And we care for them at the only children’s hospital in the region.
Our children delight and surprise us. And as they grow, we trust their care to the only children’s hospital in the region. Because only Lehigh Valley Children’s Hospital provides babies and children with the most comprehensive care.
From routine care to board-certi ed physicians in more than 30 pediatric specialties, we provide the widest range of services available.
It’s the expert care children need, conveniently located close to home.
KRISTEN L. RINALDI krinaldi@lehighvalleystyle.com
The Power of a Power Suit
Having recently turned 25, I’m fairly certain that I know all that it means to be a woman. Kidding! I’m pretty sure that I know very little. And I’m well aware that what I think being a woman means will continue to evolve and grow as I do. But I’m happy to be 25 during a positive and empowering time, when embracing womanhood and waving the feminist flag isn’t frowned upon—it’s celebrated! It feels like all across the world, women are banding together, supporting one another, embracing each other’s differences and letting out a collective roar.
While some begin their days with a jog around the neighborhood, I start each morning listening to fierce, opinionated female podcast hosts, who are paving their own ways and encouraging young women to do the same. There’s nothing more emboldening than enjoying a cup of coffee while Kaitlyn Bristowe discusses hard-hitting topics like the power of social media and self-image, with realness and honesty, on an episode of Off The Vine Or hearing two sisters take the mic for daily bites of The Morning Toast, where they recap pop culture and reality TV with as much tenacity as one might expect in a political debate. Both have cultivated the followings of hundreds of thousands of female listeners, who now connect as one in Facebook groups, asking for advice, sharing inspiration and being each other’s cheerleaders. Don’t we all need a cheerleader every now and then, even if they’re applauding digitally from another state?
Every August, we cheer for our Women of Style, but because we realize the power of a power suit, we donate proceeds from our Women of Style event to The Perfect Fit For Working Women. On pg. 48, read about this local nonprofit dedicated to preparing low-income women for job interviews and the workforce, instilling confidence, raising self-esteem and enhancing one’s ability to succeed. It will leave you wanting to donate your wardrobe and, maybe, even your time.
Join us on Thursday, August 16, at the Centennial Catering & Conference Center to celebrate this year’s Women of Style and bring some items to donate to The Perfect Fit.
WHERE SCHOOL BELLS RING
My favorite thing about Musikfest is...
“Take-A-Taco! Nobody makes them like George!”
“The fact that it basically shuts down Bethlehem for 10 days of food, drink and music!”
Publisher: Pamela K. Deller
Editor: Kristen Rinaldi
Art Director: Elaine Wyborski
Graphic Designer: Thomas Körp
Advertising Executives: Kellie Bartholomew, Caley Bittner, Denise Lichty, Pam Taylor
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Kelli Hertzog
Contributing Writers:
“When the Lesson Center has a stage and the kids who formed bands through their summer camps perform. Love seeing such talented kids!”
“Dancing with my friends at the Polka tent!”
Susan Bianchi, Kellie Dietrich, Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis
Contributing Photographers: Matt Bishop, Marco Calderon, Alison Conklin, Shelbie Pletz, Andrew Tomasino
“One of the cool things about Musikfest is seeing people from all over the world come to the festival.”
MEET THE STAFF
Lisa Prass Vice President & COO
Did you always know you wanted to own your own business?
“The mugs! They’re fun to collect, they keep your beverage of choice cold and they help you score drink discounts.”
Absolutely not! I was doing freelance artwork back in the late ’80s, while working a full-time job, and received an offer to create and launch a magazine. The magazine did well but consumed all of my time, so I left my job, started our business and then it evolved and grew from there.
Have you always had an interest in magazine publishing?
“The variety of artists and the intimacy of the small stages.”
“Being able to walk around Bethlehem with a beer in hand!”
President/CEO: Paul Prass
Vice President/COO: Lisa Prass
Director of Creative Services: Erica Montes
Digital & Web Design Specialist: Barry Knoblach
Accounting: Donna Bachman
Circulation Manager: Andrea Karges
YES! I worked at Rodale Press after graduating from high school and learned a lot about publishing and the magazine business. Working at Rodale Press was a great experience, and they also reimbursed me for college classes, so I attended LCCC and NCC in the evenings to finish my education.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I don’t really have many typical days! Each time I arrive at the office, there’s always something that requires my attention. Prior to 2016, my main responsibility was managing our production department. At the present time, we have a Creative Services Director who manages that part of our business. I do enjoy helping our creative department whenever needed, but I usually take care of everything and anything related to our offices and our employees. We have more offices now, more employees, and our business has grown larger than I ever [could have] imagined.
What’s the vibe in your work area?
We have a fantastic working environment! Creative people love brainstorming, so we enjoy an openoffice concept in our department. This allows us to collaborate on ideas and work through frustrations
Photo by Angela Prass
while working on magazine layouts, as well as advertisements, and a variety of other agency-type projects that we design for our clients.
What can you absolutely not start your day without?
Coffee! I grind fresh coffee beans at home and make my own special blend—it’s delicious!
Tell us about what distracts you from your work. Usually conversations with our employees about their children, their families, activities, etc. We have wonderful employees and are a very family-oriented company, so we do feel like they are all part of our larger IDP family.
What inspires you?
Exceptional design, advertising and other publications! I’m always paging through other magazines, locals and nationals. I also thoroughly enjoy brainstorming and learning from other magazine owners and publishers. Personally, I get motivated by outdoor activities like boating, waterskiing, biking, walking, gardening, hiking, snow skiing, etc.
What do you love most about the Lehigh Valley as a whole?
I grew up here, so the LV will always be my home! My friends and family live here as well. In my lifetime, I’ve seen Emmaus, Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem grow substantially! It is absolutely amazing how much we have to enjoy right here in the Lehigh Valley! I am a little biased, but in my opinion, it is really beautiful here. The Lehigh Valley has mountains, the landscape is very luscious and green and we get to enjoy all the seasons! Additionally, we are very close to Philadelphia and New York City, so it is easy to travel there quickly and enjoy all of their cultures as well.
What are you currently obsessed with?
Gardening! I love digging in the dirt! I have a number of flower beds and I do my own landscaping at our home in Bethlehem Township.
What can readers see you drinking at an Insider Happy Hour?
I usually try at least one of our LVS signature drinks for the night, but then I always switch to my favorite, vodka tonic!
What advice would you give to other aspiring female business owners?
Don’t give up! Leaders don’t quit! That’s always been my mantra to myself. There will be numerous challenges to overcome but if you keep your spirits up, you can get through anything! I also have a very strong faith and a wonderful family that keeps me balanced and grounded.
Historic Bucks County
One of the jewels of Bucks County, located in a secluded setting. 1800’s stone farmhouse surrounded by 121 acres. Overlooking a classic red barn, fenced pastures, and a large, spring-fed pond with dock. $4,300,000
Architectural Gem
is multi-level home incorporates traditional and modern finishes with custom wood and ceramic floors, bountiful windows and an open floor plan. Ideal location in Wilson school district for an I-78 commuter. $675,000
Pine Top
Stunning historic stone home in impeccable condition. Hardwoods, crown moldings, and deep window sills. Fully renovated modern gourmet kitchen. Mature gardens, covered porch, and large awning-covered patio. $785,000
Windfields
Stone manor house boasts random width pine floors, deep-silled windows, high ceilings & 2 wood-burning fireplaces. Bank barn, heated lap pool framed by stone walls, & adjacent pony barn and pastures. $1,195,000
The Hideaway is home rests on 4.2 acres along Saucon Creek, w/ the Saucon Rail Trail at your doorstep. e interior is a blend of neutral tones & and sunlit open spaces. 3 BRs incl. an updated master on the main level. $515,000
Country Views
Pinnacle offers a wide open rural feel with the finishing of an elegant home. ree bedrooms, two and a half baths, cook’s kitchen with vaulted ceiling, a 1st floor master, and a light-filled great room. $569,500
Thistle Hill
New England saltbox brings privacy and hillside vistas on 11.65 acres. Exposed wood beams, cathedral ceiling and stone wall with floor to ceiling fireplace in the Great Room. Garage w/loft & 3 stall barn. $799,000
Wildberry
A premiere estate offering 9,686+ sqft. on 3 levels. Gourmet kitchen, great room with beamed cathedral ceiling and floor to ceiling stone fireplace, 5 BRs, 5 baths, grounds with koi pond & swimming pool. $1,950,000
Unami Ridge Winery
A rare opportunity to live a dream! Unami Ridge Winery is a beautiful custom built home on seven acres with a 5 acre vineyard just coming into mature production. Fully equipped & actively producing. $975,000
Gala in the Garden
Located at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation South Allentown Campus to benefit Good Shepherd Pediatrics | Photography by Spletz Photography
1. Al and Jill Douglass 2. Brad and Kim Kuchinski 3. Brenna and Mike Schlossberg 4. Pam and Dave DeCampli 5. Lois and Jack Cooney 6. Mark and Sally Sneff, and Joe and Jill Vincent 7. Gary and Janet Schmidt 8. Lisa and Ron Donchez, and Monet and John Kristel 9. Sara and Chris Lakatosh 10. Susan Bella and Dan Linski 11. Kate and Pete Kareha 12. Zac Jaindl, Allyssa Sirb, Beth and Mark Jaindl, and Julianne and Michael Cesare
At Coordinated Health – we understand that you’re busy. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to get the specialized care you need all at one location. The Coordinated Health Women’s Health Center o ers gynecology, breast health and plastic surgery. For added convenience – mammograms can be scheduled for the same day as your yearly exam!
Women’s Health Center 1405 N. Cedar Crest Blvd
BREAST HEALTH | Cara Guilfoyle, MD, FACS
PLASTIC SURGERY | Gregg Guilfoyle, DO
GYNECOLOGY | Bruce Viechnicki, MD, FACOG Gayllyn Faust-Rakos, DO, FACOG
Freddy Awards Preview Night
Located at State Theatre to benefit the FREDDY Awards | Photography by Matt Bishop Photo
1. Adrienne and Tony DaRae 2. Alec Buttner, Susan Buttner and Jessica Buttner 3. Arya Ramin, Paulina Difilippantonio and Roleen Schmoyer 4. Carol Landi, Nancy Hassler and Lori Hackett 5. Codi Januszkiewicz, Salena Labenberg and Lindsay Hayes 6. Brian Diaz and Kristina Colegrove 7. Deb Keeler, Joyce Palm, Sherri Fucito and Jen Napierkowski 8. Diane LaBelle and Debra Storm 9. Erica and Carlos Montes 10. Justin and Heather Vinson 11. Kristi Lalik and Jennifer Borzillo 12. Ron and Pat DiStefano 13. Stephanie and Brian Bowers
Crystal Cabaret
Located at Northampton Country Club to benefit Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation | Photography by Vlad Image Studio
1. Kathy and Dave Trimble 2. Kevin and Megan Grega 3. Lori Metz and Anita Paukovits 4. Michelle and Jeffrey Snyder 5. Janice Thomas, Susan Bartels and Alisa Baratta 6. Antoinette Cavaliere and Alison O’Connell 7. John and Marilyn Eisenhard, and Mindy Featherman 8. Grayce and Eric Ruth 9. Kelly Berk, Beatrice Montero, Victoria Montero and Rajika Reed 10. Tammy Claudio and Gloria Velazquez 11. Andrew and Theresa Krohn, and Judith and John Reinhart 12. Bruce Sullivan and Patty Campbell-Sullivan, and Caroline and Larry Berglund
1. Donna Kapsa and Anna Rohricht 2. Edward John White and Jordan Schilling 3. Erika Cavalheiro and Scott Urland 4. George Pitsilos and Diane Albright 5. George Trad and Carmen Dancsecs 6. Lauren Trumbull and Konnor Yurchak 7. Mona Jafar and Rich Fatzinger 8. Paul Lichty and John Morgan 9. Sam Del Rosario, Yadira Colon, Shanty Solorio and Yajaira Jorge 10. Scott Edwards, Jackie Rakowski, and Pamela and Gary Riddell
1. Mark and Brenda McColgan 2. Cynthia and Jeffrey Foraker 3. Kate Pistone, Paul Walsh, Ashley Walsh and Jenna DeFrancisco
Located at Copperhead Grille Photography by Vlad Image Studio
Located at Musikfest Café at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks to benefit Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts | Photography by Christmas City Studio
RCN’s enhanced Whole Home WiFi powered by eero uses multiple access points and TrueMesh technology to make sure you can stream, work, and play from every corner of the every room.
/ month
*Internet download speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Observed speeds may vary based on device, connection, and other factors outside of RCN’s control. Certain equipment may be
to receive 1 Gigabit speeds. Monthly modem rental fee and/or wireless gateway may be additional. All speeds not available in all
on smartphone or device. *Enhanced Whole Home WiFi $9.95 per month includes 1 base eero and 1 beacon eero. Each additional eero beacon is $5.00 per month. Activation and installation not
In appreciation of the women who help The Seltzer Group thrive
2018 marks The Seltzer Group’s 70 th year in business.
This year, we are celebrating all of the smart and dedicated women who have helped our business thrive and who have served our clients with professionalism and integrity since 1948.
We now have six locations in Lehigh, Lancaster, Schuylkill and— our latest addition—Berks County.
The women on our team who serve as customer service representatives, sales representatives, account managers, directors and executives have all contributed greatly to the expansion of our services and reach.
We’re proud to serve our communities, and we’re proud to count these individuals as our teammates.
August
10 Things to Do This Month
1 MUSIKFEST
YOGA AT THE FARM
August 12: Relax as the sun sets and breathe in the farm-fresh air with Easton Yoga. After the session is a potluck dinner—BYOB!
August 2–12: Kesha, All Time Low, Dashboard Confessional and Daughtry are just a few of the headlining acts at this year’s Musikfest. In addition to ticketed performances, there are plenty of free concerts in a wide range of genres—and don’t forget the food, drink and craft vendors.
Prices & times vary | Bethlehem 610.332.1300 | musikfest.org
4 Peach Day at Easton Farmers’ Market
3
The Great Allentown Fair
August 28–September 3 : Soak up the final days of summertime at The Great Allentown Fair. In addition to fair food, rides and farm animals, big names including Gabriel Iglesias, Sugarland and Niall Horan will hit the stage for comedic and musical performances.
Prices & times vary | Allentown Fairgrounds 302 N. 17th St., Allentown | 610.433.7541 allentownfairpa.org
August 4: Everything’s peachy at Easton Farmers’ Market, with peach cobbler, smoothies, preserves, pie and peaches by the bushel.
August 4: Join Eight Oaks Craft Distillery for a “barn raising,” where ten percent of their proceeds benefit Steps4Stellar, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for ovarian cancer. Steps4Stellar also provides scholarships to families suffering from cancer in the Lehigh Valley.
August 30 : With more than five decades as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Black Sabbath under his belt, rock and roller Ozzy Osbourne is traveling around the world with Stone Sour for his farewell tour.
$39.50–$250 | 7:30 p.m.
PPL Center | 701 Hamilton St., Allentown 484.273.4490 | pplcenter.com
Easton Summer Comedy Show
August 11: Easton comedian Liz Russo hosts the Annual Easton Summer Comedy Show. This year features headliner Ross Bennett, who has been a stand-up comic for more than 35 years. He has made appearances on the Late Show with David Letterman and Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. Ages 18 and older.
Free | 8–10 p.m. | Riverside Park Larry Holmes Dr., Easton | thelizrusso.com
7
Alice in Wonderland
August 1–4: Follow Alice on a magical journey as she falls down the rabbit hole and meets the Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum and the Mad Hatter. Children can have front-row seats and, following each performance, everyone can meet the cast for autographs and pictures
$13–$17 | 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
DeSales University, Schubert Theatre
2755 Station Ave., Center Valley
610.282.9455 | pashakespeare.org
8 Lehigh Valley MOM PROM
August 18: Throw back to the days of high school with a ’90s-themed prom. Wear old prom dresses to dance, drink, eat and celebrate with other moms while raising money to prevent child abuse. All proceeds of the event benefit Project Child of the Lehigh Valley. Ages 21 and older.
$55 | 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown lehighvalleymomprom
Roasting Ears of Corn Festival
August 18 & 19: Celebrating its 38th year, Roasting Ears of Corn Festival is Pennsylvania’s oldest Native American Indian festival, featuring Native American cuisine, crafts, demonstrations, performances and artifact displays.
