No Rain Date

☠ Happy Halloween! On Episode 78 of No Rain Date, we’re thrilled–and chilled–to be joined by local paranormal investigator, podcaster and filmmaker Justin Torok of Ghost Encounters, who has delved into the dark history of some of the Lehigh Valley’s most iconic locations. Justin–who also co-owns the local video production companies PhoenixFire Media and HomeSpot Media–first began investigating purported hauntings while studying at East Stroudsburg University. Over the years, he has led many investigations of places like the Weaversville Inn, the Sun Inn, Hexenkopf Rock, the Pocono Candle Shoppe, and most recently, Allentown’s Dorney Park. The amusement park founded in the late 19th century at the end of a trolley line has been the scene of bizarre tragedies over the years, and as Justin and his team recently discovered, the blood-curdling screams associated with Dorney Park’s rollercoasters and other rides might not all come from living souls. In our interview, you’ll also hear him talk about the most haunted place he has explored in over 10 years of paranormal investigating. Follow Justin and Ghost Encounters on Instagram, subscribe to his YouTube channel and listen to his podcast on iTunes and Spotify to learn more. As always, Josh has a news roundup of the latest local news and Saucon Source sportswriter, Keith “Coach Rief” Riefenstahl, has a preview of Friday night’s Saucon Valley vs. Palisades high school football game.

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 77 of No Rain Date we’re joined by two people who help connect our community with art as part of the work they do at the Allentown Art Museum: Amanda Lovell, the museum’s Director of Public Engagement, and AAM’s Youth & Family Education & Programs Coordinator, Nicole Mangold. The Allentown Art Museum’s history spans roughly 85 years. During that time the institution founded as an outlet for Walter Baum’s art school has grown into a world-class cultural center, while remaining approachable by individuals from all walks of life. In order to remain a vital part of the Lehigh Valley’s arts and culture scene, the museum continues to evolve, via the unique programming it offers, the special events and exhibitions it hosts, and of course, with its collections. Nicole and Amanda discuss some of the upcoming items on the museum’s calendar as well as how anyone can enjoy them. We also learn about how the COVID pandemic has impacted the museum, preservation of the museum’s collections and how area residents can support it by becoming members or volunteers. As always, Josh has a news roundup and Saucon Source sportswriter, Keith “Coach Rief” Riefenstahl has a preview of Friday night’s Saucon Valley vs. Northwestern Lehigh football game.

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 76 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Ellen Flynn, accomplished ghost storyteller, historian of creepy local places and dark side enchantress, for spooky tales about eight current or former Lehigh Valley eateries that are believed to be haunted. On Ellen’s list are Bethlehem’s Colonial era Sun Inn; the former King George Inn in South Whitehall Township; the former Magnolia’s Vineyard in Orefield; the former Newburg Inn in Lower Nazareth Township; the Iron Mule along the Delaware River near Easton; Braveheart Highland Pub in Hellertown; The Widow’s Tavern and Grille in Stockertown; and the Hanoverville Roadhouse in Bethlehem Township. Each establishment has at least one legend that is unique to it. For example, the ghost of a man named Marvin is rumored to haunt the Widow’s Tavern and Grille, where he was once employed. According to Ellen’s detailed research, Marvin was found hanging in the inn following a forbidden love affair with a female employee. But was it suicide…or murder? 😵 Some of the hauntings in these historic buildings are residual, while others are intelligent. And speaking of intelligence, it’s always a smart idea to support local business, so please consider a visit to one or more of these eateries this Halloween. As always, Josh has a local news roundup and Saucon Source sportswriter, Keith “Coach Rief” Riefenstahl, also has a preview of Friday’s football game in which Saucon Valley will take on Lehighton.

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.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Hear Dr. Ned Heindel speak about Hexenkopf Rock in person at a special talk, “Witches, Warlocks, and Wild Times: A History of the Haunted Hexenkopf Rock,” for Saucon Source and Lower Saucon Township Historical Society members. The talk will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. at Lower Saucon Town Hall, 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem. If you’re already a member, register here for free tickets. Not yet a member? Join online and become a supporter of the local news we publish. You’ll also receive access to future events and perks for our member-supporters.

