Lackawanna Historical Society to Host Photo Scanning Do you have precious family photographs or crumbling documents you’d like to preserve? The Lackawanna Historical Society is partnering with “photo archaeologist” Cheryl Kaiser to host a special scanning day fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join us for this opportunity to preserve your cherished family memories and support the work of the Lackawanna Historical Society! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/LHSScanDay to schedule your 15-minute appointment and purchase a $30 scanning day bundle. This will include your personal appointment with professional hi-resolution scans of up to 10 photos or documents with minor image adjustments to enhance clarity and quality. Your scans will be securely delivered into a private, complimentary Forever digital account, with a guide to get started organizing and maintaining your digital archive. If you have more than 10 photos, additional items can be scanned for $1 each. A portion of the fee for the bundle and additional items will be donated to the Society. If you’re busy, you can sign up for the “short on time” option to drop off items at the Catlin House and pick them up the following week. To register for Scanning Day, go to https://tinyurl/LHSScanDay. For more information, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
Mohegan Pennsylvania to Host Special Dancing and Open Mic Nights Mohegan Pennsylvania is about to turn entertainment up a notch with special Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights in May and June. Breakers and Embers Terrace will be hosting the line dancing while The Hive Taphouse will feature open mic nights. These events are free and open to the public though guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Guests are invited to giddy up with Red Dirt Road Line Dancing at Mohegan Pennsylvania, even if it’s their first rodeo! This Country music experience starts with a one-hour lesson led by instructors with more than 10 years of line dancing experience, followed by another hour of open dance. Embers Terrace is set to host Red Dirt Road Line Dancing from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, May 15th, 4:00pm – 6:00pm on Saturday, May 17th, 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Sunday, May 18th, and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, June 5th. Breakers will get in on the line dancing action on Saturdays, June 7th and 14th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Open Mic Night at The Hive Taphouse is going to be the new highlight of guests’ Fridays! Those in attendance can showcase their skills in comedy, music, poetry, or anything in between. Sign-ups for 15-minute time slots will begin at 8:00pm, and performances will run from 8:30pm to Midnight. Open Mic Nights at The Hive Taphouse will take place every Friday night in May. From amateurs to more seasoned entertainers, all are welcome to attend! For additional information on Red Dirt Road Line Dancing and Open Mic Nights, visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website.
Waverly Community House Presents the 2025 Waverly Waddle The Waverly Community House is pleased to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, the Waverly Waddle, taking place on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Participants of all ages are invited to join this morning of camaraderie, exercise, and community spirit. The event will feature a 5K Run and a 2-Mile Walk, welcoming both competitive runners and casual walkers alike. The race will be professionally chip timed by Second Wind Race Timing. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in various categories. Local businesses and organizations are invited to support this community-centered event through sponsorship. Sponsors will gain valuable visibility with a loyal local audience while demonstrating their commitment to community engagement. To learn more about the Waverly Waddle, click here.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Hosts Derby Day Extravaganza at Pocono Downs With the 151st Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 3rd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is gearing up for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day Extravaganza! Beginning at 10:00am, this annual event will provide guests with an opportunity to indulge in delicious bites from popular food trucks, try various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, experience live harness racing, participate in a Hat Revue for a chance to win up to a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card, and join in on a promotion where guests can win up to $1,000 in free wagers. Refreshing beverages being served at the Derby Day Extravaganza include Coors Light, Modelo, Party on the Patio Lager with Lime, Twisted Tea, and a variety of seltzers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can also enjoy the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps! Those looking to grab a quick bite can head over to the Burger Bus and Eat Up Now food trucks, where a variety of mouthwatering options will be available. Guests can also stop by the Best Cigar Pub booth, located outside near the Winner’s Circle, where a selection of freshly rolled cigars will be available for purchase. Specialty juleps will also be available for purchase at Breakers, Crafty Stir, Embers Terrace, The Hive Taphouse, Latitudes, Molly O’ Sheas, Pearl Sushi Bar, Rustic Kitchen, and Sunset Bar. For a full list of flavors, guests can visit the Mohegan Pennsylvania website. The Hat Revue is set to return, and guests have an opportunity to compete for lucrative prizes! Registration for the Hat Revue will be from 5:00pm – 6:00pm in the Racing Lobby. Top prizes include a $500 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card that will be awarded to those named “Best Couple” or “Group Themed Hats”. Winners of the “Most Classic Derby Hat” and “Most Creative Hat” categories will each receive a $250 Mohegan Pennsylvania gift card. Mohegan Pennsylvania gift cards can be redeemed towards an overnight stay, divine dining choices and other incredible offerings across the property. Beginning at 10:00am on Friday, May 2nd, Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania will accept advanced Kentucky Derby wagers in Simulcast and tellers will be available to assist. Beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, May 3rd, Simulcast will be self-service and available for all tracks with live meets (including Churchill Downs) throughout the day. The upper-level Pacer’s Clubhouse will also have live tellers at the betting windows. Additionally, guests can wager on live harness racing, which is set to take place from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. All guests must be 18 years or older to place wagers. Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania is holding a promotion where guests who wager $100 or more with a teller on any race will receive one entry for every $100 wagered. Guests must place these entries into one of the 20 boxes located in the Racing Lobby based on who they think will win the Kentucky Derby. At approximately 6:57pm, the Kentucky Derby will begin, televised on the outdoor jumbo screen and indoor racing TVs. At the conclusion of the race, four winners will be selected out of the corresponding boxes of the official top four finishers. The selected first-place box winner will receive $1,000 in free wagers valid for Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17th. Second – fourth place winners will receive $500, $250 and $100 in free wagers, respectively. Following the Derby Day Extravaganza, the party goes on at various venues across the property. Wilkes-Barre native Bill Hoffman will be playing solo acoustic rock music from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at Embers Terrace, Bean and Vine Café & Wine Bar will feature a Piano Night with Lee Strubeck from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, Breakers will have Light up the Moon playing a show like no other from 8:30pm – 12:30am, and The Hive Taphouse will feature Reel in the Years playing all the 50s, 60s, and 70s to current day favorites from 9:30pm – 12:30am. Additionally, guests can play their favorite slots and tables games for their chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash and Free Slot Play with the “You’re Off to The Races” promotion! From now through Saturday, May 3rd, guests will receive one entry for every Status Point earned. Those who play on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the designated time period will receive 10X entries! On Saturday, May 3rd between 3:00pm – 5:00pm and 7:30pm – 10:00pm, there will be two winners chosen every 15 minutes to select a rose and reveal a prize up to $5,000 cash. Guests must activate their entries each hour by playing slots or table games with their Momentum card. The Derby Day Extravaganza is an all-ages event. However, most areas of Mohegan Pennsylvania are restricted to guests 21 years of age and older, including the hotel, gaming areas, and several restaurants. Valid, unexpired photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID) is required to access 21+ areas. Expired identification will not be accepted. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.
United Way Announces New President Angela Bassani Steps into Role as President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike is proud to announce that Angela Bassani, Ed.D., CPA, has been appointed as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A longtime advocate for the community and a dedicated leader, Bassani steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of Gary Drapek, who is retiring after 22 years of service. With this appointment, Bassani becomes the fifth President in the organization’s more than 100-year history—and the first woman to hold the position. Bassani brings a wealth of experience to United Way, having been deeply involved in financial management, community impact programs, and higher education. She has worked with United Way for over a decade, most notably leading the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where she has helped thousands of individuals access critical financial resources. Her leadership in this role has demonstrated her deep commitment to economic stability and empowerment for individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly honored to step into this role and continue the legacy that Gary Drapek has built,” said Bassani. “Gary has been a mentor and role model to me for years, and I have seen firsthand the incredible work United Way does to uplift our community. I am eager to work alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners to ensure that we continue to make a meaningful impact for those who need it most.” In addition to her nonprofit experience, Bassani holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, a MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Scranton, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her expertise in financial oversight, grant management, and organizational strategy will be instrumental in leading United Way forward in an ever-changing nonprofit landscape. A long-time resident of the region, Bassani’s roots run deep in the communities United Way serves. Growing up on the border of Wayne and Pike Counties and making Lackawanna County her home since college, she has always been passionate about giving back to the people and organizations that shaped her. She has also served as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Accounting at Penn State Scranton, where she mentored students and integrated service-learning opportunities into education. Bassani has been involved with the United Way since she was a junior in college and officially assumed the role of President & CEO following Drapek’s retirement last month, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, she remains committed to honoring the strong foundation built by her predecessor while also bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision to United Way’s initiatives.
