Lehigh Valley Style May 2024

LOCAL FLOWER FARM ERS

Holmquist Farm

White Acre Manor

The winding country roads of New Hope are an idyllic backdrop for this elegant rural estate. Every aspect of the property has been renewed or improved in recent years. Surrounded by 12 private acres with heated in-ground infinity pool, pickleball court and long distance views. 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, newly added detached garage with 2 bedroom guest quarters.

$6,400,000

Melrose Lane

An exceptional residence located in the heart of Saucon Valley in the private community of White Acre, known for its private roads and stunning executive residences. Multiple terraces, decks and porches overlook lush lawn and a pond with stone waterfall, wooden footbridge, and a small dock for rowboats. 5 bedrooms, 6,132 SqFt, 4.13 acres. $2,950,000

Sycamore Hollow

$2,889,500

Custom home builder Myron R. Haydt works with homeowners who will settle for nothing less than extraordinary quality, location, and design to create their dream home with materials gifted by nature and honed by fine craftsmen. Protective covenants, including a 4,500 square foot minimum, have been developed to establish enduring value.

Entry to this stunning stone home built circa 1823 begins with a covered porch and deep-set doorway. Exposed beams, deep silled windows and random width wood floors mingle with modern amenities for the ultimate in luxury country living. Outside, more than 14 acres of wooded and cleared land boast a spring fed pond and access to Ontelaunee Creek. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 2,608 SqFt, 14.267 Acres. $724,000

DO ALL IN ONE PLACE

IS IN THE RIGHT HANDS h e a r t M y heart

I never thought that I would have a heart attack at my age, but I’m glad that when I was at my worst I turned to the best. Now I feel better than ever, and none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary care from everyone at St. Luke’s.”— Kim Krug

When it comes to your heart, you need a team you can trust to provide the highest quality care, no matter how complex or routine the issue. That’s why Kim chose St. Luke’s – the region’s only nationally ranked 50 Top Heart Hospital to help her get back to feeling better than ever. With St. Luke’s, Kim knows her heart is in the right hands. To learn more, visit sluhn.org/kim or scan the QR code.

10 STYLE SCENE

14 THIS MONTH’S PICKS

We’re Loving

17 TRENDING NOW

Notes & Quotes

22 GET THE GOODS

+ Coffee

25 ASK THE EXPERT Liberate Your Living Space

29 LIVING WELL WITH Heather Gidusko

33 INSIGHT

Robertson

36 5 THINGS

38 GET TO KNOW THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S FLOWER FARMERS

90 BEYOND THE MENU Le Poisson Braisé with Chef Habiba Diaby

92 INSIDE DISH

European Taverna

96 DRINK THIS MIXXTINI

ON THE COVER

PHOTO BY MARCO CALDERON

SeJean Tuma, owner of Flores Temporis, photographed by Marco Calderon

ENJOY 80 TEQUILAS. (MAYBE NOT ALL AT ONCE.)

You’ll be hard pressed to find a larger selection of tequila in the Lehigh Valley. We feature names from Altos to Zarco and 78 others in between. All types of tequila are represented: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Mezcal. Each with its own unique flavor and individual character. All of them go perfectly with our impressive menu of modern Mexican cuisine. Please enjoy our expansive collection of fine tequila — just take your time.

Almost two years ago, Marly SurenaLlorens, the flower farmer behind Allentown-based Fenimore & Rutland, reached out to me with a pitch for Lehigh Valley Style to feature the area’s growers. Marly rattled off the names of nearly a dozen local operations—all womenrun—that are devoted to supplying our area with gorgeous blooms and greenery. Instantly, we were in. But because our team works so far in advance, and photographing these farmers during the right season (when their flowers were in bloom!) was of the utmost importance, it took about 23 months to bring this feature to fruition. Now that it’s finally here, we’re so proud to showcase 10 of the Lehigh Valley’s flower farmers who work hard to support our local ecosystem.

Where do your flowers come from? Know the answer to this question. Consider developing a relationship with a local farmer versus a faceless international company. Turn to pg. 38 to learn about the journeys of the Valley’s local flower farmers and discover their offerings!

Then, hear from David Robertson, the founder of Joshway, on pg. 33. David is sharing the personal story behind his nonprofit foundation’s powerful mission, which inspires the next generation of young artists.

Go inside Meli European Taverna in Easton on pg. 92, snag Nkasso chef Habiba Diaby’s recipe for Le Poisson Braisé on pg. 90, discover five local cocktails with mezcal on pg. 36 and so much more in this edition.

Style photographer Marco Calderon

Smiling on set with David Robertson, Jenna Silvius and Style photographer Alison Conklin

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 5

Lilacs and peonies are my favorites. I love to buy huge bunches whenever I see them at local farm stands!

Have to go with hyacinth— I associate that and creeping phlox with my home growing up, and the smell is intoxicating!

My favorite flower is an Icelandic poppy—each one is delicate and vibrant. They are a show-stopping addition to any arrangement or garden plan. I love to visit Shirlene Moser’s Delightful Dahlias Farm in Hellertown!

My favorite flower is a sunflower! It just always reminds me of summer and happiness.

Ranunculus are my favorite flower. They are so bright, fun and just make me happy.

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher

Pamela Deller

Editor-in-Chief

Kristen Wagner

Director of Creative Services

Mike Matuczinski

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski

Corporate Marketing & Events Manager

Jen Fronheiser

Marketing Advisors

Caroline Adams, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers

Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin

Proofreader

Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano

My favorite type of flower is…

My favorite flower is a white gardenia—one because the color is white and two because of its wonderful fragrance.

Having Dutch in my lineage, and having traveled to Holland, for me it’s all about tulips!

I adore peonies! Their lush blooms and fragrance always remind me of an old farmhouse I loved that was once home.

Lily of the Valley. They smell so pretty and my mom used to sing us a song, "White Coral Bells," which invokes fairies!

SUSAN GOTTSHALL

Contributing Writer

I visited Meli just before it opened to the public. How lucky I felt to get a sneak peek of this exciting new Lehigh Valley spot for dining, drinks and celebrations!

DAISY WILLIS

Contributing Writer

Interviewing organizing/decluttering experts always gets me jazzed. BRB, getting rid of 90 percent of my stuff!

PENN’S PEAK

Benefit Concert Featuring Bruce in the USA — the World’s Greatest Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band

Presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network

Proceeds to support Lehigh Valley Hospital–Carbon

Thanks to Our Headliner Sponsor friday, june 14, 2024

PENN’S PEAK

325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe, PA

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m./ Concert at 8:00 p.m.

Buy tickets at LVHN.org/CarbonConcert

General admission: $30 / Premium seats: $40

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT FATHER’S DAY GIFT?

JUNE 14 IS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND!

FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED

STYLE SCENE

The Chamber’s 35th Annual Snow Ball

1 | Aaron Coleman and Tony Austin 2 | Patti Nappi and Jason Tatum 3 | Chanel Mahone and Maureen Boyd

4 | Julio and Mercedes Guridy and Nadya and Victor Salicetti 5 | Bailey Muhl, Paige Nicholas and Ellie Andino 6 | Mike and Codi Butz 7 | John and Ann Marie Supinski 8 | Lucy Soriano, Kelly Ronalds and Amber Grace 9 | Jordan Haas and Samantha O'Donnell 10 | Keith Lampman-Perlman and Erin Deutsch

11 | Jen and Nick Maxell, Kathy and Jim Drake and Haydemar and Tom Groves 12 | Lindsay Watson

13 | Edgard Joseph and Edwing Joseph 14 | Christian Lawson and Mary Benzrihem 15 | Kay and Christopher Gillis 16 | Cathy and Frank Facciano 17 | Debbie and Bill Keba

1 | Christina Zelko Bennick and Keri Angelozzi 2 | Craig Kunsman, Andrea Ardite, Hazel Tuazon and Tyler Gifford 3 | Rachel Moyer and Dannah Hartman 4 | Heidi Boudargham, Kate Schreffler and Vicki Doule

5 | Lauren Sokolski and Val Lewis 6 | Erica Montes, Allyson Hawk and Sarah Elmer 7 | Kelly Chando and Kathleen Grant 8 | Krystal Honohan and Briana Zielinski 9 | Sorayah Santos and Jessica DeJesus

10 | Stephanie Mettler and Brooke Lubarsky 11 | Shayna Donato and John and Shelby Hacker

12 | Vaughan Bryant and Maggie Walters 13 | Sarah Price, Betsy Schmeltzle and Allison Blackburn

Homebase x Monocacy

Homebase Skate Shop collaborated with Monocacy Coffee Co. to launch a Hot Cup Crew collection! Coffee and mugs are sold out, but the rest of the collection is still available. Shop the line of T-shirts, hoodies, totes and more to become part of the Hot Cup Crew. homebase610.com

NEW PRODUCT DROP

Bai-li Essentials kicked off 2024 with a new product drop! The natural skincare brand that celebrates pure ingredients and sustainable packaging introduced a roll-on perfume. Bliss is an organic jojoba oil-based perfume scented solely with essential oils. bailiessentials.com

GRAND REOPENING

One year after its original launch, The Hive, which brings local crafters and makers together in Nazareth, celebrated a grand reopening in March. The Hive has doubled its space as well as its number of vendors, offering an even more extensive selection in its retail store. The Hive

HISTORIC PLACES DESIGNATION

Did you hear? Civic Theatre of Allentown’s 19 th Street Theatre has been granted designation on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of our country’s historic buildings, districts, sites, structures and objects worthy of preservation. The distinction will protect and preserve the theatre for generations to come! civictheatre.com

New to Easton

Led by father-and-son duo Marco Lu and Bryan Lu, Rakkii Ramen celebrates a mixed approach of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Their Takkii Ramen Japanese noodle house with locations around the Valley, offering noodle and rice bowls, opened in Easton in March. takkiiramen.com

ANNIVERSARY COCKTAIL

Happy golden birthday, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery! To celebrate their eight years in business, Eight Oaks will be offering its Ward 8 anniversary cocktail all year long. A classic rye whiskey cocktail from the 1800s, the Ward 8 features lemon, orange and house grenadine. eightoaksdistillery.com

PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN

PHOTO BY ALISON CONKLIN

MANE THAIRAPY

HEAD SPA

With more than a decade of hair-care experience under her belt, owner Nastassia Lee Pratt opened her first salon suite called Mane & Thread in 2023. Immediately after, Pratt had the idea to introduce a head spa to the Valley and opened Mane Thairapy right next door, giving clients a brand-new offering to try. “Our mission is to provide the most blissful and relaxing experience, while removing all the chlorine, copper, calcium and buildup from the hair and scalp,” she says. “A head spa is more than just a beauty treatment; it's a comprehensive therapy that combines elements of massage, aromatherapy and skin care to provide a wonderful, relaxing experience.” And the benefits are endless. Pratt says that a head spa experience supports the health of one’s scalp and hair, which can promote hair growth, deeper quality sleep, stress relief, migraine reduction, a balanced scalp pH and more. “Head massages release happy hormones like serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine,” she says. “Our goal is to make people happy and focus on mental health.”

7150 Hamilton Blvd., Trexlertown manethairapyheadspa.com

BATTER UP

BY BATCH MICROCREAMERY

ANDREA FOLINO

BOUTIQUE & SANGRIA BAR

Owner Andrea Folino says that even at a young age, she preferred shoes over toys. “I have always had a deep love of fashion and it has been a lifelong dream of mine to run my own boutique,” she shares. Through her time as co-owner of Folino Estate Winery, Vintner’s Table and Vintner’s Inn, she has always injected that love of style, fashion and interior design into the brands. “People would ask me about where I got my outfits, which led me to introduce curated pieces into Folino Estate’s Bottle Shop. Each time I would do this, the reception was positive and the collection would often sell out,” she says. “Launching this boutique was a natural progression and a personal dream come true.” Folino describes the shop as a love letter to all the things she is passionate about. Shoppers can find carefully curated capsule collections, gifts, mix-your-own sangria and even fresh flowers for sale. “Looking ahead, our goals for the store include expanding our reach through e-commerce and fulfilling my other dream of launching my own clothing line,” she says. “Our main goal with Folino Estate and all of our hospitality brands centers around creating memories that last a lifetime. The Boutique and Sangria Bar is my own special way to focus on that goal, and to provide a space where people feel a sense of connection and happiness.”

