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
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
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
🎧 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 Qatar A 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 Nowhere The 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
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
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.
Celebrating 20 Years of Young Playwrights at Touchstone Theatre What 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.
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.
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.
At Lehigh Valley with Love, we love a good deep dive—especially when it involves something as iconic (and sugary) as Peeps! These fluffy marshmallow treats, made right here in Bethlehem, PA, have taken their brand way beyond the Easter basket with some of the wildest collaborations we’ve ever seen.
From Hello Kitty to Pepsi, Oreos to nail polish, Peeps has managed to hop into some truly unexpected places. Some of these collabs make perfect sense (Peeps-flavored coffee creamer? Sure!), while others left us absolutely shocked (Cauliflower Peeps?! Thankfully, that one was an April Fool’s joke).
In our latest Peeps Collab Deep Dive, we break down: 🐥 The strangest Peeps products we could find
🎨 Limited-edition Peeps fashion, beauty, and accessories
🏃♂️ The official Peeps 5K (because why not?)
🏨 And even a Peeps-themed hotel room right here in the Lehigh Valley
Brownie Troop 8795 in Bethlehem, PA, is kicking off cookie season with creativity, energy, and a love for all things scouting!
Why They Love Scouting
When we visited Troop 8795, the scouts shared what they love most about being a Brownie. From making new friends to learning exciting skills and going on adventures, these girls are building memories that will last a lifetime.
Crazy Cookie Ideas
We couldn’t resist asking them about their dream cookie flavors, and their ideas were as creative as they were delicious! From pizza-flavored cookies to rainbow-sprinkle explosions, Troop 8795 showed us their fun side with plenty of cookie-inspired imagination.
How to Support Troop 8795
You can make this cookie season unforgettable by supporting these local scouts! Here’s how:
Every cookie purchase helps scouts like those in Troop 8795 continue to grow, learn, and dream big. Whether you’re craving Thin Mints, Tagalongs, or Samoas, you’ll be supporting an amazing cause with each bite!
Order today, and don’t miss out on the sweetest way to support local scouts!
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate an incredible year for the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast. This year, we reached an extraordinary milestone: 2.7 million hits across all of our episodes, showcasing the power of community storytelling and local connections.
With 47 episodes in 2025, we’ve shared countless stories that celebrate the heart of the Lehigh Valley and beyond. From exclusive celebrity interviews like Tony Danza, to exploring local landmarks such as The Sayre Mansion and The Dery House, to diving into community-focused initiatives like New Bethany Ministries’ Turkey Drive and Festival Unbound, our podcast covered an incredible breadth of topics this year.
Thanks to your support, we connected with people from all walks of life, sharing the stories that make the Lehigh Valley truly special.
We’re proud of every episode we released this year, but here are a few that truly stood out:
Tony Danza: Standards & Stories – Tony joined us to share insights from his career and his one-man show at SteelStacks, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his life in entertainment. Listen / Watch here.
New Bethany Ministries Turkey Drive – We highlighted the incredible work of New Bethany Ministries in supporting our community during the holiday season. Listen / Watch here.
Festival Unbound with Touchstone Theatre – A deep dive into this vibrant annual festival celebrating creativity and community. Listen / Watch here.
Lafayette College Arts Tour – Exploring the rich arts culture on campus with exclusive insights. Listen / Watch here.
Toured The Sayre Mansion – An exclusive look at this historic gem in Bethlehem. Listen / Watch here.
Learned to Swim with Goldfish Swim School – A fun and educational episode about fostering water safety. Listen / Watch here.
Toured The Dery House in Catasauqua – Discovering the history and beauty of this iconic property. Listen / Watch here.
Celebrated 90 Years at Shankweilers Drive-In – A nostalgic dive into America’s oldest drive-in theater. Listen / Watch here.
These episodes, among many others, exemplify the diversity and richness of stories we’re privileged to share with our listeners. Your engagement—from sharing episodes to leaving comments—helped make this possible.
Wind Creek Event Center – Hosting incredible events! Link
Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate – Connecting us to our community. Link.
Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub – Fueling our team with great food and energy. Link
The Coop Sports Bar & Kitchen – Fueling our team with Dinosaur Eggs. Link
Banko Beverage Company – Helping us keep the conversation flowing. Link
Lehigh Valley Health Network – Keeping us healthy! Link
Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us bring these stories to life.
Looking Ahead to 2025
For more updates, episodes, and ways to connect with us, visit our website: www.lvwithlove.com.
We’re already planning for an even bigger and better year ahead, and we want YOU to be part of it! Whether you have a story to share, a business to spotlight, or an idea for collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out this form to get involved: https://forms.gle/3AXv59fdXrVirXke9.
Are you interested in being a guest on our podcast? Share your story with us by filling out our guest form here: https://forms.gle/V6czQLymPp1B31GW8.
Join the Conversation
Stay tuned for more incredible stories in 2025, and thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another amazing year of connecting, sharing, and loving the Lehigh Valley!
As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re featuring The Wicked Botanist, a local favorite for unique plants, handmade terrariums, and stunning botanical decor.
The Wicked Botanist is celebrating the grand opening of their new Whitehall location on December 21! Whether you’re adding greenery to your home or shopping for a gift, The Wicked Botanist is a must-visit for plant lovers in the Lehigh Valley.
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!
Lehigh Valley with Love is honored to have been a part of this incredible video project and event!
“Love Letters to Bethlehem” is a documentary project developed by Brian Rashid, CEO of Brian Rashid Global and supported by the City of Bethlehem, the Bethlehem Marketing Council, and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. The documentary showcases the compelling and intimate narratives of Bethlehem’s residents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders as they share their journeys, significant relationships, and achievements throughout the city.
J. William Reynolds, Mayor of Bethlehem
Neville Gardner, Donegal Square
Ann Marie Supinski, AM Luxe Apparel
Veronica & Quartez Moore, The Taste Smokers
George & Crystal Wacker, Lehigh Valley with Love Media
Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest
Derek Wallen, Lehigh Valley Printing,
Roasted and Country Club Brewing
Guillermo Lopez, The Guillermo Lopez DEI Institute
In this week’s episode, we are talking with Lucy Kwiatek of Bethlehem. She is a student at Lehigh University and is a Bethlehem native.
Having grown up in this area, Lucy talks about some of her favorite aspects of the area including some of her favorite spots to eat, including her first drink at The Bayou (a sazerac that tasted like “eating a hospital and chasing it with a camp fire”) and Black Forest Deli (with “soup that can raise the dead”)!
We also touch on life as a student at Lehigh University and her experiences on campus (and off campus at the United Nations in NYC for example), especially during the pandemic.
Take it from a Local, a Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, is hosted by Allison Pittenger, a 20-year-old college junior.
“A Bethlehem native, I grew up going to Musikfest every summer, seeing shows at the State Theatre, and experiencing all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer. I’m a current student at East Stroudsburg University studying Video & Television production. I love theme parks, musical theatre, traveling, and of course creating content for people to enjoy. I began as an intern with Lehigh Valley with Love in early 2020 and have continued to work with them on various projects, and now this podcast! The goal of Take It From a Local is to hear from Lehigh Valley residents of past and present and to get their views and opinions on the many things to experience in the area. You can find me and follow my journey through life over on my Instagram @alli.pitt. I hope you enjoy the podcast!”
