0000

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The Greater Lehigh Valley Arts + Culture Patron Survey is more than a questionnaire. It’s a region-wide effort to gather real data on how people engage with the arts, what gets in their way, and how we can create more inclusive, accessible cultural experiences.

In this episode of Off the Record, we’re joined by Meg Mikovits, Assistant Director and Research Manager at the Lehigh Valley Arts and Culture Alliance, and Marta Kepka, Director of Arts Marketing at Lafayette College. They share how this free, anonymous survey came together, what kinds of questions it asks, and why it’s so important that both individuals and organizations take part.

We talk about:

Why the arts are essential to economic growth, public health, and social connection
The surprising lack of existing audience data in the region
What organizations can gain from distributing the survey to their audiences
How the results will be shared and used across sectors

Whether you’re a mural lover, a Musikfest regular, a parent with kids in band, or someone who just wants to see more arts opportunities in your neighborhood, your voice matters.

Take the survey: https://bit.ly/LehighValleyArtsSurvey Full episode and more: www.lvwithlove.com

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/jyLmJr6pCGs

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Mayor’s Musikfest Preview Podcast 2025

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:13:54 +0000

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Recorded at City Hall’s Payrow Plaza, it’s the Mayor’s Musikfest Podcast 2025, hosted by Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds and Lehigh Valley with Love Media’s George Wacker.

This year’s episode highlights the people powering Musikfest behind the scenes and on stage:

Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, shares what’s new and what keeps the festival going after 42 years
Patrick Brogan, Chief Programming Officer of ArtsQuest, talks booking hundreds of bands and building a “city within a city”
Dave Fry, local music icon who’s performed at every single Musikfest since 1984, joins the conversation and performs live
Laura Waits and Cathy Campanaro of Sync Recovery, along with Northampton County Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner, talk about the launch of SoberPlatz, a new alcohol-free space at the festival
Meet the Mayor, a long-time local band, reflects on playing Musikfest for the past 8 years
Bren closes out the episode with thoughts on artistry, identity, and what it means to perform at Musikfest

Listen for honest conversations, local stories, and a look at how community and music come together every summer in Bethlehem.

Musikfest starts Friday, August 1.Thank you to everyone who helps make Bethlehem such a special place to live, visit, and celebrate.Have a great Fest.

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/93n9HoweDDQ

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Why Blood Donation is as Important as Ever with Miller-Keystone Blood Center

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:53:54 +0000

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Did you know that 62% of Americans are eligible to donate blood, but only 2–3% actually do?

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley with Love, we sit down with Rami Nemeh, President & CEO, and Lina Barbieri, VP of Communications and Chief Philanthropy Officer at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, to explore the very real crisis facing our region’s blood supply — and what it will take to fix it.

With cohost Jeff Warren, we hear powerful stories of survival (including one that hits close to home for Jeff), and we learn how Miller-Keystone is using apps, AI, and even virtual reality to modernize donation and inspire the next generation of donors.

Key stats we discuss:– 62% of Americans can give blood, but only 2–3% do– Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood– 60% of local donors are over age 55– Only 5% are ages 18–25

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How New Grants Could Reshape Bethlehem’s Business Corridors with BEDCO Executive Director Sean Ziller

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:02:49 +0000

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Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) Executive Director Sean Ziller joins the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast to explain how two new grants from Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program could impact local businesses and neighborhoods.

One grant funds strategic planning for the SouthSide Arts District. The other, known as the Business Improvement Grant (BIG), offers matching microgrants of up to $5,000 for small businesses in certain areas.

Ziller and host George Wacker explore how these initiatives aim to strengthen Bethlehem’s business environment, how the funds will be used, and why strategic planning today matters for the city’s future.

Learn more and apply: www.bedco-pa.org/main-street-matters Contact: econdev@bethlehem-pa.gov

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From Beirut to Easton: Sure Fix Remodeling’s Story with Henry Rouhana

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:47:17 +0000

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In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Henry Rouhana, founder of Sure Fix Remodeling in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Henry’s story begins in Lebanon, where he spent summers on construction sites and found inspiration watching architects bring spaces to life. After earning his architecture degree from ALBA in Beirut, Henry immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children.

Starting over was not easy. With no money and no resources beyond his determination, Henry launched Sure Fix Remodeling. Over time, his business grew to include a full showroom and a trusted team of family members.

Today, Sure Fix is known for its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and treating every client like family.

Explore Sure Fix Remodeling: www.surefixremodeling.com

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From Bethlehem to Tuscany: The Story Behind Ciao, Amore Mio by J.A. Marz

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:46:17 +0000

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J.A. Marz joins the podcast to talk about his debut novella Ciao, Amore Mio… The Tale of Gabby and Gio, a romantic, emotional journey set in the hills of Tuscany. We dive into the story, the inspiration, and why readers are connecting with his work.

Get the book: https://a.co/d/idjdbM0 Full episode + links: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/jamarz

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The Perfect Fit: 25 Years of Empowering Women in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:25:58 +0000

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What started with a single blazer in the trunk of a car has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most powerful stories of community-driven change.

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Sarah Barrett, Executive Director of YWCA Allentown, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Perfect Fit, a workforce empowerment program that’s helped more than 13,000 women step into new careers with confidence.

Topics include:

How The Perfect Fit began as a grassroots effort
Why clothing is just a tool, and the real heart is community support
Career workshops, tech certifications, and professional mentoring
What’s next for the next 25 years
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Join the Celebration: Outfit to Empower Luncheon Friday, October 24, 2025 Renaissance Hotel, Allentown, PA

Learn more or get involved: ywcaallentown.org/perfect-fit

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Why Everyone Wants to Live in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 18:11:04 +0000

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In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, George Wacker welcomes Rebecca Francis, a leading luxury real estate agent in the region, for a thoughtful look at why the Lehigh Valley has become such a magnet for new residents.

Rebecca shares insights from her own journey, returning to the Valley after years overseas, and how she has seen its appeal grow. From great schools and respected health systems to vibrant farmers markets and a thriving restaurant scene, the Lehigh Valley blends small-town feel with big-city access.

Buyers today are looking for lifestyle as much as a house. They want nearby trails, community events, block parties, parks, and quick drives to New York or Philadelphia. Rebecca explains why those factors increasingly matter more than square footage.

She also talks about challenges, like limited inventory, the “lock-in effect” of low interest rates, and how new development is expanding into places like Macungie, Palmer, and Nazareth. The conversation also highlights how diversity, educational opportunities, and mixed-use developments are shaping what comes next for the region.

If you want to better understand what makes the Lehigh Valley so attractive, this is the episode to hear.

Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccafrancisrealtors.com

Read along on Substack

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Rooted: 50 Years of Art, History, and Community in Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:19:58 +0000

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The SouthSide Film Festival is proud to present Rooted — a new documentary tracing 50 years of creative life in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with three of the artists featured in the film: Bill George of Touchstone Theatre, Doug Roysdon of Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre, and Dave Fry of Godfrey Daniels. Together, they reflect on what it means to create and collaborate in a post-industrial city shaped by both hardship and hope.

We talk about the early days of the Lehigh Valley arts scene, the personal and cultural challenges that defined their work, and how a community of artists helped transform Bethlehem from a steel town into a space for bold, grassroots creativity.

Rooted Screening: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM Location: Baker Hall at Zoellner Arts Center Tickets: Get them here

Listen to the podcast: www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/rooted

Southside Film Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/wErRTUrvj1Y

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Still Indie After All These Years: SouthSide Film Festival Turns 21

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:08:37 +0000

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The SouthSide Film Festival is turning 21 — and it’s still one of the Lehigh Valley’s most vibrant, volunteer-driven cultural events.