945 Hill Ave. Suite 100, Wyomissing | shopandreafolino

Batch Microcreamery is adored by locals who frequent their Center Valley location and, now, the ice cream brand is launching Batter Up by Batch Microcreamery in Bethlehem, combining two beloved treats into one delightful culinary experience. “Picture a warm, crispy Liege waffle topped with a decadent scoop of handcrafted ice cream and toppings,” says co-owner Rick Pongracz. “Batter Up aims to offer a diverse waffle and ice cream menu where each bite brings together the textures and flavors of waffles and ice cream.” The menu will include gluten-free waffles, waffle sandwiches, freshly made waffle cones and more. “The goal is to create a unique destination where customers can savor the perfect harmony of warm, freshly made waffles and our handcrafted super-premium ice cream,” he says. The design of the shop will be inviting and playful, embracing a modern and Instagram-worthy appeal while creating a visually pleasing environment for customers to savor their sweet experiences.

SOMETHING NEW

VINEYARD DI NORMA

Vineyard di Norma kicked off 2024 by sharing with social media followers that something new was coming, noting that they had spent the past year striving to improve and provide the best experience to customers. So, what’s to be expected? “Our main highlight is that we will continue to adapt our restaurant practices and offerings to provide quality, innovative cuisine utilizing local talent and resources,” say brother-and-sister team Rachael Prosseda and Luke Prosseda. In working to do this, they share that the restaurant has fully adjusted to using house-made focaccia and has partnered with Ecco Pasta. “We’re proud to support a local establishment that puts a focus on high-quality ingredients and practices that are rooted in traditional Italian recipes,” they say. “The evolution of our menu will continue to be the focus of the team, and changes include an emphasis on our slogan: simple, modern, Italian-ish.” New items include pasta all’assassina and seasonal gnocchi as well as varied special meat and fresh seafood offerings weekly. “This year we are inspired to provide house-made, culinary-inspired craft cocktails, tying flavors from our food menu to the cocktail menu, [putting] new spins on classics and intentionally sourcing our spirits,” say Rachael and Luke. “Our desire to bring interesting and fun wine from Italy and other regions is still present and will continue to evolve as well.”

605 Fiot St., Bethlehem | 610.867.2441 | thevineyardrestaurant.net

SEW-IN LOVE

EXTENSIONS BAR

Owner Ashley Banks says Sew-In Love had been on her mind for about two years before she launched the business in January 2024. Previously known as Banks Beauty Bar, she wanted to adjust the salon’s focus. “I felt now was the perfect time to completely rebrand,” she says. “The Valley needs a salon that has extensions and hair care as its focal point.” Sew-In Love offers every type of extensions, from tape-ins to keratin bonds to traditional sew-ins. “I stay on top of new methods so we’re always offering the most innovative installs,” she shares. The salon also offers cuts, colors and other hair-care treatments for issues like breakage and thinning. Banks says that the salon’s design has undergone a complete transition. Gone are the Tim Burton vibes of Banks Beauty Bar and in is a very bubbly pink. “It’s giving fun girl. Sew-In Love embodies exactly where I am in life. I’m happier, I’m blessed and very much in love with how things are going,” she says.

909 N. Sherman St., Allentown | 267.354.0416 sewinlove.extensionsbar

Home equity loans to propel your dreams, not set them back with high-interest debt.

BE PART OF THE STORY!

DID YOU KNOW?

Plants + Coffee

Jenny and Brandt DeLorenzo are the duo behind the beloved Plants + Coffee shop in Easton. Jenny creates the vision of the shop along with the bagel and cream cheese recipes while Brandt oversees the café operation. Stop in for a magical experience that combines delicious lattes with your favorite greenery.

QTell us about the journey to launching Plants + Coffee!

We always loved the idea of creating our own little place for people to relax, eat and drink, all while surrounded by the plants that we sell from our Nazareth store, called The Curious Plantaholic. We wanted to do this for years, but when we spent a week in New Orleans in the Treme district with a small café on a corner where we could get our coffee and enjoy snacks, we knew it was time to really try.

Where did the inspiration to combine plants and coffee come from?

We’ve had great success running The Curious Plantaholic, but we wanted to take things one step further than just plants. So, why not put a plant store inside of a café? Houseplant interest skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic and has only slowed slightly since 2020. Why not provide a fun little space where you can enjoy a latte

or one of our pizza bagels while literally surrounded by fun houseplants?

Describe the overall vibe of the store!

We try to maintain a jungle atmosphere, where you have plants everywhere. Our plants are all for sale, so many are going out the door, but we do our best to keep the shelves and aisles full of unique and fun plants. We offer gift items, pottery, apparel and our custom Plants + Coffee blend of coffee from Monocacy Coffee Co. in Bethlehem.

Plant-wise, what can shoppers expect to find in store?

We offer plants of all prices, from $6 and up, but we also bring some of the fun plants that you wouldn’t normally find elsewhere from our Nazareth shop. While the shelves will be filled with pothos, alocasias, peperomias and your common philodendrons, we also have some fun anthuriums, a big philodendron or even carnivorous plants from Evil Peat, our carnivorousplant growing operation.

most popular bagels we sell. But, we also have a Popper Bagel (like a big jalapeño popper), a Cannoli Bagel with our homemade cannoli cream cheese, the basic Hammy Sammie and so many more. We just started offering mini bagel flights: three bagels on a bagel board, and those are really popular. We offer a sweet option and a savory option. Finally, we have a kids menu (also for adults) with three fun dessert bagels along with baked goods. We do offer gluten-free baked goods and many of our drinks are also gluten-free and vegan.

What are you looking forward to offering this summer?

Summer is all about staying cool and we have a great selection of refreshing drink options that we’re planning. We currently offer a line of spritzers: lightly flavored drinks for those who aren’t in the mood for a latte, chai or matcha. We’ll continue to expand on the spritzers when the warm weather comes around with new flavors, although our Lavender Rose Basil Spritzer is a year-round favorite.

Tell us about your food and drink offerings!

We always just wanted to be unique and fun, so we do our best to come up with fun and unique drinks that you might not find anywhere else.

Our Honey Lavender Latte is a huge hit, but we have fun chai drinks, unique teas and yummy matcha concoctions on the menu at all times. We rotate our drinks every holiday and season, but we’ll always offer our crowd favorites yearround. For our bagels, we work with Yuri Laubach from The Other Fish to build some really fun bagel options. Remember pizza bagels when you were a kid? Well we have our adult Pizza Bagel, and it’s one of the

Tell us about the decision to offer so many fun and seasonal specials throughout the year!

With coffee, lattes, bagels and baked goods being something we all enjoy daily, it’s important to offer something new and fun. We do this with the help of our baristas and staff; without them, we definitely wouldn’t have all these fun and yummy specials.

What do you love about hosting events at the shop? Tell us about some of your favorites.

We’ve held a few different events so far: terrarium building, carnivorous plant bogs and our Night of Zen. We’re looking forward to more fun when the warmer weather arrives with open mic nights!

1458 Northampton St., Easton 610.905.5030 | plantsandcoffee.com

LIBERATE YOUR LIVING SPACE

THE ROLE OF MINDFULNESS IN

DECLUTTERING

BY DAISY WILLIS

Kelly Belka OWNER & CEO KB ORGANIZING COMPANY kborganizingcompany.com

Spring cleaning goes deeper with KB Organizing Company’s evidence-based and streamlined take on decluttering. Clear your space, clear your head and harness the power of mindfulness to make your home your own again—not just a storage space for your stuff—with this simply sensible advice from owner Kelly Belka!

A BIT ABOUT BELKA

“Some professionals say they were born this way, always organized,” Belka says. “That’s not the case for me.” The messy teen grew up into a homeschooling mother who quickly recognized how clutter was curtailing her family’s ability to function.

She got rid of at least 50 percent of her stuff. “I know people who have gotten rid of 80–90 percent,” she says. “It sounds like a lot, but imagine things shoved in every cranny, things hidden for years.” If you feel the volume of stuff in your house taking over, take inspiration from Belka. You don’t need to be a born neat freak to get organized and stay that way, shedding the negativity of chaotic surroundings and taking back your home.

Family-owned. Locally operated.

Professional and knowledgeable sales staff. Visit our showroom and experience the difference.

1824 W. Allen St., Allentown 610.439.8448 allentownappliance.com

ASK THE EXPERT

“I will never go back to being a slave to my stuff,” Belka says, “because your home should work for you, not the other way around.”

THE DECLUTTER DATA

We might feel a moral imperative to get our stuff in order, to escape the stigma of being messy, lazy, a slob. But Belka’s not about shame or appearances, she’s about evidence-based improvement to quality of life.

“Your clutter can have a deep, lasting and negative impact on your psychological well-being,” she says, “which is helpful to know so that you can begin to learn why it’s happening and how to fix it.”

She can reel off numerous studies that show clutter can contribute to feelings of fear, tension and worry, decrease cognitive function and impair sleep. Clutter can also be a good barometer of our existing mental state, as anxiety about time scarcity for cleaning or emotional attachment to our stuff can lead to or worsen clutter.

“How your home looks could be how your body is feeling,” Belka says. Whether clutter is causing or caused by stress, tackling some of that visual noise may offer relief.

How your home looks could be how your body is feeling.

THE PURGE

The first step to getting organized is always decluttering. Trying to put away reams of junk that you don’t even need is a Sisyphean nightmare. Belka uses a mindful interrogation of items to decide what stays, asking of each thing, “Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it?”

Two pitfalls in discerning whether to keep something are the sentimental attachment an item might hold and the sunk-cost fallacy. You might value the

memory stored in a certain set of books or feel like you can’t part with a dress you’ve never worn just because you spent so much money on it. Belka asks, “Do you want the item or do you want the space?” Notice which value you’re prioritizing and that you can make a choice about it.

Maybe it’s time to prioritize a peaceful space for your future self to come home to!

STEM THE TIDE

It’s never been easier to buy things, whether it be one more plant, book, pair of shoes or the result of foraging in the little treat wonderland that is Target.

There’s an action point where mindfulness can be applied to clutter before it ever reaches your home. “A hack that I use personally as well as advise to clients is one in, one out,” says Belka. “If you have events coming up and need a new dress, buy it and get rid of another dress. Add the new and take out the old.”

Consider, with each purchase, the usefulness, importance and purpose of the item. And vitally, where it will live in your home.

PROPER PLACES

Even if you’ve decluttered your house and have gotten down to the essentials, if those items don’t have homes, re-cluttering is inevitable. “You’re going to put it down and leave it there,” Belka says. This is a deceptively massive pitfall that easily leads to accumulating piles of nonsense.

The effort to keep things tidy becomes quick and easy when the final destination of any given thing is known. Hang your keys up, put your laundry away, put the mail on the desk and protect your future self from becoming overwhelmed.

With your home decluttered and, most importantly, a home within your home for each of your things, it’s just a matter of returning things to the places they belong in a timely fashion. “I know every thing that I own,” Belka says. “I know where every thing is that I have and use, and I like it that way.” Sounds like a superpower, and that superpower could be yours!

SUMMER2024MAY29—AUG4

Sponsors: Lee & Dolly Butz Associate Season Sponsors: Linda Lapos & Paul Wirth, Kathleen Kund Nolan

QDescribe your personal philosophy when it comes to overall wellness!

Love yourself fully! When you love yourself, you will want to make healthier choices in life. You will choose to make exercise, eating healthy and mindfulness part of your lifestyle.

How did your fitness journey begin?

At birth! Honestly, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t enjoy moving my body. I was lucky enough to have parents who valued physical fitness and taught me to not only value it but also enjoy it.

In what ways did your time as an NFL Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader affect your approach to fitness and wellness?

Working in a high-level organization demanded that I show up to all events with a healthy, energetic and physically fit appearance. I realized quickly that results like those could only be achieved by

Heather Gidusko

HIGH ENERGY COACH, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER & WELLNESS SUPERSTAR

Heather Gidusko, former NFL cheerleader and founder of Sweat Like A Girl, reflects on the journey that led to writing her book Girl with a Game Plan Gidusko shares what readers can expect from the book and explains how she implements its game plan methodology in her everyday life, from “The Morning Warm-Up” to “The Evening Cool-Down” and showing up as a Player, Fan and Cheerleader.

creating a strong work ethic, which taught me to have fierce dedication, consistency and confidence in my abilities. When you are functioning and performing at an elite level, you must make all pillars of wellness a priority: fitness, fuel and mindfulness.

