Johnson College Now Enrolling for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Course in Scranton Johnson College is now enrolling for its upcoming 285-hour, non-credit certificate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from February 11 to June 10, 2025, with classes held Tuesday through Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. This training program is designed for individuals eager to enter the high-demand machining industry, equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required for success in the field. Participants will receive instruction in conventional and CNC machining techniques, alongside key topics in math for machinists, metalworking, and the stresses placed upon materials during the machining process. The cost for the complete program is $4,200. In order to enroll, students must have a GED or high school diploma. This course provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in the machining industry, a sector that continues to see significant demand for trained professionals. For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, please visit the official course page: https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/285-computer-numerical-control-cnc/. You can also contact Johnson College’s Continuing Education team at 570-702-879 or continuinged@johnson.edu.
Indraloka Expands Summer Day Camps To Help Kids When kids enter Indraloka’s Art Barn, the first thing some notice is the wall of windows facing the fields where animals are grazing in the distance. Others immediately connect to the art — stylized photographs of Indraloka’s rescued farm animals — covering the lofted gallery walls. A pool table, piles of games, and reading nooks stacked with books catch some of the kids’ attention. They all sense they’ve arrived at a place that values them and their interests. And this year, they can spend their whole summer at Indraloka. Summer day camp at Indraloka, a farm animal sanctuary in Dalton, PA, offers affordable options for children and teens — ages 5 to 17 — to explore nature surrounded by the love of rescued farm animals. Indraloka runs up to nine weeks of camp for a continuous summer solution. Each day of camp includes active and passive games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and animal lessons and activities based on kindness, compassion, friendship, and storytelling. Indoor space provides respite from inclement weather and rest on hot days. The cost per week of camp ranges between $150-$220 and includes a kid-friendly, healthy lunch and two snacks daily. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. “We are offering more weeks of summer camp based on feedback collected in previous summer camp surveys. Parents and guardians shared that campers love attending Indraloka camps and that having consistency throughout the summer would help with their childcare needs and camper social and emotional growth. We also want to offer continuous employment for our summer camp counselors. With these additional weeks, no matter your summer schedule, we have an opportunity for your kids,” Indraloka’s Director of Education, Sarah Thornton says. Set on 100 acres of beautiful farmland, rimmed by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka is a mere five miles from Clarks Summit. During camp, kids are supervised daily for six hours by a staff of educators and camp counselors led by a former public school teacher with trauma certification. In addition to lunch and snacks, all supplies for games, crafts, and other activities are provided. Camp dates and other important information are available on the Indraloka website. The camps sell out quickly, often to children and teens who have attended previous camps. Indraloka is getting the word out early so first-timers have a chance to enroll. Early registration discounts are currently open, but prices increase February 1. Summer camp counselor jobs and internships are available for anyone interested in working with children and teens. We are grateful for applicants with experience related to teaching, social work, psychology, and similar fields. On Monday, President’s Day, February 17, 2025, Indraloka is sponsoring “Play-cation Day.” The daylong event (9 am to 3 pm) is a great summer camp preview. Indraloka offers numerous year-round events. Public tours, Self-Care Saturdays, Nurture and Nourish Series, and Storytime with the Animals are great ways for parents to experience Indraloka and its offerings. All education events are led by Sarah Thornton, Indraloka’s Director of Education, who holds a master’s in music education and is a Certified Trauma Specialist in Education. Her career includes 20 years in the Sullivan County School District teaching music. “At Indraloka, we focus on joy, healing, compassion, and friendship. Kids jump in puddles, run through sprinklers, and hug pigs, sheep, and feathered companions. Most importantly, they make friends and happy memories. At a time when technology is so often the go-to entertainment for kids, we are honored to bring them outside in a supportive environment where they can experience the magic nature provides,” says Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, who has a background in organizational psychology and is also a Certified Trauma Specialist. Dr. Lahiri runs trauma-informed programs and retreats for regional healthcare professionals, the Scranton School District, and others onsite at the sanctuary. Research into the relationship between kids and animals shows that interacting with animals can help build kids’ confidence, empathy, and compassion and that relating to farm animals brings benefits beyond those that companion animals offer. Spending time in a noncompetitive environment that emphasizes respect for all beings and the planet can help develop coping and relationship skills. Dr. Lahiri and Ms. Thornton are available for interviews and can speak about Indraloka’s exciting programs. Please visit Indraloka.org for more information on all events.
