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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.
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.
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have announced that Banana Ball will return to Coca-Cola Park on August 7 and 8, 2026, bringing the high-energy baseball phenomenon back to the Lehigh Valley for a second straight year.
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.
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.
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
Rising singer-songwriter Renee Christine has unveiled her latest single, “Lehigh Valley,” released on September 26, 2025. Produced by Doug Schadt, the track blends Christine’s folk and country influences with vivid storytelling rooted in place, memory, and resilience.
The End Bookstore, a longtime community hub for readers in the Lehigh Valley, is unveiling its expanded design and layout on Tuesday, September 23 at 5 p.m. The renovation adds more than 1,000 new titles, fresh sections for trending genres, and new areas dedicated to families and young readers.
The independent bookstore, which has served readers for nearly 13 years, remains the only all-new, general interest bookstore in the region. Its expansion reflects both the resilience of indie bookstores nationwide and the surge in interest around genres such as romantasy, dark romance, fantasy, and horror.
To mark the occasion, The End will host a launch event for its new “Midnight Lair” section on September 23. The celebration includes appearances from a popular romantasy book blogger, themed swag, and exclusive promotions. The store has also lined up a series of author events, including an October 10 reading with science fiction luminary Martha Wells.
Beyond new genres, the bookstore is strengthening its role as a gathering space. Families can enjoy the redesigned “Let’s Play Books” area, which hosts weekly story times on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Readers can also explore curated audiobook picks through Libro.fm. Partnerships with local businesses will help fund books for children as part of the store’s Authors to Schools program.
Owner Kirsten Hess emphasized that adaptability is central to The End’s success. “We’ve been in business for almost 13 years, the only way to do that is by constantly changing. What does our community want? What does our community need? That’s our approach.”
The End Bookstore is a member of the American Booksellers Association and the New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association. As the indie bookselling landscape grows nationally, Hess remains candid about the challenges: “We are always about two months away from closing – every book purchase matters.”
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
George Wacker and Jeff Warren are joined by Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, for a deep dive into the region’s housing challenges.
From outdated zoning laws to increasing demand and shrinking affordability, the Lehigh Valley is at a tipping point. This episode brings together two perspectives—planning and real estate—to talk about how we got here and what needs to happen next.
“We have the jobs. We have the economy. What we don’t have is enough housing that works for everyone.” — Jill Seitz
“If we don’t address supply and density issues now, affordability is going to get worse—and fast.” — Michael Bernadyn
Housing is one of the most urgent and complex challenges facing the Lehigh Valley.
In this episode of Off the Record, we hear from two people deeply engaged in the work:
Jill Seitz, Chief Community and Regional Planner at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, and
Michael Bernadyn, 2025 President of Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode
The numbers speak for themselves.
“We’re anticipating that we’re going to need about 20,000 new units of housing in the Lehigh Valley by 2030. And that’s in addition to what we’ve already got planned and in the works.” — Jill Seitz
But this isn’t just about building homes—it’s about building the right kinds of homes in the right places.
“People that live and work in the Lehigh Valley can’t always find housing they can afford or housing that suits their needs.” — Jill Seitz
“The challenge has always been, and still is, that we have more buyers than we have sellers.” — Michael Bernadyn
Much of the region’s housing strain comes down to barriers in zoning and local governance.
“We have 62 municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. And if you want to build a multifamily development, you’ve got to go through a very time-consuming process. And there’s a lot of resistance.” — Michael Bernadyn
“Communities want economic growth… but they don’t always want the housing that goes along with that.” — Jill Seitz
The solution? A shift in mindset—and a move toward regional thinking.
“Housing is not optional. It’s not a nice-to-have. It’s necessary if we want to keep growing.” — Jill Seitz
The path forward requires policy alignment, regional cooperation, and a commitment to long-term solutions.