Tell us about the journey of founding Sweat Like A Girl in Nazareth. What did you love about the brand and the gym’s impact?

In 2011, I created a beautiful space for women of all ages, shapes and cultural backgrounds to come together and move their bodies, free from judgment. I loved that Sweat Like A Girl became known as the “go-to” place, for not only a great workout, but also for its strong sense of community and friendship. It was a very special fitness studio that transformed the lives of many women who walked through those doors and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have served so many amazing women of the Lehigh Valley.

What motivated you to write Girl with a Game Plan?

Well, after suffering losses like many others in the year of 2020, I chose to close my amazing gym in 2021. I unknowingly put myself on the bench of life—I had allowed fear and self-doubt to win. Over the course of the next year, I slowly leaned back into those quiet whispers of my heart. I had no idea how to write and publish a book, I just knew that this “game plan methodology” was given to me and it was my responsibility to get it out into the world. And through the writing of my book, it allowed me to get off the bench and shine like a Superstar once again!

What can readers expect to find inside the book?

Themselves. My book is not one to read and then set on the shelf; it is meant to be consumed. Through my personal stories, guidance and pep talks I hope to inspire

*Selfie

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the reader to do the hard internal work that is necessary for personal growth. Upon completion the reader will be a “girl with a game plan.”

What is the biggest thing you hope readers take away from it?

That life is a series of wins and losses. Setbacks will occur in life but, when we have a game plan in place, we can use those setbacks as setups for redirection.

Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?

I start my day with “The Morning WarmUp,” which I describe in my book. Taking on the role of the Player, I visualize myself achieving my goals; as the Fan, I express gratitude for my life; as the Cheerleader I recite meaningful affirmations, and I also play defense to any Opponents, a.k.a. self-defeating thoughts or fears. This small practice helps me begin the day with love, faith and good vibes.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

CODE FOR TICKETS

... we can use those setbacks as setups for redirection.

How about your nighttime routine?

I finish my day with “The Evening CoolDown,” which is the role of the referee. I take some time to reflect on how my day played out and I give myself a Win if I accomplished everything I had on my plan, or a Loss if I fell short. In the event I earn a loss, I call it a “learning loss,” meaning that I reflect on what circumstances came up to prevent me from playing out what I was hoping to accomplish.

What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?

I have to focus on drinking water. I love my coffee, so I have to be diligent in filling up my water and finishing it by the evening!

by Addison (2 years old)

When I have a day with a lot of computer work or Zoom calls, I elevate my laptop so I can stand up instead of sitting. And I also like to take my crazy dog, Koda, on walks around the neighborhood.

What is your preferred exercise routine?

I still love to lead others in group fitness while I myself am working out alongside them. I start each morning coaching virtual strength and conditioning workouts. I also enjoy teaching my signature workout SHINE at various events and locations around the Valley.

What’s your favorite meal to make at home?

I love making my lunches! One of my favorites is my sweet potato bowl: half of a sweet potato mashed up with a heaping amount of fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, black beans or a black bean burger, with sprouts, green verde salsa and half of an avocado. I mix it all up like it is a party in my bowl!

What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?

I love Green Vida in Forks Township. The veggie hummus wrap and their sweet green salad are so good—and good for you! I also enjoy the guac and chips at Urbano in Bethlehem. And I love the lattes at The Joint in Bethlehem!

For over a century, we have been committed to helping clients invest and preserve money wisely by providing independent financial insights, a full spectrum of traditional and non-traditional product strategies and responsive client service. As a leading investment boutique, we bring a unique combination of local presence and national resources that allows our Financial Advisors to provide attentive service and tailored strategies to each client. Our goal is that clients understand their financial position, have confidence in their investment decisions and feel optimistic about their future.

Stella M. DeSantis Senior Director –

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 1525

Phone: (610) 867-8631

877-480-6704

Years

St. Luke’s University Health Network is proud to be named to Who’s Who in Business in five categories: Hospital

What’s something that you love to indulge in?

Aw Shucks corn on the cob at Musikfest! And fun shoes!

Where are some of your favorite places to visit in the Valley?

My husband and my three kids have enjoyed going on family walks in Jacobsburg State Park. We have many memories of walking our dogs on those trails and took many pictures of my three kids growing up over the years on our family hikes.

How do you relieve stress?

I take time to do breathwork in moments of stress. I also have made meditation part of my weekly game plan. For as high energy as I am, I also really enjoy slowing down and bringing a calm and peaceful awareness to my being.

How do you stay motivated?

By leaning into my gifts and talents and using them to inspire others to feel great. When we can attach our actions to how it will inspire someone else, it allows us to find that motivation so much easier. Additionally, I try to surround myself with what I refer to in my book as assistant coaches, who provide me with mental fuel and positive psychology to keep moving forward in the direction of my dreams! These include podcasts, books and reallife coaches too.

Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to my parents. They are both still very committed to maintaining an active lifestyle and making daily choices that increase their health span. They also have provided me with a great foundation for leading with love in my life.

David Robertson Founder of Joshway

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN ON-SITE AT A PLATFORM FIVE PROPERTY

David Robertson is wearing a moon man on his wrist. It’s a tiny astronaut on a bracelet that bobs and bounces as Robertson grows more animated while describing the designer, five-year-old Sage O’Ava Tatem of Allentown. “I want to see her bracelets on everyone’s wrists,” Robertson says. His nonprofit foundation, Joshway, is helping to make that happen while also assisting another young artist, Ema, find a wider customer base for the T-shirt she has designed. “It’s empowering them to see their art go from canvas to apparel, and then giving them other platforms to express themselves,” Robertson says.

The mission, though, is bigger than bracelets and T-shirts. The idea for Joshway came to Robertson in a dream. He remembers exactly when he had that dream: November 28, 2022. At the time he was mourning the death of his younger brother, Josh, who passed away the previous year. Robertson says Josh was grappling with mental health and substance abuse issues prior to his passing: “He fell to the opioid crisis.”

In his dream, Robertson was in the kitchen with his grandfather, who was calling outside to his brother. He used the nickname he often called him: Joshway.

That got Robertson thinking, what was Josh’s way? “Josh’s way was to live his life through all of the arts and music and sports,” he says. “Everything I saw in him as a young kid, that was his Josh way.”

Robertson can recall his brother’s athletic prowess on the basketball court and the football field, and he remembers the first time he heard him sing in church, a spiritual number about the Lord’s light showing the way even on the darkest of nights. Robertson thought, even though it was too late to save Josh, he might be able to help other young people ensnared in any number of personal or family struggles: “Who is that light? That’s Joshway. This is the light that will shine for those kiddos.”

Joshway aims to empower young people in three areas: art, education and technology. The technology part of it is a no-brainer for Robertson, a tech-savvy guy with a tech-intensive job at a giant in the world of fintech (or financial technology). He’s been with the Lehigh County-based payment processing company Shift4 for 20 years, coming aboard long before it grew into the publicly traded, multibillion-dollar corporation it is today.

Robertson was born in Houston, Texas, but moved to Oklahoma when he was still a boy. By the time he graduated high school he had grown weary of having a zip code along Tornado Alley, so he packed his bags and headed west to Tucson, Arizona. He got a job working at the help desk of a credit card company. A young entrepreneur named Jared Isaacman and his company, United Bank Card, were among the customers. Robertson eventually joined Isaacman’s team and rose in the ranks of the company as it changed names and locations: first, from Tucson to the Boston area (Robertson’s reaction to news of that move: “From extreme heat to extreme cold? Sure, why not.”), then from Massachusetts to New Jersey before the final stop in the Lehigh Valley in 2011.

Robertson admits he didn’t know much about the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton region before dropping anchor here, but he was pleasantly surprised by what he found: “You got the vibe that you could really raise a family here.” Eventually he’d find out for himself. He got married in 2016. His wife, Danielle Robertson, is a former United Bank Card colleague with whom he reconnected after she left the company. They have two young sons, Luca and Miles.

Another perk of living in Pennsylvania: Robertson is finally closer to his beloved Steelers. “Black and gold has always been part of my childhood, my upbringing,” he says. Robertson isn’t bothered that Eagles

green would most likely be the more popular hue in Lehigh Valley sports bars; he’s too busy trying to get his sons to buy into Steeler Nation.

Robertson’s role with Shift4, as of July of 2023, is Principal of International Expansion and Operational Innovation. He calls himself an onboarding specialist. In layman’s terms, he’s the guy that makes things happen. He describes it like this: Isaacman has an idea, then Robertson is pulled into the mix to figure out a way to bring that idea to fruition. “You’re like the string between marketing and finance and sales and ops,” he says. “And you’re running the playbook. To be able to pull people together and execute on the vision, I’ve always found myself part of that experience. That’s my strength, that visionary mindset.”

And that mindset served him well while he was building Joshway from scratch in just a few short months. The nonprofit got its 501(c) designation in May of 2023. That’s not to say it’s been a one-person effort. Robertson says the support from his Shift4 colleagues was swift and strong. Nine current or former employees sit on Joshway’s board. “Most of us have worked together for over 15-plus years and helped shape Shift4 in many ways, including going public in 2020,” Robertson says.

The organization plunged into the work soon after its official inception, helping to revive a children’s business fair in Upper Macungie Township that was in danger of shutting down. Soon after, Joshway announced a scholarship program with Northampton Community College. “I think higher education is important, and oftentimes, kids coming from troubled backgrounds don’t believe they deserve college, but we want to change that,” says Robertson. As of February, the foundation was chipping away at a $25,000 goal to get the scholarship off the ground. The Joshwear store (shop.joshway.org ), which sells a variety of branded merchandise, was launched as both a means to raise money for the foundation and a springboard for young artists like Sage and Ema.

Although Joshway recognizes the necessity and life-changing potential of the creative arts, it aims to teach practical skills, too, such as financial literacy, effective communication and mindfulness. There’s also an emphasis on substance abuse awareness. “This opioid and fentanyl crisis is knocking out so many family members. We need to educate on it,” says Robertson.

But one thing Joshway is not trying to do is create a new community. Robertson recognizes that the Lehigh Valley is already home to a number of youthcentric nonprofits; he names Valley Youth House, The Kindness Project and The Century Promise as a few examples. Instead, the goal is collaboration: “Let’s go to them with an olive branch and say, we believe one plus one is a bigger number. We bring our resources and our experience to you just to help your community to develop those kids.”

Robertson sees Joshway as a north star or project manager for the other local groups that share the same goals but not necessarily the same skill sets. “We bring a lot. We know how to build. We know technology. We may not look or sound like a traditional nonprofit, but we want to work with as many communities that will have us.”

Robertson’s north star throughout the process of bringing the Joshway foundation to life has been its namesake.

“I hope [Josh] is proud, because I’m working hard for him. He was such a pure soul. There was power behind that kid’s life.”

joshway.org

We bring our resources and our experience to you just to help your community to develop those kids.

MEZCAL

BY DAISY WILLIS

The powerful flavor of this agave-based spirit punches up cocktails across the Valley, blending with traditional Mexican mixers as well as unusual elixirs you’ll have to taste to understand.

1. SMOKE = FIRE PENNSYLVANIA

RYE COMPANY

536 Hamilton St., Allentown 484.929.2729 | paryeco.com

Relatively new to Allentown, this upscale neighborhood joint is primarily whiskey-focused with a library of small-batch labels and ambitions to expand into a distillery. They mix their mezcal with a classic combination of flavors: agave, jalapeño and lime. Pair it with a series of small plates from their colorful menu for a satisfying meal.

2. GUAVA GODDESS TORRE

2960 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley 610.841.9399 | torrerestaurant.com

Expect upscale Mexican food and show-stopping statement décor at this special-occasion hot spot located inside The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. With a tequila list longer than a CVS receipt, rest assured they know what to do with mezcal. The Guava Goddess combines this smoky liquor with fruit purée and fresh-squeezed lime juice, simple and a little sweet.

3. AMBER FLAMES

GRILLE 3501

3501 Broadway, Allentown 610.706.0100 | grille3501.com

From the creative flavors on the fusion menu to the towering beams of Grille 3501’s loft area, this is a spot for impressive ambiance, known for great seafood and drinks. Their take on a mezcal cocktail employs an herbal liqueur, almond syrup, apple cider and lemon juice for a deep blend of powerful notes.

