Good morning, Allentown.

The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EMS at 2375 Levans Road in Coplay is preparing for its annual shoofly pie fundraiser to support ambulance services—members will meet on Friday or Saturday to bake pies, apple dumplings, soups and barbecued chicken dinners that will be sold the following day or days based on the product offered.

Parkway Manor Elementary School is holding a used shoe drive led by seventh-grader Michael Pascal to collect 15,000 pairs that will support school funds and help families in countries such as Cambodia, Botswana and Ukraine+ over 4,000 pairs have been donated so far through donation boxes around the district. Donations are accepted until Oct 31+ Bracy Construction is providing space to store the shoes and keep them out of landfills.

On October 17th, Grange Park in Upper Macungie Township hosted a Halloween Trunk or Treat event where families enjoyed candy and live displays.

The event featured stilt walker Cheryl Schruefer, a martial arts booth, and a greeting from Police Lt. Pete Nikischer before a showing of the movie Wicked.

ArtsQuest has begun constructing its new Winter Wonderland area at SteelStacks ahead of its 33rd Christkindlmarkt, which will open on Nov.

11. The expanded market will feature German-themed tents with new names + attractions like rentable igloos and glassblowing demonstrations.

Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is planning next year’s celebration for the United States’ 250th birthday on July 4 and will host fall lectures on Pennsylvania’s role in the Revolutionary War—award-winning author David Price recently drew about 80 visitors at a lecture and book signing.

ArtsQuest Foundation held the 2025 Linny Awards on Oct 23 at the Musikfest Cafe to honor local artists, educators and community advocates.

The ceremony recognized winners such as Thomas Riddle for Lifetime Achievement and Chuck Stehly for Philanthropy in the Arts—celebrating creativity and service in the region.

At a September 16th board workshop, Parkland School District officials reviewed key goals for the new 2025–2026 school term, including enhanced security with updated door locks, a visitor management system and a school resource officer for North Whitehall Township elementary schools. Officials also discussed plans to support teachers with AI initiatives and leadership development as well as upgrade facilities such as the bus loop at Fogelsville Elementary — efforts aimed at better serving 10,000 students.

Muhlenberg College held a topping-out ceremony on Oct.

24 as workers installed the final beam and a crane raised a pine tree—a nod to Pennsylvania Dutch tradition—for the Seegers Union expansion. The $12 million project, to be named Fahy Gateway Pavilion, will feature a welcome center and spaces for career planning and alumni engagement when it opens in the 2026-27 school year.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Albany Twp is holding the Celebrate Birdability event today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to let everyone—no matter their ability—enjoy birding and hawk watching during the fall migration.

Allentown School District will withhold 40% of monthly charter school tuition payments as a cost-saving measure during an ongoing state budget impasse that began nearly four months ago—charter schools have been notified of the reduction and will receive back funding once a budget is passed. Other local districts have made similar adjustments by withholding varying payment amounts to manage their finances during the funding delay.

Lehigh Valley International Airport launched the GoodMaps indoor navigation app on Friday, making it the first airport in Pennsylvania to provide precise directions for people with disabilities.

The app gives both audio and visual instructions and supports over 20 languages—local disability groups praised it for boosting independent travel.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has suspended PPL Electric Utilities’ proposed $356.3 million rate increase filed on Sept.

30 and launched an investigation that will include public input hearings. The investigation by the Office of Administrative Law Judge means a final decision on the request is expected by July 1—more details will follow.

Jefferson Health Plans hosted a free family event at Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville on October 24 that offered wellness activities and school supply giveaways for children.

Attendees explored animal exhibits and enjoyed additional attractions at 5150 Game Preserve Road.

Lehigh Valley Health Network provided free influenza shots for adults and children 6 months and older for the 28th straight year.

The drive-thru clinics were held on Oct. 11 at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hecktown Oaks in Lower Nazareth Township and on Oct. 12 at the Integrated Health Campus in Upper Macungie Township.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics

6:30-7:29 p.m. — Vault 634 — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of Halloween music under candlelight.

Spooky Kiddie Car-nival

6-9 p.m. — Big Lots — $7/adult, kids free — Celebrate Halloween with trunks, candy, music, dancing, and costume contests in a safe outdoor environment.

Allentown Band Family Concert

2-5 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Youth with an adult FREE, Adults $5.00 — Experience a captivating blend of music and science in a high-definition presentation accompanying 'Pictures at an Exhibition'.

Día de los Muertos Celebration

1-5 p.m. — Arts Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos with family-friendly activities and cultural displays.

Taylor Acorn at The Americus Hotel

7 p.m. — The Americus Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham — Admission details unavailable — Experience an evening with Taylor Acorn in a beautiful Allentown venue.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

8:45-9:44 p.m. — Vault 634 — Tickets available — Experience the magic of live music with classic hits from Queen and ABBA in an enchanting candlelit setting.

Allentown Speed Dating for Singles Over 50

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Tipsy's Bar & Lounge — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches and discover the spark in a friendly environment.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

7-9 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a spectacular rock opera that blends holiday music with stunning theatrics.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Respect Graduate School — Materials included — Create your own Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish tea in a fun and relaxing setting.