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.
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.