In this episode, George Wacker sits down with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan to talk about the grassroots origins of the fest, how they choose which films to feature (“Would you pay $10 to see it?”), and what makes this year’s event more international and community-driven than ever.

We get into past favorites like Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, this year’s picks like 25 Cats from Qatar and 40 Watts from Nowhere, and how the SouthSide Film Festival remains a celebration of weird, wonderful cinema — built by and for the Lehigh Valley.

Festival Dates: June 10–14, 2025 (with a showing of Rooted on the 15th!) Locations: Cathedral Church of the Nativity, Touchstone Theatre, PBS39, and more Info & Tickets: ssff.org

Watch Episode

www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/southside

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SouthSide Film Festival Turns 21 and Stays Purely Indie

The SouthSide Film Festival returns June 10 through 14 in South Bethlehem. In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, host George Wacker talks with Festival Director Jen Cotto and longtime jury member Ben Bertalan about what makes this grassroots, international film event so unique.

It began as a casual idea between friends at a coffee shop. Two decades later, it has become a fully independent, volunteer-powered celebration of independent film with global reach and deep local roots.

“We are an international film festival. We have films from Qatar and Cyprus this year. Ireland. Almost every state in the United States.” — Jen Cotto

What Makes a SouthSide Film?

Each year, the jury screens hundreds of submissions. Films come through FilmFreeway, and the process begins in the fall.

“We start meeting in September through April. We sit and we watch these films and we say, would we suggest people spend $10 to see this?” — Jen Cotto

That simple question shapes every selection. Jury members consider story, plot, acting, technical quality, and whether the film offers something worth an audience’s time and money.

A Festival Built on Volunteer Power

SouthSide Film Festival has no corporate sponsors or large institutional backers. It operates on community energy and independence.

“We are not affiliated with any other nonprofit in the area. Everybody thinks we’re part of ArtsQuest. We are not. We don’t get any money from them.” — Jen Cotto

“We are such a best-kept secret in the Valley. If we were to get a bigger audience, I’m not expecting us to get Musikfest numbers. But we would be comfortable with two or three times the audience we have.” — Jen Cotto

This Festival Is About Connection

More than just screenings, SouthSide offers Q&A sessions with filmmakers and real audience interaction. There are no competitive prizes or red carpet ceremonies. Instead, there is conversation.

“We don’t really give prizes. We give an audience award, where people write in their favorite feature and short film. That’s it. We don’t offer a monetary prize.” — Jen Cotto

What to Watch in 2025

25 Cats from QatarA documentary about an organization that rescues stray cats and brings them to the U.S.

“That one’s showing Wednesday night. The filmmaker is going to be there. It’s a great film.” — Jen Cotto

40 Watts from NowhereThe story of a pirate radio station in 1990s San Francisco

“I had read her book in the early 2000s. I was amazed. There’s a documentary on it. Now I want to see it.” — Ben Bertalan

How to Attend

June 10–14, 2025 Info and tickets: https://southsidefilmfestival.com

Screening Locations

Cathedral Church of the Nativity
Touchstone Theatre
PBS39
Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema (Friday late-night screening)
Festival HQ: Deja Brew Coffeehouse (tickets, info, programs)

Want to Get Involved?

SouthSide is always looking for new volunteers and future jury members. The best way to join is to stop by Deja Brew, message on Instagram or Facebook, or visit the website.

“We are always on the lookout for people who want to help. Board members, volunteers. Some nights on the jury can get unruly, but we’re always open to more people.” — Jen Cotto

Listen to the Full Episode

Solving the Lehigh Valley’s Housing Puzzle: Affordability, Zoning, and What Comes Next

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:01:50 +0000

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George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region’s housing challenges.

From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next.

“We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don’t have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz“If we don’t address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/Smg4Rb1dgFE

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Housing Isn’t Just a Market Issue. It’s a Regional One.

Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley.In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work:Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, andMichael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

Listen to the Episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

The numbers speak for themselves.

“We’re anticipating that we’re going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that’s in addition to what we’ve already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz

But this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building the right kinds of homes in the right places.

“People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can’t always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz

“The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn

The Zoning Conversation We Need to Have

Much of the region’s housing strain comes down to barriers in zoning and local governance.

“We have 62 municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. And if you want to build a multifamily development, you’ve got to go through a very time-consuming process. And there’s a lot of resistance.” — Michael Bernadyn

“Communities want economic growth… but they don’t always want the housing that goes along with that.” — Jill Seitz

The solution? A shift in mindset—and a move toward regional thinking.

“Housing is not optional. It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s necessary if we want to keep growing.” — Jill Seitz

What’s Next?

The path forward requires policy alignment, regional cooperation, and a commitment to long-term solutions.

“We want to make sure that our municipalities are zoning for all types of housing. And that we’re working regionally to make sure there’s a place for everyone—whether that’s a first-time buyer, someone downsizing, or someone who wants to stay in their neighborhood as they age.” — Jill Seitz

“If we don’t start having these conversations now, and making changes now, the situation is going to get worse—and fast. But if we do act now, we can start to shift things in a better direction.” — Michael Bernadyn

This Episode Matters

This conversation isn’t just about housing markets. It’s about equity, sustainability, and what kind of future the Lehigh Valley wants to build.

Learn MoreLehigh Valley Planning Commission → https://www.lvpc.orgGreater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® → https://www.greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com

Listen to the full episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery — Making the Outdoors Accessible (and Fun) for Everyone

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 26 May 2025 13:57:19 +0000

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George, Crystal, and Dahlia from Lehigh Valley with Love spent the day at Lake Nockamixon State Park with the team from L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs to try out just a few of the activities they offer throughout the summer.

From archery to kayaking to full moon paddles, these programs are built to help anyone, regardless of experience, get outside and try something new.

They spent time with Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, who shared how these programs are designed for all ages, skill levels, and abilities. They also met with instructors Ruth, Craig, Dylana, and Sarah, who bring passion, experience, and approachability to everything from kayaking to archery, helping make the outdoors accessible and fun for everyone.

L.L. Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Programs are based at Lake Nockamixon and the Promenade Shops in Center Valley, offering kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, archery, fly casting, guided hikes, and more. With options for beginners, group outings, and even night paddles under the full moon, there’s something for everyone looking to get outside.

Learn more and book your next adventure!

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/ByiRCy4oizo

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A Day Outside with L.L. Bean — And Why More People Need to Do This

You don’t usually associate archery safety talks with jokes about Sasquatches or see your kid aim an arrow at a tennis ball in the rain and absolutely light up. But that’s exactly what happened when we spent a day with the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs at Lake Nockamixon.

This wasn’t just a video shoot or podcast episode. It was the kind of day that sticks with you. Not because it was perfect (it rained), but because it was real. And more people need this kind of real right now.

Listen to the Episodewww.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery

Explore the Programshttps://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania

“We want to give you the best first experience you could have.”

That’s what Lindsey Johnson, Program Coordinator and ACA Level 1 Kayak Instructor, told us early on. And it’s not something you’d expect to take seriously — until you spend time with the instructors she works with.

People like Ruth, who’s been doing this for 15 years and still lights up when she talks about getting people on the water.Or Craig, who took a kayak class in college and came back to it in retirement, just because it made him feel something.Or Dylana and Sarah, who took our family (and a camera crew) through the archery basics without a hint of condescension, even when we had absolutely no idea what we were doing.

