Wally Wine Fest Returns To Lake Wallenpaupack Wally Wine Fest returns to The Waterfront at Silver Birches, June 5-7. The indoor/outdoor event on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack offers three jam-packed days of sampling, shopping and soaking in the scenery. Visitors may enjoy sips from more than 100 domestic and international labels, a varied marketplace of artisan goods and live music on two stages. Festivities kick off on Friday, June 5 with a Platinum Wine Dinner at The Settlers Inn. The Live Fire Dinner in Grant’s Woods features a five-course barbecue feast created by celebrity guest chef, Chad Rosenthal. The charismatic chef is a regular on the Food Network with appearances on “Food Network Star,” “Grill Masters” and most recently, “24 in 24.” Chad also has the distinction of being the only person to “Beat Bobby Flay” three times in all his appearances on the eponymously named show. Chad is an accomplished chef and restaurateur whose Philadelphia eatery, Mary, makes one of the Top 15 steaks in the city according to the “Philadelphia Inquirer.” Guests will take a seat in the open-air woodland diningvenue and watch Chef Chad prepare the feast in the outdoor kitchen. Each course is paired with a curated selection from Kobrand Wine and Spirits. Jody Jackman, a seasoned wine and spirits professional with Breakthru Beverage will guide guests through each selection, sharing regional history, winemaking insight and pairing perspective. A $200 Platinum Ticket allows access to the Live Fire Dinneras well as entry to Wally Wine Fest on Saturday, June 6. Wally Wine Fest shifts to Silver Birches Resort on Saturday and Sunday where visitors will have the opportunity to sample vintages from more than 100 domestic and international labels. Wineries from as far away as New Zealand, Italy, France, Napa Valley and the Pacific Northwest are represented. Novice wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to sample a variety of pours and discover which wine suits their palate. Wine connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to interact one-on-one with wine makers, restauranteurs and sommeliers who are knowledgeable in flavor profiles, can discuss the differences among wine, grapes and varietals, plus point out the notes to be enjoyed for each. Bottles of every wine featured are available for sale. With prices ranging from $10-$100, there’s something to match every taste and budget. An indoor and outdoor marketplace will overflow with fine food, gift items and decor fit for wine lovers– all available for purchase. Visitors may shop offerings from places such as Bellissima Eclectic Apparel, A Girl’s Gotta Spa and Kryzan Design offering hand-poured candles in a variety of scents including some wine-inspired selections. A Silent Auction benefits Lake Wallenpaupack’s Fourth of July Fireworks and features overnight stays at some of the area’s finest accommodations plus gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. Golf and spa packages, as well asboat and paddle board rentals, are also up for grabs. Satellite events at other Hawley area venues extend the Wally Wine Fest celebration. The Settlers Inn will offer a Bubbly Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors may savor a brunch menu, live music and a tasting flight of sparkling wine. Glass-wine.bar.kitchen at Ledges Hotel will host a Tour de France French Wine Dinner on Saturday night while the deck at The Dock on Wallenpaupack is the setting for an Italia al Fresco Wine Dinner on Friday evening. Wally Wine Fest at Silver Birches runs from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Everyone who attends receives a commemorative wine glass. Admission is $40 in advance or $50 at the door and includes 15 sampling tickets. The sampling tickets may be exchanged for wine tastings. A $75 VIP admission allows entry to the festival one hour early and 25 sampling tickets. The $200 Platinum admission price offers early entry, increases the sampling tickets to 25 and includes a seat at the Live Fire Dinner at The Settlers Inn on June 5. Admission for designated drivers is $20. Tickets are available at wallywinefest.com
