Scranton Cultural Center Announces Free Concert Featuring The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple will host a free performance by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The concert is part of the ensemble’s nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. Founded in 1946, the Concert Band is the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band’s five ensembles and has performed for more than 100 million people worldwide. The Soldiers’ Chorus, established in 1957, complements the Concert Band with performances featuring Broadway selections, Americana, patriotic music, pop, rock, and R&B favorites. The evening’s program will showcase a variety of musical styles while highlighting the professionalism and musical excellence that have earned the ensembles national recognition through performances with renowned orchestras and appearances at presidential inaugurations and diplomatic events. Tickets are free and required for admission, with a limit of four tickets per household. Convenience charges may apply for online or phone orders. Tickets are available through the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC, by calling (570) 344-1111, or through Ticketmaster.
Steamtown National Historic Site To Host Union Pacific Big Boy Visit Steamtown National Historic Site will welcome the historic Union Pacific Big Boy, the largest operating steam locomotive in the country, for a special public visit this June. Ticketed viewing opportunities and public displays of the locomotive will take place on Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16. Following the public display dates, visitors will have the opportunity to observe locomotive maintenance activities from Wednesday, June 17 through Tuesday, June 30. During the maintenance period, one of the locomotive’s cabs will be open for public viewing, giving guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the historic engine and its operations. Visitors are encouraged to check with Steamtown National Historic Site for additional event details, ticket information, and visiting hours.
Women In Philanthropy To Host Justice Bell Program Exploring Pennsylvania Women’s Fight For The Vote Women in Philanthropy, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will host a special community event on Monday, June 8, 2026, highlighting the history of women’s suffrage in Pennsylvania through film, storytelling, and conversation. Held in partnership with the Lackawanna Historical Society and as part of the America250PA initiative, Pennsylvania Women and Their Fight for the Vote will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club, located at 612 Jefferson Avenue in Scranton. The evening will feature a screening of Finding Justice: The Untold Story of Women’s Fight for the Vote, a 19-minute documentary that is part present-day detective story and part historical account of the movement for voting rights. The film tells the story of the Justice Bell—a one-ton bronze replica of the Liberty Bell with its clapper chained to symbolize women’s silenced voices—and the determined group of women who carried it across all 67 Pennsylvania counties in 1915 to advocate for voting rights. The bell wasfinally rung in Philadelphia in 1920 following the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A with filmmaker and Justice Bell Foundation Executive Director Amanda Owen. Signed copies of her book, The Justice Bell: Tracing the Journey of a Forgotten Symbol, will also be available for purchase. “This event offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the women who helped shape our history, while coming together as a community to learn and connect,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through Women in Philanthropy, we’re proud to create spaces like this that invite people into important conversations and shared experiences.” “We’re honored to partner on this program and to help bring this important piece of Pennsylvania history to our community,” said Mary Ann Savakinus, Executive Director of the Lackawanna Historical Society. “The story of the Justice Bell is a powerful reminder of the determination and courage it took to secure the right to vote, and why preserving and sharing these stories continues to matter.” The evening will also include light refreshments and opportunities to explore several historical and civic features located at the Century Club, including the Inspiration Garden, the America250PA Bells Across PA fiberglass Liberty Bell replica, A State of Giving, A City of Hope, painted by artist Cherie Fruehan, and the Kate Chapman marker on the National Votes for Women Trail, honoring the founder of the Equal Franchise League of Scranton, who led suffrage advocacy in Lackawanna County from 1913 to 1919. The event is free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged
NEPA Youth Shelter To Host Open House NEPA Youth Shelter will host an Open House on Friday, June 5, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. located at 895 Providence Road, Scranton. In celebration of NEPA Gives, community members are invited to tour the space, meet the organization’s Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors, and learn more about its mission and impact throughout the region. Light refreshments will be available for attendees. The event offers an opportunity to connect with the NEPA Youth Shelter team and gain insight into the services and support provided to local youth.
Meals On Wheels Of NEPA To Hold Celebration Event Following NEPA Gives On Friday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be holding a Closing Celebration at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton to celebrate the end of NEPA Gives! NEPA Gives is the region’s largest giving event. Since its inception in 2020, it has raised over $5 million for over 250 nonprofits in NEPA. Meals on Wheels of NEPA is honored to once again participate in the event. To celebrate another successful NEPA Gives, Meals on Wheels of NEPA will be celebrating at Voodoo Brewing in Scranton. There is no purchase or registration required to attend the event. We hope to see the community there so we can properly thank those who have supported our organization during NEPA Gives. Executive Director, Lindsey Skripka says “We are so grateful to Voodoo Brewing for hosting us as we celebrate the close of an incredible day of giving. NEPA Gives is a wonderful opportunity to support regional nonprofits, and we are so glad to be a part of the historic event for another year!”
