Greater Scranton YMCA Urges Community to Prioritize Water Safety by Joining National “Phones Down, Eyes Up™” Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to participate in the launch of YMCA of the USA’s National Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign this May in honor of National Water Safety Month. This campaign is focused on reducing distractions around water and raising awareness about the importance of vigilance when families visit pools and waterfronts this summer. Statistics from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance show that 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to stay alert when supervising children around water. The Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign encourages families to keep their phones away and stay focused while supervising children at pools, lakes, beaches, or other bodies of water. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to be part of this important national campaign,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “People think they’ll hear someone if they’re struggling in the water, because that’s what we see in tv and movies,” says Surridge. “In actuality, drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 30 seconds. When we’re looking at our phones, we don’t see what’s happening around us.” As part of the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign, the Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on families to designate a “Water Watcher”— an adult whose sole responsibility is to supervise children near water, free from distractions like phones, conversations, or alcohol. “We know how easily distractions can happen around water, but just one moment of inattention can have serious consequences. The Greater Scranton YMCA is committed to empowering families with the tools and information they need to stay safe around water.” The campaign’s website, PhonesDownEyesUp.org, offers a variety of helpful resources for families, including digital safety materials, a pledge to commit to water safety, and educational tools to help families stay safe this summer. Families who take the pledge will have access to resources such as phone wallpaper reminders, monthly safety tips, and downloadable Water Watcher lanyards. For more information on how you and your family can become Water Watchers and take part in the Phones Down, Eyes Up campaign in our community, visit phonesdowneyesup.org.
Johnson College Announces 2025 Summer Camp Series SCRANTON, Pa. (May 1, 2025) – Johnson College will host a 2025 Summer Camp Series for rising 5th through 8th grade students. There will be nine different camps that will run on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include hands-on learning in building trades, robotics, drafting and design, animal sciences, and engineering and aviation. Through the support of Pleasant Mount Welding, Inc., and the Wayne County Community Foundation, all of the Johnson College summer camps will be free to participants. Participants must bring their own lunch. To register for a Johnson College Summer Camp, visit https://johnson.edu/summercamps/. For more information, contact Tim Frank, Associate Director of Community Engagement at Johnson College at tfrank@johnson.edu. 2025 Johnson College Summer Camp list: Building Trades at the Stourbridge Tech Hub in Honesdale June 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of carpentry and how to use hand and power tools safely to build a project. Registration deadline: June 2 Robotics at the Stourbridge Tech Hub in Honesdale June 23-27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of robotics and robotics block coding to use robots to complete various coding challenges. Registration deadline: June 2 Robotics at the Carbondale High School June 23-26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of robotics and robotics block coding to use robots to complete various coding challenges. Registration deadline: June 2 Building Trades at Johnson College Scranton July 7-11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of carpentry and how to use hand and power tools safely to build a project. Registration deadline: June 20 Robotics at Johnson College Hazleton July 7-11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of robotics and robotics block coding to use robots to complete various coding challenges. Registration deadline: June 20 Drafting & Design at Johnson College Scranton July 14-18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of AutoCAD and REVIT design principles and techniques to complete various design challenges. Registration deadline: June 27 Animal Science at Johnson College Scranton July 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about careers in the Veterinary Nursing field, animal anatomy, clinical procedures, and complete a dissection. Registration deadline: June 27 Robotics at Johnson College Scranton August 4-8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of robotics and robotics block coding to use robots to complete various coding challenges. Registration deadline: July 25 Engineering & Aviation at Johnson College Scranton August 11-15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of engineering with an emphasis on aviation to complete various hands-on design challenges. Registration deadline: July 25
Grey Towers to Host Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Grey Towers Heritage Association invites the public to attend an afternoon of “innocent merriment” at a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera selections at Grey Towers in Milford, PA on May 17 at 3 p.m. Librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan were a renowned Victorian-era theatrical partnership. They are best known for their comic operas, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of British musical theatre. Their profound influence on the development of modern American musical theatre is undeniable. Theatre scholar and critic John Bush Jones cited Gilbert and Sullivan as “the primary progenitors of the twentieth century American musical”. Their works often satirized Victorian society with elements of fantasy and absurdity. Though written 150 years ago, their amusing social commentaries continue to be resonant today. Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous works include The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore. This will be the first time The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be performing at Grey Towers. The performance will consist of a montage of songs presented by members of The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society, whose purpose is to bring the love and magic of opera, music, and theatre to the Delaware Valley area. “The Society’s goals are to produce the works of Gilbert and Sullivan for the community, to showcase local talent, to lift spirits, to educate, and to unify us through art,” states Emer Day, Grey Towers Heritage Association Board Member and Artistic Director of The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society. “As we continue to expand our events and programs for local residents and tourists, we invite the public to walk the lush grounds of the historic Pinchot mansion and enjoy a fun afternoon of comical opera,” states Will Voelkel, GTHA Board Member. The event takes place at the Pool Pavilion at Grey Towers, rain or shine. Tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events and offer student, member and non-member pricing. The performance is recommended for those age 8 and above, and light refreshments will be served.
