April is Heartworm and Lyme Awareness Month, a time when veterinarians across the country encourage dog lovers to protect their animal companions from vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. May through 

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, approximately one in every 300 dogs in Pennsylvania tests positive for heartworm disease. Tick-borne illnesses are even more prevalent in the Northeast, where 10 percent of dogs test positive for Lyme disease, 17 percent for Anaplasmosis, and where Ehrlichiosis is also a risk.

To help address this growing concern, the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic at Indraloka is offering low-cost annual testing and a 30-day supply of heartworm and flea/tick prevention at no cost for eligible families.  While the prevention and testing are covered, office visits and any additional care may incur fees, which are adjusted on a sliding scale to remain accessible.

Heartworm disease begins when an infected mosquito transmits microscopic larvae into a dog’s bloodstream. Over time, the organisms migrate to the heart and pulmonary vessels, where they can interfere with normal cardiovascular function.

Tick-borne diseases occur when infected ticks attach to a dog and transmit bacteria that may lead to symptoms such as joint pain, fever, fatigue, reduced appetite, or more serious complications affecting the kidneys or immune system.

“These diseases often develop without your dog showing symptoms,” said Dr. Leslie Interlandi, Indraloka’s Director of Veterinary Medicine. “That’s why we recommend annual testing and consistent prevention. Taking these steps early can help protect your dogs from serious long-term health problems.”

A generous grant has provided resources for the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic to carry heartworm and flea/tick preventive medications in-house. The clinic also offers an online pharmacy with additional product options—topical and oral meds—to suit different dogs and family needs.

Dog caregivers interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment can call 570-665-9215 or email the clinic at vet@indraloka.org.

Dress for Success® Lackawanna and Outreach – Center for Community Resources jointly announce that effective March 31, 2026, Dress for Success® Lackawanna will formally close its existing program, making way for a newly approved Dress for Success® Greater Lackawanna network member to open in April 2026 as a program of Outreach – Center for Community Resources. This strategic transition is designed to optimize operations, strengthen service capacity, and expand workforce development opportunities across the region.

As a long-standing presence in Lackawanna and surrounding counties, the new Dress for Success® Greater Lackawanna program will operate with the same mission, visibility, and accessibility for women seeking career advancement. The two organizations have been working through the transition to ensure continuity of services, including professional styling, career coaching, digital readiness support, and employment preparation, while aligning these offerings with Outreach’s robust portfolio of workforce development and self‑sufficiency programs.

“This new structure allows two organizations that have long shared a commitment to empowering individuals on their journey to economic mobility and independence to find a sustainable pathway to meet the needs of women in the workforce,” said Melissa Garcia-Chilet, Dress for Success® Lackawanna Board Treasurer. “The synergies between missions made Outreach an excellent choice for becoming a new network member that will strengthen program delivery, expand access to critical career services, and increase the ability to support clients in meaningful, lasting ways.”

Outreach, known for its comprehensive support services, including job-readiness training, education, and individualized workforce pathways, will serve as the parent organization for the new Dress for Success® program. This alignment ensures a more integrated system of support for participants and reinforces long-term sustainability of the much-needed Dress for Success® Greater Lackawanna program.

“Becoming a Dress for Success® network member creates powerful opportunities for the people Outreach serves and for the region as a whole,” said Lori Chaffers, President and CEO of Outreach. “Our clients will benefit from an expanded network of employment resources, and our commitment to workforce development will allow us to offer a more seamless, strengthened continuum of services.”

Both organizations emphasize that while Dress for Success® Lackawanna will officially close, it is an intentional step toward enhancing lasting stability, expanding partnerships, and improving service delivery by allowing Outreach to become a Dress for Succes®s network member with greater infrastructure and support. Clients, community partners, and volunteers will continue to experience the same supportive environment, now reinforced by increased operational capacity and organizational alignment.

The newly established Dress for Success® Greater Lackawanna program will continue all core services and retain a strong community presence as it begins operations at Outreach in April.

