Earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA), I took my microphones inside several Allentown community centers focused on retired adults and seniors, specifically asking for stories from Lehigh Valley local who, when it comes to Hess’s department store, are the true legacy-holders.

IN THIS EPISODE: You will hear Hess Brother's memories from members and friends of the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley. These individuals stepped up to the mic, some with memorabilia to share, to contribute their stories to Hess's legacy. We are so grateful for them!

Dominic Germano, Owner of The Fairgrounds Hotel, was there to serve 80+ slices of Strawberry Pie to attendees. He shares his family history in the restaurant business and how Max and Elizabeth Hess played a role in supporting them many years ago!

To learn more about programs for adults at the JCC, including their Friendship Circle, please contact Simon Katz, Event and Membership Coordinator, at skatz@lvjcc.org.

...

ABOUT THIS SERIES:

These upcoming episodes are part of a Community Conversations series, which is a continuation of Season 3! Each episode captures the spirit of Hess’s from our friends and neighbors, ages approximately 65 to 96. The project grant from LVACA is titled, Preserving Hess's Department Store History Through the Art of Conversation.

Although, the people you’ll meet and I have enjoyed somewhat different versions of the same downtown Allentown, simply asking them about their version has connected our generations in ways that few other things can.

Uncovering our connection through Hess’s isn’t just meaningful, in this case, it’s medicinal. Research for healthy aging tells us that meaningful social connections can boost well-being and even extend someone’s life expectancy by up to 50%.

By recording and sharing these memories through a podcast, we are not only preserving local history— but we’re giving our aging friends and neighbors a voice in digital spaces where they are far too often overlooked.

RESOURCES + POINTS OF CONNECTIONS FOR LV SENIORS:

• Healthy Aging- United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • https://www.unitedwayglv.org/healthy-aging/
• Friendship Circle at the JCC, Ages: 50+
  • https://lvjcc.org/friendshipcircle
• Lehigh Valley Active Life
  • https://lvactivelife.org/
• Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
  • https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Earlier this year, thanks to a grant from the Lehigh Valley Arts and Cultural Alliance (LVACA), I took my microphones inside several Allentown community centers focused on retired adults and seniors, specifically asking for stories from Lehigh Valley local who, when it comes to Hess’s department store, are the true legacy-holders.

In this first episode, you will hear me at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, as I wanted to record Hess’s memories from their adult members. As you listen, you will hear about Simon Katz’s work as the Event and Membership Coordinator, and I get a very different kind of lesson in local history from Executive Director, Eric Lightman.

As I began this grant project, I knew the topic of Hess’s could open most doors around here— but in order to gain people’s trust enough to step up to the microphone and tell their story, I first had to share mine.

...

These upcoming episodes are part of a Community Conversations series, which is a continuation of Season 3! Each episode captures the spirit of Hess’s from our friends and neighbors, ages approximately 65 to 96. The project grant from LVACA is titled, Preserving Hess's Department Store History Through the Art of Conversation.

Although, the people you’ll meet and I have enjoyed somewhat different versions of the same downtown Allentown, simply asking them about their version has connected our generations in ways that few other things can.

Uncovering our connection through Hess’s isn’t just meaningful, in this case, it’s medicinal. Research for healthy aging tells us that meaningful social connections can boost well-being and even extend someone’s life expectancy by up to 50%.

By recording and sharing these memories through a podcast, we are not only preserving local history— but we’re giving our aging friends and neighbors a voice in digital spaces where they are far too often overlooked.

RESOURCES + POINTS OF CONNECTIONS FOR LV SENIORS:

• Healthy Aging- United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
  • https://www.unitedwayglv.org/healthy-aging/
• Friendship Circle at the JCC, Ages: 50+
  • https://lvjcc.org/friendshipcircle
• Lehigh Valley Active Life
  • https://lvactivelife.org/
• Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services
  • https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com

Brand New Episodes are on their way thanks to the Lehigh Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance's (LVACA) Allentown Arts & Culture Project Grants program, which supports independent artists and small nonprofit organizations offering impactful, community-centered creative projects in the Lehigh Valley. Grants are are awarded to new or reimagined projects across all creative disciplines—music, visual art, dance, theater, writing, digital media, film, and more.

The Patio Podcast is thrilled to be one the their 2025 recipients!

Title of Project Grant: Preserving Hess’s Department Store History Through The Art Of Conversation

Enjoy a sneak peak into just a few very special conversations we had with some amazing Hess's-lovers and senior citizens in Allentown.

The Patio's original music: Theme created and produced by Dave Meyers, with Vocals by Sam Cummings.

Follow us on Instagram @HessPatioPodcast
Connect on Facebook with The Patio Podcast
Visit our website www.hesspatiopodcast.com