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We were watching Obsession, a very capable and disturbing new horror movie (big fans), and about an hour and fifteen minutes or so in, our eyes noticed something in one of the scenes:
St. Luke’s Community Hospital Easton.
“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.
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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 Borick
Nazareth Downtown Manager
Nazareth Economic Development Commission / Nazareth Farmers Market
Emily Roland
Farmers’ Market Manager
Greater 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 Wacker
Lehigh Valley with Love Media
Jeff Warren
Co-host, Off The Record with Lehigh Valley with Love
Northampton County Commissioner
Host of The Philly Sports Table
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Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
Parisian Phoenix Publishing, a Lehigh Valley-based independent publisher, is celebrating a major milestone: 50 books released in five years.
Founded officially in 2021 by print journalist Angel R. Ackerman and graphic designer Gayle Hendricks, the Easton-area publisher has grown from a faculty art show project at Northampton Community College into a full-service traditional publishing, editorial services, and self-publishing support company.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc. is seeking qualified consultants to develop and manage a new D&L Trail Interactive Map, a digital tool intended to support navigation, trip planning, and engagement across the regional trail network.
Become a partner or contact usOn 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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Email your news release to info@lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com
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?
Become a partner or contact us
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/
