Misericordia University’s Nursing Department to Host 100th Anniversary Gala Celebrate a century of nursing excellence on May 8, 2025, at The Woodlands Inn & Resort as Misericordia University’s Nursing Department marks its 100th anniversary. You’re invited to an elegant evening featuring hot appetizers, a pasta station, live piano music, nursing memorabilia, basket raffles, and a commemorative 100-Year Nursing Pin. Tickets are $100, with proceeds supporting the Donna Ayers Nelson Scholarship, which benefits future nursing students. Don’t miss this meaningful milestone—register today
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to Welcome Jaleel White at 90’s Night Jaleel White, famously known for his iconic role as Steve Urkel on the hit 90’s sitcom Family Matters, is set to headline the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders 90s Night on August 2 at PNC Field. The RailRiders host the Nashville Sounds at 6:05 P.M. and White will be on hand for a guest appearance. The acclaimed actor, writer, producer, author, comedian, and father, will have a VIP Meet & Greet prior to first pitch before availability to the fans in attendance. Growing up on the screen, White starred as Steve Urkel for nine seasons on the ABC Friday night sitcom. He is currently the host of CBS’s hit game show, The Flip Side, which was just renewed for a second season. White is coming off of an impressive 2024 with the success of his new show, the release of his best-selling book “Growing Up Urkel” and a leading role in the new Star Wars series Skeleton Crew on Disney +! White recently starred in The Big Show and HUSTLE, both on Netflix. He also famously voiced Sonic the Hedgehog, starred in Big Fat Lairs, just to name a few! He has guest-hosted The View, What the Truff and Jimmy Kimmel Live! with Arsenio Hall. White is frequently seen on 25 Words or Less and Pictionary. Upgrade your throwback with the Ultimate 90s Night Experience, including the VIP Meet & Greet, a Geisinger Champions Club seat for the game and an autographed copy of White’s best-seller “Growing Up Urkel” for only $75 per person. The Ultimate 90s Night Experience is limited to 30 tickets, so act fast! Immediately following the RailRiders game against the Sounds on August 2, DJ Hersh will fire up the way back machine to rock the Geisinger Plaza with all the best hits from the 1990s in a post-game dance party!
Lackawanna Historical Society to Host Photo Scanning Do you have precious family photographs or crumbling documents you’d like to preserve? The Lackawanna Historical Society is partnering with “photo archaeologist” Cheryl Kaiser to host a special scanning day fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join us for this opportunity to preserve your cherished family memories and support the work of the Lackawanna Historical Society! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/LHSScanDay to schedule your 15-minute appointment and purchase a $30 scanning day bundle. This will include your personal appointment with professional hi-resolution scans of up to 10 photos or documents with minor image adjustments to enhance clarity and quality. Your scans will be securely delivered into a private, complimentary Forever digital account, with a guide to get started organizing and maintaining your digital archive. If you have more than 10 photos, additional items can be scanned for $1 each. A portion of the fee for the bundle and additional items will be donated to the Society. If you’re busy, you can sign up for the “short on time” option to drop off items at the Catlin House and pick them up the following week. To register for Scanning Day, go to https://tinyurl/LHSScanDay. For more information, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
Mohegan Pennsylvania to Host Special Dancing and Open Mic Nights Mohegan Pennsylvania is about to turn entertainment up a notch with special Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights in May and June. Breakers and Embers Terrace will be hosting the line dancing while The Hive Taphouse will feature open mic nights. These events are free and open to the public though guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests are invited to giddy up with Red Dirt Road Line Dancing at Mohegan Pennsylvania, even if it’s their first rodeo! This Country music experience starts with a one-hour lesson led by instructors with more than 10 years of line dancing experience, followed by another hour of open dance. Embers Terrace is set to host Red Dirt Road Line Dancing from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, May 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, May 17th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Sunday, May 18th, and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, June 5th. Breakers will get in on the line dancing action on Saturdays, June 7th and 14th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Open Mic Night at The Hive Taphouse is going to be the new highlight of guests’ Fridays! Those in attendance can showcase their skills in comedy, music, poetry, or anything in between. Sign-ups for 15-minute time slots will begin at 8:00pm, and performances will run from 8:30pm to Midnight. Open Mic Nights at The Hive Taphouse will take place every Friday night in May. From amateurs to more seasoned entertainers, all are welcome to attend! For additional information on Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights, visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
