Scranton Shakespeare Festival Presents Sondheim Get ready to be swept away by the magic of musical theatre as the Scranton Shakespeare Festival brings you an intimate concert featuring some of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved and iconic anthems. Performers will transport you to a world of drama, romance and pure joy through song – from “Send in the Clowns” to “Being Alive.” So reserve your seats and get ready to tap your toes, hum along, and experience the unforgettable music of one of the greatest composers of our time. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event that is sure to leave you singing all the way home! Performances will take place at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM at The Shake Space in the Marketplace at Steamtown. General admission price is $30.00. Premium ticket option is available for $60.00 Premium ticket holders will enjoy priority seating and an invitation to attend a reception at 5:45 p.m. (post the 3 p.m. performance/pre the 6 PM performance) with a Sondheim-inspired fare (The Witch’s Garden Crudité, Bobby’s 35th Birthday Cake, Mrs. Lovett’s Meat Pies, beverages and more) as they mingle alongside the talented performers. Stephen Sondheim, under the tutelage of a family friend, Oscar Hammerstein II, studied musical theatre. In the early 1950s, Sondheim wrote scripts in Hollywood for television. After returning to New York City, Sondheim made his first significant mark on Broadway as the lyricist for Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, which opened in 1957, and then wrote the lyrics for Gypsy (1959; music by Jule Styne). A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum—based on comedies by the Roman playwright Plautus—opened on Broadway in 1962, with music and lyrics by Sondheim and won the Tony Award for best musical. Two years later, however, his Anyone Can Whistle closed after only nine performances. Sondheim focused solely on shows in which he wrote both music and lyrics. He won Tony Awards for best score for Company (1970), on contemporary marriage and bachelorhood; Follies (1971), a tribute to early 20th-century Broadway that includes many pastiche songs; A Little Night Music (1973; film 1977), based on Ingmar Bergman’s film Smiles of a Summer Night (1955); and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979; film 2007), a macabre tale set in Victorian-era London. and Merrily We Roll Along (1981), adapted from a 1934 play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. Sunday in the Park with George (1984), a musical inspired bythe painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by pointillist Georges Seurat. Sondheim and Lapine paired again for Into the Woods (1987; film 2014), which deconstructs and interweaves the plots of familiar fairy tales, and Passion (1994). Assassins (1990) explores the lives of nine historical characters, such as John Wilkes Booth, who either assassinated U.S. presidents or attempted to do so. He also notably wrote five songs for the movie Dick Tracy (1990), winning an Academy Award for “Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man).” The Cast of Performers Include:T.J. CapobiancoMadelyn CaseyRen CementinaNina CollariniAgnes CummingsSimone DanielEstella DeJesusJulie DzikowskiVictoria Rose FerentinoMichael Bradshaw FlynnJahsier GilletteKelly Jean GrahamColin HolmesBurke Michael HutchinsonTierney Violet JoyceJeremy and Jillian KemmererErin MalloyMaura MalloyLaToya MartinViolet Dawn MartinMichele Conaboy McGrathStephen MurphyTheodore NovakAbby OlanderJuliana PilletsGiana PorfanoLorenzo PuglieseBrielle SchelandIsabella Rose SnyderBillie Aken TyersNadja TomaszewskiJohn Roman VachinoAlanna Yeugelowitz Proceeds for this fundraising event will go towards ScrantonShakes’ twelfth season of FREE professional theatre. For tickets and more information visit www.ScrantonShakes.com.
NRCI Receives City of Scranton Grant The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute recently received a $50,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) wellness grant from the City of Scranton. Funds will support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Community Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. The Navigation Program is a cancer screening initiative focused on education, barrier reduction and facilitation of screenings for breast, cervical, colon and lung cancer targeting low income un/underinsured residents of the City of Scranton and surrounding areas, while connecting or reconnecting all participants to a medical home to ensure ongoing preventative care. “Cancer screening rates plummeted during initial Covid-related shutdowns and continue to fluctuate and remain below pre-pandemic levels. Covid-19 also exacerbated existing inequalities in cancer screenings that disproportionately affect certain segments of the population. Funds from this grant will provide critical support towards efforts to close screening gaps and assist those in need ready access to potentially life-saving cancer screenings,” said, Laura Toole, Executive Vice President at the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. This funding was awarded as part of the City of Scranton’s open applications for community wellness programs for a targeted population, in the targeted neighborhoods in City of Scranton (within the Qualified Census Tract).