$5–$8 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Museum of Indian Culture 2825 Fish Hatchery Rd., Allentown | 610.797.2121 | museumofindianculture.org
Photo by Herring & Herring
Musikfest’s Miscellany
By Daisy Willis
There’s always been more to Musikfest than concerts, even if it’s just pigging out and people watching. With this year’s ticketed main-stage lineup including comedian Jim Gaffigan (after Jerry Seinfeld broke the non-music seal in 2015), let’s take a look at the many other attractions rounding out the festival experience without a note played.
You’ll have the chance to see vaudeville and circus arts from acts like living statue Jenny Jupiter, the comical feats of variety entertainers Allez-Oops and the heart-stopping knife and fire juggling of Jason D’Vaude. And The Living Vines come to life—nimble foliage creatures in graceful movement.
Magicians are also in ready supply, each bringing their special brand to the illusion. Nigel Blackstorm, for instance, is known as The Heavy Metal Magician, while Bella Magic delights with her Goblin King-esque crystal ball juggling, and tattooed stuntman Steve Goodtime keeps things a little more informal.
International sensation Architects of Air brings its 25th Anniversary Structure to Musikfest, a huge inflatable offering a unique experience of light and color. Entering this structure is $10 for adults and $5 for kids in food and beverage tickets, but well worth it to understand why their work is described as something “between a womb and a cathedral.”
ON DISPLAY
For the second year, the ArtsQuest glass studio is hosting a glass-making showdown. The Hot Shotz Flameworking Competition features contestants laboring within a three-hour window to make elaborate shot glasses. Take part in the popular vote for these must-see creations.
These are just some of the spectacles you’ll stumble upon at Musikfest this year, so fill your mug and get exploring!
musikfest.org
Hot Off the Press: Printmaking and Papermaking
Considered one of the greatest technological advancements, Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press was the beginning of the rapid spread of information to society long before the Internet. The National Museum of Industrial History’s (NMIH) exhibit Hot Off the Press: Printmaking and Papermaking provides a hands-on and in-depth look at how printing presses, paper and ink sparked the newspaper and printing industry. Open now through October 31, the exhibit features rare prints, including the first German-translated Bible
and the book Ephrata Martyrs’ Mirror, the largest book printed in Colonial America. Linotype machines, seen in the Academy Award-nominated film The Post, are on display, as well as artifacts from the now-demolished Bethlehem Steel Printery. Visitors can also operate the running presses and print keepsakes to take home with them.
National Museum of Industrial History 602 E. 2nd St., Bethlehem 610.694.6644 | nmih.org
Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest
by
Heidi Ott & Getting Grace
By Daisy Willis
Heidi Ott is a local treasure with a lovely voice and gracious presence, so it’s little surprise that her sound was chosen for Getting Grace, a heartfelt film dealing with the emotionally fraught navigation of terminal illness.
Co-written, directed by and starring Bethlehem native Daniel Roebuck, Getting Grace follows a mortician whose life is changed by a 16-year-old cancer patient, played by Madelyn Dundon of Bethlehem. Having spent over a decade working with hospice patients, Ott says, “I can honestly say the Getting Grace family masterfully captures what it’s like to face terminal illness—not just for the patient, but for those closest to them.” Equal parts hilarious and inspiring, this film promises that beautiful catharsis of laughing until you cry, and it was filmed with a largely native team entirely at local spots like Monocacy Park, the Moravian Book Shop and St. Luke’s Hospital.
When Ott’s friend and co-producer of the film Jeff Hartney shared her album Chantepleure (to sing and cry simultaneously) with Roebuck, he asked her to compose music for the whole film. Performed with her guitarist Joel Zingone, the track “Linger” from Chantepleure as well as a Getting Grace original, “Sunrise to Sunset,” are on the soundtrack. When it came to arranging, Roebuck gave Ott free rein, asking only for a spiritual tone. “I was particularly inspired by ancient hymns,” Ott says. “It’s different writing for a soundtrack as opposed to writing for my album in that the movie has many moving parts. You need to be certain that what you’re creating fits perfectly.”
Roebuck, whose directorial debut follows a long career in shows like Lost and The Man in the High Castle, also invited Ott to appear in a scene, so keep an eye out for her when you stream Getting Grace this fall from VOD or Netflix.
Photo
How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job
by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
Mark
In this new release, Sally Helgesen’s expertise and Marshall Goldsmith’s strategies help women understand behaviors holding them back in the workplace and how to ascend to the next level in their careers. The book is dedicated to Valley native, Frances Hesselbein, highlighted last August in Style
We Should All Be Feminists
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In this 2015 personal essay, adapted from her TEDx talk by the same name, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores what it means to be a woman today. She says everyone should practice feminism, which is about inclusion and awareness, not the stereotypes often associated with the word.
Educated: A Memoir
by Tara Westover
Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover didn’t step foot in a classroom until she was 17. With a hunger for knowledge, she leaves her family behind and goes on to earn her PhD from Cambridge University.
Locally made. Crafted by hand.
Quality Activewear SweatLyfe Apparel
Steel Club is the complete opposite of a typical country club filled with mostly retirees and exclusive memberships. The club’s mission is to be inclusive and have a wide range of members, from young professionals and families to entrepreneurs and empty nesters. “Not only are they diverse in age and socioeconomic levels, they are widespread geographically,” says owner David Spirk. Members come from all over the Lehigh Valley and beyond for the Steel Club experience. A fully upgraded banquet kitchen allows Steel Club to serve at all their weddings and special events. The cocktail lounge has 170 seats for dining and their ballroom is breathtaking for weddings, with floor-to-ceiling windows. “The Black Plate Ballroom is a throwback to the steel industry,” says catering director Jeff DeAngelis. “The ballroom has one of the best views in the Lehigh Valley.” Steel Club boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed by prominent architect Donald Ross, the last one he designed in his lifetime. The club also offers a variety of membership options, from full golf and pool to dining. “It’s a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere for all ages,” says general manager Tom Butera.
Living young for eternity is what the “Lyfe” in the Allentown-based business SweatLyfe stands for. It also represents how owner Coshema McNeil would like her customers to feel: young and free. Started by McNeil in 2016, SweatLyfe sells workout clothing and activewear for men and women. Heading to the gym five days a week, McNeil was tired of spending so much money for namebrand clothing, so she created SweatLyfe. SweatLyfe brings quality activewear to customers, and McNeil hopes the clothing makes them feel good about themselves no matter their age or size. SweatLyfe’s products are only sold online right now, but McNeil would love a location in the Valley. “My goals are: working towards a storefront, working on getting my brand bigger and then being able to give back to the Lehigh Valley,” she says.
sweatlyfeapparel.com
Ingredients of the Earth
ROOT Crafted Cocktail Mixers
Good friends, neighbors and moms, Diane Aemisegeo and Trish Lauden are now co-owners—and joke that they should be called co-drinkers—of ROOT Crafted Cocktail Mixers. ROOT redefines the handcrafted cocktail with ingredients rooted in the earth, such as grapefruit, lemongrass, pear and pomegranate. “They’re organic, all-natural mixers, so we were thinking drinking can be kind of good for you,” says Diane Aemisegeo. Any spirit can be paired with a ROOT crafted mixer and taste amazing. Diane Aemisegeo and Lauden assure that a lot of research—and a lot of drinking and mixing—went into creating their unique flavors. Lemongrass is their best seller, and all mixers are sold in 32-ounce bottles. The team is focused on selling to country clubs, restaurants and bars. “People want a well-crafted cocktail,” says Lauden, and no muddling or juicing is needed with their high-end mixers. In the Valley, ROOT crafted mixers can be found at Savory Grille and Bethlehem’s new Church Street Market. Bottles can also be purchased online to create top-shelf cocktails at home.
Did you tie the knot in 2018? Share your love story with our readers! Dish all the details and submit your wedding photos at lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Ann Knerr ArtsQuest
As a volunteer for numerous organizations in the Lehigh Valley, Ann Knerr remembers this phrase to keep in mind: “Volunteer for the benefit of all and it will benefit you in unexpected ways.” Knerr says her own work has benefited her tremendously since she began volunteering in 1996 with ArtsQuest during Musikfest. Knerr enjoys hearing the stories of the volunteers she is working with and always appreciates the gratitude from staff and visitors, which makes her honored to live and volunteer in the Valley.
Knerr is a member of the ArtsQuest Performing Arts Board and chairs the Cinema Committee, in addition to being on the all-volunteer board of the SouthSide Film Festival. Knerr helps wherever she is needed, whether that be jurying and promoting the festival or pitching in with photography and social media. “I’m especially proud of helping to create the first annual Lehigh Valley Women’s Filmmaker Panel in 2017,” says Knerr, who is also on the board of FIFO, a film production consortium group based in Easton. Knerr volunteers outside the Valley, too. In New York City, Knerr donates her time to Tribeca Film Festival in the filmmaker department and serves as the official photographer for the Big Apple Film Festival. Many people often ask Knerr why she volunteers for so many organizations. “First, I have a passion to help build a prominent film community,” she says. “Second, even though some think of the Lehigh Valley as small individual towns, collectively you get to know so many people who can contribute to the community as a whole.”
Watch The PEAK TV video of Ann Knerr at lehighvalleystyle.com.
Actress Kate Micucci and Ann Knerr
A Great Gatsby Feel
A luxurious wedding and event venue, Vault 634 has been a long time in the making, but definitely worth the wait. Jaindl Properties, led by the father-son duo CEO/President Mark Jaindl and COO Zachary Jaindl, purchased the Lehigh Valley Trust Building in 2004 with a goal of preserving the work of art that the building is. Given its grandeur with marble fluted pillars, floor-to-ceiling gold-leafed plaster, antique vaults and a 900-squarefoot stained-glass ceiling, a wedding and event venue was the obvious choice for the former bank building’s future. Jaindl Properties announced the plan for Vault 634 in 2014 and opened its doors this past May. “When we began the design process, we looked at the building and knew we needed to update it to accommodate the modern client, but refused to compromise the building’s historic integrity,” says Zachary. Jaindl Properties hired Howard Kulp Architects and Serfass Construction to take on the project. Modern features were added to the building, while the antique elements were polished and repaired to look brand new. Rich with golds and silvers, Zachary says Vault 634 could be straight out of the Roaring Twenties with a Great Gatsby feel; however, the building is only half the experience. “Our team has joined us from around the country and has introduced new styles of event planning,” says Zachary. “From start to finish, the Vault 634 planners and concierges ensure every detail is perfect.”
634 Hamilton
Photo by James Taylor
Nailplay Studio recently celebrated its exciting grand opening on June 16. Set on the first level of the stylish Strata West apartments on 7th Street, it’s conveniently located right off Hamilton Boulevard in Downtown Allentown. Nailplay offers a full menu of upscale beauty services including regular and gel manicures, pedicures, facial waxing, eyelash extensions and more. The 1,700-square-foot space is chic, sleek and modern, boasting eight manicure stations and 10 pedicure stations.
Owner Tuyen Bui has years of experience in the industry, previously working at Rescue Spa in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square and Diva Nails at the Promenade Shops in Center Valley. One thing that Tuyen knew he’d do differently than other salons is mainly work with organic, low chemical, healthier products. He also wanted customers to enjoy a highscale spa experience at an affordable salon price. “Most of Nailplay products are organic. We sanitize properly, which most salons don’t do. Our pumice stones and buffers are one use then we toss them out. Our clients really come first. There isn’t a nail salon in the Lehigh Valley where girls can come have a girls night out. The atmosphere that we provide is one of a kind.” Clientele are served complimentary tea and coffee, wine on Wednesdays and mimosas on Sundays.
Taylor Made Polish. Taylor Made Polish, owned and operated by Vanessa Ungvarsky, proudly offers gluten-, paraben-, and 8-free nail products, scrubs and other cosmetics. Everything about Taylor Made Polish—the ingredients, packaging, labels, etc.—are all responsibly and locally sourced in Easton or from women-owned businesses in the USA. All polishes are “Leaping Bunny certified,” meaning they are certified cruelty-free, as well.
The two like-minded beauty business owners have formed an exciting partnership. The collaboration equals huge benefits for Nailplay customers. You’ll be able to choose from nearly 300 custom Taylor Made Polish colors. Not only is there an amazing selection of beautiful hues, but they are healthier, low-chemical and cruelty-free. For Nailplay Studio and Taylor Made Polish, that’s what it’s all about—looking great and feeling great, too.
Nailplay studio carries a unique, locally made collection of nail polishes, which were custom created for the studio by
The beautiful NailPlay Studio space was designed by Linda Magnavita, from Center Valley and owner of Little Black House.
Custom created products by Taylor
Made Polish available at Nail Play
Taylor Made Polish available at Nail Play
Organic,
1.5
Photography by Matt Bishop
Studs that Sparkle
A little sparkle can go a long way. This summer, keep your jewelry understated and classic with a pair of perfect posts that can be worn with every outfit.
14
2
1 carat
14
Kendra Scott Ellie stud earrings, Bronze Veined Turquoise, $60, Something Different Boutique
Diamond Veneer
carat stud earrings, $48, Anllo Center for Aesthetics
diamond /
karat white gold, $1,500, Timothy Richard Fine Jewelry
two-tone clusters with pavé set diamonds and 14 karat yellow gold with satin finish, $1,015, Susan Bella Jewelry
Alexis Bittar crystal-encrusted organic pod post earrings, $165, BoutiqueToGo
carat diamonds/ 14 karat white gold, $2,500, Timothy Richard Fine Jewelry
Kendra Scott Tessa gold stud earrings, Abalone Shell, $60, Something Different Boutique
David Yurman Crossover® earrings with pearls and diamonds, $850, Bixler’s Jewelers
Cushion-cut solitaire earrings, Dark Champagne, $45, Sorrelli
karat white gold, modern deco-style stud earrings with .15ctw of pavé set diamonds, $710, Susan Bella Jewelry
David Yurman Oestra stud earrings, Peridot, $900, Bixler’s Jewelers
STYLE BEAUTY INSIDER
Lindsey Titone
Owner, Hello Beautiful Salon & Boutique
By Daisy Willis | Photography by Matt Bishop
The name says it all: Hello Beautiful is a friendly salon with a bonus boutique where you’ll feel right at home and leave happy. For insight on summer hair trends and what it’s like to be in the business, here’s owner Lindsey Titone.
How did you discover your passion for hair? From early on, I would always play hairstylist with my sister’s Barbies. Once I was old enough, I was helping out in our neighbor’s home salon, sweeping hair and washing perm rods. I admired her relationships with each client. I knew that one day I wanted to have clients in my chair so I could make them feel beautiful.
What’s your fashion philosophy? Be comfortable and feel beautiful!
What are some summer color trends you’re loving? My favorite color trends this summer are natural shades of blondes and rose gold hues. We are using different techniques like balayage, foilyage, root smudge and babylights to help us create more natural, lived-in hair color. The most popular right now for summer is bright blondes with a deep base for a natural look and easy maintenance.
Best advice for keeping it cute when you’re outside sweating? The most important products for summer are a great leave-in conditioner, dry shampoo and salt spray. Braids are a fun way to style your hair so it looks stylish but [stays] out of your face. Salt spray will give a beach wave texture to your hair and dry shampoo is the best product to spray at your root area to extend a great blowout. Use it after the gym to save time styling your hair.
Arsenal
What’s been one of your favorite experiences in the business? Opening Hello Beautiful Salon and Boutique. I’ve spent many years building my clientele and focusing on my family. Then, last year, I decided it was time to follow my dream. Each client is welcome to relax and unwind with us! We’ll give you the hair you dream of and you’ll find the missing piece for your closet.
Where do you look for inspiration? I look for inspiration from other hairstylists on Instagram, Pinterest, award shows and TV. On Instagram, I love Heather Chapman, Steph Brinkman and Jenny Strebe for updos, and Behind the Chair and Modern Salon for hair color and styles.
Is there a common hair “mistake” that you see too often? The most common hair mistakes we fix are home highlighting kits. Please don’t try them at home! There is a science to highlighting hair to ensure that your hair stays healthy as you go lighter.
