Issuu

An entire wall was removed to make this island possible, pg. 40

From S󱑣ratch

AN ALLENTOWN KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION

BAUM SCHOOL OF ART AT 100

CHOOSING THE PERFECT PAINT COLOR ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S DIANE WITTRY GET THE GOODS AT HOUSE SPLENDID

SEPTEMBER 2026

Nestled in the heart of New Hope, this distinguished estate encompassing 56 acres of rolling terrain boasts a storied history as a standardbred equestrian facility. Offered for $6,995,000

This stunning farm is the perfect family compound, weekend getaway or full-time estate. The main house, guest house & converted barn present an unparalleled opportunity. Offered for $6,700,000

Stunning 150 Acres

French Country Splendor

58 Acre Equine Estate

Saucon Acreage

Build to Suit

Legacy Equestrian Farm

State of the art equine facilities include the restored bank barn, 5 fenced pastures, a round pen and a 80’ x 200’ indoor riding arena built in 2010, all on 58 expansive acres. Offered for $3,900,000

Modern Barn Home

This Saucon Valley home’s extraordinary character evolved from a legacy barn into a unique residence that combines space, light and imagination. Offered for $1,145,000

Set back from the road, this Bethlehem Steel legacy property is set on 4 verdant acres, allowing for private venues, enjoyable family space and subdivision possibilities. Offered for $3,500,000

Unique Creekside Setting

Fish, wade or daydream creekside; walk, run or ride your bike on the adjacent Saucon Rail Trail. The historic mill house is situated on 2 acres bordering pristine Saucon Creek. Offered for $950,000

European influences are evident in the stunning fieldstone & brick exterior, dramatic cedar shake rooflines, & captivating turrets. This prestigious home is centered on 2.5 acres. Offered for $4,250,000

Like a blank canvas which begs for an artist’s dreams, these premier lots provide the setting for your ideal estate, custom crafted by builder Myron Haydt. Packages start at $3,495,000

Updated Stone Beauty

Built circa 1812 with additions and renovations in later years, set on just over an acre, this charming home boasts over 2600 square feet of living space. Offered for $699,000

WIND CREEK CASINO RESORT BETHLEHEM

UN Book your appointment

IND A massage that melts away end-of-summer stress? W. A facial that has you glowing more than your vacation selfies? W. A spa day so relaxing you forget what day it is? W. Fall is busy. Unwinding should be part of the plan.

WindCreekBethlehem.com

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.

Brett Bacho Kitchen Magic President with 2nd-gen owners Lotte, Renate and Cindy

BUSINESS STRATEGY

RESULTS

Tom Garrity Compass Point Family Business Consultant

• LEADERSHIP • TRANSITION • GOVERNANCE • FINANCIAL GAPS • NEXT CHAPTER

THERE ARE COACHES. THERE ARE CONSULTANTS.

THEN THERE IS COMPASS POINT.

TAKE THE SIX PILLARS FAMILY

@compasspt

BUSINESS ASSESSMENT TODAY.

www.compasspt.com/client-stories

Compass Point Consulting LLC

goldoutdoorliving.com

Beautiful outdoor spaces designed to make every season worth savoring. Some of the year's best moments happen outdoors in the fall. GOLD Outdoor Living & Design creates custom outdoor spaces where family dinners, game-day celebrations, and quiet evenings become lasting traditions.

Autumn's Favorite Gathering Gold Place.

To Schedule a FREE measure Call us at 610.849.3785

Outdoor

Visit our indoor showroom Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm

With our 0% interest for 18 months financing through Synchrony, you can create the perfect outdoor space without breaking the bank. Invest in a stunning deck or patio today and pay over time—because your family deserves the best.

1036 N Irving Street Allentown, PA 18109

PAHIC#090568

NO INTEREST on financing for up to 18 months

CONTENTS MARCO CALDERON PHOTOGRAPHY

Find home decor and more at House Splendid, pg. 22

SEPTEMBER

10 STYLE SCENE

Events | Benefits Galas | Parties

14 THIS MONTH’S PICKS What We’re Loving Right Now

17 TRENDING NOW

News, Notes & Quotes

22 GET THE GOODS House Splendid

25 ASK THE EXPERT

Color with Confidence

29 LIVING WELL WITH Yulia Otdushi

33 INSIGHT

Diane Wittry

36 5 THINGS

Local Artists

40 FROM SCRATCH

Inside an Allentown Kitchen Transformation

50 IN ITS CONTEMPORARY ERA Baum School of Art at 100

58 BEYOND THE MENU

Smokers Baked Beans with Chef Quartez Moore

60 INSIDE DISH

Jamison Publick House

64 DRINK THIS

Blackberry Matcha Cloud

ON THE COVER

A kitchen renovation by Jarrett Designs, photo by Jesse Jarrett

4 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

EXCEPTIONALLY PRESENTED. ExceptionallySold ExceptionallySold.. SPECIALIZING IN THE TOP 20% OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND UPPER BUCKS COUNTY HOME MARKETS DESIGN & BUILD

4250 RAYNESSA COURT • $4,200,000

BALLYBUNION ROAD LOT #56 • $600,000

4807 LEEDS COURT • $875,000

Privacy, Refinedment & Resort Style Living Bethlehem Twp

Prestigious Weyhill Woods Upper Saucon Twp

Pristine Home in Valley Green Upper Saucon Twp

1970 CARRIAGE KNOLL DRIVE • $799,000

1731 RED HAWK WAY • $4,950,000

1020 HIGHLAND AVENUE • $650,000

Stunning Townhome, Villas at SV Bethlehem City

Breathtaking Custom Estate Lower Saucon Twp

Dutch Colonial Beauty Bethlehem – West

2912 SILVER CREEK CIRCLE • $784,900

740 MOHICAN DRIVE • $620,000

FIVE POINTS RICHMOND ROAD • $1,595,000

Picturesque Country Living Weisenberg Twp

Highly Regarded Shawnee Ridge Forks Twp

Charming Farmhouse on 42 Scenic Acres Washington Twp

THINKING ABOUT A MOVE? CALL THE REBECCA FRANCIS TEAM TODAY. WHERE PRESENTATION IS ART, PRICING IS PRECISE, AND REACH IS GLOBAL.

direct 484.280.6212 office 610.282.4444

REBECCAFRANCISREALTORS.com ©BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation.

EDITOR’S LETTER

3 THINGS

Painting at the Baum School of Art

M AT T H E W C A N N O N P H O T O G R A P H Y

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

Sipping the Blackberry Matcha Cloud!

Celebrating the Baum School’s anniversary!

A visit to House Splendid.

a paint chip up to the wall and call it good). Get your ultimate color lesson on pg. 25. Once you’ve gotten your kitchen inspo and you’ve picked out your hues, check out cabinetry, hardware and decor pieces at House Splendid on pg. 22. Now that you’ve beautified your space, shift your focus to the arts with our feature on the Baum School of Art in Allentown. Read all about the institution, which is celebrating 100 years of art instruction, and find out what’s in store for the future on pg. 50. Allentown Symphony Orchestra conductor and music director Diane Wittry reflects on her career ahead of her upcoming retirement on pg. 33, and we highlight five local artists of all different media on pg. 36. All this and more in this month’s edition of Lehigh Valley Style.

Happy fall, y’all,

ANGELA VENNEMANN editor@lehighvalleystyle.com lvstyleangela

6 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

MARCO CALDERON PHOTOGRAPHY

Even though it’s in the latter half of the year, September still feels like a time to reset and renew. Summer is over, kids go back to school and the seasons turn over once again—the perfect time to think about a fresh look at your living space. The kitchen is frequently called the heart of the home, and when that space is not serving all of your needs, you feel it. A lack of storage, inefficient layout and dated decor all add up to a room that can be more frustrating than anything. We’re excited to feature a transformation by Jarrett Designs that turned a kitchen near Allentown on its head to stunning effect—see pg. 40 for that story. We also work with interior design maven Wandra Cain to get her pro tips for selecting the best paint color for your home (no, you cannot just hold

ALISON CONKLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Fresh for Fall

We’re excited to announce The Suites at Fellowship Community, luxurious independent living apartments scheduled to open in 2027. Enjoy spacious, open floor plans with contemporary finishes you can customize to reflect your personal style. Nestled on our beautifully landscaped, pet-friendly campus, The Suites offer access to a tranquil park, walking paths, and a peaceful pond with a soothing water feature.

Learn about the opportunities available to live your best life!

For more information, scan the QR code or contact Laura at 610-769-4332.

3020 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052 | FellowshipCommunity.com

STAFF SPEAKS

If you could take any art class, what would it be?

V O LU M E 2 6 , I S S U E 9 I’d love to try my hand at pottery! Shaping a lump of clay into a bowl looks so satisfying.

I’m working on getting back into the swing of stained glass, so a refresher course would be great! I would love to take a glassblowing class!

I would love to try the jewelry and metalsmithing class again. I did it decades ago as a kid, and I still remember learning to solder for the first time to make a brooch I still have!

I would love to take a jewelrymaking class. I love jewelry; it would be fun to make a statement piece myself!

I would love to take a watercolor class. I am not very good at it right now, but I would really like to learn.

I’d like to try mosaics again. Years ago I took a class at the Banana Factory and made a small tabletop. It was so fascinating to turn the small pieces into a design.

President/CEO Paul Prass Vice President/COO Lisa Prass Publisher Pamela Deller Managing Editor Angela Vennemann Digital Strategy Director Brianna Berner Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson Graphic Designers Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski Marketing & Events Coordinator Jaiden Vazquez Marketing Advisors Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers Olivia Brochu, Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall, Heather Mayer Irvine, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis Contributing Photographers Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin, Jesse Jarrett

Proofreader Lori McLaughlin Accounting Jobelle Aleño, Leza Ovten

In partnership with:

8 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

I’d love to take an oil pastel class! I think it’s so cool! I’ve always been fascinated by the art of glassblowing. I’d love to try it sometime!

Client Specialist Emily Markovich

Marketing Intern Ava Janny

I’ve mainlined my fair share of arts-and-crafts process videos over the years, but I think I would need a real-life version of command+z before entrusting my digits with/to various sharps and hammers. Ceramics might be the safest bet—and most forgiving!

I love painting but have never tried watercolor— I would love to take a class on that! I’d really like to find a glassblowing workshop and create some art glass. I would love to try out some sort of jewelrymaking class; I think that would be so much fun!

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 293142, Kettering, OH, 45429. For subscription services, call 1.800.896.1392 All contents copyright © 2026 Lehigh Valley Style. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. Lehigh Valley Style and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. This magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in USA.

