UNC’s South Side Farmers Market Holds PNC Day

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Saturday, June 21, 2025, for a special PNC Day at our year-round South Side Farmers Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We are now outdoors at the corner of 526 Cedar Avenue and Alder Street in Scranton.

This event honors PNC, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the South Side Farmers Market. Through the NAP program, PNC has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing efforts, and the development of local partnerships.

The market will feature our regular lineup of local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and more. To mark the occasion, everyone who attends the market on June 21 will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two half-share CSAs from Endless Roots Farm in Waverly. Plus, UNC will be purchasing the first 100 ice cream treats from The Rolling Conez Ice Cream Truck — free to market-goers while supplies last!

A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) provides subscribers with regular deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. It’s like a subscription to healthy, local food — and a great way to support regional farmers!

We’re also excited to welcome a new vendor — JaM’s Delights. Come hungry! ShoovyQ BBQ will be serving up delicious food, and families can enjoy fun outdoor activities, including UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play.

The South Side Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every $4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org.

The South Side Farmers Market is also supported by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program investment from The Dime Bank. This project is also financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.

Scranton Tomorrow, Voting Closing for Downtown Floral Competition

Submissions to judge Scranton Tomorrow’s Downtown Scranton Business Class Floral Competition closes tonight! Join in, support local, and vote!

Take a self guided tour of the floral display locations! QR codes linking to our  Facebook voting gallery will be posted next to  displays throughout the business district. Be sure to visit,

N. Washington Avenue

Over the Moon 123 N. Washington Avenue

Tachi Hill 127 N. Washington Avenue

Pizza By Pappas 303 N. Washington Avenue

Abe’s Delicatessen 326 N. Washington Avenue

Wyoming Avenue

Picciocchi’s Pasta 114 Wyoming Avenue

Biden Street

Northern Light Espresso Bar & Cafe 536 Biden Street

Penn Avenue

RD Blow Dry Bar & The Daisy Collective (together) 324, 328 Penn Avenue

AV Restaurant 320 Penn Avenue

Adams Avenue

Lavish Scranton 200 Adams Avenue

Thai Rak Thai 349 Adams Avenue

Spice Asian Market 343 Adams Avenue

Lackawanna Avenue

Scranton Art Haus 301 Lackawanna Avenue

Vote for your favorite displays through Facebook. Each photo “like” counts as a vote! P.S. You are not required to take the self guided tour prior to voting (although we think you should – it’s fun!). In partnership with the Everhart Museum, Scranton Tomorrow will honor first, second and third place winners on Friday, June 20, at the at the Flower Power Happy Hour at the Everhart Museum in Nay Aug Park, 1901 Mulberry Street, Scranton, from 5 to 8 p.m. Winning arrangements will be on display at the Electric City Flower Show at Nay Aug Park on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This competition is part of Scranton City Pride, a project of Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC), and a Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful program. 

UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market has Special NBT Bank Day

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) invites all media outlets and community members to join us on Thursday, June 5, for a special NBT Bank Day at our year-round Carbondale Farmers Market. The market is held every Thursday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fallbrook Community Center, located at 185 Fallbrook Street, Carbondale.

This event recognizes NBT Bank, our Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit partner, for their investment in the Carbondale

Farmers Market. Through the PA DCED program, NBT Bank has played a vital role in supporting the market’s growth and long-term sustainability. The Neighborhood Assistance Program continues to strengthen the market by supporting vendor recruitment, marketing, and the development of local partnerships.

The market will feature all of our regular local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious

treats, and more. To mark the occasion, UNC will provide free pizza from Pat’s Pizza in Carbondale and free ice cream to enjoy while shopping. Each shopper will receive a reusable market bag (while supplies last), and Bobbie Cooks Bakery will offer a special birthday treat to celebrate their first year in business.

Shoppers can also enter a raffle—each purchase at any vendor earns an entry to win two season passes to Lakeland Orchard & Cidery and Roba Family Farms, a prize valued at $250. Families can also enjoy fun outdoor activities, including games with UNC’s brand-new cornhole boards, free to play.

UNC’s Carbondale Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT. Benefit cardholders can receive an additional $2 for every

$4 spent through the Food Bucks incentive program. For more information on SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, or to become a cooking demonstrator, contact Lee Eckardt, Farmers Market Manager, at fm@uncnepa.org.

Carbondale Farmers Market is funded in part by a Collaborative Philanthropy Grant from AllOne Foundation & Charities and is also supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Partnership Program, with investments from Honesdale National Bank, NBT Bank, Gentex Corporation, and Mar-Paul Construction. Additional funding is financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through the PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative, administered by The Food Trust.

UNC Receives Contribution from Peoples Security

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to announce it has received a $100,000 contribution for 2025 from Peoples Security Bank & Trust through the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP).

