The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Announces Two New Staff Members The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Emilie Gebert and Elena Kiernan to its staff team, further strengthening the organization’s workforce development and administrative operations. Emilie Gebert (on the left in the photo) joins The Chamber as workforce & leadership assistant. In this role, she supports Leadership Lackawanna, Skills in Scranton, and The Scranton Plan through administrative coordination, event support, and program operations that strengthen workforce development and community leadership across the region. Gebert brings nearly two decades of experience in customer relations, sales leadership, team development, and operational management through her career in the telecommunications industry. She earned a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. Outside of her role at The Chamber, Gebert serves as Assistant Director of the Montage Ski Patrol, where she helps oversee volunteer coordination and guest safety operations. Elena Kiernan (on the right in the photo) joins The Chamber as a front desk receptionist, serving as the first point of contact for members, visitors, tenants, and guests while supporting daily office operations across the organization. Kiernan has more than 15 years of experience in administrative support, customer service, event coordination, and office management. Her professional background includes positions within the travel and hospitality, legal, and finance industries, where she coordinated meetings and events, managed executive schedules, and provided administrative support in fast-paced corporate environments. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and completed additional coursework through New York University. “The addition of Emilie and Elena further strengthens our team and enhances the support we provide to our members, programs, and regional initiatives,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Chamber. “Their experience, professionalism, and commitment to service will be valuable assets to The Chamber and the community we serve.”
Local Organizations Join Statewide Art Project For the third consecutive year, Geisinger has joined the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA) and local organizations to boost child abuse prevention efforts with a statewide art project. During April — Child Abuse Prevention month — canvases painted by children were displayed in community locations and Geisinger clinics. Painting for Prevention kits were distributed to children by community groups, including the Nurse-Family Partnership, Susquehanna Valley United Way, Columbia County Family Center and the Geisinger Child Advocacy Center. The Painting for Prevention project hopes to unite community members to prevent child abuse and neglect. The design for this year’s canvas includes an outline of the state with a sunny landscape, flowers and a blue ribbon, which is the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Artwork is on display at Geisinger clinics, including Woodbine, Bloomsburg, Lewisburg, Lewistown, Kulpmont and many more. To get involved with this project or others by the PFSA, visit pafsa.org.
Enjoy Annual Mother’s Day Brunch Celebrate the incredible women in your life at our Annual Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the elegant Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. Seating times are available between 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Choose the perfect time to relax, gather, and celebrate. Reservations are required, so be sure to call today and secure a table.
Commemorative Air Force Airpower History Tour Coming To AVP The distinctive rumble of radial engines from two of the rarest World War II bombers, the B-29 Superfortress “FIFI” and B-24 Liberator “Diamond Lil”, will be heard in the skies over Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in June when they visit Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport as part of the AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force. The two bombers are to be accompanied by a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, and the RC-45J SNB “Big Oily Beast”. The P-51D Mustang “Gunfighter” will also be making an appearance. The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the ramp will be able to view all aircraft up close, purchase rides, and tour the B-29 and B-24 cockpits when the aircraft are not flying. The B-29 and B-24 are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, June 16th at noon. Accompanying aircraft are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday as well. The P-51D will arrive on Friday, June 19th at noon. The aircraft will be staged at the North Cargo Ramp, located at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, 100 Terminal Road, Avoca, PA 18641. Parking for the event will be at The Venue/Culinary Creations lot, 28 Concorde Dr., Dupont, PA 18641. Parking is $10 per car and includes a shuttle to the aircraft location. Credit or Debit Card only. No cash will be accepted. The event will be open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, June 17 through June 21 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Access to the ramp where the warbirds are parked is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 11-17 and free for children 10 and under. The T-6, the PT-13, and the RC-45J will be offering rides each day. The P-51D will be offering rides beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. The B-29 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The B-24 flies on Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Cockpit tours of the B-29 and B-24 will be available each day beginning at 9:00 a.m., except on Saturday and Sunday when they will begin at noon. Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org where additional information about the event may also be found.
