Good morning, Allentown.

J Rads Wood Fired Pizza served nearly 100 pizzas and hearty chicken orzo soup to Allentown Rescue Mission residents on Dec.

3 amid bitter cold. Owner Tony Salvatore plans to return with more food truck events (including additional meals) to help the mission.

The YMCA at 880 Walnut Street in Catasauqua will close on Jan.

4 for good after more than 50 years of service. Members were notified (Dec. 3) and can try another branch free for three months before switching back in April.

Tinto Tapas and Pasta (1028 Broadway in Fountain Hill) will host a tribute dinner for Frank Sinatra tomorrow from 4-10 p.m. in honor of his 110th birthday, offering his favorite dishes, complimentary wine and mini cannoli.

PEEPSFEST® 2025 will bring family fun and a 400-pound PEEPS Chick Drop to SteelStacks in Bethlehem on Dec.

30 and 31 at 5:35 p.m. Families will enjoy live entertainment, craft stations, giveaways, and a sneak-Peeps debut of a new marshmallow flavor.

Allentown-based Netizen Corp. has secured a spot on the MDA's $151B SHIELD contract to support the Golden Dome missile defense initiative (a multi-layer system against missile threats).

It will deliver cybersecurity, AI, and engineering services while the company may expand into Huntsville as task orders are announced.

A new restaurant offering more than 30 fresh Indian dishes held its ribbon-cutting ceremony today at 845 West Linden Street.

Locals can soon enjoy authentic flavors in the modern space (highlighting a fresh take on classic cuisine).

Gas prices in the Lehigh Valley fell to $3.103 on Dec.

8 from $3.181 on Dec. 2, while the national average dipped below $3 at $2.945 according to AAA East Central. Lower crude oil prices and a shift in gasoline blends contributed to the drop.

At Whitehall-Coplay School Board's Dec.

2 meeting, newly elected directors Fehnel, Fonzone, Williams, and Shields took oaths and received certificates (with terms ending in 2027 or 2029). Fonzone was elected president and will soon appoint committee members, with the next public meeting set for 7 p.m. Dec. 15.

PASSHE is expanding its pilot program this spring at Kutztown, East Stroudsburg and Commonwealth University (Lehigh Valley) so students will gain hands-on work experience and industry credentials through faculty-designed projects linking classrooms with local employers.

Residents in Catasauqua spoke out at a Public Utilities Commission hearing on Tuesday — opposing PPL's proposed 7% rate hike on Dec.

1 — arguing it will worsen energy insecurity. The commission suspended the hike for seven months to gather testimony and decide by July 7.

Allentown planning officials granted final approval Tuesday for Manny Makhoul's proposal to build a 7-building, 180-unit apartment complex on a 16.5-acre site at 630 E.

Turner St — construction will start in spring.

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.

Gogol Bordello Concert

7-9 p.m. — Archer Music Hall — All ages welcome — Experience the energetic Gypsy punk music of Gogol Bordello live in concert.

Hershey Bears vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms

3:05 – 4:35 p.m. — PPL Center — Check website for ticket pricing — Celebrate New Year's Eve with an exciting hockey match between the Phantoms and Bears.

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.