CHURCH NOTES
All Saints Orthodox Church: 211 Willow Ave., Olyphant, offers a frozen pierogi sale from 9 to 11 a.m. every Friday and 10:30 a.m. to noon every Sunday in the church basement.
Christ Episcopal Church Forest City: Delaware Street, is conducting its annual Lenten pizza, soup, Welsh cookies and cabbage and noodles sale every Friday, 3 to 5:30 p.m., through April 3 at the church; the sale benefits the church’s community programs. Take-and-bake 12 slices of red pizza will be sold for $17 or take-and-bake pagash (potato, cheese) for $19; call and pre-order pizza. Also available for sale are pints of homemade assorted soups for $5; cabbage and noodles, $7; and Welsh cookies, $7 per dozen. Advance ordering of pizza is recommended by calling the church at 570-785-3425 and leaving a message.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church: hosts a food giveaway from 1 to 2 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Giveaways are sponsored by Friends of the Poor and take place in the attached Holy Family Hall, 1101 Willow St., Peckville.
St. Carlo Acutis Parish: Olyphant and Throop, is holding its annual Easter food item sale. Paska bread, both plain and raisin; kolach (nut, poppy, cheese, apricot, lekvar/prune and raspberry); hot cross buns; apple, blueberry, cherry and lemon pies, and Easter cookies, with all provided by Bakery Delite. In addition, handmade butter lambs and a St. Carlo Acutis Parish milk chocolate bar (limited quantities made by Dunmore Candy Kitchen) are also available for sale. Order forms available at both St. Patrick’s Church, Delaware Avenue, Olyphant, and St. Anthony of Padua Church, Rebecca Street, Throop. Pickup is Holy Thursday, April 2, at St. Anthony’s Hall, 215 Rebecca St., from noon to 5 p.m. Info: call 570-237-6667 or 570-489-0752.
St. James-St. George Episcopal Church: 398 Washington Ave., Jermyn, hosts a food pantry from 1 to 2 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month. Holy Week services, Holy Thursday, April 2, meatless dinner, 4 p.m.; service with Holy Eucharist, 5 p.m.; Good Friday, April 3, 8 p.m.; Easter Vigil, April 4, with Holy Eucharist, 5 p.m. The church will hold a roast beef dinner April 25 from noon to 4 p.m.; takeouts only. There will be a basket raffle. Dinner is gluten-free. Donation is $15. Tickets: contact any member or call 570-876-4896; leave message and someone will call you back.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Mayfield, will hold a homemade (deep fried only) pierogi sale, March 13, 11 a.m.-sold out, St. John’s Center, Hill Street. Cost is $12/dozen. No preorders’ first-come, first-served. Info: call the rectory at 570-876-0730, Mott at 570-335-2128 or Sandy at 570-876-3576.
St. Mary’s Visitation Church: 625 Dundaff St., Dickson City, holds a weekly Monday night bingo. Early bird starts at 6:30 p.m. and regular games at 6:45 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. Weekly jackpot is $1,000. Kitchen serves food and beverages beginning at 5:30 p.m. Info: call 570-489-2091.
Trinity Episcopal Church: 58 River St., Carbondale, is having a homemade soup sale until sold out; chicken noodle, Italian wedding, pasta fagioli, beef barley and cabbage roll are available. Quarts are $9 and pints are $5. Chili and stew are also available for $6. The church is also having a spring raffle fundraiser with the drawing date on Mother’s Day, May 10. Prizes include a 50-inch smart TV, lottery tickets, bicycle, cash, gift cards and more. Tickets are $6 per sheet of 10 tickets and $10 for two sheets. Ticket holders don’t need to be present to win. For soup sale and/or to buy raffle tickets, stop at the church weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call the office at at 570-282-3620.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
America 250 bus trip: St. Mary’s Visitation Church, Dickson City, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in Philadelphia on May 28. Trip includes bus, lunch at Moshulu, a large four-masted tall ship, and the Broadway show “1776.” Price is $175. Reservations: call church office at 570-489-2091.
Browndale Fire Company spring cash raffle: Members of the all-volunteer fire company are selling cash raffle tickets to benefit its services and operation. Ticket donation is $20; only 600 tickets will be sold, and there are 16 cash prizes. Prizes will be awarded at the March 10 meeting at 7:30 p.m. All tickets pulled will be put back into the drawing, making chances greater of winning a prize. Prizes are: 16th to 12th prize, $100; 11th-seventh prize, $125; sixth-third prize, $250; second prize, $500; and first prize, $1,000. All winners will be contacted by phone. Tickets may be purchased by contacting any member or at these locations: Sweet Tooth by Chocolate Creations, Elegante Restaurant in Forest City, M & M Auto in Vandling and Heberling’s Sport Shop in Prompton.
Easter cheesecake fundraiser: Hosted by Shopa-Davey VFW and the Auxiliary, 123 Electric St., Peckville. Order and prepay $16 per cake. Flavors are original, Oreo, raspberry swirl and peanut butter cup. Orders may be placed until March 18. To place orders, call 570-383-0501.