4. NAKED AND FAMOUS

PA HOUSE

662 Front St., Hellertown 484.851.6662 | thepahouse.com

Offering a pared-down yet perfected menu of wood-fired pizza, indulgent appetizers and mouthwatering cocktails, PA House in Hellertown serves fries with three dipping sauces and a mezcal concoction with the orange glow of a summer sunset. Yellow chartreuse and aperol join a squeeze of lime in this beautiful bevvy.

5.THE OLE BEAM

THE WILBUR MANSION

201 Cherokee St., Bethlehem 610.419.1101 | wilburmansion.com

This reclaimed historic mansion by Bethlehem’s Hill to Hill Bridge specializes in the elevated experience, offering a beautiful setting for weddings, brunches and weekend getaways. Their bartender combines bourbon and mezcal with sweet vermouth, angostura bitters and maple syrup for a strong, full-bodied beverage.

Get to Know the Lehigh Valley's

By Amy Unger | Photography by Marco Calderon

We’re encouraged to shop local for the victuals that crowd our dinner table, so why should the centerpiece be any different? Flowers are more than just a pop of color; they’re a memory jogger, a conversation starter, the finishing touch to countless special events. And, for a community of women living and working right here in the Lehigh Valley, flowers represent a livelihood. Now meet some of the growers toiling away to make sure our region is flush with eye-popping peonies, technicolor tulips, stunning dahlias and all of their fragrant cousins.

FLORES TEMPORIS

It’s an actual person that’s out there growing these things with real love.

SEJEAN TUMA

SeJean Tuma was working in hospitals and academia as an epidemiologist when the birth of her son in 2007 helped her see things through a new lens. “One of the gifts he gave me was rediscovering nature,” Tuma says. “He loved being outside, he loved the natural world.” She points to happy memories of making sunflower houses and scarlet runner bean teepees with him as one of the catalysts that nudged her into falling in love with flowers. That’s not to say she was new to the word of floriculture when she decided to roll

up her sleeves and get serious about making a career change: “I was sort of an extreme gardener for over 10 years before I decided to try to turn this into a business.”

Flores Temporis, based in Quakertown, is the fruit of her labor. Tuma is in her sixth professional growing season, specializing in high-end, specialty cut flowers and foliage, such as garden roses, fresh lotus pods, rare cultivars of peonies and dahlias. She also has plans to branch out in 2024 with new offerings at the farm, including educational

workshops, photography sessions and tours so visitors can see the curated collection of flowers in peak bloom.

Tuma is passionate about using environmentally friendly practices and encouraging all petal patrons to support local growers. Flowers that are widely available commercially are often shipped in from overseas and so are bred to be hardy to withstand the trip; the end result is often a stiff, lifeless bloom that’s lacking in fragrance, Tuma says, which is a major loss because “fragrance is so integral to the characteristics of what we think of in a flower.”

Shopping local also gives meaning to what otherwise might be an anonymous transaction for the buyer. “It’s an actual

person that’s out there growing these things with real love,” Tuma says. “And I hope that shows through in the flowers I offer.”

Rising Hill Farm officially began in 2015, but founder Amber Lagonegro started cultivating her future career much earlier than that. She spent a lot of time soaking up the outdoors while growing up in rural Bucks County and later earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Delaware Valley University. She started out growing vegetables on rented land before making the switch to flowers; she and her husband purchased a 16acre plot in Springfield Township in 2018. Lagonegro has been focused on building up their perennial crops—roses, peonies, lilacs and the like—while also growing thousands of annuals from seed every season. “My favorite part about being a flower farmer is all the time I spend immersed in the beauty of the natural world,” she says. “I feel amazed that I can make a living that brings me such joy.”

risinghillfarm.com

Angelena Galbraith’s foray into the flower business started simply enough: she wanted to grow one of her favorite flowers, the dahlia, in her backyard. Her success, along with an itch to do something different beyond her usual 9 to 5, inspired her to keep going, leading to the creation of Jolie Flowers. She’s gradually been expanding her growing space at her family’s Bethlehem home ever since, now offering an array of specialty flowers, with the bulk of them being summer annuals. Galbraith recently welcomed her first child with her husband; while she maneuvers through new motherhood, she’s also learning to navigate the challenges of the growing business, including the unpredictable weather: “I remind myself that there is a community of flower growers out there to lean on, both for knowledge and to share the beauty of flowers.”

jolieflowers-pa.com

Photos courtesy of Jolie Flowers

Photos courtesy of Rising Hill Farm

AMBER LAGONEGRO

ANGELENA GALBRAITH

... I love being able to watch something grow from seed and being able to care for it.

MARLY SURENA-LLORENS

Marly Surena-Llorens spent her early years in Brooklyn, New York, but her home and her heart have been rooted in the Lehigh Valley for more than three decades. Still, she couldn’t resist giving a shout-out to her old stomping grounds when she needed a name for her micro-floral farm and business in Allentown. Fenimore & Rutland are the names of two side streets from her former neighborhood.

Before Surena-Llorens was coaxing seeds into beautiful blooms at her growing space on the east side of the city, she was in the business of stationery cards and floral photography. But she had been a gardener for a long time, and making the transition to a flower

farmer seemed natural.

“I love having my hands in the dirt, I love being able to watch something grow from seed and being able to care for it,” she says.

Surena-Llorens offers classes in the art of bouquet making and also come-to-you floral bars, where guests can create their own arrangements. Fenimore & Rutland also does deliveries, special events, a subscription service and pop-ups, featuring a variety of annuals and perennials in the spring and fall seasons.

Surena-Llorens is aware that female flower growers are few in the Lehigh Valley. But local support makes all the difference. “It's important to me that our community understands where their flowers come from,” she says. “Not from a faceless international company, but

they have an opportunity to develop a relationship with their local flower farmer. Many people think about farming as male dominated but I want to showcase this hard work is also done by very capable women.” Smaller still is the percentage of Black female farmers not just in the Lehigh Valley, but across the United States. “There’s less than one percent of Black farmers in the country, period,” says Surena-Llorens. “There’s even a smaller percentage of that, that are flower farmers.” She hopes that changes. In the meantime, she wants to call attention to those already doing the planning, planting, pruning and more. “I am so excited for the Valley to be more aware of the farmers here,” she says.

fenimorerutland.com

Macungie’s Fresche Flower Farm is a boutique flower farm with a roadside stand that offers seasonal blooms like narcissus, lilacs, hydrangea and double-flowering zinnias. Owner Kate Bonstein credits her green-thumbed grandparents with getting her started. A class at Floret Flower Farm in Washington State also piqued her interest. Now she holds workshops of her own and offers a surefire way to freshen up a special event: “One of our popular requests is our flower bars,” says Bonstein They bring the flowers and mason jars, and guests provide the creative juices to make their own bouquets. frescheflowers.com

Photos courtesy of Fresche Flower Farm

BEE WELL BLOOMS

Big things are happening for Bee Well Blooms. Sarah Smeltz, who owns the business with her husband, Kevin, began growing flowers for fun while she was studying horticulture at Penn State University. That took her first to The Seed Farm incubator program in Emmaus, then to the couple’s first home in Coopersburg, and finally to a 40-acre farm in Germansville, where, as of January, major renovations were taking root. “We are currently rebuilding all of our greenhouses and high tunnels, constructing a new walk-in cooler, assembling an irrigation system and more,” Smeltz says. A roadside stand is also in the works, where they hope to offer some of the nearly 100 varieties of flowers they grow on the farm.

beewellblooms.com

Adrienne Sorg credits her mother, Vicki, with helping to mold her into an enthusiastic plant person. Following graduation from Parkland High School, Sorg moved to New York City, where she used her apartment balcony to grow what she could. The pandemic brought her back to the Lehigh Valley, where she saw firsthand the enthusiastic reception that awaited her mother’s dahlia plants. “People were blown away by the flowers and we didn't have enough to sell to all who wanted, as these were just plants mom planted for herself,” says Sorg. Now the two both have their hands in the dirt at Fortissimo Florals, their flower farm in North Whitehall, where the dahlias are plentiful, along with a variety of annuals. fortissimoflorals.com

Photos courtesy of Fortissimo Florals

Photos courtesy of Bee Well Blooms

SARAH SMELTZ

ADRIENNE SORG

When Lizzy Beller was deciding on a name for her farm, she decided to give a nod to one of her most obvious attributes. “A lot of people have described me as bubbly,” she explains. The rest is just basic geography: “’Hills’ is for Pennsylvania because it’s covered in hills.” And yet her name hasn’t been left out of the mix entirely at Bubbly Hills Farm; Beller says one of her favorite flowers to grow there is the lisianthus, which may not be spelled like her first name, but does sound a lot like lizzy anthus.

Had she chosen a different path, Beller might have been growing carrots and potatoes instead of asters and zinnias at Bubbly Hills. She enrolled in the Rodale Institute’s farmer training program during the height of the pandemic when supply chain issues were causing food shortages in some parts of the country. “I thought I wanted to be a vegetable farmer and then I was just super drawn to flowers,” says Beller.

She’s currently renting growing space in Emmaus through The Seed Farm’s incubator farmer program while she looks for a place of her own. “Last year was my first season of growing some really specific flowers that are typically not offered in grocery stores and such,” Beller says. That includes delphiniums and double tulips, the latter of which looks like a regular tulip’s bigger, more vibrant

brother, with petals that are so plentiful the flowers resemble roses or peonies in full bloom.

Beller says her growing techniques can’t be considered organic, but they are eco-friendly. She’s learning how to be more preventative in her planting and maintenance practices to minimize the use of pesticides.

Her flowers are for sale at the Nazareth Farmers Market, or through a subscription service. What does she love about her line of work? Simple: the smiles. It’s one of the perks of being in the business of handing over beautiful bouquets. That’s something that probably would have been lacking had her original farming plan worked out. “Vegetables make me smile, but they don’t make everyone smile,” says Beller.

bubblyhillsfarm.com

I thought I wanted to be a vegetable farmer and then I was just super drawn to flowers.

LIZZY BELLER

ANNIKA VERCILLO

MELISSA MILLER

For nine years running, Faces of the Valley has put the focus on local professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs who aim for the highest standards and strive to stand out from their competition. From industry veterans to savvy up-and-comers, these talented individuals and their teams are portaits of success who proudly call the Lehigh Valley their home. Read on and get to know them better.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

THE FACE OF

Family Distilling in the Lehigh Valley

Eight Oaks Farm Distillery

It was a cancer diagnosis that gave birth to the craft distilling business that is Eight Oaks Farm Distillery. In 2012, founder and CEO Chad Butters and wife Jodi learned she had cancer. As she recovered, a deep discussion revealed what was most important to them going forward: more time with family and each other, becoming entrepreneurs, doing something related to agriculture and having fun. They researched opportunities for months before discovering the field of craft distilling—it checked all the boxes.

Eight Oaks is the platform from which the Butters family lives their purpose. Known for their Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey and Applejack, the farm in New Tripoli uses regenerative agricultural practices to grow their own barley. Local partners supply corn, rye and apples. Their award-winning spirits are just a part of Eight Oaks’ larger plan—to build a better community. “That community begins with healthy soil, which nurtures the farm, inspires our spirits and gathers the community,” says Chad. “In turn, the community supports our ability to do just that.”

Left to right: Patty Butters, Carly Butters Snyder, Willa Snyder (child), Jodi Butters, Chad Butters

THE FACE OF

Certified Public Accountants

Going Above and Beyond

Buckno Lisicky & Company

Buckno Lisicky & Company is the largest independently owned CPA firm in the Lehigh Valley. Their credentialed team of CPAs and business consultants go above and beyond to develop strategic, long-range plans tailored to each client’s needs, and have helped the firm sustain its distinguished reputation for over 50 years.

With expertise in basic accounting to the most complex financial solutions, Buckno Lisicky & Company offers a wide range of services to a variety of traditional and nontraditional industries, including construction, law firms, medical practices and nonprofit organizations, as well as personal and business tax returns. Those services include accounting, auditing, bookkeeping, tax planning and more.

Always happy with the courteous and professional treatment they receive, clients are also grateful that complex tax matters are explained in terminology they can understand. “The dedicated and knowledgeable people who work at Buckno Lisicky & Company represent the values we try to uphold for our clients,” says managing shareholder Andrew Lisicky. “We love being able to help clients grow and succeed.”

