Every holiday season, the same question resurfaces in Pennsylvania history circles, Easton and Bethlehem tourism meetings, social media posts, and probably a few living rooms: where was the first Christmas tree displayed in America?
And if you are not asking yourself that question, why not?
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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.
Jiva Fitness 2.0, a boutique fitness center in Wilson Borough, will celebrate its official Grand Opening and Open House on Sunday, November 23, from 12 to 3 p.m. at 1005 Palmer Street, Easton.
SURV Restaurant in Easton is hosting a community networking event with Battle Borne, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders through mental health initiatives and peer mentorship.
The Easton Farmers’ Market at Scott Park, located at 130 Larry Holmes Drive, Easton, PA, will host a community food drive on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the collection tent set up near the Larry Holmes statue.
The seventh annual Easton Book Festival returns October 13–19, bringing a full week of storytelling, conversation, and creativity to the city. Presented by Lafayette College, the festival highlights local and national voices through author talks, workshops, performances, and community events—all free and open to the public.
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
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
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
🧠 Episode Recap
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
4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/LvPoKwXcFj0
In this episode of the Shop Local Harder Series, we’re talking with the team behind The Curious Plantaholic in Nazareth and Plants + Coffee in Easton! Learn how these two unique spaces blend a love for plants, coffee, and community. From their thriving houseplant selection to the cozy café experience in Easton, they offer something truly special for plant lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike. We also dive into their upcoming Christmas Sale (12/19–12/20), featuring 15% off your entire purchase.
Brandt DeLorenzo – Co-Owner: Plants + Coffee / The Curious Plantaholic
The Curious Plantaholic: https://curiousplantaholic.com/
Plants + Coffee: https://plantsandcoffee.com/
This episode is brought to you by Made Possible in the Lehigh Valley
Learn more about how they are telling Lehigh Valley stories and how it can help you!
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Welcome to the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast.
The aim of this podcast is to connect you to stories and personalities living in or affecting the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania, encompassing the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and many other wonderful communities in-between.
The goal of Aspire provide an environment of safety, healing, and empowerment that will equip trafficking victims with the necessary services and programs to follow their pursuit of independence.