This is what makes this program work: not the gear or the branding — but the people. These instructors aren’t reciting from a script. They believe in this stuff. And they’re patient enough to help you believe in it too.

The Outdoors Is Not a Vibe. It’s a Reset Button.

We talk a lot about “disconnecting” these days. But for most people, that still means standing around staring at your phone with a different background. This wasn’t that.

Out at Lake Nockamixon, even with raindrops on the camera lens and a soggy hoodie, things felt clearer. Dahlia learned how to shoot a bow. Crystal got advice on safety lines and string tension from someone who could probably teach blindfolded. We paddled. We laughed. We dried off. We reset.

You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” to do this. That’s the point. These programs are built for beginners. You don’t need to own anything. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to show up.

“Even if you’ve never been to a lake before,” Lindsey told us, “we want you to feel like this is a place for you.”

It is.

Why This Stuff Matters

We asked about accessibility. They talked about the ADA-accessible boat launch and helping kids from the Boys & Girls Club feel safe getting in the water for the first time.

We asked about skill levels. They said they welcome people who’ve never touched a paddle and also offer sea kayaking, rescue courses, and night paddles under the full moon.

We asked about groups. They’ve worked with Girl Scouts, bachelor parties, corporate team-building retreats, and even entire families who want to do something different for their reunion.

So yeah, this is recreation. But it’s also something bigger.

This is how you build confidence in kids. This is how you reconnect with your spouse. This is how you remember what it feels like to be out of your head for a while.

And if all you take home is a few mosquito bites and a blurry photo of your first bullseye, honestly? That’s still a win.

Plan Your Visithttps://www.llbeanoutdoors.com/quakertown-pennsylvania The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley Listen to the Episode → www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/llbeanoutdoordiscovery

Get Outta Your Booth! Voiceover, Community, and Why AI Can’t Replace You

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:04:44 +0000

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Guests:

Mike Cunningham, voice actor, conference organizer, VP of the National Sokols Lodge #93
Jen Taphoney, professional voice actor, co-host of VO Booth Besties

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with the organizers of Get Outta Your Booth!, a new kind of voiceover conference happening June 27–29, 2025 at National Sokols Lodge #93 in Bethlehem, PA.

This isn’t your average industry meetup — Get Outta Your Booth! is designed around accessibility and community. With just 100 attendees, sessions led by working pros, a six-lane bowling alley, karaoke socials, and zero profit motive, it’s built to bring voice actors together without the pressure or price tag of larger events.

Why voiceover is about more than “having a good voice”
How to go pro from your home studio — no LA or NYC required
Building community in a solo-heavy career
The scary reality of AI voice theft — yes, it’s happening
What most beginners get wrong (and how to do it right)

Learn more + get tickets → getouttayourbooth.com Listen to the full episode → lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/1_E-uufQJl4———-www.lvwithlove.com

https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/getouttayourbooth

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Get Outta Your Booth! — A Voiceover Conference with Community (and Karaoke) at Its Core

“It’s a crock pot career. It’s not a drive-through.” — Jen Taphoney

That quote pretty much says it all.

In this companion piece to the latest episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we dive into the story behind Get Outta Your Booth!, a voiceover conference built on community, accessibility, and a whole lot of real-world wisdom.

Hosted by George Wacker, the episode features co-organizers Mike Cunningham and Jen Taphoney, who share how the idea for the event came to life—and why it’s so different from your typical industry gathering.

Listen to the Episode

Conference Info

https://www.getouttayourbooth.com

From Pottsville Attic to Microsoft Explainers

Jen Taphoney’s journey started in a 1928 house in Schuylkill County. After years in radio, she built a studio in her attic and began producing commercials for $100 a pop.

“When I left the radio station, I still had clients who wanted me on their commercials,” she says. “So I put a studio in my attic… sound treatment was super awesome. Yeah.”

She’s since built a thriving VO career with clients like Microsoft.

“They do a little explainer thing. I’ve been working with them for eight years now. They just send me the copy.”

Getting In (and Getting Real)

Mike Cunningham’s path to voiceover started in the military and IT. Then the pandemic hit.

“My friend was like, ‘Why don’t you do voiceover?’ The pandemic is happening. There’s nothing else to do,” he recalls.

He joined a program, trained, and stuck with it—turning his home setup into a launchpad for commercial work, video games, and narration.

“It kind of grew into an obsession out of spite… I’m going to do it. I’m going to make it work. And I don’t care what it’s going to take.”

Why Beginners Struggle

“A lot of people come in and say, ‘My friend told me I have a good voice,’” Jen says. “That’s not enough.”

“There’s a certain amount of instinct involved,” Mike adds, “but it takes training. And you have to be prepared to not hear back at all.”

“You don’t often get, ‘Sorry, we went with somebody else,’” Jen explains. “You just have to keep going. Audition after audition, day after day, year after year.”

Mike sums it up: “Most people start out trying too hard. Just be you.”

AI, Stolen Voices, and the Future of the Industry

Both guests have strong words about AI’s impact on the industry.

“It undermines our entire industry,” Jen says. “Whether it’s music production or art or writing or voiceover… it’s not human.”

Mike’s voice was actually cloned by a foreign studio and used in a live service video game—without his consent.

“I heard it. I’m like, ‘I didn’t say that,’” he says. “The falsification of humanity is not something I’m a fan of.”

So What Is Get Outta Your Booth?

The conference is designed to be small (100 people max), affordable, and stress-free—held at SOKOL Club in Bethlehem, a venue with a bar, shuffleboard, and a bowling alley.

“There’s no pressure,” Mike says. “If you want to bowl all day, go bowl all day. If you want to sit and drink, do that. If you want to watch sessions and learn something, do that too.”

The sessions cover:

VO genres and niches
Branding your VO business in Canva
Making vocal efforts
How to construct your own sound panel

“We’re not trying to make money,” Mike adds. “Everything we get goes right back into the event—for food, prizes, drinks. That’s the point.”

Why It Matters

This episode isn’t just about voiceover—it’s about building something that helps people connect.

“We’re all stuck in little booths,” Mike says. “It’s a lonely kind of existence.”

Jen adds, “Having that community to connect with and ask questions instead of trying to figure it out on your own… it makes such a big difference.”

George wraps it up: “It’s really cool that you’re doing this. If somebody had just given me this piece of advice a couple years ago, it would’ve saved me months.”

Mike replies, “Or thousands of dollars.”

Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 13 May 2025 13:40:13 +0000

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Guests:

Mary Wright – Education Director & Ensemble Member, Touchstone Theatre
Krista Metter – Local Actor, Teaching Artist, and Touchstone Collaborator

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Mary Wright and Krista Metter from Touchstone Theatre about the 20th Annual Young Playwrights’ Festival, taking place Sunday, May 18 at 3 PM at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

This unique festival brings to life a selection of original one-act plays written by local elementary and middle school students—performed onstage by professional actors and community volunteers.

The Young Playwrights’ Lab began more than 20 years ago as an after-school program designed to foster literacy, confidence, and creative expression. Today, it’s impacted over 2,000 students and remains one of the most joyful, collaborative, and heartfelt nights of theater in the region.

Learn more + get tickets: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/ Support the program through the Right to Future campaign at touchstone.org

Watch Episode

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC2J-Fca-wc

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Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone TheatreWhat happens when you hand the script over to kids? You get mad scientists, Greek gods, talking sharks—and themes that hit surprisingly deep.

