Good morning, Bethlehem.

Fourteen local churches raised $45,000 on Sunday at Neffs Church Grove, more than doubling their $20,000 goal to help clear about $6 million in medical debt for residents.

Organized by Union UCC, the fundraiser featured free food & live music from The Pour Boys.

At Coca-Cola Park on Tuesday, about 500 fans gather for IronPigs Recovery Night, a celebration of sobriety, hope, and family in a safe, alcohol-free setting.

Local non-profits + event organizers offer educational tables and a mock teen bedroom to promote recovery awareness.

Freshpet’s 216,000 sqft cold storage facility nears completion in Bethlehem industrial park near I-78 & will open by year-end to improve refrigerated pet food distribution.

The project strengthens local pet food manufacturing and supports growth in the Lehigh Valley.

The Blueberry Festival at Burnside Plantation continued Sunday with live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, pony rides, and pie eating contests despite a stormy start Saturday.

Organizer Beth Beatty said crowds were high and treats like blueberry desserts delighted visitors (Logan won his third pie eating contest).

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. won three awards from the International Economic Development Council for its Annual Report, Fall Signature Event & Economic Development Organization of the Year honor.

The awards recognize its efforts to create jobs and attract investment in the local economy.

Bethlehem Area School District Superintendent Dr. Renato M.

Lajara began his role this week after being chosen in May to replace Dr. Jack Silva. He moved to the area with plans to build on the community’s strong educational foundation so students feel safe and supported.

Thomas Arahill began his Laboratory Tester Apprenticeship at Evonik through iTEC after completing studies at LCTI and now works at the Innovation Hub in Upper Macungie Township.

His progress is part of local efforts to build advanced manufacturing skills that support the region's growing economy.

State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola announced that Northampton Community College received $401,907 + Lehigh Carbon Community College received $1 million for dual credit programs that let high school students earn both college and high school credit.

The funding was part of a $7 million statewide initiative to boost educational opportunities.

Today, PHFA released its first PHARE Semi-Annual Progress and Impact Report – it outlines funding and progress numbers for affordable housing projects from over $450 million in investments since 2012.

The report is meant to help community leaders track local housing initiatives.

The Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. is acquiring land for future expansion fully funded by community fundraising and grants while fire tax dollars continue to cover current apparatus needs.

Officials say the new site will offer the space required for larger modern equipment when construction begins.

The State Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved easements yesterday to protect 2,645 acres on 31 farms in 20 counties (including Lehigh and Northampton) as Pennsylvania invested over $10.2 million to secure farmland for local agriculture.

The PA Department of Aging expanded its free PA Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Legal Line to support kinship caregivers statewide.

Grandparents in Bethlehem can call SeniorLAW Center (1-877-727-7529) for legal advice on custody and dependency issues.