Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 8th of November.
Good morning, Bethlehem.
Local shops will offer handmade treasures at the Fall Vendor Craft Fair at Macungie Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today+ organizers have planned a basket raffle to support small businesses+.
Local organizers have set a series of Veterans Day events in the Lehigh Valley, with Warren County hosting a recognition ceremony on Nov 8 at the War Memorial and Bethlehem celebrating veterans through the Salute the Troops concert at Northeast Middle School on Nov 9—other ceremonies by LVHN, St. Luke’s and groups in Easton, Williams Township and Wilson Borough will follow on Nov 10 and Nov 11 to honor those who served.
The ongoing government shutdown has cut SNAP benefits and dropped sales at Lawrence Park & Go as customers lose food assistance.
Owners Sonny and Rose Nouri said they will keep their store stocked to serve neighbors in need—fighting the economic challenges small businesses face.
Roxy Theatre at 2004 Main St. is hosting the Open World Animation Festival through Nov.
9 — the event shows 14 animated shorts from the U.S. and abroad that explore themes like love, nature, and human rights. Organizers have also added nine virtual reality films in the theatre’s lobby — tickets start at $5 and day passes cost $10.
JuxtaHub—a new Lehigh Valley arts and innovation center in Emmaus—opened its ceramics studio on Oct.
14 with eight pottery wheels and two kilns, where local artists Deb Slahta and Lisa Caruso led classes for beginners and in wheel throwing. The center will offer additional workshops and courses in 2026 that blend traditional techniques with digital tools to boost creative projects.
The Lehigh Valley Zoo welcomed its first female cria with a rare, dark fleece just before Halloween, and the baby alpaca is growing quickly while nursing with its mom.
Visitors can see the family near the porcupine exhibit — staff are asking for name suggestions on Facebook.
Notre Dame High School in Bethlehem Township broke ground Friday morning on a new Academic Field House to replace an outdated 1970s building.
The three-story, 40,000 sq ft facility will serve all students with classrooms and athletic spaces when it opens in the 2026-2027 school year (after raising $8.2M in community support).
Elaine Jones works at Lehigh's Rathbone Dining Hall where she greets students with a smile and gives them nicknames like (Barbie) to help them feel safe and seen.
She has served since August 2021 and uses her kind words to support students far from home.
On Friday, Pennsylvania and New Jersey announced changes for SNAP as Gov. Shapiro said pending funds will be restored by midnight and food pantries have seen record numbers.
In New Jersey, officials confirmed benefits are fully funded so SNAP households will soon see the credits on their EBT cards — a move to promptly return aid to those in need.
Lehigh County will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the new Treatment Trends Slatington Outpatient Center on Friday, November 14 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.—the facility will reduce long travel times for rural residents by offering outpatient addiction treatment services at Venue 22 on Main St in Slatington.
Six St. Luke’s University Health Network hospitals were honored by the Hospital and Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania for achieving low infection rates based on 2024 data, with the Bethlehem Campus recognized every year and the Anderson Campus earning its fifth consecutive award. Officials said the awards underscore the network’s steady focus on safe patient care — a key factor in its top state ranking.
Attorney and marathon runner Henry Fletcher completed his race with his father-in-law Jay French cheering him on (captured on a video along the route).
French's encouraging words praised Fletcher’s steady pace and his commitment to both his running and family life.
Liberty sophomore Elizabeth McClarin won a 13th place state medal at the PIAA Class 3A State Cross Country Championships in Hershey on Nov 1 with a time of 19:15—she fought through heavy traffic after starting in the middle and moving up from 112th after a half mile in a race of 238 runners.
Lehigh's wrestling team is seen as possibly its best in years after standout Luke Stanich won an under-20 world championship this season.
Returning wrestler Sheldon Seymour said the Mountain Hawks will aim to secure 10 NCAA champions or win a team trophy at the NCAA championships in Cleveland in March — a key goal for the squad.
Postmodern Jukebox Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience today’s pop hits reimagined in the classic styles of legendary musicians.
The Snowbird Golf Tournament
Participation welcome — 3604 Farmersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA — Entry fee may apply — Hit the greens in the community's winter golf tournament.
Damon Sumner Stand-Up Comedy Show
8-10 p.m. — Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks — $21 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Damon Sumner as he shares hilarious stories and observations from his life.
Chiodos Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Sands Casino And Hotel — Tickets from $81 — Enjoy an electrifying performance by Chiodos at the Wind Creek Event Center.
Le Nozze di Figaro
4-5 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Experience the comedic and dramatic brilliance of Mozart's masterpiece through talented young artists.
2025 Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Payrow Plaza — Free entry — Experience the magic of Christmas with twinkling lights, festive carols, and a chance to meet Santa.
LKV November Open House
1-5 p.m. — Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum — $8 admission, children under 12 free — Immerse yourself in a vast model railroad display depicting the Lehigh Valley from the 1950s to 1970s.
Follett Factory & Product Training
Dec 2-5 — Follett Products, LLC — Registration required — Experience the latest and safest ice products in this exclusive training session.
Free Dental, Vision, and Medical Services
6 a.m. — Northeast Middle School — Free services — Access essential health services including dental, vision, and medical care at no cost.
JOHNNYSWIM Concert
7-9 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Johnnyswim as they celebrate their new album 'When The War Is Over'!
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