Waverly Community House Presents the 2025 Waverly Waddle The Waverly Community House is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, the Waverly Waddle, taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Participants of all ages are invited to join this morning of camaraderie, exercise, and community spirit. The event will feature a 5K Run and a 2-Mile Walk, welcoming both competitive runners and casual walkers alike. The race will be professionally chip timed by Second Wind Race Timing. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in various categories. Local businesses and organizations are invited to support this community-centered event through sponsorship. Sponsors will gain valuable visibility with a loyal local audience while demonstrating their commitment to community engagement. To learn more about the Waverly Waddle, click here.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Hosts Derby Day Extravaganza at Pocono Downs With the 151st Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is gearing up for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day Extravaganza! Beginning at 10:00am, this annual event will provide guests with an opportunity to indulge in delicious bites from popular food trucks, try various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, experience live harness racing, participate in a Hat Revue for a chance to win up to a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card, and join in on a promotion where guests can win up to $1,000 in free wagers. Refreshing beverages being served at the Derby Day Extravaganza include Coors Light, Modelo, Party on the Patio Lager with Lime, Twisted Tea, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can also enjoy the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps! Those looking to grab a quick bite can head over to the Burger Bus and Eat Up Now food trucks, where a variety of mouthwatering options will be available. Guests can also stop by the Best Cigar Pub booth, located outside near the Winner’s Circle, where a selection of freshly rolled cigars will be available for purchase. Specialty juleps will also be available for purchase at Breakers, Crafty Stir, Embers Terrace, The Hive Taphouse, Latitudes, Molly O’ Sheas, Pearl Sushi Bar, Rustic Kitchen, and Sunset Bar. For a full list of flavors, guests can visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website. The Hat Revue is set to return, and guests have an opportunity to compete for lucrative prizes! Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in the Racing Lobby. Top prizes include a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to those named “Best Couple” or “Group Themed Hats”. Winners of the “Most Classic Derby Hat” and “Most Creative Hat” categories will each receive a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, divine dining choices and other incredible offerings across the property. Beginning at 10:00am on Friday, May 2nd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania will accept advanced Kentucky Derby wagers in Simulcast and tellers will be available to assist. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, May 3rd, Simulcast will be self-service and available for all tracks with live meets (including Churchill Downs) throughout the day. The upper-level Pacer’s Clubhouse will also have live tellers at the betting windows. Additionally, guests can wager on live harness racing, which is set to take place from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers. Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is holding a promotion where guests who wager $100 or more with a teller on any race will receive one entry for every $100 wagered. Guests must place these entries into one of the 20 boxes located in the Racing Lobby based on who they think will win the Kentucky Derby. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. At the conclusion of the race, four winners will be selected out of the corresponding boxes of the official top four finishers. The selected first-place box winner will receive $1,000 in free wagers valid for Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17th. Second – fourth place winners will receive $500, $250 and $100 in free wagers, respectively. Following the Derby Day Extravaganza, the party goes on at various venues across the property. Wilkes-Barre native Bill Hoffman will be playing solo acoustic rock music from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at Embers Terrace, Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar will feature a Piano Night with Lee Strubeck from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Breakers will have Light up the Moon playing a show like no other from 8:30pm – 12:30am, and The Hive Taphouse will feature Reel in the Years playing all the 50s, 60s, and 70s to current day favorites from 9:30pm – 12:30am. Additionally, guests can play their favorite slots and tables games for their chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash and Free Slot Play with the “You’re Off to The Races” promotion! From now through Saturday, May 3rd, guests will receive one entry for every Status Point earned. Those who play on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the designated time period will receive 10X entries! On Saturday, May 3rd between 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:30pm – 10:00pm, there will be two winners chosen every 15 minutes to select a rose and reveal a prize up to $5,000 cash. Guests must activate their entries each hour by playing slots or table games with their Momentum card. The Derby Day Extravaganza is an all-ages event. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID) is required to access 21+ areas. Expired identification will not be accepted. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.
