Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Spring Open House on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs. 

Jurassic Park in Concert takes the Stage at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic will perform the score as the film plays. This is a part of the Thalenfeld Movie Series.

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! Tickets are available by calling the box office at (570) 270-4444, or at NEPAPHIL.org.

For one night only, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are rebranding to honor the regions culture and history. The rebrand is presented by LuzereneCounty.com.

April 11 at 6:05 pm. the Steamtown Grady Dancers will face the Cleveland Monsters at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre.

Ticket prices range from $23-$27. To purchase tickets, call or text Tyler Rothmann at (570) 208-5407 or email at trothmann@wbspenguins.com

Non-profit Valley In Motion is excited to announce Season Five of The Office 5K, taking place Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. in downtown Scranton. Presented by national shoe company Kizik, the popular road race celebrates Scranton’s connection to NBC’s hit show The Office while bringing together fans, runners, and families from across the country. 

Starting beneath the iconic Electric City sign, runners and walkers will travel through Scranton landmarks featured in the series, including The Office mural, Penn Paper, Cooper’s Seafood House, the Dwight Schrute mural, and more. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite Office character for themed fun and prizes. 

This year’s event will feature a special appearance by Bobby Ray Shafer, Jr., known to fans as “Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.” The recurring character on The Office is married to Phyllis on the show and has become a fan favorite among the series’ devoted audience. 

Now in its fifth year, The Office 5K continues to gain national and international attention, with over 500 participants already pre-registered. Entry is just $30, and thanks to generous local and regional sponsors, the race offers numerous perks. All participants will receive a custom finisher medal, sponsored by Onvo, which operates travel plazas across Pennsylvania and New York. 

The event will also feature a one-mile loop for walkers, complete with Office-themed activities along the route. At Courthouse Square, where the race starts and finishes, families can enjoy kids’ games, food trucks, and spectator activities throughout the afternoon. 

Race proceeds support Valley In Motion, a local non-profit dedicated to strengthening community connections throughout the Lackawanna Valley. Donations collected during the event will help fund the construction of a new playground at Whittier Elementary School in South Scranton 

The fan-favorite costume contest returns with new categories this year, including: 

• Kelly’s Most Talked About 
• Best Season 5 Reference 
• Secret Secrets – honoring the best deep-cut or non-main cast character 

The celebration extends beyond race day. The Office 5K Weekend begins Thursday, April 30 with a series of themed events, including walking tours of Scranton, comedy shows, an Office trivia night, an Office marketplace, a pub crawl, and more. The nearby Everhart Museum is also hosting a special The Office exhibit featuring cast memorabilia and the show’s connection to Scranton. 

The race begins Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. at 523 Linden Street in Scranton. Pre-registered participants can pick up race packets at Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Avenue) on Friday, May 1 from 4–7 p.m. Packets will also be available on race day. 

Media & Appearance Opportunities 

Event organizers are available for media interviews, podcast appearances, morning show segments, and promotional features in advance of race weekend. Media outlets interested in covering the event or booking an interview are encouraged to contact VIM President, Gus Fahey. 

General Public Call to Action 

Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up by April 19th to receive a free custom race T-shirt! The first 2,000 finishers will receive a custom Season 5 race medal! 

Register, Sponsor, learn more about race weekend events, or inquire about media appearances at: www.TheOffice5K.com 

Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram

Media Contact: VIM President, Gus Fahey at 570-346-0600 or gus@valleyinmotion.org. 

Hosted by The River 105, NEPA’s favorite outdoor concert tradition — Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania — returns this spring and summer for its 17th season, bringing back the region’s top tribute acts 19 electric weeks of live music. Taking place at the Mohegan Pennsylvania racetrack, guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of fan‑favorite food trucks, along with weekly drink specials and free general admission. The 2026 series kicks off with Haus of Monsters: America’s #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga, promising a high‑energy opening night.

Premium seating options are also back this summer after their successful debut last year at Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Guests can now elevate their experience with upgraded seats close to the action, personal beverage service, and access to a dedicated standing lounge area for only $15. For more information, click HERE. 

Full Schedule: Thursdays, weekly from May 7th through September 10th, 2026  

5/07/26:  Haus of Monsters, America’s #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga
5/14/26:  Play It Again, Tribute to Luke Bryan starring Scott Jordan
5/21/26:  Mamma Mania, The American Tribute to ABBA
5/28/26:  The Amish Outlaws, Straight Outta Lancaster

6/04/26:  Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John
6/11/26:  Back in Black, True AC/DC Experience
6/18/26:  Raise Your Hands, a tribute to Bon Jovi
6/25/26:  Uncaged, a Zac Brown Tribute

7/02/26:  M80, the Ultimate 80s Dance Party Band
7/09/26:  Adrenalize, the Ultimate Def Leppard Experience
7/16/26:  The Idol Kings, a tribute to Journey & REO Speedwagon
7/23/26:Billy Joel Tribute THE STRANGER featuring Mike Santoro
7/30/26:  7 Summers, the Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute

8/06/26:  Super 70s Rock Show featuring Super Trans Am
8/13/26:  Best of the Eagles, A Tribute to Music of the Eagles
8/20/26:  A Proud Monkey, a tribute to Dave Matthews Band
8/27/26:  Motley 2, Touring Tribute to Mötley Crüe

9/03/26:  Stevie Mac, A Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Experience
9/10/26:  Black Dog, the Music of Led Zeppelin

*Lineup subject to change.

