Penn East to host annual trunk-or-treat

Penn East will host their annual trunk-or-treat event on October 28th, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Attendees will be encouraged to trunk-or-treat, grab a bite to eat, and experience artist performances. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite trunk.

The event will be located at 851 Commerce Blvd. 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.

Roba Family Farms to host “Halloween on the Farm” from October 30-November 1

Roba Family Farms will host “Halloween on the Farm” event from October 30-November 1. The event will feature costume contests, wandering Halloween friends, and more.

Friday, October 30 – Costume Contests – Tricks-or-Treats – Wandering Halloween Friends

Saturday, October 31 – Truck-or-Treat – Costume Contests – Tricks-or-Treats – Wandering Halloween Friends

Sunday, November 1 – Halloween Egg Hunt – Costume Contests – Tricks-or-Treats – Wandering Halloween Friends

Roba’s will also feature a Glowing Pumpkin Trail. The trail will be open Wednesday-Sunday at sunset. This attraction is included with admission.

Purchase tickets online or at robafamilyfarms.com.

Johnson College to Offer Evening Welding Technology Certificate Program at Both Campuses Beginning Spring 2027

Johnson College is expanding opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in welding by offering its one-year Welding Technology Academic Certificate program during evening hours at both its Scranton and Hazleton campuses beginning in spring 2027.

The new evening option is designed to provide greater flexibility for working adults and others who may find it difficult to attend classes during the day, allowing them to pursue an education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Students will receive hands-on training in welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, while developing the technical skills and safety practices needed to pursue entry-level welding careers in manufacturing, construction, and other industries.

The evening program also provides an opportunity for individuals looking to change careers or develop new skills without putting their current employment on hold.

Enrollment is now open for the spring 2027 semester. Individuals interested in learning more about the program or Johnson College can visit johnson.edu/inquire, 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.

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

SPHCC Announces Michele A. Hazelton as Operations Manager

Joseph H. Hollander, Chief Executive Officer of Scranton Primary Health Care Center (SPHCC), has announced the addition of Michele A. Hazelton, MBA, as Operations Manager for the Federally Qualified Health Center.

In her new role, Hazelton will work closely with SPHCC providers, clinical staff, and administrative leadership to ensure patients receive high-quality, efficient, and compassionate care. She will coordinate with the Center’s Chief Nursing Officer and focus on enhancing the overall patient experience and supporting the Center’s physicians and staff.

“We’re delighted to welcome Michele Hazelton to our Center,” said Hollander. “Her extensive experience in healthcare management, physician practice administration, strategic planning, and staff leadership will be a tremendous asset to our patients and our medical staff. Michele brings a strong understanding of healthcare operations and a commitment to improving the delivery of care. We look forward to the positive impact she will have at SPHCC.”

Hazelton is an experienced healthcare operations leader with more than 25 years of management experience. Her background includes healthcare management, physician practice operations, strategic planning, staff development, and organizational leadership.

“I am excited to join Scranton Primary Health Care Center and become part of an organization that is so committed to the health and well-being of the community,” said Hazelton. “I look forward to working with the providers, clinical teams and staff to build on the Center’s strengths, improve operational efficiencies and, most importantly, create an exceptional experience for every patient we serve.”

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.

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement receives Robert H. Spitz Foundation grant to help residents with utility bills

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement will help patients of The Wright Center for Community Health experiencing financial hardship pay their electric utility bills through a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. The funding will provide direct assistance to eligible patients of The Wright Center, easing financial strain, supporting housing stability, and promoting better health.

The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement advances the mission of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education by connecting people with the resources that address social drivers of health, including poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, social isolation, and other challenges. Working alongside clinical care teams, community health workers can connect patients experiencing hardships to a variety of resources. In fiscal year 2025-26, screenings showed that 1,733 patients at The Wright Center faced utility bill-related hardships.

Community health workers identify patients who may need assistance through the Patient Community Resource Tool. Eligible individuals may receive up to $150 paid directly to their utility provider.

“This grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation is an investment not only in the individuals and families we serve, but in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Holly Przasnyski, director of The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. “By helping neighbors who are struggling to keep up with their utility bills, we can address barriers that can stand between people and better health.”

Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Formed in 2015 through Spitz’s estate, the foundation supports an array of projects and programs that improve Northeastern Pennsylvania. To date, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has provided over $6 million in funding to the community. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at https://safdn.org/foundation/robert-spitz-foundation/.

SWB, Cosmic Baseball announces 2027 Cosmic Takeover Tour Schedule

Cosmic Baseball, an immersive, blacklight entertainment baseball experience, announces the 2027 touring schedule across 44 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) stadiums. The Cosmic Takeover Tour: Baseball brings high energy entertainment that blends professional baseball with a full-scale neon phenomenon to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at PNC Field.

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.

“The energy on our 2026 tour was absolutely electric, blowing past every expectation we set,” says Chris Martin, Owner and Founder of Cosmic Baseball. “For 2027, we’ve dialed up the production, added groundbreaking new in-game features, and created a glowing nighttime performance that fans will be talking about long after the final light goes out.”

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. 

2027 Cosmic Takeover Tour                                                                      

City, State                                          Stadium

Jacksonville, FL                                  VyStar Ballpark

Madison, AL                                       Toyota Field

Tulsa, OK                                           ONEOK Field

Papillion, NE                                      Werner Park

Durham, NC                                       Durham Bulls Athletic Park

San Antonio, TX                                 Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium

South Jordan, UT                                Ballpark @ America First Square

Worcester, MA                                   Polar Park

Lehigh Valley, PA                              Jefferson Park

Nashville, TN                                     First Horizon Park

St. Paul, MN                                       CHS Field

Columbus, OH                                    Huntington Park

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA             PNC Field

Gwinnett, GA                                     Gwinnett Field

Sugar Land, TX                                  Constellation Field

Akron, OH                                          7 17 Credit Union Park

Toledo, OH                                         Fifth Third Field

Myrtle Beach, SC                              Pelicans Ballpark

Norfolk, VA                                        Harbor Park

Oklahoma City, OK                            Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

Charlotte, NC                                      Truist Field

Syracuse, NY                                      NBT Bank Stadium

Buffalo, NY                                        Sahlen Field

Des Moines, IA                                   Principal Park

Knoxville, TN                                     Covenant Health Park

Indianapolis, IN                                  Victory Field

Grand Rapids, MI                               LMCU Ballpark

Rochester, NY                                    ESL Ballpark

Brooklyn, NY                                     Maimonides Park

Louisville, KY                                    Louisville Slugger Field

Albuquerque, NM                               Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park

Dayton, OH                                        Day Air Ballpark

Round Rock, TX                                 Dell Diamond

Reno, NV                                            Greater Nevada Field

El Paso, TX                                         Southwest University Park

Las Vegas, NV                                    Las Vegas Ballpark

Mesa, AZ                                            Sloan Park

Fresno, CA                                          Chukchansi Park

Corpus Christi, TX                             Whataburger Field

Birmingham, AL                                 Regions Field

Sacramento, CA                                  Sutter Health Park

Wichita, KS                                        Equity Bank Park

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.