As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re featuring Drizzle Ice Cream, a locally-loved spot with locations in Alburtis and Schnecksville. 🍨
Discover how this family-owned business crafts creamy homemade ice cream, celebrates the seasons with festive flavors, and brings the Lehigh Valley community together one scoop at a time. This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to something special!
As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re talking with Amy and Jesse from Pieces of Mind about how they’ve created a welcoming space for mental, emotional, and social well-being in Allentown. 🌟
Pieces of Mind offers a range of programs for all ages and abilities, from art and yoga classes to mental health support. Their holiday events include Parents’ Day Out, art camps during school break, and yoga classes to help families make the most of the season. Plus, their space is available for rental if you need a quiet retreat, co-working area, or event venue.
As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re talking with Christine from Creative Learning Lab to learn how this vibrant business is inspiring creativity in the Lehigh Valley. From private music lessons and advanced art programs to toddler drop-ins and unique holiday workshops, there’s truly something for everyone. 🎶🎨
Christine also shares their exciting holiday offerings, including Black Friday deals, Kids Night Out pajama parties, and Bob Ross-themed painting classes.
As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re talking with John from Franklin Hill Vineyards about their rich history as the Lehigh Valley’s oldest vineyard. 🍇 From their famous Sir Walter’s Red to festive mulled wine, they’re offering unique ways to celebrate the holiday season.
Find out about their extended holiday hours, Thanksgiving to-go options, customizable gift baskets, and how you can rent their space for your next event.
As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we sat down with Christine and Tyler from The Club at Twin Lakes to chat about their recent renovations, including upgrades to their historic golf course, event spaces, and their on-site restaurant, the Wild Turkey Grill.
Whether you’re hitting the links or looking for a venue for your next big event, Twin Lakes offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
In this episode, we also explore their holiday offerings, like Thanksgiving to-go meals, breakfast with Santa, and festive tournaments like the Turkey Trot and Santa Scramble. 🦃🎅
In this episode, we take a walk with Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany, through the heart of South Bethlehem. Marc shares how New Bethany is helping Lehigh Valley residents in need, including the recent transformation of their food pantry into a choice pantry. Families can now shop for fresh produce and groceries in a setting that feels like a real store, giving them the dignity of choice and empowering them in a meaningful way.
The holiday season is right around the corner, and New Bethany’s Turkey Drive on Friday, November 22nd, is set to be a huge event at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.
This year, they’re aiming to collect 1,200 turkeys to meet requests from local organizations, ensuring that hundreds of families from Allentown to Bethlehem have everything they need for a memorable Thanksgiving.
Want to get involved? Drop off a 10-12 lb frozen turkey at Coca-Cola Park or donate virtually by texting “LVturkeydrive” to 41444.
They’re also collecting holiday meal sides like stuffing and green beans, so feel free to add a little extra to the donation!
Tune in to learn more about New Bethany’s work and how you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season.
Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, and WDIY 88.1 FM!
In this episode, we take a scenic stroll through Louise Moore Park with Lisa Pammer, the powerhouse owner of Green Pond Packaging. Lisa shares the remarkable story of how she left a successful career in international finance to create Green Pond Packaging, a solo venture bringing compostable, eco-friendly food packaging to the Lehigh Valley and beyond.
Her mission began with an “Aha” moment: one afternoon at a local ice cream shop, she noticed dozens of styrofoam cups being thrown away. That simple observation was the catalyst that launched her vision of replacing everyday products with plant-based, compostable alternatives.
Join us as we dive into:
The “Aha” Moment: How one trip to an ice cream shop sparked Lisa’s vision for sustainable packaging, inspiring her to explore compostable options to replace single-use containers.
Product Offerings Galore: From bamboo-lined coffee cups to compostable party packs, Lisa shares the wide range of eco-friendly options she’s bringing to local restaurants, coffee shops, and even home entertainers.
Solopreneur Life: Ever wondered what it’s like to run the whole show? Lisa explains her day-to-day, from managing her temperature-controlled warehouse to personally delivering products across town.
The Business Plan Blueprint: Tips for building a sustainable business, from doing the initial industry research to cultivating relationships with certified, eco-conscious suppliers.
Facing Industry Challenges: Lisa talks about entering the food service supply chain post-COVID, competing with traditional products, and balancing quality with price in a fluctuating market.
Beyond the Lehigh Valley: With ambitions to expand into new regions and even government contracts, Lisa shares her advice on the importance of networking and her goals for Green Pond Packaging’s future.