RailRiders Announce Fernández as Player of the Week Minor League Baseball has announced its weekly awards for May 18-24 and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Yanquiel Fernández was tabbed as the International League’s Player of the Week. Fernández batted .379 while playing in all six games in right field for the RailRiders. Fernández went 11-for-29 against the IronPigs, recording the most hits on the week in the entire International League. In addition, the power hitter smoked four homers and batted in twelve runs – both tied for most in the league. He also scored five runs of his own and stole a bag. The lefty, who began the season on Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s roster, holds a .270 batting average on the season after 43 games. He has six doubles, one triple, and thirteen home runs. Fernández leads the RailRiders in long balls and is tied for second most in the entire Yankees farm system. His 37 total RBIs are also tied for fourth most, both among Yankees’ minor leaguers and International League players. The 23-year-old was claimed off of waivers by New York from Colorado back in February. Fernández received the invite to Yankees Spring Training, garnering five hits while playing in parts of 15 games. He was originally signed by the Rockies as a Minor League Free Agent on July 12, 2019. In 2025, he played in 52 games for the big-league club after making his Major League Debut on July 2. Fernández launched his first home run off of Yohan Ramírez of Pittsburgh. Fernández is the second RailRider to earn honors this season after Yankees #21 prospect Brendan Beck was recognized last week. The last position player for SWB to bring home this award was Jose Rojas in 2025 for his work during in a late August series.
Wayne Bank Promotes Brandon Garnett To Bank Officer And Commercial Loan Officer Wayne Bank recently announced the promotion of Brandon Garnett to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Officer. In his new role, Garnett will oversee client relationship management, loan origination and structuring, credit analysis, and business development initiatives. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to customer service and relationship building throughout the communities Wayne Bank serves. “Brandon has demonstrated exceptional commitment to our customers and a strong ability to build meaningful relationships within the communities we serve,” said Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank. “His knowledge of commercial lending, dedication to providing sound financial solutions, and active community involvement make him a valuable member of our team.” Garnett studied Business Administration at Wilkes University and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association School of Banking. He is also scheduled to attend the Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Advanced School of Banking this July. Active in the community, Garnett serves as a board member for the Honesdale Rotary, Greater Honesdale Partnership, and Wyoming Valley Adult Baseball Association. He also volunteers as a member of the Honesdale Area Jaycees. Garnett resides in Waymart.
University Of Scranton Nonprofit Leadership Program Accepting Applications For The 2026-27 Term The University of Scranton is accepting applications for Cohort 6 of its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program (NLCP), which will run from January 2027 through January 2028. The deadline to apply is June 12, 2026. Applications can be submitted by visiting the Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center (NCAC) website at nepa-alliance.org/nlcp/. The NLCP, housed in the Kania School of Management, is designed to be broad-based, hands-on and practitioner-focused to help high-potential nonprofit leaders tackle the pressing leadership challenges in organizations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since the program’s inception in 2016, 87 nonprofit professionals from 65 regional organizations have graduated from the program. Cohort 5 included 19 community leaders who completed the program. The NLCP has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders. Douglas Boyle, DBA’88, CPA, CMA, Accounting Department chair and founder of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, noted the program fulfills a critical need in the region. “The NLCP creates an ecosystem for new and emerging leaders to collaborate on solving an organizational challenge and strengthening their leadership skills,” Dr. Boyle said. “The cohort-based approach assures that by building strong relationships, each participant gains a network of peers with specialized skills that they can gain insights from long after graduation. The program assists the organizations with succession planning, nurtures future collaborations with the nonprofit sector and most importantly yields strong and resilient leaders.” Sessions are led in-person by Kania School of Management faculty and peer group coaches with deep expertise in nonprofit management and practical leadership tools. The program includes work towards specific organizational and personal goals, peer group work, mentorship, and academic leadership components. For additional information, visit the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program webpage or contact one of the NLCP co-directors: Kurt Bauman at kbauman@nepa-alliance.org; Jesse Ergott at jesse.ergott@scranton.edu.
SWB RailRiders Announce YES Network To Broadcast Nine Games This Season The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are excited to announce their continued partnership with the YES Network for the 2026 season. The exclusive regional media home of the New York Yankees will broadcast nine RailRiders games this year with coverage on the YES Network and streamed on The Gotham Sports App. “The relationship between the RailRiders, Yankees and the YES Network is an incredible one,’ stated Shawn Reilly, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s Team President & General Manager. “What started with ‘Homegrown: The Path to Pinstripes’ has expanded over the years to provide to tremendous coverage of the Yankees’ top affiliate. No other farm system has this support, and it gives us the opportunity to showcase PNC Field, all the fun and excitement of Minor League Baseball, and of course, the future stars of the best franchise in baseball.” 2026 YES Network RailRiders Broadcast Schedule Thursday, May 14 vs. Syracuse – 6:35 P.M. first pitch Saturday, May 16 vs. Syracuse – 6:05 P.M. first pitch Wednesday, July 1 vs. Norfolk – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Wednesday, July 22 vs. Syracuse – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, July 23 vs. Syracuse – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, August 6 vs. Rochester – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Saturday, August 22 vs. Charlotte – 6:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, September 3 vs. Lehigh Valley – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Thursday, September 17 vs. Jacksonville – 7:05 P.M. first pitch Pregame coverage will begin five minutes before first pitch.The games will be broadcast on YES throughout the network’s regional coverage territory (New York State, Connecticut, northeastern Pennsylvania and north and central New Jersey) via video providers, as well as direct subscription on The Gotham Sports App, which is available for download on iOS, Android, Google TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Vizio, Samsung Smart TV and LG Smart TV. For more information, call (570) 969-BALL or visit www.swbrailriders.com.
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.