Mary Wright, who helped launch the program more than two decades ago, describes the festival as “a window into what kids care about right now.” With themes ranging from friendship and family to bullying and climate action, the work is wildly imaginative and undeniably heartfelt.

Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Lab uses improv games, writing exercises, and group collaboration to help students develop their own one-act plays. Each year, a handful of these are selected and professionally staged as part of the festival.

Krista Metter, who made her debut in last year’s production as a scene-stealing octopus, shares how being part of the cast made her feel “like a kid again”—and how the program builds deep community ties by giving young voices a real spotlight.

“It’s not just a performance,” says Mary. “It’s a celebration. A party. And the kids are at the center of it all.”

With over 100 plays written this year alone and countless community members stepping in to help with directing, costumes, and production—this event has become one of the Lehigh Valley’s most treasured arts traditions.

Learn more: https://touchstone.org/events/young-playwrights-festival/ Listen to the episode: https://lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/youngplaywrights20 Follow: @lvwithlove | @TouchstoneTheatre

JOSHWAY: Sparking a Community Revival Through Youth Empowerment

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 08 May 2025 12:53:24 +0000

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Guests:

David Robertson – Founder & Executive Director, JOSHWAY
Glenn Breslauer – JOSHWAY Board Member

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love: Off the Record podcast, hosts George Wacker and Jeff Warren sit down with David Robertson and Glenn Breslauer of JOSHWAY, a new nonprofit based in Easton, Pennsylvania that’s using technology, collaboration, and lived experience to connect with and uplift the youth of Northampton County and beyond.

Learn more about JOSHWAY at: https://joshway.org

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JOSHWAY: Building a Future Where Vision Meets Action

JOSHWAY began as a personal mission after founder David Robertson lost his brother Joshua to “modern day challenges.” What started as a response to grief has become a movement grounded in digital literacy, financial education, public speaking, and youth mentorship.

“Joshua was the response to a loss,” David says, “but what was lost became something beautiful.”

Tech-Driven, Vision-Focused

JOSHWAY’s programming is uniquely collaborative—partnering with nonprofits and schools to bring modern tools and leadership development to young people. From Toastmasters-style public speaking to Apple-powered media literacy, JOSHWAY isn’t just meeting kids where they are—it’s helping them lead.

They’re not reinventing the wheel—they’re upgrading it. “We’re not just starting new programs,” says Glenn. “We’re transforming existing ones for the 21st century.”

Digital Skills Meet Real-World Impact

Through partnerships with Apple and others, students are learning how to use Keynote to build presentations, GarageBand to create podcasts, and financial literacy tools to better understand money. And the team’s entrepreneurial spirit shines: “We’re scrappy. We’re flexible. We move fast,” David adds.

Community First, Always

JOSHWAY’s new headquarters on Northampton Street is just the beginning. The team is now running inbound and outbound workshops and collaborating with organizations like El Sistema and Century Promise to scale impact.

They’re calling for others—especially those aged 35 to 45—to join the movement. “If you’re not ready to start your own thing,” David says, “take a board seat. Get involved.”

What’s Next?

JOSHWAY is working on expanding into school curricula, launching youth Toastmasters programs, and publishing Joshua and the Power of Resilience, a forthcoming book co-authored by Glenn.

The message is clear: This is just the beginning. And they’re building a blueprint for a new kind of youth empowerment—visionary, modern, and deeply rooted in community.

Learn more, collaborate, or donate: https://joshway.org

YANA LV on WDIY: How Two Teens Are Changing the Mental Health Conversation

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:46:46 +0000

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Guests:

Brannagh Breslin & Diya Sharma – Hosts of YANA LV on WDIY 88.1 FM

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Moravian Academy seniors Brannagh Breslin and Diya Sharma, co-hosts of YANA LV, a youth-led mental health radio show airing monthly on WDIY 88.1 FM: https://www.wdiy.org/show/yana-lv

Brannagh and Diya explain how they started YANA LV with little more than an idea, a few iPhone recordings, and a shared belief that their generation needed a safe space to talk about mental health. The podcast, now supported by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, features candid conversations with students, educators, and community leaders—tackling mental health from every angle.

Watch Episode

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Teen Voices, Real Conversations: Inside YANA LV on WDIY

“You are not alone.” It’s more than a title—it’s the foundation of YANA LV, the student-led mental health show created by Moravian Academy seniors Brannagh Breslin and Diya Sharma.

Their journey began in the summer before junior year with a few iPhone recordings and an idea. “We decided to start this podcast because we both had interest in mental health,” Diya says. “Our stories individually were so different, but they overlapped with the idea of mental health and giving it to a bigger audience.”

Mental Health Is Personal

The show is rooted in lived experience. “For example, if a girl is smiling to the world, happy, seems like the most bubbly person in the world—it’s not true,” Diya says. “She might be dealing with the most deepest things herself, and she’s afraid to tell other people.”

“And that’s another reason we started this podcast,” she adds. “Because the idea of You Are Not Alone means that we’re a community, and we’re going to support one another.”

From Voice Memos to Broadcast Airwaves

At first, the show was as DIY as it gets. “We would just record on our phones,” Diya recalls. “Obviously it’s not as great editing as we have here at the studio, but it was a start.”

They cold-emailed professors and local figures to ask about everything from ADHD to the psychological impact of injury and trauma. “Sometimes we would have to send five emails to five different people just to get one episode,” Brannagh says.

Eventually, with encouragement from a teacher and a few inspiring guests, they were connected with WDIY’s Youth Media Program. “I brought my dad into the studio,” Brannagh says. “I was so excited about it. It feels so professional.”

Standout Guests, Lasting Impact

Two moments stood out from their time on the show. “David Robertson… he came on to talk about Joshua Tree,” Brannagh says. “It’s for his little brother, who unfortunately passed away due to addiction… and he turned it into such a positive thing.”

Their very first WDIY episode also left a mark. “His name is Herman,” Diya says. “He’s an anesthesiologist and he has a prosthetic leg. The way he spoke and the things that he said were very inspirational.”

What They’ve Learned

“Even though situations aren’t exactly the same,” Brannagh says, “we’re still bringing attention to talking about the things that we go through.”

Diya adds: “Everyone has physical health—and I think everyone has mental health, whether they recognize it or not. I think just normalizing that and talking about it is the first big step.”

What’s Next?

Brannagh is heading to NYU to study liberal studies and political science or psychology before law school. Diya will attend UVA to study biology and pursue a career in medicine. But they’re not finished with YANA LV.

“Obviously, we can’t come here and record at the studio,” Brannagh says, “but we’ll keep YANA alive.”

Tumor Baby by Kat Aldrich at SteelStacks on April 12

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:09:40 +0000

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Guests:

Kat Aldrich

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with comedian, writer, and performer Kathleen Aldrich, whose brand-new one-woman show Tumor Baby premieres April 12 at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

We talk about how Kathleen got her start in the Lehigh Valley comedy scene over a decade ago, what it was like turning a real-life medical emergency into a heartfelt (and hilarious) show, and how Tumor Baby blends storytelling, vulnerability, and humor into something totally unique. From sketch comedy with Pigeon City to personal pieces in Dear Diary, Kathleen’s journey is as inspiring as it is funny.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together—from handwritten journal entries to Google Docs and years of performance experience—and why this isn’t stand-up, but something more intimate and impactful.