Lackawanna Historical Society’s Local History Game Show Returns this Spring The Lackawanna Historical Society’s local history game show will return on Saturday, May 3 at 6 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm) at the Art Haus, 301 Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. The public is invited to play along with the contestants to answer fast-paced Jeopardy-styled questions about Lackawanna County History and cheer on our teams as they compete to be the 2025 “Local History Legends of Lore”! This is the 16th year that the Lackawanna Historical Society has worked with students from Valley View and Riverside high schools to research county history, create local trivia questions, and design game boards for this program. The students also act as the gameshow hosts. Our goal is to offer a program that both entertains and educates. It’s entertaining in that we present a program each spring where individuals compete before a live audience. Its educational on a few levels: first in that we work directly with the students during the school year to teach them about our county’s past and encourage them to read local history publications, tour local museums, visit county libraries and browse online resources; then we invite 16 individuals from throughout the county to brush up on their local history knowledge in order to compete as contestants, the audience also learns as the play along. This year’s contestants include defending champions from Fancy Parsley architectural firm Mike Muller and Chris Chilek; the 2022 & 2023 champions Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA and Gerard Hetman, Community Development Specialist at NeighborWorks; Riverside Elementary East Principal Dave Walsh and former Riverside High Principal Joe Moceyunas; Taylor Borough Mayor Loni Kavulich and her gameshow bestie Sara Walsh; Judge Margie Moyle and State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski; Lackawanna Historical Society Trustee Jack Shean and his dad,Tim; and gameshow favorites realtor Mike Taluto, and artist Denis Yanashot. This program is supported in part through funding from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. Tickets for the games show are $10 ($5 for students) and can be purchased at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lackawanna-historical-society/you-live-here-you-should-know-this-game-show For more information, please contact the Society.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Ribbon-Cutting at New Home The Scranton Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate its new permanent home at the historic Century Club of Scranton. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and its continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor and acknowledge the generous donors, community partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in making this move possible. Their contributions have ensured the preservation and renovation of the iconic Century Club building, which now stands as a pillar of community philanthropy and collaboration. This new location will enable the Foundation to enhance its philanthropic services, increase its on-site services for nonprofits, host community events, and convene stakeholders to address critical regional issues. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m., with remarks and ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club of Scranton, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA. Activities: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Open House Tours, Legacy Wall Unveiling, Refreshments, and Acknowledgements “This new space represents more than just a building. It is a historic landmark that will forever serve as the heart of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is part of our commitment to serving the community, fostering collaboration, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It also reinforces our role as a charitable resource for philanthropically minded individuals, families, and businesses who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration of community and the power of collaboration. Reflecting on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70-year history, we see this milestone as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities for philanthropy in Northeastern PA. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who made this vision a reality. As we enter our 71st year, we invite continued support to fully realize this legacy,” stated Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, Board Governor and Platinum Pledge Campaign Chair. Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Board of Governors added, “We are grateful for the generous gift of the Century Club. Thanks to a $2 million investment in renovations through our Platinum Pledge campaign, we have preserved its rich history while ensuring it meets the needs of our community for generations to come. This project reflects our commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.” Donations to the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Century Club campaign can be made online at 70.safdn.org. Naming opportunities are available, offering a unique way to leave a legacy and honor loved ones. Photo: The Century Club of Scranton building located at 615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, is now the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s permanent home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, and supporters to attend this special event. It is an opportunity to tour the newly renovated space, learn about the Foundation’s mission, and celebrate the individuals and organizations that made this transformative move possible. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House is a free event open to the community. RSVP online by visiting www.safdn.org. Photo: A glimpse inside the newly renovated historic Century Club of Scranton building at 615 Jefferson Avenue, now the permanent home of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 18, 2025. Photo credit: Fancy Parsley
Geisinger Raises Awareness with Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which raises awareness of child abuse and neglect, staff members from the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sunbury planted blue mylar pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention. This year the CAC team wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator at the CAC. Chelsea had the idea of creating and selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). The fundraiser will help Chelsea earn her Silver Torch in working toward her Girl Scout Cadettes Award. “Chelsea set a goal of raising $1,000 for PFSA, which is equal to selling 200 shirts,” Trisha Whispell said. PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork created for the project is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics. Many members of the CAC staff took part in the pinwheel planting on Monday, including (from left) Paul Bellino, M.D., clinical director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Alaina Johnson, licensed clinical social worker; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, Girl Scout; Melissa Wagner, director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cheryl Moroz, forensic interviewer and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Carmina Burana at FM Kirby Center The instantly recognizable Carmina Burana – a mainstay of movies, television, and commercials – arrives at the FM Kirby Center! Wilkes-Barre-Scranton…The Thalenfeld Masterworks Series of The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Philharmonic musicians and Music Director Mélisse Brunet will be joined by renowned vocal soloists Roderick George, Öznur Tülüoğlu, and Christopher Burchett, alongside the Marywood University Concert Choir led by Rick Hoffenberg. Also on the program will be Antonín Dvořák’s joyous and rousing “Carnival Overture”, and music pioneer Dolores White’s poignant “Give Birth to the Dream”. “O Fortuna”, the iconic opening movement of “Carmina Burana”, features accessible, highly melodic, repeated melodies and strong rhythms, making it a captivating experience for audiences. The lyrics, which complement the powerful music, deal with themes of life’s extremes like fortune, fate, and love. Concert tickets are priced from $42-$78 for adults, and college student tickets are $16. Students K-12 admitted at no charge by calling the box office. A pre-concert talk, with Maestra Melisse Brunet, will take place at 6:30 PM and all attendees are invited. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org, by calling 570.270.4444, or at the door on concert night. This concert is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, Christine and Harry Zike, Carol Nelson Dembert and F. Warren Breig, Jr, and Weber Gallagher Law Offices. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing mainstage and chamber concerts, and free Independence Day concerts in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, and “Music in our Schools”, an in-school interactive program featuring brass, wind, string, or percussion ensembles. Our community engagement includes “Once Upon an Orchestra” in local libraries for children to age 5, and miniature concerts in senior living centers.