Marywood Event Raises More Than $466,000 Marywood University’s flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The outdoor celebration, held in the picturesque Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden, marked a significant milestone by raising more than $466,000 to support the renovation and transformation of the Center for Natural & Health Sciences. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over $4.6 million, with the 2026 total setting a new benchmark for generosity and community engagement. Proceeds from this year’s event will fund the renovation and transformation of the Center for Natural & Health Sciences into a state-of-the-art facility supporting nursing, physician assistant, pre-med, and science programs, including upgraded laboratory spaces, enhanced classrooms, and advanced simulation environments. Marywood’s natural and health sciences students, who consistently attain outstanding licensure pass rates ranging from 98% to 100%, gain the knowledge and hands-on experience that power the region’s healthcare and STEM workforce. This year, Marywood honored Virginia Doherty McGregor, Scranton, and Father Thomas M. Muldowney, Moscow, with the Inspire Award for their outstanding contributions to the university and the broader region. The celebration’s entertainment featured dueling pianos by The Philly Keys and fireworks on campus. President Lisa A. Lori, J.D., praised both honorees and noted that it was Marywood’s privilege to honor “two extraordinary individuals, whose lives reflect the very best of Marywood.” She added, “Individually, they are remarkable. Together, they remind us what it means to live with purpose—through service, leadership, and a deep commitment to others.” Marywood University extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported Celebrate Marywood. Their contributions play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring a bright future for its students. To learn more about Celebrate Marywood, go to marywood.edu/celebratemarywood or call (570) 348-62
Johnson College Recognizes Industry Honors Johnson College of Technology recently recognized more than 10 Industry Honors students during a luncheon held in late April. The honored students represented a variety of programs, including Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Automotive Technology, Electrical Construction Technology, and Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology. The Industry Honors program provides students with valuable hands-on experience through internships with local employers, helping them develop the skills and professional connections needed for success in their careers. Johnson College also recognized several industry partners for their commitment to workforce development and student success. Participating companies that hosted interns included Derman Associates, designBLD, Mericle Construction, Procter & Gamble, Strong Enterprises, and Tom Hesser Nissan. The event celebrated the strong partnerships between Johnson College and regional employers that continue to prepare the next generation of skilled professionals for in-demand careers throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
American Heart Association To Host NEPA Pursenalities Event The American Heart Association of Eastern Pennsylvania invites community members to attend Pursenalities, a signature fundraiser benefiting the Go Red for Women initiative. This one-of-a-kind event combines networking, socializing, and a designer purse auction, creating an evening that celebrates the stories and personalities of local women while supporting a meaningful cause. Each purse featured in the auction is paired with its donor’s unique “pursenality,” offering attendees a glimpse into the woman behind the bag. Tickets are $50 and include a drink ticket and delicious food. Guests can enjoy an evening of connection, inspiration, and philanthropy while helping advance the American Heart Association’s mission to improve women’s heart health.
Mohegan Pennsylvania Brings Back Hot Summer Fun With Giveaway’s, Rewards, And Entertainment Mohegan Pennsylvania is cruising into summer as Hot Summer Fun returns from Monday, June 22nd through Sunday, September 6th. Momentum members can look forward to exclusive giveaways, exciting promotions, and plenty of opportunities to win big, including a chance to drive away in a red, white, or blue Jeep Wrangler Sport. Guests can also enjoy Free Slot Play offers throughout the season, while NEPA’s favorite outdoor concert series, Party on the Patio, delivers high-energy live entertainment all summer long. Guests can take advantage of all Hot Summer Fun 2026 promotions by signing up for Momentum, Mohegan’s free rewards program for guests 21 and over. Momentum allows members to level up their Status and unlock added rewards and benefits. Sign up at the Casino Cashier on property or visit moheganpa.com/momentum for more information. STARS, STRIPES & JEEPS GIVEAWAY In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Momentum members get to