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, will conduct its annual homemade soup, Welsh cookies and cabbage and noodles sale to benefit the church’s community programs. Assorted homemade soups are $5 per pint; cabbage and noodles, $7 per pint, and Welsh cookies, $7 per dozen, for sale each Friday, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., starting Dec. 5 through April 3.
Christ the King Parish: will sponsor a Christmas cookie sale at Sacred Heart of Mary Church, 624 Madison Ave., Jermyn, on Dec. 20 in the parish center from 9 a.m. to noon. The home-baked holiday treats are available in one-pound packages for $12 or two-pound packages for $20.
Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church: 313 First Ave., Jessup, will hold a one-day bus pilgrimage Dec. 9 with Father Tim Kennedy, pastor, to the Shrines of Philadelphia, including the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and the Philadelphia Christmas Markets. Highlights include Mass, rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, private prayer time, guided shrine tours, shopping and food on your own at the Christmas Markets. Departure is 7:30 a.m. Cost is $60 per person (bus ticket only). Limited seats available. Reservations/info: call 570-489-2353. The church will also hold its Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Dec. 21, 8:45 a.m. to noon, at Holy Ghost Hall at LaSalle Academy, 309 First Ave., Jessup. The bazaar will include the annual cookie walk on Dec. 21, as well as the Olive Wood Carvers from the Holy Land and a Taste of the Valley both days. A basket raffle will be held Dec. 20 at 1 p.m.
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.
SS. Peter and Paul Church: Simpson, is selling 2026 six-month lottery calendars. Each $20 calendar includes two numbers for the Pick 3 evening drawing of the Pennsylvania Lottery. Prizes include $25 on weekdays, $40 on Sundays and five $100 prizes. Calendars purchased by check will be mailed to return address. Make checks payable to SS. Peter and Paul Church and mail to: P.O. Box 124, Carbondale, PA 18407. Info: contact Marge at 570-282-5680 or Linda at 570-282-0796.
St. Carlo Acutis Parish: A newly designed 2025 St. Carlo Acutis Parish Christmas ornament is available for purchase before all weekend Masses at the newly formed parish at St. Patrick’s Church in Olyphant and St. Anthony of Padua Church in Throop. Cost of the circular design with the image of St. Carlo Acutis is $20. The 2025 limited edition Christmas memento comes in a box.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: will host a homemade bread, kolachi, cookie and raw pierogi sale Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at St. John’s Center, 701 Hill St., Mayfield. Homemade bread (plain or with raisins) will be sold along with homemade nut, poppyseed, lekvar and apricot kolachi. Breads cost $8 each and kolachi are $12 each. Homemade cookies will be sold at $12 a box. Cookies will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Along with the baked goods, homemade pierogi (frozen, uncooked) will be sold for $12 a dozen. Bread, kolachi and pierogi orders can be placed by calling Mott (570-335-2128), Sandy (570-876-3576) or the rectory (570-876-0730). Reminder for those who placed orders at St. John’s Christmas Bazaar that pickup will be between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For those who did not place an order at the Christmas Bazaar, deadline for orders is Dec. 18.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church: 522 Main St., Dickson City, is holding a takeout-only Christmas potato pancake sale on Dec. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Potato pancakes are $2 each. Advance orders recommended by Dec. 17. To place orders, call 570-309-5990.
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.
St. Michael’s Orthodox Church: 305 Walnut St., Jermyn, will hold a Christmas Holiday Cookie Walk on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. until sold out. A variety of cookies will be available for sale (containers provided). Cost is $10 per pound.
Trinity Episcopal Church: 58 River St., Carbondale, is having a homemade soup sale. Available soups are chicken noodle, Italian wedding and pasta fagioli. Quarts are $9 and pints are $5. Chili and stew are also available in pints for $6. New soups are added frequently. Info: call 570-282-3620. The church is also having a Christmas raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $6 for a sheet of 10 or $10 for two sheets. Some of the prizes include a 50-inch smart TV, 32-inch smart TV, 26/27-inch mountain bike, Michael Kors bag, air purifier and more. Drawing is Dec. 14 at noon. You do not have to be present to win. For both the soup sale or raffle fundraiser, stop by weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bus trip: AARP NEPA Chapter 3731 will host a bus trip to the premiere showing of “Joshua” at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster County, May 29. Dinner at the Bird in Hand Smorgasbord is included in the price of $195. Open to the public. Early reservations suggested. Information: David at 570-892-1619 or Eileen at 570-328-3359.
Jessup American Legion Post 411 Toys for Tots collection: A Toys for Tots deposit box is located at the Jessup American Legion Post 411, 508 Church St. New unwrapped toys may be dropped off on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after 6 p.m. or left daily in the front door vestibule area. Deposit box for toys will be available until Dec. 19.
Meredith Hose Co. Princess cruise and cash raffle: $50 per ticket entry. Grand prize winner will receive $3,000 in Princess gift cards and $2,500 in cash. Second-prize winner will receive $1,000 in cash. Third-prize winner will receive $500 in cash. Winners will be drawn at the hose company’s annual Soppressata Contest on May 9. Tickets are available from any member or by visiting meredithhose.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. Upcoming events: Dec. 18. Call DJ Gordo for info regarding vendors, food tents, entertainment and school fundraiser events at 570-766-3050.
Valley Community Library holiday wrap station: Come to the library, 739 River St., Peckville, during open hours from Dec. 15-23 to wrap holiday gifts. Scissors, tape and an assortment of paper, bags, bows and ribbon will be available. The library will accept donations of wrapping paper, gift bags, boxes, bows, ribbon and more. Registration not required.