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Hosts Guns N’ Roses Bingo Griffin Pond Animal Shelter is happy to announce our Guns N’ Roses Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at The Scranton Holiday Inn, 200 Tigue Street, Dunmore, Pa. 18512. Doors open at 3 p.m., and games begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are available on our website at https://www.griffinpondanimalshelter.com/event-details/guns-n-roses-bingo-2024. There will be 16 regular bingo games, specials, a 50/50 drawing, and raffles. All proceeds will benefit Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, which takes in the homeless, neglected, abused, elderly, and injured animals that come into our care each day. Please come out and support Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
United Way VITA Tax Preparation Program The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is proud to announce the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, beginning on February 4, 2025. This free service is available to qualifying individuals and families, offering assistance with tax preparation to help maximize refunds and ease the burden of filing. The VITA Program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with an annual income of $67,000 or less. Certified volunteers trained by the IRS will assist in preparing and electronically filing both federal and state tax returns. This service is designed to ensure participants receive the full benefits they are entitled to, including tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). “We’re thrilled to, once again, support and administer the VITA Program. Continuing to help families and individuals in our community navigate the tax season with ease,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This program not only saves participants money on tax preparation fees but also helps them take advantage of critical tax credits that can provide much-needed financial relief.” Program Details: Start Date: February 4, 2025 Eligibility: Households earning $67,000 or less annually Appointments: Appointments are required. Call 570.602.3133, 866.662.8887, or visit uwlc.net/initiative/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita to schedule. For more information about the VITA Program, eligibility requirements, or volunteer opportunities, please visit https://uwlc.net/initiative/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Thrives Initiative to Host Workforce Barriers Summit The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its NEPA Thrives initiative, invites Northeastern Pennsylvania employers to the Workforce Barriers Summit: Addressing Obstacles to Recruitment and Retention on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber Think Tank in Wilkes-Barre. As a leading philanthropic organization in the region, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is committed to fostering systemic change and addressing the critical challenges that hinder economic growth and community well-being. This Summit exemplifies the Foundation’s dedication to creating collaborative solutions that benefit employers, workers, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit will convene human resources professionals, executives, and managers to explore and address the most pressing workforce issues impacting our region. In light of the ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce, the Summit underscores the Foundation’s leadership in identifying and implementing effective strategies to meet these urgent needs. The event builds on the momentum generated in April 2024, when Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker highlighted four significant workforce barriers—transportation, affordable housing, childcare, and broadband access—during a Capital Conservation session hosted by The Scranton Chamber of Commerce. These systemic challenges directly affect employers’ ability to maintain robust recruitment pipelines and secure long-term growth for their organizations and communities. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Anchors for Equity Initiative, in partnership with The Institute, has been addressing workforce challenges since September 2023 by focusing on populations with specific needs, such as ESL workers, individuals with prior convictions, and those requiring soft skills training or industry certifications. These efforts align closely with the Summit’s goal of identifying actionable solutions to workforce barriers. By exploring how anchor institutions—such as universities, hospitals, and large employers—can contribute to workforce sustainability, this initiative highlights the importance of collective action, a key theme of the Summit. Insights from these ongoing discussions will serve as a valuable foundation for identifying strategies to strengthen recruitment, retention, and economic development across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Workforce Barriers Summit aims to: Enhance collaboration between employers and community organizations. Identify existing gaps in workforce development resources. Foster collective action to address barriers and drive impactful change. Attendees will benefit from engaging discussions and actionable insights on transportation, childcare solutions, employer partnerships, state and local resources, and K-12 career development. These sessions will not only offer practical tools but also inspire innovative approaches to enhance economic development and community resilience in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we believe that addressing workforce barriers is essential to building a thriving Northeast Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This Summit reflects our commitment to uniting stakeholders and creating opportunities that support sustainable economic growth and improve quality of life for all across the region.” Join the Scranton Area Community Foundation in this critical effort to strengthen our community and empower our workforce. For more information or to register for the Workforce Barriers Summit, please email Koren Clark, Community Impact Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at koren@safdn.org.