If you weren’t in the beauty business, what else would you do? If I weren’t a stylist, I would be teaching. I’ve had so many great mentors in this career and I’m going to share everything I’ve learned with my team.
Personal care products are a 36-billiondollar business, but how safe are the products you are putting on your skin every day? In an industry that is self-regulated, it is time to take a closer look at what goes on and into your skin.
The assumption is that personal care products, including lotions, shampoos, toothpastes, makeup and sunscreens, to name a few, are safe. Unfortunately, laws regulating the safety of personal care products have not been updated or changed since 1938, and, unlike medical products, cosmetics do not need premarket approval for safety. Less than 10 percent of the chemical ingredients have been tested for safety. The European Union has banned 1,300 of these chemicals, deeming them harmful, yet they are still not banned in the U.S.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 LEHIGH VALLEY MAN
AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR
In a course of 10-weeks, 17 candidates raised a record-breaking $732,447 for the LLS mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Chemical Overload
The average woman utilizes 12 personal care products a day—that’s an exposure to a minimum of 165 chemicals. Men utilize less, but still have exposure to an average of 85 chemicals a day in their personal care products. That load on the body, with daily use, quickly adds up.
The Risk for Teens
Teens may be at even greater risk as they use an average of 17 products a day. In a small study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), each teen tested had an average of 13 hormone-altering cosmetic chemicals in their blood and urine. This is of particular concern as the exposures are happening at a time of accelerated development of their reproductive and hormonal systems, their metabolism, bone growth and brain development. The good news is that a recent study from UC Berkeley showed a nearly 30 percent drop in hormone-disrupting chemicals in the teens’ systems after just three days of using lower-chemical products.
Quality
Cleaning is all about the
For more information visit www.MWOY.org/eastern-pennsylvania or call 484.245.3190 Maid Brigade hires quality. Then we train, certify, insure & value our workforce because without great employees, we could never earn your trust.
people...
Dr. Julie Spencer, DPT, a physical therapist and founder of The Restoration Space, an integrative health practice in Bethlehem, shared her “wake up call” moment. One particular day at her practice, she saw three women in a row, two with ovarian cancer and one with breast cancer. None of them had any genetic link, but all three of them were her age and moms of young children, just like her. She was not only sad but shaken as well.
These women shared the changes that they made since the diagnosis, going to more organic foods as well as working to reduce their exposure to environmental toxins, and that included skin care. “Skin care? Really?” she says. “It was something I hadn’t given much thought, until one of the patients shared some startling information regarding personal care products and the added toxic load on the body. I was shocked at what I discovered.”
For Dr. Spencer, it was a transformative moment realizing that she didn’t want to wait until a crisis to make a change in her and her family’s lives. She realized environmental toxins that are negatively impacting our health aren’t just things like pesticides in foods, but also in products we are using every day on our skin. It was something few people were discussing.
Product Safety
After doing some investigation, she found a product line called BeautyCounter. She was
Ron Jerdon MAN OF THE YEAR Jerdon Construction Services
Kimberly Yarnall WOMAN OF THE YEAR Mountain Valley Orthopedics
attracted to its transparency in ingredient lists and diligence in researching safe and sustainable ingredients, as well as their advocacy in changing government policies in regulating the personal care products industry.
“As a healthcare provider, I saw it as an opportunity to help educate my patients,” she says. “I share what I have learned and hope that I help raise awareness and empower my patients to make better, informed choices regardless of what brand of products they use. Their overall health and safety is my concern.”
Where to Begin
Start simply by taking a look at products you use most frequently that also have the greatest skin exposure and absorption: soaps, lotions and shampoos.
Check out EWG’s Healthy Living app, where you can scan a barcode for safety ratings of more than 120,000 products. Think Dirty® is another app that helps consumers shop clean by providing easy-to-understand info on the product in question.
Labels like “natural,” “clean” and “safe” have no regulation under the FDA and should not be used as a determining factor in your purchase.
One should avoid products with fragrances in them, as they have unknown and potentially harmful ingredients. Tip: Try using well-sourced essential oils instead of perfumes.
The Power of Change
The exponential growth and demand for organic foods is a shining example of an industry changing to the demands and informed daily choices of individual consumers. The wallet and what you choose to purchase has tremendous power to shift and create change in any industry.
Health aficionado Kourtney Kardashian raised awareness this past April, when she teamed up with EWG and addressed Congress, advocating for cosmetic regulation reform. Check out the #BeautyMadeBetter tag, which is furthering their movement.
And, locally, Taylor Made Polish is making waves. With a salon in Easton, customers can shop legible ingredient labels with true representations of terms such as “cruelty-free,” “paraben-free” and “8-free.” “While the average consumer might rely on government regulations for policing the industry, the more informed consumers are seeking out third-party organizations to assist with identifying products that align with their lifestyle, and we encourage this practice,” says
People confronting family law matters must grapple with complicated legal and financial issues at emotional times. The Norris McLaughlin & Marcus family law attorneys work to understand the needs of each client, guiding them in a compassionate and efficient manner through their unique issues. Lauren L. Sorrentino
L.
A. Curcio CCurcio@nmmlaw.com
by Alexandra Whitney
Divorce & Family Law Group
Vanessa Ungvarsky, owner. Taylor Made Polish uses a third-party verification program called Leaping Bunny. “As a product provider, we diligently aligned our supply chain and production practices with the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which exemplifies what we want to see in the market place.
“To echo Kourtney Kardashian’s sentiment, the laws are severely outdated,” says Ungvarsky. “Taylor Made Polish was created in part because of the lacking transparency and accuracy in nail polish labeling. There are several contributing factors, primarily the lack of oversight—no audit process or supply-chain verification is required.
A contributing second factor: Ingredients are so difficult to read, even the savvy consumer can’t tell if something is misrepresented. With the help of major influencers, we can accelerate positive change—and Taylor Made Polish is more than happy to do its part.”
Ingredients are so difficult to read, even the savvy consumer can’t tell if something is misrepresented.
First is awareness, then action through conscious purchasing choices of healthier, safer products. For Dr. Spencer, one of her greatest joys is seeing her children ask their friends if they know what’s in their sunscreen or hearing them share what to look for when choosing one.
Photo
Malcolm J. Gross Kellie Rahl-He ner Anne K. Manley Adrian K. Cousens Constance K. Nelson Allen I. Tullar
“My hope is that my children’s children will one day say to me, ‘I can’t believe there were harmful chemicals being used and you had to worry about the ingredients in your skin care products.’” We can certainly all hope for that.
The Chemical Watchlist
Parabens: Used as a preservative, their estrogen-mimicking properties are associated with increased risk of breast cancer. They are found in makeup, body washes, deodorants, shampoos and facial cleansers.
Synthetic Colors: Typically sourced from petroleum, they are suspected to be a human carcinogen and may be linked to ADHD in children. The European Union has banned them.
Fragrance: This nebulous name keeps “proprietary” formulas and unknown chemicals from the public. They have been associated with dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential impact on the reproductive system.
Phthalates: This family of chemicals, known to be endocrine disruptors, is linked to early breast development in girls, increased risk of breast cancer and potential reproductive birth defects. Phthalates are often a hidden ingredient within “fragrance” labeling.
Triclosan: An antimicrobial chemical, it has been linked with altering thyroid and reproductive hormones. It is often found in antibacterial soaps, deodorants and toothpastes. There was no benefit shown in using antimicrobial soap containing triclosan versus regular soap and water.
Formaldehyde (and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives): Found in a host of body care products, the chemical is considered a carcinogen and may be harmful to the immune system.
Toluene (aka benzene, toluol, phenylmethane, methylbenzene): Commonly found in nail polishes and treatments, as well as hair color products, toluene affects the respiratory system and may cause developmental damage to babies in vitro.
Sunscreen Chemicals: Both sunscreen agents and the carriers have unhealthy and dangerous implications. Many of the chemicals are endocrine disruptors.
B&B
Polliwogs & Petunias
Eco- Chic Children’s
Clothing & Gift Boutique
Photography by Andrew Tomasino
It’s playtime at Polliwogs and Petunias in Easton. Offering eco-friendly and out-of-the-ordinary items, and even allowing parents to donate clothing in exchange for store credit, it’s a hidden gem of the Lehigh Valley.
“Personal service is what sets small businesses apart. Oh, and bamboo toothbrushes!”
Michele Maher
Michele Maher
Owner
First off, explain the name: Polliwogs and Petunias!
Frogs and flowers…sugar and spice, frogs and snails and puppy dog tails…it’s boys and girls!
Tell us what makes the shop eco-chic, and why that was so important to you. It is based on the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle. The clothing and many items are upcycled directly from local parents. This keeps these items out of the landfill and money in the parents’ pockets. Many of our toys and gifts are eco-friendly, organic and/or fair trade. Our customers are making a conscious effort to purchase sustainable goods for the benefit of the planet and our future generation.
The shop offers clothing by the community for the community, but also sells toys and gifts from all over the world. Talk about the balance of that. We are trying to keep as much money in the local economy as possible by purchasing from local parents and featuring many hand-crafted goods from local artisans. We also source the quiet, educational, open-ended toys from the U.S. and all over
the world that many parents, grandparents and caregivers are seeking for their children. We do our best to bring only the best to our community.
As you mentioned, parents can bring their children’s gently used items to the shop in exchange for cash, store credit or trade. Explain the thought behind that. It is incentive to get the parents in and it keeps money in the community. And, honestly, store credit is just fun! It’s free money to shop!
Is there a certain item that continues to fly off the shelves?
Currently, our locally made wands, capes and crowns are very popular. Our locally handmade Waldorf dolls get the most oohs and ahhs and are popular as “that special gift.” Consistently popular are our beautiful heirloom-quality wooden toys from Poland and our cornstarch-based rubber bathtub toys.
What products or services does the shop offer that readers might be surprised to learn about?
Our Fairy Godmother Service! Too busy to shop?
Just call or email us the details of your event, such as birthday or baby shower. Tell us all the details—age
or due date, style, color, theme and budget—and we will help you put together the perfect gift! We can text or email you photos and even have it all wrapped up for pick-up or mailing. Personal service is what sets small businesses apart. Oh, and bamboo toothbrushes!
What’s the best part about owning such a unique shop in Easton?
Connecting with our community! We have met so many amazing parents, grandparents and caregivers who continue to make it a point to stop and say hello and see what’s new. And we get to play all day!
Time with girlfriends is some of the most rewarding we can spend, generating healthy hormone boosts and a perfect storm of validation, nurturance and raucous cackles. For advice on how to put together a brunch worthy of your squadlings, here’s some expertise from Sarah Reese, the gathering guru behind Story By Design Events.
Theme
First things first, consider your guest list. What do your friends (or this particular group of friends) think is fun? What are they into and what gets them excited? Reese suggests building your event around things that are currently trending in your life and relationships. If you’re loving the fruit and foliage of the season, create a cute shindig that screams summer fun.
“Were you all obsessed with the royal wedding?” Reese asks. “Then grab those tea cups, biscuits and best hats, and raise a toast to your royal family!” If you like life low-key, bring a picnic to the park.
Schedule
With everyone’s schedule so often packed to the gills, you have to plan way ahead. “Start a group text or Facebook chat with guests a couple of months in advance and zero in on a date that most can make it,” Reese advises. “The truth of life is, some of those guests may not be able to come, but hey, that’s always a good excuse to plan the next one!”
You don’t have to do all the prep yourself. Even though Reese very relatably hates giving up control over her aesthetic vision, she recommends a joint effort.
For friends that agree planning a party is half the fun, how about a “pre-brunch” gathering where some guests come over and help DIY a few cute projects? “I mean, another reason to have a girls’ night,” Reese points out. “I’m in!”
Décor
Whether you have a trove of art paper and love the idea of making your own bunting and bouquets or desperately want cuteness to appear around you with zero effort, getting your event’s look on theme really makes it special. From place settings and signage to dishes and drinks, have fun creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Pinterest is always there to generate inspiration. To follow up on the summer theme, big tropical greens will go a long way. “A few of these down the table can make the perfect table runner,” says Reese. “Or grab some smaller ones and letter out your ladies’ names as place settings.”
Something as simple as a pineapple converted to a vase can up the floral arrangements considerably. “Dig out the center of a delicious pineapple, line it with plastic and add water for a bright floral centerpiece.” Bonus: Pineapple makes a scrumptious dessert!
Sustenance
Obviously, food is the star of the show, and the most fun and easy way to get your brunch stocked up is by potluck. Even if you’re bent on micromanaging the menu, your friends can still pitch in. Post a pre-set menu in your group message and let people choose what they’d like to bring along.
“For those of you—cough, me—who like to present your food in a specific way, style or dish,” Reese says, “just let guests know you’ll cover
the serving ware, so they can bring their items in plastic or throwaway containers, which keeps your cute aesthetic on display.” Another fun way to collaborate is a pancake or waffle bar with guests each providing a topping.
“Any event seems that much more posh with a signature drink,” Reese says. Sticking with the pineapple summer theme, find a drink that highlights pineapple and dress it up with cute glasses and/or drink sticks. Another option for the creative: the mimosa bar taking showers and boozy breakfasts by storm. Even a small assortment of juices and fruits makes for fancy variations on a classic.
Budget
Reese is a big proponent of making your first stop the dollar store when foraging for the resources to make your brunch beautiful. Calling this repository of plates, glassware, craft supplies, vases, candle holders, etc. an “untapped gem for event décor,” Reese recommends getting your really must-have wow items like stemware, table runners or plate chargers from a favorite store and filling in the less important necessities from the dollar store to compromise on cost.
“Also, paper products have upped their game on cuteness,” Reese says. “Do a search for fun paper products that can add the cutest inexpensive touch!”
purpose act a
Carol Power Program Associate
Marcy Staiman Volunteer
Sharon Benner Volunteer
ful
Heidi Lennick Manager, The Perfect Fit Resale Boutique
Sarah Barrett Executive Director, YWCA Allentown
The Perfect Fit
BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON
aneJGuerino
knows what it’s like to have nothing. In 2001, she was fresh out of prison with no idea what her next move would be and had little hope for making a new start stick. That’s when she was first introduced to Allentown’s The Perfect Fit for Working Women program. “They brought up my self-esteem to the point that it was no holds barred,” recalls Guerino. “I just wanted to keep going.” And that’s exactly what she did. “The more they worked with me, the more professional I felt, the more important I felt,” she says. She slowly found her way in the working world, and, in 2013, Guerino opened Glory House, a transitional home for women in Downtown Allentown. A survivor of sex trafficking, Guerino says her goal is to help fellow survivors, women like her who have endured the unthinkable and emerged against all odds on the other side. “I’m living proof that they can do this,” she says. And it all started with an outfit.
Although The Perfect Fit, a program run by Allentown’s YWCA, was founded on the support of several community groups, it’s fair to say it exists today because of two tenacious women and one wellperused car trunk. Linda Robbins and Carole Rose recognized the need for a program to help women take that first, sometimes scary, step into the workforce. According to YWCA executive director Sarah Barrett, Rose organized volunteers and turned the idea for The Perfect Fit into reality while Robbins served the earliest clients with career clothing she kept in the trunk of her car.
Once The Perfect Fit was officially established, it found a brick-and-mortar home on Hamilton Street, giving Robbins free rein of her trunk once again. The parameters of the program were established early on: Women referred to The Perfect Fit would receive one interview outfit. Then, after landing the job, she would receive a week’s worth of professional clothing. “That way, she doesn’t have to spend her first paycheck on a new wardrobe,” says Barrett. Clients would learn how to put a tasteful, work-appropriate ensemble together.
But what can a few articles of clothing really do for a woman, anyway? Plenty, says Barrett. “Imagine going on an interview, knowing how much you feel out of place. Imagine how that affects your interview.”
The Perfect Fit aims to empower and inspire, starting with the image in the mirror. “Everything is confidence, preparedness and professionalism,” Barrett says.
The Perfect Fit’s clients run the gamut, from young college graduates without the financial means to afford a suitable wardrobe to women from rehab centers and shelters who have survived horrific abuse. Barrett, who started out as a volunteer for The Perfect Fit eight years ago, before working her way up to program manager, recalls one client who escaped an abusive husband with her four children in tow. “She took clothing for her kids but nothing for herself,” Barrett says. “She was wearing her husband’s black sweatpants, which were several sizes too big. She had been wearing them every day for a month. That was what she had.”
