No Rain Date

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things, including how many of us work. Due to COVID-19’s unprecedented challenges, more companies than ever are moving away from the rigid requirements of America’s traditional office-based workspaces to embrace work-from-home and hybrid solutions. On the cutting edge of this evolution in how we work is Venture X Bethlehem, a coworking space on the city’s economically diverse South Side (and the home of a satellite Saucon Source office). In our two-part interview with owner Terry Wallace (click here to listen to Part 1), you’ll learn more about why businesses of all sizes–from sole proprietorships to large firms–are discovering that coworking spaces are fantastic incubators for growth. Terry also discusses his diverse employment background, which includes military service, working as a police officer, a career in the pharmaceutical industry and being part of the 2010s coworking revolution in New York City. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, which includes stories abou the adoption of a new agenda policy that will affect commenting at Lower Saucon Township Council meetings, funding concerns by Hellertown Area Library supporters, the ongoing, Omicron-fueled COVID surge and the Lehigh Valley’s first taste of winter.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind from knowing you’ll never miss another important story.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed many things, including how many of us work. Due to COVID-19’s unprecedented challenges, more companies than ever are moving away from the rigid requirements of America’s traditional office-based workspaces to embrace work-from-home and hybrid solutions. On the cutting edge of this evolution in how we work is Venture X Bethlehem, a coworking space on the city’s economically diverse South Side (and the home of a satellite Saucon Source office). In our two-part interview with owner Terry Wallace (click here to listen to Part 2), you’ll learn more about why businesses of all sizes–from sole proprietorships to large firms–are discovering that coworking spaces are fantastic incubators for growth. Terry also discusses his diverse employment background, which includes military service, working as a police officer, a career in the pharmaceutical industry and being part of the 2010s coworking revolution in New York City. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, which includes stories about overwhelming demand for COVID tests at local hospitals, a local business owner’s plan to seek a state House seat, Hellertown-Lower Saucon Winter Restaurant Week and the winner of our 2021 Holiday Lights Contest & Tour. He also reflects on the year that was in local news, with highlights from our Top 12 Most-Read stories list, and shares a special update for No Rain Date listeners. From all of us at No Rain Date, best wishes for a safe and happy New Year!

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged police departments in many ways, one of which is maintaining connections with the communities they serve. On this episode of No Rain Date, we learn how the Bethlehem Police Department has adapted its community programs and safety initiatives to help keep some of the city’s most vulnerable residents safe–and connected. Community Services Sgt. Blake Kuntz is our special guest to discuss this important and timely issue, as well as how the stress of working during the holidays can have an impact on officers. Sgt. Kuntz also provides us with an update on one of the department’s best-known and most beloved units–the Bethlehem Mounted Police–and discusses the Citizens Police Academy, which provides city residents an opportunity to learn more about the complexities of modern policing. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, including stories about two new local restaurants: a Thai noodle bar that’s coming to Hellertown and an Ecuadorian eatery that will be opening in South Bethlehem. Our roundup also includes updates on St. Luke’s University Health Network’s decision to restrict visitation in its hospitals to individuals who are fully vaccinate against COVID-19 and a local business whose generosity is brightening the holidays for local families in need. From all of us at No Rain Date, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

Creating art is something that is often done in isolation, but art is inspired by the world around us, which is why it’s important for many artists to feel a sense of community. One highly-respected Lehigh Valley organization, Lehigh Art Alliance, has been providing that for more than 80 years. On this week’s episode of No Rain Date, we’re joined by LAA President El Shackleton and Vice President Laura Elmore for a discussion about ways their organization brings artists together for exhibits that enrich the lives of everyone in the community. Our discussion also extends to include the topic of COVID-19, and how the pandemic has impacted the local arts community. We learn what it means when an art exhibit is “juried,” what LAA exhibits are currenty happening and how anyone–including individuals who are simply lovers of art–can join and support Lehigh Art Alliance. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, including stories about the diagnosis of the first Omicron variant cases of COVID in the Lehigh Valley and the possible loosening of COVID health and safety guidelines in the Southern Lehigh School District.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

If you’re looking for an inspiring subject to brighten your holiday season (or someone else’s), don’t miss our interview with New Bethany Ministries Executive Director Marc Rittle. Located on Bethlehem’s South Side and formerly affiliated with the region’s Episcopal Diocese, New Bethany has been helping individuals and families facing financial and other challenges find housing, food and hope since 1985. As with many area nonprofits, the pandemic has presented the organization with unprecedented obstacles, but also opportunities for growth. New Bethany Ministries depends on support from local sponsors and donors to fund its wide range of life-sustaining programs, which is why the significance of their beloved Luminaria Night fundraiser each December can’t be understated. (Note: This year’s Luminaria Night was postponed from Dec. 11 to Dec. 18 due to weather conditions.) To learn more about how to get involved and support New Bethany Ministries as a donor or volunteer, please visit their website. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, including stories about a stabbing in Hellertown, a Fountain Hill homicide, a salon coming to the Promenade Shops and a return to visitation restrictions at St. Luke’s University Health Network hospitals due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

