Lehigh Valley InSite

Rusted Root courtesy of Erika Liodice

Music has a magical way of taking me back to certain moments in my life.

Billy Joel conjures up childhood car rides with my dad drumming his hands on the steering wheel, Delerium whisks me back to dating my husband and gives me butterflies all over again, and Rusted Root reminds me of summers in Lehigh Valley when I was a teenager, driving around in my Jeep Wrangler with the top off and my hair blowing in the wind. They were carefree times.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center

Today, after getting that darn baby ready for school, getting myself ready for work, having a parent teacher conference, grabbing some breakfast and driving my morning commute, I also managed to save three lives.

Let me tell you, the saving three lives part was the easiest, most relaxing part of my day. The Miller-Keystone Bloodmobile comes right to our office parking lot at the Butz Corporate Plaza.

Doug piloting the wagon

As the weather turns for the best, runners of all sorts hit the pavement daily to log those miles. We are blessed to be in area with such great running trails and races. From the St. Luke’s Half-Marathon, Lehigh Valley Marathon for Via and the recently announced Runner’s World Running Festival in Bethlehem, we have some great races.

In particular I’m looking forward to the latter. This three-day event is sure to have something for runners of all levels; offering a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and even a children’s race. These are all special, but I felt compelled to share an incredible running story that began this past Sunday.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

I recently checked this weekend’s weather forecast and noticed that it is going to be a beautiful weekend in Lehigh Valley.

Since I don’t have any plans, I started to think about some of my options in Bethlehem and put together a list of the 5 places I plan to visit over the next 48 hours.

Incubus

Last night, Kate and I went to see Incubus for the first-ever concert at the new Sands Bethlehem Event Center. (Kim was there too, but she was with the other big cheeses up in the VIP suites.) We stopped by McGrady’s beforehand to get dinner, fuel up and grab a few pints, then made the short trek over to the Sands property. We found it easiest to park in the deck and venture through the casino and the Shoppes to get in line for the show, along with hundreds of other fans.

Some of us from work got the chance to tour the venue a few weeks ago so we were already familiar with the layout and space. This came in handy when we were ducking and weaving through the massive crowd in order to get to a good spot. I hadn’t listened to Incubus much in the last few years, but I used to be a huge fan so I knew most of the songs they played last night. Here’s a short clip from when they performed “Pardon Me,” my all-time favorite Incubus song. It’s not the best quality, but you get the idea.

VeloFest 2012

On the morning of Cinco de Mayo, I attended VeloFest at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. It was and most likely will remain the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. And it’s right here on the west side of Lehigh Valley in Trexlertown, Pa.

I showed up 15 minutes before the gates opened and the line was already snaking through the parking lots. There was the smell of someone cooking breakfast on a grill, the smell of bacon is just good. Anyway, there’s no shock at the line or interest, as I mentioned before the premier cycling flea market on the east coast. This is a big deal.

Relay For Life

On April 29, I participated in a little thing called Relay For Life. Ok, it’s not a little thing; it’s a very big thing, event, for a great reason. For those of you who are unaware, Relay For Life is cancer fundraising event operated through the American Cancer Society with events all over the world (I believe, don’t quote me). Typically these events held overnight, over a span of 24 hours with food, entertainment, tents, a survivor lap and never a dull moment.

With a little bit of research, you’ll come to find that there are several in Lehigh Valley. This particular event was held at Scotty Wood Stadium, located on Muhlenberg College’s campus, which is literally in my backyard.

happy mother's day

Ok, I admit it. I’m the mother of an 18 year old. I find that hard to believe because I really don’t feel that old. I still remember putting him on the kindergarten bus and yet next month he will be graduating from high school. It brings both tears of sadness and joy to my eyes. For those of you who think it’s over once your kid turns 18, ummm, let me tell you, it’s far from over. It may be a new chapter, but their need for their parents is probably just beginning, especially the way the world is today.

So, with Mother’s Day coming up this weekend and my son taking on a new chapter of his life, I’m thinking my time is coming for some awesome “payback” gifts to come. Not that his handmade cards and gifts weren’t the best. I’ve loved each and every one of them and still have plenty of them around the house. I would love even more just spending some quality time with him. I’m lucky if I get a, “hi mom” out of him anymore. It’s usually, “I need money.” Oh the joys of motherhood!

Arts Ovation Lunch

This past Thursday I had the pleasure of attending Allentown Arts Commission’s 24th annual Arts Ovation Awards Luncheon held at the Holiday Inn Center City Allentown. The arts hold a prominent place in Lehigh Valley culture and collectively make our job promoting the region that much easier.

I was glad to see the program insert listed all past recipients. This year’s honorees join an impressive “who’s-who” list in Lehigh Valley’s art world. The ballroom was packed with those happy to applaud the 2012 winners and their contributions. Entertained was provided by Dieruff High School’s Jazz Band and Civic Theatre.

Event Center VIP Suites

Some of my colleagues and I had the opportunity to tour the all new Sands® Bethlehem Event Center last week. The venue is sure to impress.

Without giving too much away, the color and décor leads to the upscale feel that I’m sure they were going after.