Friends of the Valley Community Library soup sale: All soups are sold by the quart and come cold. Choices are chicken noodle, piggy and crab bisque. All quarts are $13 each, except crab bisque (made with real crab) is $20. Orders are due by March 19; cash or check only. To place orders, forms are available in the library, 739 River St., Peckville, or on the library’s website at https://tinyurl.com/mwkfz6xp, or call Ann Evans at 570-479-0806. Soup pickup is March 27, 4 to 6 p.m., at Cafe Soriano, 523 Main St., Peckville.
Greater Scranton YMCA 2026 Book Drive: Accepting new and gently used books for all ages through March 6, in honor of Read Across America Week. Books may be dropped off at the Y’s Welcome Center, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Donated books will support literacy for children enrolled in the Y’s Early Learning Centers in Dunmore and Olyphant. Info: contact Tressa Capoccia, senior education director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
Jessup-Winton 150th Anniversary Committee: seeks community input for a slide show highlighting the public’s ideas of what makes Jessup special (past and present): places, people, events, food, businesses, recreation and more. Submit ideas, photos, news articles or stories to Bonnie Urzen at bonalunni@yahoo.com.
NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade bus trip: The Double “R” Twirlettes will sponsor a trip to the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. See performers from around the world march up Fifth Avenue. Plus, have the day free in New York City to sightsee, shop, take in a show, etc. Cost is $70 per person. Bus leaves from Peckville with a pickup in Daleville. Info/reservations: call Kelly at 570-881-2208.
Third Thursdays in the Queen City: Olyphant Borough gears up with retail stores, restaurants, outdoor vendors and events for special promotions and sales every third Thursday of the month all day, especially from 5 to 8 p.m. Walk and shop on Lackawanna Avenue from the bridge to the Queen City train station. Free parking in the evening. Call DJ Gordo for info regarding vendors, food tents, entertainment and school fundraiser events at 570-766-3050.
PERFORMING ARTS
Catholic Choral Society of Scranton Lenten Concert rescheduled: Originally scheduled for March 1, event has been rescheduled to March 8. It will be held at 3 p.m., Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave. In addition to the Choral Society, the concert will feature selections by the parish choir of Shavertown Methodist Church. Free and open to the public. There will be a good-will offering. Ann Manganello is music director; Linda Houck is accompanist. Info: call 570-575-1040 or visit catholicchoralsociety.org.
Double “R” Twirlettes twirl-a-thon: Group members to perform at event benefitting St. Joseph’s Center, April 11, noon to 2 p.m., Viewmont Mall, Dickson City. Free and open to the public. Donations for St. Joseph’s Center will be accepted. Info: call 570-489-1935 or visit doublertwirl.com. The Twirlettes are under the directions of Kathleen Mercatili.
EASTER EGG HUNTS
Dickson City Community Church: March 28, 11 a.m., at the church, Lincoln and Jackson streets, Dickson City. Children ages 12 and under welcome. Refreshments to follow.
Eynon-Archbald Lions Club: March 28, promptly at 1 p.m. (note time change), outdoors at the Archbald Community Ambulance Building, 195 Delaware St., Archbald. Free event. All children will receive a free gift bag and a chance to win one of the four bikes available. The Easter Bunny will be available for visits and pictures. An Easter bonnet contest will also be held. Bring your own basket to collect the eggs for the hunt. Rain date is March 29. Info: contact Fran at 570-470-7838.
To submit your event listing for publication, email advantage@scrantontimes.com. (Metro)
DAILY EVENTS
March 5-7
Friends of the Scranton Public Library book sale: March 5-6, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and March 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marketplace at Steamtown on the second floor in the area in front of Crunch Fitness. Fiction, nonfiction, adult, children’s, DVDs, CDs, audio books and large print books. Prices range from $1 to $2, with children’s books from 25 cents to $1. On March 7 only, patrons may buy a Friends’ tote bag for $5 and fill it. Also on March 7, all teachers and people who work for nonprofits may take as many books as they can use for free.
March 7
Meat raffle: Forest City Area Emergency Services is selling chances on 18 meat prizes, in addition to the wheel prizes, to be awarded at their Cabin Fever Meat Raffle, 5 to 8 p.m., at Station 41, 380 Railroad St., Forest City. Chances are $1 each or six for $5. BYOB and snacks. There will be food for sale; menu is limited. To purchase chances, contact any member, or call 570-785-3166 or 570-785-3837. If no answer, leave message and someone will get back to you.
Porketta sale: Eureka Hose Co. No. 4, 717 E. Grant St., Olyphant, is sponsoring a porketta sandwich sale, noon to 5 p.m., at the fire station. Tickets, priced at $7 for two sandwiches, may be purchased from any member or at the station, Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. Advance tickets suggested. Proceeds will be used for station and equipment upkeep.
Women at the Workbench — Carpentry workshop: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Scranton campus. Hands-on 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. Open to those aged 18 and older. Space is very limited. Cost is $65 per person. Info/register: visit johnson.edu/workshops, call 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.
