Scranton Cultural Center Announces Blue Man Group “A New Holiday Surprise” on November 5 Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, “A New Holiday Surprise,” on the road this season, with Scranton audiences being the first in the country to experience the new production. The tour will visit Scranton Cultural Center with one very special matinee performance on November 5 at 2 PM. Tickets will be available for purchase on October 16 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, via Ticketmaster or BLUEMAN.com. Tickets start at $41.90 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more by contacting the Group Sales Department directly at bmg.sales@blueman.com. The brand-new production will feature classic holiday music performed on Blue Man Group’s iconic custom instruments, while following the trio as they discover the traditions, rituals and joyful absurdities of the holidays. Blending the music, humor, creativity and joyful unpredictability that have defined Blue Man Group for decades, the show explores timeless themes of generosity, presence, creativity and human connection. Equal parts hilarious, heartwarming and visually unforgettable, “A New Holiday Surprise” offers audiences a fresh, immersive celebration and a chance to create unforgettable holiday memories through a unique new tradition that celebrates what brings us together. Blue Man Group is a vibrant, interactive experience that has captivated audiences from all around the world. The non-verbal group communicates through music, art, and comedy, creating powerful connections without saying a word. As the Blue Men navigate our world with curiosity, audiences are invited into a captivating, communal experience that sparks creativity and ignites the imagination.
Johnson College to Host Free Event Exploring Electronic Engineering Technology and Electrical Construction Technology Johnson College will host a free informational event, “A Closer Look: Electronic Engineering Technology or Electrical Construction Technology: Which Is for You?” on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall at its Scranton campus, 3427 N. Main Ave. The event is designed for prospective students interested in working with electricity, electronics, and technology who want to learn more about the differences between the two programs and the career opportunities each offers. Instructors from both programs will lead live demonstrations, discuss what students learn, and answer questions about the skills needed for careers in these fields. Johnson College’s Electronic Engineering Technology program focuses on electronic systems, circuits, and troubleshooting technologies used across various industries. The Electrical Construction Technology program prepares students to work with electrical wiring, installation, and power systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to attend, meet instructors, and discover how Johnson College’s hands-on education prepares graduates for careers in these fields. The event is free, but advance registration is required. To register, visit Johnson.edu, email enroll@johnson.edu, or call 570-702-8856
Scranton Cultural Center Announces World Ballet Company’s “The Sleeping Beauty” on May 7 World Ballet Company is unveiling its brand-new production of The Sleeping Beauty as part of its 2026–2027 national tour. Bringing the company’s signature blend of classical artistry and Broadway-style theatrical flair to this beloved fairytale, the new production will make its way to Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on May 7 at 7:00 PM, as part of a national tour spanning more than 80 performances across the country. This show features choreography by Marina Kesler, based on the original staging by Marius Petipa, as well as over 150 hand-sewn costumes and richly detailed sets envisioned by Polina Bahtina, and stunning projection and multi-media visuals. “Our Sleeping Beauty combines the elegance of classical ballet with vivid, immersive storytelling,” said Gorskaya. “It’s a magical experience for both ballet newcomers and longtime fans.” A timeless tale of love, magic, and triumph of the good, The Sleeping Beauty follows Princess Aurora, whose joyful christening is shattered by the arrival of the vengeful fairy Carabosse. Cursed to prick her finger and fall into an enchanted sleep, Aurora can only be awakened by true love’s kiss. With the guidance of the benevolent Lilac Fairy, the story unfolds into a dazzling celebration of good conquering evil. Featuring some of classical ballet’s most iconic moments — all set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, The Sleeping Beauty remains one of ballet’s most technically brilliant and visually spectacular masterpieces. The performance is two hours in length (including one intermission) and is suitable for patrons aged two and up. The show will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 6:00 PM. Tickets start at $57.55 including fees. Prices are subject to change. Special pricing is available for groups of 10 or more. Tickets will be available for purchase on October 16 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster. For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.
$5,000 grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation helps Girls on the Run expand access in schools Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley and Pocono is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support organizational stability and access to Girls on the Run programming in Lackawanna County. The funding will help sustain and expand access to the organization’s evidence-based, physical activity-based youth development programs, which combine physical activity with lessons that build confidence, emotional well-being, healthy relationships and essential life skills. One of the programs benefiting from this support is Francis Willard Elementary School, a new Girls on the Run site in the Scranton School District this fall. Through twice-weekly sessions led by trained volunteer coaches, participants develop important social-emotional skills, build positive relationships and discover the joy of physical activity. The season culminates in a celebratory 5K, providing each girl with the opportunity to achieve a meaningful personal goal. “We are especially excited to welcome Francis Willard Elementary School as a new Girls on the Run site this fall,” said Liz Fones, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley and Pocono. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s continued support helps us bring programming to more girls while ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent participation. This investment will also help sustain programming in the Scranton School District next spring, creating more opportunities for girls to build confidence, develop healthy habits and recognize their limitless potential.” During the 2026–2027 program year, Girls on the Run aims to serve at least 250 girls throughout Lackawanna County, with approximately 50% receiving full or partial financial assistance. In addition to helping reduce financial barriers, community support helps provide essential program materials, volunteer coach training and the resources necessary to maintain high-quality programming. Girls on the Run addresses important challenges facing young people, including declining physical activity, growing mental health concerns and limited access to affordable after-school enrichment opportunities. Through positive mentoring relationships and a supportive team environment, participants develop the confidence, resilience and skills needed to thrive in school, at home and in their communities. “We are incredibly grateful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for recognizing the importance of investing in opportunities that support the physical and emotional well-being of girls in our community,” added Fones.
