Misericordia University Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Misericordia University invites the community to join in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during MLK Celebration Week, taking place January 19–23, 2026. Throughout the week, the University will host a variety of programs centered on reflection, dialogue, and unity under the theme “One Dream, Many Voices: The Power of Solidarity.” Select events during the week are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend and engage in meaningful conversations that celebrate Dr. King’s vision and impact. Week-Long Initiative • McAuley Market Donations – Jan 19–23, 8:30 AM–4:30 PMDrop off non-perishable food, hygiene items, and household essentials to support students and neighbors facing food and resource insecurity. • Community Vigil – Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 PMCelebrate the spirit of Dr. King with a community gathering of reflection and unity. • The Dream Reimagined: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue – Wednesday, January 21, 3:00–4:15 PMAn engaging gallery dialogue exploring Dr. King’s legacy and its impact on social change. Reception to follow. • Honorary MLK Women’s Basketball Game – Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 PMJoin the community and cheer on the women’s basketball team at this special game in support of unity and inclusion. To learn more about this week’s events and view public programming, visit misericordia.edu/mlkweek.
Wright Center To Host Free Soup for Community The Wright Center invites community members to enjoy a warm, cozy, and free bowl of soup at its community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited quantities. Gerri McAndrew The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., will offer soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Jan. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsors include state Senator Rosemary Brown’s office, state Senator Marty Flynn’s office; state Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski’s office, the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office, Caravia Fresh Foods, Pasquale’s Pizzeria and Family Restaurant, the Sacco family, and others. Community officials will join The Wright Center’s employees to serve the hot meal. Additionally, The Wright Center’s community health workers will be at the event to provide information about services, including help with temporary housing, utility assistance, transportation to medical appointments, health insurance, food, and clothing. The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., will host a similar event with soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 to 2 p.m. The Wright Center will also provide information about whole-person primary and preventive care services, including pediatric and geriatric services, as well as the Ryan White HIV Clinic. “This is about more than soup – it’s about showing up for our communities,” said Gerri McAndrew, director of development and relations for community outreach at The Wright Center. “While we offer a warm meal, we’re also helping people understand the high-quality, whole-person primary health services available to them at The Wright Center, no matter their circumstances.” The events are organized by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, which helps many of the most under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, social isolation, poverty, or other hardships. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/patient-and-community-engagement. For a full list of upcoming community events, visit TheWrightCenter.org/events. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019.
Johnson College Announces Winter 2026 Workshops Johnson College is now enrolling students for a series of hands-on workshops open to the public through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department. Upcoming offerings include Test Strategies That Change the Game, Women at the Workbench: Electrical, Milk Jug Sowing, Hand Quilting – Mug Rug and Women at the Workbench: Carpentry. For more information or to register to attend a workshop, visit johnson.edu/workshops, call 570-702-8979, or email wave@johnson.edu. Designed for beginners and skill-builders alike, the workshops provide practical instruction in academic success, skilled trades and creative pursuits. Led by experienced instructors, each session emphasizes step-by-step learning in a supportive environment. Additional details for each workshop are listed below. Upcoming workshops include: Test Strategies That Change the Game This dynamic workshop helps students unlock peak test performance through effective study strategies and time management. Participants will learn a proven, step-by-step system to organize and retain information, understand exam structure, eliminate incorrect answers and improve accuracy.This workshop is open to those aged 15 and older and is free. PA EMS continuing education credit is included (3.5 hours other). Space is limited to 65 students.Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, with two sessions available: 12:30–4 p.m. or 5:30–9 p.m.Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus Women at the Workbench: Electrical Designed for beginners, this hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of electrical work in a supportive and encouraging environment. Guided by a skilled female electrician, participants will gain confidence as they learn practical skills, such as changing outlets and understanding switches. No prior experience is required.This workshop is open to ages 18 and older. Space is very limited. Cost per person is $65.Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Scranton Campus Milk Jug Sowing This eco-friendly workshop teaches participants how to start seeds outdoors during winter using recycled plastic milk jugs as mini greenhouses. Attendees will learn how to prepare containers, select seeds, add soil and moisture, and use natural weather conditions to support spring garden germination.Space is limited. The Cost is $25 per person.Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.Moffat Student Center, Scranton Campus Hand Quilting – Mug Rug Participants will experience the relaxing rhythm of hand quilting while learning essential techniques, including preparing and layering a quilt and stitching clean, even lines. Open to all skill levels, this workshop offers a welcoming space to build confidence and create a lasting handmade piece.Space is limited. The cost is $40 per person.Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus Women at the Workbench: Carpentry This hands-on carpentry workshop invites participants to learn woodworking fundamentals in a welcoming environment led by a skilled female carpenter. Participants will practice measuring, cutting and assembling while creating a finished project to take home.This workshop is open to those aged 18 and older.Space is very limited. The cost is $65 per person.Saturday, March 7, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.Scranton Campus
Johnson College To Host Two Free Test Strategy Workshops Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores. Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting two free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshops on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: one from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and the other from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops. The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision. Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy. The workshop is open to individuals 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.
