The Scranton Cultural Center awarded critical needs grant to upgrade smoke alarm system

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple recently completed a complete upgrade of their fire detection system.  The new system will provide a dual focus for safety, as well as to help prevent unnecessary trips and evacuations, so as not to interfere with patrons’ experience.

“This service is specific and unique to performing arts centers hosting large-scale productions that include mood-enhancing fog and smoke techniques for the performance. The utilization of smoke and fog increases the chances of triggering the alarm system exponentially,” said Deborah M. Peterson, Executive Director.

The project was funded partly through a Critical Needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) in the amount of $5,000.  Additional funds were awarded through a Local Share Account (LSA) Grant.

While continually maintained to ensure safety of patrons and staff, the Center’s fire detection system was last upgraded in the 1980s.

The Wright Center to open primary car clinic at Allied Services’ Luger Scranton Rehab Center

The Wright Center for Community Health will open a new primary care clinic inside Allied Services Rehabilitation Hospital at the Luger Scranton Rehab Center on Friday, Oct. 16, expanding access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary and preventive health services for adults in the region.

The full-service primary care office at 475 Morgan Highway will provide a range of services, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Patients do not need to be Allied Services patients to receive care at the new clinic.

The Wright Center’s 16th location, including the mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health, reinforces its commitment to making care accessible and convenient to all individuals and families throughout the region. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-591-5285.

The Wright Center and Allied Services will celebrate the new clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 5-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. The event will include tours of the new location and remarks from leaders of both organizations. The community is invited to attend.

“Everyone deserves convenient access to high-quality primary care,” said Dr. Erin McFadden, senior vice president and chief medical officer at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Our partnership with Allied Services allows us to meet people where they are and connect more individuals and families with the comprehensive care they need to live healthier lives.”

The new clinic builds on the ongoing partnership between The Wright Center and Allied Services, two organizations committed to strengthening access to comprehensive care and support services throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with The Wright Center,” said Robert Cole, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief analytics officer at Allied Services. “Our two organizations share the same values and commitment to our community, and The Wright Center bringing primary care services to our campus will be a tremendous benefit to the patients and families that we collectively serve.” 

Allied Services provides comprehensive rehabilitation and support services to more than 1,200 children and thousands of adults through outpatient clinics, inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care centers, residential services, vocational programs, and hospice and palliative care across Northeast Pennsylvania.

The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education, and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The enterprise employs nearly 680 professionals – including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians – and trains more than 200 interprofessional healthcare learners each year.

In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients across all care settings in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.

Marywood University celebrates grand opening of new Bar None restaurant

Marywood University officially celebrated the grand opening of Bar None, introducing a new dining and gathering destination that reflects the University’s commitment to enriching campus life and strengthening connections with the greater Scranton community.

Located in the Nazareth Student Center, Bar None is part of a broader vision to create welcoming, engaging spaces that bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the surrounding community together.

That vision also includes the recent transformation of a student lounge into an inviting space where students can gather, socialize, enjoy recreational activities, and relax outside the classroom. Together, these initiatives reflect Marywood’s continued investment in creating a vibrant campus environment that encourages connection, belonging, and community engagement.

“A vibrant university is about more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, building relationships, and offering experiences that bring people together,” said President Lisa Lori. “We want Marywood to be a place where students feel connected and engaged, where our alumni always feel welcome, and where the greater community sees our campus as a destination for culture, entertainment, and shared experiences. Bar None is one part of that larger vision.”

Bar None features specialty pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and signature offerings. Open to the public, the venue provides a distinctive setting for casual dining, social gatherings, and special events. The grand opening celebration featured remarks from University leadership, tours of the facility, menu samplings, and a ceremonial cake-cutting.

Bar None Hours of Operation:

Monday, Thursday, and Friday: Full Menu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Bar, 4:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Full Menu, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Bar, 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed.

Leadership Lackawanna announces 2026-27 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class

Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the students selected for its Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2026–27.

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, commonly known as TLT, is a seven-month leadership development program for high school juniors. Through interactive sessions and real-world experiences, participants strengthen their leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while learning more about the organizations, institutions and issues shaping northeastern Pennsylvania.

The program begins in October and concludes with a graduation ceremony in May. Participants attend one full-day session each month, exploring topics such as health care, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations and community service.

The program encourages participants to become informed, concerned, and committed citizens who actively invest in their communities. By connecting aspiring young leaders with professionals, organizations, and hands-on learning opportunities, Tomorrow’s Leaders Today helps prepare today’s teens to become tomorrow’s community and workplace leaders.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class of 2026–27 includes:

• Molly Keeler, Abington Heights High School

• Saloni Kishore, Abington Heights High School

• Chase Roberts, Abington Heights High School

• Deacon Jones, Abington Heights High School

• Sawyer Wilson, Abington Heights High School

• Emma Griffin, Abington Heights High School

• Brenda Allison, Abington Heights High School

• Sadie Robson, Abington Heights High School

• Leen Abughnia, Abington Heights High School

• Emily Kuhle, Abington Heights High School

• Julia Avvisato, Abington Heights High School

• Sebastian Meyer, Abington Heights High School

• Rushda Fatima Rashid, Abington Heights High School

• Aubrey Tesluk, Abington Heights High School

• Addison Osterhout, Abington Heights High School

• Margot Grad, Abington Heights High School

• Thomas Reese, Abington Heights High School

• Abigail Theony, Abington Heights High School

• Sean Surace, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High school

• Harang Granville, Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School

• Alainah Czyzyk, Commonwealth Charter Academy

• Layla Gover, Dallas High School

• Khusi Biswa, Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School

• Egen Haikes, Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School

• Aaron Mecca, Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School

• Saran Joiya, Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School

• Daphne Noble, Dunmore Jr./Sr. High School

• Samantha DeGroat, Forest City Regional

• Madyson Mace, Holy Cross High School

• William Muir, Holy Cross High School

• Keira Bauman, Holy Cross High School

• Mollie Urban, Holy Cross High School

• Lily Turnbull, Holy Cross High School

• Madalyn Woodward, Lackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School

• Maribella Rakauskas, Lackawanna Trail Jr./Sr. High School

• Bria Hill, Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School

• Dominick Brunori, Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School

• Rileigh Johnson, Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School

• Emma Merrifield, Mid Valley Secondary Center

• Ariella Bell, North Pocono High School

• Amato Lynn, North Pocono High School

• Adysen Iyoob, North Pocono High School

• Riley Grambo, North Pocono High School

• Avarie Roscioli, North Pocono High School

• Anna Clementoni, North Pocono High School

• Cameron Forgione, North Pocono High School

• Addison Rafalko, Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School

• Kamryn Notari, Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School

• Kaitlyn Nee, Old Forge Jr./Sr. High School

• Jack Davies, Riverside Jr./Sr. High School

• Paul Brennan, Riverside Jr./Sr. High School

• Cassandra Insalaca, Riverside Jr./Sr. High School

• Quinn Coyle, Riverside Jr./Sr. High School

• Anna Hill, Scranton High School

• Yashairaly Lugo, Scranton High School

• Genevieve Cobley, Scranton High School

• Adeline O’Brien, Scranton High School

• Arianne Rodriguez, Scranton High School

• Madeline Slocum, Scranton High School

• Tyana Smith, Scranton High School• Hunter Wahlers, Scranton High School

• Gabrielle Wotulo, Scranton High School

• Kimberly Guimaraes, Scranton High School

• Anna McIntyre, Scranton Preparatory School

• Isabella Stefanelli, Scranton Preparatory School

• Rebecca Yeager, Scranton Preparatory School

• Maggie Clark, Scranton Preparatory School

• Smera Shrestha, Scranton Preparatory School

• Patrick Kilker, Tunkhannock Area High School

• Maddox Carey, Valley View High School

• Chloe Krzak, Valley View High School

• Ashlan Palickar, Valley View High School

• Olivia DeAngelis, Valley View High School

• Joey Lee, Valley View High School

• Liesel Krugh, Valley View High School

• Cora Gallagher, Valley View High School

• Madison Minelli, Valley View High School

• Alana Pfeiffer, Valley View High School

• Abigail Washine, Western Wayne High School

• Maha Tanveer, Western Wayne High School

Kalahari will host upcoming “Spooktacular Family Fright Night”

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions will host a “Spooktacular Family Fright Night” on Saturday, October 31, from 6-9 pm. The event is free and open to the public and will take place in the resort’s main lobby.

The event will feature a coloring contest, trick-or-treating, spooky train rides, Monster Bash dance party, and more!

Spooktacular Family Fright Night will be located at 250 Kalahari Boulevard in Pocono Manor, PA.

Waverly Community House to host annual children’s Halloween party

The Waverly Community House will host their annual children’s Halloween party on Saturday, October 24 from 1-3 pm. The event will be Toy Story themed and is free and open to the public.

The event will feature trick or treating, games, and a bake sale!

It will be located at 115 N. Abington Road, Waverly, PA.

Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders to host trick-or-treat event

Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders to host a free trick-or-treat event on Wednesday, October 28 from 6-8pm at PNC Field. Attendees can enjoy live music, treats, and more. Children ages 12 and under can come dressed in a costume!

RSVP only:

6-8 pm event: https://www.eventbrite.com

5-6 pm event (sensory friendly hour) https://docs.google.com

Only register children attending the event. Contact Noelle at ndepiertro@swbrailriders.com for questions.

Penn East FCU to host annual trunk-or-treat

Penn East Federal Credit Union will host its annual trunk-or-treat event on October 28th, from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Attendees will be encouraged to trunk-or-treat with their kids, grab a bite to eat, and experience artist performances. Everyone will also be able to vote for their favorite trunk!

The event will be at 851 Commerce Blvd in Scranton. The event is free and will have a rain date of October 29.

Electric City Trolley Museum to host Halloween Festival on October 25

Electric City Trolley Museum will host a Halloween Festival on Sunday, October 25. The event will feature art activities, balloon art, and a costume contest from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm.

Halloween costume contest categories include: cutest, funniest, scariest, most original, and best superhero. There will be prizes for the winner in each category.

The event will also feature trolley rides with Melinda the Magical Witch. Trolley ride times include: – 9:30 am – 10:30 am – 11:30 am – 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm

Regular rates apply for the Halloween trolley rides. Children 2 years old and under are free, and reservations are required.

Call (570) 963-6590 for reservations and questions.