Lehigh Valley Discourse

In honor of Earth Day later this month, Sally Handlon features Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Executive Director Becky Bradley, who explains the importance of planning for green spaces and how that affects the Lehigh Valley’s quality of life plus the benefits to the region, its residents, and our local economy.

The Nurture Nature Center has taken a leadership role in Easton’s Climate Action Plan. In honor of Earth Day later this month, Sally welcomes Dr. Kate Semmens, Science Director and Rachel Hogan Carr, Executive Director, to discuss this project and other endeavors the NNC is working on.

Host Alan Jennings welcomes heir apparent Dawn Godshall, the new Executive Director of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, starting June 1st. Then Alan talks with U.S. Senator Bob Casey about the new stimulus and upcoming infrastructure bills, partisanship and his recent committee assignment.

John Pearce welcomes Betty Druckenmiller, Director of The Children's Center with the Volunteers of America, who shares the importance of early childhood education. Then, John shares the journey of his recent heart attack with his cardiologist, Dr. Francis Burt of St. Luke's University Health Network.

Loren Robinson, founder of the full-service marketing organization Millennia Media LLC, talks about how digital disruptions accelerated by the pandemic have created marketing challenges and opportunities for small and medium size businesses.

Sally Handlon features The Kindness Project with Jenae Holtzhafer, who shares the beginnings of her non-profit organization dedicated to foster care support in the greater Lehigh Valley.

Alan Jennings continues the discussion on COVID'19s impact on the Lehigh Valley with guests Vicky Kistler, Director of the Allentown Health Bureau, Dr. Brian Nester, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Health Network, and Jared Mast, Executive Director of Easton's GEDP. 

John Pearce looks at the fascinating story of 19th century African American preacher, Mrs. Zilpha Elaw, with guest Dr. Kimberly Blockett, Associate Professor of English at Penn State Brandywine who has written two books on her compelling story.

Host John Pearce is joined by Glenn Pearce, Director of Policy and Programs with Sustainable Energy for All in Vienna, Austria, who shares environmental initiatives including what international banks, private foundations, and governments can do to help the planet.

Sally Handlon invites Director Chris Hudock of the Rising Tide Loan Fund and Brett Smith, Director of Lehigh University’s Small Business Development Center to discuss the impacts of the pandemic on Lehigh Valley small businesses.