Tickets on sale for NEPA PHIL’s (Candle)LIT Nosferatu 1922 performance NEPA Philharmonic’s second annual (Candle)LIT Nosferatu 1922 performance will be on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Montage Mountain Resorts in Scranton, and tickets are limited. The performance features a screening of the seminal 1922 silent film paired with a thousand battery electric candles, food and specialty cocktails for purchase, and a string quartet of NEPA PHIL musicians, performing live-to-picture the U.S. premiere of a new score for the film by British composer Rob Wright. The NEPA PHIL (Candle)LIT Festival spans from October to February and includes 360° concerts; Deaf-inclusive and Memory-Friendly concerts; holiday, classical, pops, rock, brass, and choral programs; and more. Tickets and details for these concerts, including Candle(LIT) Nosferatu 1922, are available at NEPAPHIL.org or by calling 570-270-4444.
Johnson College to Host Annual Community Trunk-or-Treat Johnson College will host its annual Community Trunk-or-Treat event. This free, family-friendly event provides a safe and festive Halloween celebration for Johnson College students, their families, and community members. The Trunk-or-Treat features decorated vehicles hosted by Johnson College departments, staff, and community partners who hand out candy and small prizes to attendees. In years past, the event has welcomed approximately 800-1,000 attendees, making it a cherished Johnson College Tradition that promotes connection, creativity, and fun for participants of all ages. The event will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 4:30-6:30 pm. It will be located at Johnson College Scranton Campus, outside Bingham Hall (upper campus).
University of Scranton’s Presidential Scholars Program Permanently Endowed The University of Scranton’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which sponsors one of the University’s most ambitious and prestigious scholarship initiatives, is now fully endowed with permanent support. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, made the announcement recently at the 25th annual President’s Medal Gala at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The total amount of gifts and pledges comes to $30.2 million, Father Marina said. The event was first held in 2002 to establish and fully fund the endowment, among other goals. The University’s Presidential Scholars Program awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement. “At its core, the Presidential Scholars Program is about expanding access to education,” Father Marina said. “Consistent with our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we believe that gifted and motivated students should have the opportunity to pursue an outstanding education regardless of their financial means. By securing a full endowment of this program, the University and its benefactors have invested in future generations whose young men and women will continue to have access to a life-changing education that forms the whole person.” The milestone was achieved through the collective generosity of thousands of donors over the past 24 years. Since its inception, the program has supported hundreds of students. “Each of the nine Presidential Scholars in the Class of 2027 came to Scranton with their own interests, goals and dreams,” Jillian DelBalso ’27 said at Thursday’s gala on behalf of the Class of 2027 Presidential Scholars. “Our experiences may not have all looked the same, but we share something important. Someone believed in what we could become before we even had the chance to fully discover it for ourselves. That is what the Presidential Scholarship does. It doesn’t just invest in a student’s education. It invests in their future.” The President’s Medal, presented at the gala to individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields while demonstrating extraordinary compassion for others, was awarded to Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss. The Weisses’ lifetime of philanthropy has included significant gifts that helped construct Weiss Hall, Weiss Field and the creation of the Robert and Marilyn Weiss Pediatric Low Vision Research and Training Suite.
Cosmic Baseball coming to PNC Field Cosmic Baseball, an immersive, blacklight entertainment baseball experience, has announced the 2027 touring schedule across 44 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) stadiums, including PNC Field in Moosic. The Cosmic Takeover Tour: Baseball brings high energy entertainment that blends professional baseball with a full-scale neon phenomenon. Building off a massive 2026 tour that featured 74 sold out games across 30 markets and welcomed over 750K fans, resulting in a 400% increase over the inaugural 2025 tour, the 2027 expands production with new in-game features, including a 360-degree fireworks display. Each game showcases the flagship team, the Cosmic Chili Peppers, and their rivals, the Glow Mojis, competing while transforming the ballpark into a nighttime performance fueled by black lights, UV-reactive gear, live DJ, interactive fan engagement. More information regarding dates and ticketing will be announced soon. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to join the ticket lottery today for the chance to purchase tickets to experience Cosmic Baseball at PNC Field. Fans can also stay up to date on news regarding Cosmic Baseball by following the teams on their social media handles below or visiting https://chilipeppersbaseball.com.
DK USA Inc. announces that its face paint kits are being sold at local ShopRite stores DK USA Inc. has announced that its premium face paint kits, manufactured in South Korea, are now available at local ShopRite stores and costume shops across Moosic, Daleville, Mount Pocono and Brodheadsville. The face paints are crafted with high-grade cosmetic ingredients, easy-to-use, and safe and gentle on the skin, which makes them appropriate for both families and professionals.
Chamber hosts New Member Welcome Breakfast Two dozen new members attended The Chamber’s annual New Member Welcome Breakfast on Thursday, October 8. This year’s breakfast was held at the new Fidelity Bank building at 507 Linden Street in Scranton. Attendees were able to network with Chamber staff and other new members, while learning how to get the most value out of their memberships. Chamber President Bob Durkin and Director of Membership and Events Mari Potis explained what The Chamber and its divisions do, as well as The Chamber’s advocacy work and advertising opportunities. Attendees were also able to swap business cards with one another as they made new professional connections.
