Community Calendar

11-week in-person or virtual program provides information while addressing the needs of grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

Pinebrook Family Answers (PbFA) popular Grandparents Group psychoeducational support program begins on Wednesday, February 19th and runs through April 30th. The one-hour classes begin at 11 am, open to the community, virtual or in person. The 11-week program provides support and resources for grandparents, non-custodial caregivers and guardians who are raising children. Topics include understanding legal terms and processes; refining parenting skills, understanding child-developmental stages and positive discipline; building relationships through effective communication skills, intrapersonal connections, and conflict resolution; helping kids process trauma; and much more.

In addition to the educational information provided, the goal of the group is to provide opportunities for members to connect with each other, lessen feelings of isolation and create community that can extend beyond our group setting. The meetings are run in English with one facilitator who is Spanish speaking. To register or learn more, please call 484-387-1623 or email grandparents@pbfalv.org.

Guests are invited to celebrate the launch of a locally filmed and produced movie, “The Retailer,” at HiJinx Brewing Company in Allentown on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. “The Retailer” short made its first run on the independent film circuit and captured several awards in 2022. Now, a feature film length version is scheduled to start filming at locations around the Lehigh Valley in the next few weeks. The April launch party will feature movie swag, raffles, prizes, food and drink specials, and live music. There will also be opportunities to meet the cast and production team.

“The Retailer,” classified as a horror thriller and dark comedy film, is about a vengeful young woman (played by actress Nia Vega) who works in a coffee shop and extracts revenge after receiving multiple customer complaints that forced her to attend anger management classes to keep her job. Actress Syd Stauffer plays the role of a highly regarded therapist who is tasked by the coffee shop to help their troubled employee deal with her anger issues in the workplace. After spending time with the employee, the therapist begins to discover similarities with her new patient's aggressive behavioral traits and the plot takes an unexpected twist.

Jared Haas, writer and director, is a filmmaker from the Philadelphia region and a 2005 graduate of Kutztown’s well-respected media program. Haas first wrote “The Retailer” in 2021 and is looking forward to leading his team at Posterboy Productions LLC when filming begins on the full-length version of the film.

“Many moments of this dark comedy are focused on public behavior, societal pitfalls, and current trends, particularly in the retail landscape, which will provide a nice contrast to the serious psycho thriller vibes that are presented throughout the film,” said Haas.

Other local players involved in the film include producer Dr. James R. “Doc” Ogden, owner of consulting firm, TDog LLC; director of photography, J.B. Earl; and a cameo appearance by well-known local actor and writer, Daniel Roebuck. Attendees can expect live musical performances by singer/songwriter Jess Novak and Scott Sterling throughout the 4-hour event.

90 World Class films of every description plus live music and parties packed into America’s most charming Victorian town. It’s a destination event like no other!

For our 8th incredible season, we are proud to invoke the rebellious spirit of the Molly Maguires, inviting the boldest, most defiant filmmakers to screen their work, shatter convention and inspire spirited debate.

And once again, we will join forces with Philly-based music collective, GREAT CIRCLES, who'll be bringing you the freshest talent as part of our LIVE MUSIC program.

The 8th year of JTIFF is guaranteed to be bigger and better than ever, so strap yourself in and get ready for a thrilling ride.

JTIFF dates are May 1-4, 2025 at the Mauch Chunk Opera House 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229.

Lenny Kaye & ADRIFT – May Day at the Sherman Showcase
Local guitarslinger legend Lenny Kaye and his band ADRIFT return to celebrate May Day on Thursday, May 1st at the Sherman Showcase! Taking full advantage of the holiday spirit, Lenny and the band will be recording two live songs during the set for their upcoming debut LP, slated for release later this year.
So come out, support your locals, and get into some cool, weird, bluesy, pseudo-jazzy, goth-prog-ish garage rock with Lenny and the lads: Christian Menses of Filthtraction on bass and Steve Truglio on drums. It’s gonna be a night to remember—don’t miss it!

WDIY is pleased to partner with Recovery Partnership presenting the 10th Annual Lehigh Valley Mental Health Awareness Walk and Resource Expo for a day of hope education, awareness and support! on Friday May 2nd from 9am to 2pm at the Daniel Rice Memorial Field in Bethlehem. The day will include a 1.2 mile awareness walk through downtown Bethlehem, a resource expo with over 70 local businesses and human service agencies, Family friendly activities and games, lunch and T-shirts for pre-registered attendees.  For more information or to register lehighvalleymhwalk.org or 610-861-2741.

Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring the lively world of frogs and pond life at Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary! Hike the trails, search the ponds for frogs and fascinating macroinvertebrates, and meet some of our amphibian education ambassadors up close.

After our pond exploration, gather around a cozy campfire to share your discoveries while roasting marshmallows for delicious s’mores! It’s the perfect way to end a night of adventure in nature.

We’ll provide the equipment, and nature will provide the excitement—just be sure to dress for the weather. Whether you're a curious kid or an amphibian enthusiast, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Questions? Contact Nicole Landis at Nlandis@wildlandspa.org.

Please register on-line at: https://engage.wildlandspa.org/calendar/event/277.

Featuring works for choir and orchestra, Lehigh University Choral Arts presents a concert of music that questions the nature of life and provides comfort. Repertoire includes the tumultous Insanae et vanae curae by Franz Joseph Haydn, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel's Hiob, and a comforting psalm setting by her brother, Felix Mendelssohn. Sarah Frook Gallo, director; Liz Olson, associate director.

The Easton House Tour Committee, in partnership with the Easton Main Street Initiative, through GEDP, holds an annual Spring Historic House Tour. This annual event provides funds for the preservation of historic buildings and for the continuation of Easton cultural events.

In recent years House Tour proceeds have provided grants for each of the following:

- Restoration of the stained-glass at the 7th street Cemetery Chapel

- Building grant to the Third Street Alliance

- Funds towards the restoration of Easton's Peace Candle

- Contribution for restoration work at Safe Harbor

Our alliance with Main Street will direct the balance of tour proceeds to the work of Main Street's Design Committee, including paintings, public art, and clean initiatives.

The House Tour is run entirely by unpaid volunteers and is underwritten by the generous donations of local businesses and corporate sponsors. The Tour draws 800-1000 people each year.

In recent years House Tour proceeds have provided grants for each of the following:

• Restoration of the stained-glass at the 7th street Cemetery Chapel
• Building grant to the Third Street Alliance
• Funds towards the restoration of Easton's Peace Candle
• Contribution for restoration work at Safe Harbor

They're alliance with Main Street will direct the balance of tour proceeds to the work of Main Street's Design Committee, including paintings, public art, and clean initiatives.

Twenty-six artists partner with the Nurture Nature Center to explore the importance of the natural environment around us through a multi-media exhibit.