Catch Tumor Baby on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM at SteelStacks Tickets & info: www.steelstacks.org/event/16872/tumor-baby

Watch Episode

https://youtube.com/live/fX8dV3Tt3DI

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https://youtu.be/lAQ-7BO0YcI

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Episode Recap

Kathleen Aldrich and the Comedy of Crisis in TUMOR BABY

“I’ve been talking about doing a one-woman show since 2014.”

For comedian and writer Kathleen Aldrich, Tumor Baby isn’t just a show—it’s a culmination of more than a decade of finding her voice in the Lehigh Valley comedy scene. What started as strange abdominal pressure and a reluctant trip to the ER turned into a 10-pound tumor and, eventually, the foundation for a deeply personal, unexpectedly hilarious one-woman show.

From Improvised Bits to Intimate Storytelling

Kathleen’s journey began in 2012 with improv classes at ArtsQuest, where she found her creative tribe and a passion for performance. Over the years, she honed her craft with local favorites like Dear Diary, Pigeon City Sketch, and Improvised Stand Up. Her work is rooted in real life—often uncomfortable, always honest—and Tumor Baby is no exception.

“It’s not stand-up,” she explains. “I’m a storyteller.”

Kathleen weaves her cancer diagnosis into a broader narrative—childhood memories, messy relationships, weird blog awards, and moments that are just too good not to share. It’s comedy that doesn’t flinch. And it’s all been years in the making.

The Writing Process (and a Lot of Google Docs)

So how do you write something like Tumor Baby? According to Kathleen, it all starts with pen and paper. She breaks down memories into moments, finds the funny in the pain, and then builds the show line by line.

“I write down the significant moment first,” she says. “Then I ask—how do I make this funny?”

With guidance and mentorship from fellow comic Alia Brown, Kathleen transformed those raw stories into a full-length show. It’s not just about a tumor—it’s about life, survival, and making people laugh in the face of the absurd.

A Decade of Comedy and One Big Stage

One of Kathleen’s proudest moments? A sketch she wrote for Pigeon City called Sex in Senior Living—a drag parody imagining the Sex and the City crew as Golden Girls. “The crowd just loved it,” she says. “That moment… it was electric.”

Now, with Tumor Baby, Kathleen steps into the spotlight solo. It’s vulnerable, funny, and full of heart—and it all happens live this weekend.

Don’t Miss ItCatch Tumor Baby on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 PM Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks Tickets & info: steelstacks.org

Lehigh Valley Comic Author Ian Mondrick Explores Suburban Horror in STASH BOX

Lehigh Valley with Love — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:12:04 +0000

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Guests:

Ian Mondrick – Comic Book Author, Co-Creator of STASH BOX www.stashboxcomic.com

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Ian Mondrick, a comic author and Lehigh Valley native whose latest project, STASH BOX, is currently live on Kickstarter.

We talk about how Ian got started in comics, what goes into writing a horror book that’s equal parts terrifying and thoughtful, and how STASH BOX draws from both retro horror aesthetics and modern anxieties. Set in a quiet suburban home and spiraling into surreal terror, the book explores themes of identity, love, and transformation—wrapped in the gory fun of classic horror.

You’ll also hear about the behind-the-scenes process of comic creation, what makes Kickstarter such a powerful platform for indie creators, and why supporting projects like this matters.

To learn more or support the campaign, visit: www.StashBoxComic.com

Watch Episode

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https://youtu.be/onsjG6-KPBQ

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap

Comic Author Ian Mondrick and the Dark Side of Suburbia in STASH BOX

“This book is for horror fans first and foremost.”

Ian Mondrick opens the conversation with a clear warning—STASH BOX is not for the faint of heart. It’s violent, strange, and deeply unsettling. But beneath all the gore is a surprisingly thoughtful exploration of young love, change, and the anxiety of growing up in a world that feels like it’s shifting under your feet.

That layered tension—between blood and meaning—is exactly what STASH BOX was built on.

From Script to Scare: Writing Comics from the Lehigh Valley

Ian shares how his journey into comics began in the Lehigh Valley and evolved into scripting indie horror books like Tomb of the Black Horse and now STASH BOX. He breaks down the mechanics of writing a comic—what goes into a script, how he collaborates with artists like Frederik Hornung, and why writing for comics is not like writing a novel.

“There’s a language to comics that you have to learn,” Ian says. “It’s not just writing dialogue—it’s pacing, paneling, page turns. You’re writing something someone else is going to draw, and you have to trust that relationship.”

The Horror of Transformation

At the center of STASH BOX are two characters—Harrison and Lou—caught in the kind of one-night suburban misadventure that goes from strange to full-on horrifying. Ian explains how the comic plays with body horror and psychedelic imagery to reflect the fear of growing up, losing control, and becoming something… else.

“It’s about transformation—physical and emotional,” he says. “And it’s not always pretty.”

The comic’s tone is inspired by classic EC Comics, Creepshow, and films like Videodrome and The Thing. But don’t expect a nostalgia piece—STASH BOX is modern in its themes, experimental in its presentation, and printed on retro newsprint to give it a haunting, vintage feel.

Kickstarter and the Power of Direct Support

Ian talks about why launching STASH BOX on Kickstarter was the right move—not just for funding, but for community.

“When someone backs a Kickstarter, they’re saying, ‘I believe in this idea,’” he says. “And for indie comics, that kind of support is everything.”

The campaign offers a variety of rewards: alternate covers, original art, mystery sketches, and even a chance to have your own comic cover drawn by artist Frederik Hornung. It’s not just a comic—it’s a piece of horror ephemera for collectors and fans.

Backing Creators, Supporting Local Voices

Though STASH BOX is set in a fictional suburban street, Ian admits that its quiet unease and layout were very much inspired by his own upbringing in the Lehigh Valley. That connection to place shows in the comic’s atmosphere—a mix of the familiar and the uncanny.

When asked why people should support this project, Ian puts it simply: “Because you’re helping stories like this exist.”

Final Takeaway

This episode isn’t just about a horror comic—it’s about storytelling, risk-taking, and the power of direct creative connection. With STASH BOX, Ian Mondrick is building something weird, thoughtful, and terrifying—and he’s doing it from the Lehigh Valley.

If you love horror, independent art, or just want to see something new, this is the kind of project worth backing.

Back the comic or learn more at: www.StashBoxComic.com

How Alexander Labs Is Building AI in the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 20:42:02 +0000

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Guests:

Kostas Hatalis Ph.D – Co-Founder, Alexander Labs; Developer of GoCharlie
Paul Gosselin – Co-Founder, Alexander Labs

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Paul Gosselin and Kostas Hatalis of Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that’s putting the Lehigh Valley back on the innovation map.

You’ll hear how this growing team is not only building on-premise AI systems and custom large language models, but doing it all from the region that produced the world’s first commercial transistors — long before the rise of Silicon Valley.

From community collaboration and tech talent to data privacy and enterprise-level solutions, Alexander Labs is working to make AI accessible, secure, and proudly local.

To learn more or get in touch, visit: https://alexanderlabs.ai

Watch Episode

www.lvwithlove.com

https://youtu.be/CpIFveEnMTY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap

Alexander Labs and the Future of AI in the Lehigh Valley

“We built the first transistor here.”

Kostas Hatalis opens with a bold statement: the Lehigh Valley isn’t just a place with warehouses — it was the original Silicon Valley. The region manufactured the world’s first commercial transistors in the 1940s, and yet few in tech today give it credit. That legacy is exactly what inspired Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown that’s trying to bring innovation back home.