Two City Center, 645 Hamilton St. Suite 204, Allentown | 444 Main St., Bethlehem 1167 Interchange Rd., Lehighton | 2 Ridgedale Ave. Suite 205, Cedar Knolls, NJ 610.821.8580 | bucknolisicky.com

Left to right: George Eshak, Shareholder; Cynthia Merritt, Shareholder; Andrew Lisicky, Managing Shareholder; Evelyn Williams, Shareholder; Chris Betley, Shareholder

Donna Poley, Controller & HR

Robert Spirk, Vice President

David Spirk, President & Managing Member

Grace Spirk, General Manager

Diana Mantore, Clubhouse Director

Tom Butera, Senior Project Manager

Allison Spirk, Director of Operations

THE FACE OF

Luxury Country Club Living

Steel Club | Spirk Brothers

Growing up, David Spirk and his brother-turned-business partner Robert spent summers at Steel Club, a family-oriented, 18-hole Donald Ross-designed facility that opened in Lower Saucon in 1934. In 1985, Dave founded Spirk Brothers, a full-service construction and project management company. Spirk Brothers quickly became a trusted name in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. “In addition to our many local projects, we operate in 17 states up and down the East Coast,” notes Allison Spirk, Director of Operations.

In 2018, the brothers and other partners purchased Steel Club’s assets, planning to reimagine the traditional country club model. Innovative developments

Left to right:

Kelsey Sayler, Director of Residential Sales

have been underway Club-wide, starting with the restaurant. “At the time of purchase, there were about 20 dining members. We now have over 30,000,” says Grace Spirk, General Manager. Plans also include a par-3 course, enhanced event/restaurant venues, indoor tennis/pickleball courts, a gym, a multi-story driving range and an all-season turf field.

“We’re especially looking forward to the Residences at Steel Club project,” adds Dave, “which will be a collection of 168 custom homes spread throughout four locations on our 280-acre campus.” Each home will be uniquely customized to the buyer’s specific tastes and preferences. A golf cart, cart garage and first-floor primary suite are some of the features already included in each home. Roads are named after some of the brothers’ partners.

Development of the first 37-home subdivision, Ross Hill, is already underway. To learn more, please contact Kelsey Sayler, Director of Residential Sales, by emailing residences@steel.club or calling/texting 484.895.5078.

700 Linden Ave., Hellertown | 610.838.7018 | steel.club

8052 William Penn Hwy., Easton | 610.867.3008 | spirkbrothers.com

THE FACE OF

Breast Surgery

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute

When a woman faces breast cancer, she doesn’t face it alone at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. From the moment breast cancer is detected, the entire care team focuses on providing each person with compassionate care and everything they need—all the way through treatment.

“Our multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care is incredibly comprehensive,” says surgical oncologist Lori Alfonse, DO, with LVPG Surgical Oncology. “When you have multiple specialists working together to identify your best treatment options, you can feel confident you’re in good hands.”

The breast surgery team at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is comprised of skilled, caring doctors with years of experience. Their kindness and respect connect with people, cementing a strong doctor-patient relationship.

“We’re dedicated to supporting everyone through every step of their journey,” Dr. Alfonse says. “It’s what being a true health care partner is all about.”

888.402.5846 | lvhn.org/cancer

Members of the Surgical Oncology team, left to right: Luke Rodriguez, MD; Jacqueline Oxenberg, DO; Krista Bott, MD; Heiwon Chung, MD; Lori Alfonse, DO

THE FACE OF

Plants, Flowers and Gifts

Monica Yurconic-Groff

Ross Plants, Flowers & Gifts

At Ross Plants, Flowers & Gifts, their passion for flowers and beautiful things is contagious. With lush greens and colorful displays, a stroll through the shops might easily turn into an hours-long stay. Visitors love exploring the many nooks and crannies filled with a carefully curated selection of flowers, plants and gifts.

“We’ve taken the flower shop concept and made it an experience,” says owner Monica Yurconic-Groff. Right now, the greenhouse in Orefield is bursting with houseplants, annuals, vegetable plants, herbs, hanging baskets and planters, trees and shrubs, intermingled with unique garden décor and gift items. The Allentown shop is quite different but equally appealing, the shelves filled with items intended to calm the mind and body.

Both locations offer floral services from everyday arrangements for delivery to exquisite wedding and event flowers. “Our strength is in any service related to plants and flowers,” says Yurconic-Groff. Whether it’s suggesting plants and vegetables for a garden or planting planters at a customer’s home, every project and every customer receives personalized attention.

2704 PA Route 309, Orefield | 610.395.5193

7525 Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.391.1999

rossplantsandflowers.com

Left to right, standing:

Val Lewis, Chief Operating Officer

Nick Tranguch, Chief Growth Officer

Shawn Hughes, Executive Vice President

Left to right, seated:

Tony DaRe, Chief Executive Officer

Kyle McLemore, Senior Vice President

Bringing Stability and Predictability to Employee Benefits

BSI Corporate Benefits

Helping people understand the complex world of healthcare and advocating for them on a human and financial level is what separates BSI Corporate Benefits from the rest. As a national consulting firm, BSI’s client-centric model and continued investment in the best people, expertise and technology have led to industry-leading results in lowering healthcare trend, higher employee engagement and, most importantly, greater protections from future risk.

Bethlehem-based BSI is fully integrated with their clients and provides a level of day-to-day member support and education unmatched in the industry. By maintaining competitive benefits and implementing cost-controlling strategies, clients in the BSI CORE funding model save on average over $3K per employee per year versus the national benchmark. BSI’s broad range of solutions and the ability to control benefit costs drives significant incremental enterprise value. Leveraging data analytics, predictive modeling and active plan management, BSI’s proven success has resulted in 98-percent client retention since 2003.

BSI’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed. BSI was recently recognized as one of the top five independent benefits consulting firms in the nation by industry analyst MarshBerry. This recognition highlights firms for their exceptional performance in client service, operations and employee engagement and culture. Founder and CEO Tony DaRe gives credit for BSI’s achievements to the members of his team who always deliver on promises. He believes they are “the best human beings who are 100-percent accountable for ensuring the success of our clients’ benefit plans and who always have fun in the process.” Whether a company is in the Lehigh Valley or headquartered across the country, BSI’s dedicated team of experts serves clients nationwide. Contact the team to learn more about managing healthcare spend.

205 Webster St., Bethlehem 1.866.274.2363

bsicorporate.com

PHOTO BY ELAINE ZELKER

THE FACE OF

Fine Custom Countertops

Eastern Surfaces

When it comes to kitchen and bath design, there’s nothing like the perfect countertop to elevate a space. At Eastern Surfaces, they understand the need for a countertop that is both functional and a reflection of the homeowner’s unique style.

“The products we sell are beautiful,” says owner Brian Rocca. He became interested in the industry while working in his family’s tile business. In 1998, he opened Eastern Granite and Marble, which grew and joined forces with a solid surfaces fabricator in 2007 to become Eastern Surfaces.

Some longstanding members of the Eastern Surfaces team, left to right: Dave Rocca, Micah Davis, Alex Loango, Ekrem Berisha, Melissa Markley, Eileen Flanagan, Brian Rocca, Colin Swartz, Milorad Saric, Victor Sanchez

Today, Rocca oversees 130 employees and a large facility in Allentown with showroom, offices and high-tech production area where the countertops are manufactured for home or business use. It’s one of the most advanced fabricating facilities in the country but still maintains a small-company feel.

Open to the public, a visit to the showroom reveals a world of possibilities. From traditional marble and granite to other natural stones, quartz, solid surface and porcelain, Eastern Surfaces has the widest variety of countertop materials in the area. Hundreds of natural stone slabs are available for viewing right on the premises, including partial slabs for smaller projects. It’s the best way to appreciate the true beauty of natural stone.

Rocca is as proud of his employees’ professionalism and expertise as he is of the products he sells. Eastern Surfaces is among a select group of companies nationwide to be accredited by the Natural Stone Institute. Accreditation requires a rigorous review and demonstration that a company’s safety, fabrication and installation practices are best in class. The company was also recently honored as Fabricator of the Year by the International Surface Fabricators Association.

THE FACE OF

Luxury Real Estate

Rebecca L. Francis, The Rebecca Francis Team Berkshire Hathaway Home Services | Fox & Roach, Realtors ®

Success in the world of real estate is more than just buying and selling houses, and no one understands that better than The Rebecca Francis Team, a select group of Realtors specializing in the luxury home market in the Lehigh Valley, Upper Bucks County and surrounding areas.

“It’s the happiness of our clients,” says Rebecca L. Francis, head of the Center Valley-based group that bears her name. Their commitment to providing an exceptional sales experience is why they rank in the top half of one percent of Berkshire Hathaway agents nationwide.

A sophisticated marketing operation supports each listing and clients’ needs are addressed at every step of the process, taking care to find the right solution for everyone.

That personalized approach has earned Francis and her team the admiration of countless clients grateful for the expert guidance they received while finding their ideal new home, or managing the emotions that come with selling a beloved old home. “I love that we can make that transition easier for our clients,” Francis adds.

THE FACE OF

Pickleball

Mary Jo Cambridge

St. Luke’s SportsPlex

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America over the last four years according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Poised to become the pickleball mecca of the Northeast is the St. Luke’s SportsPlex on Crackersport Road in Allentown.

“Pickleball is this wonderful sport for all ages and abilities,” says Mary Jo “MJ” Cambridge, Director of Operations for St. Luke’s SportsPlex and Pickleball Lehigh Valley. Thousands of people in the Lehigh Valley have flocked to the 75,000-square-foot facility which includes 25 indoor courts and a 22-court, three-acre outdoor area. “People are coming together not just to play the sport, but to make friends and become a community at this amazing facility.”

Cambridge is a Bethlehem Catholic graduate who worked for the U.S. Tennis Association and has fond memories of playing tennis when the facility was the West End Racquet Club. For her, the best part of pickleball is watching people connect. “It is changing people’s lives physically, mentally and emotionally. What a gift to us all.”

She hopes to land a Pro Pickleball Association event in 2025.

4636 Crackersport Rd., Allentown 610.351.6340 | mypickleballlv.com

THE FACE OF

Water Softeners and Water Treatment

Long’s EcoWater Systems

Long’s EcoWater System is proud to be celebrating 75 years of softening the Valley’s water! Residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley have trusted Long’s EcoWater Systems with keeping their water safe, healthy and clean since 1949.

Scott Warrick and Jim Carroll have been Long’s EcoWater’s co-owners since 1998. Scott and Jim, along with their experienced team, are dedicated to assisting local homeowners with water issues like hardness, bacteria, chemicals and chlorine. Whether a customer needs a water softener, drinking water system, water testing or filtration, Long’s EcoWater will provide the highest-quality service and certified solutions.

Long’s EcoWater was recognized as a premier EcoWater dealer in 2023 and takes pride in its commitment to excellence by providing top-tier solutions from EcoWater, the world’s oldest and largest water treatment company. All EcoWater products are backed by Berkshire Hathaway and designed and manufactured in the USA with a focus on innovation, excellence and longevity. Benefits of EcoWater products include the most comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty in the business, technology that uses half the salt and water of other brands, water monitoring app and much more.

“Many families have been using our products and services for generations,” says Warrick. “We appreciate our customers and are proud to be taking Long’s EcoWater into its 75th year.” With decades of water treatment experience on the team, customers can expect quality work and outstanding service. Not only do they enjoy the best products, but they will also receive the best possible experience. It’s why Long’s EcoWater has earned over 1000 five-star reviews and consistent ratings as “Best in the Lehigh Valley.”

1567 Hausman Rd., Allentown | 610.398.3737 | longsecowater.com

THE FACE OF

Advanced Vein Care

Precision Vein Care

At Precision Vein Care, Bethlehem native and vascular surgeon James Guzzo, MD, FACS, stands proudly in charge. He is the former Chief of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Lehigh Valley Health Network, where he served for nearly a decade before striking out on his own, creating a practice devoted 100-percent to vein disease. He is the only board-certified, Johns Hopkins-trained vascular surgeon in the region offering advanced vein care in an office-based setting.

Anyone suffering from tired, aching, heavy or swollen legs, painful varicose veins, unsightly spider veins or venous leg ulcers can find complete vein care with one-stop shopping—there is no need for additional hospital visits for wound care, diagnostic ultrasound testing, lab work or procedural care.