Johnson College’s SCNAVTA Raises Money for Local Animal Rescues Johnson College’s Student Chapter of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (SCNAVTA) raised money for local animal rescues. Students in the organization sold Gertrude Hawk chocolate bars both in person and online during the 2022-23 school year. Through their fundraising efforts, the organization raised $1,000 for both the NEPA Pet Fund & Rescue as well as the SPCA of Luzerne County. Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing program works closely with these local rescues to provide care to animals while obtaining hands-on learning opportunities. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is a dynamic community of credentialed veterinary technicians dedicated to advancing the profession of veterinary nursing through advocacy, awareness, and professional development. The student chapter of the organization (SCNAVTA) enables students to experience the responsibilities that go along with being a member of a profession.
The Scranton Cultural Center Presents Disney Junior Live on Tour Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza today announced the tour will stop by the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on September 20 at 6:00 PM. The show is presented by Magic City Productions and the Scranton Cultural Center. Launching Friday, September 1, the tour will embark to more than 70 North American cities This follows a successful national tour last fall. Audiences can dress up for a fun-filled experience featuring characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and other hit Disney Junior series including: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Doc McStuffins, the Puppy Dog Pals, and Bo from “Firebuds.” This year, the live show will also welcome the adorable superhero kittens from new action-packed hit series, “SuperKitties.” The three-time Pollstar nominated (2019, 2020, 2022) Disney Junior On Tour has visited hundreds of cities and sold over a half million tickets. Spotify Fans First presale begins today, May 9 at 12:00 PM. Presale for Disney Visa Cardmembers and Disney Junior, Marvel, Spider-Man, and Disney Music Group social media followers (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter) begins May 10 at 10:00 AM. A venue presale runs from May 11 at 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM that is exclusive to SCC Email Subscribers. Tickets go on-sale to the general public beginning May 12 at 10:00 AM. VIP packages will also be available for pre-show opportunities including premium seating, exclusive merchandise and character experiences. In “Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza,” Mickey, Minnie and their pals are getting ready to throw a huge costume party but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey help save the Costume Palooza? The show is geared toward Disney Junior’s most beloved super fans and offers an immersive, interactive concert experience that includes singing, dancing, 3D special effects and acrobatics with cirque-style performances including incredible trampoline routines from renowned acrobatic director John Brady. The live show is written and directed by Amy Tinkham and produced by Jonathan Shank of Terrapin Station Entertainment. Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza features songs from several popular Disney Junior series and the original song “Green Gobby Party,” written by “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” composer/songwriter Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy). “Green Gobby Party” and the full playlist from “Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza” can be found here. “Our 2022 tour broke attendance records, and we are excited to bring this year’s tour to over 70 cities across North America,” says Jonathan Shank, producer and CEO of Terrapin Station Entertainment. “Audiences love these characters and we can’t wait to share new surprises for all the eager Disney Junior fans,” says Shank. “We are thrilled to have the hit series “SuperKitties” debuting for the first time as part of the tour. The energetic world of Kittydale makes the perfect addition to the show alongside Mickey, Spidey and their favorite Disney Junior pals.” says Jennifer Rogers Doyle, senior vice president, Networks Franchise Management, Integrated Planning, Licensing, Disney Entertainment. Parents can go to DisneyJuniorTour.com to get more information.
Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Music Series Right on cue, Settlers Hospitality announced the return of its beloved summer music series. The highly anticipated events begin Memorial Day Weekend with Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Blues, Brews and BBQ at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen. Jazz on the Deck gets things swinging on June 7 at The Settlers Inn. Beginning July 1, Hotel Anthracite launches its monthly Rooftop Concerts. Lakeside Live at Silver Birches ResortSoak in the good vibes every weekend at Captain Wally’s Cocktail Cove with Lakeside Live. On Saturday and Sunday, talented musicians perform live on the lawn overlooking Lake Wallenpaupack at Silver Birches. Visitors may indulge in snacks, salad and sandwiches from Captain Wally’s while listening to the tunes. Boaters can order Dock and Dine from The Dock on Wallenpaupack and enjoy a meal from the water. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. The lineup features local favorites such as Strange Brew, Greg Kondrat, Secret Reasons and Sean O’Flynn. Blues, Brews & BBQ at Ledges HotelBlues, Brews and BBQ has become a summer tradition in the Poconos. Each Sunday from 6-9 p.m. through Labor Day renowned blues musicians perform live at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen overlooking Paupack High Falls. Guests may enjoy classic barbecue specials paired with local craft brews along with the restaurant’s full menu. Wallenpaupack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ kicks off May 28 with a performance by Lighten Up Band. June’s lineup includes Merchants of Groove (June 4), Jaketown Road (June 11), The Barn Cats (June 18) and Scott Weis (June 25). July kicks off with Teddy Young and the Aces (July 2), Rich and the Jumpstarts (July 9), Bobby Kyle (July 16), Norman Taylor (July 23) and Strange Brew (July 30). August brings performances by Gary Rixner (Aug 6), Dan Brother Band (Aug 13), Randy Lippincott and Joey “Hot Box” Simon (Aug 20) and Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen (Aug 27). The series concludes Labor Day weekend when Bobby Kyle returns for a performance (Sept 3). Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers InnJazz on the Deck is a signature summer event at The Settlers Inn. The series draws professional performers whose credits range from Broadway and the New York cabaret scene to international jazz festivals. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of musicians entertains from 6-9 p.m. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden or choose a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail service. The highly anticipated series begins June 7 with The Andrea Wolper Trio. The music continues with Hang ‘em High (June 14), “All That Jazz” with Michelle Oram (June 21) and Jack Mead and the 3rd Street Band (June 28). Robert Kopec and Liza Doolittle get things started in July with a performance on July 5. That is followed by The Gypsy Jazz Quintet (July 12), The Gabrielle Tranchina Quartet (July 19) and The Craig Graham Trio (July 26). August brings performances by Judi Silvano (Aug 2), The Gary Rixner Trio (Aug 9), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 16) and The Robert Kopec Quartet (Aug 23). Spencer and Nancy Reed headline a special Friday night Jazz on the Deck (Aug 25) to coincide with Wally Lake Fest. Thos Shipley closes out Jazz on The Deck on August 30. Rooftop Concerts at Hotel AnthraciteSummer music in Carbondale hits new heights with the long-anticipated return of Rooftop Concerts at Hotel Anthracite. Once a month, popular bands will perform on the upper deck of the hotel’s parking garage. The summer party atmosphere will be accented by food and drink specials available to purchase. The series launches on July 1 with Northeast PA favorite Jeffrey James Band. The show from 6:30-9:30 p.m. is followed by Carbondale’s Fourth of July fireworks display giving concertgoers a front row seat to the pyrotechnics show. “Our distinctive properties set the stage for an unforgettable experience, whether you’re overlooking the flowering gardens at The Settlers Inn, dining beside the falls at Glass, enjoying the urban street party setting of Hotel Anthracite or sitting on the lakeshore at Silver Birches,” explains Justine Genzlinger, CEO/Owner, Settlers Hospitality. “Stunning venues, delectable food and crowd-pleasing music, it’s really the perfect recipe for a quintessential summer evening.” Visit SettlersHospitality.com for more information.