“Now entering its 17th season, Party on the Patio continues to be one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s favorite summer concert traditions,” said Anthony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania. “With a fantastic tribute band lineup, upgraded premium seating options, and great local food truck offerings, we’re thrilled to welcome the community back for Party on the Patio all summer long!” 

All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. For the safety and security of guests and team members, bags and purses are limited to the following: small clutch purses not larger than 4”x6” or bags that are clear on all sides and do not exceed 8”x10”. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.

For more information about Party on the Patio, visit moheganpa.com/POTP

Special Events Series Commemorates America 250PA and Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial.

A milestone year with two monumental anniversaries is cause for celebration. Settlers Hospitality is pulling out all the stops with its Big 6 in 2026 to commemorate America’s 250th birthday and Lake Wallenpaupack’s centennial.

From May through September Settlers Hospitality will host six special events to celebrate and honor two landmark occasions.

“It was important to us to observe this historically significant year in a way that brought together the community and captured the essence of this area and its people,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO Justin Genzlinger. “We’ve lined up a stellar season of entertainment, family activities, fun and of course, food. There really is something for everyone.”

It all begins with a Wally 100 Kickoff Celebration on May 24 at Silver Birches. The family-centric event on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack offers live music on two stages featuring headliner, The Maybabies. Visitors may shop an array of vendors, take in a fly-fishing demonstration, compete in the canoe and kayak races and check out historical displays.

Wally 100 Kickoff Celebration on Memorial Day weekend will be held from noon-9 p.m. with plenty of food and drink options available.

Next, Wally Wine Fest returns June 5-7 for its 10th year. The perennial favorite brings more than 100 vintages from domestic and international labels to Silver Birches for visitors to taste and purchase bottles. Over the course of three days festival goers enjoy themed wine dinners, tastings, food, shopping and entertainment on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack.

For America’s 250th Birthday on July 4, Silver Birches with host an epic party. Festivities include food trucks and craft vendors, a concert from a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, plus prime viewing for a gigantic fireworks display over the lake.

A Birthday Bash is planned for July 18 at Silver Birches to celebrate Lake Wallenpaupack’s 100th anniversary. The waterfront will transform into a Carnivale atmosphere with roaming performers and music all day featuring headliner Steppin’ Eddy. Birthday treats, tiki boat rides and craft vendors fill the daytime activities while a pool party for 21+ will keep the party going into the night.

Lake Wallenpaupack’s end of the season celebration takes on special meaning during the centennial year. Wally Lake Fest, August 28-30, features a marquee concert by a Bon Jovi tribute band on Saturday, August 29 at Silver Birches.

A celebratory summer comes to a close with the introduction of a new annual event. The inaugural Fiber Festival at the Hawley Silk Mill on September 6 celebrates Pennsylvania’s textile heritage, labor history and creative communities. The official America250PA event will feature 30 local and regional vendors showcasing an array of raw and processed natural fibers along with finished goods. Visitors may browse the fabrics, crafting tools and finished fiber art from talented makers, attend a workshop or demonstration and take in a historical display about Pennsylvania’s Industrial Age. The outdoor event will also feature live music, food trucks and more.

Settlers Hospitality partnered with Clarks Summit based Blu Elephante to manage sponsorships and vendor recruitment for all Big 6 events. Sarah Effertz owns the company, which brings 15 years experience in the field of event strategy, logistics, vendor coordination, guest management, and promotion.

For information on sponsorship and vendor offerings, visit SettlersHospitality.com or call 570-226-2993 for more information.

Filmmakers, area leaders to examine theme through local lens.

Community members are invited to explore what the American Dream means at “Amerigo: The American Dream,” an engaging public conversation on Tuesday, March 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Geisinger School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The event serves as a lead-up to the upcoming PBS documentary series “Amerigo,” a three-part project examining resilience, creativity and the evolving meaning of opportunity in the United States.

Filmmakers traveled across all 50 states and conducted more than 1,000 conversations with Americans to explore a central question: What does the American Dream look like today?

The Scranton event will feature an intimate discussion with the project’s creators and community leaders. Themes will include the renewal of rural communities and the role of arts and culture in shaping national dialogue.

Speakers will also discuss how communities in Pennsylvania and across the country are redefining the American Dream as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.

