Steamtown NHS Prepares for Summer Visitors

Steamtown National Historic Site (NHS) employees have been gearing up and getting things on track for summer operations. The National Park Service (NPS) works closely with the NPS Office of Public Health to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic using the latest science to support decision making. Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces. Masks are required for everyone on all forms of public transportation.

Please note: all dates are subject to change depending on local (Lackawanna County) COVID-19 levels.

Beginning Saturday, June 26

*             Summer hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. go into effect.
*             The Theater will open and daily showings of “Steel and Steam” will resume.
*             With public health in mind, the Imagination Station remains closed.

Beginning Wednesday, July 7

*             The History Museum, including the Post Office car and Erie Business car, will reopen, however the Archeology Pit remains closed.

In addition, the following spaces and activities continue to be available during regular visiting hours:

*             The Visitor Center;
*             The Park Store;
*             The “Cut-a-Way” Display portion of the 1902 Roundhouse;
*             The 1937 Roundhouse.

Information pertaining to the “Scranton Limited” short train ride will be forthcoming. Please stay tuned.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. Prior to visiting the park, visit the website and check the “Alerts” for up-to-date information on operations. Some services remain limited or unavailable; please observe posted signage designating capacity restrictions, one-way flow of traffic, and physical distancing recommendations.

Located in downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania, Steamtown NHS is open daily. From Interstate-81 follow exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway); then follow the brown and white signs to the park entrance at Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street (GPS: N 41.41, W 75.67). General park information is available by phoning (570) 340-5206 during regular business hours, or by visiting the park website anytime.

www.nps.gov/stea

Lackawanna College Receives $5,000 Grant to Support STEM-Focused Summer Camp

Lackawanna College has received a $5,000 Business Education Partnership (BEP) grant from the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board (WDB) to support the FIRST LEGO League: Robot Game Camp, a STEM-focused, hands-on summer camp for Scranton School District students in grades six through nine.

Run by the Continuing Education department, the program will run Aug. 2 – August 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Students will work in teams and engage in a friendly competition to build and program LEGO robots to accomplish tasks and meet challenges. These unique challenge missions will provide students with hands-on experiences that relate to a variety of STEM occupations, such as engineering, coding and information technology, architecture, manufacturing and logistics, the trades, and technician positions.

“Lackawanna College supports the community through youth programming and activities that encourage growth and active learning,” said Bridget Duggan, Lackawanna College Youth Program Coordinator. “Through this grant, we are able to provide accessible opportunities to Scranton School District students that get them excited about the STEM field. Partnerships like this are extremely valuable to everyone involved.”

The college has opened registration to Scranton School District students for the FIRST LEGO League: Robot Game Camp. The program will be available free of charge with 15 spots available.

This project is funded, in part, under an Agreement with money allocated by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, through the Lackawanna County WDB, and its Fiscal Agent, Lackawanna County.

For more information and to register your child for the FIRST LEGO League: Robot Game Camp at Lackawanna College, call Bridget Duggan at (570) 961-7883 or email dugganb@lackawanna.edu.

Scranton Cultural Center to Launch Concert Series with Young Lion

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will launch its free outdoor summer concert series with Young Lion on June 11.  Young Lion offers a blend of roots, rock and reggae and is comprised of members Jamie Zaleski, Lion Sanford, Chris Condel and Angelo Miraglia.  The show will take place outside the Scranton Cultural Center at 420 N. Washington Avenue.

“It has been a long hiatus for in-person events, which is what we thrive on” said Deborah Moran Peterson, SCC Executive Director.  “We have enjoyed being able to connect with our audiences virtually through the past year, and we are so grateful to be able to welcome back the community with this free concert series.”

Young Lion began playing together for Sarah Street Grill’s George Wesley Tribute Night in December 2016 in Stroudsburg, PA. Chris Condel and Lion Sanford were George’s bandmates, and Jamie Zaleski (of the Southside Bandits) fronted the band for most of the tribute night. They decided to keep working together, and have since added Angelo Miraglia on keyboards to round out their sound.  Young Lion’s blend of roots, rock, and reggae is accomplished by the different playing styles and experience of its members. Young Lion live performances include improvisation on their songs to provide listeners with a fresh experience every time you hear them perform.

