Northern Lehigh holds community events

The Northern Lehigh Recreation Authority, a multi–municipal authority supported by the boroughs of Walnutport and Slatington and Washington Township, has put together a diverse schedule of programs and events for this spring and summer that are available to Northern Lehigh residents.

Fitness courses

• Fitness programs began in early January at Peters Elementary School with Yoga on Thursdays at 6 p.m. The Instructor is Sharon Schnyder. The class runs weekly until March 5. Participants can pay a one-time fee or a drop-in rate per class.

• H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training) will pick up again on Wednesdays beginning March 4 and running until April 22. Classes are held at 6 p.m. at Peters Elementary School. There is a cost for the classes.

• Iyengar Yoga (Chair Yoga) runs year-round at St. Johns’ Lutheran Church on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. This class focuses on alignment, sequence and timing with the use of props. The Instructor is Melissa Vallone. There is a cost per class.

Strength & Stretch for Seniors (S.A.S.S.) continues at Diamond Fire Company on Mondays and Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m. This adult group fitness class combines getting into shape with fun and friendship. The instructors are Amy Hillanbrand and Tiffany Lakatosh. There is a per class fee. Discount punch cards are available from the instructors.

• Walk with Ease is back for another session at the Slatington Trailhead. This six-week session will meet Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon until 1 p.m., beginning April 27. WWE is an evidence-based program, through the Arthritis Foundation, that has been proven to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, improve balance, strength and walking pace and improve overall health. The instructor is Amy Hillanbrand. There is a cost for the program.

Outdoors events

Many outdoor activities and events are also planned for the winter and spring.

• A Nature Photography class led by local photographer, Alyssa Grimm, will be held on Feb. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Slatington Trailhead. Preregistration is required. There is a fee.

• Two snowshoeing classes will be offered during this month at the Covered Bridge Trailhead.

On Feb. 22, there will be a Family Snowshoeing program at 10 a.m. There is a fee per person.

On Feb. 29, there will be an Adult Snowshoeing program at 4 p.m. There is a cost. All equipment will be provided for both classes.

• NLRA will celebrate National Trails Opening Day with a Naturalist-Led bike ride of the Slate Heritage Trail and the Walnutport Canal North Spur, which will leave from the Slatington Trailhead. There is a cost per rider.

• On April 26, kids will be able to celebrate Earth Day with Wildlands Conservancy and their collection of frogs and salamanders. The event is free.

• The popular Community Night Hikes program will start the year on May 14 at 6 p.m. at Slatington Trailhead with a program and hike focused on raptors. There is no charge for the event.

Bulldog Summer Blast

• Registration has opened for the Bulldog Summer Blast Program. Formerly known as Summer Rec., the popular program will be at three locations this summer, Slatington and Peters Elementary Schools and a third, new location at Walnutport Park.

There will be seven weeks of fun, games, arts and crafts, swimming and trips. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, with Fridays being field days at Eagles Nest Park in Washington Township. An optional extended day until 4 p.m. is available at Slatington Elementary School only.

Other events

Several programs are in the works, with details still be finalized, including a Nutritious & Easy Cooking Class offered by Penn State Extension, which will be held on Thursdays at Vigilant Fire Hall, beginning in March.

A St. Patrick’s Day Doggie Hike on the D&L Trail that will focus on trail etiquette will be offered by Mannered Mutts Dog Training on March 15 and Adult Open Gym will return in April.

Check out Northern Lehigh Rec.’s website www.northernlehighrec.org or Facebook page for more information and prices.