From Empty Space to AI Lab

Paul Gosselin, co-founder of Alexander Labs, walks us through how the project started — with an empty room, a few whiteboards, and a wild idea. Paul had been running software companies when he met Kostas, a Lehigh Ph.D. who had already built his own large language model. They talked, they brainstormed, and soon they realized: “We need to create a lab. One that brings the community in and builds something real.”

That idea became Alexander Labs — an incubator not just for AI startups, but for a smarter, more connected Lehigh Valley tech ecosystem.

Meet GoCharlie: AI Built in Allentown

One of Alexander Labs’ most exciting projects is GoCharlie, a next-generation AI assistant that can write, analyze, and support business operations. But what makes it special isn’t just what it does — it’s where and how it was built.

GoCharlie’s models are developed right in Allentown using an approach Kostas calls “small language models.” Instead of billion-dollar infrastructure, these models run on a single GPU or CPU, making them affordable, fast, and customizable for real businesses.

In a world where companies send sensitive data into massive black-box systems like ChatGPT, GoCharlie offers something better: AI you can understand, control, and host locally.

On-Prem AI and the Power of Local

Alexander Labs is also building its own on-prem data center — allowing businesses to plug in directly and run GoCharlie inside their own walls. Paul calls it GoPrem — and it’s already helping companies avoid relying on Silicon Valley giants for AI tools.

“We’re really focused on enterprise,” he says, “but it’s more than that — we’re helping companies get their data in order, whether structured or unstructured, so they can actually use AI meaningfully.”

Cost, Control, and Trust

Throughout the conversation, privacy and autonomy come up again and again. Alexander Labs isn’t just building AI — they’re building trust. Kostas explains how big tech companies are scraping public data to train their models, while businesses are becoming increasingly wary of handing over proprietary information.

That’s why localized, on-premise AI is such a key differentiator. “You can’t just trust Microsoft or Google with everything,” Paul says. “We can offer the same kind of power — but right here in the Valley, with local partnerships and control.”

Making the Lehigh Valley a New Kind of Tech Hub

Despite the region’s rich tech history, the Lehigh Valley hasn’t been part of the AI conversation — until now. Alexander Labs is trying to change that. With support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners and other local initiatives, they’re helping seed the next wave of innovation.

“We’re trying to build culture here,” Paul says. “It’s not easy. But if we can keep talented students and young founders in the Valley, we can build something real.”

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the future of AI. Kostas explains that the next wave isn’t just smarter chatbots — it’s AI agents: autonomous systems that can do real work across tools like Slack, Zoom, and WordPress. “If it’s a task that can be done remotely, AI is coming for it,” he says.

But for Alexander Labs, the goal isn’t replacing people — it’s empowering them. By creating scalable, local-first AI, they’re making sure small businesses can keep up — and even outpace the giants.

Final Takeaway

This episode isn’t just about AI — it’s about ownership. It’s about building technology that serves local communities, respects data privacy, and creates opportunity where it’s needed most. Alexander Labs is betting that the next big thing in tech doesn’t have to come from California — it can start in Allentown.

And if they’re right, the Lehigh Valley may just become the first Silicon Valley all over again.

E-Bikes, Raves, FEAT, and Sokols: A Few of Our Favorite Things

Lehigh Valley with Love — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:05:09 +0000

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Guests:

Jackie Bzura – Bicycle Motor Works
Megan Lysowski – FEAT (Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation)

In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker talks with Jackie Bzura of Bicycle Motor Works and Megan Lysowski of FEAT—Fostering Equitable Access to Transportation. They discuss how a grassroots effort to provide e-bikes to those in need grew into a nonprofit with community partnerships, real impact, and a 90s-themed fundraiser to help fund their next set of bikes.

FEAT is a Bethlehem-based nonprofit providing electric bikes, safety training, and gear to people in the Lehigh Valley who need reliable, affordable transportation. The idea came together through Bicycle Motor Works and expanded with the support of Chris Briggs of Bethlehem eBike, who played a key role in bringing the initial team together and helping shape the program from the ground up. With leadership from community advocate Megan Lysowski, FEAT has grown into a fully active nonprofit.

EVENT PAGE: www.bicyclemotorworks.com/event-list

FEAT page: www.featpa.com/

Watch Episode

www.lvwithlove.com

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap

Pedaling for Change: How a Grassroots Effort Became a Community-Driven E-Bike Movement

Partnering with organizations like Café the Lodge and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, FEAT identifies individuals who would benefit most from access to an e-bike. Using a one-to-one model—one person, one bike—they equip recipients with more than just wheels. Each person receives the tools and training they need to ride safely and confidently, including gear like locks, air pumps, and backpacks.

The organization officially became a nonprofit under the fiscal sponsorship of Humanitarian Social Innovations in early 2024. That milestone has allowed FEAT to grow its fundraising efforts and expand community outreach.

One of their first major fundraisers is happening on April 5: Rave Revival – Pedaling for Change, a 90s-themed dance party at Sokols in South Bethlehem. The event features DJ Brad Scott, glowsticks at the door, and plenty of nostalgia-fueled energy. Tickets are $15 at the door or online at bicyclemotorworks.com under the Events tab.

All proceeds will go directly toward placing another e-bike with someone in need, as identified by FEAT’s outreach partners. With the rising cost of transportation and growing demand for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives, FEAT is helping to bridge the gap—one bike at a time.

To learn more about FEAT or get involved, visit featpa.com.

The Lehigh Valley Warehouse Episode

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:43:19 +0000

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Guests:

Becky Bradley – Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
Susan Lawless – Supervisor, Hanover Township (Northampton County)

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the region: the Lehigh Valley warehouse boom. They’re joined by Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Susan Lawless, a Supervisor in Hanover Township, Northampton County, to explore how warehouses became such a dominant force in our local economy, what the future holds, and how local governments can navigate the challenges that come with rapid industrial growth.

If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:

Attend Township and City Meetings – Local government meetings are where zoning and development decisions are made.
Join a Planning Commission or Zoning Board – Many townships seek community members to help guide policy.
Take a Planning Course – The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission offers courses through the Lehigh Valley Government Academy (LVGA) to educate residents and officials on zoning, development, and planning.

Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga

Watch Episode

Watch: https://youtu.be/OGKN7OoMOy8

www.lvwithlove.com

https://youtu.be/DAfVHJVY_PQ?si=uqXa167FCrF-SHAW

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap: The Lehigh Valley Warehouse Boom—Growth, Challenges, and the Future

How Did Warehouses Take Over the Lehigh Valley?

If you’ve driven through the Lehigh Valley recently, you’ve likely noticed a skyline of massive warehouse buildings appearing along major roadways. But why has this explosion in warehouse development happened, and what does it mean for the future of the region?

According to Becky Bradley, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), the warehouse boom is not a coincidence—it’s the result of a perfect storm of economic conditions, geographic advantages, and shifting supply chains.

Since 2015, over 48 million square feet of warehouse space has been approved across the region.
The Lehigh Valley’s proximity to major metro areas like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. makes it a prime location for distribution centers.
Hurricane Sandy (2012) was a turning point, causing supply chains to shift inland after flooding devastated coastal infrastructure, pushing logistics hubs further west.
Pennsylvania’s tax structure and zoning laws make it more attractive for industrial development than neighboring states like New Jersey, where regulations are stricter.

“Our region is now competing with the Port of New York and New Jersey in terms of industrial footprint.” — Becky Bradley

The question now is: What’s next?

Warehouses Bring Jobs—But at What Cost?