“We want to make sure that our municipalities are zoning for all types of housing. And that we’re working regionally to make sure there’s a place for everyone—whether that’s a first-time buyer, someone downsizing, or someone who wants to stay in their neighborhood as they age.” — Jill Seitz
“If we don’t start having these conversations now, and making changes now, the situation is going to get worse—and fast. But if we do act now, we can start to shift things in a better direction.” — Michael Bernadyn
This conversation isn’t just about housing markets. It’s about equity, sustainability, and what kind of future the Lehigh Valley wants to build.
📍 Learn More
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission → https://www.lvpc.org
Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® → https://www.greaterlehighvalleyrealtors.com
🎧 Listen to the full episode
www.lehighvalleywithlovemedia.com/podcast/housingepisode
Guests:
Brannagh Breslin & Diya Sharma – Hosts of YANA LV on WDIY 88.1 FM
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Moravian Academy seniors Brannagh Breslin and Diya Sharma, co-hosts of YANA LV, a youth-led mental health radio show airing monthly on WDIY 88.1 FM: https://www.wdiy.org/show/yana-lv
Brannagh and Diya explain how they started YANA LV with little more than an idea, a few iPhone recordings, and a shared belief that their generation needed a safe space to talk about mental health. The podcast, now supported by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, features candid conversations with students, educators, and community leaders—tackling mental health from every angle.
“You are not alone.” It’s more than a title—it’s the foundation of YANA LV, the student-led mental health show created by Moravian Academy seniors Brannagh Breslin and Diya Sharma.
Their journey began in the summer before junior year with a few iPhone recordings and an idea. “We decided to start this podcast because we both had interest in mental health,” Diya says. “Our stories individually were so different, but they overlapped with the idea of mental health and giving it to a bigger audience.”
The show is rooted in lived experience. “For example, if a girl is smiling to the world, happy, seems like the most bubbly person in the world—it’s not true,” Diya says. “She might be dealing with the most deepest things herself, and she’s afraid to tell other people.”
“And that’s another reason we started this podcast,” she adds. “Because the idea of You Are Not Alone means that we’re a community, and we’re going to support one another.”
At first, the show was as DIY as it gets. “We would just record on our phones,” Diya recalls. “Obviously it’s not as great editing as we have here at the studio, but it was a start.”
They cold-emailed professors and local figures to ask about everything from ADHD to the psychological impact of injury and trauma. “Sometimes we would have to send five emails to five different people just to get one episode,” Brannagh says.
Eventually, with encouragement from a teacher and a few inspiring guests, they were connected with WDIY’s Youth Media Program. “I brought my dad into the studio,” Brannagh says. “I was so excited about it. It feels so professional.”
Two moments stood out from their time on the show. “David Robertson… he came on to talk about Joshua Tree,” Brannagh says. “It’s for his little brother, who unfortunately passed away due to addiction… and he turned it into such a positive thing.”
Their very first WDIY episode also left a mark. “His name is Herman,” Diya says. “He’s an anesthesiologist and he has a prosthetic leg. The way he spoke and the things that he said were very inspirational.”
“Even though situations aren’t exactly the same,” Brannagh says, “we’re still bringing attention to talking about the things that we go through.”
Diya adds: “Everyone has physical health—and I think everyone has mental health, whether they recognize it or not. I think just normalizing that and talking about it is the first big step.”
Brannagh is heading to NYU to study liberal studies and political science or psychology before law school. Diya will attend UVA to study biology and pursue a career in medicine. But they’re not finished with YANA LV.
“Obviously, we can’t come here and record at the studio,” Brannagh says, “but we’ll keep YANA alive.”
Guests:
In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, host George Wacker sits down with Paul Gosselin and Kostas Hatalis of Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, that’s putting the Lehigh Valley back on the innovation map.
You’ll hear how this growing team is not only building on-premise AI systems and custom large language models, but doing it all from the region that produced the world’s first commercial transistors — long before the rise of Silicon Valley.
From community collaboration and tech talent to data privacy and enterprise-level solutions, Alexander Labs is working to make AI accessible, secure, and proudly local.