Sept.13

AT BR ADEN AIR PARK

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit equi-librium.org/polo E V ENT PROCEEDS BENEFIT THER A PEUTIC HORSEM A NSHIP FOR INDI V IDUA LS OF A LL AGES

TITLE SPONSORS

BROADCAST SPONSOR

HOST SPONSOR

TEAM SPONSORS

MATCH SPONSOR

PROMOTIONAL PARTNER

IN SUPPORT OF

STYLE SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY BY VLAD IMAGE STUDIO

Style Insider Happy Hour Located at blue grillhouse

1 | Priscilla Rosado and Kristina Wowak 2 | Taylor Kosak and Scott Newton 3 | Taylor Couvertier and Madison Cesanek 4 | Rita Woods and Wendy Keim 5 | Deb Fusco, Jerri Kropf, Lynne Kelly, Chris Siegfried and Lynn Kovecses 6 | Corey Dandridge and Terrance Wilson 7 | Scott Edwards, Jackie Edwards, Michael Pierce, Gi Korbodo, Joel De La Paz and Rafael Sanchez 8 | John Mace and Charlie Leon 9 | Joanne Bard and Grace Moore 10 | Devon LeCompte and Christe Konopitski 11 | Angela Kelliehan and Aryssa Ellerbee 12 | Lisa Meszler and Joe Gaeta 13 | Kathy Tomaino, Linda Thrash, Pat Corsetti, Carol McKenna and Pat Newman 14 | Joshua Wetzel, Xavier Shive-Sanchez and Tom Gallagher

10 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

STEAKS SO TENDER, IT’S OVERKILL.

It starts with pure bred Black Angus raised on the ﬁnest Midwest ranches. A specialty butcher in Chicago hand selects exquisitely marbled USDA Prime cuts of beef exclusively for us. It means your steak will be so tender, you won’t be needing that impressive knife all that much. Top Cut. About as classic as a steakhouse can be.

topcutsteak.com 610-841-7100

A PAXOS RESTAURANT

STYLE SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE ROBINSON PRODUCTIONS

American Heart Association Go Red for Women Luncheon Located at Centennial Conference Center

1 | Mindy Beck, Jolene Schmidt, Kyra Myers, Jane Brooks, Nurys Perez, Adria Laboy and Karina Kane 2 | Sandy Kapetanovich 3 | Abby Silfies, Chris Gillis, Christy Lee Kuchak and Megan McGorry 4 | Jeanne O’Hara, Maggie McGuire, Hanna O’Reilly and Roz O’Reilly 5 | Steph Mettler, Justin Keiper and Krista Berardelli 6 | Joanne Quinones, Kailyn Mann and Nidhi Mehta 7 | Melissa King, Raj Kaur and Natasha Sanesi 8 | Vira Riebe and Handah Gocke 9 | Tamra Banz and Maria Harding 10 | Ann Marie Supinski and Karen Widrick 11 | Ryder Hoffman and Jessica Hoffman 12 | Hannah Votta-Coleman, Jessica Escobar-Eck and Salina Escobar-Gonzalez 13 | Alison Conklin and Jonas Hausmann 14 | Anna Rinnier and Susan Rinnier

12 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

CREATING SPACES THAT REFLECT YOU ... like a private lounge for your private stock... Request a consultation: SWINEDESIGN.COM

$ TODAY

2060

GIG WiFi

/mo*

Price includes internet service, equipment, & autopay/ e-bill discount. Excludes taxes, surcharges, & fees.

+ $200 Gift Card

†

Your Price. Forever. 1.800.4.ASTOUND | astound.com *Internet speeds vary, not guaranteed. Certain equipment may be required. Modem req’d. See astound.com for details. Based on competitor offers as of 8/3/2026. Ltd-time offer; subj. to change. Internet pricing valid for 12 mos. Excludes taxes, surcharges, & fees. Std. WiFi included. Whole Home WiFi included w/ 2 Gig+ svc; $10/mo for lower speeds or add’l devices. Regular rates apply after promotion ends. Price reflects autopay & e bill discount for enrolling in autopay & e-bill with ACH. Valid email & enrollment required. Discount applied within 3 bill cycles & ends if autopay or e bill is canceled, svcs change, or account isn’t in good standing. †Gift card value varies based on selected products and internet speeds. See astound.com for details. Virtual card is issued by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted online, or phone/mail orders. Valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid through date. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid for new res. customers or former customers in good standing w/out Astound svc in past 60 days. Add’l svcs, equip, premiums & tiers extra & subject to add’l charge & reg. increases. $14.99 one-time activation fee (plus install if applicable) applies & may change. All svcs are governed by Astound Customer Terms & Conditions found at astound.com/ policies-disclaimers. © 2026 Radiate HoldCo, LLC d/b/a Astound Broadband. All rights reserved. AST321

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

THIS MONTH’S PICKS C O U R T E S Y O F E A S T O N FA R M E R S ' M A R K E T/ G E D P

COURTESY OF JOJO'S BOOK NOOK

HOT, HOT, HOT

Even Cozier

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the farmers market. The Easton market’s annual Hot Pepper Showdown is back on Sept. 26; register now to see if you can survive these “ten deadly peppers” or come to watch the fun, hear live music and win audience trivia prizes.

eastonfarmersmarket.com/event/ hot-pepper-showdown

Plants + Coffee is now boasting a third indulgence—books! Barista Jocelyn Schienholz has launched Jojo’s Book Nook inside the shop, offering a variety of book genres for sale as well as fun goodies like candles, stickers and bookmarks. Check out their monthly book club! jojos.book.nook

Congratulations!

Center Valley’s Stone Farm Cellars & Vineyard brought home two Best in Category Double Gold awards— for their Sunset Sangria and 2024 Sparkling Cuvée Rosé—and the honor of Winery of the Year at this year’s Mid-Atlantic Winemaker Challenge.

stonefarmcellarsandvineyard.com

Page Turner

Lehigh Valley novelist Lee Upton is back with another humorous book, Tabitha, Stay Up, the sequel to her 2024 novel Tabitha, Get Up. This adventure has it all—love both new and lost, diabolical twins and the world’s best bar. Buy your copy locally at Book & Puppet Co. or online at Amazon and Bookshop.org.

COURTESY OF TWISTED TEES

leeupton.com

ON THE TRAIL

Fore!

The indoor fun at Twisted Tees is bigger and better now that they’ve moved into an expanded space at The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem. Check out 12,000 square feet of mini golf, private TruGolf simulators, a second bar and entertainment— including a new arcade and digital jukebox. playtwisted.com

14 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

For all of the ice cream-y goodness and none of the guilt, hit up Vegan Treats in Bethlehem, which was named as one of ten stops on PETA’s Pennsylvania Nice Cream Trail this summer. Flavors you can feel good about include Brownie Batter, Pistachio and Speculoos.

vegantreats.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELBIE PLETZ

The Best Place for the Next Chapter

Capture the spirit of life without limits at Moravian Village

Call today to schedule your tour: 610-625-4885 x407 moravianvillage.com

New Years’ Savings

$500 OFF PLUS FREE INSTALLATION

ON CUSTOM CLOSETS, HOME OFFICES, GARAGES, ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS & MORE*

Check “get organized” off your New Year’s resolutions Begin 2026 fresh with custom-designed spaces from Closet Factory. Our personalized solutions make every corner of your home tailored to your style and needs, a perfect way to greet the year ahead.

VISIT US AT:

7 Willow Street Industrial Park, Fleetwood, PA 19522

closetfactory.com

Schedule your FREE design consultation today!

*Not combinable with any other offers. New Purchases only and minimum of $5,000.00 purchase. Expires 12/31/26. Lic. #PA016637.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Get People Together! Get Together! Help People p We People We Help

Bars

Tudor BarsTudor Bars

610-435-8900 610-435-8900 620 Union 620 Union Blvd. Blvd. Planning@ActionPartyRentals.com Planning@ActionPartyRentals.com Planning@ActionPartyR www.ActionPartyRentals.com www.ActionPartyRentals.com Allentown, Allentown, PA PA 18109 18109

Get Together!

TRENDING NOW

C O U R T E S Y O F L E H I G H VA L L E Y S A L O N S U I T E S

COURTESY OF GET JOY ICE CREAM & COFFEE

LEHIGH VALLEY SALON SUITES

RENTAL SPACES FOR BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

For beauty professionals looking to strike out on their own in a luxury setting, there weren’t many opportunities in the Lehigh Valley to do it. Until now. Leslie Medina has launched Lehigh Valley Salon Suites, where hairstylists, barbers, estheticians, lash and brow artists, massage therapists and other licensed beauty professionals can rent their own private space with plenty of high-end amenities. “Features of our suites include fully private rooms with their own sinks,” Medina says, adding, “We also include Wi-Fi, all utilities, trash service and secure door code access.” A cozy and relaxing waiting area for clients includes a TV and complementary coffee and snacks to cap off their pampering, creating a space that is “clean, polished and welcoming, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered.” In addition to the suites available to lease, Medina runs her tattoo studio, Les Ink, out of the same space, and she sees herself as a champion of independent beauty professionals. “I’m not just a landlord,” she says. “I’m also a small business owner… so I understand the challenges of starting and growing a business. I want my tenants to know that they have someone in their corner who understands their journey.”

Throughout her career as a special educator, Sara Heintzelman often noticed that there were few opportunities for her students to have access to jobs. So she and her husband, Michael Pilato, set out to create those opportunities themselves. Get Joy Ice Cream & Coffee satisfies the community’s sweet tooth and caffeine cravings while employing people with different abilities, giving them the chance to learn and grow while spreading joy along the way. “Through a positive, supportive environment where we all care deeply about each other being successful, we pass along our joy to our customers with the hope of them doing the same as they go out into the world,” Heintzelman and Pilato say. Get Joy offers hard-scooped and soft-serve ice cream—all gluten-free, with some dairy-free options—as well as hot and iced coffee, refreshers, lemonade, iced tea and tiny pancakes. Heintzelman and Pilato note that Get Joy’s shop is 100 percent accessible and boasts an outdoor play area complete with turf, games, seating and a playhouse constructed by students at Bethlehem Area VocationalTechnical School. Walk in and experience the joy yourself, or check their calendar to attend special events co-hosted with local libraries and organizations.

825 N. 12th St. Suite 2B, Allentown |

3592 Route 378, Bethlehem | letsgetjoy.com |

lehighvalleysalonsuites

GET JOY ICE CREAM & COFFEE

SWEET TREATS IN AN INCLUSIVE SPACE

BRIDGE & ROOTS COUNSELING

getjoyeveryday

COURTESY OF BRIDGE & ROOTS COUNSELING

THERAPY FOR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES

Everyone gets to a point where they need someone to talk to, but certain things can make it harder to find a therapist that fits with you—language barriers, sexuality, complex trauma. Licensed professional counselor Jessica Oquendo made it her mission to close these gaps for clients who find themselves in marginalized communities by launching Bridge & Roots Counseling, providing telehealth services that make it easier to get the care you need when you need it. Oquendo notes that there is a “massive unmet need for experienced, trauma-informed mental health providers, particularly [those] who are bilingual in Spanish.” She specializes in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help her clients manage anxiety, and she has also received advanced training in dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma and Empowered Relief for chronic pain. Oquendo’s goal is to serve her clients in a way that is as convenient, discreet and free of barriers as possible. “The client experience for my practice was designed around the philosophy that seeking help shouldn’t become another stressor when someone is already feeling overwhelmed,” she says. With Oquendo’s help, her 620 Union clients can heal from trauma, build healthier relationships and copeBlvd. with challenges more effectively.