Barrett says the woman, like so many others who walk into The Perfect Fit for the first time, was initially intimidated by the process. But, Barrett says, “By the time they leave, they’re smiling, confident, ready to take on the new job.” The Perfect Fit gives its clients the opportunity to jot down their thoughts about their experience there before they go on their way. Barrett says the woman had this to say: “I had forgotten how to ask for what I want and what I need. Thank you for helping me find my voice.” The black sweatpants, Barrett noticed, were in the trash can. Although a polished exterior can be transformative, Barrett says the team at The Perfect Fit realized it might not
“I had forgotten how to ask for what I want and what I need. Thank you for helping me find my voice.”
be enough to help all women grow and flourish in a new profession. Barrett recalls helping one client land an office job, only to find out that she was returning to her old job at a warehouse soon after. “She didn’t know how to act, what was expected of her,” Barrett explains. “We said, ‘Huh. What can we do about that?’” That was one of the aha moments behind the creation of a job-readiness program launched last year called Gateway to Success. “We teach what someone would need to start a job and grow a career,” Barrett says. That includes classes in everything from public speaking to networking to employer expectations. Classes are held at CareerLink on Union Boulevard in Allentown.
Another recent addition to The Perfect Fit family is its very own boutique. Initially launched as a pop-up store in Downtown Allentown last September, the store is now a permanent fixture in the city’s shopping district. “We were only supposed to be here for a month,” says Heidi Lennick, former director of The Perfect Fit, and current manager of The Perfect Fit Resale Boutique. “People were begging us to stay, so we decided to stay.” And “boutique” is an accurate description of the kind of vibe that awaits shoppers at 515 Hamilton Street. “We have a lot of inventory that doesn’t fit our missions,” Lennick explains. She’s referring to the evening wear, highend clothing and otherwise “too dressy for work” ensembles (plus corresponding shoes and accessories) that are among the donations that flow into The Perfect Fit. Those are the items that end up on the sale racks at the Resale Boutique. While it’s not unusual to peek inside the collar and catch a glimpse of a designer label, that doesn’t mean shoppers can expect to pay designer dollars. “The philosophy of the store is that no [matter] what your income, we want you to be able to shop here,” says Lennick. Bargain shoppers can sniff out good deals in the $5 and $10 sections, but even the boutique’s priciest pieces will hardly break the bank.
Since its initial inception as a parttime program 18 years ago, The Perfect Fit has gone on to serve more than 8,000 women and counting. Currently, its annual client roster hovers near the 650 mark; women who hail primarily from Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties are
referred there by one of 75 different social service agencies in the region. All in all, The Perfect Fit distributes some 10,000 items of clothing every year. The program has surpassed the expectations of even its more ardent supporters. “It’s always been a dream,” says Lennick. “I thought we’d just have a box going around to different work places. I never thought we’d have a permanent store.”
“These are women who have been abused all their lives. They’ve never known real love.”
But, as is the case with similar outreach missions, The Perfect Fit relies on donations of both time and apparel to keep the clothing racks stocked and the client base thriving. Both Lennick and Barrett say the generosity of the Lehigh Valley region has been instrumental in molding The Perfect Fit into what it is today. Contributions have poured in from women who are ready to part ways with some of the ensembles that have served them well in their careers. “Giving to The Perfect Fit is a purposeful act,” Barrett says. “Donors often save their very best clothing for our clients. For a donor, knowing that her power suit will help another woman land a job is to intimately understand the value and impact of her donation in a very personal and powerful way.” Items also come from local boutiques, clothing drives and corporations like Air Products and PPL. Monetary donations help purchase other workplace accoutrements that a woman might need, like uniforms and proper footwear.
As for the “time” part of the donation equation, The Perfect Fit has that figured out, too. “Our volunteers are the most amazing team I’ve ever worked with,” Barrett says. Currently, that team is made up of some 50 active members. In fact, The Perfect Fit only has three employees on the payroll; everyone else is there on a volunteer basis, including Allentown’s Nancy Skok. A YWCA board member, Skok was inspired to start pitching in at the pop-up store turned retail boutique after learning what The Perfect Fit was all about. “I just thought, ‘Wow, what a
great program,’” she says. Not only is she a dedicated volunteer, ringing up customers, sorting donations and arranging the boutique’s displays, she’s also a faithful shopper. “The clothes are beautiful. I hardly ever come out of there without spending $40 or $50,” she says with a laugh. “My husband jokes, ‘You’re spending more money than you make!’”
Skok says one of the finds she’s most proud of is a pair of Bernie Mev shoes she scooped up for $10. She credits her boss with keeping the inventory fresh and enticing. “Heidi really has an eye for the designer stuff,” says Skok. That discerning taste also extends to the jewelry and accessories in the Resale Boutique, which Skok also frequently sifts through. But, perhaps much to her husband’s goodnatured chagrin, she can chalk up her perusing and purchasing to a necessary honing of her skills as a volunteer; after all, offering fashion advice to customers comes with the territory. “We tell them if it doesn’t look good,” Skok says. “We don’t want people to go home and then not like what they bought.”
That kind of self-confidence is the intended by-product of a successful experience with The Perfect Fit; it’s contagious among clients both present and past, like Jane Guerino. “They turned me into a fashionista!” she says with a laugh. Now, instead of trying to figure out how to convincingly look and act the part of a professional woman, she owns the role. She’s the one calling the shots at Glory House. “I do this all by myself,” she says. And yet, it’s not difficult for her to conjure up the memory of the woman she used to be, so her work continues. Guerino estimates she’s taken hundreds of women to The Perfect Fit for the same boost of morale that started her down a new path nearly two decades ago. She’s proud to be the one standing next to those women when they catch the first glimpse of the enhanced version of themselves in the mirror. “This is not my career. It’s my calling,” she says. “These are women who have been abused all their lives. They’ve never known real love. You wouldn’t believe the face they make. They beam.”
Visit the Perfect Fit Resale store at 515 Hamilton St., Allentown | perfectfit4ww
“This is not my career. It’s my calling.”
Salons, Spas & Beauty Services
True beauty lies within, but there’s no harm in keeping up appearances. Whether it’s a daring new cut and color, a day of well-deserved pampering or just something special to leave you looking and feeling your best, treat yourself with the help of the Lehigh Valley’s premier salons, spas and esthetic professionals.
Lash Extensions
Anna Louise, Lash Artist & Stylist Bellezza Salon & Spa | Allentown styledbyannalouise | 610.797.1750
After mastering cuts, color and hair extensions, stylist Anna added lash artist to her repertoire. Using made-inthe-USA products and certified through Lavish Lashes, Anna provides lash extensions of classic and hand-crafted volume blends, as well as tinting and perming. Her skilled application technique will enhance eyes without the fuss of makeup and will look flawless upon waking!
Sandra, Owner & Fitting Specialist
11 N. 2 nd St., Easton
816.518.1272 | forthegirlseaston.com
For the Girls is a premier bra fitting and lingerie boutique. Located in Easton, FTG features the finest in bras, lingerie, shapewear and intimates from the U.S. and Europe, ranging in sizes from 28A–52N. Nothing enhances a woman’s look or confidence more than a perfect-fitting bra. Likewise, proper shapewear can reduce up to two dress sizes. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Where Beauty is Everlasting
Everlast Esthetic Center | Allentown 610.433.1211 | everlastestheticcenter.com
Everlast Esthetic Center believes in creating beauty that is everlasting. From full-body waxing to laser hair reduction for both men and women, their highly trained estheticians reveal silky smooth skin that lasts. EEC uses their own private label HARD wax that is strip-less and super gentle, adhering only to hair and not skin resulting in a pain-free experience. Trust the experts in hair removal—only at EEC!
Organic Beauty
Emily Neve, Aesthetician
Sato Salon Organics & Sato Spa Organics | Allentown satosalonorganics.com | 484.894.6348
Emily is an experienced aesthetician with training in Ayurvedic principles and plant-based anti-aging, balancing, resurfacing and healing techniques that work from the inside out. Her approachable demeanor and thoughtful service exceed expectations. Sato is the only 100% certified organic, vegan, and eco-friendly hair and spa destination in the Valley. With a new spa expansion, Sato is now a one-stop-shop for hair, skin, nails, massage, microblading, spray tans and more.
Experience a New Beginning
Lawrence Roth Salon | Allentown lawrencerothsalon.com | 610.740.0190
Staying true to what Larry built many years ago, Lawrence Roth Salon continues to grow with the industry and the latest trends. Their stylists provide the highest level of quality service in a relaxed, fun and comfortable setting, offering a full range of services from styling to latest hair color trends, facials, massage and nails. Trust Lawrence Roth Salon’s experience and experience a new beginning.
Exceptional Skincare
Rachel Keen, Esthetician
Lawrence Roth Salon | Allentown lawrencerothsalon.com | 610.740.0190
Beautiful skin begins with exceptional skincare. As an esthetician at Lawrence Roth Salon, Rachel places an empowering, intuitive, nurturing and therapeutic touch to balance and enhance the skin’s natural radiance. She employs her customized skin care blends to promote healing and restoration. Enjoy a second chance for healthy skin with Rachel Keen. “There is only one you. Be the best version of yourself.”
Tailored Micro Ink
Steven Little, SMP Specialist
3131 College Heights Blvd. Suite 400, Allentown 610.573.1699 | tailoredmicroink.com
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a medical-grade, nonsurgical cosmetic procedure. Utilizing one or more very fine needles, color pigment or ink is deposited into the outer layer of the epidermis on the scalp, creating the appearance of a healthy hair follicle in a normal growth pattern. Performed properly, it is a permanent solution to hair loss, leaving a convincing illusion of hair.
“The Hair Goddess of Allentown”
Elizabeth Anthony’s Salon | Allentown elizabethanthonys.com | 610.437.8400
Elizabeth Anthony’s Salon, a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, has been styling and coloring the Lehigh Valley for over 15 years. Specializing in precision color techniques, including balayage and balayombre, these artists create the hair of their clients’ dreams! Get wedding, prom or runway ready with this complete glam team. To see more of their work, find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Beauty & Relaxation
The first African-American esthetic salon in the Lehigh Valley, BeSkintiful Makeup & Facial Bar provides healthy skincare services for men and women. Using products from Bioelements and Dermalogica, owner Jasmine Fleming and her skilled staff offer a broad range of beauty and spa services, including facials, microdermabrasions, lash extensions, waxing, makeup, peels and more.
Glitz & Glamour
Mariah Rodriguez-Gring, Senior Makeup Artist makeupbyroxy.com | mariah@makeupbyroxy.com
Mariah’s natural attraction to glitz & glamour peaked when she set her sights on becoming a career makeup artist. She took the time to learn, and to develop her artistry, while working at Sephora & MAC. In 2014, she joined Makeup By Roxy to assist Roxy’s continually growing clientele. Now a Senior Makeup Artist, Mariah’s focus is on bridal bookings, lessons and special event makeup applications.
Emily’s 12 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist have allowed her to grow her skills in several directions, from stylist to educator! Emily is the color specialist at Accents from Head to Toe in Bethlehem, where she also offers a variety of hair extensions. Most recently, Emily has taken her event styling to the next level as Lead Bridal Stylist at Makeup By Roxy.
Balayage
Dayna Parr Lance, Stylist
New Attitude Salon & Day Spa | Easton newattitudesalondayspa.com | 610.253.5550
Dayna knows how to bring out the “awesome” in a guest’s hair. Her extensive training and five-plus years experience in the highly-desired balayage technique (aka hair painting) brings hair coloring to a whole new level. Dayna loves the artistic aspect of the process and finds her clients’ amazement of the end result very rewarding. Make an appointment today for a consultation and follow @hairbydayna_.
Slimming Technology
New Attitude Salon & Day Spa
Village at Stones Crossing, Easton
| 610.253.5550
Non-invasive body contouring has become one of the fastest growing areas of medicine. New Attitude is proud to offer advanced slimming technology that drains fat cells of their content, reduces overall body circumference and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Treatment consists of 20 minutes lying down with light therapy pads wrapping target area(s). There is no pain, no down time and no adverse reactions!
European Hair Extensions
Richard Kroll Total Image Salon | Allentown 610.266.1177 | richardkroll.com
Richard Kroll Total Image Salon exclusively carries Bellargo, the world’s finest European human hair extensions. Custom-made in Germany, Bellargo is the United States’ first patented hair-lengthening and -thickening method guaranteed not to damage the hair. These strands come with a six-month warranty and are designed to promote healthy hair growth.
New Attitude Salon & Spa
Local owner, Patricia “Trish” McAdams-Burt, has turned New Attitude Salon & Spa into the best-kept secret in the Valley. She and her staff strive to provide guests with an incomparable experience using top-of-the-line products like Kenra, Aveda and Eminence Organic Skin Care. With highly-trained technicians and a full menu of hair and spa services, they make sure each visit is outstanding, from head to toe!
Couture Aesthetics
Danielle Walter, LE 1124 Glenlivet Dr. Suite 3, Allentown coutureaesthetics.net | 484.388.4242
Danielle Walter is owner/aesthetician of Couture Aesthetics. She has been a PA-licensed esthetician since 2010. She also holds certifications in YUMILashes Lash Lifts, International Dermal Institute techniques, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and dermaplaning from the Institute for Laser Medicine. One of her top specialties is a non-invasive, painless, affordable body-contouring treatment. Come get swept away inside this hidden gem!
An eco-friendly, full-service establishment, Haven is committed to high-quality, sustainable and earth-conscious options in all areas of service. Haven offers a full array of services, including hair, skin and body. Whether a client is looking for a new style, to correct skin imperfections or get ready to celebrate a special event, Haven’s professionals help them to feel and look their best.
GALS GONE GL AM
The 2018 Women Style
Founder & CEO of AM Luxe
If you’ve seen them out around town, at an Insider happy hour or working hard in the office, you know that these women have style in their genes. You nominated them; we just provided some good lighting and a killer backdrop.
Photography by Alison Conklin, with Olaf Starorypinski Furnishings provided by Omnivent Inc
Raises chickens, each named after a famous Betty
Working mom of two!
Barre & spin instructor at Barreform
What She’s
Wearing :
Topshop top, Free People pants and Steve Madden shoes, with a vintage Japanese necklace and earrings
Group Shot: Black Halo dress and Steve Madden shoes, with Charming Charlie earrings
PA MELA Ri e
Administrator of Strategic Communications at Lehigh Valley Health Network
For me, a typical day consists of working hard and playing hard, which keeps life interesting. I have a rewarding and dynamic career at LVHN that has spanned 21 years. Among my schedule, I try to make time to sweat it out and box with a trainer at LVHN Fitness. I later catch up with my husband, Gary, during walks in our neighborhood, often stopping by my parents’ house. We also collect eggs from our chickens, The Betties, each named after a famous Betty. Committing to family, friends and personal projects is important to me. Gary is teaching me masonry as part of our basement renovations. And I’m always planning a travel adventure. Next stops: Utah and Vietnam/Cambodia. I feel my best when I’m wearing great jeans—skinny, flared or cropped—with a basic top, bold jewelry and big shoes. My style described in one word is fun. I inherited my passion for fashion from my mother. My friends always want to borrow my stilettos and wedges, especially on vacation—just try lifting my suitcase during girlfriend getaways. My closet is filled with vintage pins, pearls and pumps. I add these to any outfit— even a T-shirt—for a classic look. I could do without toe-ring sandals and Birkenstocks, though I am intrigued with the new socks-and-sandals runway look. You don’t need expensive brands to be fiercely fashionable. For me, it’s about creative mixing and matching. I do have guilty pleasures when I can score a sale: Ted Baker and Black Halo for special occasions; Free People and Anthropologie for flair; Banana Republic and White House Black Market for pencil skirts and fitted jackets. I would love to own a Chanel suit, Jackie-O style. Bon-Ton was my favorite place to shop in the Valley for affordable tops, work dresses and statement jewelry. My local routine continues with T.J. Maxx, Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack. I particularly love searching for vintage accents and dresses in Easton at Phyllis, Salvaged Goods and the Easton Antique Emporium. I find meaning in celebrating women that came before me by wearing a piece of their past. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is Amal Clooney. She’s fabulous in every way. This summer, I’m living in my midi dresses, palazzo pants and handwoven scarves from Guatemala.