rev up their summer with the Jeep Wrangler Sport Giveaway, earning entries from June 22nd through September 5th. As part of the patriotic promotion, three lucky winners will each drive away in a brand-new red, white, or blue Jeep Wrangler Sport from MotorWorld. Members earn one entry for every Status Point earned, with multiple chances to boost entries, including 10X entries on Mondays and Wednesdays, up to 25X entries on Fridays, and Saturdays offering 10X entries on slots and 20X entries on table games. In honor of Independence Day, all participants will receive 76X entries on July 4th. HOT SUMMER FUN DAYS OF THE WEEK Mohegan PA Momentum members have the chance to win big and enjoy exclusive perks every day of the week during Hot Summer Fun 2026. Play & Eat Sundays reward Momentum members who earn at least four Status Points with a $15 dining voucher, redeemable through the following Sunday at participating dining locations. Sundays also bring even more excitement with the $100,000 Stinkin’ Rich Slot Tournaments, running July 5th through August 30th, where guests who earn three Status Points can compete weekly for a share of $10,000 in cash and Free Slot Play prizes. Tournament participants can earn multiple rounds and qualify for weekly prizes ranging from $50 Free Slot Play to $1,000 cash, with the top overall performers earning a share of the grand prize. Mondays offer guests 50 years of age or older a $10 Food Credit to use at select dining venues when at least one Status Point is earned, valid until 9:00pm the same day. Tuesdays treat Momentum members who earn two Status Points starting at 6:00am to a free Hot Summer Fun commemorative T-shirt, available to the first 450 members to print a voucher at any Promotional Kiosk beginning at 1:00pm. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Promotions Booth between 1:00pm and 5:00pm, while supplies last. As a bonus, guests who pick up a T‑shirt can return on Thursday to reveal a Mystery Free Slot Play prize ranging from $10 and $100. Wednesdays bring midweek excitement with dining specials, from Burger Night at Molly O’Sheas to all‑you‑can‑eat pasta at Rustic Kitchen and more at your favorite Mohegan Sun Pennsylvania restaurants. Thursdays deliver perks all day long, with T-shirt recipients able to claim a Mystery Free Slot Play prize from $10 to $100 at any Promotional Kiosk. Plus, all table games players will receive 2X Status Points. The night continues with the lively atmosphere of Party on the Patio, delivering great music, energy, and summer vibes. Fridays turn up the red, white, and blue fun, as Momentum members can supercharge their Stars, Stripes & Jeeps Giveaway entries with a rotating mystery multiplier – earning up to 25X entries for even more chances to drive away a winner. Saturdays give Momentum members the opportunity to multiply their Stars, Stripes & Jeeps Giveaway entries by 10X on slots, 20X on table games or 76X on July 4th. Guests can get ready for unforgettable entertainment all summer long with NEPA’s #1 free concert series, Party on the Patio, bringing all your favorite hits, high‑energy tribute bands, food trucks, and drink specials to Mohegan Pennsylvania every Thursday night through September 10th. From crowd favorite acts guests can dance, sing along and soak in the ultimate summer vibes. With free admission and a lively outdoor atmosphere, Party on the Patio is the perfect way to kick off the weekend early. Guests can visit moheganpa.com/potp to view the full lineup. Adding to the summer fun, the Remix 80’s Pop‑Up Bar takes over from June 25th through August 1st, delivering an immersive retro nightlife experience. Guests can enjoy throwback cocktails, classic arcade games and a nostalgic soundtrack of 80’s hits from icons like Madonna, Prince and Bon Jovi, all set against a vibrant backdrop of neon lights, vintage décor and interactive photo moments. Beyond the themed experiences, live entertainment energizes the property all week long, featuring a broad mix of music and nightlife offerings. Breakers hosts live bands every Friday and Saturday, while Embers Terrace adds to the lineup with acoustic sets and a variety of engaging performances throughout the week. The Racetrack also adds to the summer lineup on select Sundays with live performances by Ray Nemetz, Dustin Switzer and Ken Norton. Sunstakes Saturday on August 22nd brings it all together with thrilling live harness racing, more than $2,000,000 in purses, and a full day of food trucks, activities and family‑friendly fun! For more information on Hot Summer Fun at Mohegan Pennsylvania, visit moheganpa.com/hsf.
