Scranton Cultural Center Announces Free Jazz Ensemble Concert

Enjoy a concert given by the United States Air Force Heritage of America Rhythm in Blue at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 18 at 7:00 PM. This performance is part of a concert series the band is presenting across Pennsylvania and New York from March 15-19.

The concert is free and open to the public. Rhythm in Blue features the diverse talents of 14 professional musicians whose commitment to excellence has earned worldwide acclaim and military distinction. The band incorporates a wide repertoire of jazz and fusion, from big band swing to cutting-edge contemporary music. Their fabulous vocalist captures the sound of the great jazz standards and inspires with patriotic classics.

The United States Air Force Heritage of America Concert Band concert is sponsored by LT Verrastro and supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.

The concert will take place in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.  Concessions will be available for purchase.  Tickets are free to the public and are required for admission.  They can be acquired at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. Convenience charges may apply online or by phone.  For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2023-2024 Season is sponsored by Fidelity Bank and LT Verrastro and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and the Lackawanna County Office of Arts and Culture, and Commissioners Matt McGloin, Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak. A special thank you to its media partners: Allied Services, Audacy, Lamar Advertising, MAC Signs, The Times-Tribune and Times Shamrock Communications.

WHO:  The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple

WHAT: United States Air Force Heritage of America Rhythm In Blue Jazz Ensemble

WHEN: Monday, March 18 at 7:00 p.m.; Doors at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple

                  420 North Washington Avenue Scranton, PA 18503

TICKET PRICE: FREE!  Tickets are required.  Convenience charges may apply online or by phone

SBDC Hosts Fireside Chat with Black Women Business Owners

You’re invited to a Fireside Chat with Black Women Business Owners hosted by The University of Scranton SBDC and sponsored by NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator.

Connect, learn, and be inspired by incredible stories of resilience and success. Save the date: Thursday, February 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at The University of Scranton in The DeNaples Center, 4th floor, Room 405. This is an in-person event with no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

This event will feature a panel discussion with Q&A facilitated by Zakiyyah Smith, Business Consultant at The University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center. The panel features: Dr. Lendra James, DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC, Owner, Premier Infusions & Wellness; Tiffany Murphy, Owner, Gifts by Tiffany Murphy; and Amber Viola, Producer, Politics But Make It Fashion Podcast.

This special event is sponsored by NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator and co-sponsored by The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, Small Business Development Center, and The Office of Community Relations.

Settlers Hospitality to Host Chili & Wing Cookoff Return

It’s the hottest ticket in town! The Chili and Wing Cookoff returns to Silver Birches in Hawley on Sunday March 3, 2024. The event, hosted by Settlers Hospitality, brings together over 20 of the best chefs from local restaurants, schools, and organizations as well as talented home cooks. Contestants vie for the title of Best Chili and Best Wings during a heated competition at the Waterfront at Silver Birches.

The action begins at noon with the awards presentation slated for between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Contestants include local favorites such as Runaway Train Brewery, Draft’s Bar & Grill, Gresham’s Chophouse, The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Hop Baron’s and Paupack Watering Hole. A panel of guest judges will select the winners. In addition to bragging rights, first place winners receive a $100 cash prize and a trophy. Second and third place winners also take home a trophy. Everyone who attends gets a ballot for the People’s Choice Award and a chance to vote for their favorite dishes. The coveted title also brings a $100 cash prize for the winners plus trophies for first, second and third place.

A ticket entitles guests to sample each of the wing and chili offerings. Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for children ages 5-10. Silver Birches not only hosts the tasty competition, but also supplies each participant with 80 pounds of wings and all the cups, plates, spoons, napkins, and wet naps necessary for service, at no charge. All proceeds from the Cookoff benefit the Settlers Cares Foundation, which aids local hospitality employees in times of crisis.

“Chili and Wing Cookoff is a signature event for us. We are delighted to host this fun, community gathering and be able to support a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts,” states Settlers Hospitality Owner/CEO Justin Genzlinger. Attendees may buy a chance for a 50/50 raffle, which will also aid the hospitality employee crisis fund.