To learn more or get in touch, visit: https://alexanderlabs.ai
Kostas Hatalis opens with a bold statement: the Lehigh Valley isn’t just a place with warehouses — it was the original Silicon Valley. The region manufactured the world’s first commercial transistors in the 1940s, and yet few in tech today give it credit. That legacy is exactly what inspired Alexander Labs, an AI incubator based in Allentown that’s trying to bring innovation back home.
Paul Gosselin, co-founder of Alexander Labs, walks us through how the project started — with an empty room, a few whiteboards, and a wild idea. Paul had been running software companies when he met Kostas, a Lehigh Ph.D. who had already built his own large language model. They talked, they brainstormed, and soon they realized: “We need to create a lab. One that brings the community in and builds something real.”
That idea became Alexander Labs — an incubator not just for AI startups, but for a smarter, more connected Lehigh Valley tech ecosystem.
One of Alexander Labs’ most exciting projects is GoCharlie, a next-generation AI assistant that can write, analyze, and support business operations. But what makes it special isn’t just what it does — it’s where and how it was built.
GoCharlie’s models are developed right in Allentown using an approach Kostas calls “small language models.” Instead of billion-dollar infrastructure, these models run on a single GPU or CPU, making them affordable, fast, and customizable for real businesses.
In a world where companies send sensitive data into massive black-box systems like ChatGPT, GoCharlie offers something better: AI you can understand, control, and host locally.
Alexander Labs is also building its own on-prem data center — allowing businesses to plug in directly and run GoCharlie inside their own walls. Paul calls it GoPrem — and it’s already helping companies avoid relying on Silicon Valley giants for AI tools.
“We’re really focused on enterprise,” he says, “but it’s more than that — we’re helping companies get their data in order, whether structured or unstructured, so they can actually use AI meaningfully.”
Throughout the conversation, privacy and autonomy come up again and again. Alexander Labs isn’t just building AI — they’re building trust. Kostas explains how big tech companies are scraping public data to train their models, while businesses are becoming increasingly wary of handing over proprietary information.
That’s why localized, on-premise AI is such a key differentiator. “You can’t just trust Microsoft or Google with everything,” Paul says. “We can offer the same kind of power — but right here in the Valley, with local partnerships and control.”
Despite the region’s rich tech history, the Lehigh Valley hasn’t been part of the AI conversation — until now. Alexander Labs is trying to change that. With support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners and other local initiatives, they’re helping seed the next wave of innovation.
“We’re trying to build culture here,” Paul says. “It’s not easy. But if we can keep talented students and young founders in the Valley, we can build something real.”
Looking ahead, the conversation shifts to the future of AI. Kostas explains that the next wave isn’t just smarter chatbots — it’s AI agents: autonomous systems that can do real work across tools like Slack, Zoom, and WordPress. “If it’s a task that can be done remotely, AI is coming for it,” he says.
But for Alexander Labs, the goal isn’t replacing people — it’s empowering them. By creating scalable, local-first AI, they’re making sure small businesses can keep up — and even outpace the giants.
This episode isn’t just about AI — it’s about ownership. It’s about building technology that serves local communities, respects data privacy, and creates opportunity where it’s needed most. Alexander Labs is betting that the next big thing in tech doesn’t have to come from California — it can start in Allentown.
And if they’re right, the Lehigh Valley may just become the first Silicon Valley all over again.
Guests:
In this episode of Off the Record with Lehigh Valley With Love, hosts George Wacker and Northampton County Commissioner Jeff Warren sit down with former U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild to discuss her time in office, the current state of politics, and the future of the Lehigh Valley. From advocating for lower prescription drug prices to ensuring the Lehigh Valley gets the attention it deserves on the national stage, Susan shares insights from her career and what comes next.
Susan Wild reflects on her six years representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and shares how she’s still deeply involved in advocating for local organizations and causes. While she has not yet made a final decision about running for office again, she emphasizes the importance of supporting Democratic candidates who can challenge Ryan Mackenzie in the next election.
“I think it’s really important that somebody run on the Democratic side who can beat Ryan Mackenzie… If it’s not me, I will be getting behind whoever the strongest Democratic candidate is.”
