Mohegan Pennsylvania Announces The Grand Reopening of Embers Terrace Mohegan Pennsylvania is excited to announce the grand reopening of Embers Terrace, the property’s premier outdoor dining and entertainment space, now debuting an expanded footprint, enhanced food & beverage menu, and upgraded guest amenities. The new Embers Terrace officially opens on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 with a special celebration in partnership with Allied Services, taking place from 5:30pm – 9:00pm. A live benefit concert will be headlined at the celebration by regional icon Eddie Day and TNT. The re-imagined Embers Terrace brings a significantly enhanced atmosphere to one of Mohegan Pennsylvania’s most beloved warm‑weather venues. New features include expanded outdoor seating areas, decor and seasonal landscaping, and a secondary bar and permanent stage area. Embers Terrace will be open Thursday through Sunday, with Thursdays being 21+. The venue is all-ages Friday through Sunday until 8:00pm and entertainment is regularly featured on Friday & Saturday evenings, expanding to weekend afternoons throughout the summer months. Guests can stay tuned to moheganPA.com for updates.
UNC’s Pine Brook Family Arts Festival Set for May 9th United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), in partnership with John Adams Elementary School, will host the 5th Annual Pine Brook Family Arts Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the school’s playground at 927 Capouse Avenue, Scranton. The free event invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of hands-on art activities, entertainment, and interactive experiences. Children can take part in creative projects provided by The University of Scranton while enjoying free pizza and ice cream. The festival will also feature the Albright Memorial Library Bookmobile, offering books and literacy resources, along with balloon animals, face painting, and other activities throughout the day. A bike giveaway will give children the chance to win a special prize, and Red, the Red Robin mascot, will make a special appearance. Local vendors and artists will be on site with displays showcasing a range of creative work, adding to the festival’s lively atmosphere. The Pine Brook Family Arts Festival highlights the importance of youth arts while creating opportunities for residents to come together, connect, and learn more about their neighborhood. The event is part of UNC’s Pine Brook Revitalization Plan and is made possible through funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with multi-year support from Coterra Energy and Peoples Security Bank & Trust, and additional support from the City of Scranton.
The University of Scranton Announces May Events May 8 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. May 12 7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “The Pope and the Rabbi: My Story of Friendship and Dialogue with Pope Francis” by Abraham (Armando) Skorka, Ph.D., author and Senior Research Fellow for Jewish Studies and Jewish-Catholic Relations, Georgetown University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu. May 16 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring John Wilson, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu. May 23 4 p.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 24 11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 24 4:30 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu. May 29 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum Collaborative Program: “Vin et Vues: Loire Valley and its Wines” presented by David Falchek, CAE, IOM, CMP, wine writer and critic, including for Wine and Spirits Magazine and The Scranton Times-Tribune, and former executive director of the American Wine Society. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, lecture, and discussion. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fee $60. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
EMPOWER 2026 Draws More Than 900 Attendees as Jodi Kantor Headlines Transformational Day of Leadership More than 900 professionals from across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond gathered Thursday, April 30, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger; a premier annual event designed to inspire, connect, and elevate leaders at every stage of their journey. Headlined by nationally recognized journalist and author Jodi Kantor, the conference delivered a powerful and forward-thinking program centered on leadership, growth, and action. Kantor, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporting at The New York Times, brought a compelling message to the EMPOWER stage, drawing from her latest book, How to Start. Her keynote challenged attendees to rethink how meaningful change begins, encouraging individuals to take initiative, embrace uncertainty, and lead with purpose in their professional and personal lives. The day began with an energizing breakfast keynote from Dr. Katie P. Desiderio, an organizational learning and leadership scholar, executive coach, and national bestselling author, who set the tone for the experience with a message focused on resilience, mindset, and intentional leadership. Her remarks encouraged attendees to reflect on their personal and professional paths, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and the power of leading with clarity and confidence in times of change. Throughout the day, EMPOWER offered a dynamic and immersive experience featuring more than 45 regional speakers across breakout sessions, panel discussions, and moderated conversations. Attendees engaged with nearly 40 small businesses in the vendor marketplace and participated in wellness-focused programming, sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, led by nine presenters, creating opportunities for both personal and professional development. EMPOWER featured several immersive experiences designed to inspire and engage attendees throughout the day. The Dream Tree, sponsored by Luzerne County Community College, invited participants to write down and display their aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder that their goals are within reach. New for 2026, Johnson College sponsored the Leadership Lounge, a space where attendees could recharge both personally and professionally while enjoying fresh popcorn and convenient device charging. Fidelity Bank also sponsored a dynamic Content Studio, giving attendees the opportunity to step in, strike a pose, and showcase the power of you. The next generation of leaders was also a central focus, with more than 80 high school students taking part in the EMPOWER TEEN Program, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank. The experience provided students with early exposure to leadership development, mentorship, and career exploration. Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the impact of the event on the region’s workforce and leadership pipeline. “I am pleased that the Empower Program continues to resonate with business professionals and students across northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. I think this speaks to the quality and value of the programming that addresses the interests of participants at all levels of professional development. I also want to acknowledge and thank our many sponsors and partners who make this program a success, year after year,” Durkin said. EMPOWER continues to grow as a cornerstone leadership event for the region, bringing together individuals from diverse industries and backgrounds to share ideas, build connections, and drive momentum forward. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce will host the next EMPOWER conference on April 22, 2027. Check out the 2026 EMPOWER Conference photos at this link.