All current CDC Guidelines will be followed at each performance with any updates being shared via social media.  All performances will run from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM; a cash bar with light fare will open at 6:00 PM prior to each show.

Additional performers in the series include Erin Malloy & Friends (July 9), The Mule Team (August 13) and Blind Choice (September 10).  To learn more about the Scranton Cultural Center and its upcoming events, visit SCCMT.org.

The free outdoor summer concert series is sponsored by LT Verrastro, Truly Hard Seltzer, UGI Utilities Inc. and Fidelity Bank.  It is supported by Lackawanna County and the PA Council on the Arts.

Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Music Series Hits All the Right Notes

Music nourishes the soul and feeds the spirit. Played in concert with an exceptional meal in a stunning venue, and that’s a feast for the senses! The music series at the Hawley properties of Settlers Hospitality provide the soundtrack for summer in the Lake Region. Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack and Blues, Brews and BBQ at Glass- wine.bar.kitchen get underway Memorial Day weekend. Jazz on the Deck returns to The Settlers Inn on June 2.

Jazz on the Deck at The Settlers Inn
Since it first launched over 10 years ago, Jazz on the Deck has become a cherished rite of summer in the Pocono Mountains. The event at The Settlers Inn draws professional performers whose credits range from Broadway and the New York cabaret scene to international jazz festivals. Every Wednesday evening during summer, a rotating lineup of musicians entertain from 6-9 p.m. Guests may enjoy farm-to-table cuisine overlooking the Inn’s manicured garden or choose a table on the lawn and take advantage of cocktail and full dinner service. The highly anticipated series begins June 2 with Stefan Bauer. The music continues with The Craig Graham Trio (June 9), Luba Mason (June 16), Hang Em High (June 23), and The Andrea Wolper Trio (June 30). The Gypsy Jazz Quartet gets things started in July with a performance on July 7. That’s followed by Judy Silvano (July 14), Liza Dolittle and Robert Kocec (July 21) and The Gary Rixner Trio (July 28). August brings performances by All That Jazz with Michelle Oram (Aug 4), The Glenn Heller Trio (Aug 11), Last Thursday Band (Aug 18), Thos Shipley (Aug 25) and Spencer and Nancy Reed (Aug 27). The Robert Kopec Trio closes out the series on September 1.

Lakeside Live at Silver Birches Resort
Great tunes, spectacular views and delectable food. Guests can make the most of every weekend with Lakeside Live at The Dock on Wallenpaupack. On Saturday and Sunday, talented musicians perform live on the lawn overlooking the lake at Silver Birches. Visitors may savor lunch, dinner or drinks while listening to live music. Boaters can order Dock and Dine and enjoy a meal from the water. Bands perform from 3-6 p.m. The lineup features local favorites such as Gone Crazy, Eric Rudy, Kevin Campion and Rare Form.

Blues, Brews & BBQ at Ledges Hotel
Let the good times roll with Blues, Brews and BBQ every Sunday during summer. Renowned blues musicians perform live at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen overlooking Paupack High Falls while guests dig into classic barbecue fare paired with local craft brews. The menu features savory barbecue entrees and side dishes with a twist. Wallenpapuack Gorge serves as a natural amphitheater to showcase the talents of noted blues musicians. Blues, Brews and BBQ kicks off May 30 with a performance by Lighten Up Band. June’s lineup includes Bobby Kyle Band (June 6), Merchants of Groove (June 13), Yasgur (June 20) and Gary Rixner Band (June 27). July starts with a bang on July 4 courtesy of Teddy Young and the Aces. The beat goes on with The Barn Cats (July 11), Dan Brother Band (July 18) and Norman Taylor and Blue Soul (July 25). August brings performances by Randy Lippincott and Joey “Hot Box” Simon (Aug 1), Dustin Douglas and The Electric Gentlemen (Aug 8), The Jeremy Langdale Band (Aug 15), Slam Allen (Aug 22) and Scott Weis Band (Aug 29). The series concludes Labor Day weekend when Bobby Kyle Band returns for a performance (Sept 6).