This generous contribution, part of a six-year pledge, will support UNC’s ongoing efforts to rebuild, restore, and revitalize the Pine Brook neighborhood — a designated Elm Street Community under the Pennsylvania Keystone Communities Program.

The support from Peoples Security Bank & Trust plays a vital role in strengthening neighborhoods, fostering economic development, and enhancing quality of life for Pine Brook residents.

Photo attached (left to right): Martin Fotta, Chief Operating Officer at UNC; Lisa Durkin, President and Chief Executive Officer at UNC; and Sharon Borgia, Senior Vice President at Peoples Security Bank & Trust.

UNC Announces Third Annual Designer Purse Bingo

Don’t miss out on the best bingo event of the year! United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is thrilled to announce its 3rd Annual Designer Purse Bingo, presented by Grimm Construction, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore. The doors open at 5:30 PM, and bingo starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

This unforgettable night of fun, prizes, and community support will feature 20 bingo games, including 3 special bingo games, offering guests a chance to win amazing designer purses from Kate Spade, Coach, Tory Burch, and more. Additional purchases can be made for raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a gift card pull, and delicious refreshments throughout the evening. This 21+ BYO-B event invites guests to bring their favorite food and drink to enjoy a lively atmosphere with friends, family, and fellow bingo enthusiasts.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit UNC’s vital programs and services. Visit uncnepa.org/bingo to register. Be part of this exciting evening and support UNC’s mission to enhance the lives of those in need across Northeastern Pennsylvania!

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Receives $10,000 from Hawk Family Foundation

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is excited to announce receiving a generous $10,000 grant from the Hawk Family Foundation to support our SCOLA (Scranton Council of Literacy Advancement) Adult Literacy Program.

UNC’s SCOLA program has provided free adult literacy and ESL education to Lackawanna County residents, helping both native and foreign-born adults gain essential skills for economic, educational, and family advancement. The program offers ESL classes, citizenship preparation, and family literacy services through tutoring and group lessons. Classes focus on building language skills while encouraging long-term economic mobility, integrating workforce development and high-demand career pathways. Participants improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, with lessons tailored to real-world applications and personal goals.

The attached photo includes Lisa Durkin, UNC President and Chief Executive Officer; Maggie Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation Administrator; Audrey Golosky, Assistant Director of Community Education; and Rich Klinkle, UNC SCOLA Volunteer Teacher.

UNC Receives $60,000 Grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund

UNC is excited to announce the receiving a generous $60,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund to support our Leaders in Training (LIT) Program.

UNC’s LIT Program is a distinctive leadership education and empowerment initiative aimed at helping disadvantaged youth, ages 13 through 18, build the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in life. Participants develop into productive citizens, critical thinkers, and leaders through mentorship, education, and a strong support network. Our program’s impact is clear, with 100% of LIT Seniors graduating high school in 2024.

In addition to its core programming, our LIT Program now provides post-graduate support, including continued mentorship, case management, and scholarships for work- and school-related needs.

This contribution from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund will help ensure the continued success which has positively impacted on the lives of hundreds of young people in the community.

New Date! UNC Multicultural Carol Sing Now December 18

DATE CHANGE DUE TO WEATER: United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is excited to invite the community to the return of our beloved holiday tradition, the Multicultural Carol Sing! This festive event will take place on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Capouse Corner Green Space at 1371 Capouse Avenue in Scranton. 

UNC will provide lyrics for all attendees so everyone can join in. In addition to music, guests will enjoy piping hot cocoa courtesy of Retro Café and have the chance to create festive crafts.

For more information or any questions, please contact Audrey Golosky at agolosky@uncnepa.org or 570-346-6203 ext. 105. 

UNC Receives Donation from Topp Business Solutions

United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) is proud to be the designated Lackawanna County agency for the WNEP Feed A Friend campaign’s 40th Annual drive. This year, UNC is committed to helping make the holidays brighter for more than 1,500 families in Lackawanna County through non-perishable food donations and monetary contributions.

We are deeply grateful to Topp Business Solutions for their generous donation of $250 to support the Feed A Friend program. This contribution will directly assist in providing holiday meals to local families in need. Topp Business Solutions has been a valued community partner for over 60 years and continues to demonstrate unwavering support for our mission.

Pictured (L-R): Chrissy Manuel, UNC; Karen Prokarym, Topp Business Solutions; Sue Lasota, Topp

Donate to Feed A Friend and help families in our community enjoy a warm meal and the joy of the season, go to uncnepa.org/one-time-donation/

If you are a family in need with children in Lackawanna County, you can register to receive a $50 gift card for a local grocery store to choose items consistent with your traditions and cultures to celebrate Thanksgiving. For a complete list of locations to register, go to uncnepa.org/thanksgiving

UNC is coordinating with over 70 locations in Lackawanna County that collect non-perishable items for our Angel’s Attic Food and Clothing Pantry at 410 Olive Street in Scranton; for a list of participating agencies, visit us on Facebook.