Misericordia University Announces Distinguished Speaker Series Join us for an engaging workshop featuring the latest research and clinical updates on Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). All sections of this workshop will follow specific cases in childhood apraxia of speech and autism throughout the day to provide real life illustrations of concepts presented. Age ranges covered will include preschool through adolescence.For more information and Registration please visit https://www.misericordia.edu/speech-language-pathology/distinguished-speaker-series
Lexington Entertainment Announces January Performance Schedule Jan. 23 King’s College and the Anthracite Heritage Foundation, Public Program: The Annual Msgr. John J. Curran Lecture; Speaker: Anne Flaherty, The Kehoe Foundation, St. Leonard, MD; John Kehoe: “Molly Maguire” or Hibernian Pacifist?; Moderator: Thomas Mackaman, King’s College; Venue: Burke Auditorium, King’s College (133 N. River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA); Time: 7 – 8:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 23 Anthracite Heritage Foundation, Book Award for 2025; Presenter: Bob Wolensky, King’s College; Recipient: Anne Flaherty, Kehoe Foundation (for The Passion of John Kehoe and the Myth of the “Molly Maguires,” Hibernian Press, 2023); Venue: Burke Auditorium, King’s College; Time: immediately preceding the Annual Curran Lecture (see above). Jan. 24 Two Screenings of “The Knox Mine Disaster” documentary with an introduction by the filmmaker, David Brocca;Venue: The Scranton Arts Haus Theatre (301 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA); Screening Times: 6:20 pm and 8 pm; Purchase tickets at Knox Mine Disaster Facebook Page ($10); Refreshments (including dinner) will be available for purchase. Jan. 25 Eckley Miners Village (PHMC), In-person Public Program; Moderator: Bode Morin, Administrator; Speaker: Justin Emershaw, Atlantic CarbonInc., The Hazleton Shaft Colliery: Dethroning Hazleton’s Industrial Era; Venue: Eckley Miners Village (2 Eckley Main St., Weatherly, PA;Time: 2 — 3:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 25 Underground Miners, Public Program: Free Guided Tours of the Brooks Mine;Tour Guides: Mark Izak, Scott Kerkowski, and Chris Murley; Venue:Brooks Mine (Nay Aug Park, Scranton, PA); Time: 3:45 pm – 5 pm. Jan. 26 Lackawanna Historical Society, Public Program: Artistic Expressions in Anthracite; Host: Mary Ann Moran-Savakinus, LHS; Moderator: Philip Mosley, Emeritus, Penn State-Scranton; Speakers: Charles Petrillo, Wilkes-Barre (Film); Chester Kulesa, Scranton (Photography); Richard Stanislaus, Scranton (Art); Venue: Catlin House, LHS (232 Monroe Ave, Scranton, PA); Time: 2 – 3:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 26 National Museum of Industrial History, Public Program:Moderator: Mike Piersa,Historian,NMIH; Speaker: Dane Rhys, Visual Journalist, A Visit to the Last Operating Anthracite Mine in Wales; Venue: NMIH (602 E. 2nd St., Bethlehem, PA); Time: 1 – 2:30 pm. Jan. 29 Reading Anthracite Company; Moderator: Eric Bella, Mining Engineer; Speaker: Mike Szilagyi, AICP; The Schuylkill Navigation Canal System; Venue: Alvernia University–Pottsville Towne Campus (500 Progress Ave., Pottsville, PA); Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 30 Luzerne County Historical Society, Public Program:Speaker: Mark Riccetti, Director of Operations and Programs, LCHS; Jacob Cist (1782-1825), Pennsylvania Anthracite Pioneer; Venue:LCHS Museum (69 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA); Time: 7 – 8:30 pm; Refreshments. Jan. 30 A Lehigh Engineering Public Program: Moderator: Eric Bella, Mining Engineer; Speaker: Nick Zmijewski,Industrial Archives & Library; In Search of the Wanamie Colliery: A Journey Through the Lens of Michael A. Eagleson; Venue: Alvernia University–Pottsville Towne Campus (500 Progress Ave., Pottsville, PA); Time: 6 – 7:30 pm; Refreshments.