For me, a typical day is very busy and blessed!
I am a wife, bonus mom and a C-suite executive for the Greater Valley YMCA, focused on building awareness and engagement that shares our mission to strengthen our communities through healthy living, youth development and social responsibility, and that is just my day job. I am also working on the development of a skin care line, and I write a lifestyle blog, goodbeaute.com, which inspires women to cultivate a healthy, happy, good life. I feel my best when I’m wearing a feminine, sexy dress. When I want to feel like a boss, there is nothing better than an iconic DVF wrap dress for work or play. My style described in one word is confident.
Chief Marketing Officer at Greater Valley YMCA
My friends always want to borrow my shoes— I have a serious collection of Christian Louboutins. By the way, my Aunt Millie introduced me to the shoe long before Sex and the City turned them into an obsession. My closet is filled with shoes and bags, and I could do without the sweatsuit (shellsuit) and heels trend. Chanel, DVF and Christian Louboutin are my favorite brands, and I love going to Zara for hip, trendy, reasonably priced clothing. My favorite place to shop in the Valley is Designer Consigner in Bethlehem. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is Jennifer Lopez. This summer, I’m living in my Ophidia GG Supreme Gucci belt bag, aka the new version of a fanny pack.
K IMBE RLY Ha ston-Hicks
YWhat She’s Wearing :
Zara suit, vintage Chanel belt and Christian Louboutin heels, with Chanel necklace and earrings
Group Shot: Zara dress, Forever 21 moto jacket and Christian Louboutin heels, with Chanel earrings and runway vintage Chanel bracelet
What She’s Wearing :
Zara romper and ankle-strap heels, with Gucci handbag
Group Shot:
Adelyn Rae romper and Jimmy Choo shoes, with Rebecca Minkoff clutch and Cartier watch
KKRISTEN Shea
Executive Assistant at SKC & Co. CPAs, L . L .C.
For me, a typical day consists of the alarm going off at 4:15 a.m., and by 5:45 a.m., I am making the 90-mile drive to my office in New Jersey (with espresso in hand!). I am fortunate enough to have a boss who gives me the freedom to work from home two days a week, ever since I moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania two years ago. On NJ days, though, I start early! Once I’m back home, I spend as much time as possible outside with my Boston Terrier, Lucky. Once she is tired, my fiancé and I will either make dinner at home or go somewhere local to have food and drinks. I feel my best when I’m wearing jeans, a pair of statement earrings and ALWAYS lip gloss. My style described in one word is classic. I try to choose pieces that will stand the test of time. My friends always want to borrow my handbags.
I like to focus on quality over quantity, which is something I’ve learned over time. My closet is filled with handbags, heels, lots of fitted blazers and transitional pieces that can take me from my office to a night out. The item or trend I could do without is crop tops and platform sneakers. My favorite brands include Banana Republic, Zara and various unique brands carried at Anthropologie and South Moon Under. I do most of my shopping online, but I'll check out Nordstrom Rack from time to time to look for designer steals. As far as celebrity closets go, I admire Olivia Palermo and Julianne Moore. Their styles remind me of a modernday Audrey Hepburn. This summer, I’m living in rompers and heels. Rompers are an easy way to be semi-dressed up without having to coordinate many pieces, and I am most comfortable in heels, as crazy as that sounds!
She’s Wearing :
SHARON Yudt
Group
:
Coordinator at Comcast, Philly, and Barre & Spin Instructor at Barreform
What my typical day consists of is about to change, so I am not sure. I guess work 8-to-5ish, and then, at some point each day, you will find me in workout clothes doing some type of physical fitness. I feel my best when I’m wearing jeans and a unique top. Edgy is how I would
What
Revolve jumper and Gucci boots, with Henri Bendel bracelet, Louis Vuitton purse and Urban Outfitters scrunchy
Shot
Banana Republic jumper and Sam Edelman shoes, with Henri Bendel purse
ANN MARIE Supinski
Founder & CEO of AM Luxe
For me, a typical day consists of creating a special experience for each client at AM Luxe, which includes
What She’s Wearing :
BCBG Max Azria skirt and blouse and Kelly & Katie shoes, with Ralph Lauren earrings
Group Shot: RACHEL Rachel Roy dress and Vince Camuto sandals
MA RYB ETH Gri aton
Esthetician, Lashionista, Airbrush Spray Tan
Technician at Organic Tans & Beauty Bar
For me, a typical day consists of daily meditation, positive affirmations and my special blend of YL essential oils to kickstart my day. Then it's off to the races, getting my seven-month-old son and two-and-a-half-year-old daughter ready for the day. I am fortunate enough to work with an amazing group of beautiful, talented women who inspire me, make me laugh and challenge me so that, in return, I am able to help women who come into our skin care salon bring out their inner and outer beauty through the express beauty treatments that we offer at Organic Tans & Beauty Bar. I feel my best when I'm wearing the most flattering dress, heels, a little lipstick and lashes. My style described in one word is eclectic. My friends always want to borrow my party dresses and, newest beauty obsession, Repêchage sheet masks— talk about a mini vacation
for your face. My closet is filled with party dresses, white V-neck T-shirts and casual shoes. It is hard to pinpoint trends, since they come and go, and it is a matter of opinion and individuality, but I do love companies that cater to a need, whether beautyrelated or as simple as a pair of socks. I love Bombas socks—super comfortable and they donate a pair to one in need. My favorite brands are H&M, Ann Taylor, Jason Wu, John Galliano, Tom Ford and Stitch Fix. My favorite places to shop in the Valley are The Promenade and local, small-business boutiques like AM Luxe and STEP in 4 MOR. The celebrity whose closet I would raid is Cate Blanchett. This summer, I'm living in my Organic Tans & Beauty Bar spray tan, white V-neck T-shirt and a little lip gloss.
Hour by hour, day after day, one year to the next, these talented women—small-business owners, dedicated professionals, entrepreneurs, community leaders, creative spirits, experts in their respective fields—labor tirelessly in their efforts to make the Lehigh Valley an even better place to live, work and play.
Read on and learn more about these movers and shakers: who they are, what they do and how they enable and inspire others in the Lehigh Valley to achieve their full potential.
Interested in being included in one of our Professional Profile sections? Call 484.546.0408 for more information.
LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST
Lehigh Valley native Whitney Carullo is the proud co-owner of Liven Up Fitness, a personal training facility in Bethlehem. Named Best of the Lehigh Valley for the past four years, Whitney credits this success to Liven Up’s amazing community of members and her staff. “We wanted our gym to be a place where people could go and be encouraged to reach their goals,” she says. “We wanted our members to strive for results they thought unattainable. We wanted to nurture lifestyles that would benefit whole families. We wanted to build a community.” Liven Up is truly a place where everyone works together to accomplish a common goal: to live life to the fullest!
REVEALING BEAUTIFUL SKIN®
European Wax Center was founded over a decade ago on the belief that everyone deserves beautiful, gorgeous skin and should not conceal who they are, but instead have the courage and confidence to reveal their natural, beautiful skin. Hearing those words made an impression on a local woman as she grew into a loyal guest at a New Jersey European Wax Center location.
Nanci Emiliani-Gerhard, owner of two local European Wax Center locations, has resided in the Lehigh Valley her entire life and wanted to bring this amazing company to the area. The culture of European Wax Center is similar to the values she grew up with, working for her family in the beauty industry. Having people feel more confident and powerful from hair removal is what she loves the most.
Nanci opened the Airport Road location in August 2015. In December 2016, she added a second location in the new Hamilton Crossings in Lower Macungie Township. Her locations won Lehigh Valley Style’s “Best Of” awards for “Best Waxing There and Everywhere” three years in a row! Nanci hopes everyone will come in and see why the Valley loves European Wax Center. She also would like to say thank you to her amazing guests and employees for their continued support over the last three years.
Nanci Emiliani-Gerhard, Owner
Whitney Carullo, Co-Owner
THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S PREMIER EVENT RENTAL STORE
Suzanne Horn, CERP and president of Action Party Rentals, Inc., has been a small-business owner in the Lehigh Valley for 23 years. She is the second generation in her 51-year-old family-owned business and is hoping that one or more of her daughters will carry on the tradition. Suzanne is passionate about providing beautiful events that represent clients in their milestone celebrations.
Suzanne has a wonderful team of 20 people. They help her attend to all of the details of an event. Her team includes Certified Event Rental Professionals (CERP), event planners, trade show designers, a delivery/installation team, Pennsylvania moon bounce inspectors and an inhouse staff to pull, pack and clean every order.
It is fun and easy to execute stunning events with her 30,000-square-foot warehouse. It is filled with tents, tables, thousands of chairs, china, glassware, linens, games and props. The Action Party Rentals’ team depends on the latest colors, patterns and trends to make an event unique and keep their inventory fresh. Wooden cross-back chairs, rustic farm
tables and wine-barrel bars are very popular right now. They recently added fabric wedding backdrops, a green garden wall and throne chairs. Annually, they sell scratched and dented items to ensure that each event is perfect.
For Suzanne and Action Party Rentals, community involvement is a large part of what they do. They enjoy giving back to the community. They help many non-profit organizations and individuals to raise money or awareness about their specific cause, by providing equipment, sponsorship or volunteering. They also enjoy working on backyard parties, corporate events, fundraisers, weddings, engagement parties, vow renewal ceremonies, anniversaries, birthday celebrations, open houses and more.
Action Party Rentals helps people get together in their showroom at 620 Union Boulevard in Allentown. They use knowledge and technology to design a tent or venue layout. Clients are invited to bring their ideas and inspirations to Action Party Rentals for an event designed in the studio just for them.
Above left, Suzanne Horn, CERP and president; above right, examples of the wide variety of event décor available at Action Party Rentals
NEED FLOWERS? CALL MONICA AT ROSS
When you are raised in a family whose name is associated with insurance, notary and tags, it is hard to break people of that mindset. Monica Yurconic-Groff’s goal has been to have people think of flowers when they hear her name. In need of flowers for a daughter’s wedding? Call Monica at Ross. In need of flowers for a friend’s funeral? Call Monica at Ross. In need of flowers for the planters on the front porch? Stop by and see Monica at Ross. After 12 years of staying focused on her goal, connecting with others, developing an exceptional team of employees and creating beautiful arrangements across the Valley, Monica can say she has won the battle.
Known as the hidden treasure of Orefield, Ross Plants & Flowers began in 1938 as a mom-and-pop business with flowers being sold off the front porch of the home located on the property. Today, it still remains a mom-and-pop shop, with Monica and her husband, Mike Groff, running the show, but the show is set on an acre of a stage.
For those who haven’t had the opportunity to stop in the shop, make a point of visiting soon. Ask for Monica and she will be sure to share some of her favorite flowers!
2704 PA Rte. 309, Orefield
610.395.5193 | rossplantsandflowers.com
by Cristina Byrne
A BEAUTY DESTINATION WITH A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE
Richard Kroll Total Image Salon has been an industry leader in the Lehigh Valley for over 53 years! The salon began in 1965 with Richard Kroll, Sr., working out of his mother’s home in Allentown. Richard still plays an active part in the business today, while his daughter, Trisha Strucke, has taken full ownership to ensure the business still thrives and keeps giving unsurpassed service to the Lehigh Valley for years to come.
Trisha is a Certified Associate of Trichology and helps clients seeking care for hair and scalp issues or any other hair-loss concerns. The salon specializes in long hair, color, hair replacement, chemotherapy wigs, laser hair rejuvenation therapy, European hair extensions, skin care, makeup and waxing, as well as natural nail care.
Richard Kroll Total Image Salon is unique in many ways: The atmosphere is upbeat, friendly and has a strong team environment. “We ensure our clients are comfortable and taken care of in a timely manner,” says Trisha. “The staff works hard to make every client feel confident in how to care for their hair at home. We would not have the success we do without our dedicated team of women.”
Monica Yurconic-Groff
Photo
Top row, left to right: Jennifer Welser, Jessica Watson, Nanette Schmidt Bottom row: Alyssa Homan, Tami Tomsics, Trisha Strucke, Kendall Brown, Alexandra Robibero
QUALITY, AWARD-WINNING CARE WITH A COMPASSIONATE TOUCH
Dr. Nancy Soares, founder and owner of Macungie Animal Hospital, appreciates the significant roles that pets play in people’s lives. With a mission to provide the community with quality, affordable medical and surgical care, she has designed and outfitted Macungie Animal Hospital with the advanced technology necessary to help every pet live a long and happy life.
She and her team of veterinary professionals, Dr. Tere Hernandez, Dr. Elizabeth Keehner, Dr. Jennifer Boyer and Dr. Jerica Lugo, bring over 40 years of experience to the well-being of pets. They understand that the bond with a pet is a vital part of life and they bring compassion and empathy along with their expertise when they enter the exam room.
Shortly after opening the hospital in 2007, Dr. Soares achieved its accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association, an accrediting body that performs rigorous evaluations of the hospital on a regular basis. From 2016 to 2017, she served as President of AAHA, overseeing the various programs they provide to the veterinary profession and petloving communities of North America.
Dr. Soares has blended a state-of-the-art facility with a welcoming, compassionate environment. She believes that the ability to provide quality veterinary care, while understanding, bonding and empathizing with owners, is what separates good veterinarians from great ones and average veterinary hospitals from outstanding facilities like Macungie Animal Hospital.
The Macungie Animal Hospital team, left to right: Dr. Jennifer Boyer, Dr. Tere Hernandez, Dr. Nancy Soares, Dr. Jerica Lugo and Dr. Elizabeth Keehner
GENUINE, PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Susan Bella Linski has spent most of her life in a jewelry store. She is the proud owner of Susan Bella Jewelry in West Allentown going on 10 years! Every single day, she is motivated and inspired by her clients.
Whether spotted at a local charitable event or behind a jewelry counter, Susan will surely be smiling. She says, “Kindness is contagious, and it is my goal to brighten people’s day by helping them find that perfect gift they can be proud to present.”
It is very important for Susan (and the entire Bella Team) to connect with clients. Learning who they are—along with what their likes and dislikes are—helps her serve them well and give genuine, personalized service each time they walk through the door. Susan feels “it is essential that I offer a unique selection of beautiful jewelry in a comfortable atmosphere that will satisfy every style and budget.”
Custom design is Susan’s main passion, particularly when she is redesigning heirloom pieces. She creates an experience for the client and tries to honor the individual whom the piece(s) came from. The reveal can be so touching that the recipients are often moved to tears. Talk about moving the Valley!
Susan Bella Jewelry has been named “The Best Place to Buy Fine Jewelry” by the readers of Lehigh Valley Style for the fourth consecutive year! Congratulations to Susan and her whole team!
1746 W. Allen St., Allentown 610.434.8001 | susanbellajewelry.com
by DMiranda Portrait
LIVE WELL, EAT WELL, BE WELL
Wellness transcends merely eating healthy foods—it is a state of being, and a synergy of mind, body and soul. Empower Nutrition & Wellness strives for its clients to realize that wellness deserves to be their priority, with health and happiness going hand in hand.
Through good food, positive energy and mindfulness, Empower can transform a client’s outlook on the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“We believe that ‘eating healthful’ has nothing to do with dieting,” says Andrea Barnes, co-owner. “In fact, we do not promote dieting or diet fads. We believe in empowering you to be conscious of what you’re putting in your body, with a focus on whole foods that have a positive impact on how you feel and perform.”
Clients will have welcomed options full of essential nutrients, without totally eliminating favorite foods. “We want you to feel good about what you’re eating, what you’re feeding to your family and the habits you’re creating,” says Amy Romberger, co-owner.
Empower’s mission is just that—a determination to empower all, because being well is not just about eating healthy and exercising; it’s about creating a new lifestyle focused on healthy habits that impact the body and mind.
Susan Bella Linksi
Photo
Andrea Barnes, MS, RD, LDN, FAND & Amy Romberger, RD, LDN
Photo by Alyssa Andrew Photography
COMPREHENSIVE PRIMARY CARE WITHOUT THE RED TAPE
An area native and graduate of Parkland High School (’85) and Muhlenberg College (’89), Dr. Kimberly Legg Corba is a board-certified family physician. She is the only Direct Primary Care (DPC) physician in the Greater Lehigh Valley. Dr. Corba owns and operates a solo, independent private practice that opened in 2003. Being independent allows her to provide care to her patients in the manner she desires while having flexibility in her schedule to be a “hands-on” mom for her two children.