Lackawanna Historical Society’s Local History Game Show Returns this Spring The Lackawanna Historical Society’s local history game show will return on Saturday, May 3 at 6 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm) at the Art Haus, 301 Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. The public is invited to play along with the contestants to answer fast-paced Jeopardy-styled questions about Lackawanna County History and cheer on our teams as they compete to be the 2025 “Local History Legends of Lore”! This is the 16th year that the Lackawanna Historical Society has worked with students from Valley View and Riverside high schools to research county history, create local trivia questions, and design game boards for this program. The students also act as the gameshow hosts. Our goal is to offer a program that both entertains and educates. It’s entertaining in that we present a program each spring where individuals compete before a live audience. Its educational on a few levels: first in that we work directly with the students during the school year to teach them about our county’s past and encourage them to read local history publications, tour local museums, visit county libraries and browse online resources; then we invite 16 individuals from throughout the county to brush up on their local history knowledge in order to compete as contestants, the audience also learns as the play along. This year’s contestants include defending champions from Fancy Parsley architectural firm Mike Muller and Chris Chilek; the 2022 & 2023 champions Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA and Gerard Hetman, Community Development Specialist at NeighborWorks; Riverside Elementary East Principal Dave Walsh and former Riverside High Principal Joe Moceyunas; Taylor Borough Mayor Loni Kavulich and her gameshow bestie Sara Walsh; Judge Margie Moyle and State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski; Lackawanna Historical Society Trustee Jack Shean and his dad,Tim; and gameshow favorites realtor Mike Taluto, and artist Denis Yanashot. This program is supported in part through funding from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. Tickets for the games show are $10 ($5 for students) and can be purchased at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lackawanna-historical-society/you-live-here-you-should-know-this-game-show For more information, please contact the Society.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Ribbon-Cutting at New Home The Scranton Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate its new permanent home at the historic Century Club of Scranton. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and its continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor and acknowledge the generous donors, community partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in making this move possible. Their contributions have ensured the preservation and renovation of the iconic Century Club building, which now stands as a pillar of community philanthropy and collaboration. This new location will enable the Foundation to enhance its philanthropic services, increase its on-site services for nonprofits, host community events, and convene stakeholders to address critical regional issues. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m., with remarks and ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club of Scranton, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA. Activities: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Open House Tours, Legacy Wall Unveiling, Refreshments, and Acknowledgements “This new space represents more than just a building. It is a historic landmark that will forever serve as the heart of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is part of our commitment to serving the community, fostering collaboration, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It also reinforces our role as a charitable resource for philanthropically minded individuals, families, and businesses who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration of community and the power of collaboration. Reflecting on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70-year history, we see this milestone as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities for philanthropy in Northeastern PA. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who made this vision a reality. As we enter our 71st year, we invite continued support to fully realize this legacy,” stated Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, Board Governor and Platinum Pledge Campaign Chair. Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Board of Governors added, “We are grateful for the generous gift of the Century Club. Thanks to a $2 million investment in renovations through our Platinum Pledge campaign, we have preserved its rich history while ensuring it meets the needs of our community for generations to come. This project reflects our commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.” Donations to the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Century Club campaign can be made online at 70.safdn.org. Naming opportunities are available, offering a unique way to leave a legacy and honor loved ones. Photo: The Century Club of Scranton building located at 615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, is now the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s permanent home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, and supporters to attend this special event. It is an opportunity to tour the newly renovated space, learn about the Foundation’s mission, and celebrate the individuals and organizations that made this transformative move possible. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House is a free event open to the community. RSVP online by visiting www.safdn.org. Photo: A glimpse inside the newly renovated historic Century Club of Scranton building at 615 Jefferson Avenue, now the permanent home of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 18, 2025. Photo credit: Fancy Parsley