Settlers Hospitality, Bold Gold Media Group, and Runaway Train Brewery sponsor the Chili and Wing Cookoff. Tickets are $30 and are available at the door. Call 570-226-4388 for more information or visit SilverBirchesResortPA.com

Keystone Mission Worship Night Brings in All Walks of Life

Over the weekend, Keystone Mission opened its Scranton facility for a night of song and fellowship among guests and the local community.
Keystone Mission opened their doors for food, fellowship, music and the Gospel message from special guests, Livingsong.

Livingsong is a nationwide traveling worship band, whose mission is to bring the Gospel to the least, the last, and the lost. Their ministry includes volunteering in recovery support programs, emergency shelters, and correctional facilities by leading worship, and giving a gospel presentation. This event was a time for guests facing homelessness to gather in a familiar place and be a part of something different that is not always available to them.

“Bringing together guests, staff and community members, eliminating the line of giver and receiver in the name of Jesus Christ and worship. This platform serves to remind us that community finds its strength in the harmony of compassion and shared humanity,” says Lasha Wyman-Klein, Scranton Program Director.

“Beyond the myriad of daily services we offer in Scranton and during designated nights for Code Blue, this event served as an opportunity for individuals of our community to come together,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. “The message in song and the spoken word was uplifting, and those who attended left feeling refreshed and renewed about the hope that still exists in our world through Jesus Christ.”

Keystone Mission would also like to thank Minooka Pastry Shop, Cuppa Cake Café, and Gerrity’s for their food donations for the night.

Misericordia University College of Business Hosts Event Series

Are you or someone you know interested in the business world or becoming a business major? Misericordia University’s College of Business is holding an event series on current business topics and practices. This event is an overview of the Federal Reserve and current research on economic inclusion. It is an excellent opportunity for your students to enhance their knowledge, ask questions, and get inspired!

On Friday, February 23rd, from 12:20 to 1:30 pm, Dionissi Aliprantis, Assistant Vice President and Director of the Program on Economic Inclusion Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, will speak to the students in the Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, McGowan Room.

This event is free, and registration is required. Please RSVP at: https://www.misericordia.edu/academics/academic-colleges/college-of-business/college-of-business-event-series

Donate Non-Perishable Food to United Neighborhood Centers

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted the Mardi Gras Business Card Exchange at Urban Co-Works on Wednesday, February 21. Chamber members networked, toured the facility, and ate great food. The Chamber and Urban Co-Works partnered to collect non-perishable food items from Chamber members to support the United Neighborhood Center pantry. Chamber members are encouraged to continue supporting UNC by donating directly to the organization.

Through collected efforts of The Chamber and members like FNCB Bank, UNC was gifted non-perishable food items to stock their pantry. You and your business can continue to support UNC and other nonprofit members in the greater Scranton community by donating directly to them. Search for fellow members and see how you can help them.

Marywood University Schedules Experiential Learning Days in March

Marywood University is hosting several experiential learning days in March for prospective undergraduate students. These special exploration days, designated for specific areas of academic interest, allow students a more in-depth look at the learning and career opportunities within each discipline. In March, three programs—social sciences, science, and nursing—will offer special days for students to discover more, participate in learning activities, and meet faculty, including the following:

Saturday, March 2, Social Sciences Department Day, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Nazareth Student Center: Are you passionate about understanding human societies, seeking justice, or delving into the depths of history? Spend a Saturday at an event designed for students with an interest in social sciences, including criminal justice, history, pre-law, and sociology. The event features interactive workshops & seminars, campus tours, networking opportunities with current students, faculty, and successful alumni, and admissions and financial aid sessions. To register, go to admissions.marywood.edu/register/SocialSciencesDay24.

Monday, March 4, Scientist for a Day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Center for Natural and Health Sciences: This fascinating opportunity offers students a glimpse into the world of scientific exploration, discovery, and innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to perform experiments in environmental science, immunology, microbiology, and anatomy. Future scientists in attendance will also gather information on career paths in the science field. To register, go to admissions.marywood.edu/register/ScientistDay24.

Thursday, March 7, Nurse for a Day, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center: Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in first aid training, simulation, and nursing lab activities. The event also includes meetings with faculty and current students. Register by February 29 at: admissions.marywood.edu/register/NFAD.