Referrals can be made by calling 570-941-0339.

The NEPA Philharmonic invites audiences on a thrilling cinematic and musical journey with Jurassic Park™ in Concert, taking place on Saturday, April 11 at 7:00 PM at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes-Barre. The performance will be led by Music Director Mélisse Brunet, bringing John Williams’ legendary score to life alongside the iconic film.

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience Jurassic Park as never before: projected in HD with a full symphony orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome… to Jurassic Park.

Audiences will experience the groundbreaking 1993 film projected in high definition on the big screen while the NEPA Philharmonic performs the entire score live, perfectly synchronized with the action.

The NEPA Philharmonic is proud to present the Thalenfeld Family Movie Series, beginning an exciting new chapter for the organization. This format is a groundbreaking opportunity to expand the concert experience by blending the power of live symphonic performance with the magic of cinema.

The NEPA Philharmonic gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors. The 2025–2026 season is proudly sponsored by PNC. The Movie Series is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family, and the Pops Series is sponsored by Dr. Seth and Carolyn Fisher. Additional support for this performance is provided by Knowles Insurance.

Order now before it’s too late. To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit NEPAPHIL.org, or call the Box Office at (570) 270-4444.

Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official (DIO) for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, has been named to a list of female role models across the state who exemplify ambition, creativity, and impact on their communities.

City & State Pennsylvania, a multimedia news organization dedicated to covering the state’s politics and policy, included Dr. Barooah on its annual “Above and Beyond – Women” list, highlighting Pennsylvania’s most influential female leaders in government, advocacy, business, academia, media, and more. She joins 34 other women on City & State Pennsylvania’s list, including ​​Shelley Riser, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and Holly Pilcavage, vice president of enrollment management and student success at Luzerne County Community College. To read the complete list, visit cityandstatepa.com.

In addition to being quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine, Dr. Barooah works to improve the health and welfare of communities by providing whole-person primary and preventive health services and training the next generation of physicians. 

Dr. Barooah leads one of the nation’s largest Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortiums, overseeing the training of nearly 200 resident physicians and fellows. She has woven wellness, resiliency, and professional fulfillment into the fabric of graduate medical education, leading the development of a comprehensive wellness curriculum, creating new roles focused on clinician well-being, and championing visionary initiatives.

“Dr. Barooah’s impact is measurable and profound,” said Brian Ebersole, senior vice president of strategic enterprise and ecosystem development at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Under her leadership, resident confidence and satisfaction have risen sharply, scholarly output has increased dramatically, and The Wright Center has deepened its commitment to trauma-informed, community-based care.”

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 health care in the region. The organization employs more than 665 professionals – including 177 resident and fellow physicians, and trains more than 200 interprofessional health care learners each year. 

In fiscal year 2024-25, The Wright Center served about 38,300 unique patients across its growing network of community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties, including its mobile medical and dental unit, Driving Better Health. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, regardless of insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay. No patient is turned away due to an inability to pay.  Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. 

The Stegmaier is gearing up for special events through the Spring, including a tarot night, cherry blossom tea, and a fashion experience.

Tarot Night at The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion

The Stegmaier Mansion’s very first Psychic Sips & Soul Snacks: A Tarot Night at the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion hasn’t even happened yet… and it’s already sold out. So they added another chance to experience the magic.

Attend an enchanting evening of lovely wines, delightful light bites, and tarot readings in the historic Frederick Stegmaier Mansion.

Experience intuitive tarot readings with Alyssa, also known as Healing in the Cards, alongside another gifted psychic reader. To learn more about Alyssa, visit: healinginthecards.com

Enjoy wine and curated light bites while you explore what the cards may reveal.

The event is located at 304 Franklin Avenue, two blocks south of Mary Stegmaier Mansion on Saturday, May 23rd from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Dinner is not included with this event but may be added separately beforehand. If you plan to dine at The Mary prior to the event, we recommend making a reservation no later than 5:00 PM to allow time to arrive at the Frederick Mansion.