Educational Outreach: Lisa’s mission extends beyond just sales. She’s passionate about educating businesses on the benefits of compostable products, helping them make the switch from less eco-friendly options they’ve used for years.
Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, WDIY 88.1 FM, and Lehigh Valley Health Network!
Join us for a special Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast live stream where we discuss the upcoming transfer tax referendum in Allentown, which is set to appear on the November ballot. If you’re a renter, buyer, or seller in the city, this is something that could have a direct impact on you, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on!
We’ve invited three experts from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR) to walk us through everything you need to know about the proposed tax hike and answer your questions live.
These knowledgeable guests will explain what the proposal asks of voters, what a “Yes” or “No” vote means, and why GLVR is taking an active role in educating the public. They’ll also dive into why this matters for more than just the real estate community—anyone in Allentown should be paying attention to this referendum.
We’ll cover these important questions:
What exactly does the referendum ask voters to decide on?
What would a vote “Yes” mean? What about a vote “No”?
Why is GLVR running a public information campaign around this referendum?
Is GLVR telling voters how to vote, or is this campaign purely informational?
Who should care about the outcome and why?
If voters approve the referendum, will GLVR continue their involvement?
GUESTS
Asher Schiavone: Government Affairs Director for GLVR Lori Campbell: President of GLVR and experienced Realtor Mike Bernadyn: President-elect of GLVR and Military Relocation Professional
In this episode, we sit down with three nationally acclaimed authors ahead of the Society of the Arts’ (SOTA) Cocktails with the Authors and Luncheon with the Authors events happening on October 9th and 10th, 2024. These events raise funds for the educational programs at the Allentown Art Museum and SOTA’s other community efforts.
In this episode, we dive into Festival UnBound, Touchstone Theatre’s vibrant arts festival that runs October 2-6, 2024.
We’re joined by Mary Wright and Samantha Beedle to discuss this year’s highlights, from Kinetic Light’s breathtaking performances showcasing disability in a new light, to events like a guided canoe tour on the Lehigh River and a poetry walk along scenic trails.
This festival is all about connecting community through art, interaction, and shared experiences!
Marta Kepka, Director of Art Marketing, gave us a tour of Buck Hall—including Landis Cinema and the Daniel H. and Sandra Weiss Black Box Theater—along with the Williams Center for the Arts and visual arts spaces.
We also spoke with Ty Furman and Ricardo J. Reyes about how the arts at Lafayette play a major role in the local community and are open to the public.
GUESTS
Marta Kepka – Director of Art Marketing, Lafayette College
Ty Furman – Director, Williams Center for the Arts
Ricardo J. Reyes – Director of Galleries and Curator of Collections, Lafayette College
In this episode, we take a tour of the Allentown Art Museum’s first floor, exploring the New American Galleries with incredible pieces from artists like Rigo Peralta and Keith Haring, plus a visit to the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright room.
Then, we talk all about the upcoming Cocktails & Collecting event happening Saturday, October 5, followed by the Art Fair for All on Sunday, October 6.
It’s a packed weekend of art, culture, and fun, so get ready to dive in with us!
Cocktails and Collecting Link: https://www.allentownartmuseum.org/cocktails-collecting-2024/
In this episode, we visit Medina Books and Coffee on Main Street in Coopersburg and dive into what it takes to open an independent bookstore. Owner Joselin shares how her father sparked her love for reading with The Little Prince, and how mentorship played a key role in making her dream a reality.
We also explore some of the shop’s unique offerings like the “Blind Date with a Book” program, the cozy community atmosphere, and so much more. Grab a cup of coffee, and join us for a heartwarming conversation!
We take a ride with Oogie’s Ice Cream Truck owners Lori and David to learn more about how they started out 18 years ago taking a chance on a dream! We also make a few stops along the way, including visiting their cutest customer as well as Jimi Honochik with YMI Insurance and their podcast.
All of this culminated in a stop at Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub in Molly’s where we sold ice cream for an hour and made more than $300 for the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem!!!!
We’re stepping into the woods of Camp Fowler with Camp Director Mike Brady! How did I not know what a gaga pit was until today?
Discover the camp’s transformation from its roots as Camp Horseshoe to a vibrant part of Valley Youth House.
We talk about the exciting new renovations that are enhancing the experience for kids, including plans for even more (you’ll see!).
Learn how Valley Youth House has revitalized this Lehigh Valley gem along the Jordan Creek, offering an authentic summer camp experience that keeps getting better. Whether it’s hiking, archery, or playing in the gaga pit, Camp Fowler has something for everyone.
