SANTA BREAKFAST: Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Road, Slatington, will host a free Build a Breakfast With Santa event at 10 a.m. Dec. 12. Families can enjoy breakfast, crafts and photo opportunities with Santa. Attendees are encouraged to bring donations of personal care items or canned foods for the community. Reservations are requested by Dec. 5 by calling the church office or visiting the church’s Facebook page.

VALLEY VOLUNTEERS: About 1,750 volunteers from 70 companies contributed 8,806 service hours to 72 nonprofit organizations during this year’s two-day Day(s) of Caring, organized by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Volunteers worked on projects identified by participating nonprofits, while the Volunteer Center matched corporate teams with community needs and coordinated event logistics. The organization has helped lead Day(s) of Caring for 33 years and also provides nonprofit leadership training, board development and community partnership support.

MEASLE UPDATE: The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported Monday that 1004 measles cases have been confirmed in 39 counties across the state this year. The outbreak has resulted in 198 hospitalizations and five confirmed measles-related deaths. Only four cases, or less than 1%, have occurred among vaccinated individuals. State health officials said they have administered more than 5,700 MMR vaccinations through 192 pop-up clinics since the outbreak began in late April and more than 8,800 doses statewide in 2026. Health care providers also have reported increased demand for vaccinations, with more than 49,000 MMR doses administered in August and more than 53,000 during the first three weeks of September. The department continues to urge residents to get fully vaccinated, noting that two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provide 97% lifetime protection against the disease.

POOL DRAINING: Township officials are reminding residents who are closing swimming pools this fall to avoid draining pool water into storm drains. Officials said pool water containing chlorine and other chemicals can harm local streams and waterways if discharged directly into the stormwater system. Residents are encouraged to follow proper disposal practices when draining pools. The reminder was issued as part of its ongoing public education efforts related to stormwater management.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT: Via of the Lehigh Valley is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, highlighting the value, talent and contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce. Throughout the month, Via will share employment success stories and recognize employers that support inclusive hiring practices.

“This month reminds us that creating opportunities for inclusive employment strengthens businesses, empowers individuals and builds a stronger economy for everyone,” said Lisa Walkiewicz, Via’s president and CEO.

HOAGIE SALE: Christ’s Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Road, New Tripoli, will be accepting orders until Oct. 18 for their R&K pretzel sandwich and sub sale. Pretzel sandwiches available in chicken breast with Pepper jack cheese, Italian, ham and cheese, ham and Swiss, turkey and cheese, roast beef and cheese, sweet Lebanon bologna and cheese, all cheese, chicken, egg, and tuna salad. Subs available in spicy Italian with onions and peppers, Italian, ham, turkey, roast beef, American, with or without onions. Twelve-inch whole grain roll with turkey and cheese with onion or all cheese and onion. Pick up will be on Oct. 28 at the church. To place an order call Bev at 610-390-9380 or Heather at 610-703-5697.

CAREER FAIR: Lehigh Carbon Community College is accepting employer registrations for its Fall 2026 Regional Career Fairs, which will connect employers with students, alumni and local job seekers. Fairs are scheduled for Oct. 8 at the Donley Center in Allentown, Oct. 14 at the Morgan Center in Tamaqua and Nov. 12 at the Main Campus in Schnecksville. Employers may register at https://lccc-csm.symplicity.com/events/upcoming. For details, contact 610-799-1090 or careerservices@lccc.edu.

YARD SALE: Community yard sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 10, New Jerusalem Zion UCC, 1456 Krumsville Road, Route 737 (across from Greenwich Elementary School), Krumsville. There is a fee of $10 for a 10 foot x 10 foot outdoor space. Please bring your own tables. Come to buy or sell. Rain or shine. Call 484-547-2356 to reserve your spot.

FALL BAZAAR: Ebenezer’s Women of the Church are hosting their annual Fall Church Bazaar, Flea Market and Basket Raffle 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10. This event features crafts, quilts and handmade items for sale. Enter the basket raffle to win one of the 100 plus baskets and gift cards. Homemade soups and baked goods will also be available for purchase. Browse the inventory of new and gently-used items in the flea market. Ebenezer kitchen opens at 8 a.m. to serve food and refreshments throughout the event. For more information, contact the Ebenezer Church office at 610-298-8000.

FALL PICNIC: Morgenland Church 3120 Weidasville Road, Orefield, will hold its annual fall picnic from 2-6 p.m. on Oct. 10, due to inclement weather from the nor’easter of Sept. 26 weekend. Live music from 3 – 6 p.m. by “Waitin’ On Sundown.” Great food and baked goods are available along with a basket raffle and a cake walk. If by chance inclement weather strikes again, check Morgenlandchurch.org for an update.