She remains one of the last independent primary care offices in Allentown. With the cost of insurance skyrocketing, shortened visits, decreased access and the restrictive presence of third parties in the exam room, Dr. Corba felt it was time to preserve her patient-physician relationships. In January 2016, she made the decision to transition her practice to the DPC model and opted out of participation with all insurance carriers. Direct Primary Care is a living, breathing model of how health care can be provided effectively, affordably and transparently. Dr. Corba knew exactly what she had to do; taking care of patients was why she chose a medical career and she no longer wanted any distractions.
Direct Primary Care is not insurance, nor a substitute for having an insurance policy for major health issues. With DPC, patients pay a periodic medical
MORE ABOUT DR. KIMBERLY LEGG CORBA:
Founding member/membership committee, Direct Primary Care Alliance
Author, The Manual of Policies and Procedures for Direct Primary Care
Author, Office-based Medication Dispensary Policy and Procedure for Pennsylvania
service fee ($10–$100/month depending on age) that includes an unrestricted number of visits; after-hours access via text, email, video or phone for urgent issues; prolonged visits (30–60 minutes) and same day/next day acute appointments. DPC provides value-added benefits including deeply discounted prices for radiology, specialist, laboratory prices and an in-house dispensary for generic medications at near-cost. For example, a Z-pack costs $4 and a chest x-ray is less than $50. Through enhanced access and attention, her patients spend less time in Urgent Care and the ER.
The model has grown 640 percent across the country since 2014 with DPC practices in 48 out of 50 states (https://www.dpcfrontier.com/mapper/).
Dr. Corba is part of DPC national and state efforts, has testified in a public hearing in Harrisburg for a Senate DPC bill and has advocated for healthcare reform in Washington, DC, many times, most recently meeting with White House leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Treasury.
Dr. Corba hopes to empower female physicians to be in private practice, and to inspire women in any business model to be unafraid to take a chance and make a bold decision in the hopes of making a change for the better.
Above left, Kimberly Legg Corba, DO; above right, Dr. Corba offers a number of online case studies to explain the benefits and savings of DPC
A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO FABULOUS FEET
Many people will put off taking care of deformed toenails because they are embarrassed or feel that there is nothing that can be done. From the very first visit with a patient, Dr. Michelle McCarroll emphasizes that there is indeed hope. With hard work and time, most nail deformities can be improved.
“That Foot Doctor,” Dr. McCarroll’s practice, has the most comprehensive program for treating foot fungus in the Valley. She believes that fungus persists due to under-treatment and emphasizes the need to treat shoes, skin and nails all at the same time for the best long-term outcome. Dr. McCarroll offers one of the top 10 innovations in podiatric care: the Keryflex nail restoration system, which improves the appearance of ugly nails so that they are healthy and beautiful during sandal season.
With chic styles and built-in support, Vionic sandals are a staple in the summer wardrobe, and are available to try on in the office. Dr. McCarroll believes in health and well-being. She is proud to say that her surgical patients have excellent functional results and little to no pain after foot surgery.
BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
Dr. Samina Wahhab opened her office in Allentown 17 years ago, becoming the only female plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Lehigh Valley. For over a decade, Dr. Wahhab’s practice has flourished and she continues to offer her patients the highest level of care and expertise with a personal and compassionate touch.
Dr. Wahhab attended medical school at Hahnemann University. She continued her education with a general surgery residency and a fellowship in plastic surgery at Lehigh Valley Hospital, graduating in June 2001. She has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and maintains her board certification and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Wahhab performs surgical procedures primarily at Lehigh Valley Hospital. She specializes in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery and general plastic surgery. Dr. Wahhab also performs SLIM liposuction, injectables including Botox®, Juvederm and Sculptra.
IPL hair removal and a full complement of medical skin care services—including treatments for rosacea, hemangiomas, scar tissue and nail fungus—are provided by her highly-trained staff. Ultherapy, the revolutionary non-surgical facelifting procedure, is also available.
From the moment patients enter the office, they know that they are cared for and cared about in a warm and nurturing environment.
Samina Wahhab, MD
Michelle McCarroll, DPM
INSPIRING CREATIVITY
“We love that we get to inspire women with our creativity. Primarily because it’s the thing that allowed us to turn our own dream into a reality nine years ago.”
As a woman-owned company in a male-dominated industry, 3Seed has emerged as a leader with a creative passion to empower women, celebrate ideas and encourage innovation. They are proud of their accomplishments. But they are even prouder to be a part of the area’s many female entrepreneurs.
Managing Partners Julie Moyer and Andrea Luhman Guarino
CREATE A STIR
ROOT Crafted Cocktail Mixers are handcrafted in the Lehigh Valley using all-natural, organic ingredients that pair perfectly with any libation. Blended to perfection, the mixers are the passionate collaboration of Trish Pepe Lauden and Diane Aemisegeo. These entrepreneurial moms set out to create a sophisticated and refined product that reflected their quest for the perfect handcrafted cocktail. Trish studied at Lehigh University, where she met and married her husband, and has four wonderful children. While Trish was experimenting with cocktail mixology she met Diane, who shared her love of creating new and special drinks. Diane is the mother of two and, like her father, who studied culinary arts in Europe, wanted to ensure that she served only the freshest and the highest quality ingredients to her friends and family. The two quickly became close friends and neighbors, which led to Friday night hangouts with husbands, kids and cocktails. They brought the “night out” into their homes, where they had complete control over what they drank. Their craft mixers fuse florals and fruits to entice even the most discerning palate. Ingredients are rooted in the earth, and rooted in the bonds of family and friends. Create a stir; ROOT’s unique selections make refined effortless!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY DENTISTRY WITH A HIGH-TECH TOUCH
Lorri Tomko is the owner of Tomko Dental Associates, where she and her team deliver exceptional dental care along with other specialty services. As a dentist with over 35 years in the dental industry, Dr. Tomko has a passion for making people feel better by caring for one of their greatest assets—their smile. After moving her office to the west end of the Lehigh Valley in early 2013, she has established herself as one of the best-known female-owned dental practices in the Valley.
“I am very proud of the business I have built, although it has not come without its challenges. This is why I have six smart women on my team whose expertise makes me look good every day. Our goal is to care for our patients at a high level and in a professional manner.”
The office also gives a nod to a simpler time, where a real person answers the phone and truly wants to hear one’s dental concerns. This, along with cuttingedge technology such as CEREC same-day crowns, Invisalign, intraoral cameras, online scheduling and text appointment reminders, is just the beginning of what Tomko Dental Associates can do to restore a youthful smile.
Above, Trish Pepe Lauden & Diane Aemisegeo; below, ROOT Crafted’s line of organic mixers
Dr. Lorri Tomko, DMD, MBA, owner and 5-time Select Dentist™ recipient in the category of General Dentistry
Kris Warner, Co-Owner
LOCAL VINES, FLAVORFUL WINES
Kris Warner joins her husband, Andrew, as a co-owner of Black River Farms. BRF is a family-owned and -operated estate vineyard and winery located in Bethlehem. The mother of two and former educator now assists with all aspects of the expanding business. The 17-acre property is home to nine acres of grapevines but also produces seasonal sales of garden-fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers and eggs. Kris enjoys tending to the gardens, planning and preparing for private events and gathering with guests in the tasting room, where the field work comes to life. Currently, BRF offers 14 handcrafted wines, including white, red and rosé, and Kris is proud of the friendly and talented staff. BRF is delighted to participate as a new member of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.
2472 Black River Rd., Bethlehem 484.935.1011 | black-river-farms.com
THE FIRST STEP TO A NEW BEGINNING
April Gabriel-Ferretti has been working in the field of mental health for more than a decade. She is the founder and owner of Gabriel-Ferretti Pyschotherapy and Consulting in Bethlehem, which offers individual, couples and family therapy. Her hopes for her clients are twofold: She wants them to know without any uncertainty that they are not alone and that their issues are both temporary and treatable.
April’s specialty is treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her love for working with women and soon-to-be moms began in the early 2000s when she became certified as a birth doula through DONA International. She knew then that her life would likely entail some form of serving this deserving population.
With nearly one in seven women and one in 10 men experiencing symptoms beyond the “baby blues,” April continues to dedicate her career to helping moms and their families face the difficulties of postpartum depression, anxiety and other mood challenges that often accompany conception, infant loss, miscarriage, pregnancy and the transition into parenthood.
To support her work, April created the Lehigh Valley Postpartum Support group, which meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., and has formed a private Facebook group to supplement LVPS. This online group is not intended to replace traditional therapy but rather a place to seek support and community. April is also the Lehigh Valley coordinator for Postpartum Support International. Visit April’s website for details of upcoming events.
April Gabriel-Ferretti, MS, MFT
Zakiya Smalls, Co-Founder
J&Z Professional Services’ mission is to make any facility sparkle while providing jobs within the community. Co-founder Zakiya Smalls envisions long-term success for the commercial cleaning company, which specializes in post-construction cleaning, routine office cleaning and post-occupancy cleaning of residential units.
Since January 2016, J&Z has grown to become St. Luke’s Health Network’s largest service provider. They also added 99.9 The Hawk, Spin Radio, ESPN, the Allentown Art Museum and other local businesses.
“I embody a deep willingness and passion for what I do,” says Smalls. “Every client expects their office to be cleaned thoroughly and made to shine for the next business day. You can guarantee I am proud to inspect what you expect!”
40 S. 5th St. Suite 103, Allentown 570.795.4526 | jzproclean.com
RAISING THE BAR FOR LUXURY BEAUTY SERVICES
Roxy Williams, owner and lead artist of Makeup by Roxy, had her eyes set on makeup artistry well before turning her dream into a flourishing career. This month marks 14 years of Makeup By Roxy.
In 2014, Roxy launched her business full speed ahead by carefully selecting beauty professionals that best represented the professionalism and expertise her brand was built on. Adding “Team Makeup by Roxy” allowed her to meet the growing demand for luxury makeup services, special event hair styling and custom color spray tans.
Four times awarded Best Makeup Artist (2015–2018) by the readers of Lehigh Valley Style, Makeup by Roxy continues to raise the bar for affordable luxury beauty services in the Valley and beyond.
301 Front St. Suite 3, Catasauqua 484.764.1769 | makeupbyroxy.com
Meet Lisa Bunin, MD, an award-winning, board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon specializing in facial, eyelid and skin rejuvenation. With the talent of an artist and the training of a surgeon, she is passionate about helping people look better, see better and feel better about themselves. Her commitment to quality and attention to detail, combined with her gentle, artistic touch, have attracted a worldwide base, and over 55,000 patients have chosen her care because they leave looking rested, refreshed and never fake or “plasticized.” Patients return to her, even many years later, because they know they will get honest answers, gentle expert care and excellent results!
RIDE TO THE RHYTHM
ND Wheelhouse Co. is an indoor cycling studio located in Allentown. They are committed to providing classes where riders sweat like never before and burn an insane amount of calories. ND Wheelhouse Co. is a spin studio focused on riding to the rhythm and beat of the music. The choreographed classes provide riders with an exceptional cardio workout that is physically challenging and fun! Riders spin in a dark room, which resembles a New York City nightclub with strobe lights, fog and a killer sound system.
Natalie Beck, Co-Owner
GOOD KARMA NO DRAMA
Adele Holliday opened Clementine Salon eight years ago, determined to create a salon based on simplicity, creativity and style. The phrase “Good Karma No Drama” epitomizes the salon’s pride in maintaining a tranquil ambience and judgement-free zone for its clients.
Adele’s mission has proven successful enough to allow her to open a second Clementine location for nail, waxing and facial services, as well.
She takes great honor in providing the Lehigh Valley with the finest beauty products that maintain her clients’ health, as well as the earth’s. Clementine Salon continues its crusade to provide clients with only the highest quality of sustainable beauty, all readily available in Downtown Bethlehem.
One will most likely find Adele either participating in or teaching a local fitness class. She firmly believes that fabulous hair is just the start to helping women feel like their best self, since beauty radiates from the inside out.
CUTTING-EDGE HOLISTIC SKIN CARE
Whether it’s maintaining healthy skin, full-body waxing or solution-based facial treatments, Allison Hess is known as the Go-To Skin Care Guru in the Valley.
As owner of The Skin Clinic in Downtown Easton, Allison takes pride in her services, her space and her client relationships. The Skin Clinic is known for it’s cozy atmosphere, where clients find their signature skin care products, all created by Allison. The products are organic, synthetic-free and paraben-free. “Taking care of your skin happens in the Clinic and at home. These products will get you where you want to be, and you can afford them!”
Allison provides cutting-edge treatments and services. “No cookie-cutter protocols here,” she says. “We offer products and treatments that are specified and created for each individual. You’ll likely never have the same treatment twice.
“My work isn’t just about beauty or wellness,” she adds, “it’s about really hearing people, understanding who they are and deciding with them what they need. I juggle school, parenting, PTA and owning a business; I understand being busy. I want clients to leave that behind and come to a place where they can tune out from everyday craziness. If I can be part of that in any way, I’ve done my job.”
Adele Holliday, Owner
Photo by Kristen Merie Wieder
Allison Hess, Master Esthetician & Owner
A ZEALOUS ADVOCATE
Attorney Elissa Griffith Waldron is known as a zealous advocate for her clients, and that’s because she truly cares. In her matrimonial/family law practice, it’s her compassionate nature that helps clients feel comfortable and supported during difficult life transitions. Every person is treated like an individual and their unique challenges addressed during litigation. Attorney Waldron has 32 years’ experience providing services that include equitable distribution, support and custody for traditional and same sex couples. For high-value marital estates, she partners with cutting-edge forensic business experts. She also enjoys speaking at the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women, held monthly at Penn State Lehigh Valley. 610.392.0274 |
22 S. 2nd St. Suite 200, Emmaus 610.421.8409 | ewaldron.com
SPREADING JOY THROUGH ART
Angela D. Faidley: Owner/Artist of Out of Our Minds Art Studio in Macungie. This vibrant downtown studio holds adult sip-and-paint nights, classes for children and adults, birthday parties, private parties and drop-in art mornings. On the fourth Thursday of every month, from 7–9 p.m., Out of Our Minds is now holding “The Art of Healing” classes where people can create a memory of a loved one and be among those who understand the pain of loss. Visit faidley.net for details on all classes and events or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Theresa Cantley is a business and brand strategist who is passionate about helping small-business owners become more distinct, creating with them a high impact and community connection that brings authenticity, emotion and connection to their business, which can ultimately lead to improving humanity and changing the world. Theresa had almost 20 years’ experience in marketing and operations working in small business for entrepreneurs when she finally made the leap herself and left corporate America. Since then, she’s helped many entrepreneurs gain clarity on the vision for their business, helped them design a customized growth strategy to increase revenue and be more profitable and, most important, helped them achieve more freedom in their life.
CHARTING A COURSE TO OPTIMAL HEALTH
Alison Benedetto, DC, is passionate about her patients and ensuring they are on the right course to optimal health. She has been a chiropractor in the Lehigh Valley for 15 years, with a focus on nutrition and functional medicine. Using the functional medicine model, Dr. Alison is able to dig deeper to get to the root cause of patients’ chronic symptoms through advanced testing and supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Alison has a private chiropractic practice with her husband, Dr. Raymond Benedetto, and is working towards a Diplomate in Clinical Nutrition. She is also the incoming President of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association.
Call to schedule a new patient consultation and start on the journey towards optimal health.
WHEN CLIENTS GLOW, BB DECHEINE SHINES
Brittany DeCheine is the owner, lead hair stylist and makeup artist of BB DeCheine Hair and Makeup Co., where her commitment is to provide unprecedented special-occasion hair, makeup and men’s grooming services that remain stunning while laughing, crying and dancing the night away.
Brittany earned her cosmetology license in 2009. The state teaches, regulates and holds licensees to safety/sanitization standards that protect clients. Choosing a company led by a licensed professional ensures the best integrity of service.
