AVIATOR WINGS: Lt. Junior Grade Nolan Jett Hernandez, son of Todd and Sheri Hernandez, completed U.S. Navy pilot training on April 17 and was awarded his Naval Aviator wings of gold at a ceremony in NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. Nolan’s mother “pinned” her father’s gold wings on Nolan, known as “legacy” wings, earned by Grandfather Bill Dellicker in 1967.

Nolan is a graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School and the University of Pittsburgh where he completed Navy ROTC and was commissioned as an Ensign in 2023.

LTJG Nolan Hernandez will now report to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, to begin qualification training in the P 8A Poseidon, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft for anti submarine warfare, maritime patrol, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Celebrate Christmas 9 a.m. July 19, at Weisenberg Lutheran Church, 7645 Weisenberg Church Road, New Tripoli, with a Christmas Candlelight service. This cherished gathering will include beloved carols, the nativity story, special music, a children’s message, Holy Communion, candle lighting, and battery-operated candles for the children, along with festive decorations. The morning will conclude with Christmas cookies and fellowship. Join us to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.

POW WOW: The Wyoming Trail Council of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans will host the Return to Gnadenhutten Intertribal Native American Festival and Powwow July 18-19 at Hofford Mill, 500 Bridge St., Weissport. The event commemorates the Gnadenhutten Massacre, which took place in what is now Lehighton. Activities begin at 10 a.m. both days, with grand entry at noon Saturday and Sunday. Sunday’s event concludes at 5 p.m. The pow wow will feature Native American dancers representing a variety of tribes, traditional and social dances, veterans and first responder recognition, and opportunities for the public to participate in selected dances. Native American artisans and vendors will offer handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork and other items. Food and a tricky tray also will be available. Proceeds benefit the Wyoming Trail Council. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. For information or to make a donation, call Robin “Summerbird” Hoffman at 570-436-2390 or Bonnie Becker at 484-892-0148. Donations also may be mailed to WSM, 292 Buck Mountain Road, Weatherly, PA 18255. Checks should be made payable to WSM.

TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER: Valley Youth House held it’s 41st annual John E. Walson, Jr. Memorial Golf and Pickleball Tournament on June 29 at Lehigh Country Club in Allentown. The tournament, presented by Service Electric Cable TV & Communications, raised $412,771 for youth experiencing homelessness in the Greater Lehigh Valley region. Valley Youth House does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused, and homeless youth. Valley Youth House partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. For more information on Valley Youth House, go to valleyyouthhouse.org.

HEIDELBERG VBS: Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, will hold its ‘Snowball Mountain Challenge’ Vacation Bible School 5:45 - 8 p.m. July 20 - 24. Save the dates and join them for an awesome week of “Snowball Mountain Challenge” VBS! Registration information can be found at https://heidelbergunionchurch.mycokesburyvbs.com.

LOWHILL VBS: Christ’s Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, New Tripoli, will hold its Armor of God Vacation Bible School 6-8 p.m. July 20-24. All ages are welcome. Each day kids will discover what it means to “put on the full armor of God” and stand strong in faith through engaging Bible lessons, energetic music, hands-on activities, fun games and tasty snacks. For more information or questions, contact Sarah at 610-298-2527.

INDIA HERITAGE: Saara Arts will present its ninth annual India Heritage Day 3-6 p.m. July 26 at Allentown Arts Park. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates the arts, traditions and heritage of India while bringing together people from across the Lehigh Valley. This year’s theme, “Rhythms of India,” will feature live cultural performances, interactive art and dance workshops, authentic Indian cuisine, children’s activities and a multicultural finale, “Weaving Cultures Together,” celebrating unity through traditional Indian attire. Josh Siegel is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremony with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

MEASLE RISK: With measles cases increasing in eastern Pennsylvania, St. Luke’s University Health Network pediatricians are urging parents to ensure their children are protected through vaccination and to discuss an accelerated immunization schedule with their child’s health care provider if they live in or plan to travel to areas where cases have been reported.

Dr. Jennifer Janco, chair of St. Luke’s Pediatrics, said infants ages 6 to 11 months may be eligible for an early dose of the MMR vaccine, while children who have already received their first dose at age 1 may qualify to receive their second dose earlier than the routine schedule. Parents also are encouraged to contact their child’s health care provider before traveling to ensure vaccinations are up to date and to review the latest list of Pennsylvania counties with confirmed measles cases on the state website.

HAWK MOUNTAIN

SUMMER CAMP: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary invites families to plan ahead for an unforgettable summer of outdoor exploration with its 2026 Summer Nature Camps. Designed for youth in grades one through five, these week long day camps will immerse children in the natural world through hands-on, educational, and fun-filled experiences on the Mountain. All camps run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until Aug. 7. For camp details visit hawkmountain.org/summercamps. Contact Jessica Gary at gary@hawkmountain.org for more information.

HELPERS WANTED: The Sanctuary is also seeking 14- to 17-year-olds who need internship or volunteer hours to assist with camp by participating in the Counselors-In-Training program, which provides leadership training and hands-on experience working with youth in the outdoors. For more information, go to https://www.hawkmountain.org/education/programs/counselors-in-training.

LEHIGH GAP

EVENING HIKE: You are invited to explore the trails at Lehigh Gap Nature Center on an evening guided hike 6-7:30 p.m. July 16. Join LGNC Staff members for a moderate level guided hike on their trails. The hike will begin on the LNE trail for one mile, and participants will return back to the nature center on the D&L Trail for about one mile, for a total distance of 2.2 miles.

JUNIOR WALK: Young explorers of all ages are invited to discover the cool critters of LGNC this summer 10-11:30 a.m. July 21. Each family-fun nature walk will meet at LGNC’s Osprey House. Kids will learn to use insect nets to catch and identify insects. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes (no sandals), sunscreen, and a hat. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Walks will be canceled if heavy rain or thunderstorms are in the forecast.

NATURE AT NIGHT: Search for moths, caterpillars, bats, and other creatures of the night at the LGNC’s Nature at Night event 8-9:30 p.m. July 28. Discover critters that glow in the dark with black light flashlights. Flashlights will be provided. For questions on this event, the evening hike or any of the walks, contact LGNC at mail@lgnc.org or call 610-760-8889.

SENIORS GROUP: Lehigh Gap Nature Center, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington, has formed a new group for nature-minded seniors. 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.

NATURE ART: Members are invited to join LGNC the second Wednesday of each month 10 a.m. to noon for a Drop-In Studio. Bring a personal art project to work on (all mediums are welcome) and enjoy conversation with fellow local artists. The Nature in Art Club is a free benefit of a Lehigh Gap Nature Center membership. The Drop-in Studio is free to attend and registration is not required.

VIA FEATURED: Via of the Lehigh Valley will be featured in an upcoming segment of All Access with Andy Garcia, a public television series highlighting organizations making a positive impact in their communities. Air dates have not been announced. Filmed in April, the segment showcases Via’s employment programs for individuals with disabilities and features Matt, a Via participant recognized for his outstanding job performance and lifesaving actions at work. Via has served individuals with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley since 1952.

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. For more information, contact Emily at 610-821-7706 or emily.anthony@use.salvationarmy.org.

NEWS WELCOME: The Northwestern Press welcomes student news, business accomplishments and details about your organization’s events and accomplishments. To have your news published, send information about the event and photos to gtaylor@tnonline.com. Photos should be sent high resolution with captions that list everyone in the photo from left to right, front to back. You can also send news about upcoming events. Please send two weeks ahead of time if possible, though we make every attempt to get last minute information published. Be sure to include a contact phone number in case we have any questions.