On Episode 75 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Dr. Ned Heindel, Emeritus Howard S. Bunn Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Lehigh University and an authority on the haunted history of Hexenkopf Rock in Williams Township. Dr. Heindel and his family have called Hexenkopf hill for over 50 years, but his interest in the Pennsylvania folk medicinal practice known as ‘pow-wowing’–which is closely associated with it–dates back to his childhood in York County. While pow-wowing or braucherei was used as a force for good, some witches practiced the Pennsylvania German version of black magic known as hexerei, and their presence can still be felt at Hexenkopf. In addition to its haunted history, Dr. Heindel discusses the hill’s seeming impenetrability by outsiders like those who wanted to build a natural gas pipeline across it, and whether he believes a curse put on them by Hexenkopf’s protectors may have caused the controversial pipeline plan to collapse. As always, Josh has a roundup of the latest local headlines, including stories about the imminent closing of a beloved Fountain Hill eatery, a corn maze and other fall fun at Olde Stone Farm near Easton, Homecoming weekend at Saucon Valley High School and upcoming local Halloween parades you won’t want to miss. Saucon Source sportswriter, Keith “Coach Rief” Riefenstahl, also has a preview of Friday night’s big Homecoming football game in which the Saucon Valley Panthers will try to claw their way into Colonial League playoff contention with a win over rival Southern Lehigh.

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 74 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Allen Frank, who recently became the fifth director of the world-famous Liberty High School Grenadier Marching Band. Along with the high school, the band is gearing up to celebrate its centennial in 2022, beginning with the Oct. 31 Bethlehem Halloween Parade. Under director Ronald Sherry’s leadership in the 1960s the Grenadiers were styled after Britain’s famed Royal Coldstream Guard, and since then they have become a beloved, iconic symbol of the City of Bethlehem. Allen discusses the band’s storied history, the role band members play as cultural ambassadors and how COVID-19 has impacted its musicians over the past year-and-a-half. As always, Josh has a roundup of the latest local news headlines, including stories about a dine-and-dash investigation at a local restaurant, a methadone clinic burglary, Saucon Valley High School’s 2021 Homecoming Court and Halloween fun that’s just around the corner. Saucon Source sportswriter and coach, Keith Riefenstahl, has a preview of Friday night’s football game in which the Saucon Valley Panthers will battle the Bangor Area Slaters.

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 72 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Will Rufe, a passionate chef-educator who is part of Northampton Community College’s (NCC) highly-regarded culinary arts program. Will shares his background with regard to food and the unlikely path that led him to become a chef, as well as his customer-centric philosophy toward cooking for the public. As an instructor at NCC, Will is not only training the chefs of tomorrow, but also a key player in managing the teaching restaurant on the school’s Bethlehem Township campus. Hampton Winds recently reopened after a closure of nearly 18 months, during which it was renovated with COVID safety protocols in mind. The restaurant is open to the public when classes are in session. Will finds the time to give back to his community by serving as a member of Fountain Hill Borough Council, and he discusses the current borough business climate as part of our interview. As always, Josh has a roundup of the latest local news headlines, including stories about a groundbreaking for a new rehabilitation hospital in Center Valley, a groundbreaking for a new public works building in Hellertown and a ribbon-cutting at a designer denim store at the Promenade Shops. Saucon Source sportswriter, Keith Riefenstahl, has a preview of Friday night’s football game in which the Saucon Valley Panthers will battle the Blue Mountain Eagles.

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 72 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Jim and Amy Koch, who run Olde Stone Farm in Easton. The farm has been in the Koch family for three generations and nearly 100 years. What once was a dairy farm, now mainly produces corn, wheat and hay. The pair were excited to discuss a fall festival they are launching this October called Harvest Days. Harvest Days is a smaller scale, family-oriented fall festival, which will feature a 2-acre corn maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, seasonal games, farm animals, and pumpkins, mums and corn stalks for sale. Snacks and refreshments will also be available. Harvest Days will be held on Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jonny steps in for this episode to provide a roundup of the biggest headlines from this week, which include early plans for a development at the former site of Neighbors Home & Garden, the return of the Saucon Valley Spirit Parade and a disc golf championship being held in Hellertown. Sportswriter, Keith Riefenstahl, also provides a preview of this weekend’s football clash between Saucon Valley and Wilson.

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 71 of No Rain Date we’re joined by Marcie Mulligan, Director of Cultural Education for the Celtic Cultural Alliance, which organizes Bethlehem’s annual Celtic Classic. The three-day festival is a celebration of all things Celtic and a fall staple in the Christmas City, where it had to be canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Marcie explains how it has evolved and grown since it was first held in 1988, and how its organizers have adapted this year to ensure that a safe, fun event can be held. The 2021 Celtic Classic will be held Friday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 26 in downtown Bethlehem, with shuttle service available from Valley Center Parkway. For more information, visit CelticFest.org. Celtic Cultural Alliance is an organization that promotes Celtic heritage in the Lehigh Valley all year-round, and Marcie tells about some of their other initiatives as well. As always, Josh has highlights from the week that was in local news, including an update on a fatal crash at the Jersey Shore involving a Coopersburg man and a benefit motorcycle ride–Pipes 4 Paws–that will end at Dewey Fire Co. in Hellertown Sept. 26. Our sportswriter, Keith Riefenstahl, also has an exciting preview of Friday’s Saucon Valley-Pottsville high school football game.

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.