Indraloka’s Beloved ThanksLiving Returns November 7 Thanksgiving looks a little different at Indraloka. There are turkeys. There is a feast. There are friends and family gathered around tables. But at ThanksLiving, the turkeys aren’t on the table. They’re the guests of honor. On Saturday, November 7, Indraloka will welcome more than 200 guests to its nearly 100-acre sanctuary in Dalton for its annual ThanksLiving celebration, a beloved Northeastern Pennsylvania tradition that brings people together for an unforgettable day of compassion, connection and, of course, incredible food. With the event now just under a month away, tickets are on sale and guests are encouraged to reserve their seats soon. “ThanksLiving asks us to imagine what the holiday season can look like when gratitude extends to every living being,” said Dr. Indra Lahiri, founder of Indraloka. “It is joyful, it is delicious, and it is unlike anything else. But what makes the day so special is watching people connect—with the animals, with one another, and with the idea that each of us can help create a kinder world.” One of the most anticipated moments of the day is Indraloka’s Feast for the Birds, when the sanctuary’s rescued turkeys and other rescued birds enjoy a Thanksgiving feast prepared especially for them. Then it’s the humans’ turn. Guests will enjoy a gourmet plant-based meal provided by Parlor City Vegan, live music, a massive raffle featuring more than 100 items, and time to experience the sanctuary that hundreds of rescued farm animals call home. ThanksLiving has grown since its beginnings in 2010 into Pennsylvania’s largest event of its kind, drawing guests from across the region and around the country. More than 100 businesses and organizations contribute products, raffle items and financial support to help bring the celebration to life each year. But the impact of ThanksLiving continues long after the last guest goes home. Proceeds help support Indraloka’s work throughout the year, including lifelong sanctuary for rescued farm animals, affordable veterinary care through the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, educational programs for children and families, and programs designed to promote healing, wellness and resilience throughout the community. This year alone, that work has included welcoming 43 hens rescued from a commercial egg farm, where thousands of birds faced slaughter after the farm lost its egg-production contract. Many arrived at Indraloka suffering from feather loss, injuries, chronic stress and untreated medical conditions. While several have passed, most are discovering something entirely new: what it means to live for themselves. On November 7, guests at ThanksLiving will have an opportunity to celebrate them—and the hundreds of other rescued animals whose second chances are made possible by the Indraloka community. Tickets are available now, and advance purchase is required. With ThanksLiving traditionally welcoming approximately 200 guests, those hoping to attend are encouraged not to wait. “Every year we sell out,” said Robin Olson, Indraloka’s Director of Development. “And every year, it happens earlier and earlier. If you’ve never been, this is the year to come.”
McDonald Foundation Donates $5,000 to Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The McDonald Foundation presented the Cancer Institute with a $5,000 donation to support the Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. Nevin Gerber, a representative of the McDonald Foundation and Spirit of Hope Ambassador together with Leo Vergnetti, Chairman of the Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors and 2026 Spirit of Hope Tribute to Courage Honoree Honorable Thomas J. Munley, presented the check. The Spirit of Hope Board of Ambassadors is a group of community volunteers that hosts an annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the event benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s Community-Based Cancer Screening Navigation Program. This program helps low income and un/underinsured individuals in northeast Pennsylvania get their recommended colorectal, breast, cervical, and lung cancer screenings. For more information about the Spirit of Hope Celebration, visit, www.spiritofhopecelebration.org .
Scranton Fringe Wraps Up 2026 Festival Scranton Fringe wraps up a successful 2026 festival with the largest attendance since 2020. With over 3,500 attendees at one or more event, almost 50 productions, and hundreds of artists and creators, Scranton Fringe is eager to expand to the 2027 festival. During the festival, SOHO Playhouse of New York City came to scout for their 2027 Fringe Encore Series. Scranton Fringe highlighted the historic Scranton Iron Furnaces through a 3D projection mapping that drew over 600 attendees across both nights. The festival featured over 20 local venues and 4 staple hotels. The 2027 Scranton Fringe Festival will take place from Thursday, October 14 – Sunday, October 24, 2027. Save the date!
The Wright Center receives grant to help patients in need with transportation, hygiene supplies, and household items. Getting to doctors’ appointments will be a little easier for some patients in need, thanks to The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education and a grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The $18,750 grant will be used to buy bus passes, transportation vouchers, and gas cards for patients enrolled in The Wright Center for Community Health’s Healthy Maternal Opiate Medical Support (Healthy MOMS) Program and patients being helped by The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s new street medicine program to get to and from appointments at The Wright Center for Community Health’s network of community health centers and at community partners across the region. The grant will also help The Wright Center provide hygiene supplies and essential household items to patients receiving care at its Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinic. Healthy MOMS focuses on helping mothers-to-be and mothers with substance use disorder, bringing together healthcare, legal, housing, and social services organizations from more than seven counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. Participants can join before giving birth and remain in the program until the child turns 2. An assigned case manager helps with a range of support services, including medications for opioid use disorder, counseling, primary and OB-GYN care, parenting tips, legal advice, and more. Since its launch in August 2018, the program has helped more than 654 mothers and welcomed 355 babies. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s new street medicine team, composed of medical assistants, community health workers, addiction recovery specialists, resident physicians, and more, visits the Community Intervention Center in Scranton twice a week. Since it launched in January, the team has completed more than 547 medical exams aboard the 34-foot mobile medical and dental unit known as Driving Better Health. Often, care provided by The Wright Center’s street medicine team leads to referrals for follow-up care, either at The Wright Center’s community health center in Scranton or with other providers who can assist them. “Transportation assistance is essential to help patients access critical services and reduce barriers to care,” said Dr. Douglas Klamp, who leads the street medicine team and serves as The Wright Center’s senior vice president, chief medical education officer, and physician chair of resident and fellow talent acquisition. “By improving transportation access, patients will be better able to attend appointments, adhere to treatment, and remain engaged in care, especially if they are experiencing financial difficulties, housing insecurity, or other challenges.”
City of Carbondale Selected for Appalachian Regional Commission Training and Funding Opportunity The City of Carbondale was selected for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) READY Local Governments training program, which helps local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects to maximize positive outcomes. The City will be represented by Economic Development Director Todd Pousley and Mary-Pat Ward, Chief Operating Officer of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, the City’s nonprofit partner. They will participate in the nine-week virtual training program alongside other local government leaders from across the Appalachian Region. Participants will build skills to manage the entire federal grant lifecycle, including: Federal Grant Funding Opportunities and Readiness Federal Grant Project Identification, Application Development and Submission Strategy Federal Grant Regulations, Administration and Compliance Federal Grant Financial and Risk Management Leveraging Federal Grants for Long-Term Success Upon successful completion of the training program, the City will be eligible to apply for $50,000 in funding (no-match required) to enhance organizational ability to better meet Carbondale’s economic needs. “We’re always looking for new sources of funding to expand services for our residents and pursue economic development opportunities,” says Mayor Michele Bannon. “This ARC training program will position the City to better utilize federal grants to improve our community.” “We’re excited to partner with the City of Carbondale in this effort and invest in building the skills and knowledge needed to pursue new opportunities for the community,” said Mary-Pat Ward, Chief Operating Officer of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania. “The stronger our ability to navigate these resources, the more opportunities we have to bring new investment and resources to Carbondale and support the community’s long-term goals.”
$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.