Start Feasting at Food Truck Friday May 1st starts a new Friday tradition. Food Truck Fridays are officially taking over at Clubhouse315 and this isn’t just about food. Enjoy rotating food trucks every week, live music, cold drinks, free cornhole, and a full Friday night atmosphere that hits every time. Here’s what to expect: • New food trucks + flavors every week • Live music all summer long • Beer + cocktail specials • Hole-in-one challenge → win $1000 • Complimentary door prizes for the first 10 guests • Free entry + free cornhole Live music lineup: May 1 – Shane Fabiani (Opening Party) May 29 – Marcus Welliver June 26 – Mike Elward July 31 – Triple Fret August 28 – Lisa P September 25 – Ben Yates October 30 – Kyle Demko Every Friday | 5–11PM 1492 HWY 315, Wilkes-Barre Enjoy live music and new food at Food Truck Fridays at Clubhouse 315.
Gear Up for an Immersive Paintball Event Love scenario play? Make sure to come out May 16th & 17th for Cypher Scenario Consulting’s 1969: Vietnam at Skirmish Paintball. Join Cypher Scenario Consulting on a trip back to 1969 and experience the Vietnam War as told through an epic 2 day paintball scenario. Experience the Vietnam War as told through a 2-day paintball scenario with minefields, booby traps, and locals who may help, or hinder, your efforts. Tickets start at $89.99 and are available online.
Attend a Mysterious Night at Midnight at the Masquerade Step into the shadows… if you dare at Midnight at the Masquerade, a chilling Murder Mystery Dinner Theater experience on Friday, May 15th at Wallenpaupack Brewing Company. Behind every mask lies a secret… and before the night is over, someone won’t make it out. Indulge in a three-course dinner while the mystery unfolds around you—follow the clues, question the suspects, and see if you can uncover the truth before it’s too late. Attendees must be over 21 and reservations are required. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the mystery. Wear the finest disguise, and prepare for an unforgettable night of suspense.
Nineteen Students Complete 5th Annual Cohort Johnson College celebrated the 5th Readiness in Skilled Employment (NEPA RISE) cohort at their Scranton campus. Nineteen students completed the RISE program over the past nine months, building skills in fields including Medical Assistant, Welding, Diesel Technology and Preventative Maintenance, Building and Property Maintenance, and Cybersecurity. Along the way, students received career coaching and individualized case management from UNC’s Workforce Development program to help remove barriers and support their path to employment.The celebration included remarks from Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of Johnson College; Lisa Durkin, President and CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Dr. Kellyn Williams, Associate Vice President of Special Programs at Johnson College; and Lackawanna County Commissioner Thom Welby, who each shared their congratulations and encouragement with the cohort.Congratulations to this cohort on an important milestone.
The University of Scranton Announces May Events May 8 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. May 12 7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “The Pope and the Rabbi: My Story of Friendship and Dialogue with Pope Francis” by Abraham (Armando) Skorka, Ph.D., author and Senior Research Fellow for Jewish Studies and Jewish-Catholic Relations, Georgetown University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu. May 16 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring John Wilson, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. May 23 4 p.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 24 11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 24 4:30 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 29 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum Collaborative Program: “Vin et Vues: Loire Valley and its Wines” presented by David Falchek, CAE, IOM, CMP, wine writer and critic, including for Wine and Spirits Magazine and The Scranton Times-Tribune, and former executive director of the American Wine Society. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, lecture, and discussion. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fee $60. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
UNC’s Pine Brook Family Arts Festival Set for May 9th United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), in partnership with John Adams Elementary School, will host the 5th Annual Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the school’s playground at 927 Capouse Avenue, Scranton. The free event invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of hands-on art activities, entertainment, and interactive experiences. Children can take part in creative projects provided by The University of Scranton while enjoying free pizza and ice cream. The festival will also feature the Albright Memorial Library Bookmobile, offering books and literacy resources, along with balloon animals, face painting, and other activities throughout the day. A bike giveaway will give children the chance to win a special prize, and Red, the Red Robin mascot, will make a special appearance. Local vendors and artists will be on site with displays showcasing a range of creative work, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere. The Pine Brook Family Arts Festival highlights the importance of youth arts while creating opportunities for residents to come together, connect, and learn more about their neighborhood. The event is part of UNC’s Pine Brook Revitalization Plan and is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with multi-year support from Coterra Energy and Peoples Security Bank & Trust, and additional support from the City of Scranton.