Grow Your Brand! Sponsorship Opportunities at the Honey & Blueberry Festival To discuss sponsorship and grow your brand, reply or call us at 570-798-3234. Looking to boost your brand’s visibility? Become a sponsor of the 2025 Honey & Blueberry Festival at Equestrian House PA.This event (July 19–20 & 26–27) attracts over 10,000 attendees from across Northeast PA—a valuable audience of families, food lovers, shoppers, and outdoor enthusiasts, and features a curated wine and beer exhibition.Sponsorship providesHigh-visibility brand placementAccess to thousands of potential customersA platform to showcase your support for the local communityWith increased support from the Scranton Chamber of Commerce and Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, we anticipate doubling last year’s attendance (5,000+).Let’s create a successful partnership!
Saint Joseph’s to Host Center Sidewalk Sale Saint Joseph’s Center Auxiliary is hosting a Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, May 17th, from 8 am to 12 pm at the DeNaples Family Community Services Building, 320 South Blakely Street in Dunmore. There is something for everyone! Categories for the sale include: Home & Garden, Miscellaneous, Household items, Jewelry, Holiday Decorations, Toys, Vintage and Collectible items. CASH and VENMO accepted. We hope to see you there!
Saint Joseph’s Center to Host Downtown Shop Around Saint Joseph’s Center Auxiliary is hosting a Downtown Shop Around to benefit the Annual Dennis Crafferty Memorial Auction on Thursday, May 8th in Downtown Scranton. Shop local stores for a great cause! Stores participating include: The Daisy Collective, Penn House, Freedlove, Over the Moon, Amendolaro & The LIVE STUDIO at Amendolaro, Burlap and Bourbon, Lavish Body & Home, Runway Boutique, Tom Grudis Optical & The Bare Accessories, AV Restaurant and Lounge, and Tachi Hill. Jessica Merritt, Tachi Hill; Maggie McGregor; Nadine Bryant, Freedlove; Suzanne McGrath; Michele Gerrity Druther; Mauri Olivetti; and Sr. Maryalice Jacquinot, IHM.
Mohegan Pennsylvania to roll out Kegs ‘n Eggs Breakfast Club at Molly O’Sheas Breakfast with a Celtic twist every Saturday morning beginning May 3rd Mohegan Pennsylvania guests can now start their Saturday mornings off right with the Kegs ‘n Eggs Breakfast Club at Molly O’Sheas! Beginning Saturday, May 3rd, guests can enjoy breakfast favorites like French Toast and Poached Eggs, with a Celtic twist, from 8:00am – 11:00am. Reservations are not required and seating is on a first come first serve basis. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter Molly O’Sheas, which is located across from the Sportsbook near the main entrance. Molly O’Sheas Kegs ‘n Eggs Breakfast Club menu will feature a wide variety of options with highlights like: The Emerald Isle Scotch Eggs, The Irish Coddle, English Muffin Stackers, and Irish Eyes French Toast. The Emerald Isle Scotch Eggs feature two soft-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and breadcrumbs then deep fried and served with pickles, peas, and grilled tomatoes. Next up is The Irish Coddle, equipped with three farm-fresh eggs blended with potatoes and seasonings and available in three different varieties (Veggie, Meat Monger, and Rise ‘n Shine). The English Muffin Stackers, sure to become a fan-favorite, can be ordered as either Captain Nemo which features English muffins topped with asparagus, poached eggs, crabmeat, and bearnaise sauce or Mr. Benny, with English muffins topped with sliced aged ham, poached eggs, and citrus-hollandaise sauce. Last but not least, The Irish Eyes French Toast features thick sliced Texas toast battered with cinnamon sugar and served with maple syrup and whipped butter. All dishes are served with breakfast potatoes and cheddar and garlic biscuits. Guests can also pair the most important meal of the day with an O’Sheas Shenanigans Bloody Mary! O’Sheas Shenanigans come in five different varieties, Molly’s Mary, Mary’s Garden Party, Top of the Morning Mary, The Proud Mary, and The Mother Mary. Classic Bloody Mary options are also featured, such as the Molly’s Mary with Titos and tomato juice and a house secret blend. Mary’s Garden Party consists of a fruit ‘n cheese skewer, olives, onions, artichoke hearts, grilled asparagus and much more stacked on a Molly Mary. The Top of the Morning Mary features a fruit ‘n cheese skewer, ham, bacon, sausage, potato, french toast and more stacked on a Molly Mary. Guests who want to step it up a notch can try The Proud Mary which includes a Molly Mary with fried pickles, cheese curds, chicken tenders and bites skewered with waffle fries, a Reuben roll, and a burger slider. The Mother Mary which is the ultimate Bloody Mary concoction features skewers of fruit ‘cheese and olives, fried shrimp and cod filet, a skewer of ham and turkey pinwheels, cocktail shrimp, and a fried soft-shell crab resting on the top. Molly O’Sheas also has a wide selection of beers on draft currently including Blue Moon, Guinness, Killian’s Irish Red, Miller Lite, SBC Lager, and Voodoo Ranger IPA. Guests can also indulge in Molly’s Black and Tan which is a combination of both Guinness and SBC Lager. For more information about Kegs & Eggs Breakfast Club at Molly O’Sheas, visit moheganpa.com.
