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 Episcopal Summer Chapel: 2074 State Route 247, Dundaff (Crystal Lake), will serve the local community for the summer starting May 24 with a 10 a.m. service. The Rev. Dr. William McGinty will conduct services at the church through Sept. 6. Dawn Pentecost will provide organist and music. Info: contact Senior Warden Robert Schreiber at 570-267-6195 or robert.a.schreiber@ptd.net.
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
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
Browndale Fire Company fund drive: Annual fund drive 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.
Diabetes Prevention Program: Free program for Lackawanna County and Susquehanna County residents at risk for diabetes. Participants can build healthier lifestyles in a supportive group setting alongside others who aim to improve their health and lower their risk. Susquehanna County residents: Program begins June 10 at Forest City Library. Lackawanna County residents: Classes begin June 29 at Greater Carbondale YMCA. While enrolled, participants will also receive a free membership to the YMCA. Join/more info: contact Candy Manby, PT, or Mary Wielebinski at Greater Carbondale YMCA, or call Greater Carbondale YMCA at 570-282-2210.
Eagle Hose Co. No. 1 fund drive: Annual drive underway. Funds go toward essential equipment, training and maintenance. Mail donations to Eagle Hose Co. No. 1, 1 Eagle Lane, Dickson City, PA 18519, or donate online at dcfd23.com.
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.
Valley View Marching Band flag fundraiser: You’ve Been Flagged! fundraiser benefits the marching band and band units. Packages include multiple flags and commemorative yard sign: 15 flags, Red, White and Blue, $35, customer pickup and delivery; 25 flags, Liberty, $50, and 50 flags, American, $100, delivery and placement included. Choose from two commemorative 18-inch by 24-inch signs. Order deadline for July 4 is June 22, delivery date is June 30. To book/more info: contact Becky Bennett at 570-677-3022 or VVBBFPA25@gmail.com.
MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES
Jermyn: May 25, American Legion Post 465, Jermyn, annual Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m., Jermyn Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Jermyn. Commander Fred Jones will M.C. the program. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Alan Rupert, Primitive Methodist Church pastor, Jermyn. Lakeland High School Marching Band will perform patriotic melodies honoring America and its veterans. All units, fire companies, Scouts, band members and those who want to participate should assemble at the cemetery for 10:40 a.m. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony at the Artisan Hose Company, Maple Street, Jermyn. There will be no Memorial Day Parade this year due to their participation and honoring veterans and Armed Forces in Jermyn’s Celebration Parade paying tribute to America’s 250th birthday anniversary on July 19.
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.
Throop: May 25, Herbert Clark Post 180 Throop American Legion and the Throop VFW Post 7251 Memorial Day services will be held with members meeting at the Throop Civic Center parking lot at 8 a.m. and will proceed to the local cemeteries for services starting with St. Mary’s Cemetery off Sanderson Avenue at 8:15. Members will then proceed to the Veterans’ Plaque at the Throop Municipal Building for services there at 10 a.m. All members will then proceed to the VFW Post 7251 for services there at 11 a.m.
To submit your event listing for publication, email advantage@scrantontimes.com. (Metro)
DAILY EVENTS
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. 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
Designer purse bingo: Veterans Promise first annual Designer Purse Bingo, Dickson City Community Center, 824 Main St. Doors open at 1 p.m.; games begin at 2 p.m. Twelve games and four specials, along with a basket raffle, door prizes and 50/50. Tickets are $40 for six cards, each having 12 games. Specials available for additional charge. Snacks, beverages and Veterans Promise merchandise available for purchase. Veterans Promise office is across the hall and will be hosting an open house during the event. Tickets are limited. For ticket purchase information, sponsorship and donation opportunities, email keepingthepromise23@gmail.com.
Eynon-Archbald Lions Great Pennsylvania Cleanup: Eynon-Archbald Lions Club will collect 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 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 Hose Company 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.
May 24
Community cleanup: Citizens for a Healthy Jessup’s annual after St. Ubaldo Day community cleanup, 7:30 a.m. All volunteers are asked to meet in the parking lot of Queen of Angels Parish Center on Church Street.
May 25
Memorial Day Mass: 9 a.m., St. John’s Cemetery, Jessup.
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. Potato pancakes will be sold outside. 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: 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, event will feature music by Jim Carro, raffle with items donated by vendors and garden club members, and 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, 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.
June 13
Welsh cookie sale: First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley, 1557 Main St., Peckville, is having a Welsh cookie sale. Cookies are $7/dozen and must be preordered by calling Judy at 570-489-7866. Deadline to order is June 8. Pickup is from 9 a.m. to noon at the sanctuary door (no longer at the kitchen door) on the realty side at the back of the church property.
June 14
Archbald Sesquicentennial Community Concert: 2 p.m., Archbald Borough Building (top floor – indoor event), 400 Church St. Brass Storm will perform a mix of patriotic favorites, followed by a blend of popular tunes, light rock and crowd-pleasing hits. Free and open to the public.
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.