Rentals.com

bridgeandrootscounseling.com

Allentown, PA 18109

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

TRENDING NOW C O U R T E S Y O F T H E VA U LT H A I R C O M P A N Y

THE VAULT HAIR COMPANY ALL THINGS BEAUTY IN THE SLATE BELT

When it comes to beauty services in the Slate Belt, there’s no better stop for all your needs than The Vault Hair Company. In the year since its opening, owner and stylist Hannah Price has stopped at nothing to provide clients with the ultimate in pampering and luxury, with services ranging from cut and color to extensions, head spa treatments, lash and brow, nails and medical-grade skincare. “From the moment a guest walks through our doors, we aim to provide a ‘luxury-meets-wellness’ atmosphere,” Price says. “We treat every appointment like an event, offering a curated complimentary menu of snacks and beverages to ensure that every client feels pampered and relaxed throughout their service.” The salon has seen an overwhelming community response since opening, culminating in the Best Salon & Spa 2025 award in Blue Valley Times’ Best of the Slate Belt. So where do they go from here? Price says The Vault has expanded into bridal services with a studio at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, and they’re adding new services all the time, like HydroDiamond facials, jelly pedicures and no-sew extensions. “Clients consistently tell us that the attention to detail is what sets us apart,” Price says. “They feel genuinely cared for from the moment they walk in.”

PHOTO COURTESY McCOOLE’S

VISIT THESE LEHIGH VALLEY BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT LOCAL

29 S. Main St., Bangor | 610.577.6124 | vaulthairco.com

McCOOLE’S ATREDTHELIONHISTORIC INN MCCOOLESREDLIONINN

The refreshed menu features new chef-inspired dishes, seasonal favorites and returning classics guests are sure to love. Friends and family can gather to explore the latest offerings and enjoy new favorites. Join the team Wednesday through Sunday! 4 S. Main St., Quakertown | 215.538.1776 | mccoolesredlioninn.com

18 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

TRENDING NOW COURTESY OF SOAKED IN THE CITY

SOAKED IN THE CITY

WINERY LAUNCHES COCKTAIL LOUNGE

For Shannon Birosik, Soaked Winery has always been about more than just producing wine; it’s about bringing people together and making wine feel welcoming, enjoyable and approachable. While Soaked is going strong at its Walnutport tasting room, Birosik knew the winery’s next natural step was to expand into Downtown Allentown. “We wanted to bring the warmth and hospitality of the winery into an urban setting while expanding the experience to include craft cocktails, shareable food and a more intimate lounge atmosphere,” Birosik says. The result is Soaked in the City: a cocktail lounge perfect for a happy hour, a date night or a stop during a full evening downtown. Birosik says the beverage menu will still center on Soaked’s wines, but they’ll offer a full cocktail menu featuring “winery-inspired creations, thoughtfully prepared classics, modern favorites and rotating seasonal drinks.” Accompanying the drinks are small, shareable plates inspired by wine country, including flatbreads, seasonal salads, artisan boards and desserts. Stop by for just one drink or stay for special events like wine tastings, pairing dinners, live entertainment and collaborations with the surrounding businesses that Birosik says make the neighborhood a place where there is “always something happening nearby.”

932 Hamilton St., Allentown | soakedwinery.com |

soakedallentown

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

ONLINE THIS MONTH JACKFROG / ADOBE STOCK

Explore Our Guides

Don’t miss the best of the Valley when it comes to beauty & wellness, food & drink and shopping local. Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/guides for our top picks.

DANIEL / ADOBE STOCK

BE PART OF THE STORY!

Should we feature your home? Email photos to editor@lehighvalleystyle.com!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!

WANT TO KNOW WHERE OUR NEXT STYLE INSIDER HAPPY HOUR WILL BE?

Want info about upcoming Lehigh Valley Style events? Follow Lehigh Valley Style on Facebook and click on our Events tab! CONNECT W ITH ST Y LE:

20 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Only Online

Looking for things to do in the Valley and exclusive LVS content? Visit lehighvalleystyle.com for weekly event listings, web-only articles and more!

BEAUTY at the BEGINS surface

MSI CALACATTA CASTANA® QUARTZ

Timeless counterops for inspired spaces. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Make it a place you love to be with help from the area’s leading fabricator of natural stone, quartz, porcelain and solid surface countertops for residential and commercial use. SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT

610.266.3121 easternsurfaces.com

OPEN THE DOOR AND SAY WOW

A PIECE OF FURNITURE, A ROOM, YOUR WHOLE HOME–WE CAN DO IT ALL.

UNLOCK YOUR HOME’S POTENTIAL WITH OUR COMPLIMENTARY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

ALLENTOWN 5064 HAMILTON BOULEVARD 610.395.4944

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

GET THE GOODS

House Splendid PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Who doesn’t love a one-stop shop? Come to House Splendid in Emmaus for all things home, where owner and lead designer Lia Papasimakis will help you plan and execute your vision, and then outfit it with all the decor you need to transform your space into one you’ll love.

Tell us about your background as a designer! My love for interior design began at a very young age. I first pursued my passion with formal studies at Parsons School of Design in New York, which then led to a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Technology. Thereafter, I immersed myself in all facets of design, and having that breadth of knowledge and expertise has been most beneficial in creating and operating my own design studio here in the Lehigh Valley, which I am very proud to say will be celebrating its twenty-third anniversary this year! For me, design has always been about creating

22 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

homes that feel personal, timeless and functional. I love listening to clients and transforming their desires into spaces they’ll enjoy for years to come. Some of my career highlights have been the spaces I have created for the Society of the Arts Designer Showhouses, which I have been designing for since 2006. In this year’s showhouse, I designed two rooms—the kitchen and the bar lounge—where I was able to showcase not only my technical abilities but also my design range for two distinctly different uses of space. What kind of services does House Splendid offer? House Splendid is a fullservice interior design studio specializing in entire home remodels, as well as kitchen and bath design and custom cabinetry for every room in your home—walk-in pantries, mud and laundry rooms and custom built-ins. Additionally, we provide kitchen refreshes for those interested in impact or updates without taking on a full renovation. Our showroom is also home to an extraordinary selection of decorative hardware, the finishing touch that elevates every space. We guide clients from concept through completion, helping them make thoughtful design decisions that result in beautiful, functional spaces tailored to their lifestyle. One of your services is custom cabinetry. Tell us about how decorative hardware can make it pop! I always say decorative hardware is the jewelry of the home, which is why we’ve assembled an exceptional collection for every design aesthetic. The perfect

hardware can transform cabinetry into something extraordinary and reflect your personality. Some pieces are truly works of art, and with over 3,000 styles on display, from timeless to contemporary, you’ll find the perfect finishing touch for your space. And with our interior design expertise, you receive not only the best selection of hardware but the best design guidance as well! What makes your design studio unique? House Splendid combines a professional design studio with a carefully curated home boutique. Clients can explore cabinetry, thousands of decorative hardware samples and design inspiration while shopping for beautiful home accessories and gifts. It’s a welcoming space where creativity, craftsmanship and personal service come together; an atmosphere where I have the gift of combining and offering my greatest passions. Besides samples for your design work, your design studio also features accessories and gifts. What can customers find there? The boutique features not only decorative and architectural hardware but a vast selection of home and seasonal decor as well as the perfect items for gift-giving. We carry thoughtfully selected items like vinyl floorcloths, handmade pottery, kitchen towels, tile coasters and decorative pillows, many of which are customized to feature local towns. These personalized pieces make meaningful gifts and have become signature favorites for both locals and visitors looking for something special.

What are some customerfavorite items that you stock? Our seasonal melamine dishware is always a customer favorite, with fresh patterns arriving throughout the year for every season. Our soy candles are equally popular, not only for their inviting fragrances but because they’re poured into beautiful glass vessels that can be repurposed long after the candle has burned. And our large selection of Nora Fleming platters and ceramic minis is one of our biggest crowd pleasers! Anything else you’d like to note? At House Splendid, our goal is simple: to help people create homes they truly love. Whether we’re designing an entire home or helping someone choose a thoughtful gift, we want every visit to feel inspiring, personal and enjoyable. A well-designed home isn’t about following trends—it’s about creating a space that tells your story and feels beautiful every time you walk through the door.

345 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.965.3030 | housesplendid.com

Saturday, Sept. 19 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Explore the region’s largest curated vintage vendor market — filled with unique finds! • Over 75 Vendors • Family Fun • Autumn-Inspired Desserts & Food Vendors Historic Burnside 1461 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, PA

44th 44 th

ANNUAL

HistoricBethlehem.org

Pumpkin Harvest

SEPT.26 THROUGH NOV.1 FREE PARKING

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 10–6PM OCCASIONAL FRIDAYS 12–9PM *SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL SCHEDULE*

and Corn Maze

Flashlight Corn Maze for a Cause | Friday Nights 6-9pm

Trick-or-Treat

in the Corn Maze Saturday, Oct. 31, 12–5pm

Seiple Farms A FA MI LY OW N E D & O PE R AT E D FA R M S I N CE 18 8 9

5761 NOR BATH BOULEVARD, BATH

24 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

610.837.0847

SEIPLEFARMS.COM

COLOR WITH CONFIDENCE BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

ASK THE EXPERT Wandra Cain INTERIOR DESIGNER

Though she can vamp and revamp a home or business top to bottom, interior designer Wandra Cain also loves being another set of eyes just for color consultation, helping bring clients’ personalities into their space. Here’s what guides her advice on choosing paint colors.

INSPIRATION “Color is one of the most important factors in creating a mood in the home,” Cain says. She starts by eliminating the colors a client can’t stand, and then it’s all about good energy. “Choosing paint is about understanding how my clients want to feel in their home and using color to support the way they live every day.” With your goal vibes in mind, rooms with strong existing elements guide you in what colors to explore. Unchanging factors like statement furniture and hard surfaces will play off of the wall or cabinet colors around them, so you can look to them for inspiration. One client’s multicolor marble countertop and espresso floor had already begun the color scheme in their kitchen, so Cain took a thread of cream from the marble to let the walls tie it all together.