The program is open to the public. Registration is required.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity joined veterans, local leaders, Friends of the Forgotten North East Wing, and members of the community today to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the life and sacrifice of Carol Ann Drazba, who was killed in a helicopter crash while traveling for rest and recuperation leave on Feb. 18, 1966, during the Vietnam War.

“2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba, and her fellow nurses who volunteered to serve our country and go to Vietnam, held the hands of young men who were frightened, wounded, and far from their families,” Treasurer Garrity said. “They provided hope while soldiers healed and dignity and compassion in their final moments – today we honor their memories and the legacies that they left behind.”

Drazba, of Dunmore, studied nursing at the former Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing and felt a deep calling to serve others. During her junior year, she joined the Army Student Nurse Program, committing to serve as a nurse in the Army for two years. 

She was first sent to Fort Huachuca in Arizona before being deployed to Vietnam in October 1965. There she spent months caring for wounded American servicemen enlisted in the war. 

Friends of the Forgotten were instrumental in the construction and installation of a memorial of Drazba that stands outside the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, where today’s ceremony was held.

“Carol’s legacy was a labor of love and respect,” said Veteran advocate, Kim Atkinson, who originally dedicated Carol’s memorial. “Keeping her memory alive is a true gift to future generations to understand her strength, courage, and sacrifice.” 

“It’s fitting that Carol’s memorial stands outside a facility dedicated to caring for our veterans,” said Treasurer Garrity. “Just as she cared for our soldiers on the front lines in Vietnam, this memorial ensures that her compassion, courage, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Garrity also highlighted one of the most meaningful parts of her role as state treasurer, returning lost or forgotten military decorations through Treasury’s unclaimed property program. 

“These medals represent courage, sacrifice, and service to our country and are priceless pieces of family history, and we will never stop working to reunite them with the Veterans who earned them and their families,” said Treasurer Garrity. 

Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned 548 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and one Gold Star Medal.

To learn more about unclaimed property and military decoration returns, visit www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/

“Making NEPA Home Trailer” is selected as Best of Show as it, and other elements of its ad campaign win producer Kara Washington 4 American Advertising Award Trophies 

“Making NEPA Home Trailer,” which highlights the documentary “Making NEPA Home”, takes home best of show at the American Advertising Federation of NEPA’s (AAF NEPA) annual advertising awards show and gala.

“Some pieces impress you with craft, others stay with you because of how they make you feel. This work does both. Through deeply human storytelling, it captures something profoundly important, the universal desire for belonging, human connection, and home,” Judge Sara Janssen of Sara Janssen Creative said. 

The evening saw Anna Lesher of Susquehanna University take home student Gold and student Best of Show for her “Hear Her Out” female composer PSA campaign. Also presented were their annual Game Changer Award, the Rising Star Award, and the People’s Choice Award, voted on by those in attendance. This year’s event was held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center and hosted by local drag king Oliver Twist. 

The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged to be the largest and most representative competition of its kind, with more than 25,000 entries received as part of the three-tier competition. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels in order to be eligible for the national award. In addition, the awards are often viewed as a lens offering insights into work that may also perform well at other upcoming international creative competitions.

Local Gold winners will automatically advance to the regional level and silver winners have the option to send their work on.

In all, 12 Professional ADDYs and 10 Student ADDYs were awarded at the Northeastern PA American Advertising Awards, along with 6 Special Judges Choice Awards. Winners were announced during the award show on March 6th, which was attended by 80+ creative professionals, educators and students from across the advertising, marketing, media and tech communities, representing numerous counties and communities in Northeast PA. 

Said Dan Kimbrough, President of AAF NEPA, “Each year I’m blown away by the talent our region puts on display. Judges constantly talk about the quality of work in our market and are stunned by our student submissions. The creative market in Northeast PA is alive, thriving, and continuing to grow. I’m proud to have a small part in showcasing it!” 

Other highlights from this year’s American Advertising Awards include: 

● Benco Dental’s interactive “40 Under 40: Top Young Dentists”, took AAF NEPA’s first ever Best of Show: Print/Design award. 

● Local ad agencies Halibut Blue and Posture Interactive both took home a Gold and Silver Addy Award.

● Students representing Wilkes University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Susquehanna University, Marywood University, and Keystone College took home awards. 

Awards were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing 3 different markets and agencies not local to NEPA. 

Outside of our AAA Competition awards, Doug Martin, owner of Turtleboy Productions and professor at Luzerne County Community College, took home the Game Changer Award, which recognizes local visionaries who are pioneering new and exciting ideas within the advertising industry. 

Kristina Zenga of Shanty Town Design won The Rising Star Award, which celebrates emerging talents in the advertising industry who exhibit outstanding potential and a commitment to excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement. 

All professional and student entries and the winners can be viewed online at adflix.aafnepa.org.