Novelist Michael Palmer to Speak at Parkland, Open Jam Session at Grumpy's Thursday in South Whitehall

Here's what's happening Thursday in South Whitehall.

Get out the umbrellas again. A heavy rainfall and possible thunderstorm are forecast Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 78. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half- and three-quarters of an inch possible.

The owner of P.J. Whelihan's restaurant, 4595 Broadway, will present his development plans again at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board. The owner, who wants to raze the restaurant and build a larger one on the property, is seeking zoning relief on the parking lot setback and the buffer.

The owners of Chianti Italian Restaurant, 4558 Crackersport Road, want to install a small, outdoor patio dining area for 12 patrons and are seeking relief from a township zoning ordinance and will appear Thursday at the township Zoning Hearing Board.

Parkland Community Library's annual Summer Celebrity event at 7 p.m. Thursday will feature an appearance by Michael Palmer, M.D. author "Political Suicide," "Oath of Office," "A Heartbeat Away", "The Last Surgeon," "The Second Opinion" and many more. Palmer will sign copies of his books, which will be available for purchase. The event will be held at Parkland High School's forum room, 2700 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. The forum room is accessed through the center entrance and directly upstairs. An elevator is available. Please RSVP.  Contact: Maryellen, 610-398-1361; kanarrm@parklandlibrary.org

Get your kids moving with the "Get up and get moving with Capital Blue Cross" program from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the South Whitehall Township Administration Building, 4444 Walbert Ave. Contact: Hannah Killian, 610-398-136, x19; killianh@parklandlibrary.org

State Sen. Pat Browne will host a free Community and Family Expo from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Allentown’s Bucky Boyle Park, N. Front  and Gordon streets. The event will spotlights a variety of programs and services offered to families by Pennsylvania and numerous local organizations. Children will receive a free book, courtesy of Lehigh Valley Cops ‘n’ Kids. The first 400 kids who complete an educational passport will receive a free bookbag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Susquehanna Bank.

Grumpy's Bar-B-Que will host an Open BBQ Jam for independent and fledgling musicians to jam with professionals in front of an appreciative live audience. http://www.grumpysbbq.net/?event=open-bbq-jam-with-roman-2013-08-01