On Episode 83 of No Rain Date, we’re delighted to interview two people whose efforts to promote Bethlehem’s South Side as a unique holiday destination within the Christmas City have truly made them worthy of being on Santa’s “nice list.” Nicole Harrell and Addyson Young of ArtsQuest join us to discuss Christkindlmarkt–a large, festive craft market modeled after Germany’s traditional outdoor Christmas fairs–as well as a fun-packed SteelStacks event schedule featuring some less traditional seasonal offerings. Some of the cool things happening in the shadow of the blast furnaces this December are A Golden Girls Drag Christmas and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas’ Holiday Quote-Along Series, where holiday film classics like National Lampoons’ Christmas Vacation and It’s A Wonderful Life will be on the marquee. Nicole explains how Christkindlmarkt has evolved since it first opened in 1992, and shares some pro tips for first-time visitors. As always, Josh has a local news roundup, including stories about South Bethlehem’s expanding restaurant scene, a brazen flash robbery at a high-end beauty product store near Allentown and a new Letters to Santa mailbox at the Hellertown Post Office.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

On Episode 82 of No Rain Date, our special guest is a man who had to try using many different voices–literally–in order to find his own. Voice actor and instructor Brian S. Atwood explains that while his talent at impersonating everyone from Homer Simpson to Jimmy Stewart was what he thought would help him break into voice acting, it was ultimately his decision to use his own voice that helped launch his successful career following jobs with The Philadelphia Orchestroa and at Sirius Radio. In recent years, Atwood has raised his voice for such well-known clients as the Smithsonian Institution, General Electric, Nissan, Walmart, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and Wikipedia, and his voice-over work has been featured on History Channel, H2, truTV, American Heroes Channel and HLN television programs, as well as in various national radio, internet and TV ad campaigns. Today, Atwood also stays busy by helping to train the next generation of voice actors as an instructor at Northampton Community College. As always, Josh has a news roundup of the latest local news, including a story about a local boy’s role playing Tiny Tim in Civic Theatre of Allentown’s production of “A Christmas Carol” and a feature about the newest member of the Saucon Valley Alumni Association’s Wall of Fame.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

Live reindeer flying in from the North Pole for the ceremony? Free hot chocolate for everyone, along with the opportunity to tell Jolly Old St. Nick what’s on your Christmas wish list? Check, check and check. We’re talking about Light Up Night, the traditional kickoff to the holiday season in the Saucon Valley, of course, and the fact that it’s coming back at full size this year after adapting to meet stringent COVID-19 safety guidelines in 2020. On Episode 81 of No Rain Date, our special guests are two of Santa’s biggest helpers in Hellertown: the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Jessica O’Donnell and Lauren Bertucci, who have all the details about what’s new and different for Light Up Night 2021. One change visitors will notice is the addition of craft stands. In fact, attendees can expect to find more than 50 vendors at this year’s Light Up Night, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Dimmick Park. Ice sculpting, live music, food and beverage vendors, cash wagon rides, children’s activities and Santa’s arrival on a fire truck will also be part of the fun. As always, Josh has a news roundup of the latest local news, including other holiday events you’ll want to put on your calendar.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

On Episode 78 of No Rain Date, we welcome The Seeing Eye Area Coordinator Shannon Rager to the studio. The term “seeing eye dog” has become a universal coinage for just about any type of service canine, but Seeing Eye dogs are actually only those that are trained according to the rigorous standards of the organization for which they’re named, which was founded in Morristown, N.J., in the 1920s. Ever since then, the staff and volunteers of the Seeing Eye have been dedicated to training dogs for people who are blind and visually impaired, so they can lead more independent, fulfilling lives. To do this they depend on a closely-knit network of foster families who raise the pups in a learning environment in which they are groomed to potentially save someone’s life. Emotional attachments inevitably develop, but the ultimate goal is to provide a dog to someone whose life will be changed forever by it. We learn from our interview with Shannon how this process continued with modifications during the COVID pandemic, and how local families can become Seeing Eye puppy raisers. As always, Josh has a news roundup of the latest local news, including Veterans Day coverage and a story about a new craft cidery.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.

To all those who have served our country, Happy Veterans Day. On Episode 78 of No Rain Date–in our interview with Hellertown resident, Marine Corps veteran and yoga instructor Liz Thompson–our focus is on veterans and their health. After serving a tour of duty during the Iraq War in 2004-2005, Liz returned to the U.S. and civilian life, only to gradually discover that she hadn’t left the horrors of war behind. Despite some initial reluctance, she decided to try yoga as a means of reasserting control over her life. The rhythmic breathing and thoughtfulness of this ancient form of physical fitness helped her focus on her mental health and healing. Eventually she became a certified yoga instructor so she could help other veterans experience the same benefits from it. Today, she gives back to members of the local military community by leading a free yoga class for fellow veterans at the Hellertown American Legion, and through the nonprofit she founded, Balanced Warriors. Learn more and register for a class on the Balanced Warriors website. As always, Josh has a news roundup of the latest local news, including the results of last week’s competitive local school board, borough council and township council races.

No Rain Date is conveniently available for listening and download on iTunes, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, Tunein, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and other apps, in addition to Saucon Source. To learn more about the podcast, suggest an interview subject or share feedback, please email

Love No Rain Date? You can help support it by making a voluntary contribution and becoming a Saucon Source member today. Learn more here. And don’t forget to sign up to receive the free Saucon Source newsletter three times a week. You’ll enjoy the convenience of having the latest news delivered to your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as peace of mind of knowing you’ll never miss another story.