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.
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. 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.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Mayfield. Captains of St. John’s 300 Club announced new membership cards for the next session of this fundraising club are available. The next session will begin in September and continue for 26 weeks. It was announced earlier the new club would begin in June; however, that date has been delayed and the new club will start in September. To join the next club, send your name, address and payment of $25 to St. John’s 300 Club, 422 Callahan Drive, Jermyn, PA 18433. Membership cards will be sent upon receipt of payment. Membership includes eligibility for 26 weeks of drawings and a final drawing, date which will be announced via newspapers and local TV channels. Info: contact Alexandra Sorochka at 570-335-2128 or Joan Zaleski at 570-254-6882. The public is invited to join.
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 cash bingo May 24. Grand prize is $1,000. Entrance tickets are $25 and include 10 regular games with a $100 prize. Grand prize and specials boards are sold separately. Doors will open at 1:30. Games start at 2:30. There will be 50/50, snack bar, door prizes. Tickets available for purchase weekdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at the website, trinity-episcopal.weebly.com. No children under 18.
MUNICIPAL MEMOS
Jermyn Townwide Clean Up Month: Underway through May 15. Sponsored by the Jermyn Shade Tree Commission. Volunteers will clean the WWI Veterans Park, plant the Main Street flowerpots, clean bridges and the Callahan Recreational Park and Memorial Garden. Jermyn residents are asked to clean their particular section of street, curb and sidewalks of the winter’s dirt, rocks and recyclables. The goal is to have clean streets and curbs for the summer months, including the upcoming May Memorial weekend, summer activities and the celebration of America’s 250th birthday on July 19 in Jermyn. Winter refuse should be bagged and placed at the curb no more than 24 hours prior to the regularly scheduled trash and recyclable containers pickup. For brush pickup after May 1, call the Jermyn Borough office at 570-876-0610. Updates/dumpster availability: visit the borough’s website at jermynpa.com.
Olyphant Hometown Hero banners: Unclaimed banners will be on display and may be picked up during the week of May 23-30 at the Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park on Nestor Chylak Boulevard. Banners that remain unclaimed will be disposed of honorably.
Throop Hometown Heroes Banners: For those who are interested in purchasing a Throop Hometown Heroes banner, call Commander Peter P. Puhalla Sr. at 570-335-5551.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
America 250 trip to Baltimore: Mid-Valley Travelers will have a bus trip to Baltimore for the America 250 Celebration on June 27. Group will visit the tall ships in the Harbor, watch the air show and visit the Inner Harbor Festival. Cost is $99. Reservations: call 570-955-6989.
Atlantic City bus trip: The Friends of the Valley Community Library will host a bus trip to Atlantic City on June 13. Bus will leave the library, 739 River St., Peckville, at 7:30 a.m., will drop attendees off at Resorts Casino at about 11 a.m. and will return to the library at around 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 a person ($63 for credit); payment is needed to reserve your space on the bus. Ticket cost includes the bus and driver’s tip. No rebates. Signup available at the library. Info: contact Ann at 570-479-0806 or valleylibraryfriends@outlook.com.
Browndale Fire Company annual fund drive: The fire company’s annual fund drive is underway. The fire company provides fire protection and emergency services around the clock to all of Clinton Twp. and Vandling Borough and offers mutual aid to neighboring fire companies and communities. Donations can be delivered directly to the fire station or mailed to: Browndale Fire Company, 620 Marion St., Browndale. Info: contact the fire company at 570-785-5300.
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.
Walk with a Doc events: Hosted by the Wright Center for Community Health. Jermyn walk, May 16, 9 a.m., Lackawanna River Heritage Trail; walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. Free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required. Info: contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
Jessup: May 25, Jessup Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5544, will hold combined Memorial Day services with Jessup American Legion Post 411. Services will begin at Queen of Angels Church at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be offered by the Rev. Gerard M. McGlone. Both organizations will then proceed to Holy Ghost Cemetery, where the Honor Guard will offer a salute for fallen comrades. Both organizations will then proceed to Veterans Memorial Stadium, where remarks will be offered by Mayor Joseph Buckshon Jr. and commanders of both the VFW and American Legion. Following the services, food and refreshments will be offered by the VFW Post 5544, 205 Dolph St. Public is invited. VFW members are asked to meet at the post home no later than 10 a.m.
