Northampton Press

Modeling their unique sweaters are the winners in Northampton Area High School's ugly sweater day contest. From left are Zane Sebesta (Best Seasonal Sweater), Zach Penrose (Best Embellished Sweater), Kelly Thoma (Best Embellished) and Dakota Zimmerman (Best Everyday Sweater). The student council sponsored the event to promote some fun and school spirit before the holiday break. Winners received a gift card to either Starbucks or Subway.

The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Board of Governors recently approved the awarding of the 2013 - '14 discretionary grants to 22 non-profit organizations that were awarded $147,000.

Discretionary grants were awarded in three of the foundation's six areas of grant-making: arts, culture and heritage, education and environment.

Included in the grants awarded were proactive grants totaling $25,000.

Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum Assistant Director-Chief Curator Jill Youngken presents a slide lecture, "New Year's Celebrations at the White House," 1 p.m. Dec. 28, at the museum, 432 W.Walnut St., Allentown.

On New Year's Day, President Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of standing in what is known as the Blue Room and shaking hands with every visitor.

Information: lehighvalleyheritagemuseum.org, 610-435-1074

St. Luke's University Health Network has received national Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation as an Integrated Network Cancer Program (INCP) from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons (CoC), one of only two health care networks in Pennsylvania to receive this distinction, and one of only 51 health care networks nationwide.

"Cancer is a very complex disease requiring multidisciplinary care," said Lee B. Riley, MD, PhD, FACS, Medical Director, Oncology Services, St. Luke's University Health Network.

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors has approved the investment of $342,378 in support of regional economic development.

Ben Franklin announces the following early-stage company investments that are provided to clients in the form of loans. Here are companies in the Lehigh Valley Press circulation area:

Cerora Inc., Ben Franklin TechVentures, Bethlehem. Ben Franklin Investment: $100,000. Finalize software and hardware, and commercialize a cloud-based, medical-grade, neuro-diagnostic solution.

Mandudebro, 8 p.m. Dec. 27: "Mandudebro Saves Christmas," Blast Furnace Room, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. 610-332-3378

The Associated Mess, 8 p.m. Dec. 26, Blue Cinema, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema, ArtsQuest Center, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. 610-332-3378

"Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland," through Dec. 29, The Pines Dinner Theatre, 448 N. 17th St., Allentown. 610-433-2333

Deadline for Lehigh Valley Stage is 10 days prior to the Wednesday publication date. Email: Paul Willistein at: pwillistein@tnonline.com

An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $17,500 in contributions to the State Theatre's quest to purchase a new main stage curtain for the historic hall, bringing the total raised to date to more than $37,000.

The goal for the "Curtain Call Campaign" is $45,000 and plans are in place for a Spring 2014 rising.

"Once again, the community has demonstrated its affection for the State Theatre," said Shelley Brown, State Theatre President & CEO.

The non-profit State Theatre Center for the Arts, Easton, announced the year-end gift campaign in November.

Traditions of Hanover Independent Living, 5300 Northgate Drive, Bethlehem, near Wegmans, off Route 512, is holding its "Holiday Extravaganza Open House," 2 - 4 p.m. Dec. 29.

Entertainment is provided by Glenn Miller; Alison Simpson, harpist, and Evelyn Michaels, pianist.

There will be culinary delights prepared by Traditions chefs.The event is free and open to the public.

RSVPs are not required, but appreciated. Call Megan at 484-893-6034.