UNDERTONES Understanding that colors operate in relation to each other will keep you from making an undertone oops. Take an innocent-seeming gray. The swatch looks perfectly calm and neutral, but on

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

LOCALLY SOURCED

INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED

HAPPY HOUR

M-F 4-6PM • SAT 11:30AM-1:30PM

DAILY SPECIALS AL FRESCO DINING

SEASON + WEATHER PERMITTING

51 W. BROAD ST., BETHLEHEM • 610.419.1200 • TWISTEDOLIVEBETHLEHEM.COM

ASK THE EXPERT the walls, suddenly it’s cold and purplish while your golden oak floors have become aggressively orange. The complementary undertones are clashing. A unified or balanced undertone will avoid discordance, and Cain has a method to determine the hidden notes of each player. “When we pick out swatches, I bring a piece of white paper to put behind them,” she says. Stark white printer paper provides a perfect neutral baseline. “That will allow the subtle color underneath to come out.” Use this trick on your hard surfaces or any permanent fixtures to make sure you understand the temperature family that a new color is coming into.

LIGHTING Another major player to consider is the light in your space, both natural and artificial. “North-facing light will be cooler,” Cain says, “and south-facing rooms get a ton of warm light.” She also tells her clients to either work with or tweak the temperature of light bulbs in the room to change the tone that will be playing with their paint color. You may love a warm cozy light in your bedroom, in which case a cool blue or gray will look muddy on the wall. This is why swatching your paint colors is so important.

SWATCHING “The number one mistake people make with color is to rush into a painting decision,” Cain says. Swatches of color should be painted directly on the wall, because it will look different than the color chips you get at the store. Paint more than one spot to see how various parts of the room catch light and change the look of the color. Revisit it throughout the day and night, and see how the artificial lights in the space interact with the color. “I always say, ‘Let it marinate,’” Cain adds, advice from a veteran house painter. “After two or three days the paint will settle into its true color.”

WHOLE HOME TRANSFORMATION To keep a sense of continuity throughout the home, Cain advises a color scheme of

26 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Insight. Opportunity. Strategy. The Valley’s Largest Locally-Owned CPA Firm, Serving the Region for Over 50 Years

610.821.8580 // BucknoLisicky.com

SMALL REFRESH If you just want to experiment with more or different colors around the house, Cain has some great ideas for smaller details that can transform the feel of a space. “If you like your wall color,” she says, “try using a darker shade to refresh the trim.” Trying a new color on the fireplace or a kitchen island can create a fun focal point, and let’s not forget the front door. “I love a black door,” Cain says. Red, yellow, green—in balance with the exterior colors of your house, a statement door can make an extremely charming change. The ceiling is another overlooked opportunity to play with color. “A lot of people love their white ceilings,” Cain says, “but you can try going a shade lighter or darker than your walls. You can try wallpaper, or wood paneling, and have what feels like a whole new room.”

wcainteriordesign.com

Aaron Coleman, founder of Platinum Star Cleaning — AS SEEN ON WFMZ

The Lehigh Valley’s

Most Trusted Cleaning Company SCHEDULE TODAY AND

SAVE UP TO $200

LICENSED & INSURED IN PA & NJ

three or four core colors and four to six accent colors, adding depth and personality. “I always start in the kitchen,” she says. “Not only is it the heart of the home, the existing materials are already known.” With its density of permanent surfaces and fixtures like countertops and appliances, working from the kitchen out makes it easier to make your color decisions. Then, Cain follows the 60-30-10 rule, where one color dominates 60 percent of the space, and two other harmonizing colors in 30 percent and 10 percent create intentional depth, whether through flooring, trim or furnishings.

$100 OFF RECURRING SERVICES / $100 OFF LUXURY DEEP CLEANING $25.00 OFF STANDARD CLEANING

OPENING FALL 2026

Easton Speakeasy & Dining Room Private Luxury Event Space

Request a Free Quote 610.504.5469 PLATINUMSTARCLEANING.COM L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Where Nature Meets Everyday Luxury

GOOD FOR YOU. GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. SHOP ONLINE AT archwoodsoapery.com

Scaa hh

e fff

28 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

ree

LIVING WELL WITH

Yulia Otdushi

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Yulia Otdushi’s path to a career in mental health was unconventional, so it makes sense that her approach to wellness is unique as well. Read on to learn why the mindbody connection is so important to your physical and mental health and to find out more about the immersive program Otdushi developed to foster mind-body wellness.

Tell us about your background and training in mental health counseling. When I moved to the United States from Siberia, I worked as a photographer and started my own online fashion magazine. I wanted my publication to become more meaningful—not only beautiful images, but thoughtful stories. To become a better writer, I returned to college in my thirties. While studying journalism, I took an elective psychology course, and I fell in love with it immediately. Psychology helped me understand something I had been sensing for years: many of the problems we see in society begin with the relationship people have with themselves. I was eventually accepted into the Mental Health Counseling program at Hunter College in New York City, earning my Master of Science in Education, and I opened my private practice two and a half years ago. Today my work brings together clinical psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, creative expression and mind-body approaches.

What therapy modalities do you use in your practice? Iʼm a big believer in clinical hypnotherapy. I always like to clarify that clinical hypnosis is simply another way of doing therapy. I often describe it as being similar to meditation, but meditation is often practiced for awareness and presence, while clinical hypnosis has a specific therapeutic goal. It helps us work intentionally toward change, whether that's reducing anxiety, changing habits, processing difficult experiences or strengthening inner resources. Although hypnotherapy is often considered its own modality, I see it as something that beautifully integrates many therapeutic approaches. In my work, I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), creative therapies, somatic approaches and other mind-body interventions.

What led you to focus on the mindbody connection? During graduate school, I was trained in many wonderful evidence-based approaches that gave me a strong foundation. But I noticed something during my sessions that stayed with me. My clients and I would spend an hour talking about fear, grief, trauma or change, yet we both were sitting almost completely still. The conversation was moving, but the body wasn't. Sometimes I would notice my own body becoming tense as we talked through difficult experiences, and I could see the same happening for my clients. Out of curiosity, I began introducing simple breathing exercises. What I noticed surprised me: people often became calmer, more present and sometimes more open to seeing their situation from a different perspective. That simple observation sent me down a completely new path. I started reading everything I could about trauma, the nervous system and embodiment. L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Your source for

LIVING WELL WITH

SUMMER FUN

610.965.POOL • BBCUSTOMPOOLS.COM

DESIGN, INSTALLATION, SERVICE & RENOVATION, PATIOS, OUTDOOR KITCHENS, FIREPLACES & MORE

LIGHT THE NIGHT SAVE the DATE Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now known as BLOOD CANCER UNITED, in helping blood cancer patients and their families.

LEHIGH VALLEY LIGHT THE NIGHT October 24, 2024 4:30–8:30 pm at Grange Park 360 Grange Road, Allentown 30 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

PHOTO COURTESY MILLCREEK LANDSCAPING

PA000981 // NJ13VH04418500

The Body Keeps the Score opened a whole new world for me. Then came trainings in mindfulness, clinical hypnosis, Qi Gong, movement and other mind-body approaches. I’ve learned that sometimes changing your state begins with changing what your body is doing. How does mental health affect the body? Our mind and body are constantly communicating through the nervous system. They are not separate systems. Every thought, every emotion and every experience creates a biological response in the body. Stress itself isnʼt the enemy. We actually need stress. If a car suddenly comes toward us, we want our nervous system to react quickly. Our heart beats faster, our breathing changes, our muscles tense and our body releases stress hormones that prepare us to respond. That response helps keep us alive. The challenge begins when that survival response never really turns off. Chronic stress can leave the body feeling like it's always preparing for something bad to happen. People may notice muscle tension, headaches, digestive problems, poor sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating or feeling constantly “on edge.” Chronic stress can also increase inflammation and contribute to many health conditions. It may not cause every illness, but it can certainly make existing conditions worse and influence many of the daily habits that affect our long-term health. Tell us about the immersive program you’ve developed. One phrase I often tell my clients is, “Don't fake it until you make it. Practice it until you master it.” That simple idea became the foundation of The Otdushi Practice. The goal is to build lasting, supportive habits. Over the years, Iʼve realized that Iʼm less interested in simply delivering therapy and more interested in becoming an immersive practitioner. My role isn't just to guide conversations. Itʼs to create experiences where people can repeatedly practice healthier ways of thinking, feeling and living until those patterns begin to feel natural. The Otdushi Practice combines psychotherapy, clinical hypnosis, mindfulness, creative expression, nutrition and mind-body work into immersive

BEST PRICE

experiences that help people create lasting change through consistent practice. Tell us about your morning routine—is there something you simply cannot start your day without? The first thing I do is check in with my body. Before I check my phone or start thinking about my to-do list, I pause and notice how my body feels. I ask, What movement does my body need today? Sometimes it’s strength training. Sometimes it’s dance. Sometimes it’s slow, flowing movements. I try to move with my body rather than against it. After that, I spend a few moments practicing gratitude—not because life is perfect, but because gratitude trains my attention to notice what is already working. Then I move into self-hypnosis, a focused, deeply relaxed state where I intentionally practice how I want to experience the day ahead. What is something you love to indulge in? I have a sweet tooth! I could easily skip dinner and go straight to ice cream or oatmeal cookies. Over the years, though, I’ve been practicing being more intentional with my indulgences. I still enjoy dessert several times a week, but I also try to satisfy that sweet craving with fresh fruit. For me, wellness isn’t about restriction—it’s about balance and saying yes to myself without guilt. My biggest indulgence, though, is creativity. I love creating almost anything. Painting, collage, gardening, interior design—you name it. Every creative project feels like a form of meditation to me.

on New Energy-Saving

Heating/Cooling Systems

• Electric, Gas, Propane or Heating Oil • Top-Brand American-Made Equipment

CALL NOW! 610-868-8566

dbrothers.com | Family-Owned & Trusted Since 1929 PA Contractor Reg #PA736

NJ HIC# 13VH04248200

What’s one takeaway you’d like to share? If I could leave people with one thought, it would be this: become friends with uncertainty. Looking back, every meaningful chapter of my life began with uncertainty. Moving to a new country. Building new relationships. Starting my own magazine. Returning to college at thirty. Pursuing psychology. Opening my own practice. Creating my podcast. Even fostering six cats. None of those decisions came with guarantees. They came with curiosity, trust and a willingness to take one step without knowing exactly where it would lead. I think that's where we truly meet ourselves.

yuliaotdushi.com L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Baumer Wealth Management Named to Forbes “Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams” list in 2024-2026. Published annually in January. Rankings based on data as of March 31 of prior year.