Olyphant: May 25, Memorial Day Program and free “Concert in the Park.” American Legion Post 327, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion, 11 a.m., at 113 Willow Ave. Honored guest speaker is Sgt. Maj. Claudette Williams, U.S. Army retired, founder of the Women Veterans Museum in Mount Pocono. Following will be the program at the Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park, with honored guest speaker SP4 Shamus Gower McGuigan, U.S. Army, Afghanistan, Wounded Warrior. A free patriotic “Concert in the Park” by Brass Storm will follow. Seating will be available. Light luncheon will be provided in the American Legion Post 327 hall by the Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of Post 327. In case of rain, the program and concert will be held inside the legion hall. Info: call Kim Atkinson at 570-892-0378.
Peckville: May 25, Shopa-Davey VFW Peckville service. A parade will step off at 8:30 a.m. from Shopa-Davey Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6082, 123 Electric St., and proceed to the Veterans Memorial on Main Street and the Sgt. Argonish Memorial on Keystone Avenue. The procession will continue on to the All Saints Cemetery on Geno Merli Drive to honor John Shopa. A. Pierson Hurd, American Legion Post No. 236 in Peckville, will join in the procession. Post members will proceed to the Valley View Cemetery to honor Charles Davey and onto Finch Hill to honor Gino Merli. All parties participating in the parade should meet at the VFW post home at 8 a.m.
Scott Twp.: May 23, 10 a.m. Scott Township Veterans Memorial in front of the Township Building, 1038 Montdale Road with Scout Troop 265 and Lakeland Band. Refreshments to follow.
PERFORMING ARTS
An Evening of Broadway with Tim Shew: May 15, 7 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit. 2025-26 Arts at First Presbyterian concert series concludes with Broadway star. Shew will be accompanied by Dr. Rick Hoffenberg, pianist and associate professor of music and co-director of the Insalaco School of Visual & Performing Arts at Marywood University. Free and open to the public; a free-will offering will be taken to help defray the cost of the event. Meet the artist at a reception held following the concert.
To submit your event listing for publication, email advantage@scrantontimes.com. (Metro)
DAILY EVENTS
May 14
Growing Strawberries: 6 p.m., Greenhouse Project, 200 Arthur Ave., Scranton. Penn State Master Gardener Gary White will explain the best practices: plant habits and needs, recommended varieties, containers or beds, common pests and diseases. Fee is $5. Registration required by emailing programs@scrantongreenhouse.org.
May 15
Golf tournament: 33rd Annual Johnson College Open, Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, Mountain Top. All proceeds from support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Info: visit johnson.edu/golf.
La Festa dei Ceri in Gubbio Viewing Party: Hosted by the St. Ubaldo Society, 6 p.m., Chapel Tavern, St. Ubaldo Cultural Center, 310 Third Ave., Jessup. Evemt will be streamed live from Gubbio. Light fare will be provided. Tavern will be open.
May 16
Community luncheon: Noon to 12:45 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 700 Delaware and Dundaff streets, Forest City. All are welcome.
Magic show fundraiser: Damian the Magician will perform a Concert of Magic, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St., Carbondale. Doors open at 1 p.m. Snack bar available. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Stop by the church office for tickets weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or buy online at trinity-episcopal.weebly.com.
May 17
Pig in the blanket dinner: Shopa-Davey VFW Post 6082 pig in the blanket dinner, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out, at the post home, 123 Electric St., Peckville. Eat-in or takeout. Tickets are $15 from a member or at the door.
May 18
St. Ubaldo Society Kids’ Cerioli Party: 5:30 to 7 p.m., St. Ubaldo Cultural Center, 310 Third Ave., Jessup. Lesson on the history and importance of the festival, followed by crafts and finger foods. All are welcome. Everyone is encouraged to stay for the Veneration Service at 7 p.m. RSVP encouraged for an accurate head count.
Vegetable Gardening program: 1:15 p.m., Carbondale Public Library, 5 N. Main St., Carbondale. Penn State Master Gardeners will conduct a free program that will explain how certain vegetables grow well together, manage your garden growing space and yield. Register: call the library at 570-282-4281.