Lackawanna College Hosts Nunsense Play The smash-hit musical comedy Nunsense returns to Scranton at the People’s Security Theater on the campus of Lackawanna College. Our Cabaret Productions is partnering with Lackawanna in this professional theater fundraising event to support higher education in the region. The music and antics of the Little Sisters of Hoboken will entertain audiences on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Patrons can also enjoy pre-show dinner or brunch from St. Julia’s Kitchen before each show at 409 on Adams, the college’s student-run restaurant. Advanced reservations are required, $40 per person. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our cast and crew as we celebrate our company’s twentieth anniversary,” said John Baldino, general manager of Our Cabaret Productions and an assistant professor at Lackawanna. “The People’s Security Theater at Lackawanna College is a special gem in a city so rich in theater history and Nunsense is a gem of a show in the musical theater world. Bringing them together will be a tremendous experience for faculty, students, staff, supporter of the college, and theater-goers all over northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m also eager for my students and colleagues to meet Sr. Hubert.” The show will star Rob Misko as Rev. Mother and John Baldino as Sr. Mary Hubert with Laura Lockwood as Sr. Mary Leo, Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Amnesia, and Courtney Rosenkrans as Sr. Robert Anne. Nunsense is produced by Baldino and directed by Misko with tap choreography by Ballroom ONE Dance Company, Eynon. “I have had a love affair with Nunsense since I first saw the off-Broadway production in 1985,” said Misko, who directed the first non-Equity production of Nunsense in Carbondale and has performed as Rev. Mother more than 150 times. “And it’s always special to direct and perform in the show. To mount a Nunsense production alongside my closest friends in a space like the People’s Security Theater is a dream come true.” Book, music, and lyrics of Nunsense are written by Dan Goggin. The show is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, New York, New York. Tickets for the show, brunch, dinner, and a VIP meet-the-cast reception following the March 22 performance are on sale now at ourcabaret.com. About Nunsense Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of Grease. About Our Cabaret Productions Our Cabaret Productions is an ASCAP-licensed, non-Equity, professional theatrical production company based in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In operation since 2005, the company produces several incarnations of Dan Goggin’s Nunsense series as fundraising events and offers professional Christmas caroling for private parties, community festivals, and corporate events during the winter holiday season
Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Upcoming Events Women in Distinction Celebrating those who lift others in our community Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s Women of Distinction Gala identifies five women of influence who serve as inspirational figures for girls and young women. These women are members of our local communities and represent the core values we instill in girls through Girl Scouts. Please join us on March 26, 2025, at the Harrisburg Hilton for our 2025 celebration. Discover more about the event. 2025 Embracing Ambition Conference Join us for a powerful day of inspiration at our Embracing Ambition Conference! The conference is centered around the book, “Embracing Ambition: Empowering Women to Step Out, Be Seen, & Lead,” which shares the stories of twelve remarkable women leaders who have overcome challenges, broken down barriers, and paved new paths across various industries. Together, they reveal insights on addressing perception barriers, integrating personal identity with professional success, embracing new challenges, and leading with a visionary spirit. The authors, including Girl Scout in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s President and CEO, Janet Donovan, will bring these themes to life, offering invaluable advice and encouragement for women ready to make their mark. Attendees will leave motivated, empowered, and ready to turn their own ambitions into action. March 26, 2025 | Harrisburg Hilton | Harrisburg, Pa. Discover more about the event