Circle Drive-In Announces Upcoming Events Circle Drive-In is kicking off a busy summer season with the return of double features and Sunday films on Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor movie screen. On Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, moviegoers can enjoy double-feature programming on both screens. Sunday, June 7, will feature single screenings of Scary Movie and Backrooms. Visit Circle Drive-In’s website for showtimes and additional details. The popular Circle Flea Fair is also now open every Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through November. New vendors are welcome each week, and shoppers can explore NEPA’s largest flea market for just $1 per vehicle. Looking ahead, Circle Drive-In is seeking vendors for its America 250 Freedom Fest on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to dusk. The free, family-friendly community event will feature live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, a car show, bike run, and more. Vendors offering crafts, artisan goods, food, beverages, entertainment, and patriotic merchandise are encouraged to apply. For additional information about movies, the flea fair, vendor opportunities, or Freedom Fest, visit Circle Drive-In’s website.
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.
NEPIRC Announces Leadership Appointments And Promotions NEPIRC, a not-for-profit technical assistance firm serving manufacturers across an 11-county region, has named Marla Hager Evans as its new President and CEO. Hager Evans formally assumed her responsibilities in December 2025 after spending the past decade with the organization. She joined NEPIRC in 2016 as the Business Advisor for northern Luzerne County and has since taken on expanded leadership responsibilities in business development, strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and organizational growth. As President and CEO, she will continue overseeing and coaching NEPIRC’s Business Advisor team while guiding the organization through its next phase of transformation and long-term sustainability. NEPIRC also announced the promotion of Leo Gilroy to Senior Director of Training and Consulting Services. Gilroy brings more than 40 years of experience in the manufacturing and Department of Defense sectors, with expertise spanning engineering, product and business development, marketing, and sales. Throughout his career, he has helped more than 3,500 professionals strengthen leadership and project management skills through relationship building, emotional intelligence, and performance coaching. Additionally, Charles Wallinger joined NEPIRC as Controller in December 2025. Wallinger brings more than 35 years of experience in finance and accounting within governmental, grant-funded, and nonprofit organizations. His background includes working closely with boards of directors and executive leadership teams to strengthen financial management and organizational accountability. “Leo and Charles are both seasoned, experienced leaders who have already brought so much value to our organization,” said Hager Evans. “They are aligned with NEPIRC’s mission and are in tune with the evolving needs of our clients, funders, and partners. We are thrilled to recognize Leo with this well-deserved promotion and look forward to the positive impact Charles will make on NEPIRC in the months and years ahead.”
Junior Achievement Of Northeastern Pennsylvania To Host Celebration Happy Hour Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania had a successful year, impacting more than 13,000 students throughout the region. To celebrate another outstanding year of service and achievement, JA will host a Happy Hour Celebration on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Jonathan’s Deck Bar. The cost to attend is $20 with pre-registration or $25 at the door. The evening will feature live music, appetizers, a cash bar, door prizes, raffles, and networking opportunities. Guests are encouraged to attend and celebrate JA’s continued impact on students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Geisinger Doctor Named EMS Physician Of The Year Geisinger’s Chris Berry, M.D., has been named the 2026 EMS Physician ofthe Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency HealthServices Council, an independent advisory committee to EMS agencies across the state. Dr. Berry has been a physician in Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency room since 2024 andis the associate medical director for Geisinger EMS. He personally responds to emergenciesusing the Geisinger Physician Response Vehicle, working alongside EMS crews when not in theemergency room, and is the medical director for multiple central Pennsylvania EMS agenciesand fire departments. “I’m deeply grateful to receive this award from a community that means so much to me,” saidDr. Berry. “EMS professionals provide lifesaving care and are a cornerstone of our community,and it’s a real honor to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.” The EMS Physician of the Year award is chosen through peer nomination and an EMS votingcommittee. After reviewing nominations from across the state, the committee makes their finalchoice based on the nominee’s contributions to the delivery of EMS, clinical leadership andmentorship of EMS providers. Mark Bertollo, emergency medicine services coordinator and award nominator, says, “Chris isvery good at what he does and is very involved — he does trainings and education, he will workwith EMS on his day off and he often invites hospital residents to join him to further theireducation.” Dr. Berry was honored at a ceremony at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on May 5 and willalso be recognized at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg during EMS Week,May 17 to 23. This year’s award is in honor of Deno Gualtieri, D.O., a Pennsylvania EMS physician, agencymedical director and emergency department director who passed away earlier this year.
