Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Good Neighbor Awards. It was truly special to celebrate the people and missions that make the Lehigh Valley such a vibrant, connected community.
We were honored to recognize Ilene Hochberg Wood, Darian and Yolanda Colbert, and Judith A. Harris for their unwavering commitment to our great Lehigh Valley community.
The evening began with reflections on our honorees’ impact, moving testimonials from our community partners, and a preview of Lehigh Valley Public Media’s new strategic direction: a vision rooted in connection, service, and community storytelling.
We were also excited to share a preview of the 50th anniversary of Scholastic Scrimmage, the longest-running educational quiz show in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the 50th Anniversary Weekend on June 20 and 21!
Special guest Dr. Scott Garrigan, retired educator and Founder & Trustee of the Garrigan Foundation, spoke about the power and privilege of giving, saying "giving is way more satisfying than receiving." The Garrigan Foundation made a timely donation to support our Ready to Learn program, which recently lost federal funding. Thanks to their support, the program will continue to serve area children and families throughout the summer.
After the awards, the Patrick Kerssen Trio set the tone with a jazzy rendition of "Sunny Days, The Sesame Street Theme" as we moved into the open house portion of the night. It was a joy to spend time together throughout the studios, newsroom, and community spaces, and share how public media comes to life with you.
Our deepest thanks goes to the 2025 honorees, our Board of Directors, the Good Neighbor Awards Committee, our supporters, incredible volunteers, and most of all YOU, our neighbors. Your presence and energy made the evening unforgettable.
2025 GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD RECIPIENT VIDEOS
Judy Harris is among the four community supporters being honored for their roles in making the Lehigh Valley region a better place to live, work, and visit at the annual Good Neighbor Awards, hosted by Lehigh Valley Public Media.
Judy Harris is an attorney with Norris McLaughlin, P.A. Born and raised in Allentown, she has been a steadfast PBS39 neighbor since 1977 as a contestant on Scholastic Scrimmage. Her consistent support of education and the arts has lifted many over the course of her life.
Ilene Hochberg Wood is among the four community supporters being honored for their roles in making the Lehigh Valley region a better place to live, work, and visit at the annual Good Neighbor Awards, hosted by Lehigh Valley Public Media.
Wood is an accomplished designer and author, is committed to making the Lehigh Valley a destination and a thriving artistic environment. Her service on numerous charitable boards and committees is matched only by her extensive collection of designer handbags!
Darian and Yolanda Colber are among the four community supporters being honored for their roles in making the Lehigh Valley region a better place to live, work, and visit at the annual Good Neighbor Awards, hosted by Lehigh Valley Public Media.
The couple use Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood as a founding principle for the Cohesion Network, a nonprofit rooted in Allentown's 1st & 6th Wards and Franklin Park neighborhoods that is centered on the belief that "people in marginalized communities in the Lehigh Valley have the capacity to thrive socially, educationally, and economically."
2025 GNA PHOTO GALLERY
2025 GNA PHOTO GALLERY
WATCH THE 2025 GNA VIDEO
Four community supporters were honored as 2025 Good Neighbors for their roles in making the Lehigh Valley region a better place to live, work, and visit at the annual Good Neighbor Awards, hosted by Lehigh Valley Public Media.
Ilene Hochberg Wood, Judy Harris, and Darian and Yolanda Colbert were celebrated on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Univest Public Media Center in Southside Bethlehem on the SteelStacks Campus. Lehigh Valley Public Media (LVPM) is the nonprofit public media parent organization of PBS39, 91.3 WLVR, and LehighValleyNews.com.
The organization solicited public nominations for the Award through its website and received over 20 entries; the honorees were selected in collaboration with LVPM Board members, stakeholders, and past recipients.
Good Neighbor Awards Committee
Joseph and Karen Walton, Chairs
Philip Jackson, Univest (retired)
Dolores Laputka, Norris McLaughlin, P.A.
Allison Longenhagen, B.Braun Medical, Inc.
Christine Martin, PPL Electric Utilities
J. Marc Rittle, New Bethany Ministries
Lissette Santana, PPL Corporation
Karen Smith, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley
PAST GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARDS
2025
Judith A. Harris
Ilene Hochberg Wood
Darian and Yolanda Colbert
2024
Jamie Musselman
Grover Silcox
Philip Jackson
2023
The Honorable Pat Browne
Steven Thompson
Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley
2022
Lee A. Butz
Just Born Quality Confections
Esther M. Lee
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley
2021
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Cate Reifnsyder
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Second Harvest Food Bank
2019
David Jaindl
Alan Jennings
Beverly Bradley
2018
Daniel G. Gambet, OSFS
Marci Ronald-Lesko
Joseph J. Roy, Ed.D.