Johnson College Hosts Test Taking 101 Course

Test Taking 101 is a free one-night course that teaches students different techniques for becoming more successful in taking standardized tests. The class will be held at our Scranton Campus on Thursday, February 27th, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  

Test Taking 101 Register Here

Scranton Cultural Center, FREE Concert Featuring West Point Band

Enjoy a concert given by the West Point Band at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on March 1 at 7:00 PM.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Join the West Point Band for “West Point on the March,” an exploration of the most classic American military musical genre: the march, featuring some of Sousa’s best-known works alongside lively selections like “Americans We” and Ethel Smyth’s anthem of women’s suffrage, “March of the Women.” The West Point Brass Quintet will showcase the powerful music of a New Orleans funeral, followed by stirring pieces inspired by the 1963 March on Washington, including Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The concert wraps up with the unforgettable movie marches from “Indiana Jones” and “The Music Man.”

The West Point Band free concert is sponsored by Gentex, 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.  There is a limit of four (4) tickets per household. For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple’s 2024-2025 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 and MAC Signs.

University of Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

Lackawanna and Wayne County residents whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2024 can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state, and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Monday, Feb. 3. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

VITA service begins on Monday, Feb. 3, and continues to Friday, Apr. 4, except for the week of Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, when the University is closed for Spring Break.

The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 570-602-3133, or 1-866-662-8887, 211. 

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

United Way VITA Tax Preparation Program

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is proud to announce the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, beginning on February 4, 2025. This free service is available to qualifying individuals and families, offering assistance with tax preparation to help maximize refunds and ease the burden of filing.

The VITA Program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with an annual income of $67,000 or less. Certified volunteers trained by the IRS will assist in preparing and electronically filing both federal and state tax returns. This service is designed to ensure participants receive the full benefits they are entitled to, including tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

“We’re thrilled to, once again, support and administer the VITA Program. Continuing to help families and individuals in our community navigate the tax season with ease,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This program not only saves participants money on tax preparation fees but also helps them take advantage of critical tax credits that can provide much-needed financial relief.”

Program Details:

For more information about the VITA Program, eligibility requirements, or volunteer opportunities, please visit https://uwlc.net/initiative/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.

WVIA Conversations for the Common Good: Trust in Our Elections

WVIA Free Event

September 19th, at 6:30 PM at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our democracy. However, many members of our community have little information about what happens after they cast their ballots. As we head into the general election in November, WVIA, and Keep Our Republic invite you to attend this informative, nonpartisan event dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the 2024 election process and equipping our community to combat misinformation surrounding election integrity.

At this event, experts from across the state and from our community will talk about what’s new for Pennsylvania’s elections in 2024, how votes are counted, certified, and audited, and answer questions on topics like mail-in ballots, the role of the courts and media in elections, how technology impacts election security, and what federal, state, and local governments are doing to combat election interference. This event will provide valuable insights to help you stay informed for the upcoming November 5th election. We hope to see you there.

REGISTER HERE

Mohegan Sun Arena to Host Fire Safety Event

Before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party begins at the Mohegan Sun Arena this weekend, event organizers have announced a free community fire safety event will take place this Friday, Aug. 9.

From 4 p.m. through 7 p.m., a free touch-a-truck event will allow children and truck enthusiasts the chance to see iconic vehicles up close before the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party officially kicks off its first performance on Saturday. Local first responders will be on-site at the ASM Global-managed Mohegan Sun Arena to display a variety of emergency services vehicles alongside the brand-new Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck.

The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department Station 188 Fire & Rescue will be displaying their Rescue and Ladder Engines, while the Ashley Rescue Hose Co. No. 1 will have the station’s water pumper on-hand at the event. ACT Towing will have two wreckers on site for a closer look, as well. A number of other emergency response vehicles are still being confirmed.

The Wilkes-Barre Township Volunteer Fire Department, led by Fire Chief Richard Hart, has been instrumental in organizing this community event.

Justin Topa, marketing manager of the Mohegan Sun Arena, hopes the fire safety event will provide an opportunity to celebrate emergency responders while creating a comfortability with the vehicles they drive.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and our local first responders to provide families with an opportunity to meet their local heroes in a fun and non-emergency setting,” said Topa. “Children will have the chance to get their first up-close look at the Hot Wheels 5-Alarm monster truck alongside several emergency response vehicles that protect our communities every day. We expect this event’s going to be an exciting way to foster appreciation for our heroes and the amazing work they’re doing within our communities.”

The Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck, inspired by the heroic work of firefighters, will be a standout feature of the event before heading inside the arena for a weekend of Glow Party performances. Ty Cornelius Jr, driver of the Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck, is excited to play a role in honoring local first responders.

“We are incredibly honored to acknowledge the unwavering courage and commitment of our firefighters,” said Cornelius Jr. “The Hot Wheels 5-Alarm Monster Truck embodies the spirit of bravery that these first responders demonstrate every day. It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ for their service and sacrifice.”

Representatives from Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live and the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Wilkes-Barre Township’s Station 188 and all of the local heroes within the region. As a token of gratitude for their dedication and bravery, firefighters from the participating stations will receive tickets to the event and a chance to experience the thrill of the Monster Trucks up close.

“We hope this small gesture conveys our deep appreciation for the vital role they play in keeping our communities safe,” said Topa.

This is the first time that the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party has toured within northeastern Pennsylvania. Three performances on Saturday and Sunday afternoon will bring fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life including the all-new HW Skelesaurus™ and HW 5-Alarm™! The legendary Bigfoot® is also featured alongside Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Bone Shaker™, and Gunkster™ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

The Glow Party production features a laser light show, spectacular theatrical effects, dance parties, and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team. The community is encouraged to come to any one of the three performances and can save on tickets and fees by purchasing tickets directly at the NBT Bank box office.

The Friday fire safety event is free-to-attend, but weather-dependent, so event organizers recommend that families keep an eye on the Mohegan Arena PA Facebook page in the event of any updates or cancellations caused by inclement weather.

UNC’s Pine Brook Free Summer Programming

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Pine Brook Revitalization Neighborhood Revitalization Plan has scheduled free summer programming for the community. The programs include a yoga class, a walking club, and a book club for children.

Start your week aligned with Yoga every Monday during July and August at the Capouse Corner Green Space at 1371 Capouse Street at New York Avenue. The free class for all levels of ability is at 5:30 p.m. The dates are July 8, 15, 22, and 29, and August 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Get your steps with Walking Club every Tuesday during July and August. The free group will meet at John Adams Elementary School at 5:30 pm. Walks will be approximately 30 to 45 minutes at all paces. The dates are July 9, 16, 23, and 30, and August 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Feed your mind at Reading in the Park, a children’s book club, every Wednesday during July and August at 11 am. Children will be provided with a book and snack. The dates are July 10, 17, 24, and 31, and August 7, 14, 21, and 28.

In the event of inclement weather, please check United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Plan page on Facebook for cancellation and rain dates.

UNC’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Community Revitalization Plan is funded by Coterra, FNBC Bank, and Peoples Security Bank through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP). Their annual contribution of $50,000 for six years will help rebuild, restore, and revitalize Pine Brook, a designated Elm Street Community, through the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities program.