Lackawanna Historical Society Genealogy Forum Registration Now Open

The Lackawanna Historical Society’s Genealogy Forum is an opportunity to learn more about specific topics in family history research and discuss particular research tactics to uncover your family story.  These sessions are geared to those who are not new to genealogy research and who have a strong knowledge of their U.S. family history. In taking these courses, registrants should have an idea as to which places their ancestors are from in Europe.

Saturday, April 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Ireland and Scots-Irish Records with Barbara Spellman Shuta, Kate Bohan and Madonna Munley at the Lackawanna County Children’s Library Community Room

Saturday, May 10 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Poland with Tony Paddock at the North Pocono Library

Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Italy with Ann Marie Castelgrande at Council Chambers, 2nd floor of Carbondale City Hall

Saturday, July 12 from 10 am to Noon: Researching Carpatho-Rusyn Records with Natalie Asikainen at the Albright Memorial Library, Henkelman Room

August (date TBA) Researching Germany with Tom Price at the Valley Community Library

Saturday, September 13 from 10 am to Noon: Researching England and Wales with Tom Price at the Abington Community Library

These sessions are free, but advance registration is required. For more information or to register for these sessions, contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.

Johnson College Hazleton to Host Spring Open House

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

Party on the Patio is Back at Mohegan Pennsylvania!

Both new and returning tribute bands take the stage for 20 weeks of free, live entertainment beginning Thursday, May 1st
 

Mohegan Pennsylvania is excited to announce the return of the most popular and largest free outdoor concert series, Party on the Patio! The 16th year of this renowned outdoor concert series is set to kick off at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 1st and bring tribute band fans 20 weeks of can’t-miss live entertainment. Additionally, each week guests can indulge in delicious bites from one of Pennsylvania’s most popular food trucks. Doors open at 6:00pm and the bands get the party started at 7:30pm. There is no cover to attend Party on the Patio.

This year, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Concert Venue will feature both past fan-favorites such as Stayin’ Alive (a tribute to the Bee Gees) on Thursday, May 8th, Back in Black (a tribute to AC/DC) on Thursday, June 12th, and Philadelphia Freedom (a tribute to Elton John) on Thursday, July 10th. Plus, a few new bands will make their Party on the Patio premiere, including Crash My Party (a tribute to Luke Bryan) on Thursday, June 5th, Fame (a tribute to David Bowie) on Thursday, July 31st, and Stevie Mac (a tribute to Fleetwood Mac) on Thursday, August 21st.

The full list of featured bands* for Party on the Patio is as follows:

5/1/25:            52nd Street Band, a tribute to Billy Joel

5/8/25:            Stayin’ Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees

5/15/25:          Red Neck Castaway Band, a tribute to Kenny Chesney

5/22/25:          Super Trans AM, The Super 70’s Concert Experience

5/29/25:          Mamma Mania!, NYC’s Premier ABBA Tribute

6/5/25:            Crash My Party, a tribute to Luke Bryan

6/12/25:          Back in Black, a tribute to AC/DC

6/19/25:          Best of the Eagles, a tribute to the Eagles

6/26/25:          Jay Bon Jovi, a tribute to Bon Jovi

7/3/25:            Rubix Kube, The Eighties Strikes Back show

7/10/25:          Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John

7/17/25:          Bostyx, a tribute to Boston & Styx

7/24/25:          Completely Unchained, a tribute to Van Halen

7/31/25:          Fame, a tribute to David Bowie

8/7/25:            The Amish Outlaws, Pennsylvania’s Hottest Cover Band

8/14/25:          New York’s Finest, a tribute to the Police

8/21/25:          Stevie Mac, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac

8/28/25:          Idol Kings, a tribute to REO Speedwagon & Journey

9/4/25:            Draw the Line, a tribute to Aerosmith

9/11/25:          Motley 2, a tribute to Mötley Crüe


*Lineup subject to change

All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. Additionally, 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 is required (driver’s license, passport, military ID). Expired identification will not be accepted. Wristbands issued for Party on the Patio are not valid for the gaming floor. For the safety and security of guests and team members, bags and purses are limited to the following: small clutch purses not larger than 4”x6” or bags that are clear on all sides and do not exceed 8”x10”. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.

For more information about Party on the Patio, visit moheganpa.com/potp.

Scranton Cultural Center Tickets for The Rock Orchestra Out Soon

Tickets for The Rock Orchestra will be available on April 11 at 10am.

MEGA Events will present The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight on December 7 at 8:00 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.  The show will take place in the Weinberg Theatre and will feature an epic 90-minute concert, breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary rock and metal.

