Good morning, Allentown.

In 2025, our community showed strong interest in rising living costs, strained housing affordability, traffic safety challenges, and shifting local landmarks that fueled calls for clearer oversight and action.

Pagoda Pacers is hosting a First Day Hike today for residents looking to start the new year with fresh air and exercise on a local trail near home.

Members of Gray Ribbon Riders and Simplicity Hair Salon donated food to the interfaith pantry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (1900 Pennsylvania Ave.) while the church also celebrated new leadership with Rev.

Valerie Bailey becoming priest-in-charge and bringing over 11 years of ministry experience.

The Lehigh/Keystone Model Railroad Museum held an open house in Bethlehem that featured mini replicas such as Thomas the Tank Engine on Dec.

14 and continues to offer themed weekends with passenger, steam, and modern trains. Its (HO scale) layout covers over 5,000 sqft and revives local rail history.

This January, Lehigh Valley Active Life at 1633 W.

Elm St. hosts dance, creative arts, exercise and history classes in the Trexler Room — offering a Country Dance on Jan. 3 and tai chi sessions later with refreshment included.

Emmaus High School announced its first quarter honor roll for the 2025-2026 school year, recognizing top-performing students across grades 9 through 12 (the list includes many names).

The announcement was made earlier this quarter.

Lehigh County 4-H recognized local volunteers and clubs for embodying Head, Heart, Hands and Health at its achievement night on Dec.

31 — the awards honored individuals who enhanced club milestones along with the Spirit of 4-H accolade awarded to Brenda Emanuel.

At a Dec. 11 meeting, Salisbury Township recognized Sgt. Bryan Losagio with the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award (120 hours of leadership training completed), as police chief Donald Sabo noted.

Commissioners also discussed the 2026 budget featuring a 1-mill tax increase.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging said visitors can view hundreds of handmade ornaments on the Capitol Christmas tree — crafted by older adults from Cedar View, Coopersburg, and Fountain Hill Senior Centers — through Jan.

8.

I Puritani

12:55-5:00 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beauty of Bellini’s final masterpiece with a stellar cast and stunning new production.

Frank DiBussolo Trio: Bucky Pizzarelli Legacy

7:30-10 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Tickets required — Experience masterful jazz guitar in tribute to the legendary Pizzarelli.

Neko Case Concert

7-10 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — $1 from each ticket benefits Peer Solutions — Experience an evening of enchanting music by Neko Case in a welcoming venue.

Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

7:05-9:05 p.m. — PPL Center — Tickets required — A thrilling AHL matchup featuring local hockey rivalries.