National Night Out Against Crime Campaign with Scranton PD

The City of Scranton is proud to be presenting National Night Out Against Crime Campaign for 2023. The goal is to promote both law enforcement and community involvement in combating crime. This event invites the citizens of Scranton to come out and enjoy a safe and crime-free night in their community.

On Tuesday, August 1, at 6:00 pm the Scranton Police Department will celebrate a night out against crime at the Scranton High School with a large festival for every resident of Scranton to enjoy. Again, the Scranton Police Department, as well as other law enforcement and community service agencies, will provide displays of their programs for the residents to see and experience. The purpose of this event is to educate the community and provide citizens with information on services available to them as well as build community confidence and pride. There will also be refreshments and entertainment provided to all in attendance at no cost.

To present National Night Out, we need your help. These projects could not happen without the financial assistance and sponsorship of businesses and organizations within our community. If you would like to donate, any donations made to National Night Out are tax deductible. The advertising pledge will not be used as a political contribution or support political activity in any way.

If you would like to participate, the National Night Out Committee would welcome you or anyone from your organization to join us in the festivities at Scranton High School. Please feel free to attend and become involved in this great event. We will provide a station (table and chairs) so you may promote your specific organization to our community.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (570) 558-8304. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.

The Scranton Cultural Center Announces Christmas Show

Scranton Cultural Center and NAC Entertainment at the Masonic Temple are thrilled to announce that the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas show will be performing in NEPA this December for one night only, December 6th

This year’s show will feature classic Christmas hits from the Mannheim Steamroller holiday albums along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.  Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller,  will direct and co-produce tour performances with MagicSpace Entertainment.

Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, July 28 at 10AM, and will be available in person at the Scranton Cultural Center box office, and online at BroadwayInScranton.com.

Davis will celebrate over 35 Years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest-running concert tour in the entertainment industry!

Davis said the hallmark tour will begin on November 14th, 2023, and run through December 30th, 2023. Two traveling ensembles will hold performances in cities across the country.

“I remember when I came out with my first Christmas album in 1984 followed by our first tour.  Back then, many in the music industry said focusing on Christmas just wouldn’t work,” said Davis.  

“Now, over 35 years later, we are still going strong. I want to thank our fans for making us part of their holiday tradition, especially after the hardships of the last few years. Today we often see multi-generational families join us during the holidays each year.”

WVIA to Host Free Open House

WVIA, Northeastern, and Central Pennsylvania’s PBS and NPR affiliate, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of WVIA radio with an open house on Saturday, August 12, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will be held at WVIA’s headquarters in Pittston, Pennsylvania. This event is free for attendees. Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes long.

The open house will feature tours of the WVIA studios, demonstrations of WVIA’s production facilities, interactive sessions with WVIA staff, refreshments, and giveaways. There will also be a variety of activities for children, including educational and art activities and prizes. Children can participate in a “touch-a-truck” style tour of the WVIA production truck and meet Miss Debbie, the Clubhouse Mom. 

In addition to celebrating WVIA radio’s 50th anniversary, the open house will also be a chance for the public to learn more about the station’s history, programming, and community impact. This will only be the second open house in WVIA’s history. 

WVIA offers a wide variety of educational and cultural programming, including documentaries, children’s shows, local and national music performances, and news and public affairs programming. Over the past 50 years, WVIA has grown to include radio, television, and live programming, and now includes on-demand streaming services and its own in-house news team. WVIA television channels include WVIA TV, WVIA PBS Kids 24/7, and WVIA Create. WVIA’s radio channels include WVIA Radio, WVIA Arts, and the Chiaroscuro Channel. 

“We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary with the community and our members,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA’s President & CEO. “We want to thank our viewers and supporters for their continued dedication to WVIA. We look forward to many more years of serving the region and providing the public with enriching and entertaining content.” The WVIA open house is free and open to the public, however, tour spaces are limited so registration is required. For more information or to register for this event, visit the WVIA website.

Scranton Tomorrow to Host Deck the Downtown

Summer specials are heating up in Downtown Scranton! In honor of July as Independents Month, we’re encouraging everyone to Deck the Downtown and celebrate Christmas in July! From July 22 through 29, participating Downtown Scranton businesses will offer special promotions. It’s all the fun of holiday shopping without the ice and snow.

Broadway in Scranton Announces New Season

Broadway in Scranton (NAC Entertainment and Broadway Theatre League of NEPA) is proud to announce the 2023-24 Broadway in Scranton Season. This upcoming season is the biggest yet, with six shows on the lineup. See new productions of beloved classics, Tony Award winners, shows for the entire family, and three shows making their Scranton stage debut!

“We want to thank our subscribers and patrons for their support season after season. We’re excited to continue bringing the power and magic of live theatre to NEPA!” said Thomas Combs of NAC Entertainment.

The new season was heavily influenced by the votes of the local community. In a survey sent by Broadway in Scranton earlier this year, audiences answered a series of questions about potential show selections.