Patient satisfaction is a top priority at Precision Vein Care, evidenced by outstanding Google reviews. With two locations, Dr. Guzzo and his staff provide unparalleled cost, convenience and care unmatched by the larger health networks. Insurance is accepted, and Dr. Guzzo and his friendly staff will use customized care plans and minimally invasive techniques to achieve maximum results.

Left to right: Dr. James Guzzo, MD, FACS Sandra Ramirez, Office Manager

THE FACE OF

Transformative Psychotherapy

Mindful Transformations Counseling

At Mindful Transformations Counseling (MTC) in Bethlehem, May Ambrogi, LCSW, and her staff provide a safe place where people can feel heard, respected and cared for while working through troubling feelings and experiences.

The counseling staff is a diverse and culturally rich group who understand and appreciate the differences among people in the world. They work tirelessly to make therapy less intimidating and more approachable, both fiscally and emotionally.

MTC offers individual, couples/marriage and family therapy and has extensive experience working with children and adolescents. Services includes EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, Gottman couples counseling, ABA for neurodiverse clients, Triple P for parent/child issues, Functional Family Therapy and gender-affirming care.

“While the world can sometimes feel like it is in chaos, this work allows for touching and improving individual lives,” Ambrogi says. She looks forward to providing affordable evidence-based therapies to more and more community members. “I am motivated every day knowing MTC is part of the makeup of the Lehigh Valley’s community growth.” 35 E. Elizabeth Ave., Bethlehem | 610.390.6254 |

Left to right: Becca Smith, LMFT

May Ambrogi, LCSW

Yamilca Rosado Ziegler, MACC

Ashley Bass, MA, NCC

Not Pictured: Jessi Koleilat Asaro, M.Ed.;

Nicole Watts, LPC; Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad, LPC; Kati Beck, LPC

THE FACE OF

Midwifery

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Midwives help women have healthier pregnancies, more natural births and optimal postpartum recoveries. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)’s certified nurse-midwives have been helping deliver babies at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest and seeing patients at LVHN OB-GYN practices for years. Then last year, LVHN opened the area’s first-ever practice exclusively dedicated to providing outpatient midwifery services. LVPG Midwifery–Pond Road gives women across the region the option to experience the intimacy of midwifery’s evidence-based medicine in a unique facility committed to midwife care.

“Having your baby at LVHN offers you the best of both worlds: You can experience the intimacy of a midwifery birth in the safety of a state-of-the-art hospital,” says Christina Felten, CNM, DNP, with LVPG–Pond Road.

Trained in a wellness-based, hands-on, individualized manner to provide a more personalized approach to patient care, the midwives at LVHN offer moms-to-be an intimate and clinically sound approach to prenatal care, labor and postpartum care. They also work in a team with LVHN’s obstetricians to offer expecting women the best of personalized care and expertise.

Midwives’ holistic or whole-person approach to pregnancy and birth focuses on the psychological and emotional needs of women. This includes providing breastfeeding support and postpartum care to help moms have the best recovery possible. Midwives are also skilled in providing other routine care for women, including annual well woman exams, STI screenings and family planning.

Any woman—expecting or not—interested in midwifery care at LVHN can visit lvhn.org/midwife

888.402.5846 | lvhn.org/midwife

Left to right: Honi Trauger, CNM, MS; Jenifer Smith, CNM, MS; Christina Felten, CNM, DNP; Nissa Gossom, CNM, MS

THE FACE OF Beauty

Hello Beautiful Salon & Boutique

and Style

Left to right:

Halle Lentine, Trinity Figerud, Katie Peters, Isabelle LoRusso, Shelby Caccamo, Lindsey Titone (owner), Amy Schoff, Katelyn Newhart-Hantz, Ellen Cieslak, Jenny Otero

20s through their 70s. At every salon appointment, guests receive 20-percent off their boutique purchase that day. Hello Beautiful wants their clients to look and feel good from head to toe. The biggest guest compliment is that they feel at home when they come to visit.

The salon team is consistently elevating their craft with continued education to stay current with the latest hair trends. They specialize in hair cutting and hair color services. Hello Beautiful is a full salon, certified in multiple methods of hair extensions for length and fullness as well as hair integrations for thinning hair. A tiered-level pricing menu is offered to fit every budget.

Recently named Top 200 Salon in the country by Salon Today magazine in the growth category, Hello Beautiful strives to show their stylists how this career can be anything they want it to be. Lindsey coaches her team to strive for their goals and continue to level up in their career path. She is looking forward to the future of Hello Beautiful and meeting new guests with a warm welcoming smile.

7812 Main St., Fogelsville | 610.351.4247 | hellobeautifulsb.com

THE FACE OF

Family Law

Gross McGinley, LLP

Gross McGinley’s Family Law Team consists of five highly knowledgeable and experienced attorneys who are committed to the passionate and thoughtful representation of their clients during what can be the most emotional time in their lives.

The team members, with decades of combined experience among them, have a proven track record of success in representing clients in matters of divorce, custody, support, PFA (protection from abuse), pre-and post-nuptial agreements, adoption, name change and guardianship.

While these matters are sometimes painful, clients are uniformly grateful for the team’s commitment to listening to what they need and what their goals are, and providing guidance with those goals in mind. It is the personal touch and those qualities of compassion and understanding that set the team apart.

No matter what the case involves, the skilled problem solvers of Gross McGinley’s Family Law Team are motivated to provide the best possible outcome for their clients. Gross McGinley, LLP, has offices in Allentown, Stroudsburg and Easton, servicing the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Left to right, standing: Attorneys Eric A. Harakal , Kellie Rahl-Heffner, Allen I. Tullar; seated: Attorneys Victoria A. Strunk, Anne K. Manley

THE FACE OF

Women’s Heart and Vascular Care

Women’s Heart and Vascular Program at Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. At Lehigh Valley Health Network, they’re looking to change that.

The Women’s Heart and Vascular Program, established more than 20 years ago, is home to the largest network of female cardiologists in the region. Here, women can partner with women for prevention, treatment and management of a wide range of heart conditions.

Program cardiologists understand that women have unique risk factors, symptoms and treatment needs regarding heart disease. Women often are the household CEO and put their health needs last. The Women’s Heart and Vascular Program at LVHN understands the challenges of balancing work and family life, and partners with patients to create and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Life events like pregnancy and menopause, or conditions like peripheral artery disease and high cholesterol, present unique heart health challenges for women. Trust the region’s heart health leader for the best outcomes.

888.402.5846 | lvhn.org/womensheart

Left to right, standing: Yasohta Rajeswaran, MD; Nidhi Mehta, MD; Cheri Silverstein Fadlon, MD; Hiwot Ayele, MD; Courtney Bennett, DO

Left to right, seated: Deborah Sundlof, DO; Kailyn Mann, DO; Alison Wand, MD; Ellina Feiner, MD

Not pictured: Marissa Famularo, DO; Sima Hodavance, MD; Mila Ju, MD; Patricia Rylko, MD

Left to right: Evan Howard, Ryan Angelini, Paige Kutler, Jamie Elliott

Personalized Success Stories

Forward Thinking Fitness

If ever there was someone born to lead a revolution in the fitness community, that person is Evan Howard. He’s been pushing the envelope for higher standards in the fitness industry since opening Forward Thinking Fitness (FTF) in 2016.

His company is leading the charge to prove there is a safe and sustainable route to optimal health. “We take a lot of time to learn about our clients,” says Howard. “Services are customized to each individual to effectively meet them where they are at in life, instead of taking the typical cookie-cutter approach.” With small group personal training (16 people max), semi-private training (six people max), one-on-one personal training, nutritional counseling, yoga or just individualized remote programming, there’s truly something for everyone.

“It’s so much more than your typical chain gym or bootcamp workout,” says trainer Ryan Angelini. “Your exercise routine is completely personalized to match your needs and capabilities.”

The programming isn’t the only thing unique about FTF, as its aesthetics are something from the future. Instead of a place filled with bright lights, mirrors, machines and a turnstile of traffic, FTF is dimly lit with colorful spots of lighting featuring a low-volume appointment system for a controlled client experience. Music is synced with the lighting to bring a euphoric concert-like session featuring a heart-rate-monitor system to keep clients training in optimal intensity zones for each prescribed workout.

“Imagine a room filled with people who are just trying to better themselves with employees who truly want them to succeed,” says Registered Dietitian Paige Kutler. The benefit of a like-minded community makes all the difference, Jamie Elliott adds, “FTF is often the first time a client has actually stuck with a program and seen results. We provide the right tools and support to consistently get them to meet their goals.”

6750 Iroquois Trl., Allentown | 610.395.9595 | trainftf.com

THE FACE OF

Body Contouring

Physicians Weight Control

Embark on a transformative journey with Physicians Weight Control’s Strawberry Laser Lipo Program, under the leadership of Dr. William Strowhouer and his son, Director William Strowhouer III. Driven by a commitment to offering accessible weight loss and inch-loss solutions, their seamless integration of cutting-edge technology has redefined body contouring for thousands of clients. Their array of services includes personalized Medical Weight Loss Programs featuring Phentermine and Semaglutide injections, Body Contouring and Inch

Left to right: Sarah Skvoretz

Salome Harmon

Kristen Konicki

William Strowhouer III

Maggie Corl Strowhouer

Nazaneen Ashraphijuo

Loss through the revolutionary Strawberry Laser Lipo treatments, and the added benefits of Vitamin/Nutrient Injections to boost energy levels, burn fat and support metabolism with vitamin B12 and Bioboost Lipotropic injections.

The Strawberry Laser Lipo Program boasts state-of-the-art technology, backed by strong FDA approval, ensuring precise and visible results after the initial treatment. Each client receives personalized care with treatment plans tailored to their unique needs, maximizing efficacy and ensuring optimal results. With a remarkable 95-percent success rate in clinical trials, clients can trust in the safety and assurance of their inch-loss journey, without experiencing adverse side effects. Moreover, the program’s non-invasive approach means zero downtime, pain or the need for surgery.

Clients express their delight and satisfaction with the program’s effectiveness, safety and convenience, praising the dedicated team’s commitment to their wellness goals. Physicians Weight Control in Allentown remains steadfast in their mission to empower individuals on their wellness journey, inviting everyone to discover a healthier, happier version of themselves.

5018 Medical Center Cir. Suite 230, Allentown | 610.398.3500 | pwconline.com

Personal Training

Steel Fitness Premier

Steel Fitness Premier is the most prominent fitness community in the Lehigh Valley, providing members with an experience unlike any other.

The full-service lifestyle club in Allentown offers extensive options for everyone: three heated pools, 80-plus group classes a week, indoor track, whirlpools, steam rooms, saunas and childcare. But for those who want to take their fitness to the next level, or have specific health goals, one-onone training sessions with a Steel Fitness personal trainer are the way to go.

Steel Fitness personal trainers believe in and practice results-driven personal training, guiding clients to very specific goals, such as stability and balance, weight loss or mobility. They also incorporate functional training, which focuses on enabling clients to perform daily tasks and everyday activities without pain or weakness—elevating their quality of life.

“We take your goals, and incorporate what we see that you need, and then we marry those together into a customized program for each and every client,” says Fitness Director Tammy Stanley.

In addition to private personal training, Steel Fitness’s personal training services include private group training with classes for up to eight participants, and weight loss programming tailored to each unique individual. Clients value the relationships formed with their trainers who keep them motivated and accountable to show up.

Steel Fitness’s personal training roots go back almost 30 years. “I started my career as a personal trainer in 1995 with a passion to help my clients achieve their personal goals,” says founder Tom Fenstermacher. “Now, high-quality personal training remains a key pillar of my business at Steel Fitness.”

250 Cetronia Rd. Suite 100, Allentown | 610.973.1500 | steelfitnesspremier.com

Left to right: Ryan Atkinson, Personal Trainer; Zach Shiffer, Personal Trainer; Tammy Stanley, Fitness Director; Jasmine Hines, Personal Trainer; Rafal Mrozowski, Personal Trainer; David Edwards, Personal Trainer

THE FACE OF

Family-Owned Home Improvement and Design

Wehrung’s Macungie

Wehrung’s Macungie is the newest arrival to the Lehigh Valley’s robust building scene. The third-generation home improvement, building and design center—formerly Dries Do It Center—is the first local acquisition for the Wehrung’s family of businesses.