Brittany went on to study business, obtained her degree and was inspired to build BB DeCheine, where her portfolio includes hundreds of naturally accentuated brides, models, actors, corporate executives, women of all ages and a vast male clientele at partner company American Male Salon (voted Best Men’s Haircut by Lehigh Valley Style readers!).
It is a tremendous honor to be a part of someone’s wedding. Brittany’s foremost priority is to be worthy of that choice each and every event. That’s why when it comes to selecting team members, she believes personality is just as important as talent. Clients can rest assured— every member of the BB DeCheine “glam-fam” will warm their heart and wow their entourage!
THINNER WITH EVERY VISIT
Physicians Weight Control is a family-owned and -operated medical practice that has been successfully helping patients lose weight for the last 30 years. When they added the revolutionary inch-loss technology Strawberry Laser Lipo to their repertoire, the practice also welcomed a new, talented family member: Marissa Duignam.
Marissa is a senior Certified Laser Technician for Strawberry Laser Lipo with almost a decade of experience as a medical esthetician. But this accomplished young woman is so much more than a technician.
Marissa is devoted to helping her clients achieve their goals. She believes in clean eating and exercise and practices what she preaches. Commitment to her health is what drew her to Strawberry Laser Lipo. A big advantage with this body contouring technology is that it uses the body’s natural metabolic process of releasing fat and accelerates it. Clients maximize fat release in specific areas naturally—no anesthesia, no bruising, no surgery, no downtime and no pain.
With her knowledgeable and encouraging approach, Marissa coaches each client to attain the best laser lipo results possible; she makes it her personal mission to help maintain those results and promote a healthier lifestyle. Clients never fail to comment on her helpfulness and professionalism. Marissa is now offering free consultations and 50 percent off all initial treatments at PWC’s Allentown office.
Brittany DeCheine, Owner, Lead Stylist and Makeup Artist
Occupied by female entrepreneurs Sarah Dams, Natasha GourzisBenzing, Tina Hasselbusch and Ashley Russo, 410 Collaborative is the business hub for Sarott Design, A|G Design, Social T Marketing & PR and ASR Media Productions.
The shared space, located on Hellertown’s Main Street, is in a beautiful, repurposed Craftsman-style home with a wide, welcoming porch and plenty of common areas. It is important to the women that employees and guests feel comfortable and at ease in the spacious rooms, with freedom to meet and work in any area.
“I was very excited about the opportunity to hang a shingle on Main Street,” explains Ashley Russo. “The ability to share this warm residence with other female business owners, collaborate on projects and contribute advice and resources made perfect sense to me.”
The one-stop location offers video and television production, graphic design, marketing, social media, event and PR planning and support, as well as web and interior design! It is widely believed that sharing collaborative workspaces boosts innovation, creativity and productivity. Ashley, Natasha, Sarah and Tina have successfully created a culture that embraces relationships and infuses the benefits into everything they do. Welcome to 410 Collaborative.
ELEVATED DÉCOR FOR EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS
Karen Ford, CBA, is used to doing things in a big way. As owner of Events by BalloonWorks, LLC, she takes ordinary events and elevates them to extraordinary occasions. Any of life’s milestones or causes for corporate celebration becomes magical in her capable hands.
Ford’s award-winning balloon sculpture and event décor have been on display locally at the Lehigh Valley Auto Show, PEEPSFEST®, Lehigh Valley Style’s “Best of the Lehigh Valley” celebration and many high school proms and graduations. In 2016, she had the honor of being on the design teams for the balloon drop at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and President Obama’s Halloween Party in the White House.
Last year, BalloonWorks moved into new digs at the Simon Silk Mill in Easton. The expansive layout includes commercial office/ studio space as well as venue space for catered celebrations of up to 40 people. According to Ford, “Being a part of this exciting, cool, livework-play environment is a perfect fit for BalloonWorks.”
Above, BalloonWorks’ commercial office, studio and event space; inset, Karen Ford, CBA
Left to right: 410 Collaborative entrepreneurs Katie Wallace, Sarah Dams, Tina Hasselbusch, Ashley Russo and Natasha Gourzis-Benzing
Day Trips Worth Taking
By Daisy Willis
As much as there is to do here in the Valley, one of its perks is the proximity of destinations in all directions. New York and Philadelphia always have city excitement to offer, but here are four more obscure spots to satisfy the urge for a day’s worth of adventure.
Longwood Gardens
The sprawling botanical garden in Kennett Square is open year round, awash with spring blooms in May and swathed with lights for Christmas. Indoors and out, you’ll find plants and flowers, from tropical banana trees to traditional roses.
Strap on your walking shoes to make the most of a summer visit to over 1,000 acres of garden, woodland and meadow. The activities slate is chockablock too, with frequent concerts, lectures and courses offered. On August 11, Longwood’s impressive fountain display steps it up with the monthly Fireworks and Fountains event, pairing more than 1,700 jets with sparkling explosions and the musical accompaniment of Leonard Bernstein’s works to celebrate his 100th birthday.
A Beer Garden supplied by Victory Brewing offers pub fare for the hungry horticulturalist, along with a full-service dining venue and a café option.
Longwood’s open-air theater hosts concerts from diverse and delightful acts this month, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Kennett Symphony and the Cajun French music of Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys.
Well worth a 1.5-hour drive, come for the incredible gardens, stay for so much more!
longwoodgardens.org
Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle
Planted in the tranquil countryside of Doylestown, the “Mercer Mile” is a one-of-a-kind historical site of three poured concrete buildings designed by archaeologist and collector Henry Chapman Mercer in the early 20th century. These include his whimsical home, Fonthill Castle, studded with
decorative tiles, ceramics and built-in furniture, as well as a tile works and museum.
The Moravian Tile Works still produces tiles in the traditional style with local clay. These can be found in mosaics in the Casino at Monte Carlo, Pennsylvania’s State Capitol Building, Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre and many more landmarks.
The Mercer Museum houses more than 40,000 artifacts from pre-industrial society. A proponent of the Arts and Crafts movement, Mercer believed industrialism was destroying society, and devoted much of his collection to the tools and trades of early American life.
About an hour’s drive south of the Valley, this is a deep and beautiful dive into the collection of a remarkable man who amassed a historical treasure trove, as well as a chance to see tilemaking in action and explore an elaborately decorated 44-room concrete castle.
mercermuseum.org
Turkey Hill Experience
Although it’s awesome for kids, any ice cream lover can enjoy the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster. Between 1.5 to 2 hours away, this family attraction is housed in an old silk mill. Not only
does the Experience offer plentiful samples, it’s also full of interactive exhibits that make this delicious day trip an education in dairy farming and the ice cream-making process.
Milk mechanical cows, learn about the history of the area and the Depression-era founding of Turkey Hill, sit in a vintage milk truck and even star in your own Turkey Hill commercial. A 30-minute Tea Discovery experience reveals the expertise that goes into formulating their teas, with tastes and teachings on teas of the world.
Possibly the coolest: the Taste Lab where kids (and adults) can design their own ice cream flavor and take home a pint. This costs extra and requires a reservation, but for a true ice cream aficionado, it’s a dream come true.
turkeyhillexperience.com
Princeton, NJ
Music lovers make the 1.5-hour pilgrimage to Princeton whenever they get the hankering for that brick-and-mortar treasure hunting experience. Rows and rows of new and used LPs, CDs and DVDs at Princeton Record Exchange can suck you in for hours.
A massive musical mecca with a collection of well over 100,000 items in good condition, it’s impossible not to find something you want. Prices from as low as one dollar and a knowledgeable staff that’s frankly stoked to be working there make it a great place to while away the day.
If you’re more (or also) into reading, the big, beautiful independent book store Labyrinth Books could claim a whole afternoon. Paper Source is another good spot to hit, an uncommon stationery store with awesome craft paper, stamps and unusual gift cards.
Reward yourself for all your arduous shopping with a scrumptious bowl of ramen from Kung Fu Tea and Noodle House and organic ice cream and gelato from The Bent Spoon, where flavors like sweet potato bourbon, Cointreau cilantro and lavender mascarpone will blow your taste buds clear away.
visitprinceton.org
Mercer Museum
Musikfest Musikfest
AS THE VALLEY’S
FAVORITE
FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ITS 35 TH YEAR, HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROPERLY PARTICIPATE!
BY AMY UNGER
The Lehigh Valley loves its fests. Our region’s social calendar is chock-full of events and happenings celebrating our favorite foods, pastimes, traditions and cultural diversity. But of all the fests that pop up over the course of a year, there’s one that is a must-attend for many, a summertime jubilee that brings visitors from all over the region, and even the world, to the heart of Bethlehem. So, let’s raise a refillable mug to that glorious celebration of song, food and fellowship that is Musikfest.
THE HISTORY
HISTORY
Musikfest was born in 1984, during a time when Bethlehem needed a bit of a boost. The city’s major economic engine—Bethlehem Steel—was in decline, and its historic Main Street was struggling to attract businesses. Musikfest was conceived as an outdoor music festival that would both elevate the spirit of the city and contribute to the local economy.
“It was designed to attract people to the downtown, to create a celebration that everyone could enjoy,” says Mark Demko, senior director of communications for ArtsQuest, the nonprofit that is the brains behind Musikfest
HOW MANY DAYS DID THE FIRST MUSIKFEST LAST?
18 Venues
Jason Mraz
WITH BRETT DENNEN AUGUST 12
THE MISSIO N
Ever since that first year, Musikfest has grown and thrived and can now claim the crown as the largest non-gated music festival in the nation. And yet, its mission remains the same—it’s all about bringing people together, says Demko. Nearly 1.2 million people checked out the fest in 2017, an attendance record. And among them were visitors from at least 42 different states and 12 countries.
NO RAIN DELAYS!
1,800 Volunteers Pitching In two Opportunities to See Fireworks
6 NEW Food & Drink Vendors as well as other arts, cultural and educational programs across the Lehigh Valley. In that inaugural year, about 180,000 people turned out over the course of the festival to enjoy 295 performances on six different stages.
Come prepared with your own pocket poncho. Summer storms have rained on Musikfest’s parade on more than one occasion.
A show was added to opening night to celebrate the festival’s 35th anniversary.
Music
Music
WHO
WERE MUSIKFEST’S TWO MOST POPULAR HEADLINERS, BASED ON TICKET SALES?
With a name like Musikfest, it’s not difficult to pinpoint the heart and soul of the festival.
“Our focus has always been showcasing the world of music,” says Demko. “We try to add in new artists each year.” That means the team is always on the lookout for new talent. But getting a gig at Musikfest is very competitive. Bands and artists submit their applications and performance materials in the fall and winter. Then the pool is narrowed down by a selection committee. The end result is a diverse group of offerings in every genre, from punk rock to blues to polka. And now, even the spoken word has found a following at the festival—Jerry Seinfeld became the first non-music act to headline a Musikfest show in 2015. This year, comedian Jim Gaffigan is on the bill with music artists like Kesha, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Jason Mraz and Brantley Gilbert.
MEE TTH ETEAM
Musikfest may only consume 10 days on the calendar year (10 1/2 , if you count the preview night with Trombone Shorty on Thursday, August 2 this year), but making it happen is a year-round commitment.
“In September, when we meet to recap, we’re already thinking about next year,” says Demko. While the festival itself is going on, a tribe of volunteers is positioned across the grounds, making sure the whole thing goes off without a hitch. “These are people who are incredibly dedicated,” Demko says.
“They’re working as concert ushers and stage hands; they’re helping to set up and clean up once the last note has played.” In 2018, 14 volunteers will mark their 35th year, meaning they’ve been there since the very beginning, ensuring that your Musikfest experience is one to remember.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF MUSIKFEST’S MUSIC ACTS ARE FROM THE LEHIGH VALLEY REGION?
THE PARKING
But let’s not pretend that getting to Musikfest is always a breeze. If you’re not lucky enough to have a friend who lives near the action with driveway space to spare, finding parking in the surrounding neighborhoods during the festival’s prime hours can be a challenge. Luckily, you have options. If you don’t feel like ponying up for a spot in one of the city’s garages, Musikfest offers shuttle service to and from two
off-site parking lots in Bethlehem: 240 Emery Street (in the Lehigh Valley Industrial Park) and 1550 Valley Center Parkway
Another possibility: leave the driving to someone else. “We find more people are coming to the festival with Uber,” Demko says. In fact, both the north and south campuses have designated Uber drop-off points.
THE
PARKING PLATZES
Musikfest shifted some of its attractions to the city’s southside in 2011 and is now a patchwork of 18 different venues. The easiest way to navigate the festival is to learn the layout of its platzes. “Platz” comes from the German word for place. While some platzes have been mainstays at Musikfest since the beginning, and others are more recent additions, each has its own theme or vibe.
Familienplatz, or “family place,” has attractions for children.
Festplatz is the place to go to try out your polka moves. Plaza Tropical was introduced in the year 2000 as a nod to the area’s thriving Latino culture. Even Hotel Bethlehem got a platz to call its own, in 2015. “It’s been an evolution over time,” Demko says. “We identify interests from our patron base.”
CAN YOU NAME THE FIVE ORIGINAL PLATZES?
Answer:
Familienplatz, Festplatz, Kunstplatz, Liederplatz and Volksplatz
Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest
AUGUST 2
FOOD THE FOOD
It’s advised to never shop for groceries on an empty stomach; the same can be said of visiting Musikfest while hunger pangs are rearing their head. Unless, of course, calories are of no consequence to you; in that case, prepare to be satiated. “There are so many people who come for the food as much as the musical acts,” says Demko.
Musikfest 2018 features a total of 52 food and drink vendors. Some are old favorites, like the Bethlehem Dairy Store (locals call it The Cup),
specializing in treats like ice cream floats and Belgian waffles. Others are newer additions, like Humpty’s Dumplings, which was named best food vendor at Bonnaroo in 2016 by Rolling Stone magazine and offers stomach-filling favorites, such as cheesesteaks and buffalo chicken.
But, with appetite teasers that range from classic barbecue and German bratwurst to fried pickles and s’mores dumplings, how does one make sure no oddity or delicacy goes untasted? Demko
recommends taking a look at the list of options via Musikfest’s app, website or free guide and coming up with a game plan ahead of time. “Our goal is to showcase an array of food from across the region and country,” he says.
TICKETS!
All food and drinks must be purchased with tickets, so stock up on those first. Tickets are for sale at every platz.
ONE FOOD VENDOR DEBUTING THIS YEAR IS THE FLYING V, FEATURING ALL THINGS POUTINE. WHAT IS POUTINE?
Photo courtesy of ArtsQuest
AUGUST 7
Merch Merch THE
You can buy Musikfest swag like T-shirts and sweatshirts at the merchandise tent on the festival grounds, but the real must-have for every fester is the iconic Musikfest mug. Not only is it a practical purchase for keeping your beverage cool in the sweltering August heat, it’s also an economical one—many restaurants on or near Musikfest’s turf offer beer discounts and specials for those who come bearing the plastic vessels. It’s not necessary to buy a new mug every year, but many people do anyway,
to have a souvenir to remember the fests of yesteryear. The artwork for this year’s mug (and all of the 2018 merchandise) was designed by Lansdale tattoo artist Dan Mugrauer. USE YOUR MUG YEAR-ROUND! Keep that Musikfest mug handy even after the tents come down. You can get it filled up year-round at the ArtsQuest Center.
2
Slopeside Pub and Grill
Every Table Is Indeed a Window Seat
By Carrie Havranek | Photography by Alison Conklin
If you live near Blue Mountain Resort and are a fan of dining out, you may be familiar with Slopeside Pub and Grill and its wide-ranging menu of elevated pub fare. Partly, it’s a function of location—there are just not a whole lot of dining options in that neck of the woods, apart from pizza joints, delis and family-style restaurants and diners. But to say you should go there because
there’s nowhere else doesn’t really do Slopeside justice. Let’s face it, the location is a serious draw, something that Slopeside capitalizes on easily. From nearly anywhere inside the restaurant, you’re afforded a stunning view of the surrounding Pocono Mountains.
But that says nothing about the food, right? And that wouldn’t be fair, would it?