Steamtown NHS Returns And Releases Holiday Schedule Winter Hours Begin November 17 Starting Monday, November 17, Steamtown National Historic Site shifts to winter hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday Open Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Holiday Season Schedule & Events Steamtown is heading into a busy stretch of programs and community events. Here’s what’s ahead: Nov 21 – Stuff the Caboose with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Nov 22 – Scranton Santa Parade Nov 27 – Thanksgiving (Park CLOSED) Nov 28–30 – Holiday Express excursions to Moscow Dec 6 – Lackawanna Heritage Valley Santa Train (non-passenger) Dec 7 – Iron Horse Society’s North Pole Limited Dec 13–14 – Iron Horse Society’s North Pole Limited Dec 19–21 – Iron Horse Society’s North Pole Limited Dec 25 – Christmas (Park CLOSED) Jan 1 – New Year’s Day (Park CLOSED)
Marywood University Announces “Merry & Bright” Christmas Celebration The sights, sounds, and spirit of the season will come alive as Marywood University invites the community to campus for its annual “Merry & Bright” Christmas celebration—a joyful tradition filled with lights, laughter, music, and the true meaning of Christmas. This year’s festivities promise even more magic, with new family-friendly activities that include live reindeer, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and the cherished Christmas Tree Lighting that has become one of the region’s most beloved holiday events. The highlight of the season is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center, where Marywood’s Chamber Singers will fill the air with festive carols. The celebration continues from 4 to 7 p.m. along Marywood Main Street and in the Memorial Garden, with lights, music, and family fun for all ages. Marywood’s Christmas spirit, however, shines far beyond this single evening— On December 2 the student-run radio station VMFM 91.7, becomes “Christmas 91.7,” sharing the sounds of the season 24/7 through New Year’s Day as a joyful, commercial-free gift to the community from the Marywood family. Families can stroll through a beautifully illuminated Memorial Garden, warm up around crackling firepits, and enjoy hot cocoa and s’mores while costumed carolers perform classic holiday favorites. Children will delight in meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus and visiting with live reindeer, perfect for memorable holiday photos. This year’s celebration introduces several new activities along Marywood Main Street, including festively adorned Christmas trees, and a “Grinch” sighting, The festivities will also include a Christmas Craft Fair from 12 to 7 p.m., offering unique, handmade gifts and treats for holiday shoppers. Visitors are encouraged to stop by Marywood’s life-size Nativity under the Memorial Arch, a cherished tradition symbolizing the true meaning of Christmas. As the lights twinkle and voices rise in song, Marywood University invites neighbors, alumni, families, and friends to share in the warmth and wonder of the season. Come together with the community to celebrate the holiest and most joyous time of the year. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.marywood.edu/merryandbright.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Upcoming Programs Join the Philharmonic Brass quintet in an intimate, candlelit setting of jazz and classical music in the beautiful Rotunda of the Luzerne County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 21st at 7PM! Seating is limited and tickets are selling fast! Tickets are $29 in advance and $35 at the door, students $16 Click here for more information. The Snowman and the Snowdog A beloved Christmas classic is brought to life in spectacular fashion by the orchestra. This magical event is sure to create cherished memories for the entire family. Saturday, December 20th at 7PM at the F. M. Kirby Center, Wilkes Barre. Click here to find more information.