While the name may be new in the Lehigh Valley, the business has been owned and operated by the Wehrung family in Bucks County since 1946. First generation founders, Blanche and Woodrow “Woody” Wehrung, began the company after World War II with a truck, a backhoe and a purpose-driven mission.

Newly renovated, Wehrung’s Macungie offers everything needed for home construction and renovation projects, including kitchen and bath design, flooring, drive-thru lumber yard, contractor services, and a comprehensive selection of tools, lawn and garden supplies, hardware, plumbing and much more. Wehrung’s customer service is legendary, as is their commitment to building relationships and maintaining partnerships in the community. “Knowing we’re a part of something much bigger, like helping to grow and support our communities, keeps us motivated,” says President and CEO Jason Wehrung. “That’s the Wehrung’s way.”

3580 Brookside Rd., Macungie | 610.966.5555 | wehrungs.com

Left to right: Vicky Francis, Designer; Michael Nagy, Director of Retail; Kelly Morgan, Expeditor; Kim Wehrung, Community Ambassador; Ed Feist, Retail Manager; Brad Jacobs, General Manager; Felicia Hinton, Designer; Alyssa Wagner, Designer

THE FACE OF

Aesthetics and Wellness

Replete Aesthetics + Wellness

The journey to optimal health begins at Replete Aesthetics + Wellness, where a client’s wellness is their priority. Founder Cecilia Bermudez, DNP, CRNP, saw a need in the Lehigh Valley to connect aesthetic services with overall physiological wellness and stepped right in to fill that void.

“Our goal is to provide an integral connection between inner and outer beauty,” says Bermudez, whose background is in acute patient care. “We believe that true wellbeing encompasses not only physical health but also emotional and mental balance.”

Replete’s holistic approach to wellness has two components: intravenous (IV) vitamin drips to nourish the body at the cellular level and aesthetic services to enhance confidence. The latter includes Botox, dermal fillers, SkinPen microneedling, acne treatments, facials, Hydrafacials, Morpheus8 for face and body, laser hair and hyperpigmentation removal, and medical-grade skincare products.

All procedures are performed by a team of highly skilled registered nurses who provide clients with a thorough consultation before treatment. “We are committed to providing safe, effective and compassionate care,” adds Bermudez, “and enabling clients to thrive and embrace life with vitality.”

2030 W. Tilghman St. Suite 100, Allentown 484.882.0720

repletedriplounge.com

Left to right: Kristin Boyer, RN, BSN

JC Silverio, RN, BSN

Dr. Cecilia Bermudez, DNP, CRNP May Foell, RN

Reproductive Medicine

RMA Lehigh Valley

At Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) Lehigh Valley, Dr. Ndeye-Aicha Gueye leads a team of compassionate professionals, including board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Brittany Seal.

“We are proud to provide world-class fertility care to anyone who dreams of building a family,” says Dr. Gueye. “Reproductive care is a basic human right, no matter the journey.”

RMA has a modern facility with a state-of-the-art laboratory and success rates well above the national average. They offer a full range of reproductive care, including insemination, in vitro fertilization, fertility preservation and care for those needing donor eggs, sperm or surrogacy. Dr. Gueye also performs surgical procedures that can increase the odds of conception.

Along with a personalized treatment plan, each patient is assigned a care team, including a nurse and a financial coordinator. Additional support from nutritionists and mental health professionals is also available.

“Undergoing fertility care is often a stressful and emotional experience. Our goal is to ensure that every patient who walks through the door feels welcomed,” says Seal.

1401 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 200, Allentown | 610.820.6888 | rmanetwork.com

THE FACE OF

Purposeful Living

Blue Water Financial, LLC

Jason M. La Vigne, CFP®, is a man on a mission: to help people discover the science of investing. At Blue Water Financial in Easton, he helps clients every day create a purpose for their money, that which is greater than money itself. “Money does not create happiness,” he says, “I want people to be able to fulfill on their American Dream!”

Blue Water Financial is an event-driven company where clients receive training to develop as successful investors. Using educational workshops, both in person and virtual, clients learn a methodology to get them to their desired returns. Trained, disciplined investors are far less likely to gamble and speculate with their money.

La Vigne knows people get nervous about the market, politics or geopolitics and find it hard to discuss money. “Anything that threatens our survival we run from, and I would put money and investing in that camp.” It’s his hope the knowledge clients receive at Blue Water Financial allows them to be more free around their money and live their lives with abundance, greatness and peace of mind.

400 S. Greenwood Ave. Suite 300, Easton 610.438.0988

bluewaterfinancialllc.com

Jason M. La Vigne, CFP ®, and Alexandra Herrera

THE FACE OF

Revealing Beautiful Skin

European Wax Center

For the best waxing experience in the Lehigh Valley, those in the know turn to European Wax Center, where expert waxing treatments are tailored to every customer to reveal smooth, radiant skin.

Owner Nanci Emiliani fell in love with the brand while a loyal guest at a center in New Jersey. She felt so strongly about European Wax Center that she opened her own business on Airport Road in 2015, followed by additional locations in the Hamilton Crossings and The Promenade Shops.

European Wax Center offers a full suite of waxing services from head to toe. Says Emiliani: “Our wax specialist training, proprietary exclusive wax, our commitment to hygiene, rewards for our guests, and extensive line of skin-care products are what set us apart from the rest.”

Customers appreciate that it takes just 15 minutes to get their service done.

Emiliani looks forward to expanding. “What I love about my business is the ability to employ and supply jobs for the Lehigh Valley and help others grow their passion in beauty into endless possibilities.”

Airport Road: 1852 Airport Rd., Allentown | 610.335.1124

Hamilton Crossings: 707 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown | 484.273.0255

The Promenade: 3045 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | 610.798.6565

waxcenter.com

Left to right: Devon Wolfe, Nanci Emiliani, Lauren Zucco, Ashley Holschwander, Wilma Amaro

THE

FACE

OF Fine Mediterranean Dining

Yianni’s Taverna and Meli European Taverna

Thanks to Melissa Zannakis and Maria Manakos, the Lehigh Valley culinary scene just keeps getting better and more diverse. These entrepreneurs are the heart and soul of two of the area’s most sought-after dining destinations: Yianni’s Taverna in Bethlehem and Meli European Taverna in Easton. Rooted in family tradition, both restaurants offer the finest recipes, ingredients and culinary traditions from Greece and the Mediterranean— and an experience meant to be shared among friends.

Zannakis and Manakos are sisters-in-law as well as business owners, Manakos growing up in the family business and Zannakis marrying into it. In 2009, they took over the reins at Yianni’s from their parents, keeping the authentic touches and warm hospitality that has endeared the restaurant to generations of customers. Their newest venture, Meli, opened in March and builds on that tradition with a playful twist.

“Customers who have traveled to Greece tell us our atmosphere, smell and tastes transport them back to Greece for a few hours,” they say. “We love that our restaurants are a little getaway from the everyday.”

Yianni’s: 3760 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem 610.410.9300 | yiannistaverna.com

Meli: 322 Northampton St., Easton 610.672.4730 | melieaston.com

Melissa Zannakis and Maria Manakos

THE FACE OF

Family Wealth Managers

Magellan Financial of Heirloom Wealth Advisors, Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network

The experienced and professional advisors at Magellan Financial, Inc., are committed to serving all their clients’ financial needs at every stage of life. They offer a total solution for managing the financial and investment needs of an affluent individual or family. It is their goal to become the premier retirement and wealth planning source in the Lehigh Valley.

Magellan Financial knows that wealth management is more than just the return on investment. It is coordinating efforts across various disciplines, including legal, insurance, investment, estate, business and taxes. The advisors at Magellan provide assistance in navigating life changes and emotional events that inevitably arise whenever money and life intersect. Clients can count on informed, honest advice from team members who collaborate to solve life’s challenges by looking at all the options, to arrive at the most desirable outcome.

Customer service is a priority and embraced by every member of the team. Clients can be confident the team will hear their questions, and respond quickly ensuring ongoing support for the whole family of friends Magellan Financial knows as clients.

Left to right: Cassandra Queen, Associate Wealth Planner; Jonathan Soden, Managing Partner; Rob Cahill, Partner; Kaycee Cordon, Senior Administrative Manager; Cristy Joy Church, Operations Manager

THE FACE OF

Home Comfort

Comfort Generation

As Comfort Generation approaches its 10th anniversary in the ever-changing service industry, they’re proud to be one of the leading HVAC companies in the Lehigh Valley. Founder Chuck Williams and his team of fully licensed professionals believe strongly that everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe in their own home. Their goal is to provide exceptional indoor air quality for every customer.

Left to right: Michael Rivera, Marc Weiss, Holly Holderman, Matt Porter, Chuck Williams, Steven Anthony, Jared Mickley, Nina Speck, Joe Sidor

Whether a customer needs a repair done right away or simply wants to avoid costly problems down the road, Comfort Generation is ready to take care of every need. The company consistently receives five-star reviews, thanks to their outstanding customer service, the modern technology they employ, and getting the job done right the first time.

Comfort Generation has worked very hard this past year, and was finally able to open their very own education center to provide employees with the most up-to-date information and training on new products and services in HVAC to better serve the Lehigh Valley.

Comfort Generation is coming up with innovative ways to provide incredible service and “wow” their current and future customers. The company has a renewed passion for the community; its partnership with Lennox will allow them to help a family in need later this year by supplying a new home comfort system through the Feel the Love campaign.

The team at Comfort Generation is excited to see what this year brings and the people they will meet and the relationships they will build.

Emmaus | 610.814.7272 | comfortgeneration.com

THE FACE OF

Family Business Expertise

Compass Point Consulting

There are consultants. There are coaches. And then there is Compass Point. A team of eight family business experts with financial acumen, emotional intelligence and strong facilitation skills to help a leadership team navigate the inherent challenges within a family business. Successful Businesses. Aligned Ownership. Stronger Families. That’s what can be achieved with Compass Point on one’s side.

Compass Point helps family business owners shape success now and for the next generation by aligning the ownership, strengthening family understanding around business fundamentals, preparing the Next Generation, and building a business that can run without the owner. Their Six Pillars of Family Business Framework focuses on Strategy, Leadership, Transition, Family Dynamics and Governance, Financial Gap and Next Chapter. What does Compass Point hear from their customers? “We could not have (scaled the business, aligned the team, created a succession plan, built a board) without Compass Point.”

Founder Tom Garrity shares, “Our approach resonates with owners because we are driving business growth and value, while also aligning owners, and building family relationships that other operating systems don’t adequately address, if at all. We believe creating harmony at both the conference room table and dinner table is priceless.”

306 S. New St. Suite 110, Bethlehem 610.336.0514

compasspt.com

Left to right: Kaitlin Wolfert, Ph.D.; Cheyenne Sweeney, Ph.D.; Mark Carlton; Tom Garrity; Lizette Dubacher; John Bailie, Ph.D.; Matthew Baran; Cheryl Doll

Chef Habiba Diaby’s LE POISSON BRAISÉ

Chef Habiba Diaby grew up watching her grandmother and mom in the kitchen. From a young age she was encouraged to make her own recipes, spice mixtures and create meals for the family.

“One day I was cooking for my grandma and I wanted to remake her delicious marinated mackerel. I wanted to surprise her, so when she finally left the kitchen I was so excited and started to prepare my attieke (cassava couscous),” Diaby shares.

“When I turned around to grab my lovely fish, I found the cat

already partaking on my main ingredient. I started crying and my grandma thought it was the cutest thing!”

Diaby grew up in Ivory Coast in West Africa, a place known for its cuisine of grains, fish, fresh fruits, vegetables and spices. “African food is the best food in the world,” Diaby gushes, “but so many people don’t know about it.” She describes it as full of flavor and spice (but not spicy). For someone who is newly experiencing African food, she recommends chicken yassa, a thick stew prepared

with an abundance of onions, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, herbs and spices.

Diaby’s all-time favorite dish is the grilled fish recipe she’s sharing here. Her Le Poisson Braisé involves a whole fish marinated in garlic, parsley, green pepper and seasonings. Served with rice and plantains to soak up the dynamic sauce, it is a complete meal you will be dreaming about making again and again.

Originally in law school, Diaby switched gears to follow her passion and opened Nkasso restaurant

in Downtown Allentown in 2023. The restaurant offers traditional favorites as well as modern adaptations, such as creating chicken wings with her favorite seasonings. “I realized when I moved here that everyone loves chicken wings,” Diaby laughs, “so I put my spin on them with African spices and they are a huge hit here at Nkasso. Being creative in the kitchen is my favorite thing about cooking.”