Wild discusses how the Lehigh Valley has historically been overshadowed by Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when it comes to securing federal funding. During her tenure, she made it a priority to ensure that the Lehigh Valley received its fair share of resources.
“We’re the third largest and fastest-growing region in Pennsylvania, and I made it my mission to bring millions of dollars back to the Lehigh Valley.”
She also highlights the critical need for continued support for local organizations, especially as political shifts at the national level could lead to funding challenges for nonprofits, education, and healthcare.
One of Susan’s proudest accomplishments was her work on lowering the cost of prescription drugs, particularly insulin. She explains how she came to realize the severity of the issue through conversations with constituents and how it became a legislative priority.
“I made it my mission to push for reduced drug prices, and we finally made breakthroughs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Insulin costs have come down, and we’re continuing to negotiate lower prices for other life-saving medications.”
The conversation shifts to the broader political landscape, where Wild discusses how modern political figures are more focused on gaining attention than governing. She criticizes the influence of money in politics and how viral moments often dictate fundraising success.
“Some of the craziest things we’ve seen—like people suggesting we put Donald Trump on a $250 bill—are done for attention because they know it will bring in donations.”
She also highlights the challenges of being a moderate politician in today’s political climate, where bipartisan efforts often go unnoticed compared to the more extreme voices on both sides.
Looking ahead, Wild expresses optimism about the Lehigh Valley’s growth but warns about the challenges of urban sprawl and warehouse expansion. She stresses the importance of balancing economic development with responsible planning.
“We need to ensure that we don’t turn the Lehigh Valley into just another suburb of Philadelphia. Growth is great, but it has to be done in a way that maintains our region’s character.”
As the discussion wraps up, Wild talks about the need for younger voices in politics and her desire to mentor future leaders.
“If I decide not to run, it will be because I believe in mentoring and passing the baton. We need more young people in politics, and we have to give them the support they need.”
She shares her vision of creating an initiative in the Lehigh Valley to educate and engage young people in public service, whether through running for office or getting involved in advocacy work.
Guests:
In this special episode of Lehigh Valley With Love, we dive deep into the 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show, one of the most anticipated automotive events in the region. From the exciting Preview Gala to the latest high-performance vehicles, electric innovations, and custom builds, this episode covers it all.
We discuss:
✔️ The Preview Gala, benefiting Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit
✔️ The history and impact of the Greater Lehigh Valley Auto Dealers Association
✔️ What to expect at this year’s auto show – from luxury cars to NASCAR and F1 exhibits
✔️ The growing presence of hybrid and electric vehicles
✔️ Exclusive custom car showcases and local car culture
✔️ The economic and philanthropic impact of the auto show
Whether you’re a gearhead, a casual car enthusiast, or just looking for a fun weekend event, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show has something for everyone!
The 2025 Lehigh Valley Auto Show is set to be a spectacular showcase, featuring everything from exotic supercars to the latest in electric vehicle technology. Held at Lehigh University’s Stabler Arena, this event is a celebration of automotive excellence, innovation, and community spirit.
Kicking off on March 19th, the Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview Gala offers an exclusive first look at this year’s impressive lineup. This elegant evening supports the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Pediatric Unit and promises a night filled with entertainment, gourmet dining, and networking opportunities. The event will feature a performance of the national anthem by Kendall Conrad, followed by lively entertainment from the Mummers.
Running from March 20-23, the auto show spans three distinct pavilions:
🚦 Special Attractions Include:
We’re thrilled to feature Jonah Hendershot, the Lehigh Valley-based YouTuber behind the popular channel “Cookin’ Cars”. Jonah combines his passion for culinary arts and automobiles, creating unique content that blends car reviews, event coverage, and DIY automotive tutorials. His engaging and relatable style makes Cookin’ Cars a must-follow channel for car enthusiasts.
📺 Subscribe to his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@cookincars
🎟 Affordable Fun – Only $10 max entry, free parking, and an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Dream Cars on Display – Sit in and explore the latest hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles.
👨👩👧 Family-Friendly Activities – Kid-friendly exhibits, interactive displays, and a marketplace with local vendors.
📅 Event Details:
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