Breanne N. Pfeffer Glenn W. Baumer CRPC™, C(k)P® Managing Director Senior Consultant

Christopher S. Baumer CRPC™, C(k)P® Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor

CRPC™, AWMA™ Vice President Senior Business Manager

Tiffany A. Nguyen CRPC™ Registered Wealth Management Client Associate

Emily Kern Wealth Management Client Associate

600 Hamilton St • 12th Fl • Allentown, PA 18101 • 610.398.4307 • fa.ml.com/baumer_group Data and sources for all Forbes awards and their rankings provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Past performance is not an indication of future results. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. Awards are based on in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings and apply an algorithm that measures best practices, client retention, industry experience compliance records, firm nominations, assets under management and firm generated income. Investment performance is not a criterion. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S) is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and Member SIPC. MLPF&S is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation; all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. C(k)P® is a registered trademark of The Retirement Advisor University, Inc. The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. owns the service marks CRPC™ and AWMA™. © 2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | MAP9043929 | 08/2026

Celebrate

Timeless Traditions at a Historic Landmark Comfortably accommodates up to 250 guests

Two ballrooms allow for customized event setups 122 elegantly appointed guest rooms, steps above your celebration

437 Main Street, Historic Bethlehem, PA 18018 (844) 540-2019 HotelBethlehem.com

America’s #1 Best Historic Hotel & #1 Best Main Street

32 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

INSIGHT

Diane Wittry MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR, ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BY OLIVIA BROCHU | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Flames surround Diane Wittry while she overlooks Allentown’s Miller Symphony Hall from its mezzanine. They lick the edges of the screen while she promises to take viewers to hell and back. It’s an Instagram reel meant to promote the orchestra’s performance of Mahler’s First Symphony. The flames are fake. But Wittry’s passion for the music is anything but. Wittry, the Allentown Symphony Orchestra conductor and music director for more than three decades, announced earlier this year that she will step down from those roles by spring 2028. She leaves big shoes to fill.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Videos like the fiery Mahler promo are common on the symphony’s social media pages. And Wittry brings that same warm and inventive style of audience inclusion to her live performances as well. She regularly frames the piece her symphony is about to play in accessible and engaging terms. It welcomes listeners of all backgrounds, even those with limited music knowledge, into a world sometimes shrouded in haughtiness. Earlier this year, she compared the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony to “sipping a glass of wine in a bubble bath.” This, just moments after sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax. It’s her unique style—both humble and engaging—that makes her decision to step down as conductor particularly saddening. Wittry says her method of talking to the audience is her “trademark.” “I’ve been doing it ever since I started conducting,” Wittry says, the clatter of saucers and cups behind her as she stirs sugar into a cappuccino at The Cozy Crumbs Café in Downtown Allentown. “I felt like I wanted to break down the barrier between the stage and the audience. I love to share music with people, and so, to me, it’s like, let’s invite you into my living room so that we can all enjoy this, and let me tell you why I’m excited about it.” That’s an incredibly compelling offer from a woman as accomplished as Wittry. When she’s not busy planning and conducting shows in Allentown, Wittry travels the globe teaching other conductors. This summer she led courses in Texas, the Czech Republic and on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Seattle, Washington. Over the course of her career, she has conducted symphonies in Europe, Asia and across the United States. She often draws on material from her two books when teaching. Beyond the Baton, published in 2011, and Baton Basics: Communicating Music Through Gestures, published in 2014, have become standards in the field. Beyond the Baton was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Wittry herself has won plenty of accolades, but she doesn’t mention a single one during an interview over coffee. “My goal was always to bring my own personality, bring my own passion and bring my expertise and my thoroughness to the job. [I bring] 150 percent to anything I do.”

It’s a commitment that others have noticed, including the City of Florence, Italy, which awarded her its prestigious Fiorino d’Oro award, a nod to her leadership in the arts and humanities. She’s only the third American to ever win it. She has also been named one of the “Top 30 Professional Musicians” by Musical America Worldwide, and an “Outstanding Alumnus” of the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. Despite her global presence, Wittry has made Allentown her home. She first arrived back in the early ’90s to participate in a competitive, two-year guest conductor search. She got the job in 1995, but she was drawn to this place right away. “It felt really good when I was here with the orchestra,” Wittry says. “I felt like it was a family. I could really sense the commitment of the community to this orchestra.” She stayed because her creative spirit was given room for growth. Wittry describes herself as a builder; without the opportunity to create something, she grows bored. Luckily, that never happened here in the Lehigh Valley. “Pretty much everything I wanted to do artistically, I felt, was supported by the board. They bought into the vision of growing this orchestra. Both growing it artistically and regarding its impact in the community,” she says. Wittry is particularly proud of the community programming the symphony offers. That includes El Sistema Lehigh Valley, the symphony’s flagship community program. It allows 150 kids, ages kindergarten through high school, to meet every day after school for tutoring, plus training in string instruments and choral singing. There’s also the Latin Leadership Committee, formed to engage with Allentown’s majority-Latino population. And in 2024, the group launched its first Latin Parranda, a traditional Christmas holiday musical event with roots in Puerto Rico. “My goal was to develop engagement programs for pretty much every age and background in our community. We want people to come to concerts,” Wittry says. And not just come to concerts, but experience them. Wittry’s team also offers an Orchestra Lab, where kids can come and play instruments of all different types before the annual Family Concert. The

I could really sense the commitment of the community to this orchestra.

2027 ASO Family Concert will feature a partnership with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, showcasing Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. That concert is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, with the Orchestra Lab taking place just before it, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Romeo and Juliet is one of several shows Wittry will conduct before putting her baton down in Allentown in the fall of 2027. Her last show, scheduled for September 27, will be particularly personal. “It will open with a piece that I’m going to write. So, that will force me to begin that journey of writing more pieces,” she says. That’s her plan for life after conducting at Miller Symphony Hall—to write more music, and more books. She says Beyond the Baton needs a second edition. That project will actually have three parts and act as a textbook for conducting classes. Before Wittry departs, she remains committed to keeping the doors at Miller Symphony Hall wide open to everyone and anyone. She feels personally responsible for changing opinions about classical music. “I feel if I can get them in the door

once, they’ll definitely come back, because the music impacts people so viscerally that words can’t even describe it,” she says. It’s important to her, too, that her successor will be just as focused on drawing the community in. Applicants will be required to send a recording of themselves introducing a piece as though they were about to conduct it. “I’m hoping that as things go forward, that this will be continued, and that more people will start showing up at all of our concerts, and feeling that Symphony Hall is a gathering place that everybody feels comfortable in,” she says. After Wittry’s last show, she will remain in her music director role while the top four candidates to replace her each guestconduct two shows in Allentown. One of those four finalists will get an offer to stay. Over 200 people have applied for the position. Single tickets for Wittry’s last show will go on sale in early August 2027. Subscriptions for the full season should be available starting in February 2027.

millersymphonyhall.org/symphony | dianewittry.com L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

5 THINGS

Local Artists

BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY MAKSIM KOSTENKO / ADOBE STOCK

With centers like the Alternative Gallery, JuxtaHub and the upcoming ArtsQuest Creative Factory, the Lehigh Valley loves its artists, who ply all kinds of media to make, share and teach their craft. Here are just five of the many talented creators whose art could grace your walls.

36 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

1. HOLLY JEAN STUDIOS

2.TOM SMALDONE

The shelves and shapes that come out of Corinne McFadden and Nick Lalik’s woodworking studio came about as a way to showcase our little treasures, while being little treasures themselves. Sporting folk art flowers, moody landscapes and sometimes quilt-like geometry, Holly Jean designs are deeply rooted and deliciously fresh.

Denizens of Easton will be familiar with the exploratory escapades of Smaldone’s Chalkborg, a friendly little robot popping up around town in the form of street art chalk drawings. A classically trained artist whose paintings often feature the lovable bot, Smaldone has created a sort of neighbor that many Eastonians are delighted to have, and those who aren’t can rinse him away.

hollyjeanstudios.com

tomsmaldoneart.com

JOHN CHEER cheerclaystudio.com

The creations of clay, glass and mixed materials made in Cheer’s Allentown studio often evoke the streamlined bodies and undulating fins of marine life, fey faces peering out of organic pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in a mermaid’s palace. Once you see his work, it comes as no surprise that it’s a consistent award winner at art shows and festivals.

Refined Outdoor Living PREMIER FENCE & RAILING SOLUTIONS

KEITH GARUBBA whistlingstudios.com

As a printmaking expert, Keith Garubba is not only adept at creating dazzling works in a variety of forms; he’s driven to share the fun at Whistling Studio, where you can learn less common pursuits such as marbling fabric and paper, a student favorite that attains new heights with Garubba’s engaging instruction.

610.437.1944 american-fence.com

Jeffrey J. Febbo, CFP ®

2738 Eberhart Rd. Whitehall, PA

Paul J. Febbo, CFP ®

Keep Your Money Out of Danger 4030 William Penn Hwy. Easton, PA 18045 febbo.com | 610.252.0455 Securities offered through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera entities are under separate ownership from any other entity.

5. ANGELA FRALEIGH angelafraleigh.com

This nationally renowned painter’s opulent works are drenched in abstract color and contemporary chaos with realistic, graceful human forms emerging in classical poses. Think Baroque or Renaissance female forms reimagined and inhabiting contemporary canvases, blurring the eras of history and provoking a new experience of the woman as a subject of art.

Keep up with the latest, delivered right to your door! Subscribe today at L E HI G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

S U P E R I O R Q U A L I T Y. HIGH PERFORMANCE. LUXURIOUS DETAILS.

The Heart of Your Home, Reimagined. Professional Sales Staff | Factory-Trained Service & Installation | Family Owned & Operated Since 1945

Visit our Monogram showroom in Emmaus

EMMAUS 575 Chestnut St. (610) 965-9851 WHITEHALL 2177 MacArthur Rd. (610) 433-4202

K L E C K N E R A N D S O N S .C O M

Allentown, PA

morrisblack.com

EPOXY FLOOR COATINGS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS

UPGRADE & PROTECT YOUR CONCRETE FLOORS VERSATILE, ATTACTIVE AND DURABLE, OUR TOP-QUALITY MATERIALS AND EXPERT APPLICATION PROCESS WILL TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE AND LEAVE IT LOOKING GREAT FOR YEARS TO COME.

38 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

A LEHIGH VALLEY COMPANY WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE NOW HIRING! 610.248.2817 ROCHEEPOXYFLOORS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRANSFORM YOUR FIREPLACE WITH A GAS INSERT Kring’s can turn your drafty wood fireplace into a beautiful, easy-to-use, and efficient gas insert in as little as one day! Call, visit us online or stop in any of our 3 locations today!

AFTER BEFORE PA065759

BECHTELSVILLE

834 Route 100 North 610.367.4488

SAVE UP TO $650 LIMITED TIME OFFER—ACT NOW!

LANCASTER

385 E Roseville Rd. 223.529.6877

SCHNECKSVILLE

4405 Pennsylvania Dr. 610.224.5050

KRINGSONLINE.COM

your comfort THE SEASONS CHANGE.

SHOULDN’T.