Settlers Hospitality’s Summer Concert Series is a signature event in the Pocono Mountains. There’s something quintessentially summer about relaxing in a beautiful open-air setting, enjoying a fine meal and good company with the sounds of music drifting out. “After an abbreviated season last year, we’re thrilled to host a full schedule of events this year,” says Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner.  “Welcoming guests back to our properties for the summer concert series will be especially sweet given the challenges of 2020, but this year things are looking bright.”

As Communities Return to “Normal,” Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

The Greater Scranton YMCA wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in our community’s eagerness to return to a “normal” summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

 “As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the Greater Scranton YMCA typically teaches 1,500 children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. Last year, though due to COVID-19 precautions, we saw that number dip and want to remind parents and caregivers that it’s more important than ever to keep water safety top of mind as families start to return to their usual summer routines,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging parents to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.

1. Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

2. Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water. Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

3. Don’t engage in breath holding activities. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.

4. Wear a life jacket: Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

5. Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s swim programs, including the upcoming Annual Safe Around Water Campaign sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton, please contact Ken Brewster, Aquatics Director, at (570) 828-3112 or kbrewster@greaterscrantonymca.org.

Museum Adventure Weeks to Return to Everhart this Summer

Museum Adventure Weeks are back this summer at the Everhart Museum. Three (3) sessions of summer camp are planned with two unique options for young explorers, both encouraging learning, exploration, and discovery. Adventures in the Museum campers will have the opportunity to explore the indoor and outdoor environments at Nay Aug Park while participating in socially distanced activities when in the museum. Adventures at Home is a week-long adventure toolkit, including all
materials for campers to explore the museum collection from home. Adventures at Home include the option to participate in LIVE virtual classes, tours, and activities with Museum staff on designated virtual weeks. The Museum uses Google Classroom for all virtual participation.

WHAT: Museum Adventure Weeks
WHEN: June 21st-July 30th
GRADES: Kindergarten through 6th
COST: Adventure in the Museum: $180 member, $200 non-member
Adventure at Home: $40 member, $45 non-member
Registration; Opens on May 3rd

Museum Adventure Weeks center on the creative exploration of the Everhart Museum collection and the Nay Aug Park environment. Each week, campers will experience a new topic or theme that uses both art and science in a hands-on, multi-modal approach to learning. Instructors will use visual thinking strategies and inquiry-based learning to talk about art and art objects from around the globe.

WEEK 1: NATURE WEEK
“LENNY’S FIRST FLIGHT”
Adventure at Home Dates: June 21st-25th
Adventure in the Museum Dates: June 28th-July 2nd

WEEK 2: ART WEEK
“THE LAND AROUND US”
Adventure at Home Dates: July 5th-9th
Adventure in the Museum Dates: July 12th-16th

WEEK 3: MYSTERY WEEK
“THE DIGS!”
Adventure at Home Dates: July 19th-23rd
Adventure in the Museum Dates: July 26th-30th

To learn more about Museums Adventure Weeks or to register, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit Summer at the Everhart on the Museum’s website
https://everhart-museum.org/museum-adventure-summer-program/ or email
assistant.programs@everhart-museum.org. Museum Adventure Week is funded in part by Arts Engage!, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), the Overlook Estate Foundation, and the Maslow Family Foundation.

Marywood University Announces Summer Academic Camps and Clinics

Marywood University announces its academic summer camps and clinics. Those interested can choose their passion from more than ten professional, environmental, health, and creative camps and clinics. Marywood University’s camps will follow CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health Guidelines. Additional guidelines pertaining to individual camps will be sent following registration. To register, visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.

