Editor’s note: Here are some additional profiles from our Readers’ Choice contest.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN

Best photographer

Photography by Lynn has been creating visual memories for private and commercial clients for 29 years. Based in Palmerton, owner Lynn Shupp shoots family, children, senior, pet, boudoir, wedding and engagement sessions, as well as professional headshots, product photography and advertising work for commercial clients. Statement wall prints — nature, places and things — round out her offerings.

“Everything and everyone has a story and I love telling them,” said Shupp, whose path to photography began as a little girl peering through her grandfather’s box camera and seeing the whole world upside down. After studying radiology and quickly reconsidering, she enrolled at the Art Institute of Philadelphia for photography. “Creating images that pull on heartstrings or make a strong impression is what drives me.”

What sets Photography by Lynn apart is the education and experience Shupp brings to every session. “I invested in the education and paid to make mistakes to learn from, instead of clients paying the price,” she said. “Customer service and communication is super important because that is what helps me design a session around the person or company I’m working with. Years of experience matter too, because there are some things you just can’t learn in the classroom.”

Shupp points to two greatest accomplishments. On the client side, it is the moment when someone falls in love not just with their images but with the entire experience. Personally, a photograph she took of the locker room from the West Plant of the NJZ in Palmerton was digitally exhibited at the Louvre in Paris and published internationally in a book.

Address: 1300 Fireline Road, Palmerton

Phone: 610-852-2620

Website/Online: www.photobylynn.com

BALLOONS BY ROBIN

Best kids birthday parties, best party planner

Balloons by Robin is a locally owned balloon entertainment and decor business in Walnutport specializing in fun, memorable experiences for all ages. Owner Robin Zamadics provides live balloon twisting for birthday parties, festivals, community events, school and church functions and corporate events, as well as custom decor including arches, columns, centerpieces, helium arrangements, stuffed balloons, candy cups and balloon mosaics.

“My business philosophy is simple: make people smile and make every celebration special,” said Zamadics. “I want my customers to receive more than just balloons — I want them to have a positive experience and a special memory. For me, Balloons by Robin is about creativity, quality, kindness and having fun.”

What sets Balloons by Robin apart is the personal attention and ongoing education Zamadics invests in her craft. A Certified Balloon Decorator, she attends international balloon conventions annually and has had the opportunity to teach at two of them. “I enjoy working directly with my customers to take their ideas, colors and themes and turn them into something special,” she said. “No two celebrations are exactly alike, and I want the balloons to reflect that.” In 2027, she will travel to London for another international balloon convention. What started 16 years ago as an arch for her son’s basketball team’s senior night has grown into a full business that reaches families, schools, churches and businesses throughout the area.

“One of my greatest accomplishments has been growing Balloons by Robin from a hobby into a full balloon business that allows me to create, entertain and be involved in my community,” Zamadics said. She is also proud to have worked alongside balloon artists from around the world on large-scale projects — a long way from that first arch.

Address: 1060 Municipal Road, Walnutport

Phone: 610-509-1897

Website/Online: Balloons by Robin Facebook page

PENCOR HYDRAULICS

Best hydraulic work

Pencor Hydraulics in Palmerton specializes in the mobile hydraulic and manufacturing industries, producing high-quality hose assemblies and repairing hydraulic cylinders and pumps. With a large inventory of hoses, fittings and seals, the company’s goal is straightforward: get customers back in business fast at a great price. Manager David Dailey said the former Pennsylvania Hydraulics was purchased 18 years ago and Pencor built on that foundation ever since.

“If we don’t have it, we will help you find it or find a solution to get you back in business fast,” said Dailey. The company’s most requested service is hydraulic hose assemblies, and it serves everyone from homeowners to large industrial facilities.

What sets Pencor apart is its people and its culture. “We are old fashioned in the way we provide services,” Dailey said. “We value all of our customers, big and small. The value of a good relationship with our customers far outweighs a single sale.” That reliability — rooted in pride and consistency — has made Pencor a trusted partner for clients who cannot afford downtime.

Pencor’s greatest accomplishment is the role it has played in the growth and development of the surrounding communities — providing a critical service that keeps equipment running, projects moving and businesses operating across the region for nearly two decades

Address: 180 Pine St., Palmerton

Phone: 610-826-6000

Website/Online: www.pencorhydraulics.com

THE ANDREW P. OVSAK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY SERVICE INC.

Best funeral home

The Andrew P. Ovsak Funeral Home & Crematory Service Inc. has served families in the Lehighton area for 74 years, providing compassionate care during some of life’s most difficult moments. Owner Todd Kriner entered funeral services 41 years ago after studying the sciences, drawn to a profession defined by service to others.

“It is just not a common ordinary business like others when you are dealing with human loss,” says Kriner. “To take care of those in need at a difficult time in their lives concerning the loss of a loved one.”

What sets the Ovsak Funeral Home apart is a seven-decade legacy of trust built on attentive, dignified and personalized care for families navigating grief. That history of community service — spanning generations of families who have turned to the same institution in their most vulnerable moments — remains the funeral home’s greatest and most enduring accomplishment.

Address: 190 S. Fourth St., Lehighton

Phone: 610-377-0520

Online: www.ovsakfh.com

STEVEN’S HEATING LLC

Best stoves and fireplaces

Steven’s services and repairs heating and cooling, propane fireplaces, coal stoves. They also install and replace water heaters.

The biggest demand is oil cleaning and service/repair propane fireplaces.

Using the philosophy, “The comfort you desire at the price you deserve,” said Crystal Cisterna, who owns the business with Steven Anthony. “Our goal is help our customers in the community and to help the community.”

They worked for other companies and then branched out on their own in December 2023.

“We strive to be able to help our communities to get their systems up and working running without paying an arm and a leg. We take pride in our work,” Cisterna said. “We are starting to become noticed in the community.”

Address: 96 E. Third St., Lehighton

Online: Stevens Heating LLC on Facebook or email: stevensheatingllc@gmail.com

Phone: 484-629-0629.