Scranton City Pride Returns Every year, volunteers help to preserve and enhance the beauty of Scranton through Scranton City Pride cleanups, plantings and beautification projects. A project of Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania and United Neighborhood Centers (UNC) of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this year’s program will be held June 2 -11 in every section of the city. Learn how you can join the cause! Visit ScrantonCityPride.org. Register a Team/Project
Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center Golf Tournament 1st Annual Ritz Theater and Performing Arts Center Golf Tournament Fundraiser to benefit the Creative and Performing Arts Academy’s children in theater. Join us for a great day for the game of golf…and all for a great cause: the arts and education! Proceeds benefit artistic and educational endeavors of the Ritz Theater & Performing Arts Center, home of the Creative & Performing Arts Center. DATE AND TIME: Shotgun Start May 20, 2023 @9AM-3PM LOCATION: Rock Creek Golf Course, 2783 PA-374, Nicholson, PA 18446 Questions? Contact us smelcher@ritzpac.com / 570.252.4156 TICKETS: 4-man Captain and Crew format. Sign up your team of 4 for $260 ($65 per person). Person registering will be considered team captain and will be contacted with any changes or questions. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. INFORMATION: Gather around donuts and coffee in the clubhouse to go over rules. Snacks and beverages will be available throughout the game. There will be a dinner to follow. Event will include prizes, raffles, games, and more.
Lackawanna Pro Bono Golf Tournament Lackawanna Pro Bono’s annual golf tournament is a fun networking event open to the public! Proceeds support LPB’s mission to provide free legal help to Lackawanna County residents who have serious civil legal issues and nowhere to turn.
The Greater Scranton YMCA Offering Tips to Keep Kids Safe The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to jump into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.“As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA annually teaches more than 1,250 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities.”As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all. Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions. Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child findstheir friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the waterto try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpowerthem, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the“reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them tosafety. By using this technique children can help their friend without compromising theirown safety.To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs, please contact LeslieKopa, Aquatics Director, at (570) 828-3112 or lkopa@gsymca.org.
The Dime Bank Celebrates Their Indian Orchard Branch The Dime Bank celebrated their Indian Orchard branch at 1055 Texas Palmyra Highway, Honesdale, PA, its newest addition to the community bank’s branch network, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 27, 2023. This new branch brings personal banking with universal bankers and high-tech solutions to the community. The Dime Bank universal bankers are cross-trained to take care of all customer needs in one place. They act as a dedicated personal financial assistant, helping to simplify the financial complexities of life. The branch offers an iPad kiosk for customers to log into their online accounts as well as a drive-up ATM, which brings 24/7 high-tech convenient access to funds. Additionally, The Dime Bank is committed to enhancing our communities by supporting our aspiring entrepreneurs and business customers with an Entrepreneurial Center located at this new facility. The Dime Bank Entrepreneurial Center offers customers a comfortable and secure environment with a variety of technological resources. Space can be reserved at www.thedimebank.com/entrepreneurial-center. Moreover, The Dime Bank’s Customer Care Center (CCC) is in this building. The CCC offers customers telephone assistance with a live, knowledgeable, local care team. Telephone assistance is available after branches are closed and on weekends, for the hours and phone number, visit: www.thedimebank.com/ways-to-bank. This location also hosts The Dime Bank’s Support Center with back-office departments including information technology, digital banking, retail support, fraud, bank security, deposit operations, loans, human resources, marketing, compliance, training, and facilities management. The Dime Bank staff were available at the celebration to give tours of this state-of-the-art banking facility and answer questions. County officials and many customers of The Dime Bank were present to show their support. The community is invited to visit The Dime Bank Indian Orchard branch to meet the staff and discuss how The Dime Bank can help you meet your financial goals. The Indian Orchard branch offers customers access to trusted, dependable professionals who bring financial solutions to the community during these hours: Lobby Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon Drive Up Hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich expressed, “Branches are core to The Dime Bank’s business. In addition to catering to individuals with bank accounts and home loans, our branches also support businesses and non-profit organizations in the community. We’re excited that this new facility is not only a branch, but it offers an Entrepreneurial Center to expand the scope of solutions we offer to our customers. Our expert staff are available to provide the ultimate customer experience. Our mission to serve the financial needs of all continues to hold true as we strive to build strong partnerships for years to come. We thank you for your continued support and hope everyone will be able to take full advantage of this new advanced banking facility and all that we offer as a community bank. The Dime Bank’s commitment to provide quality financial solutions for our customers and our communities remains unchanged since 1905.”
