Lackawanna College Culinary Students Open “MISFITS”

Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the return of its holiday pop-up event, Misfits, a festive and inclusive experience set to open in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the College’s student-run restaurant. This event will run from November 13th through December 21st, and invites guests to embrace the holiday spirit in an unconventional way – where everyone is welcome and being different is celebrated.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural season, which saw over 7,000 guests, Misfits is set to be bigger and better in 2024. The theme of the event is inspired by the heartwarming story of Charlie, a kindhearted but misunderstood soul who inherits an old boarding house. Inside, the rooms are filled with unique characters and festive tales that bring a fresh perspective to the holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to come, find their tribe, and celebrate the holidays with a twist.

“Misfits is about creating a space where everyone can come as they are and be part of something special,” said [Name], [Title] at Lackawanna College. “It’s a unique celebration that brings together our community, our students, and everyone who supports the College and its mission. Last year was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in 2024.”

A Meaningful Impact
Beyond being a fun and festive experience, Misfits plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Lackawanna College and empowering its students. All proceeds from the event help fund initiatives that provide tangible support for the College’s diverse student body, including:

  • Loaner Laptops for Students – Providing 130 students with the necessary tools to succeed in their education by loaning out laptops to help bridge the digital divide.
  • Fighting Food Insecurity – Through programs like The Common Kitchen, Lackawanna College combats food insecurity among students by offering nutritious food staples, culinary training, and access to a community-driven food bank.
  • Student Leadership Opportunities – Scholarships and workforce training opportunities are provided to upperclassmen who take on leadership roles within the College, preparing them for real-world success.
  • Nourishing Neighbors – In partnership with the Scranton Counseling Center, Lackawanna College has provided over 2,300 meals to local families in need, supported by over 100 hours of student and faculty volunteer time.

“We’re not just celebrating the season – we’re supporting our students and our community,” added [Name]. “By attending Misfits, you are helping to make these programs possible, and together, we can continue to create opportunities for those who need it most.”

Become a Sponsor
Lackawanna College is actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Misfits season. Sponsorships not only provide visibility and recognition within the community but also directly support the College’s mission to empower students and give back to the Scranton area.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, or to inquire about event details, please contact [Name] at (570) 504-7945 or via email at deckers@lackawanna.edu.

Get ready for AMEX Small Business Saturday on November 30!

Shop Small, an initiative launched by American Express (AMEX), is dedicated to supporting local, small businesses that form the backbone of communities across the country.

Each November, Shop Small culminates in Small Business Saturday, a day encouraging shoppers to choose local businesses for their holiday needs. By doing so, consumers directly boost their local economy, helping to create jobs, sustain neighborhoods, and maintain the vibrant character of their towns and cities.

The Chamber is proud to champion small businesses, which make up 80% of its membership, most of them with fewer than 25 employees. These businesses are the heartbeat of our organization, providing unique products, personalized services, and driving innovation across various industries in northeastern Pennsylvania. The Chamber remains committed to supporting members’ growth through resources, networking opportunities, and initiatives like Shop Small.

This November, we encourage everyone to shop local and support Chamber members that contribute so much to our community. Provided by members is a list of deals and discounts that you can take part in this season.

Search for Chamber members.

Download AMEX Toolkit

Wallenpaupack Freshmen Visit Scranton Enterprise Center to Explore Entrepreneurship and Workforce Resources

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Wallenpaupack Area School District’s freshman class of 2028 to the Scranton Enterprise Center for an engaging day focused on business, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. The visit introduced students to resources available in Lackawanna County, such as the IGNITE program and the Chamber’s Career Resource Video Library, aimed at supporting students interested in pursuing careers in northeastern Pennsylvania.

During the visit, students learned about the resources and support available for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, gaining insights into potential career pathways. “This experience was a great way for students to learn about entrepreneurship and small businesses in our area as a potential career path,” said Maria Day, IGNITE Program Manager.

The event highlighted the resources and programs designed to help students explore career and educational opportunities within Lackawanna County. Throughout the day, students were introduced to incubator businesses and other resources offered by the Chamber, providing them with valuable exposure to the world of entrepreneurship and insights into the opportunities it can offer. Emily Pettinato, workforce development specialist at the Chamber, emphasized the importance of introducing young students to local workforce resources early on to foster a mindset of goal-setting and career exploration.

The Chamber’s commitment to nurturing northeastern Pennsylvania’s future workforce includes initiatives that introduce students to career pathways and encourage proactive planning. Through programs like IGNITE and Skills in Scranton, the Chamber’s workforce development division, aims to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Space Time Mead & Cider Works Releases Special Meads for Upcoming Festival

Samples will be available, and bottles can be purchased at the Carbondalien Festival Vendor Fair at 20 N Main St, Carbondale, Saturday, November 9th from 11am-5pm.

Space Time® Mead & Cider Works will release three limited-edition honey wines commemorating the 50th anniversary of the UFO sighting in Carbondale.  The limited releases are “CarbondAlien”, “Take Me to Your Meader”, and “Galactic Gold” sweet honey wines

“For our new CarbondAlien Mead, a sweet wine made with orange blossom honey, we commissioned label art from a wonderful local artist, Katie Campbell”, says Dan Schreffler President and winemaker. 

“Take Me to Your Meader, and Galactic Gold are special because the label art and the wines were made by local amateur mead makers.  They turned out fantastic!’ stated Dan.

Ballet Theatre of Scranton Presents The Nutcracker

Ballet Theatre of Scranton. under the artistic direction of Joanne Arduino, will kick off the holiday season with its 49th annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Theater at North over Thanksgiving weekend on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30, and Sunday December 1. Please note the new performance times each day: noon and 5:30 pm.  

This traditional gift to the community has offered free public performances since 1976.  Free tickets can be picked up at the box office at the Theater at North on the day of the specific performance, two hours prior to curtain.

This year, an inaugural pilot, sensory friendly performance is being offered to an invited audience as well as the traditional educational performances for area school children. 

Over 100 local dancers from ages 9- adult will perform and will feature Elizabeth Schneider and Laura Durkin as Sugarplum Fairy (each in three performances), Gianna Vachino as Clara, John Roman Vachino as the Nutcracker Prince, Brennan Connor as Snow King, Gabrielle Snyder as Snow Queen, and Valentina Ruiz Giraldo as Dewdrop.  Professional guest artists George Sanders (of Twyla Tharp company, NYC)  and Sanford Placide (previously of Dance Theater of Harlem, NYC) will perform as  Cavalier in 3 performances each. Benefactor seats are available by calling 570-347-2867 before November 1.

Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Opportunities

Marywood University has set several dates during fall and winter for its Transfer Tuesdays program. These events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University.

There are three in-person and one virtual option available, with appointments occurring every half hour during the designated time frames, including:

In-Person Dates:

  • November 12, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • December 17, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • January 7, 1-5:30 p.m.

Virtual Date:

  • December 3, 4-5:30 p.m.

At Marywood’s Transfer Tuesdays, students can meet with an admissions counselor, discuss financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and review credits for transfer eligibility. Optional tours are offered at select times. Marywood University’s spring semester begins on Monday, January 13, 2025.