From the final warm days of summer to the first chilly nights of fall, your home should always feel just right. Comfort Generation is here to keep your heating and cooling running reliably through every season, with responsive services from a local team you can trust. PREPARE NOW FOR COOLER DAYS Schedule your fall service appointment. Maintenance | Repairs | Replacement

610.814.7272 COMFORTGENERATION.COM

PA HIC # 107694

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

From

Scratch INSIDE AN ALLENTOWN KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE JARRETT Some kitchen makeovers are rather basic. Switch out the cabinets, lay down new flooring, haul in a couple of new appliances and voilà. The renovation project that resulted in what its creators have dubbed the “Buckingham Beauty” inside a home near Allentown does not fall into that category. The redesign was a complete cosmetic overhaul as well as a layout reconfiguration (goodbye, interior wall!) that even spilled over to the home’s exterior. “There was a lot of construction to this kitchen,” says Jesse Jarrett, designer and project manager for his family’s Emmaus-based firm, Jarrett Design. “I would say maybe even more than typical for a kitchen remodel.”

40 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

The old kitchen was functional, but small, dark and dated. The homeowners initially approached Jesse and his mother, company founder and creative director Jill Jarrett, with a vision for something akin to a Shakerstyle kitchen, Jesse says: “warmth, marble, old European vibes.” Early on, the British kitchen brand deVOL was a source of inspiration and a reference point for the owners. But first things first. Before the team could nail down color palettes, fixtures and fittings, they had to make the room bigger. A wall that separated the kitchen from a rarely used formal dining room came down, giving them a much larger space to work with. “[The clients] wanted a huge island, which a lot of folks do nowadays, and if you look at the original footprint, there’s probably no way to get an island in there,” says Jesse. Problem solved. The wall was out, and a 12-foot-long island was in, providing a gathering place in the central part of the room with plenty of counter space, a prep sink and seating for five or more; it’s an anchor that establishes the kitchen as the true hub of the home. The teardown made room for other additions as well, like a built-in butcher block and a large sink with a drainboard. The area that previously served as eat-in dining space in the old kitchen became a cozy nook with seating for two, overlooking a new patio extension that was deemed necessary after an existing bay window was converted into a French door. The owners, coffee connoisseurs, also wanted a dedicated beverage area, which Jarrett Design delivered.

“...a cozy nook with seating for two...”

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

“There’s a really open and airy feeling to it.” 42 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Gone are the deep brown cabinets that once dominated the space. “They said from the start they wanted a warm cabinet color,” Jesse says. “They didn’t really want a white kitchen, but they didn’t want something super dark, either.” The owners opted for frameless cabinets in a soft beige (Farrow and Ball’s Stony Ground) with muted brass hardware. Something the new kitchen is lacking is upper cabinets— an intentional decision to let windows dominate the space and allow more natural light into the room. “There’s a really open and airy feeling to it,” Jesse says. A small double window over the sink was upgraded to a much larger triple window to bring in even more illumination. All this is not to say the room is lacking in storage space; a new pantry, hutch and appliance garage provide ample options. At first glance, the marble countertops and backsplashes (Calacatta Imperiale, Artistic Tile) appear to be white with gray accents, but closer inspection yields a kaleidoscope of colors: greens, purples, golds, browns. “Every slab is a little bit different,” Jesse says. The marble was one of the first design choices the homeowners settled on and served as a source of inspiration for the rest of the room. The placing of the oversized butcher block at the end of the sizeable island was another intentional decision. “That’s nice when you’re using this much marble, just to have something in wood that warms everything up,” Jesse says. “It’s obviously very functional too. It’s right by the cooking area; it’s right by the prep sink. There’s sort of a triangle that’s made between those three, so it’s functional and warms up the space.”

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

“They loved how intentional the design is, the different zones.” 44 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

The new kitchen also includes all-new luxury appliances, including something that’s landing on a lot of remodel wish lists: a steam oven. “They’re kind of replacing microwaves,” Jesse says. “They can basically do everything except warm up coffee and tea and pop popcorn. They’ve been around forever, but they’re becoming more popular in residential kitchens lately.” An oven hood that was hand-plastered and a marble backsplash—the same marble used in the countertops— complete the look. “I think they both give it a little bit of a bolder feel,” Jesse says. Bold, yes; but also simple, in many ways. The room doesn’t have any crown or baseboard molding and is generally lacking in ornamentation in keeping with the vibe of European-style kitchens that tend to favor functional minimalism over superfluous decorative touches. The entire overhaul took about eight months. There was no big reveal for the finished product, since the owners were already living in the home and saw the progress happening in real time. And yet, Jesse says, excitement was building with every milestone: the installation of the marble, the hanging of new light fixtures, the shiny new appliances being moved into place. And, in the end: “They loved it,” Jesse says. “They loved how intentional the design is, the different zones.” The old kitchen and its accoutrements exist only in photographs now. The only major holdover is the trim around the doors and windows; it was spared because it matched the new solid wood flooring. “We pretty much got our hands on everything,” Jesse says.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

MARCO CALDERON PHOTOGRAPHY

PROFILES: BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS & HOME INTERIORS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SWINE DESIGN

“Creating Spaces That Reflect You, Without the Stress”

A home should feel like more than a beautifully designed space—it should feel unmistakably personal. At Swine Design, that philosophy is at the heart of every project. Based in Emmaus and serving clients throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond, the interior design company creates bold, high-end spaces that balance beauty, function and the personalities of the people who live in them. Founded in 2019 by Ashley Hayes, Swine Design brings more than 15 years of design and project management experience to renovations, new construction and full-home transformations. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all aesthetic, the team takes time to understand each client’s lifestyle, taste and goals, creating interiors that feel authentic and completely their own. Swine Design also helps make what can be an overwhelming process feel seamless. From initial space planning and 3D renderings to selecting finishes, furnishings and decor, the team manages the details from concept through completion. Swine Design coordinates with contractors, oversees installations and guides clients through important decisions, allowing homeowners to enjoy the transformation without the stress of managing every detail themselves. That thoughtful, collaborative approach can be seen throughout Swine Design’s portfolio, which ranges from modern new builds to historic farmhouse renovations. With a studio located on Main Street in Emmaus, Swine Design continues to create distinctive, functional spaces designed for real life. Each project reflects Swine Design’s belief that the most beautiful homes are those that feel personal, intentional and uniquely connected to the people who call them home.

46 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Swine Design believes great design goes beyond beautiful spaces. Through a collaborative, relationship-driven approach, Ashley and her all-women team create custom interiors that reflect each client’s lifestyle while making everyday living more functional, joyful and inspiring.

By appointment: 244 Main St., Emmaus 610.554.2502 swinedesign.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Where Life Meets Luxury

Kieffer’s Appliances proudly showcases Viking, a pioneer in the commercial-style residential range that remains a leader in professional-grade kitchen appliances. With a legacy built on mindful craftsmanship, professional-grade performance and iconic styling, Viking appliances empower home chefs to create extraordinary culinary experiences every day.

Since 1917, Kieffer’s Appliances has been a trusted destination for homeowners, builders, designers and culinary enthusiasts throughout the tri-state area. Their reputation is built on exceptional customer service, expert guidance and a commitment to offering the industry’s finest appliance brands. The expansive 18,000-square-foot showroom features more than 60 premium appliance brands in an inspiring environment designed to help bring dream kitchens to life. Among the featured brands, Viking stands out as a name synonymous with innovation, performance and timeless design. Viking revolutionized home cooking by introducing the world’s first commercial-style range for residential kitchens, forever changing the way people cook at home. It is a brand that continues to set the standard for excellence, blending professional capabilities with elegant design. Whether renovating, building new or upgrading an existing space, customers benefit from personalized recommendations and professional support from selection through installation. Visit the showroom and discover why generations have trusted Kieffer’s Appliances for their home appliance needs.

PHOTOS COURTESY KIEFFER’S APPLIANCES

785 Sumneytown Pk., Lansdale 215.699.3522 | kieffers.com L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

PROFILES: BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS & HOME INTERIORS

KIEFFER’S APPLIANCES

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PROFILES: BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS & HOME INTERIORS

CLOSET FACTORY ALLENTOWN The Art of Organization

PHOTO COURTESY CLOSET FACTORY

Closet Factory Allentown is a family-owned and -operated company since 1999. The Focht family brought Closet Factory to the Lehigh Valley to create perfectly designed solutions for their clients’ cabinetry needs by combining a completely custom organizational solution with innovative design style. Committed to creating opportunities for all within the organization, the family prides itself on providing the Lehigh Valley with a national brand at a family-owned and -operated level. Bob Focht started the Closet Factory with his engineering background from Lehigh University, along with Joan Focht, his wife of 51 years. Bob and Joan oversee the daily operations with daughters Melissa and Mandi Focht being involved in the day-to-day tasks as Operations Manager and Sales Manager, respectively. Along with the immediate family, the family of employees stretches from the office staff to factory employees, installers and designers. Every step of the company’s process is touched by one of these amazing individuals and truly makes the experience with Closet Factory one to remember.

7 Willow St. Industrial Park, Fleetwood 610.944.1333 | closetfactory.com/allentown

PHOTOS COURTESY LOVE YOUR ROOM

Left to right: husband and wife Bob and Joan Focht with daughters Mandi and Melissa

Interior Design Firm LOVE YOUR ROOM Award-Winning Design is not just about how a room looks. It is about creating a feeling that welcomes people from the moment they walk into a home.

Love Your Room creates thoughtfully designed interiors that reflect each client’s lifestyle and the way they live. Whether building a new home, renovating from top to bottom or transforming a single space, LYR’s experienced team guides every detail, from concept to completion with creativity, precision and care. Beautiful design. A seamless experience. 610.387.6002 loveyourroom.com

48 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PROFILES: BUILDERS, ARCHITECTS & HOME INTERIORS

LEHIGH VALLEY RENOVATIONS The Premier Full-Service Design-Build Company Lehigh Valley Renovations helps homeowners love where they live. Every successful renovation begins with thoughtful design. LVR’s team creates beautiful, functional spaces that reflect a client’s lifestyle while protecting one of their largest investments.

PHOTO COURTESY LEHIGH VALLEY RENOVATIONS

Design. Build. Enjoy. It’s more than a slogan at Lehigh Valley Renovations (LVR). It’s the philosophy behind every project. As a full-service design-build company, LVR believes exceptional renovations begin with thoughtful design. By taking the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, goals and budget, the team creates spaces that are both beautiful and functional while helping protect one of their largest investments. From kitchens, bathrooms and basements to additions, whole home renovations and flooring, LVR manages every step of the process. Clients benefit from professional design services, realistic 3D renderings, expert project management and quality craftsmanship, all working together to create a seamless experience from concept through completion. With decades of industry experience and a commitment to communication, transparency and lasting quality, LVR delivers timeless spaces designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

844.587.3667 | lvrenos.com

HOUSE SPLENDID Exceptional Design is Found in the Details

Whether designing custom cabinetry, selecting decorative and architectural hardware or choosing the perfect finishing accessories, House Splendid makes sure that every element is thoughtfully chosen to create homes that feel beautiful, personal and uniquely tailored to each client.

