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

Posted On September 11, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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/lISGtsiMk6s

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

Posted On September 9, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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/LNeLUT6rQtM?si=et7JPuXmx_UaSJ5E

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

Posted On September 5, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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/05iM_rx7rPE

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

Posted On September 1, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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/

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

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Roman Patterns Channel 90s Alt-Rock on Debut Album

Posted On August 26, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Posted On August 19, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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 Market
August 24, 9:30 AM–3 PM
Bethlehem Rose Garden
Instagram: 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

Posted On August 18, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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-devalor
Blurb/Author Site: https://kennadevalor.my.canva.site

✍️ Submit to FlowerMouth Press:
Website: https://flowermouthpress.org
Instagram: 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

Posted On August 12, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Posted On August 6, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Posted On July 31, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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/VSV_onIlqok

Thank you to our Partners!

L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

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Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

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

Posted On July 30, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Watch Episode

https://youtu.be/93n9HoweDDQ

Thank you to our Partners!

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Lehigh Valley Health Network

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

Posted On July 28, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Watch Episode

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

Posted On July 24, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Posted On July 15, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Posted On July 11, 2025 By lvwithlove In /

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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

Watch Episode

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