May 20
Dickson City Neighborhood Watch meeting: 7 p.m., Dickson City Community Center, 824 Main St. Guest speaker will be Bob Hall Jr., chairman of the borough Planning Commission. He will speak about the role of the Planning Commission on the short-term and long-term growth and development of Dickson City, including current and upcoming projects. A Q&A session will follow. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Growing Herbs: 6 p.m., Abington Library, 1200 W. Grove St., South Abington Twp. Join 4-H and Penn State Extension Master Gardeners to discuss common herbs, how to care for them and the best ways to plant them. For beginner and experienced gardeners. Lackawanna County PA 4-H will also have herbs for sale as part of a fundraiser for the organization.
May 21
Free community meal: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Kinship Kitchen at Court Street United Methodist Church, 816 Court St., Scranton. Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, beets, drink and dessert. Eat-in or takeout. Info: call 570-342-0898.
Gardening for Birds: 1 p.m., The Gathering Place, 3S State St., Clarks Summit. Penn State Extension Master Gardeners will discuss how to attract birds to your garden; it takes more than a bird food feeder. Register: visit gatheringplacecs.org.
St. Ubaldo Society’s annual Tavola Bona: 6 to 10 p.m., Fiorelli’s Catering, 1501 Main St., Peckville. Cost is $70 per person. Live music by Andrea Amoroso. Reservations: contact Scott Hall at 570-766-0736 or Stefanie DePietro Camoni at 570-766-1914.
May 23
Eynon-Archbald Lions Great Pennsylvania Cleanup: Eynon-Archbald Lions Club will be collecting trash along its Adopt-A-Highway route, with support from Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Biologics of Jessup, Boy Scouts Troop 34 of Jessup and Hricak-McAndrew Post 869, Archbald. Plans are underway to clean borough streets and the Archbald Protestant Cemetery, Sunset Street. Meet at the Archbald Borough Building at 8:30 a.m. Any interested residents may join in helping. Participants are asked to bring rakes, weed wackers and lawn mowers. The Archbald Community Ambulance and the Eynon/Sturges HoseCompany will provide a safe escort.
Scranton March for Jesus: Noon to 4 p.m., Lackawanna County Courthouse, 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Inaugural march invites people of all ages to celebrate Jesus publicly, pray, listen to Christian music and experience fellowship. Info/RSVP: email ScrantonMarchJesus@gmail.com or call 570-909-6025.
June 3
Companion Planting: 6 to 7 p.m., Abington Community Library, 1200 W. Grove St., S. Abington Twp. Penn State Master Gardeners will talk about how to get the most from your garden by planting specific plants together to enhance their yield and utilize your garden space efficiently. Registration required at LCLShome.org.
June 5
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. Available for sale are cabbage and noodles, pierogies (butter and onion), piggies and frozen pierogies. To place orders, call Ann at 570-383-0785 and Linda at 570-650-1427. During the week of sale, call hall at 570-489-5591.
June 7
Bingo: The Altar and Rosary Society of St. Carlo Acutis Parish is hosting bingo at St. Anthony Church, Rebecca Street, Throop. Doors open at noon; start time at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Along with the purchase of your ticket, make a donation of $3 or more and attendees will receive one extra playing sheet. Donations will be used to purchase grocery gift cards for the needy of the parish community. Tickets/information: call Debbie at 570-540-1154.
Mountain View Garden Club annual Plant Exchange and Marketplace: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Clifford Township Community Center and Park, Cemetery Street. Plant sale begins at 2 p.m. Attendees who bring two perennials may exchange them for two of comparable size or value. Any plants that may be exchanged should be potted several weeks before the event. In addition to local artisans, businesses and food vendors, the event will also feature music by Jim Carro, a raffle with items donated by vendors and garden club members, and the popular Second Hand Rose Flea Market. To become a vendor, contact Diane at D23sysko@gmail.com or 610-704-9564.
Pancake breakfast: Boy Scout Troop 21, St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, is holding a pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, at the parish center, Dickson City. Tickets are $8 and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee/tea. Dine-in or takeout. Tickets are available from Troop leaders and Scouts and will also be available at the door.
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.