The Chopper Foundation: Keeping Pets With Their Families

Posted On January 22, 2026 By lvwithlove In /  
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On 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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Thank you to our Partners!

WDIY 88.1 FM

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

 

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Lehigh Valley Snubbed from National Geographic’s Best Places to Visit in 2026

Posted On October 22, 2025 By lvwithlove In Blog /  

National Geographic just dropped its Best of the World 2026 list, 25 must-visit destinations ranging from Milan’s Dolomites to Dominica’s whale reserve and even Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

That’s right. Pittsburgh!!!!

The Steel City made the cut for its museums, art scene, and downtown revitalization. And while that’s great news for Western PA, those of us on the other side of the state were left flipping through the list like: no Bethlehem? no Easton? not even Tatamy?

Sure, the Dolomites have stunning mountain views, and Dominica’s getting a whale reserve. That’s great. But have the folks who made this list ever watched Musikfest from the top of the Hill-to-Hill Bridge?

Have they ever wandered through Bacon Fest in Easton, elbow to elbow with thousands of hungry people and the smell of sizzling pork in the air?

Have they ever lined up at Yocco’s for a hot dog that’s somehow both simple and perfect?

Have they ever sat trackside at the Velodrome in Trexlertown on a Friday night?

Have they even been to The Great Allentown Fair  Demolition Derby?

Have they ever driven down Freemansburg’s finally omg took forever newly paved Main Street, windows down?

Have they ever biked the Saucon Rail Trail in Hellertown on a crisp fall day and ended up in a tavern debating who makes the best wings in the Valley?

And if the National Geographic team really wants to see world-class tourism, they should try visiting Jim Thorpe in the fall if they can find a parking spot. That town’s been so good at it, you can’t even visit!

We’re not saying National Geographic got it wrong. We’re just saying maybe they’ve never walked Main Street Bethlehem in December.

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Hellertown Historical Society Hosts Special Screening of The Fries Rebellion

Posted On October 20, 2025 By lvwithlove In Community News /  

History buffs and film enthusiasts alike are invited to a special screening of The Fries Rebellion, an acclaimed short film exploring the 1798–1799 Pennsylvania tax revolt that took place across Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery counties. The event will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 7 p.m. in the Hellertown Historical Society’s Tavern venue, located in the lower level of the historic Heller-Wagner Grist Mill at 170 West Walnut Street, Hellertown, PA. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

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Pass the Budget Episode Featuring Meals on Wheels Greater Lehigh Valley

Posted On October 15, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  
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In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we talk with Dina Kovats-Bernat, Director of Development and Communications for Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley, about what happens when politics stall and how delayed budgets are putting real lives at risk.

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Allentown Rescue Mission’s “Thanks for Giving” Drive Returns Nov. 8, with Meal Match Challenge

Posted On October 15, 2025 By lvwithlove In Community News /  

The Allentown Rescue Mission will host its annual Thanks for Giving Food & Supplies Drive on Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., marking the nonprofit’s 125th year of service. Donations of non-perishable food and essential supplies will be accepted at both Josh Early Candies locations in Allentown and Bethlehem.

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L.L.Bean’s Witch, Warlock, and Zombie Paddle Returns to Lake Nockamixon

Posted On October 7, 2025 By lvwithlove In Community News /  

L.L.Bean is bringing some spooky outdoor fun to Lake Nockamixon this weekend with its Witch, Warlock, and Zombie Stand-Up Paddleboard or Kayak Outing and Food Drive in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Participants are encouraged to dress in their best Halloween costumes and paddle alongside L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery instructors, who will be wearing their own witch, warlock, and zombie attire for a fun fall adventure on the water.

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Mostly Lehigh Valley Basketball Stars

Posted On October 6, 2025 By lvwithlove In Blog /  

The Lehigh Valley’s got a pretty wild basketball history. Some of the names on this list were born here, others showed up for college or to play with the Allentown Jets, but they all helped put local hoops on the map.

We rounded up a few who stood out the most:

Basketball runs deep in the Lehigh Valley. Some of these players were born and raised here. Others came through for college, for a few pro seasons, or to coach local teams like the Allentown Jets or the Pennsylvania ValleyDawgs. Together, they helped build a basketball legacy that stretches from packed high school gyms to NBA courts and overseas leagues.

Here are a few names that tell the story.

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WDIY Celebrates 30 Years of Community Radio in the Lehigh Valley

Posted On September 29, 2025 By lvwithlove In /  
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WDIY is celebrating 30 years of community radio from its home in Bethlehem’s historic Flatiron Building. Since first going on air in January 1995, the station has become a hub for local voices, diverse music, and civic engagement across the Lehigh Valley.

We had a chance to sit down with Executive Director Margaret McConnell on the roof of the Flatiron Building, overlooking the valley WDIY serves. She talked about everything from the station’s ten-year founding journey, to its 130 dedicated volunteers, to the challenge of replacing federal funding cuts.

“Try to replace 15 percent of your personal budget,” McConnell said. “That is a part time job. We have to fill that gap.”

We also talked about WDIY’s commitment to future generations through its youth media program, which has already trained more than 200 students to host shows and create podcasts.

“Through WDIY we combat homelessness, address mental health, prevent teen suicide, alleviate senior citizen loneliness, and spread joy,” McConnell said. “WDIY is not just a radio station. It is a beacon of hope, support, and empowerment for everyone in our community.”

The 30th anniversary celebrations continue with concerts, community programming, and a unique new fundraiser at the State Theatre in Easton — Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares.

🎟 Learn more about Lehigh Valley Hollywood Squares at: https://www.wdiy.org/lehigh-valley-hollywood-squares

Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/1f3M-X8Iw88

Thank you to our Partners!

WDIY 88.1 FM

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

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