Marywood University & Garden of Cedar to Unveil Community Garden Project Marywood University is working in collaboration with the Garden of Cedar, a local nonprofit organization in Scranton’s South Side neighborhood, on a community garden project that features sculpture, native plants, vertical planters, a hydroponic system, and other features to be added later. All are welcome to attend a public unveiling ceremony of the space on May 15, at 5 p.m., at the Garden of Cedar, 715 Cedar Avenue, Scranton. The specific academic areas involved with the project include the Environmental Science Program, Art Department, School of Architecture (SOA), and School of Business and Global Innovation (SBGI). The living T-rail sculpture’s design ties to the area’s industrial roots, specifically highlighting the pivotal role of the Iron Furnaces in shaping the regional landscape. At the base of the sculpture, an arrangement of native vegetation is planned. This natural component is not only aesthetic but is also symbolic, designed to grow and intertwine around a representational map of Scranton. The sculpture was funded by Frank and Marigrace Dubas, Scranton, Michael and Candice Curran, New Canaan, CT, and Howard and Amy Kaplan, Saddle River, NJ. Native plants were donated to the Garden for community members to plant in the garden or take back to plant in their yards, including Black-eyed Susans, Butterfly Weed, and Yellow Coneflower. Vertical planters, inspired by the design of totem poles, provide accessibility for ADA planting as the planters are raised above the height of the ground-level planters already in the garden. A hydroponic system developed by the students uses sustainable methods of maintaining plant life on an existing vertical wall, providing not only a visual experience, but an interactive one, as users are given the opportunity to grow specific herbs and succulents on the site. Features that will be installed in the Garden at a later date include bee hotels and a canopy. Bee hotels are the insect equivalent of a birdhouse, providing nesting spaces for solitary bees. Solitary bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, are non-aggressive because they are solitary nesters and do not have large colonies to defend. Most bees native to Pennsylvania are in fact solitary bees, acting as important pollinators that are vital to the survival of our ecosystems. The canopy will be a removable shade structure to be used by outreach programs that provide lunches and other events to children during the hot summer months. The Garden of Cedar was created and developed by Frank Dubas, President of the Garden. Frank is also responsible for the Garden’s unique design and construction. Marywood students, faculty, and staff have been collaborating with Frank on the project for several years. Branding, including the logo for the Garden, was created and developed by Marywood students. Tom McLean & Associates provided landscape design. Jerry Chilewski Enterprises constructed the Garden. Principal faculty from Marywood University involved with the project include: Michelle Pannone, SBGI Executive Director & Associate Professor; Sara Melick, Assistant Professor of Practice in Environmental Science; Sue Jenkins, Associate Professor of Art and Design, and Christine Medley, Associate Professor of Graphic Design. Students and recent graduates involved with the project include: Environmental Science: Juan Cardenas, Emily Haggerty, Carly Walters, and Bailey White. Graphic Design: Kristina Zenga, Marlena Bompane, Marykate Boyle, Danae Drews, Jad Tindall, Alexander Shields, Caitlinn Belcher, Emily Duris, Marla Gambucci, Reece Wolbert, Allison MacDermott, Shanon Sohl, Gabby Ziegler, and Daniele Cragle. Architecture: Nicholas Baney, Kyle Brosenne, Giavanna Burdick, Brianna Conniff, Lois Downing, Iain Kerrigan, Daniel Leonard, Tristan Luczak, Thomas Milewski, Megan Pavlowski, Christopher Salisbury, Joseph Sanfilippo, Autumn Savitski, Angelika Valdes, and Lenae Burkhard. Marketing: Kathleen Lynott.