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

LE POISSON BRAISÉ

INGREDIENTS

Fresh lemon (to clean the fish)

Pompano (or the fish of your choice)

1 Tbsp. ground garlic

1 Tbsp. ground parsley

1 Tbsp. ground green pepper

2 Tbsp. oil

½ Tbsp. black pepper

Choice of seasoning (Diaby uses Knorr granulated chicken bouillon)

INSTRUCTIONS

Clean your fish using lemon.

Mix all ingredients together and marinate the fish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the fish for 10 minutes on each side (350 degrees), continuing to add any extra marinade as it cooks.

Diaby enjoys serving this dish alongside her attieke, but she also recommends rice, plantains and potatoes.

Tag @lvstylemag when you make it at home!

Meli BRINGS NEW STYLE OF MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE TO DOWNTOWN EASTON European Taverna

BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

How sweet it is that Meli European Taverna has added its “unexpected Greek” cuisine to the menu of dining options in center city Easton. The restaurant takes its name from the Greek word for honey, and Meli, which launched in March, is a honey of a spot for unique dining and drinks.

The restaurant makes its home in the space previously filled by the French bistro and brasserie Maxim’s 22. After a half year of renovations, Meli’s décor shimmers like the Aegean Sea in mid-summer.

Turquoise murals behind the bar, based on a Greek superstition and symbol for good luck, create a backdrop of oceanic color. Large rattan chandeliers hang suspended in mid-air. Upholstered dining chairs, the color of butternut squash, sidle up to honey-toned tables. Graceful, shapely urns throughout the restaurant tie this modernday taverna to ancient Greece, where they would have been an integral part of everyday cooking and dining.

The from-scratch fare is inspired by what’s served at the tables in Greek households. These are the dishes you would find at a family dinner, not in the traditional tavernas, says Meli co-owner Melissa Zannakis, who’s visited Greece several times and has family there.

Greeks travel a lot from country to country in Europe, she says, so their home fare incorporates “techniques, ingredients and foods” of cuisines from across the continent, especially those of France, Portugal, Spain and Italy. Meli—thanks to Zannakis and co-owner Maria Manakos, her sister-in-law—is “introducing the Lehigh Valley to a new feel for Greek food,” food that’s playful and features an unexpected twist.

Meli’s menu bears out the European influence. The French aromatic mirepoix forms the flavor base of several dishes. Mushroom risotto is built on Italian Arborio rice, and you’ll find aioli, customarily considered to hail from coastal cuisines of France and Spain, on the menu. The Portuguese wine Madeira serves as a foundation for sauce with scallops, and a side dish, the classic French Potatoes Savoyard, is worth writing home about.

Executive chef Salah Eddine Ben Attou, born and raised in Morocco, formerly a chef at Philadelphia’s Buddakan and executive chef at Bethlehem’s Yianni’s Taverna, proves Greek honey is a perfect namesake for the restaurant. This honey—deeper in color and richer in flavor and fragrance than the Lehigh Valley’s variety, says Zannakis— embodies the essence of Meli’s menu, which offers dishes with deep, resonant

flavors and aromas that invite adventurous palates.

Grilled octopus, tender yet firm and meaty, is charred in all the right places, the smoky notes balancing its mildly sweet flavor. Finished with extra virgin olive oil and Greek red wine vinegar, the octopus pairs well with the accompanying grilled cipollini onions and burnt lemon.

Fried calamari’s coating is perfectly crisped, fine foil to the tender rings, and tomato chili oil adds a touch of spicy heat. Four beautiful roasted baby eggplants, collapsed with concentrated flavor, are robust with tomato and a nuanced background layer of garlic.

Like a still-life painting, beet salad is a visual feast. Red and yellow beets and red onion, dressed with red wine vinaigrette with oregano, look dramatic against a spray of arugula and an artistic smear of mizithra (ricotta-like fresh cheese) mousse. What lovely balance in taste and texture.

... a new feel for Greek food.

The Meli Team

Beet Salad

Red and golden beets, arugula, red onions, mizithra cheese

Zucchini Chips

Fried, sliced zucchini chips with tzatziki

Grilled Octopus Greek red wine vinegar, EVOO, cipollini onions

Poached Sesame Tuna

Potatoes, oyster, maitake and shiitake mushrooms, carrot purée, spicy tuna, cilantro

Baby Eggplant

Tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and lemon

Salmon

Pan-seared glazed salmon, spinach salad with sesame dressing, pickled beech mushrooms

Move over potato chips— make room for Meli’s zucchini variety. These ever-so-thin fried squash slices, dusted in a fine coating, are warm, crispy and easily addictive. Dip just one into the creamy tzatziki sauce, and you have to finish the entire plate.

A salad hailing from the island of Crete, dakos salata is built on crumbled barley rusks (twice-baked bread like melba toast) topped with a layer of tomatoes, then a layer of feta mousse. Basil oil dresses the layers, seeping down into the rusks, infusing the crunchy bread with tastes of summer. Texture takes center stage here.

Touched with savory herb butter, grilled Certified Angus Beef ® rib eye, on a bed of roasted leeks, is meltin-the-mouth tender and appropriately partnered with the rich, gratin-like Savoyard. (Consider ordering the rib eye just to savor this delectable side.) Strips of daikon radish, arranged geometrically and

Pork Chop

Lemon thyme honey port wine sauce, celery root purée, roasted radish

flavored with soy, balance the rich steak and potatoes.

Traditional Greek pastitsio gets playful treatment at Meli. Deconstructed, the dish features braised, succulent short rib, dark with intense flavor, paired with paccheri pasta (large tubes) with béchamel sauce and shredded mizithra cheese. This is comfort food on steroids.

When it comes to comfort food, however, the pastitsio gets stiff competition from a mouthwatering braised lamb shank, topped with Frenchinfluenced tomato concassé and feta. Brown buttered noodles feature hilopites (Greek noodles), so savory in their nuttiness you have to slow down to eat them to ensure enjoyment of every molecule.

A whole grilled branzino is splendid in its elegant simplicity. Mild sweet flesh, supple and moist, becomes even sweeter in juxtaposition with its crisp, smoky skin,

finished with the citrus freshness of lemon vinaigrette.

Now let’s talk about simple elegance. That certainly applies to bougatsa, a playful twist on a traditional Greek brunch pastry, much like a custard pie. At Meli, bougatsa becomes dessert with shards of house-made phyllo, drizzled with honey, standing tall like a drip sand castle at the beach, atop vanilla pastry cream and cinnamon ice cream. The interplay of textures is inspired, and the interplay of flavors is pretty inspired too.

There’s playful inspiration in the bar program as well. Consider the standard menustarter prosciutto-wrapped melon. Meli has imagined it in drink format featuring pineapple-infused Wheatley vodka, Midori, lime juice and Skinos Mastiha (a herbaceous spirit from the mastiha tree found only on Skinos Island). A garnish of prosciutto jerky finishes the creation with panache. This easy-drinking cocktail refreshes with a clear hint of melon flavor.

Beverage director Joshua Coates studied and trained with professionals at the forefront of today’s bar renaissance—Alex Day and David Kaplan, for

Bougatsa

Vanilla pastry cream, cinnamon ice cream and homemade sheets of phyllo with Greek Honey

example—and brings a technique-focused approach to bartending. Meli’s beverage program has its own fully equipped kitchen, Coates says, with sous vide machines, immersion blenders, vacuum sealers, induction burners and more.

Uniquely, you’ll find cocktails on draft at Meli’s bar, and its zero-proof cocktail collection is as inclusive for non-drinkers, says Coates, as the alcoholic drink selection. Bartenders hand-cut ice for drinks from the restaurant’s large blocks frozen on site. This ice, clearer and more dense than traditional ice, ups the ante when it comes to drink quality.

The theme of playfulness in drinks and dining that drives Meli is intentional. It all boils down to this: Zannakis says she and Manakos are “aiming for the restaurant to be fun, to offer a high level of service with a laid-back feel.” That goes for the bar, too. Coates says, “It’s an unpretentious place to have fun.” Just so no

one forgets, though, there’s a reminder on chalk panels at the bar—“We are here to be of service and have a wicked fun time.”

It’s the playfulness that sets Meli apart from Yianni’s Taverna, the more traditional Greek restaurant in Bethlehem, that Zannakis and her sister-in-law have owned since 2009 when they took over their family’s Gus’s Crossroads Inn. This longstanding Lehigh Valley restaurant was built and nurtured by Gus and Eleni Zannakis. In October 2024, the family will celebrate 50 years of business at the Bethlehem location.

Melissa Zannakis says her parents-in-law, Gus and Eleni, raised their family in Easton, and family members still live in the city. She and Manakos are thrilled to be opening Meli in the city’s center, because the restaurant has settled in such a great spot, but also because “it feels a bit like the family is coming home.”

Meli European Taverna

HOURS

Tues.–Thurs.: 4–9 p.m.

Fri. & Sat.: 4–10 p.m.

Sun.: Noon–8 p.m.

Happy Hour: Tues.–Fri.: 4–6 p.m.; Sun.: 6–8 p.m.

Bar remains open after kitchen closes.

Cost: Mains: $19–$54

Parking: On-street and N. Fourth Street Garage

Reservations: Recommended

WHAT TO ORDER

Sip a cocktail on tap. Dakos salata is a must-try… it’s so Greek. Branzino is deliciously healthy. The visually stunning bougatsa is a dessert like none other. For goodness’ sake, though, don’t miss the zucchini chips!

Paloma Libélula joven tequila, lime juice, Three Cents Pink Grapefruit Soda

MIXXTINI

BY KRISTEN WAGNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW CANNON

Is there a drink less controversial than the espresso martini? The unanimously adored cocktail has earned a reputation of having a sort of domino effect when it comes to ordering. In other words, if someone at your table requests an espresso martini, chances are at least four others will follow. That’s just the rules. We don’t make them.

MIXX at Wind Creek Bethlehem knows this to be true. Their MIXXTINI, which offers a twist on the classic espresso martini, is made with Baileys, Whipped vodka, Kahlùa and espresso. “Due to the drink’s success, this has been on MIXX’s menu since it opened,” share Keith Sirio, beverage operations manager, and Christine Steffey, beverage supervisor.

“It is a sweet, creamy espresso drink,” they say. “Similar to your favorite latte!” The ingredients are poured into a shaker with ice, shaken, and served with three espresso beans as a garnish. The drink is available all year round—and is easily customizable, too. “Add in your favorite flavor, liquor or simple syrup for a twist!”

If you’re a fan of the MIXXTINI—and who wouldn’t be?—the team at MIXX recommends trying The Spiced Tequila Latte. “[It] is a similar style of drink to the MIXXTINI, except it features Anejo tequila and cinnamon, not vodka,” they share.

Keep an eye out for the launch of a new cocktail menu that will feature additions that are sure to delight martini lovers, such as the White Chocolate Raspberry Martini.

77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem 877.726.3777 | windcreek.com/bethlehem

McCOOLE’S AT

THE HISTORIC RED LION INN

MCCOOLESREDLIONINN

Enjoy a taste of history in downtown Quakertown. McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn offers indoor and outdoor seating for an upscale dining experience. Pooches and puppies always welcome.

4 S. Main St., Quakertown | 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com

MAMA NINA FOCCACHERIA

MAMANINASFOCCACHERIA

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Bethlehem’s award-winning Italian restaurant! Voted the Lehigh Valley’s Favorite Italian Restaurant by readers of Lehigh Valley Style, Mama Nina’s has been serving the town since 2007 at the same location. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations recommended.

546 Main St., Bethlehem | 610.867.9802 | mamaninabethlehem.com

SAVORYGRILLE

A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille hearkens back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Nestled within the rolling countryside, this vintage inn has earned its reputation as one of the region’s premier dining establishments.

2934 Seisholtzville Rd., Macungie | 610.845.2010 | savorygrille.com

THEWILBURMANSION

Outdoor dining is in full swing at The Wilbur! Join in for happy hour, brunch or dinner on their first come, first served patio! Guests will enjoy views of the SteelStacks, Lehigh River and South Mountain. It’s the perfect space to unwind!

201 Cherokee St., Bethlehem | 610.419.1101 | wilburmansion.com

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