Tickets are $73 per person plus tax and optional gratuity

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this mystical evening of sips, soul snacks, and spiritual insight inside one of Wilkes-Barre’s most historic mansions. 

Ticket Link: https://resy.com/cities/wilkes-barre-pa/venues/the-stegmaier/events/tarot-night-at-the-frederick-mansion-2026-05-23

Cherry Blossom Tea

Step into an afternoon of elegance, tradition, and charm at The Mary Stegmaier Mansion. 

Enjoy a refined tea experience set within our historic Gilded Age mansion, where timeless English tradition meets stunning architectural beauty. From the moment of arrival, enter into the richly appointed dining rooms, complete with fine china and attentive service designed to make every detail unforgettable.

Indulge in a curated selection of premium teas, perfectly paired with a three-tiered presentation of:

• Seasonal savory bites

• Warm scones with accompaniments

• Hand-crafted pastries

Each offering is thoughtfully prepared by our culinary team, blending classic flavors with a touch of modern artistry

. Seating is limited to preserve the intimate atmosphere. Reserve a spot and be part of the newest mansion tradition! 

The tea is at Mary Stegmaier Mansion Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM. Tickets are $60 per person plus sales tax and a 20% gratuity.

Parties of 8 or more please call to reserve: (570) 235-6943

Ticket link: https://resy.com/cities/wilkes-barre-pa/venues/the-stegmaier/events/cherry-blossom-tea-2026-04-18

Mother’s Day Tea

Celebrate Mother’s Day season with an elegant afternoon of tea, tradition, and timeless charm at The Mary Stegmaier Mansion. 

Each detail is thoughtfully prepared by our culinary team, blending classic English tea traditions with a touch of modern elegance.

Perfect for celebrating with loved ones or treating someone special, this intimate tea service offers a relaxing and refined escape. Seating is limited to maintain the experience.

Reserve your place for Saturday, May 2 at 11-1:30 PM at the Stegmaier Mansion. Tickets are $60 plus sales tax and a 20% gratuity. Advanced registration is required.

Ticket link: https://resy.com/cities/wilkes-barre-pa/venues/the-stegmaier/events/mothers-day-afternoon-tea-2026-05-02

A Mother-Daughter Tea & Summer Fashion Experience

Join us for an elegant late-spring gathering celebrating fashion, tea, and time together inside the historic Mary Stegmaier Mansion. This special afternoon is designed for mothers, daughters, and loved ones to enjoy beautiful moments, stylish inspiration, and delightful treats.

Watch a Summer Fashion Preview Runway Show that features local boutiques, enjoy elegant tea and scones, and shop at boutique pop-ups. Stop to take a special photos and experiences throughout the afternoon.

The Fashion Show begins at 11:30 am. Shopping and tea begins at 12:30 pm.

The event is sponsored by The Stegmaier Mansion, Tan Fastic, Saline Adore, Little White Cottage Boutique, MCR Design Company, and WKRZ.

More vendors will be announced soon.

A portion of proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Luzerne County, supporting women on their path to economic independence.

TICKETS: General Admission – Adult: $42 | Child: $25 LINK: https://resy.com/cities/wilkes-barre-pa/venues/the-stegmaier/events/mother-daughter-tea-and-fashion-show-2026-05-17

Mansion VIP: $75 — Reserved fashion show seating + drink ticket + raffle tickets (only 20 available!)

Mary’s VIP Lounge: $725 — Reserved fashion show seating, Private lounge for 4–8 guests, mimosa station, dedicated server & swag baskets + drink ticket + raffle tickets (only 2 lounges available)

CIRCLE FLEA FAIR IS NOW OPEN EVERY SUNDAY FROM 6AM – 2PM

Shoppers & Vendors, NEPA’s Largest Flea Fair is NOW OPEN for the season, every Sunday until November!  New vendors are welcome weekly; only food & beverage vendors need to apply this season.  Shoppers, just $1.00 per vehicle to get in & explore! Visit circledrive-in.com/fleafair for more information! 