The growth of the warehouse and logistics industry has created tens of thousands of jobs, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the Lehigh Valley.

Over 40,000 people work in warehouse and trucking jobs in the region.
This sector is now the second-largest employer, trailing only healthcare.
The average warehouse lease lasts just seven years, meaning businesses frequently change, affecting job stability.

On the surface, this seems like a positive economic boost. However, Susan Lawless, Supervisor of Hanover Township (Northampton County), warns that the benefits need to be weighed against the costs.

Some key challenges include:

Road and infrastructure damage: The influx of heavy trucks increases wear and tear on local roads, putting pressure on townships to cover repair costs.
Traffic congestion: Residents in warehouse-heavy areas have seen major increases in truck traffic, impacting local commutes and safety.
Municipal budget strain: While warehouses generate tax revenue, local governments must plan for long-term infrastructure maintenance, which is often more expensive than the revenue generated.

“Some townships love the tax revenue, but they won’t say it publicly.” — Becky Bradley

Zoning, Farmland, and the Fight for Smart Development

With warehouse developments expanding rapidly, many residents and officials are asking: How do we balance economic growth with preserving the Lehigh Valley’s character?

One major concern is farmland loss. The Lehigh Valley has a rich agricultural history, but as more farmland is sold for industrial development, that legacy is at risk.

10% of the region’s land is currently protected as preserved farmland.
Both Lehigh and Northampton counties have farmland preservation programs, but funding is limited.
Some municipalities are revising zoning laws to slow down warehouse growth and protect open space.

For local governments like Hanover Township, the key is zoning and planning ahead. However, Pennsylvania’s zoning laws limit how much control townships actually have.

“If a local government has a use allowed in its zoning, you can’t really deny it.” — Becky Bradley

Susan Lawless emphasized that municipalities need to be proactive in revising ordinances if they want to guide development in a way that benefits residents.

“Development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We have to think about how it fits into the fabric of our community.” — Susan Lawless

The Future of Warehouses in the Lehigh Valley: What Comes Next?

With the Lehigh Valley’s industrial footprint now rivaling the Port of New York and New Jersey, the warehouse boom is far from over. But what does the future hold?

Leases are short-term, meaning buildings could become vacant in a matter of years.
More companies are looking at automation, which could impact job stability.
Freight moving through the region is expected to grow from $60 billion to $100 billion per year by 2050.

To navigate these changes, local officials, businesses, and residents need to work together to ensure sustainable growth. That means investing in infrastructure, improving zoning laws, and exploring ways to diversify the economy beyond warehousing.

How You Can Get Involved in Local Planning

If you want to stay informed and have a say in the future of development in the Lehigh Valley, there are ways to get involved:

Attend Township and City Meetings – Local government meetings are where zoning and development decisions are made.
Join a Planning Commission or Zoning Board – Many townships seek community members to help guide policy.
Take a Planning Course – The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission offers courses through the Lehigh Valley Government Academy (LVGA) to educate residents and officials on zoning, development, and planning.

Learn more about LVGA courses: https://lvpc.org/lvga

Susan Wild on Public Service, Politics, and the Future of the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley with Love — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:56:52 +0000

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Guests:

Susan Wild – Former U.S. Congresswoman, Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District

In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild to discuss her time in office, the current state of politics, and the future of the Lehigh Valley. From advocating for lower prescription drug prices to ensuring the Lehigh Valley gets the attention it deserves on the national stage, Susan shares insights from her career and what comes next.

Watch Episode

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Episode Recap

Life After Congress & Future Plans

Susan Wild reflects on her six years representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and shares how she’s still deeply involved in advocating for local organizations and causes. While she has not yet made a final decision about running for office again, she emphasizes the importance of supporting Democratic candidates who can challenge Ryan Mackenzie in the next election.

“I think it’s really important that somebody run on the Democratic side who can beat Ryan Mackenzie… If it’s not me, I will be getting behind whoever the strongest Democratic candidate is.”

Advocating for Community Resources

Wild discusses how the Lehigh Valley has historically been overshadowed by Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when it comes to securing federal funding. During her tenure, she made it a priority to ensure that the Lehigh Valley received its fair share of resources.

“We’re the third largest and fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania, and I made it my mission to bring millions of dollars back to the Lehigh Valley.”

She also highlights the critical need for continued support for local organizations, especially as political shifts at the national level could lead to funding challenges for nonprofits, education, and healthcare.

Lowering Prescription Drug Costs

One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her work on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, particularly insulin. She explains how she came to realize the severity of the issue through conversations with constituents and how it became a legislative priority.

“I made it my mission to push for reduced drug prices, and we finally made breakthroughs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin costs have come down, and we’re continuing to negotiate lower prices for other life-saving medications.”

The Problem with Modern Politics

The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape, where Wild discusses how modern political figures are more focused on gaining attention than governing. She criticizes the influence of money in politics and how viral moments often dictate fundraising success.

“Some of the craziest things we’ve seen—like people suggesting we put Donald Trump on a $250 bill—are done for attention because they know it will bring in donations.”

She also highlights the challenges of being a moderate politician in today’s political climate, where bipartisan efforts often go unnoticed compared to the more extreme voices on both sides.

The Lehigh Valley’s Future

Looking ahead, Wild expresses optimism about the Lehigh Valley’s growth but warns about the challenges of urban sprawl and warehouse expansion. She stresses the importance of balancing economic development with responsible planning.

“We need to ensure that we don’t turn the Lehigh Valley into just another suburb of Philadelphia. Growth is great, but it has to be done in a way that maintains our region’s character.”

Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

As the discussion wraps up, Wild talks about the need for younger voices in politics and her desire to mentor future leaders.

“If I decide not to run, it will be because I believe in mentoring and passing the baton. We need more young people in politics, and we have to give them the support they need.”

She shares her vision of creating an initiative in the Lehigh Valley to educate and engage young people in public service, whether through running for office or getting involved in advocacy work.

Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:49:26 +0000

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Guests:

Dan Moyer – Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Auto Show & Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association
Sarah Dams – Representative, Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Show
Jonah Hendershot – Host of the Cookin’ Cars YouTube Channel

In this special episode of Lehigh Valley With Love, we dive deep into the 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, one of the most anticipated automotive events in the region. From the exciting Preview Gala to the latest high-performance vehicles, electric innovations, and custom builds, this episode covers it all.

ALL INFO AT: https://lehighvalleyautoshow.org/

We discuss: The Preview Gala, benefiting Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit The history and impact of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association What to expect at this year’s auto show – from luxury cars to NASCAR and F1 exhibits The growing presence of hybrid and electric vehicles Exclusive custom car showcases and local car culture The economic and philanthropic impact of the auto show

Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual car enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend event, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show has something for everyone!

Watch Episode

www.lvwithlove.com

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Blog: Lehigh Valley Auto Show 2025 – A Recap

The Premier Automotive Event Returns

The 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show is set to be a spectacular showcase, featuring everything from exotic supercars to the latest in electric vehicle technology. Held at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena, this event is a celebration of automotive excellence, innovation, and community spirit.

A Night to Remember – The Preview Gala

Kicking off on March 19th, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview Gala offers an exclusive first look at this year’s impressive lineup. This elegant evening supports the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit and promises a night filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and networking opportunities. The event will feature a performance of the national anthem by Kendall Conrad, followed by lively entertainment from the Mummers.

What’s New at the 2025 Auto Show?

