Coopersburg Tree-Lighting, Photo Benefit for Pets, School Board Meeting: This Week

Sunday, Dec. 1

9 a.m., Community Outreach Benefit fundraiser begins, Good Earth Grains & Creamery, 23 S. Main St., Coopersburg. Support COB, an organization that raises money for families in Coopersburg and the surrounding communities who are struggling financially due to overwhelming medical issues. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature a Gingerbread House Contest sponsored by Good Earth Grains & Creamery. Kits available for purchase (reg. price $10, but while supply lasts, $6.99). Return your decorated house the week of Dec. 1, and by 8 p.m. Dec. 6, to be unveiled at the Coopersburg Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7. The decorated houses will then be displayed until the winners are announced Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Get your family and friends to vote by making a monetary donation to COB. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top three winners. Details are posted online at www.cobcares.org and on Good Earth's Facebook page.

Tuesday, Dec. 3

7 p.m., Southern Lehigh School Board meeting, Southern Lehigh High School conference room, 5800 Main St., Center Valley

Wednesday, Dec. 4

12:30 p.m., Scam and Identity Theft Prevention Presentation, Capital Blue Store, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, 2848 Center Valley Parkway, Center Valley. Learn about current scams and how not to become a victim. Light refreshments and an information take-home bag will be provided. Register online at www.capitalbluestore.com or call 855-505-2583. Free. The event is cosponsored by Capital Blue and Millbrook HomeCare Partners Inc.

Thursday, Dec. 5

6 p.m., Kiffle-Making Demonstration, Saucon Valley Community Center, 323 Northampton St., Hellertown. Expand your baking repertoire to include kiffles with the help of pastry chef Alice Totenbier. This live demo will begin at 6 p.m. and include fresh samples and many to take home. The cost is $18 to attend and the deadline to register is Monday, Dec. 2. Call the community center for more information: 610-838-0722.

Friday, Dec. 6

Noon, Photo Benefit to Help Feed Hungry Lehigh Valley Pets, Doggy Dao & Cat's Meow, 1238 Main St., Hellertown. You and your pet are invited to join the store for a "Give and Get" charitable event to benefit the Lehigh Valley Animal Food Bank. Give a $20 pet food donation from any store and get a wealth of gifts. Take home a complimentary professional portrait of your pet by renowned local photographic artist, Melanie Powell. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while your pet samples healthy treats. Note: Event repeats at noon on Saturday, Dec. 7.

6:30 p.m., Celebrate Recovery, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 5900 Old Bethlehem Pike, Center Valley. Celebrate Recovery is a ministry designed to help hurting people. Trained leaders provide safe, confidential, Christ-centered groups where people can grow.

Saturday, Dec. 7

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Minsi Trail Flower Club's 22nd annual Christmas Open House, Springfield Historical Church School, Route 212, Pleasant Valley. Shop for unique crafts and baked goods (including the society's famous kiffles), and enjoy displays. Free to attend.Note: This event repeats Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m.

5 to 8 p.m., Coopersburg Fire Co. Tree-Lighting, State and Main streets, Coopersburg. Join the fire company to start this holiday season with fun activities for the whole family. Events will include horse-drawn carriage rides ($15 per rider; RSVP by calling 610-282-4376), historical society museum visits, CASME train layout visits (5:30 to 8 p.m.), photos with Santa at the fire station (5:30 to 8 p.m.), ice sculpting (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), the music of the Fireside Fiddlers (6:15 to 6:45 p.m.) and a performance by the Southern Lehigh Intermediate School Chorus (7:45 to 8 p.m.). Also enjoy hot cocoa, hot dogs, chili and desserts (proceeds benefit the fire company).

Photo credit: Doggy Dao & Cat's Meow