Good morning, Allentown.

A new community center in Upper Macungie Township marked a key construction milestone today with a topping off ceremony on Grange Road—where a signed wooden beam was lifted into place as part of its timber frame.

The 188,000-square-foot facility will include an indoor soccer field, athletic courts, fitness areas, classrooms, and meeting spaces and is expected to open by next spring or summer.

Ripple Community Center celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday when it hosted the 'Art of Neighboring' exhibition and held a ribbon-cutting for the new NeighborMade Community Art Gallery & Workshop at 1335 West Linden St.—the event showcased work by local artists, community members, and students and will run for viewing through Jan. 3 during set hours.

Emmaus High School hosted its annual Thanksgiving Luncheon today as part of a 30-year tradition that feeds over 900 Golden Age Cardholders from the East Penn School District.

Students and faculty at three schools served meals while National Honor Society members connected with retired community members—helping build bonds across generations.

Allentown's Karl Ehmer Quality Meats has been serving neighbors for 50 years and will close on November 29 when owner Leo Osanitsch retires—regular customers plan to visit for one last treat.

Holiday Magic is lighting up the Lehigh Parkway with over 260,000 lights and new RGB tech that will create an animated winter wonderland.

City officials say the display includes hundreds of hand-wrapped trees + free Walking Mondays and that the event will run from Nov. 28 through Jan. 6.

The Allentown School District announced plans to upgrade the Dieruff High School practice field at 820 E.

Tilghman St.—a project estimated to cost between $15M and $18M that will add a new field house, synthetic turf, upgraded lighting and a new track—and will begin design, bidding and procurement in late November with construction set to start in spring.

Lehigh Valley native Scott Sheriff (Carrie Underwood’s keyboardist) was inducted into Saucon Valley High School’s Wall of Fame on Thursday afternoon in Hellertown.

He toured with well-known artists and offered advice to inspire current students.

On Thursday night, the Allentown School Board honored departing members LaTarsha Brown, Lisa Conover, Phoebe Harris and Jennifer Hartnett while electing four new board members for four-year terms—approved bids for a new Family Engagement and Resource Center at Bridgeview Academy, authorized a potential $1.9 million property acquisition, and planned to hire Hazel Health to provide free mental health telehealth services for students.

This week, 70 college students from Northampton and Lehigh Carbon Community Colleges took a fiber-optic fusion splicing class in N.

Whitehall Twp through a partnership with Amazon. The course taught them how fiber-optic cables carry internet, TV, and telephone data—skills that are increasingly in demand with the rise of AI.

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.

Class of 1995 30th Class Reunion

6-10 p.m. — The Fairgrounds Hotel — $25 admission — Celebrate the big 30th reunion with buffet dinner and great memories.

Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Walk

1-3 p.m. — 1869 Luckenbach Mill — $20-45 — Work off your holiday feast with fun runs and a pet costume contest in support of community heritage.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Utica Comets

7:05-8:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting ice hockey showdown between the Phantoms and the Comets.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

7-8:30 p.m. — PPL Center — Family-friendly pricing available — Embark on an adventurous ride with Mickey Mouse and friends to famous Disney destinations.

Eric Mintel Quartet Performance

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Symphony Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating jazz sounds of Eric Mintel and his quartet, blending original compositions with smooth improvisation.

Living Succulent Holiday Ornament Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Illumination/Funk Brewing West End Taproom — Materials included — Create a unique living succulent ornament with a festive twist.

Road To Riches Showcase

7 PM — Sportsmen's Cafe — Food and drink vendors available — Celebrate 4 years of OIA Promotions with live performances and local artists.