  • The Environmental Stewardship Summer Camp will be offered from Monday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24, from 8:30 a.m. – noon, each day, at the IHM Center’s Land Restoration Site. The cost of the camp is $75, and is appropriate for ages 10-14. This summer camp will educate students to be better environmental stewards, allowing them to explore some of the sustainability initiatives underway on Marywood’s campus. Attendees will learn about watersheds and mitigating stormwater, learning the importance of planting native plants, current sustainability initiatives, and more.
  • Pottery and Sculpture Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. This camp is open to all high school students. The cost of the camp is $300. Attendees will use the pottery wheels, as well as learn hand building techniques like slab building and creating coil pots. They will also learn how to construct figurative and abstract sculptures while they explore various hand building techniques.
  • Comic Book Camp will take place from Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all high school aged students. The cost is $375. Attendees will learn to speak in progressive art, the visual language of comics, and will create entire universes with nothing more than a pencil, paper, and inc. During the weeklong Comic Book Camp, attendees will focus on character creation and design, narrative structure and pacing, viewpoint and focus, visual cues, choosing the style of rendering to best compliment the narrative, and much more.
  • Digital Photography Camp will take place on Monday, June 28, – Friday, July 2, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day, at the Shields Center for Visual Arts. This camp is open to all interested high school students and the cost is $375. Attendees will learn digital photography basics using either their smartphone camera or digital SLR, as well as Adobe Photoshop. Attendees will explore digital photography techniques including shooting modes, aperture, shutter speeds, ISO, white balance, and composition. Projects include portraits, editorial, fine art, image editing techniques, animated GIFs, photo compositing, and more.
  • Healthcare Discovery: An Interprofessional Camp will take place from Tuesday, June 29 – Thursday, July 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., each day. The camp will take place at various locations, and is recommended for 7th – 12thgrade students The cost is $160. This camp offers attendees the opportunity to interact with others who are also interested in pursuing a career in healthcare to learn more about the field, gain pre-professional hands-on experience in each of the disciplines, work collaboratively, and learn from experts in the field in modern facilities.
  • Design Your Future Online Camp will take place from Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 16. This online camp is recommended for junior and senior high school students, and the cost of the DYF online camp is $1,200, with an option to gain 3 hours of college credit for an additional fee. Attendees will be offered a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. In this two-week online program, attendees will engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.
  • Biotechnology Camp will take place from Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., each day, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences, Lab 106. This camp is recommended to high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors biology, chemistry, or physics courses. The cost of the camp is $150. Attendees will be exposed to a variety of different techniques related to DNA and proteins to gain an understanding of the structure and function of the molecules. In addition, students will gain knowledge of applications used in medicine and the biotechnology industry regarding how DNA and proteins can be used to diagnose and treat disease.
  • Marywood’s Summer Musical Arts Academy will take place from Sunday, July 18 – Saturday, July, 24, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The academy is recommended to grades 7-12, and the cost is $375. An exciting, week-long band, orchestra, choral, and theater day camp, attendees will be engaging with exceptional faculty, artists, and other student musicians from our region in classes, rehearsals, sectionals, and performances throughout the experience.
  • Design Your Future (DYF) two-week overnight program will take place from Sunday, July 18, at noon – Saturday, July 31, at noon. Designed for rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent high school graduates, the DYF camp offers students a significant first experience in architectural and interiors education. This two-week overnight program will help students engage in the process of design and develop the basic tools of imagination and expression. The cost of the camp is $2,100.
  • Design Your Future Day (DYF) Camp will take place from Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., each day, at the Center for Architectural Studies. The cost of the week-long camp is $450, and is recommended for students in grades 8-10. The DYF camp will help attendees engage in the process of design and to develop the basic tools of imagination and expression.
  • Cryptology Summer Camp will take place from Monday, August 2 – Friday, August 5, 2021, from 9 a.m. – noon, each day, in the Comerford Auditorium, at the Center for Natural and Health Sciences. Marywood’s Cryptology Summer Camp is recommended for high school students who are enrolled in AP or honors mathematics. The cost of the camp is $75. This camp will introduce students to cryptology, the study of encryption and decryption techniques that are in common use today. Cryptology is used by specialists in Information Security, a highly lucrative and fulfilling career and one in great demand today. By the end of the week, students will leave with their own program to help them write their own secret messages.

For additional information about Marywood University’s “Pick Your Passion” Camps and Clinics, please visit marywood.edu/camps/index.html.