Lackawanna County Commissioners Encourage Donations for Ukraine

As we all know, there is a horrific war going on in the Ukraine. St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church is organizing a drive for medical supplies and monetary donations to help the military and the citizens of the Ukraine.

Items requested are: toilet paper, non-perishables, diapers, pain medicines (Advil, Tylenol), gauze, bandages, and any other basic first aid items.

If you wish to donate the medical equipment, it can be dropped off at the church on 430 N. 7th Avenue, Scranton.

The supplies and monetary donations will have to be submitted by Friday, March 4, at 9 a.m. A shipping airfreight company in Philadelphia will leave Saturday and will land in Poland. The supplies will then be sent to the Ukraine over the weekend.

Monetary donations are also accepted. You can Venmo Olena Shemchuk at @Olena-shemchuk with your donations. ALL the proceeded will go directly to where they are needed the most. 

PIAA District II High School Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Championships Presented by Allied Services

The PIAA District II High School Basketball Championships presented by Allied Services are set for this weekend at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township.

The Championship game schedule is as follows:

Thursday, March 3rd

4:00 p.m. Susquehanna (Home) vs Forest City (Away) – Girls – 1-A

6:00 p.m. Dunmore (Home) vs Scranton Prep (Away) – Girls – 4-A

8:00 p.m. Holy Redeemer (Home) vs Riverside (Away) — Boys – 3-A

Friday, March 4th

4:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Elk Lake (Away) – Girls – 2-A

6:00 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Area (Home) vs Hazleton Area (Away) – Girls – 6-A

8:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs North Pocono (Away) — Boys – 5-A

Saturday, March 5th

12:00 p.m. Western Wayne (Home) vs Riverside (Away) – Girls – 3-A

2:00 p.m. Holy Cross (Home) vs Old Forge (Away) – Boys – 2-A

4:00 p.m. Dallas (Home) vs Mid Valley (Away) — Boys 4-A

6:00 p.m. Pittston Area (Home) vs Abington Heights (Away) – Girls – 5-A

8:00 p.m. Scranton (Home) vs Williamsport (Away) – Boys – 6-A

Sunday, March 6th has been reserved for any weather-related cancellations.

Ticket prices for the District II finals at Mohegan Sun Arena are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are on sale now at the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena or online at Ticketmaster.com. Fans are encouraged to buy online to help get in the venue as fast as possible. Tickets sold online are mobile tickets only and are subject to additional convenience fees. Parking fees are included with the ticket price. Tickets are valid for all games scheduled on that day as long as you stay inside the venue. There is no free re-entry. If you choose to leave following a game and wish to return for another game you must pay the full ticket price. District II Gold passes will not be honored at Mohegan Sun Arena for the District II Championships.

Game programs will be available at the door courtesy of Allied Services with program donations going to support the rehabilitation of pediatric patients within Allied Services.

The PIAA District II committee and Mohegan Sun Arena would like to thank and acknowledge the following event sponsors: Allied Services, Price Chopper Market 32, McCarthy Tire, Luzerne County Community College, NBT Bank, Skyzone Pittston, NEPA Elite Basketball, Keystone College, Red Robin, Community Bank, N.A., Chacko’s Family Bowling Center, Pepsi and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

ASM Global reminds everyone attending events at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza to please adhere to the new hygiene and security policies in place consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance for the safety of all participants, guests and employees at the arena including:

  • Face coverings are optional for all guests no matter vaccination status
  • Guests do not need to show physical proof of being fully vaccinated

If a guest is experiencing any of the following, we ask that you stay home:

  • A guest who has COVID-19 symptoms.
  • A guest who has a COVID-19 test result pending.
  • A guest who is under a healthcare provider’s care for a positive COVID-19 test.
  • A guest who has been exposed to COVID-19 (unless fully vaccinated).

ASM Global reminds fans coming to this weekend’s events to please adhere to the security policies in place for the safety of all guests and employees at the Mohegan Sun Arena. These new enhancements include walk-through metal detectors at every arena entrance and a clear bag policy permitting fans to bring their personal belongings in a clear tote not to exceed 12”x12”x6’. Purses, backpacks and diaper bags are no longer permitted inside Mohegan Sun Arena.

PLEASE NOTE: Mohegan Sun Arena is now a cashless venue. As part of our commitment to a contactless guest experience, all concessions sales inside Mohegan Sun Arena are now cashless transactions. We accept all major credit cards and mobile pay. The NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena will accept cash and credit cards for event ticket purchases. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online to avoid any delays in purchasing tickets at the gate when attending a game. For more information about this policy, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com/policies.

For additional information about this event, please visit www.mohegansunarenapa.com or www.piaad2.org. For additional information about Allied Services, please visit www.allied-services.org.

The University of Scranton Announces March Events

Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. 

Mar. 1     5 p.m. Lecture with Q&A via Zoom – “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?” The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project’s second theme, “The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding.” Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu. 

Mar. 3     noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Linneaus’ Legacy: Corrupting Color to Serve Discrimination and Exploitation” presented by Kathy Johnson Bowles, executive director of the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 3     4:30 p.m. Lecture on “The Future of Catholic Education: Challenges and Opportunities” by author Fr. James L. Heft, founding president of the Institute for the Advancement of Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California. Presented in honor of the Ignatian year, the lecture is hosted the Jesuit Center and the College of Arts and Sciences. Moskovitz Theater. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu 

Mar. 4-6    8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “A Good Farmer” by Sharyn Rothstein presented by The University Players, co-produced by The Jesuit Center. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4353 or email players@scranton.edu.    

