The University of Scranton’s 11th annual Community Christmas Day Breakfast will take place Wednesday, Dec. 25, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the third-floor Fresh Food Company of the DeNaples Center on campus. The breakfast, organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice and Dining Services/ARAMARK, is offered free of charge to the elderly or those who are alone or in need as a gift to the community for the holiday season.

The University’s Dining Service/ARAMARK staff and volunteers from the University will prepare and serve the breakfast that will include eggs, sausage, pancakes, danish, juice and more.

Reservations are not needed to attend. Parking is available for the breakfast in the University’s parking pavilion on Mulberry Street. For additional information, call 570-941-7401.

Where are millennials buying?

A larger share are choosing Pennsylvania cities to buy their homes, specifically in Scranton and Allentown. A realtor.com® report found that Scranton is third on the list of top U.S. cities for millennials, while Allentown is sixth. Both cities, along with the rest of the top 10 list, have homeownership rates of 47% of millennials aged 25 to 34, while the national average is just 43%.

Scranton was applauded for its affordability and it’s also in close proximity to several major metropolitan areas.

“It’s not surprising to hear that Scranton is high on the list for millennial buyers, and believe me, it’s not just fans of The Office who have recognized what we have to offer,” said Paul Marcks, president-election of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors®.

“Simply put, Scranton is a fun, progressive city that is very affordable and offering way more than possible in the past. Our revitalized downtown district has been booming with both converted loft apartments for rent and condos for sale. New restaurants are bringing modern and unique menus, and small businesses feature clothes, custom-made jewelry, handmade gifts and more. Graduate programs and a newer medical school are part of the attraction, and the city and vendors have recognized that and adapted quickly. There are grants available for homebuyers, businesses and, most recently, a 10-year tax abatement on the improvement value of any new building, both commercial and residential”, added Marcks.

Allentown is also an up-and-coming place for younger buyers.

“I think that the Allentown area offers so much in the way of social events and things are constantly going on. Downtown Allentown has had many enhancements; there are so many social things to do,” said Carl Billera, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® president. “It hits on so many fronts and it’s everything that a big city would offer without being a big city.”

Billera added that while inventory in Allentown is low, like in most areas of the country, prices are still reasonable. “Affordability is critical,” he said. “Taxes are not out of hand. I think there is a lot that Allentown offers.”

With lower interest rates, Billera said he has seen an uptick of millennial buyers in the area.

Marywood University’s Art Department will host a Free Art Portfolio Review Day on Friday, December 6, 2019, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for high school juniors and seniors, or others who wish to begin studying art at the undergraduate level. The event will take place in the Kresge Gallery, at the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa.

Marywood University art professors will review work to help students build their portfolio prior to applying to college to study art. Seniors who have already applied to Marywood can use this day as an opportunity to fulfill the Art Department portfolio review requirements.

In addition to the portfolio review, during this event visitors are encouraged to attend private tours of Marywood’s art facilities, galleries, meet with current art students, and engage in an art activity. Light refreshments will be available.

For additional information or to register for Art Portfolio Day at Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu/artportfolioday, or call (570) 348-6278.