Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/g8ULICVBLVk

As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re talking with Christine from Creative Learning Lab to learn how this vibrant business is inspiring creativity in the Lehigh Valley. From private music lessons and advanced art programs to toddler drop-ins and unique holiday workshops, there’s truly something for everyone.

Christine also shares their exciting holiday offerings, including Black Friday deals, Kids Night Out pajama parties, and Bob Ross-themed painting classes.

Christine of Creative Learning Lab

Creative Learning Lab: www.discovercll.com

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNvZgteHc9Q

As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we’re talking with John from Franklin Hill Vineyards about their rich history as the Lehigh Valley’s oldest vineyard. From their famous Sir Walter’s Red to festive mulled wine, they’re offering unique ways to celebrate the holiday season.

Find out about their extended holiday hours, Thanksgiving to-go options, customizable gift baskets, and how you can rent their space for your next event.

John of Franklin Hill Vineyards

Franklin Hill Vineyards: www.franklinhillvineyards.com

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/Dec6CJHe-74

As part of the Shop Local Harder series, we sat down with Christine and Tyler from The Club at Twin Lakes to chat about their recent renovations, including upgrades to their historic golf course, event spaces, and their on-site restaurant, the Wild Turkey Grill.

Whether you’re hitting the links or looking for a venue for your next big event, Twin Lakes offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

In this episode, we also explore their holiday offerings, like Thanksgiving to-go meals, breakfast with Santa, and festive tournaments like the Turkey Trot and Santa Scramble.

Christine and Tyler: The Club at Twin Lakes

The Club at Twin Lakes: https://www.theclubattwinlakes.com/

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/gl0JhFLVPno

In this episode, we take a walk with Marc Rittle, Executive Director of New Bethany, through the heart of South Bethlehem. Marc shares how New Bethany is helping Lehigh Valley residents in need, including the recent transformation of their food pantry into a choice pantry. Families can now shop for fresh produce and groceries in a setting that feels like a real store, giving them the dignity of choice and empowering them in a meaningful way.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and New Bethany’s Turkey Drive on Friday, November 22nd, is set to be a huge event at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown.

This year, they’re aiming to collect 1,200 turkeys to meet requests from local organizations, ensuring that hundreds of families from Allentown to Bethlehem have everything they need for a memorable Thanksgiving.

Want to get involved? Drop off a 10-12 lb frozen turkey at Coca-Cola Park or donate virtually by texting “LVturkeydrive” to 41444.

They’re also collecting holiday meal sides like stuffing and green beans, so feel free to add a little extra to the donation!

For more details, visit New Bethany’s Turkey Drive page: https://newbethany.org/event/turkey-drive/

Tune in to learn more about New Bethany’s work and how you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season.

Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, and WDIY 88.1 FM!

Marc Rittle: Executive Director of New Bethany

TURKEY DRIVE: https://newbethany.org/event/turkey-drive/

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/IXiroHohVUQ

In this episode, we take a scenic stroll through Louise Moore Park with Lisa Pammer, the powerhouse owner of Green Pond Packaging. Lisa shares the remarkable story of how she left a successful career in international finance to create Green Pond Packaging, a solo venture bringing compostable, eco-friendly food packaging to the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Her mission began with an “Aha” moment: one afternoon at a local ice cream shop, she noticed dozens of styrofoam cups being thrown away. That simple observation was the catalyst that launched her vision of replacing everyday products with plant-based, compostable alternatives.

Join us as we dive into:

Big thanks to this episode’s sponsors: Wind Creek Event Center, Michael Bernadyn with Remax Realty, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, Bingo Bango Beverage Company, WDIY 88.1 FM, and Lehigh Valley Health Network!

Lisa Pammer: Green Pond Packaging

Green Pond Packaging: www.greenpondpackaging.com

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE8zs4kaUaQ

Join us for a special Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast live stream where we discuss the upcoming transfer tax referendum in Allentown, which is set to appear on the November ballot. If you’re a renter, buyer, or seller in the city, this is something that could have a direct impact on you, and we’re here to help you understand what’s going on!

We’ve invited three experts from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR) to walk us through everything you need to know about the proposed tax hike and answer your questions live.

These knowledgeable guests will explain what the proposal asks of voters, what a “Yes” or “No” vote means, and why GLVR is taking an active role in educating the public. They’ll also dive into why this matters for more than just the real estate community—anyone in Allentown should be paying attention to this referendum.

We’ll cover these important questions:

Asher Schiavone: Government Affairs Director for GLVR

More info: VoteNoAllentownTaxHike.com

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE8zs4kaUaQ

In this episode, we sit down with three nationally acclaimed authors ahead of the Society of the Arts’ (SOTA) Cocktails with the Authors and Luncheon with the Authors events happening on October 9th and 10th, 2024. These events raise funds for the educational programs at the Allentown Art Museum and SOTA’s other community efforts.

For more information and tickets, visit sotapa.org/lwta.

Amy Jo Burns: Author of Mercury and Shiner, sharing insights into her storytelling process and her latest works.

Shelley Noble: Author of The Tiffany Girls and Whisper Beach, discussing her exploration of historical fiction and her love for hidden stories.

Meg Shaffer: Author of The Wishing Game, sharing how childhood stories continue to inspire her creative works.

Festival Ubound: https://touchstone.org/festival-unbound/

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/3GifJedvJRw

In this episode, we dive into Festival UnBound, Touchstone Theatre’s vibrant arts festival that runs October 2-6, 2024.

We’re joined by Mary Wright and Samantha Beedle to discuss this year’s highlights, from Kinetic Light’s breathtaking performances showcasing disability in a new light, to events like a guided canoe tour on the Lehigh River and a poetry walk along scenic trails.

This festival is all about connecting community through art, interaction, and shared experiences!

Check out more details at https://touchstone.org/festival-unbound/

Sam Beedle – Touchstone Theatre

Mary Wright – Touchstone Theatre

Festival Ubound: https://touchstone.org/festival-unbound/

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/rBgJ66JrlAw

In this episode, we visited Lafayette College to learn all about their upcoming Fall Arts Festival, which kicks off on September 28!

Marta Kepka, Director of Art Marketing, gave us a tour of Buck Hall—including Landis Cinema and the Daniel H. and Sandra Weiss Black Box Theater—along with the Williams Center for the Arts and visual arts spaces.

We also spoke with Ty Furman and Ricardo J. Reyes about how the arts at Lafayette play a major role in the local community and are open to the public.

Marta Kepka – Director of Art Marketing, Lafayette College

Lafayette College Fall Arts Festival: https://the-arts.lafayette.edu/fall-arts-festival/

4K VIDEO VERSION: https://youtu.be/PQVZ4MmJhh8

In this episode, we take a tour of the Allentown Art Museum’s first floor, exploring the New American Galleries with incredible pieces from artists like Rigo Peralta and Keith Haring, plus a visit to the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright room.

Then, we talk all about the upcoming Cocktails & Collecting event happening Saturday, October 5, followed by the Art Fair for All on Sunday, October 6.

It’s a packed weekend of art, culture, and fun, so get ready to dive in with us!

Cocktails and Collecting Link: https://www.allentownartmuseum.org/cocktails-collecting-2024/

Alison & Irene: The Allentown Art Museum

Cocktails & Collecting: https://www.allentownartmuseum.org/cocktails-collecting-2024/