Running from March 20-23, the auto show spans three distinct pavilions:

Import Pavilion: Showcasing top international brands like Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and McLaren.
Domestic Pavilion: Featuring American favorites such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
Luxury Pavilion: A display of high-end exotics including Lamborghinis and McLarens.

Special Attractions Include:

NASCAR and Formula 1 Exhibits: Get up close with two NASCAR race cars and a Formula 1 display.
Tuner Show: On Saturday, enjoy a showcase of custom cars with awards and live DJ sets.
NASCAR Sunday: Meet local professional driver Sage Karam and explore racing exhibits.
Local Tastings: Daily samplings from regional breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Spotlight on Local Talent – Jonah Hendershot

We’re thrilled to feature Jonah Hendershot, the Lehigh Valley-based YouTuber behind the popular channel “Cookin’ Cars”. Jonah combines his passion for culinary arts and automobiles, creating unique content that blends car reviews, event coverage, and DIY automotive tutorials. His engaging and relatable style makes Cookin’ Cars a must-follow channel for car enthusiasts.

Subscribe to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@cookincars

Why Attend?

Affordable Fun – Only $10 max entry, free parking, and an unforgettable experience. Dream Cars on Display – Sit in and explore the latest hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles. Family-Friendly Activities – Kid-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and a marketplace with local vendors.

Event Details:

Preview Gala: March 19, 2025
Auto Show: March 20-23, 2025
Location: Lehigh University, Stabler Arena
More Information & Tickets: https://lehighvalleyautoshow.org/

Reentry in the Lehigh Valley: Breaking Barriers & Building Second Chances

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 12:02:39 +0000

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Guests:

Dr. Michael Pittaro – Director of Corrections, Northampton County
Jose Rivera – Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Attorney David D. Ritter – Criminal Defense Attorney, Kitay Law Offices

Reentry after incarceration is a process that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not. Did you know that 65% of people released from prison end up reoffending? Or that defendants who can’t afford bail often spend 90 to 180 days behind bars before their case is even resolved? These barriers make successful reintegration nearly impossible, but there are solutions—like expanding mental health and drug courts, addressing pre-trial detention challenges, and improving job opportunities for returning citizens.

In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we dive deep into the realities of reentry with experts and those who have lived through the process. Our guests share their firsthand experiences and insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.

Thank you to Dr. Joseph Roy for his invaluable help producing this episode!

Watch Episode

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Blog: The Realities of Reentry – A Recap of the Podcast

Understanding Reentry Reentry is the process by which formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society after serving their time. While release from prison might seem like the end of a sentence, for many, it marks the beginning of another battle—finding employment, securing housing, and avoiding recidivism.

Jose Rivera, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, explains how reentry was once a non-existent term. Instead, individuals were labeled “ex-cons” or “felons,” limiting their opportunities. While the language has evolved, the systemic barriers remain overwhelming for many returning citizens.

The Challenges of Reentry Dr. Michael Pittaro, Director of Corrections for Northampton County, highlights the recidivism rate of nearly 65% in the U.S., emphasizing that many individuals return to the same communities where they faced prior struggles. Without intervention, they encounter the same environments, influences, and hardships that led to their incarceration.

Attorney David Ritter sheds light on pre-trial detention and bail reform, explaining that individuals can spend 90 to 180 days in jail before their trial simply because they cannot afford bail. This extended detention causes job loss, housing instability, and financial hardship, making reintegration even more difficult after release.

Another major obstacle is the role of parole and probation officers. Some officers serve as mentors, helping individuals access resources, while others take a more punitive approach, increasing the likelihood of reoffending. Rivera stresses that a supportive parole officer can make all the difference in successful reentry.

Employment and Housing: Critical Factors in Reentry Success Securing employment after incarceration is a major challenge. Dr. Pittaro explains how background checks and job applications with felony-related questions create barriers, despite Pennsylvania’s “Ban the Box” initiative. While this law prevents employers from immediately disqualifying applicants based on criminal history, employers still have access to background checks and often reject qualified applicants.

Housing is another pressing issue. Many landlords deny applications from formerly incarcerated individuals, making it difficult to secure stable living conditions. Even those who find employment struggle with rising housing costs and parole restrictions that limit where they can live. David Ritter emphasizes that parole conditions often require a stable address, but without accessible housing, securing parole itself becomes an obstacle.

Solutions That Are Making a Difference Despite the challenges, several initiatives in the Lehigh Valley are making strides toward improving reentry outcomes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A tool used in reentry programs to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns. The Reentry Coalition: A network of organizations collaborating to support individuals reentering society. Specialty Courts (Drug Court & Mental Health Court): Programs aimed at rehabilitation rather than incarceration, diverting nonviolent offenders toward treatment-based solutions. One-Stop Reentry Centers: Efforts are underway to establish centralized locations where individuals can access job training, mental health services, housing assistance, and legal aid in one place. While these programs are promising, expanding housing access, providing employer incentives, and improving parole officer training remain key priorities in reducing recidivism.

Final Thoughts Reentry is not just about the individual—it’s a community issue. When individuals successfully reintegrate, crime rates decrease, families remain intact, and communities grow stronger. However, employment barriers, housing restrictions, and punitive parole policies must be addressed to create long-term success.

This episode of Lehigh Valley with Love underscores the need for policy changes, stronger community support, and a shift in public perception—from punishment to rehabilitation.

Some of Lisa’s Favorite Cult Items | Lisa Joins a Cult at The Emmaus Theatre on February 23

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 12:08:05 +0000

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Guests:

Lisa Van Arsdale – Storyteller and Performer, “Lisa Joins a Cult”

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Van Arsdale to discuss her upcoming show, Lisa Joins a Cult, happening February 23 at 6 p.m. at the Emmaus Theatre. Lisa shares her journey of exploring fringe religious communities and collecting fascinating artifacts—like a “Jesus First” pin from the Jerry Falwell Museum, a protective card from Father Divine followers, and a pamphlet predicting Judgment Day in 2011.

Far from mocking these beliefs, Lisa approaches these groups with curiosity and respect, offering a unique lens into their cultures. We dive into the stories behind these artifacts and how they’ve shaped her show. If you’ve ever been curious about fringe communities, this episode is for you!

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Exploring Zoellner Arts Center’s 2025 Season with Executive Director Mark Wilson

Lehigh Valley with Love — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 11:55:10 +0000

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Guests:

Mark Wilson – Executive Director, Zoellner Arts Center

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Wilson, Executive Director of Zoellner Arts Center, to discuss the exciting lineup for the 2025 season. We kick things off with a deep dive into Kings Return, the acclaimed a cappella group known for their seamless blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and classical music, set to perform on February 7. Mark also highlights the pre-show roundtable on mental health featuring Dr. Phillip A. Davis, emphasizing the importance of integrating meaningful discussions with artistic performances.

We then explore other standout events in Zoellner’s season, including:

The Aluminum Show (February 22): A dynamic performance combining dance, visual theater, and humor.
Pascuala Ilabaca y Fauna (March 28): A Chilean ensemble bringing a fusion of traditional Latin American music with contemporary influences.
The Sound of (Black) Music (March 29): A reimagined take on the classic, infusing it with gospel, funk, and R&B elements.
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company (April 4): Presenting “Puebla: The Story of Cinco de Mayo” through vibrant dance and storytelling.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (April 6): A powerful tribute celebrating the music of Aretha Franklin.

Mark shares insights into Zoellner’s commitment to diverse programming, community engagement, and the vision for the arts center’s future in the Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re an arts enthusiast or new to the scene, this episode offers a comprehensive look at what’s in store for audiences this season.

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