PHOTOS COURTESY HOUSE SPLENDID

For more than 20 years, House Splendid, a design studio and retail shop in Emmaus, has helped homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their personal style. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, custom cabinetry and interior design, House Splendid offers personalized solutions for every room in the home. Clients can also explore thousands of decorative and architectural hardware options—from fun and funky to sleek and sophisticated— along with a thoughtfully curated collection of home accessories, seasonal decor and customizable gifts. Founder and Principal Designer Lia Papasimakis is recognized for her expertise and uniqueness as a kitchen and bath designer, as well as an interior designer, transforming spaces of every kind. From rustic farmhouse to urban contemporary, Lia leads clients through every step of the process, from concept to completion. Through House Splendid, Lia has combined her passion for exceptional design while offering a distinctive retail experience that transforms houses into homes. 345 Chestnut St., Emmaus 610.965.3030 housesplendid.com L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

In Its

CONTEMPORARY The Baum School of Art is celebrating 100 years of art programming while looking ahead to the next 100 years By Heather Mayer Irvine | Photography by Alison Conklin

Era

If you made it to 100 years, you’ve earned

Baum in 1952

MARCOS LEBRON PHOTO & VIDEO LLC

12th & Walnut

MARCOS LEBRON PHOTO & VIDEO LLC

And that’s exactly what the Baum School of Art in Allentown got for its centennial: a $7.3 million renovation and upgrade across all of its facilities. The community school in Allentown has been a staple of the Lehigh Valley, offering a range of art classes and summer camps, with every decision going back to its founding principle: Art isn’t just for some people. Art is for everybody. The school didn’t start off as a school. In 1926, area artist, teacher and newspaper columnist Walter Emerson Baum was invited to teach an art class to Allentown School District teachers over the summer, explains Shannon Fugate, the executive director for the Baum School of Art. “It ended up not being just teachers, but young people, too,” she says. “Everyone wanted to continue.” Thanks to community support and influencers, if you will, Baum was able to secure classroom space. Over the decades, the space moved and grew, and in 1987, the Baum School of Art settled in its current home on Linden Street in Downtown Allentown. (Baum also went on to found the Allentown Art Museum in 1934.) “Walter was really passionate about the idea that everybody can make art, and that real, meaningful art is a part of life,” says Fugate, who’s served as executive director for sixteen years. Baum wanted people to “have the opportunity to make art, see art and have art be a part of their life. That founding principle has been carried through every decade of the school’s existence.”

MARCOS LEBRON PHOTO & VIDEO LLC

a 󰱧low-up.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

I can hardly go anywhere in the Lehigh Valley and not meet someone who

too󴱫 a class...

52 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

By the Community, Fo󴱲 the

COMMUNITY Over the last century, the Baum School of Art has taught tens of thousands of students. It’s built itself on the idea that a community is stronger when there is art. “Art is a beautiful vehicle for expression,” Fugate says. “Art brings the community together… we have many different backgrounds, but art teaches us that problems can have more than one solution, and we can innovate through problem-solving.” The Baum School of Art has always made sure financial aid is available to community members interested in the arts, in particular young students. Since 1987, for example, the school has offered free after-school programs to Allentown elementary schools. That program grew to include middle and high schools in the district. This exposure and access to art is important, Fugate says. Engaging with art has been shown, time and time again, to have positive effects on people’s mental health, well-being and even longevity. A 2025 article from the American Psychological Association analyzed a bevy of research showing the importance of art in people. For example, a 2025 paper published in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that when museumgoers looked at art together and discussed the works, they reported a “greater well-being and more social connectedness” than those who viewed the paintings without speaking to others. And, according to the World Health Organization, art therapy and general engagement with the arts have been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, ease pain, help people heal from trauma, protect against cognitive decline and bring people together. Fugate emphasizes the breadth and depth of the school’s connections with its students over generations. “We have had five generations of Rodale family members enjoy classes and pass that enthusiasm along to their children,” Fugate says. “I can hardly go anywhere in the Lehigh Valley and not meet someone who took a class or whose neighbor or cousin or child took a class.” L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

Something for

EVERYONE

54 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

The Baum School of Art started with just one painting class. And while drawing and painting remain the most popular programs, the school offers some 300 classes. A sampling: mixed media, pottery (regulars call themselves “Clay Mates”), graphic design, fashion design, jewelry making. Vanessa Trbuza, 18, has spent her formative middle and high school years at the Baum School of Art, with a particular interest in drawing and still life. “There are so many opportunities [at the school],” she says. “You can go and figure out what kind of art you like… You never know what you can do.” Trbuza is now studying art at Northampton Community College. Chris Sarley, a computer scientist by day, started taking a pottery course at the Baum School of Art nearly fifteen years ago to flex his creative muscles. It was freeing, he says. And then, five years ago, in a full-circle moment, he became one of the school’s pottery instructors. As a student, Sarley felt supported to try new things and for his instructors to meet him where he was. As an instructor, Sarley continues to feel supported by the school, most notably through its state-of-the-art equipment, which includes an alternative firing kiln. Sarley likes to experiment with different ways to fire his ceramics and passes those techniques down to his students. “And from a very selfish standpoint,” Sarley laughs, “[the school upgrades] gave us more pottery wheels, so we can have more people in class. We have a new gas reduction kiln… We’re onward and upward.”

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

100 YEARS into the F󰑵ture As much as the Baum School of Art family is proud to look back at its storied past, it’s the next 100 years that are in the limelight. Although it seems the $7.3 million renovation and equipment upgrade project, made possible through generous private and public support, would be the star of the show, it’s always been the people inside the building that make the Baum School of Art the Baum School of Art. Fugate, her team and longtime supporters of the school want to bring art to even more people, young and not-soyoung. Fugate recalls a handful of stopyou-in-your-tracks stories of students over the years: One had two dozen brain surgeries, but she continued to paint. “She sent us letters about the impact it made on her life to start painting again,” Fugate says. Or one of the Clay Mates who lost her vision but continued to sculpt: “I was always so impressed by her tenacity.” Fugate chuckles about the “sewing ladies” who say their class is the highlight of their week. “I’m so honored that this is a happy place for so many people,” she says. And there’s the young girl who came to the school on a recommendation from her temporary shelter. “She was so creative, but she hadn’t had access to art materials,” Fugate says. “She started to take art classes and she’s really thriving. She’s studying at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts.” For every student, Fugate says, there’s a powerful story. And thanks to the school’s steadfast mission, she hopes there will be more over the next century. After all, long-time student Trbuza says: “It’s never too late to start learning.”

56 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Baum School of Art Leadership Team

THE BAUM SCHOOL OF ART KNEW THIS ARTIST WHEN… Chris Renaud, a graduate of Parkland High School, received a scholarship to attend classes at the Baum School of Art. He would go on to create (and voice) the Minions, and direct Despicable Me, The Lorax, Despicable Me 2 and The Secret Life of Pets.

CELEBRATE THE BAUM SCHOOL OF ART’S CENTENNIAL ON OCTOBER 17 AT ITS ANNUAL GALA. VISIT BAUMSCHOOL.ORG/GALA FOR DETAILS.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

BEYOND THE MENU

SMOKERS BAKED BEANS WITH

Chef Quartez Moore TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

If you’ve spent any time around the Lehigh Valley food scene, chances are you’ve heard of Quartez “Chef Q” Moore and his legendary smoked brisket. Through his catering company, The Taste Smokers, Moore has built a devoted following, one carefully smoked tray at a time. This month, he is sharing something else: his baked beans recipe. “I say it’s the baked beans recipe for people that don’t like baked beans,” he laughs. The Chicago native’s path to becoming a barbecue chef wasn’t exactly traditional. While studying law enforcement and justice administration in college, Moore discovered that grilling offered a welcome escape from classes and everyday stress. He became known around campus for his barbecue chicken. “The campus knew me,” he recalls. “Everyone was addicted to it.” What began as a hobby slowly evolved into something much bigger. After moving to the Lehigh Valley with his wife, Veronica, he continued cooking for friends and family while working a variety of jobs. Eventually, he took a leap of faith, purchased a smoker and launched what would become The Taste Smokers. Today, Moore is known for brisket that rivals Texas barbecue, but his love of cooking extends far beyond the smoker. “I’m an artist,” he says. “I’m a writer and a poet. Cooking lined up with that because I was able to be creative.” That creativity is evident in his baked beans recipe. Built with two varieties of beans, layers of spices and chunks of smoked brisket, the dish balances sweet, savory and smoky flavors. Family remains at the center of everything Moore does. He and Veronica are raising two children, Gladius and Hunter, while balancing multiple businesses and community projects. His growing success is due to his focus being firmly on community. “At the end of the day, it’s all about service. Great barbecue isn’t just about feeding people; it’s about taking care of them. The brisket might be what brings people to the table, but service is what keeps them coming back,” he says. Whether it’s a plate of barbecue or a delicious side of baked beans, Moore’s goal is simple: create something meaningful and make people feel cared for. Judging by the loyal fans who keep coming back for more, he’s doing exactly that.

58 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

SMOKERS BAKED BEANS INGREDIENTS ¼ c. diced onion 1 tbsp. minced garlic 1 tbsp. olive oil ½ c. apple cider vinegar ½ c. yellow mustard 3 tbsp. molasses 3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 25 oz. ketchup 2 tbsp. pink salt ½ tbsp. black pepper 1 tsp. cayenne 1 tbsp. chili powder ½ c. barbecue seasoning ¼ lb. brown sugar 2 (16 oz.) cans red kidney beans 2 (16 oz.) cans black beans 10 oz. water Smoked brisket (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Simmer onions, garlic and olive oil for 5–10 minutes on low to medium heat in a large pot. Add vinegar, mustard, molasses, Worcestershire and ketchup. Stir well. Add pink salt, black pepper, cayenne, chili powder, barbecue seasoning and brown sugar. Stir well and let simmer on medium heat. Drain beans and add to pot. Stir well. Add water and simmer on low to medium heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve hot, topped with smoked brisket if desired.