Well, suffice it to say the menu is expansive, with items that easily accommodate omnivores, vegetarians and vegans, in addition to those who can’t eat gluten. It’s a large kitchen staff of about a dozen, led by head chef Ryan Zellner. All the sauces, dressings and stocks are made from scratch. Slopeside strives to source as much as possible locally—most of its lettuces come from
Butter Valley Harvest in Bally, along with other vegetables as the summer progresses. “We are not your typical ski resort, where everything is out of the box and frozen,” says Zellner.
Zellner has put together two separate menus— one for the Green Season (about mid-April through November) and the other for winter (remember, when it’s not winter at a ski resort, it’s green). But the work that happens in one season often helps the kitchen in another. For example, a new-ish item on the menu, Slopeside’s linguine with clams, which may sound familiar, is like a dish you’ve had many times. However, Zellner and his staff prepare this with their own house-made summer sausage (think Herbs de Provence), capers and a Meyer lemon cream—the lemons are preserved in the winter, when Meyer lemons are in season. The flavors are a lovely complement to the each other— and the sauce that settles at the bottom just wants you to dip some crusty bread into it.
We try to get them seated and fed in less than an hour.
Blackened Fish Tacos
fish,
Regardless of season, the two menus do share some common items, ones that never get removed, such as the Homegrown Burger with local Koehler Farms beef and local cheddar. It’s ground the night before it’s delivered. “It’s the brightest red you will ever see in a burger; it’s so fresh,” says Zellner, whose training includes the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College in Philadelphia.
Other items receive a bit of a seasonal or periodic tweak. There will always be “some version of a taco,” says Zellner, as there are so many things you can put inside a taco. The current iteration contains blackened whitefish with red cabbage slaw, radishes and a chipotle lime crema. Salads are a staple, too—a Caesar, a Slopeside (bacon and creamy ranch) and a seasonal one. And a restaurant-bar at a resort that doesn’t offer wings would probably hear it from customers. “They never change—we only change the flavors,” says Zellner. You can ask for them barbecue-style, mild or hot, with garlic Parmesan, sweet Thai chili, hot and honey or fiery jalapeño lime. Similar alterations occur with the mac and cheese
entrée—right now, it’s a Cajun-style dish with crab, shrimp and crawfish, bell peppers and onion and Andouille sausage.
If you ski, you probably know to get in line early on the weekends, when it’s time for lunch. It’s not uncommon for a line to form as early as 11 a.m., says manager Talbot Houck. Slopeside’s kitchen staff is large, and that helps accommodate the volume of customers, especially in ski season, when the place is arguably at its peak, and expedite your meals in a timely fashion. And when there’s fresh powder, time is of the essence. “People don’t
want to spend two hours in here during ski season. We try to get them seated and fed in less than an hour,” explains Houck. “The menu for the winter has to be fast and filling,” says Zellner. Think: lots of burgers and fries.
That menu has to also accommodate the unexpected, and the unexpected usually means more people. “It is not uncommon for a party of 10 or 12 to walk in here unannounced,” says Houck. Most restaurants would not be equipped for such a large party, without reservations. You are, however, advised to make a reservation if you want to
chipotle lime crema, red cabbage slaw, radishes and tomato salsa
Ryan Zellner Head Chef
hold a bridal shower there or some other special celebratory event or any reservation for 20 to 30 people. Those are reservations Slopeside is happy to take. The fact that the menu is printed on the sturdiest piece of cardstock (with a slight sheen to it, so water pools right up on it) that
You’d be surprised how many people sit outside in their ski gear around that fireplace...
can withstand lots of abuse is by design. Slopeside can accommodate 450 people at full capacity, and can turn out 1,000 meals a day in the winter on the weekends, and the same during a Saturday in the summer.
But enough about the winter! Ski resorts are all-year-round operations, and in the summer, the property is open for tent and RV camping sites, outdoor laser tag, archery and its summer aerial park—a high ropes course with different levels of obstacles, each ending with a zipline. If you want a unique panoramic, floating-in-the-clouds kind of experience, you can take a scenic lift ride up and down the mountain. It’s fair to say that the bulk of their activity takes place in the winter, but the summertime can offer a more laid-back change of pace, especially for those of us who
live nearby. One bartender said that the locals don’t come into the restaurant, for example, in the wintertime—a fact that’s not too surprising. As with much of the rest of the hospitality industry, resorts want to keep apace with what people want, and how people like to relax. Three years ago, Slopeside created its current space— you know, the one where there’s a view of the landscape and mountains from nearly anywhere inside the pub—and one with a wall of retractable glass to eliminate the indoor-outdoor dichotomy. In winter, people sit outside on the patio, drinking beer and eating burgers, huddled around the double-sided gas fireplace. “You’d be surprised how many people sit outside in their ski gear around that fireplace, even when it’s super cold,” says Houck. It’s possible—that fireplace gets warm and there are mounted gas torches around the periphery of the patio, which takes some of the chill off. And in the warmer months, the natural materials used in the design more immediately resemble the environment and add a rustic-meets-industrial touch. It’s easy to feel like you are so close to the outside when there’s very little, architecturally speaking, to restrict your access to it. It’s also easy to enjoy a good meal or a drink while enjoying that access.
“ In the summer, the property is open for tent and RV camping sites, outdoor laser tag, archery and its summer aerial park a high ropes course with different levels of obstacles, each ending with a zipline ”
Slopeside will always welcome one-hour call-ahead reservations. Reservations for large groups and parties of 12 or more people must be made 24 hours in advance, and are accepted either before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Payment
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Cash
What to Order
Hawaiian pork belly sliders with jicama cherry slaw, the Homegrown Burger or, if you are vegan, the Impossible Burger. The wings, the pulled pork nachos and blackened fish tacos are popular appetizers. It’s hard to resist fries you can customize: Slopeside’s come either beer battered, or with Parmesan chive, Old Bay or a bacon aioli. Mac and cheese is always a hit.
Special Events
This is a resort; there’s always something going on. In the spring and summer, it’s not uncommon to encounter a pig roast or special wine events. Trivia Tuesdays and Patio Party Thursdays are an ongoing summer special. Thursday through Saturday, there’s live music. Various specials with wings, clams, beer and burgers vary depending on the night—suffice it to say there’s always a food and drink promotion to entice customers.
Apple Pie Pierogi
Housemade apple pierogies, butterscotch, candied pecans, topped with vanilla ice cream
DINING GUIDE
Order Bell Hall ’s Bell Wedge salad at the Style Insider Happy Hour on August 14.
by
KEY Lehigh
Style Award Winner
Gluten-Free Options
Vegetarian Options
Wheelchair Accessible
Live Entertainment
Outdoor Seating
Entrée Price Range:
$ under $15
Aladdin Restaurant $$ 651 Union Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.4023, aladdinlv.com
Family owned and operated for over 30 years. Serving a variety of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine from homemade grape leaves to delicious shish kabobs. Lunch & dinner.
Serves Alcohol BYOB
*Advertisers are highligted in red.
Berks
Folino Estate Vineyard & Winery
$$ $15-$25
$$$ $25+
Allentown Brew Works $$
812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610.433.7777, thebrewworks.com
Award winning, environmentally friendly restaurant and brewery. Family owned and operated since 2007. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Bell Hall $
612 W. Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, 610.437.1825, bellhallallentown.com
Allentown hot spot featuring juicy burgers and Pennsylvania craft beers. Lunch, dinner & late night.
$$
340 Old Rte. 22, Kutztown, 484.452.3633, folinoestate.com
Italian restaurant making homemade pasta, sauces, desserts and more! Serving lunch and dinner Wed.–Sun. and brunch
10 a.m.–1 p.m. on Sun. Brunch, lunch & dinner.
The Grille at Bear Creek $$
101 Doe Mountain Ln., Macungie, 610.641.7149, bcmountainresort.com
Features modern American cuisine, a full-service bar, scenic views and award-winning outdoor dining. Dinner & late night.
Billy’s Downtown Diner $
840 Hamilton St., Allentown , 610.432.5484, billysdiner.com
Not your ordinary diner. Visit them for breakfast, lunch or something sweet. Breakfast & lunch.
The Lehigh Valley’s premiere sports grille, offering signature homemade recipes. Two great locations Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
Landis Store Hotel
$$$
4 Baldy Hill Rd., Boyertown, 610.845.2324, landis-store.com
1328 Chestnut St. Emmaus, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Providing a dynamic menu of culinary delicacies served with the hospitality of a country inn. The Landis Store is happy to accommodate any special dining requests or dietary needs. Lunch & dinner.
Authentic Mexican restaurant with fresh food and very friendly ambiance and service with affordable prices. Lunch & dinner.
Bucks
McCoole’s at the Historic
Red Lion Inn
$-$$$
4 S. Main St., Quakertown, 215.538.1776, mccoolesredlioninn.com
Offering a dining room, martini lounge and bar in a beautifully restored inn from the 1700s. Monthly featured wines and brews from their own Red Lion Brewery. Also offering a complementary door-to-door and hotel shuttle service within a five-mile radius of the restaurant to bar and restaurant patrons, as well as private events at McCoole’s Arts & Events Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Carbon
Lizard Creek Pub $
1424 W. Lizard Creek Rd., Lehighton, 610.377.2249, lizardcreekpub.com
Bringing refreshments to the countryside with a modern, urban twist! Dinner & late night.
Slopeside Pub & Grill $-$$$
1660 Blue Mountain Dr., Palmerton, 610.824.1557, skibluemt.com
Offers indoor dining in addition to their ever-popular outdoor dining! Guests will enjoy delicious food, tasty drinks and unforgettable scenic views all year round. Lunch & dinner.
Foundation Tavern $$
1160 S. Krocks Rd., Wescosville, 610.391.0648, foundationtavern.com Lunch, dinner & late night.
Gio Italian Grill $$
6465 Village Ln., Macungie, 610.966.9446, gioitaliangrill.com
Gio Italian Grill offers old world charm with a progressive twist. Centering around their woodstone open flame hearth, Gio uses only imported ingredients to produce mouth-watering flavors. Take-out and private parties available. Lunch & dinner.
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.798.9000, meltgrill.com
Offering a sumptuous menu of contemporary Italian fare in its breathtaking 350-seat restaurant, with spacious and customizable rooms for private events. Lunch, dinner & late night.
The Mint Gastropub $$
1223 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.3810, bethlehemmint.com
An American Gastropub focused on reinventing the “Table” in Comfortable. Brunch, dinner & late night.
My Tequila House $$ 1808 MacArthur Rd., Whitehall, 484.664.7109, mytequilahouse.com
Laid-back cantina providing down-home Mexican recipes, a large tequila list and lively happy hours. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Ringers Roost $$
1801 W. Liberty St., Allentown, 610.437.4941, ringersroost1801.com
Family-friendly restaurant. Lots of parking. Friendly faces. Excellent food, from seafood to cheesesteaks. Great beer selection. Lunch, dinner & late night.
A culinary gem housed in the historic Seisholtzville Hotel, Savory Grille takes gives back to a time when fine dining was an experience to be savored. Dinner.
Sumo Japanese Restaurant $$ 3174 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, 610.351.1887, sumopa.com
Fresh, beautifully presented sushi and Japanese fusion dishes, served in a modern atmosphere. Lunch, dinner & late night.
Top Cut Steakhouse $$$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7100, topcutsteak.com
Classically inspired cocktails, exquisite wines and USDA prime steaks in a 1940s style rooftop atmosphere. Dinner & late night.
Torre $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.9399, torrerestaurant.com
Classic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist in a fun, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enjoy Happy Hour gathered around the three-story tequila tower. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Union and Finch $$ 1528 W. Union St., Allentown, 610.432.1522, unionandfinch.com
A casual American bistro serving lunch and dinner six days a week and brunch on weekends Brunch, lunch & dinner.
Wert’s Café $
515 N. 18 th St., Allentown, 610.439.0951, wertscafe.com
Homemade goodness served in a friendly atmosphere. The perfect stop for lunch or dinner. Lunch & dinner.
White Orchids Thai Cuisine $$
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 610.841.7499, whiteorchidsthaicuisine.com
Authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary and relaxed dining atmosphere. Signature seafood dishes, house specialties and classic Thai entrées. New bar and lounge area. Lunch & dinner.
From a party of four on the covered outdoor patio to a party of 400 in the newly renovated event center ballroom, blue delivers with prime steaks and seafood, a sprawling wine list and impeccable service. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Homestyle Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. On- and off-premises catering available. Lunch & dinner.
DiMaio’s Italian Ristorante & Pizzeria $$
27 Main St. Shoppes at Hellertown, 610.838.8004, dimaios.net
Family owned since 1985. Serving southern Italian Cuisine. Known for home-made bread, Chicken Francese, DiMaio’s Creamy Clam sauce and NY style pizza. Lunch & dinner.
Fine diner-ing at its best. Handmade, fresh food, craft beer, libations and desserts. Call ahead sitting available. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Don Juan Mex Grill $
5540 Crawford Dr., Bethlehem 518 March St. Easton, 610.438.5661, donjuanmexgrill.com
Bringing Latin-inspired food to local communities. Lunch & dinner.
Edge Restaurant $$$
74 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.814.0100, edgerestaurant.net
An all-scratch kitchen “combined with a fun, relaxed atmosphere, you get edge.” Lunch, dinner & late night.
All the classic favorites in one place. Nathan’s hot dogs, burgers, pizza, salad, sushi, ice cream and coffee. Lunch, dinner & late night.
McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub
534 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.861.7631, redstagpub.com
$$$
Experience the flavor of the Irish and British Isles! Over 200 scotch/whiskies, homemade breads and baked goods and from-scratch cooking! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
Experience a variety of fresh culinary dishes from around the world at Steelworks Buffet & Grill. Featuring live action cooking and a fully-stocked bar, guests will enjoy a variety of fresh international culinary dishes at the all-you-can-eat buffet or choose their favorites from the a la carte menu, including artisan pizza, a pasta station, sushi, fresh-carved meats, and more. Breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Thai Thai II $$
509 Main St., Bethlehem, 610.868.1919, facebook.com/thaithaiII Lunch & dinner.
Twisted Olive $$$
51 W. Broad St., Bethlehem, 610.419.1200, twistedolivebethlehem.com
A casual, bistro-style restaurant with a world twist serving creative, casual cuisine, along with house-made infused cocktails. Lunch & dinner.
Upscale casual dining with the best view in the Lehigh Valley. Brunch, lunch, dinner & late night.
The Widow’s Tavern and Grille $$
200 Main St., Stockertown, 610.365.8890, widowstavern.com
Casual dining with an upscale feel. American cuisine with an Asian flair to please any palate. Beautiful, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Entertainment every Wed. starting at 7 p.m., and Sat. starting at 9 p.m. Lunch & dinner.
Lehigh Valley Style (ISSN 1540-0867) is published monthly by IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Ave., Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Annual subscriptions are $19.95 (Canadian and foreign one year rate is $40, U.S. funds only). Single copy price $3.95. Postage paid at Easton, PA 18045 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Lehigh Valley Style, P.O. Box 2548, Orlando, FL, 32802-2548.
“Just like all the cocktails at Social Still, the G&T is made from scratch in-house,” says owner Adam Flatt. “Although it is in the family of the Gin and Tonic, our ‘G’ stands for grapefruit and the ‘T’ stands for thyme.”
To craft this cocktail, they start with the award-winning Social Still gin, which Flatt describes as a botanical-forward gin with hints of citrus and juniper. Next, they infuse fresh thyme and grapefruit in a large container for about five days. “Then we create the cocktail from our custom infused gin,” says Flatt.
Though the cocktail goes great with many of the dishes on the menu, Flatt calls the Tuna Tar-Taco “the insider choice.” “The dish has so many complementary flavors, including jicama, mangos, scallions, lime and sriracha,” says Flatt. “It pairs perfectly with the G&T.”
Social Still’s gin menu is far from empty, with other cocktail variations going by witty names like The Hopper, Buzzed Worthy and The Social Gimlet, but there’s plenty more in the vodka, rum, whiskey and bourbon genres, too.
530 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem
610.625.4585 | socialstill.com
“Although it is in the family of the Gin and Tonic, our ‘G’ stands for grapefruit and the ‘T’ stands for thyme.”
BUONGIORNO, SUMMER!
Dig in to bright dishes with fresh flavors at Melt this summer. Grilled yellowfin tuna with vegetable couscous salad pairs perfectly with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy it all on our outdoor patio to soak up the season even further. Buon appetito!