“Our audience response was instrumental in choosing this season’s productions. Not only will they be seeing their top-voted choices, but they also had a hand in choosing when to see these shows.” said Combs. The upcoming season will feature a change in performance times, with Friday and Saturday evening performances now at 7:30 PM.

Executive Director Frank T. Blasi stated “We believe that the increase in the number of shows and the new starting times will result in a record number of people in the seats this year.  The demand for Broadway is strong in our area, and we look forward to continuing our vital role and contribution to the quality of life in NEPA.”

New season tickets go on sale Thursday, July 20 at 10 AM

2023-24 Broadway in Scranton season features:

  1. Jesus Christ Superstar – October 27-29, 2023
  2. Hairspray – January 12-14, 2024
  3. Annie – February 16-18, 2024
  4. The Cher Show – March 1-3, 2024
  5. Come From Away – April 5-7, 2024
  6. Pretty Woman – May 17-19, 2024

Prices for this 6-Show season ticket package are $240, $330, $390, and $450. Season Tickets can be purchased online at BroadwayInScranton.com, in person at the Broadway Theatre League (BTL) office (345 North Washington Ave, Scranton, PA), or by calling the BTL office at (570) 342-7784. BTL Office Hours are Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM.   

Johnson College to Hold Open House

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members who are eager to see the progress of the new college campus.

All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/hazletonOH or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions with interested students 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 with both students and the community.

Car Show to Benefit Patients of The Wright Center for Community Health

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement Health will host the second annual “Road to Recovery” car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Nay Aug Park.

The event is at the Miami Pavilion near the Everhart Museum. Registration, which costs $10 per vehicle and $5 per motorcycle, begins at 8 a.m. Admission is free. The family-friendly fundraiser also features prizes, music, raffles, food trucks, games, and much more. In addition, other addiction treatment facilities from around the region will be invited to set up informational tables at the event.

Just like last year, proceeds raised from the car show will be used to help patients of The Wright Center for Community Health’s Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence with transportation to and from appointments. Pennsylvania designated The Wright Center for Community Health as an Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence in 2017 – one of 50 in the state. Patients can visit any of The Wright Center’s primary care practices in Lackawanna, Luzerne, or Wayne counties to connect with supportive certified recovery specialists, case managers, social workers, and medical providers who help them break the cycle of addiction through outpatient care.

“Transportation remains the highest need for our patients in Northeast Pennsylvania and those across the country,” said Kara Seitzinger, executive director of Public Affairs at The Wright Center. “The lack of reliable transportation is a real barrier to care. If you cannot get to your medical provider, you cannot receive the necessary care and support services The Wright Center has available for this patient population.”

In addition to supporting the Center of Excellence’s patients with transportation needs, the car show also raises awareness about the services The Wright Center for Community Health and other regional organizations offer, according to Scott Constantini, associate vice president of primary care and recovery services integration at The Wright Center.

“For me, the best part is the people who come out to support the cause,” Constantini said. “It’s bringing people together with a passion for recovery treatment.”

More information about the center and its addiction and recovery services is available at thewrightcenter.org/coe.

Allied Services to Host Kick-Off Celebration at Mohegan Pennsylvania

Allied Services, a leading provider of healthcare and human services for northeastern Pennsylvanians with disabilities and chronic illnesses, is hosting their Annual Campaign Kick-Off Celebration on Thursday, August 10th during Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania. At this special edition of Party on the Patio, guests will be able to stop by the Team Allied Services tent to donate, purchase an official team exercise t-shirt and learn more about Allied Services. Guests can also feast on delicious bites by Eat Up Now while dancing the night away to the best of the 80’s, courtesy of tribute band RUBIX KUBE. There is no cover to attend this celebration, and all guests must be 21+.

“Mohegan Pennsylvania has been a proud sponsor and fundraising participant for Team Allied Services for the past 14 years,” said David Parfrey, Vice President of Marketing at Mohegan Pennsylvania. “Like Allied Services, we are passionate about supporting our community as they overcome challenges and reach their greatest potential. This Party on the Patio on August 10th will certainly be a special one, and Mohegan Pennsylvania is really looking forward to a fun and memorable night kicking off the annual Team Allied Services campaign.”

Team members from Mohegan Pennsylvania will be joining Team Allied Services for their 5K and All-Abilities Walk on Saturday, August 12th. This inspiring event starts with a run/walk 5K, followed by an all-abilities opportunity where patients strive to meet their own rehab goals, whether it be just a few steps or a lap around the track. On Sunday, November 5th, Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Director of Events, Jennifer Ducharme, will also be joining Team Allied Services for the TCS New York City Marathon – a 26.2-mile journey starting in Staten Island, working its way through all five boroughs in New York City and finishing in Central Park. Team Allied Services is currently accepting online donations for the 2023 fundraising campaign.

For more information about the Team Allied Services Campaign Kick-Off celebration, visit moheganpa.com.