ELECTION POLICY: As we approach the Nov. 4 municipal election, the Northwestern Press, in the interest of fairness, has halted the publication of columns by local government officials. Our election preview will appear in the Oct. 23 edition. A list of candidates, as they appear on the ballot, for local races will be printed.

We invite all listed candidates in contested races to send a 150-word response to this question:

What do you believe to be the No. 1 issue for your voters?

Your response could help voters decide which candidates fully understand both the job and the community they hope to represent.

Email responses to gtaylor@tnonline.com. Responses will be included in the candidates list.

The deadline for candidates’ responses is 5 p.m. Oct. 19. Late responses will not be accepted because of our publication deadline. Responses that exceed the maximum length will be cut at 150 words.

Letters to the editor, written by members of the community in support of a candidate, need to be received no later than 5 p.m. Oct. 17.

Rebuttal letters need to be received by 5 p.m. Oct. 26.

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Morgenland Church, 3120 Weidasville Road, Orefield, will be holding its legendary all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatball dinner 4-7 p.m. Nov. 1. The meal includes two huge homemade meatballs, a salad, drink and homemade dessert. Take out is also available. Tickets are available at the door. There is a cost for adults and children 5-12 years old. Children under 4 are free. Handicap accessible if needed at end of church, lower level. They will also be having a basket raffle. For more information, call the church at 610-395-0067.

MONUMENT CEREMONY: Marine Corps Monument Ceremony celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, 4- 4:30 p.m. Nov 10 at the Marine Corps Monument, Cedar Beach Park, 24th and Hamilton Streets, Allentown. The Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley Marine Corps League detachments and the local Inspector-Instructor staff of India Battery in Allentown will be participating in the annual ceremony along with other Marines, Fleet Marine Force Sailors in the community. The program lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes a ceremony, color guard, bugle rendition of the Marine Corps Hymn, a soloist sings the National Anthem, etc. A cake cutting ceremony honoring the oldest and youngest Marines will be held afterward.

CLASS REUNION: The Northwestern Lehigh HS Class of 2005 will hold its 20-Year class reunion from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 29 at Madeline’s, 1250 Turnstone Drive, Fogelsville. There will be food, a cash bar, and you’re welcome to bring a guest. Details on the cover charge and payment, how to RSVP, and more are to come! Contact Dan Metzger at dmetz571@gmail.com with any questions or for more information.

BUS TRIP: The Northwestern Elementary Scholarship Committee is hosting a bus trip to New York City on May 9, 2026. The bus will leave Northwestern Elementary at 7:30 a.m. and depart New York City at 7:30 p.m. Price is $55 per seat. Contact Tracy Smoyer at smoyert@nwlehighsd for more information.

HAWK MOUNTAIN

AUTUMN HAWKWATCH: Counters and interpreters will tally migrant raptors daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Dec. 15.

EAGLE DAY: Come see a live golden and bald eagle at noon and 2 p.m., Nov. 1. This is the only day you’ll be guaranteed to see one up close! Also learn about HMS’s long-term eagle migration counts and other cool eagle facts at the Eagle Discovery Station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Information Pavilion and about eagle migration, identification, nesting and feeding habits, and reasons behind the phenomenal increase in bald eagle populations over the past 30 years. Trail fee applies for nonmembers.

ROSALIE’S BIRTHDAY BIRD WALK: Celebrate our founder Rosalie Edge’s birthday with a guided bird walk to the iconic North Lookout 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 2. Trail fee applies to nonmembers. Registration is required.

LEHIGH GAP

SENIORS GROUP: Lehigh Gap Nature Center, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington, has formed a new group for nature-minded seniors. They seek to bring together LGNC members for fellowship and conversations about nature, conservation, and other topics. Each session will include coffee/tea, refreshments, and a time for socializing. This will be followed by a brief presentation about a topic of interest and an open forum discussion among the group members. The sessions will be held in the Great Hall at the Osprey House on the second Monday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m.

ECOLOGY CLUB: LGNC’s Ecology Club is back for the 2025-2026 school year! Children ages 9 and older are invited to meet from 4:15-5:15 p.m. at the Osprey House on the first Wednesday of every month until June 3 for fun, hands-on nature adventures. Participation is free to all LGNC members and their families, and no registration is required. Email riley.davenport@lgnc.org if you have any questions.

SPEAKER SERIES: Join LGNC staff on select Thursday evenings from 6-7 p.m. November through March to get a behind-the-scenes look at these great organizations. Don’t miss your chance to learn about local history and ecology, conservation initiatives, and more. Nov. 13 - Carnivorous Plants of North America, Dec. 11 - Backyard Astro-Imaging in the Lehigh Valley, Jan. 8, 2026 - Wind and Water Gaps in Pennsylvania, Feb. 12, 2026 - New World Vultures, and March 26, 2026 - Eastern Coyote: Uncovering the Myths and Mystique of a Misunderstood Species. There is a suggested donation per person for nonmembers. For more information or to register, go to https://lgnc.org, email mail@lgnc.org or call 610-760-8889.

HAZARDOUS WASTE: Lehigh County will be holding a household hazardous waste collection event Nov. 1 in the Coca-Cola stadium parking lot. This county-wide event is for residential use only, no commercial entities will be accepted. There is a mandatory preregistration form residents must fill out if they wish to participate in the collection event. The link for preregistration is available on the home page of Lehigh County’s website, at lehighcounty.org. All pertinent information, including acceptable materials, directions on safely transporting materials, and appointment times will be included on the website.