COMMUNITY MEAL: Shared Abundance Community Meal, 5-6:30 p.m., Oct. 22, New Jerusalem Zion UCC, 1456 Krumsville Road, Route 737, (across from Greenwich Elementary School), Krumsville. This free meal is open to everyone in the community. Please join us to share in the bounty of God’s blessings. Hosted by the Local Shared Outreach group. For more information, call 610-756-6892.

GALLERY OPENING: The Weisenberg Township Community Center has opened a gallery dedicated to showcasing the talents of local artists. Currently on display is The Northwestern Lehigh Artists’ Showcase, an amazing collection of paintings created by artists from the Northwestern Lehigh community. The showcase will be on display through Oct. 27. A new display will be curated every three months and calls for art will be placed to search for new art. Located at 9331 Lyon Valley Road, New Tripoli, the gallery can be viewed by the public Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. For more information on the art gallery and participating in displays, contact Valerie Schramak at vschramak@yahoo.com.

HALLOWEEN EVENT: Heidelberg Union Church will be co-hosting a Trunk or Treat event with the Germansville Fire Company again this year 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Set up will take place 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Decorated cars are needed to make this a successful community event. Contact the church office at 610-767-4740.

SPAGHETTI DINNER: Morgenland Church, 3120 Weidasville Road, Orefield, will be holding an all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatball dinner 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 7. Take out is also available. Tickets are available at the door. Handicap accessible at end of church, lower level. For information, call 610-395-0067.

HAWK MOUNTAIN

MIGRATION SEASON: Visitors can experience Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s annual Autumn Migration Hawkwatch until Dec. 15. Staff and volunteers will monitor the southbound raptor migration from the North Lookout, where visitors can see hawks, vultures, ospreys, bald eagles and other birds of prey. An average of 16,000 raptors pass over the sanctuary each fall. The season also features free lectures, weekend programs, guided walks and workshops. The Autumn Lecture Series includes programs Oct. 10 and Nov. 14 covering local hawkwatch history, wildlife, bird conservation and the benefits of connecting with nature. Trail fees for nonmembers are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger and Hawk Mountain members are admitted free. For information and the full event schedule, visit hawkmountain.org.

LEHIGH GAP

LEAF WALK: Join staff for a walk through the fall foliage 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at LGNC! This family-friendly event will take you through a range of ecosystems to learn about the foliage here, followed by a craft incorporating some of your favorite leaves. The walk will take participants through the River Trail followed by a stroll on the D&L, totaling roughly 0.5 miles, with lots of frequent stops to ask questions and take pictures. Please make sure to wear appropriate footwear. To register for this event, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/autumn-leaf-walk-and-craft.

TRAIL RUN: The 15th running of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center “More or Less 10K Trail Run and 2-Mile Scamper” will take place on Oct. 24. The 2-mile scamper starts at 9 a.m. and the 10K trail run will be held at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event help to support LGNC! This project was completed in partnership with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. To register or for more information, go to https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=139659.

GUIDED HIKE: Get outside and take a hike with LGNC 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 17. National Take A Hike Day was established on Nov. 17, 1965, to celebrate and recognize nature here in the US. Head outside and enjoy your local trails, or join LGNC for their guided hike. You’ll be invited to learn about the history and ecology of the Refuge while being out hiking through those exact areas! To register for this event, go to https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/national-take-a-hike-day-guided-hike.

ECOLOGY CLUB: Children ages 9 and older are invited to meet at the Osprey House, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington. Ecology Club meetings take place the first Wednesday of each month throughout the school year from 4:15-5:15 p.m. but dates are subject to change.

Check out our 2026-2027 schedule: Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, 2027, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2, Participation is free to all LGNC members and their families. No registration is required and you may join in at any time. Not a member, go to https://lgnc-101687.square.site/ to become a member. Email riley.davenport@lgnc.org if you have any questions.

SENIORS GROUP: Lehigh Gap Nature Center, 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington, has 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. For questions, email the LGNC at mail@lgnc.org or call 610-760-8889.

BOARD TRAINING: LEAD Now will offer its Fall 2026 Nonprofit Board Service Training program until Nov. 4 for business professionals, community volunteers and current or prospective nonprofit board members. The five-session virtual program will cover nonprofit board service basics, legal factors, finances, diversity, equity and inclusion, and philanthropic fundraising and the role of the board. Sessions will be held from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program costs $75 per session for those registering for one or two sessions, or $67 per session for those purchasing three or more sessions. Registration is open. For more information, email karen@volunteerlv.org or call 610-807-0336.

FITNESS TOGETHER: Penn State Extension is offering Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together, or LIFT, classes for adults 40 and older who want to improve strength, flexibility and overall fitness. The eight-or 12-week programs meet twice weekly for one-hour sessions and include strength exercises, warm-ups, cool-downs and basic nutrition information. Classes are offered at various locations through mid-December. The cost is $60 for eight weeks and $90 for 12 weeks. Some insurance plans may provide reimbursement for participants with at least 80% attendance. Registration dates vary by location. For information and registration, visit the Penn State Extension website and search for LIFT.

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.