COLLEGE NEWS: Commonwealth University congratulates more than 1,550 students who graduated during the spring 2025 semester including several local residents.

Breinigsville: Jamie Decker, Bloomsburg, magna cum laude; Nicole Gagliardi, Bloomsburg; and Christian Skidmore, Bloomsburg, magna cum laude.

Germansville: Jacey O’Donnell, Mansfield.

Kutztown: Kylie Sourbeck, of Kutztown, Lock Haven; and Meredith Mace, of Kutztown, Bloomsburg, magna cum laude.

Orfield: Luke Willard, Bloomsburg, summa cum laude; and Alexander Wilsterman, Bloomsburg.

New Tripoli: Daniel Fenstermacher, Bloomsburg.

Schnecksville: Lauren Stahley, Lock Haven, magna cum laude.

GRANT WRITER: The Sanctuary at Haafsville, a private nonprofit dog and cat rescue organization in Breinigsville, is seeking a volunteer grant writer that will oversee the grant application process from gathering all relevant information, writing proposals, and submitting applications that reflect the purpose, importance, and impact of The Sanctuary’s programs. Contact Tanya, 484-285-5445, tsmargiassi@thesanctuarypa.org.

PASSPORT EVENT: The Passport to 4-H event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. July 7, 15 and 22 at 4184 Dorney Park Road, Lehigh County Agricultural Center, Allentown. Event is open to youth ages 5-7 and is limited to the first 12 registrants. No cost for 4-H members. Contact Ellyn Siftar at 610-391-9840.

ALUMNI REUNION: Tiger All Alumni Reunion, 2 to 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at Ontelaunee Park, New Tripoli, rain or shine. Food trucks on site for food and drink purchase. Call 610-760-1175 for more information and reservation form.

HAWK MOUNTAIN: Let Freedom Wing, July 4-6. Celebrate Independence Day weekend at Hawk Mountain and wear red, white, and blue apparel or accessories to receive half off your trail admission! And Mountain members who wear the colors are eligible to pick a flag for a prize in the Visitor Center.

LEHIGH GAP: Pack up your paints and spend a day plein air painting at Lehigh Gap Nature Center 9 a.m. to noon July 14 or Aug. 6. Join nature center staff for this open-format program where each participant is invited to bring their own supplies (all mediums are welcome) and create artwork outside inspired by the Lehigh Gap Refuge. Compact travel easels are available to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own set up. Each person must bring their own art supplies. They have water containers for paint and limited brushes available to borrow. The plein air session will take place outside, please dress for the weather and wear shoes fit for walking outside. Please note that there is no instructor leading this program. This free plein air painting days are an opportunity to create art alongside other artists while enjoying the views of the Lehigh Gap. To register, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/free-plein-air-painting-days. For questions, contact LGNC at mail@lgnc.org or 610-760-8889.

AAHA DAY: Country Doctor Veterinarian Hospital 20th anniversary; 3-5 p.m., July 25; 6807 Weiss Road, New Tripoli; free Nesting Box ice cream, petting zoo, games, basket raffles.

LITTER CONTEST: Now that summer is upon us with more relaxed schedules, grab your cameras and mobile devices and photograph the worst or most unusual examples of litter in your Pennsylvania community. To focus attention on the litter problem across the state, the Pennsylvania Resources Council is accepting entries in its annual Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest through Oct. 31.

In the student (through 12th Grade) and adult categories, three prizes each are awarded with the first-place winner receiving $500, second-place $250 and third-place $100.

Entries should help bring awareness to how litter threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment, pets or wildlife. Entries will be judged on the following criteria: anti-litter message, originality, photographic technique, quality of photo, originality of title and severity of the litter.

Questions may be directed to lensonlitter@prc.org and additional information, as well as previous winners, sponsors and an online entry form can be found at https://prc.org/what-we-do/lens-on-litter-contest/.

BENEFIT CONCERT: Now presenting … Music at the Gap! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable summer evening at Lehigh Gap Nature Center for its first ever benefit concert 6-8 p.m. July 24, where the mountains meet the music.

Enjoy a live performance from the local rock and blues band ”Big Bone Daddy,” grab a drink from the River Rock Bean and Brew truck, and enter for a chance to win raffle prizes — all while taking in the views of the Lehigh Gap at sunset. This event is free to attend, no registration is required, and donations are appreciated; all proceeds support Lehigh Gap Nature Center, so bring your lawn chairs, and your friends and family out for a great cause. For questions, contact LGNC at mail@lgnc.org or 610-760-8889.