After mesmerizing audiences across Europe and the UK, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is set to electrify the USA once again. In ethereal candlelit settings, this band of 14 classical musicians unleash effortlessly enchanting melodies alongside powerful walls of distortion. Audiences will witness the unexpected union of classical music and metal.  The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight features top hits from iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rolling Stones, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, Linkin’ Park, SOAD, Guns N Roses, Evanescence, Papa Roach, The Cranberries and more.

The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 7:00 PM.  Tickets start at $62.80 including fees.  Prices are subject to change.  Tickets will be available for purchase on April 11 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Lackawanna College’s Spring Pop-up is Back

Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its magical Spring pop-up dining experience, Wisteria, set to open in April 2025. This one-of-a-kind event transports guests to a whimsical, enchanting garden where they will be immersed in an atmosphere filled with celestial floating lights, a mystical wishing tree, and an unforgettable array of delicious food, beverages, and desserts.Guests will be able to experience the wonders of Wisteria on the following dates:

April 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, and 30

May 1, 7, 8, and 14

Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the magic will continue until 10:00 PM each evening.

What makes Wisteria truly special is its role as a live classroom, where students from Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality and Marywood University’s School of Architecture collaborate to bring this magical experience to life. As a result, the pop-up not only delights visitors but also provides invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students.

“We’re incredibly proud of how our pop-up events, including Wisteria, have drawn thousands of visitors to Scranton and helped boost the local economy,” said Stephanie Decker, AVP of Advancement at Lackawanna College. “This initiative is an incredible way to showcase the talent of our students while supporting important programs on campus.”The funds raised from Wisteria directly support key initiatives at Lackawanna College, including:

  • Providing loaner laptops to students in need to ensure they have the tools to succeed academically.
  • Addressing food insecurity through the College’s on-campus food program, The Common Kitchen.
  • Supporting leadership development by offering $3,000/semester scholarships to third and fourth-year students in leadership roles.
  • Providing scholarships to students facing financial barriers to further their education.

Lackawanna College is now seeking sponsors for the 2025 Wisteria season. Sponsors will play a vital role in supporting the College’s initiatives and the future workforce. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, with benefits including exclusive event access, promotional visibility, and recognition on the College’s website and social media channels.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, please review the enclosed sponsorship materials or contact Stephanie Decker at (570) 241-6975 or deckers@lackawanna.edu.“Your support of Wisteria will have a lasting impact on our students and the greater Scranton community,” added Decker. “Together, we can continue to make a difference!”

Sponsorship Opportunities:

  • Granting Wishes Sponsor – $5,000 – Includes invitations to the opening night, complimentary drink passes, and extensive brand exposure.
  • Magic Maker Sponsor – $2,500 – Includes invitations to the opening night, drink tokens, and brand recognition.
  • Light Up a Life Sponsor – $1,500 – Includes invitations, company logo on menus, and event signage
  • Workforce Sponsor – $500 – Includes website and social media recognition.
  • Innovation Sponsor – $250 – Includes social media recognition.

For more information, contact: Stephanie Decker AVP of Advancement, Lackawanna College Phone: (570) 241-6975 Email: deckers@lackawanna.edu

UNC Announces Third Annual Designer Purse Bingo

Don’t miss out on the best bingo event of the year! United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is thrilled to announce its 3rd Annual Designer Purse Bingo, presented by Grimm Construction, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore. The doors open at 5:30 PM, and bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

This unforgettable night of fun, prizes, and community support will feature 20 bingo games, including 3 special bingo games, offering guests a chance to win amazing designer purses from Kate Spade, Coach, Tory Burch, and more. Additional purchases can be made for raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a gift card pull, and delicious refreshments throughout the evening. This 21+ BYO-B event invites guests to bring their favorite food and drink to enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends, family, and fellow bingo enthusiasts.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit UNC’s vital programs and services. Visit uncnepa.org/bingo to register. Be part of this exciting evening and support UNC’s mission to enhance the lives of those in need across Northeastern Pennsylvania!

Geisinger to Host Free Community Shred Events Across Pennsylvania

In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger will host free community shred events across northeastern and central Pennsylvania throughout the month of April.

Employees and members of the public are invited to bring any personal or professional confidential documents — such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms — to be securely shredded on-site and recycled.

Each person is limited to three boxes. Do not use bins for non-paper waste or garbage.

For more information, call 570-271-6030.

Community shred events:

  • Monday, April 7 – Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton, 7 – 11 a.m. 
  • Tuesday, April 8 – Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 11 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 East Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 14 – Geisinger Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 15 – Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 17 – Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 18 – Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Monday, April 21 – Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 22 – Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg, 7 – 11 a.m.
  • Friday, April 25 – Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 East Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, April 28 – Geisinger Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, Noon – 4 p.m.