Mar. 14     noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Remarkable Tale of Law, Politics, and Religion: The Making of Kiryas Joel, a Hasidic Town in Upstate New York” presented David N. Myers, Ph.D., Sady and Ludwig Kahn professor of Jewish history at UCLA and director of the UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy, and Nomi Stolzenberg, founder and co-director of the USC Center for Law, History and Culture. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 21 through Apr. 29        Art Exhibit: “Shinnecock Sites and Portraits: Photographs by Jeremy Dennis.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 22     7 p.m. Public Dialogue on “Freedom and Our Founding: What do they mean for us today?” The event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project’s second theme, “The U.S. Citizen and the American Founding.” Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.   

Mar. 23     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring The University of Scranton Performance Music students in solo, duo, trio and small ensemble performances. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 24     noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Window Into the Presidency: The White House Tapes and Their Meaning” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall or remote. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 26     9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2026. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 29     4 p.m. Jay Nathan Lecture Series: “Iceland: History, Culture, Environment” presented by Her Excellency, Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir of Iceland. Cultural performance and reception to follow. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Reservations encouraged. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.  

Mar. 30      Time TBA. Lecture by Neal Thompson, author of “The First Kennedys.” Book signing immediately follows lecture. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.  

Tobyhanna Army Depot Warfighter of the Quarter

Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) honored one of its own Saturday night for outstanding service as an Army Soldier.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Frank E Boehme, Jr. of the 109th Infantry Regiment out of Easton, PA – and a member of the TYAD workforce – was recognized as the first Warfighter of the Quarter of 2022 during a ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Penguins Military Appreciation Night event. The award, which celebrates the bond between TYAD’s employees and the warfighters they support, has been presented to over 35 deserving military members from across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Boehme’s commanding officer, Lt. Ryan Joyce, nominated him for the honor, noting the Sergeant’s extraordinary commitment to his fellow Soldiers.

“SFC Boehme is by far the most skilled and professional Platoon Sergeant that I’ve worked with. He lives by Soldier first and mission always.”

Kelvin Spencer agreed.

“SFC Boehme serves as a premier role model for Soldiers and Noncommissioned Officers across the Army. He consistently sets the example for all to follow and demonstrates commitment to the Army Values, to the Warrior’s Ethos and he superbly represents our country’s military force of the future,” he said. Spencer is the chief of Tobyhanna’s Electronics Fabrication Division and leads the Tobyhanna chapter of the Association of the United States Army. He also served as depot Sergeant Major from 2009 to 2012.

Open and honest communication is a priority for Boehme, who cites General Colin Powell as one of his leadership influences.

“General Powell famously said that the day Soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you stopped leading them. I work hard to ensure my team knows that I care and will do anything I can to assist them.”

Boehme also noted that his career achievements would not have been possible without the love and support of his family.

“Whenever it was time to pack up my duffle bags and leave, I knew that things back home were going to be okay – whether it was for a weekend, a few months or for a yearlong deployment. My parents and my family always step up and cover down during my absence so I can stay focused on my Soldiers and my mission.”

Coworkers and depot leadership similarly laud Boehme’s performance.

“Frank continuously provides exceptional service, whether it is as Soldier or civilian,” said Jason DeMatteo, chief of the Law Enforcement Branch.

Boehme says his years in uniform have given him a unique appreciation for the role Department of Defense civilians play in national security.

“I feel tremendous gratitude to the entire Tobyhanna team for their efforts to make life easier for warfighters on the battlefield.”

Boehme enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in January 2004 and deployed twice to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A highly decorated Soldier, he has been honored with the Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), an Army Achievement Medal with two OLCs, the Armed Forces Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four OLCs, and the Combat Infantryman Badge – among other impressive accolades. He is a member of the Order of the Combat Spur (Gold) and is the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice Medallion.

The Warfighter of the Quarter award is a TOBY2028 Connecting with the Community initiative. The long-range strategic plan aligns with the depot’s four strategic focus areas: Investing in Our People, C5ISR Readiness, Shape the Future and Strategic Communications; and aims to posture the organization for future success.

6th Annual Winter Blues Guitarmageddon Postponed

Due to weather disruptions and travel restrictions, the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 6th Annual Winter Blues Guitarmageddon featuring Joe Louis Walker with King Solomon Hicks, Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen and the Deb Callahan Duo scheduled for tonight at 7:00 PM has been postponed and will be rescheduled for Sunday, March 27 at 6:00 PM.

All tickets for tonight’s performance will be honored at the rescheduled date. Patrons can contact their original point of purchase or the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office at (570) 344-1111 with any questions.

Railfest to Return to Steamtown National Historic Site

Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) is pleased to announce the return of Railfest on Saturday-Sunday, June 11-12, 2022.  This year’s celebration will be offered in partnership with the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum’s Arts on Fire event at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. Both sites are excited to be collaborating to provide an interactive and immersive experience showcasing our community’s history. New for 2022: there will be no cost of admission for the event!  

Details are still being ironed out for the weekend-long event which is expected to include activities such as an iron pour, live music, arts programming, and more! Updates will be forthcoming. Stay informed by visiting www.nps.gov/stea or @SteamtownNHS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Learn about the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum by visiting www.anthracitemuseum.org or @AnthraciteHeritageMuseum on Facebook and @AnthraciteMuse on Twitter.