Lehigh Valley Auto Show Preview

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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.

ALL INFO AT: https://lehighvalleyautoshow.org/

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!

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Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Blog: Lehigh Valley Auto Show 2025 – A Recap

The Premier Automotive Event Returns

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.

A Night to Remember – The Preview Gala

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.

What’s New at the 2025 Auto Show?

Running from March 20-23, the auto show spans three distinct pavilions:

  • Import Pavilion: Showcasing top international brands like Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, and McLaren.
  • Domestic Pavilion: Featuring American favorites such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge.
  • Luxury Pavilion: A display of high-end exotics including Lamborghinis and McLarens.

🚦 Special Attractions Include:

  • NASCAR and Formula 1 Exhibits: Get up close with two NASCAR race cars and a Formula 1 display.
  • Tuner Show: On Saturday, enjoy a showcase of custom cars with awards and live DJ sets.
  • NASCAR Sunday: Meet local professional driver Sage Karam and explore racing exhibits.
  • Local Tastings: Daily samplings from regional breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

Spotlight on Local Talent – Jonah Hendershot

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

Why Attend?

🎟 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:

 

Reentry in the Lehigh Valley: Breaking Barriers & Building Second Chances

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Guests:

  • Dr. Michael Pittaro – Director of Corrections, Northampton County
  • Jose Rivera – Community Engagement Coordinator, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • Attorney David D. Ritter – Criminal Defense Attorney, Kitay Law Offices

Reentry after incarceration is a process that affects all of us, whether we realize it or not. Did you know that 65% of people released from prison end up reoffending? Or that defendants who can’t afford bail often spend 90 to 180 days behind bars before their case is even resolved? These barriers make successful reintegration nearly impossible, but there are solutions—like expanding mental health and drug courts, addressing pre-trial detention challenges, and improving job opportunities for returning citizens.

In this episode of Lehigh Valley with Love, we dive deep into the realities of reentry with experts and those who have lived through the process. Our guests share their firsthand experiences and insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.

Thank you to Dr. Joseph Roy for his invaluable help producing this episode!

Watch Episode

 

www.lvwithlove.com
LV With Love Logo

Thank you to our Partners!
WDIY

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Wind Creek Event Center

Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate

Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub

Banko Beverage Company

Blog: The Realities of Reentry – A Recap of the Podcast

Understanding Reentry
Reentry is the process by which formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society after serving their time. While release from prison might seem like the end of a sentence, for many, it marks the beginning of another battle—finding employment, securing housing, and avoiding recidivism.

Jose Rivera, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, explains how reentry was once a non-existent term. Instead, individuals were labeled “ex-cons” or “felons,” limiting their opportunities. While the language has evolved, the systemic barriers remain overwhelming for many returning citizens.

The Challenges of Reentry
Dr. Michael Pittaro, Director of Corrections for Northampton County, highlights the recidivism rate of nearly 65% in the U.S., emphasizing that many individuals return to the same communities where they faced prior struggles. Without intervention, they encounter the same environments, influences, and hardships that led to their incarceration.

Attorney David Ritter sheds light on pre-trial detention and bail reform, explaining that individuals can spend 90 to 180 days in jail before their trial simply because they cannot afford bail. This extended detention causes job loss, housing instability, and financial hardship, making reintegration even more difficult after release.

Another major obstacle is the role of parole and probation officers. Some officers serve as mentors, helping individuals access resources, while others take a more punitive approach, increasing the likelihood of reoffending. Rivera stresses that a supportive parole officer can make all the difference in successful reentry.

Employment and Housing: Critical Factors in Reentry Success
Securing employment after incarceration is a major challenge. Dr. Pittaro explains how background checks and job applications with felony-related questions create barriers, despite Pennsylvania’s “Ban the Box” initiative. While this law prevents employers from immediately disqualifying applicants based on criminal history, employers still have access to background checks and often reject qualified applicants.

Housing is another pressing issue. Many landlords deny applications from formerly incarcerated individuals, making it difficult to secure stable living conditions. Even those who find employment struggle with rising housing costs and parole restrictions that limit where they can live. David Ritter emphasizes that parole conditions often require a stable address, but without accessible housing, securing parole itself becomes an obstacle.

Solutions That Are Making a Difference
Despite the challenges, several initiatives in the Lehigh Valley are making strides toward improving reentry outcomes:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A tool used in reentry programs to help individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns.
The Reentry Coalition: A network of organizations collaborating to support individuals reentering society.
Specialty Courts (Drug Court & Mental Health Court): Programs aimed at rehabilitation rather than incarceration, diverting nonviolent offenders toward treatment-based solutions.
One-Stop Reentry Centers: Efforts are underway to establish centralized locations where individuals can access job training, mental health services, housing assistance, and legal aid in one place.
While these programs are promising, expanding housing access, providing employer incentives, and improving parole officer training remain key priorities in reducing recidivism.

Final Thoughts
Reentry is not just about the individual—it’s a community issue. When individuals successfully reintegrate, crime rates decrease, families remain intact, and communities grow stronger. However, employment barriers, housing restrictions, and punitive parole policies must be addressed to create long-term success.

This episode of Lehigh Valley with Love underscores the need for policy changes, stronger community support, and a shift in public perception—from punishment to rehabilitation.