CORRECTION: In our Nov. 13 election report, we said that Vicki Stoss and Jeffrey Kistler were running for judge of elections when in fact they were seeking the office of inspector in Heidelberg Township. Jane Wessner was the only candidate for Judge of Election in Heidelberg, and she was formally elected.

STUDENT REPORTER: The Northwestern Press is looking for a student reporter for Northwestern High School and one for Northwestern Middle School. The reporter would be responsible for a news column once a month. This is a paid position. Interested journalists should respond to gtaylor@tnonline.com.

STATE POLICE: The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, have announced the official Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement period which begins at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 26 and concludes at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 30.

This safety initiative PA. D.E.E.P (Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement Education Program) targets drivers who aggressively operate their motor vehicle in a manner which is dangerous to members of the public, which include speeding, seat belt violations and child seat belt infractions. Troopers will also be concentrating their efforts on distracting drivers who violate cellphone laws.

Motorists are reminded of the mandates of Title 75 Section 3733, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer, which stipulates that any driver of a motor vehicle who willfully fails or refuses to bring their vehicle to a stop or who otherwise flees or attempts to elude a pursuing police officer, commits an offense, graded up to a Felony of the 3rd Degree, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and restitution for damages and/or injuries sustained as a result of the pursuit.

KUTZTOWN HONORED: Kutztown University has once again been recognized as a 2025 “Best for Vets” college by The Military Times. This ranking marks the 11th consecutive year that KU has been recognized by The Military Times, which publishes the largest and most comprehensive ranking of schools for military service members and veterans.

Among other honors, KU is ranked sixth in Pennsylvania and 16th in the Mid-Atlantic region. This recognition aligns with KU’s “Guard Friendly” designation from the PA National Guard Association earlier this year and KU’s long history of serving military-connected students.

IRISH CONCERT: Lunasa, dubbed “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet,” will make a stop at Kutztown University’s Schaeffer Auditorium 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, as part of the KU Presents! Performing Artists series. Founded in 1997, the six-member band has toured throughout the world; their latest album is “Live in Kyoto” (2024). The players are known for their complex arrangements of traditional and original music, their impeccable musical chops and their collaborations with artists from outside the genre, such as Mary Chapin Carpenter and Bruce Springsteen.

TOY COLLECTION: Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 1343 Long Lane Road, Kutztown (Old Route 22 at Krumsville) is collecting Toys for Tots. Please bring donations to the church by Dec. 13. Toys will be picked up shortly afterward. For questions, call Janice 484-650-5533.

CLASS REUNION: The Northwestern Lehigh High School 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.

HOAGIE SALE: Morgenland Church, 3120 Weidasville Road, Orefield, is accepting orders for its hoagie sale until Nov. 30. Choose either regular Italian with everything, no peppers, no onions with peppers, no onions or peppers; ham and cheese, no onions or peppers; turkey, no onions or peppers; roast beef, no onions or peppers; tuna or veggie. Ingredients are supplied by Thomson’s Meat Market, Walnutport. Pickup will take place 4-6 p.m. Dec. 9. To place an order, call Marilyn at 610-395-6885.

HOPE CHEST: Help us bring extra smiles this holiday season by organizing a gift-card-drive for children in the community. All gift cards are in support of Holiday Hope Chests, a program coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and are donated to our regional nonprofit partners who support youth in the community through their programs and services. This is a great project for groups, clubs, classes, families and individuals. To participate, go to www.volunteerlv.org/hhc-giftcards and fill out a Donor Pledge Form by Dec. 5.

BREAKFAST VOLUNTEERS: This annual holiday tradition for members of the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center includes a buffet breakfast, a visit with Santa, crafts, music and time with other families. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 to set up, decorate, cook/serve/clean up breakfast, help with crafts, organize visits with Santa, and check in guests. Minimum age 15 or 13 with adult. Contact Kerri 484-224-5288, epdsckerri@gmail.com.