March 11
Identity theft seminar: Olyphant Neighborhood Watch and Olyphant Police Department will sponsor a free identity theft seminar, 6 p.m., in the borough building’s council chambers. Speakers will be representatives of Community Bank of Olyphant, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office and more, light refreshments. Message with any questions.
March 12
Chicken and biscuit dinner: Noon to 5 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St., Carbondale. Dinners are $12 and include roasted chicken and biscuit with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable and dessert. Preordering is not necessary but suggested. Walk-ins welcome until sold out. Info: call 570-282-3620.
March 13
Blood drive: 12th annual Donald Muchal Sr. Memorial Blood Drive, Noon to 5 p.m., VFW of Foreign Wars Hall Post 7963 social hall, 284 Main St., Eynon. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Muchal, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
March 14
Carbondale 175th birthday gala: 5 to 10 p.m., Hotel Anthracite, 25 S. Main St., Carbondale. Dinner, dancing and historical displays. Tickets are $55. Dress attire is requested. To buy tickets, call Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon at 570-351-5607 or stop by her office at Carbondale City Hall, 1 N. Main St.
March 19
Free community meal: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Court Street United Methodist Church, 816 Court St., Scranton. Eat-in or takeout. Ham and cabbage, boiled red potatoes, carrots, dessert and drink. Info: 570-342-0898.
March 20
Food sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., All Saints Orthodox Church, 207 Willow Ave., Olyphant. Preorders required. Limited quantities available until sold out. Cabbage and noodles, pierogies with butter and onions, clam chowder and frozen pierogies available for sale. To place orders, call Ann at 570-383-0785 or Linda at 570-650-1427. During the week of the sale, call the hall at 570-489-5591.
March 22
Bunny Breakfast: 10 a.m. to noon, Blakely Hose Company 2, 315 Second St., Blakely, hosted by William Hopkins American Legion Auxiliary Post 570. Scrambled eggs, French toast sticks, sausage and hash browns will be served. Donation for adults, $10; children 12 and under, free. Parents may take a photo with the bunny. Each child will receive a special gift; there will also be a craft table. Special basket raffle will be held for those donating items or cash for Gino J. Merli Veterans Center residents. For suggested items, visit American Legion Auxiliary Unit 570’s Facebook page. Reservations: contact Ann Evans at 570-479-0806.
Spring vendor fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale. Over 30 vendors, door prizes and refreshments. Proceeds benefit the youth scholarship program. Info: call the YMCA at 570-282-2210 or visit greatercarbondaleymca.org.
March 27
Fish dinner: William Walker Hose Company will hold its annual fish dinner, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until sold out, at the hose company, 803 Penn Ave., Mayfield. Drive-thru take-out only. Dinners are $16 in advance and $18 day of event. Tickets are available from members or at the Mayfield Borough Office weekdays from 7 to 11 a.m. until March 26. Tickets can be held at the door at the $16 price by leaving a message at 570-282-6059 until March 26.
March 29
3 on 3 March Madness Basketball Tournament: 12:30 p.m. tip-off, Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale. For players in grades 5-10, get your three best players and sign up for the double elimination basketball tournament. There are three divisions: grades 5-6, grades 7-8 and grades 9-10. Grand prizes will be awarded to the winners of each division. $35 per team; sign up before March 22 at the Carbondale YMCA. Info: call the YMCA at 570-282-2210 or visit greatercarbondaleymca.org.
April 4
Porketta sale: Nadine Cenci Marchegiani Foundation annual porketta sandwich sale, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jessup Hose Company 2, 333 Hill St., Jessup. Drive-thru pick-up only. Cost is $5/sandwich. Tickets: call Ken at 570-499-1794. All proceeds benefit the NCM Foundation.
April 26
Cash bingo: Jessup American Legion Michael Steiner Post 411 Auxiliary cash bingo, post home, 508 Church St. Each game has a cash prize. Doors, noon; bingo, 1 p.m. Only 100 tickets sold. Advance tickets, $20 for 12 regular bingo games with four specials at $5/each. Profits will be donated to military honor guard squads that conduct funeral services for deceased veterans: American Legion Post 665, Dickson City; VFW Post 6082, Peckville, and Walter Paciga VFW Post 4712. The auxiliary will also collect donations for the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, Scranton, such as hygiene items, socks, crossword books, underwear, reading glasses, notepads/cards, nail files/polish. Donate to receive a free bingo game card with an opportunity to win $50. To purchase tickets or reserve a table, call/text Lorraine Zilla at 570-233-2406. Basket raffles, lottery/cash drawing and 50/50 drawing. Personal snacks welcome; light refreshments and adult beverages for purchase.
Contact The Advantage: advantage@scrantontimes.com; 570-212-9657.
Submit community events
The Valley Advantage welcomes upcoming events for its Community Calendar. Please submit calendar items at least two weeks before the event. Email calendar items and photos to advantage@scrantontimes.com.