Scranton Jazz Festival 20th Anniversary Show Tickets Now Available for Sale Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Scranton Jazz Festival, Tower of Power performs on the Main Stage this summer! Tickets on sale now for this special concert! Now in its 20th year, the Scranton Jazz Festival will celebrate a milestone in its history with three days of live jazz, blues and world beat music, August 1 to 3 in Downtown Scranton. Pennsylvania’s world class jazz festival will feature the iconic funk and soul band Tower of Power on the Main Stage at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple (SCC). Tickets for the performance are on sale now at www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California. “East Bay Grease,”their debut album released in 1970,defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. In 1972, their “Bump City” albumwas a hit on the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart yielding some of their most famous hits, including “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The band’s popularity continued to soar with the release of “Tower of Power” in 1973 featuring hits “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?” Tower of Power will perform at the Scranton Jazz Festival as the Main Stage Act at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. with an 8 p.m. show time. Tickets start at $45.65. A limited VIP Sound Check Experience package is available for $178.80. The package includes access to Tower of Power’s sound check, a photo with the band, and a concert ticket. For tickets, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. In addition to Tower of Power, the festival lineup includes the Emmy-nominated Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band in concert and performances by more than 80 national, regional and local swing, jazz, blues and world beat musicians. Reminiscent of a New Orleans style festival, the event takes place in more than 20 venues throughout Downtown Scranton, featuring a Jazz Walk on Friday and Saturday nights and Jazz Brunches on Sunday. More details will be released soon! The Scranton Jazz Festival is made possible through partnerships with Blu Elefante Events, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, First Friday Scranton, Lackawanna County, and Scranton Tomorrow, and with the generous support of sponsors and media partners. For tickets and more information, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org and follow Scranton Jazz Festival on Facebook and Instagram. History of the Scranton Jazz Festival The inaugural Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) was held in 2005 at Hanlon’s Grove Amphitheatre in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. After a major snowstorm damaged the facility in 2007, organizers moved the event to the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Downtown Scranton. The festival later expanded to include live music at the Radisson and in dozens of venues throughout the downtown. Presented in August, the 3-day festival features the finest international, national and regional jazz, blues and world beat artists. The event draws audiences from the entire Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in tremendous notoriety and exposure to the international jazz world. The SJF contributes to the region as a cultural epicenter, spreading the arts throughout the northeast much like festivals in other parts of the country do, such as Newport, Rhode Island; Saratoga Springs, Florida; and Monterey, California. SJF is an annual tribute to Scranton’s rich history in jazz, which dates back to the 1930s. Jazz legends Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey performed regularly with the famous Scranton Sirens Jazz Band. The greater Scranton area is also credited with hosting the first known recorded jazz festival, “The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz,” in 1951. Festival organizers aspire to carry on this rich tradition while the event becomes a recognized contributor to the world of jazz, blues and world beat music in its own right. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, SJF is made possible with support from sponsors and partners, and an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers. As a result of their dedication, the festival has remained a high-quality musical event that entertains and inspires festival goers while supporting the region’s economy with a boost in tourism to the city. It is the hope and desire of everyone involved with the festival that it will continue for decades to come. To learn more, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power For 57 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music. “We were a Soul band called The Motowns,” recalls Emilio Castillo. “Rocco was the bass player, I was there, and my brother was the drummer. I met “Doc” Kupka back in 1968 and gave him an audition. He came in the band, and we eventually changed our name to the Tower of Power.” The reason for the band name change was that they had a specific goal in mind. East Bay Grease defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. Bump City, their 1972 debut for the label, was a hit on both the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart and netted them the hits “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The 70s were a boom period with radio classics like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?,” and the band continued to tour and record over the years. Castillo says their love of the stage is the same today as it was back in 1968. Fifty years later, in 2018, they returned to Oakland to celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary. Tower’s window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit has been a balm for the soul throughout their half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The band has long since surpassed Castillo’s modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they’ve defined an “Oakland soul” sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo’s hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia. The future of Tower of Power is set out to be vigorous and dynamic and will prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the band’s groove just the way Tower of Power likes it! To learn more, visit towerofpower.com.