FOSTER CARE: The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania Children’s Services announces the launch of a new Short-Term Foster Care Program that provides safe, loving homes for children who require temporary care. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children in need for days or weeks. Contact Emily at 610-821-7706 or emily.anthony@use.salvationarmy.org.

FUNDRAISER: Christ’s Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, New Tripoli, will be hosting Vince’s Famous Cheesesteak food truck noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 4. Vince will donate $1 for every sandwich sold back to the church.The church is also selling homemade Christmas candy.

BREAKFASTS WITH SANTA

Ebenezer Church, Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the church fellowship hall at 7293 Decatur St., New Tripoli. All are welcome to enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast and fun family activities: crafts, coloring pages and a Christmas temporary tattoo station. Children can take photos with Santa and also write letters to Santa, his reindeer and elves. Santa will have a gift for every child attending. Reservations are recommended. Please call the church office at (610) 298-8000.

Christ’s Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, New Tripoli, will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa 9-11 a.m. Dec. 13. This is a free community event. There will be crafts along with a visit from Santa. Homemade candy will be available for purchase. For more information, call 610-842-4781.

BUS TRIP: The Northwestern Elementary Scholarship Committee is hosting a bus trip to New York City 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.

YOGA ON THE MOUNTAIN: Clear your mind and open your senses with nature by joining our monthly Yoga on the Mountain session in partnership with local studio Yoga-B-Yoga 9-10 a.m. Nov. 30.

No experience necessary. There is a $25 fee to attend. Registration is required.

WEE ONES WALK: SNOWY SCIENCE: “Brr” it’s cold outside! Join staff inside for hands-on activities, stories, crafts, and an experiment or two as you learn about … SNOW from 10–11:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Meet a live raptor and enjoy hot cocoa as everyone gathers around the fireplace. This program is designed for children 3-5 years old. There is a fee for both members and nonmembers.

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.

OPEN HOUSE: LGNC will be holding a Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6. This year’s rain or shine event will include holiday crafts, DIY wreath and swag making, holiday gift shop, live music, a virtual reality experience, optics sales, holiday treat potluck and quilt raffle. If you have any questions about this event, contact LGNC at mail@lgnc.org or call 610-760-8889.

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. 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.

ECOLOGY CLUB: LGNC’s Ecology Club is back for the 2025-26 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.

BOOK CLUB: The Cabin Fever Book Club meets once a month from 10 a.m. to noon during the fall and winter months to discuss books on ecology, environmental history, and environmentalism. This year’s book list is “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer for Dec. 18. Next year’s book list for 2026 is “The Comfort of Crows” by Margaret Renkl for Jan. 15, “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge for Feb. 19 and “Tip of the Iceberg” by Mark Adams for March 19. Books are available at the Palmerton and Slatington libraries, Lehigh Gap Nature Center, or on Amazon for purchase. For more information or questions, email mail@lgnc.org.

HOPE CHEST: Help us bring extra smiles this holiday season by organizing a gift-card-drive for children in the community. All gift cards are in support of Holiday Hope Chests, a program coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and are donated to our regional nonprofit partners who support youth in the community through their programs and services. This is a great project for large/small groups, clubs, classes, families, and individuals. To participate, go to www.volunteerlv.org/hhc-giftcards and fill out a 2025 Donor Pledge Form by Dec. 5.

BREAKFAST VOLUNTEERS: This annual holiday tradition for members of the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center includes a buffet breakfast, a visit with Santa, crafts, music and time with other families. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 to set up, decorate, cook/serve/clean up breakfast, help with crafts, organize visits with Santa, and check in guests. Minimum age 15 or 13 with adult. Contact Kerri 484-224-5288, epdsckerri@gmail.com.

FOSTER CARE: The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania Children’s Services announces the launch of a new Short-Term Foster Care Program that provides safe, loving homes for children who require temporary care. No prior experience is required, just a willingness to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children in need for days or weeks. Contact Emily at 610-821-7706 or emily.anthony@use.salvationarmy.org.