UPCOMING EVENTS AT CIRCLE DRIVE-IN

Friday, May 8th, into Saturday, May 9th

NEPA Horror presents “Graveyard Shift Cinema”

Gates Open: 6pm   |   Films start at dusk

Tickets are required for this event.

Saturday, May 16th 

Lackawanna County SWAT Team Designer Purse Bingo

Gates Open: 10am   |   Event: 12pm – 4pm 

Tickets are required for this event.

Saturday, May 23rd

Pharoahs Car Club of Scranton Cars & Coffee Monthly Meet Up

9am – 12pm  

All are welcome, free event

Thursday, May 28th 

Lackawanna County Film & Multimedia Commission Networking Event: Film Forward

Gates/Event: 5pm

All are welcome, free event

Saturday, May 30th

Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam ’26

Gates/Event: 2pm  (Vehicle registration open time TBD)

Trucks/Vehicles must register (entry fee).  Free event for all spectators!

Fidelity Bank recognizes that recent federal funding disruptions may be creating financial uncertainty for federal employees, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, and their families. As a trusted community bank, Fidelity Bank is offering an assistance loan program designed to help eligible federal employees navigate financial challenges during this time.

Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting those who serve our communities and country. This assistance loan program is intended to provide temporary financial relief and flexibility for federal employees impacted by a partial government shutdown or government funding disruption. Through local decision-making and personalized client support, Fidelity Bank is here to help during uncertain times.

Fidelity Bank’s TSA and Federal Employee Assistance Loan Program is available to eligible federal employees experiencing financial hardship related to a funding disruption. The program offers access to personal loan assistance with payment flexibility, no fees, and no early payoff penalties. Each request is reviewed individually, allowing Fidelity Bank bankers to work directly with clients to identify appropriate options based on their needs.

Federal employees seeking more information about Fidelity Bank’s assistance loan program are encouraged to visit www.bankatfidelity.com/assistanceloansfederalemployees, call 1-800-388-4380, or contact their local Fidelity Bank branch. Bankers are available to provide guidance and discuss available support options. Federal employees experiencing difficulty with existing loans due to a partial government shutdown are also encouraged to contact a Fidelity Banker for additional assistance.

The Grey Towers Heritage Association is hosting “Art at the Towers: An Open-Air Art Show and Fair” on Saturday, April 25th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (rain date: April 26th) on the beautiful grounds of Grey Towers in Milford, PA.

This plein air art event celebrates both local creativity and the rich artistic heritage of the Pinchot family, who were not only leaders in conservation but also strong supporters of the arts. Artists will be working on-site throughout the day, giving visitors a unique opportunity to observe the creative process, engage with artists, and purchase original works.

The event will feature a diverse group of regional artists and is open to the public at no cost—continuing the Pinchot tradition of making art and culture accessible to all.

For more information visit www.greytowers.org/events or call 570-491-7306.

The Scranton Art Haus is celebrating its two-year anniversary this April. The theater is presenting the Haus Cinema Club Loyalty Program with a special anniversary discount.

Until the end of April, join for $5. Starting in May, the program will cost $8 and will renew monthly,

The program’s perks include 10% of tickets, reduced online fees, and a new reward points system. For every dollar spent, earn one point. After earning 200 points a free movie ticket can be redeemed.

Club members receive access to alerts for special deals on movies, merchandise, food, and events.

Sign up in person at The Scranton Art Haus.

Join Geisinger School of Medicine students Sunday, April 19, at the Birchwood Racquet Club in South Abington Township for the ThinkBIG Pickleball Tournament. ThinkBIG supports families of pediatric cancer patients in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Play starts at 1 p.m. Divisions include intermediate and advanced men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. 

Doubles divisions are limited to 10 teams and mixed doubles to 20 teams. 

Entry is $70 per team for the first event and $40 per team for a second event. 

The registration deadline is April 12. To sign up, call 570‑586‑4030. Don’t miss your chance to play BIG!