The Chamber Celebrates Business Excellence at the 157th Annual Dinner The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated the region’s business community at its 157th Annual Dinner, presented by PNC Bank, at the Scranton Cultural Center. The evening recognized the recipients of the 2026 Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), ATHENA Leadership, and Milestone Awards, honoring outstanding achievement, leadership, and community impact across northeastern Pennsylvania “The Annual Dinner is a time-honored tradition for The Chamber and our region,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “This year’s award recipients truly reflect the strength, innovation, and community spirit that define northeastern Pennsylvania. We are proud to recognize these businesses and leaders whose work continues to move our region forward.” The 2026 SAGE Business of the Year, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, was presented to Basalyga Hospitality. A leader in food, beverage, and entertainment, Basalyga Hospitality continues to create dynamic dining, nightlife, and hospitality experiences throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Its diverse portfolio of eight properties reflects a commitment to revitalization, innovation, and exceptional service. The 2026 SAGE Small Business of the Year, sponsored by The Honesdale National Bank, was awarded to Everything Natural. Since its founding in 1985, the business has grown into a community-centered health and wellness destination, offering nutritious meals, fitness programming, and educational opportunities while maintaining a strong commitment to community support. The 2026 SAGE Community Involvement Excellence, sponsored by Pennsylvania American Water, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations, CHOP works to eliminate childhood hunger, currently serving approximately 45,000 children across Pennsylvania. The 2026 SAGE People’s Choice, sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust, was presented to CHOP Out Hunger. All SAGE and Milestone recipients were eligible to win the SAGE People’s Choice. Annual Dinner attendees participated in real-time voting to select the winner. The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, sponsored by Michael A. Barbetti, CPA, LLC, was presented to Laureen “Laurie” Cadden. For more than 35 years, Cadden has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, the arts, and the advancement of women through financial education and leadership development. Milestone Awards The Chamber also recognized businesses and nonprofit organizations celebrating milestone anniversaries in five-year increments. These honorees represent the strength, longevity, and continued growth of the region’s economic and nonprofit sectors. Milestone recipients include: A. Pickett Construction Automated Lifestyles Ballet Theatre of Scranton Blu Elefante Events Community Bank Crystal Window & Door Systems PA Damage Control, Inc. EHEALTH WELLNESS & FITNESS STUDIO, LLC Golden Technologies Groove Brewing Home Health Care Professionals & Hospice – HHCP La Festa Italiana Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Nibbles and Bits Northeast Regional Cancer Institute PA Advocates Inc Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania Pulman Interiors Quest Studio Scranton Jazz Festival Serving Seniors Inc. The Dime Bank The Honesdale National Bank The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education TRAVELWORLD United Sports Academy United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Wayne Bank WRC, Inc. (formerly Women’s Resource Center) WVIA
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Hosts Dolly Parton Breakfast Join us for a breakfast straight from the pages of a fairytale… meet beloved characters, make lasting memories, and ignite a lifelong love of reading! APRIL 25, 2026 AT 10:00 AM HOLIDAY INN SCRANTON EAST-DUNMORE 200 TIGUE STREET, DUNMORE PA 18512
Electric City Improv Inspired Murder Mystery Show Electric City Improv’s Office-inspired murder mystery returns Saturday, March 28th. Part mystery, part comedy, this immersive event features ECI Mainstage improvisers as Michael, Dwight, and other office favorites. Everyone is a suspect, so trust no one. Be sure to get tickets in advance; this event does sell out. BYOB permitted. Doors 7:00 PM | Show 7:30 PM Electric City Improv 227 Lackawanna Ave. Scranton Tickets: https://www.theelectriccityimprov.com/murder-mystery
Ficcos Coffee Run Club Saturday Morning Run Club is officially a thing! Starting this week 3/7, meet us at the shop every Saturday at 8 AM for a group run and post-run coffee. All paces welcome. Bring a pal, and make a new one too.
Northeast Pennsylvania Youth for Christ Annual Banquet Get ready for a night of comedy and connection! This year’s Annual YFC Banquet features the hilarious 321 Improv. Arrive early at 5:00 PM to bid on amazing items in our Silent Auction. Dinner and the main event will follow from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Come celebrate with us and help make a difference in the lives of local youth. If you would like to be an event sponsor please go to nepayfc.com/banquet for sponsorship opportunities or call Zack Ortman @ 727-255-3775
The Scranton Plan Hosts Economic Networking Event at Montage Mountain Resorts The Scranton Plan, the business development marketing division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Lackawanna County, hosted an economic development networking event at Montage Mountain Resorts on February 26. The event highlighted northeastern Pennsylvania’s exceptional quality of life and the region’s growing opportunities for long-term economic development, business attraction, and expansion. The event gathered real estate brokers, business leaders, and representatives from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With a full day of skiing and a dinner reception, attendees gained insights into Lackawanna County’s workforce initiatives, strategic infrastructure, and overall business environment, while also enjoying meaningful networking and a firsthand look at the region. During the reception, the business community discussed The Scranton Plan 3.0, a new five-year strategy that aims to expand workforce development efforts, respond to the evolving needs of local businesses, and ensure the region’s workforce remains prepared for the future. “By bringing together real estate professionals, business leaders, and governmental partners, we were able to highlight not only the development opportunities available today but also The Chamber’s long-term economic strategy,” said Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development at The Chamber. For more information about business development opportunities in Lackawanna County, visit www.scrantonplan.com.