L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

INSIDE DISH

FIND ECLECTIC AMERICAN CUISINE AT

Jamison Publick House BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Kansas City Strip Steak

60 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

Little more than a stone’s throw from Emmaus by twisting, turning rural roads, the white-stuccoed Jamison Publick House with its dark red shutters looks pretty much like an ordinary country inn. First impressions, however, can be deceptive, and this “publick house” is a case in point. The restaurant—infused with an artisan sensibility, a deep sense of history from its storied past and fresh, fromscratch fare—is anything but ordinary. Built in 1745, Jamison Publick House (JPH) got its original liquor license that year, granted by “His Majesty’s Justices of the Peace, sitting in the Court of Quarter Sessions,” probably in Newtown. Since then, decades before the Revolutionary War, the tavern (as it was known in the mid1700s) has continuously served up food and drink to hungry, thirsty and weary neighbors and travelers. Local lore has it that the Liberty Bell made a stop at the tavern on its way to Allentown in 1777. And in 1799, the tavern became a hotbed of turmoil when Pennsylvania German organizers of the short-lived Fries Rebellion gathered here to protest the country’s first federal property tax. Clearly, owners Angel and Mark Jamison appreciate this history. When the restaurant opened in August 2010, after eight months of renovation— completed by Mark, an artisan woodworker, and his brothers—it had been restored to its colonial birthright. Bare interior stone walls, original to the building, bring the past into the present. In the name of authenticity to the time period of 1745, hickory floors were installed, and the restaurant’s bar was built with no visible beer taps. Colonialstyle tables, paired with

Windsor chairs, were built by Mark from wormy cherry wood that had been sitting in his farm’s barn for years. Reproduction light fixtures and the tables’ candle holders are pewter, the everyday metal of colonial America, and the pulley-and-weight system at the restaurant’s front door is a notable feat of 18th-century engineering. At Jamison Publick House, the renovation’s attention to detail has created a Revolutionary War-era tableau that invites a step back in time. Angel, a painter, created much of the restaurant’s artwork that accents the renovation—she describes her work as “site-specific installation art” that responds to the time and place of a building’s history. Done in muted colonial colors, her paintings seem to have found inspiration in quilt designs and hex signs. Chef and general manager Steve Yeager, who started at the restaurant as chef when it opened, brings artisan talents to JPH in the form of cuisine. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vermont, which closed during the pandemic, Yeager started his career at Atlantic City’s Sands Casino. He took the helm in the kitchen at the Limeport Inn (also owned by the Jamisons) before landing at JPH. Yeager commands a 98-percent-scratch kitchen, he says, where even dressings and stocks are made inhouse. He’s adamant about the commitment to cooking from scratch: “We always have, always will,” he says. Now in its sixteenth year, JPH’s success can be attributed in part, says Yeager, to the relationships he’s cultivated with purveyors such as the Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op. This collaborative of 100

small organic farms is “a great source for local Pennsylvania products twelve months a year,” Yeager says. “Eclectic American cuisine” is how the chef describes the restaurant’s menu. America is a melting pot, he says, so “there’s a little bit of everything in the fare.” There’s Italian influence in the Roasted Cauliflower Risotto Balls and Chicken Parmesan; a nod to French cuisine is apparent in the Seared Royal Tide Salmon with citrus crème fraîche. The Creole rémoulade puree that partners with the Crispy Lump Crab Cakes showcases the influence of both America’s Southern cuisine and classic French sauces. Tahini and Rice Noodle “Pad Thai,” of course, finds roots in Asian fare, and Spicy Shrimp Tacos with pico de gallo and Mexi-slaw offer south-of-the-border warmth. A pub menu features casual favorites such as burgers, wraps and fish & chips; entrée menu selections run the gamut from Chicken Chesapeake to Lobster Pot Pie. Along with the standard menu that offers consistent favorites, the chef’s menu changes every two to three weeks, allowing the kitchen to “flex” its culinary muscles, as Yeager puts it. Passionate about “cooking food for people and seeing them enjoy it,” the chef says “love is ultimately the secret ingredient” in any recipe. He can give someone a recipe, “but it will be better when I make it,” he says, because of the care and love he puts into it. At JPH, Yeager translates his passion for cooking into flavor. That’s apparent in the Grilled Homemade Flatbread, a mouthwatering way to start any meal. An appetizer special that changes weekly, the flatbread, made in-house with Pennsylvania-grown-and-milled

Grilled Homemade Flatbread

Tamari Glazed Sea Bass Crème Brûlée

INSIDE DISH organic flour, is topped with creamy Brie, roasted chicken, brussels sprouts, local apples, mozzarella and grain mustard aioli. The crispy crust and gooey cheese happily marry with earthy brussels sprouts and sweet apples, highlighted by the mustard’s pungent notes. A 14-ounce Kansas City Strip Steak, from the standard menu, is a sight to behold, crisscrossed with deep brown grill marks that tell a flavor story before the first bite. Seasoned with only smoked sea salt, the meat is enhanced with its side of “JPH-1 Steak Sauce” (the restaurant’s take on a well-known commercial steak condiment)—and the flavor combination creates umami on steroids. Smashed fingerling potatoes (parboiled then deepfried) are at once crusty and creamy, and broccoli, vibrantly green, delivers micronutrients with crisp freshness. Clearly rooted in Asian cuisine, the Tamari Glazed Sea Bass showcases Yeager’s cooking passion as well as his kitchen’s commitment to fresh ingredients. This moist, moist fish is so intelligently cooked it practically melts in the mouth. The tamari-based topping adds salty, sultry notes of flavor, bringing counterpoint balance to the mild fish. Sautéed bok choy adds texture and color to the plate, along with edamame fried rice. Ginger miso sauce and carrot oil finish the dish with visual brightness and tangy zest. Few desserts are as simple as crème brûlée, but it’s that very simplicity that makes it so elegantly satisfying. This classic French sweet gets its due at JPH—the vanillascented custard, rich as cream and smooth as velvet, is a fine foil for the micro-thin caramelized “burnt” sugar crust that shatters like glass at a spoon’s first approach.

At the bar, a Blood Orange Martini, available throughout the year, is the numberone-selling drink. Seasonal cocktails are offered as well: the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is as refreshing as it is magical. Concocted with Pennsylvania-made artisan Faber Citrus Vodka, triple sec, lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice, it’s served in a glass rimmed with purple sugar that looks like fairy dust. Perfect for a late summer’s eve, this cocktail’s color suggests the hue of a distilled bouquet of lavender blossoms. Yeager describes the wine list as “approachable.” He enjoys nurturing diners’ wine knowledge, he says, getting to know their preferences and gaining their trust, then broadening horizons by suggesting wines that might normally be outside their comfort zones. Developing relationships like these with the restaurant’s customers is uniquely meaningful, he says. Creating connections with diners seems especially fitting for JPH, because there’s a culture inherent in the concept of a “publick house,” says Yeager. It’s a concept of hospitality, rooted in 17th-century Britain and colonial America, that centered on community at a time when taverns served as welcoming gathering spaces in a neighborhood, functioning like a town’s living room. Everyone and anyone was welcomed. JPH carries on this concept today: all are always welcome here, Yeager says, and “when you’re here, I want to make you feel at home.” Considering that Jamison’s is less than two decades away from its three-century mark, it follows that the restaurant would do this well—300 years is a lot of time to practice welcoming diners and making them feel at home.

Whether it’s the spirit of individuality rooted in the artisan-inspired renovation, the ambience and food or the deep history that connects diners to the generations who have found nourishment within its stone walls, the welcome here is as authentic as the colonial decor. That welcome paired with the unique dining experience offered by Jamison Publick House keeps the handbuilt tables filled.

Jamison Publick House 1860 Geryville Pike, Pennsburg 215.375.8886 jamisonpublickhouse.com

Lavender Lemon Drop Martini Steve Yeager

HOURS Tues.–Thurs.: 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri. & Sat.: 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. Cost: Starters: $6–$16 Pub fare: $12–$19 Large plates: $24–$39.50 Parking: Lot adjacent to restaurant. Reservations: Strongly recommended for dinner; suggested for lunch. Only available by phone during business hours. Call a week before for Friday or Saturday prime-time seating.

WHAT TO ORDER Share the Grilled Homemade Flatbread with friends and family: savoring this appetizer together is a community-builder, for sure. Don’t miss the Tamari Glazed Sea Bass, a revelation of cooking fish for optimum flavor. Salute summer’s end with the Lavender Lemon Drop Martini— remembering the seductive scents of flowers soaking up the sun’s warmth. L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6

DRINK THIS

BLACKBERRY MATCHA CLOUD BY ANGEL A VENNEMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAT THEW CANNON

READY TO TRY IT? Tag @lvstylemag when you do!

CIRCLE CAFE ON MAIN 64 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 6 : L E H I G H VA L L E Y S T Y L E . C O M

What? What’s that you say? You don’t like matcha? Don’t be silly. If you think you don’t like matcha, it’s just because you haven’t had this matcha. Sweet and creamy, berryforward, does not taste like grass—scout’s honor. Make your way to Nazareth’s Circle Cafe on Main for their Blackberry Matcha Cloud and prepare to be delighted. To start, the base of this iced drink is a combination of blackberry syrup and a hint of vanilla. Next comes your choice of milk— either whole or oat—and finally, freshly whisked matcha is carefully layered on top to create a gorgeous beverage that’s almost too pretty to drink. Almost. After you’re finished admiring it, stir it up to distribute the flavors throughout and marvel at how balanced the taste is. This drink has everything—it’s bright and fruity, yet earthy and creamy, but also light enough to be incredibly refreshing. I’ll admit that I’ve had no fewer than three Blackberry Matcha Clouds in preparation for writing this piece because I just can’t stop myself. Owner Jennifer Lai jumped right into the matcha trend with this drink, knowing that it can be an acquired taste. “Pairing [matcha] with a bright blackberry and a touch of vanilla softens its earthy notes, creating something approachable—a drink perfect for both dedicated matcha fans and those trying it for the first time,” Lai says. She notes that her customers have really taken a shine to the Blackberry Matcha Cloud, so much so that it’s earned a permanent place on the menu as a signature drink. Other matchas that have begun to pop up at Circle Cafe on Main include vanilla as well as strawberry thyme (crafted with a house-made strawberry puree). “We love how versatile matcha is, and we’re excited to continue experimenting with seasonal and house-made flavors,” Lai says. If you’re coming in for a Blackberry Matcha Cloud, you really might as well pull up a seat at a table inside this adorable cafe and order a bite to go with it. Lai recommends the Santorini Green Salad or the Pesto Chicken Sandwich; for something lighter, try the House Herb Focaccia or a breakfast sandwich. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, you can’t go wrong with the Limoncello Mascarpone Cake. So for those of you who swear you don’t like matcha, I double-dog-dare you to try this and not enjoy it. I promise it will win you over.

2 N. Main St., Nazareth | 610.365.2479 Circle Cafe on Main

SEPT14 - OCT9

Listen for the keyword to text each weekday for your chance to win one of four $500 GAS CARDS! CARDS!

SPONSORED BY See station websites for official contest rules.

TUNE IN FOR DETAILS

999thehawk.com

catcountry96.com

wlevradio.com

lvfoxsports.com

LVHN

Care designed with your time in mind. Your time is valuable – and getting care shouldn’t slow you down. That’s why JeffExpress Urgent Care is open 365 days a year with evening and weekend hours, making it easier to get the care you need when it works for your schedule. Save Your Spot to let us know you’re on your way, and we’ll be ready for you.

LVHN.org/SaveMySpot