PERFORMING ARTS AND EXHIBITS
Catholic Choral Society Advent Concert: Dec. 7, 3 p.m., First Congregational Church UCC, 5016 Creek Road, Harford. The chorus will present sacred Advent and Christmas music as well other Christmas selections. The concert is open to the public free of charge; however, a free will offering will be available. Brenda Grunza and Lois Ostrowski are co-presidents of the Catholic Choral Society. Ann Manganiello is music director of the group while Linda Houck is accompanist. Info: call 570-575-1040, visit catholicchoralsociety.org or the Catholic Choral Society of Scranton Facebook page.
Scranton Jazz Festival Christmas Spectacular: Dec. 7, Scranton Preparatory School, 1000 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show starting at 5:30 p.m. The Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band, under the direction of Marko Marcinko, will perform holiday classics with Broadway vocalists Gabrielle Ruiz Pysanchin, the Randy Andys and Thos Shipley New. Unwrapped toys will be collected for We Respect & Care, formerly the Women’s Resource Center. Tickets are $35 for general admission; a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Tickets/info: visit scrantonjazzfestival.org.
DAILY EVENTS
December 5
Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania meeting: 2 p.m., the Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options available for those unable to attend in person. No fee to attend. New members are welcome. Info/virtual meeting link: contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at the Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
December 6
Greater Carbondale YMCA Annual Christmas Festival: 5 to 8 p.m., Greater Carbondale YMCA, 82 N. Main St., Carbondale. Kick off the night in the Build-A-Bear Room. For a fee, kids can choose and stuff their very own furry friend. Festival includes Christmas-themed games and activities, free swimming, free bounce houses, free pictures with Santa, Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, refreshments for sale, basket raffles, a light parade and more, all at family-friendly pricing. Info: contact the Greater Carbondale YMCA at 570-282-2210 or view a full event schedule on its Facebook page.
Holiday Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Montdale Community Church, 961 Lakeland Drive, Scott Twp. Craft vendors, basket raffle and bake sale featuring Welsh cookies, pies, cookies and other sweet treats. Hot food being served includes chili, wimpies, hot dogs, homemade soup and homemade pierogies.
Olyphant Kris Kringle Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., downtown Olyphant. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley and the Santa Train will arrive at the Queen City Train Station at 1 p.m. Parade will start at 2 p.m. from River Street, Olyphant. Events will be held on Lackawanna Avenue, Willow Street and Nestor Chylak Drive. Activities include free horse and carriage rides, arts and crafts for children, petting zoo, face painting and caricatures, the Brass Storm Quintet, free photos with Santa Claus, dance performers, “Touch a Truck,” twirlers and more, plus over 50 vendors, including crafters and food vendors, as well as raffles, children’s activities and music. Call Kim Atkinson at 570-892-0378 regarding parade floats, vendors, sponsors, volunteers and raffle donations. Info: visit Olyphant Borough Kris Kringle Market Facebook page.
Winter Craft and Vendor Fair: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dickson City Civic Center, 935 Albert St. Admission is $2 for adults. Basket raffle will be held to benefit center programs. Vendors accepted. Info: call 570-383-1813, email dcciviccenter@gmail.com or visit the center’s Facebook page.
December 7
Book lecture and signing: Lackawanna Historical Society will host a lecture and book signing with Daniel J. Packer Jr., author of “Scranton’s Bygone Department Stores: The Globe and the Dry,” at 2 p.m. at the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. Copies will be available for purchase. Info: contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
Jermyn annual Free Christmas Concert: Christmas Spirit Week in Jermyn (through Dec. 13) kicks off with the Christmas concert at 2 p.m. at the Jermyn Methodist Church, 520 Washington Ave., Jermyn. Concert features the Community Chorus directed by Bruce Smallacombe and the music of other musicians and singers. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will visit the children and adults alike. Pictures are welcome. Light refreshments will be served immediately following, sponsored by the Events Committee. All are welcome.
December 10
Radio City Christmas Spectacular bus trip: The Double “R” Twirlettes are sponsoring a trip to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The trip includes round trip motor coach, an orchestra seat to the 2 p.m. show and the day in New York City to sightsee or Christmas shop. Cost is $189 per person. The cost for bus transportation only and a free day on your own in NYC is $75 per person. Bus will leave from Peckville with a pickup in Daleville. Info/reservations: call 570-955-6989.
December 11
“Exploring the Cosmos – The Lifecycle of Stars” event: 6 p.m., Valley Community Library, 739 River St., Peckville. Amateur astronomer Bruce Morgan will show astrophotos he has taken of the night sky with his telescopes. Participants will look specifically at the birth and death of stars and their impact on our existence. This program is geared toward adults. Registration required at lclshome.org/libraries/valley-community-library.
Wake Up with the Arts Breakfast: The Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department will host the 17th annual Wake Up with the Arts Breakfast at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast and networking followed by the presentation at 9 a.m. This year’s theme is “The Place We Call Home.” Local author and historian Nicholas E. Petula will be guest speaker. Free and open to the public. RSVP: email arts-lackawannacounty.org or call 570-496-1724.
December 13
Christmas cookie sale: First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley, 1557 Main St., Peckville, is hosting the Argia Caines Memorial Christmas Cookie Sale from 10 a.m. to noon. Homemade cookies cost $8/pound and must be pre-ordered by calling Linda at 570-536-4027 by Dec. 10. Pickup is at the church door at the back of the building.
Christmas pet photos: Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St., Carbondale, is having a Christmas Pet Photo Booth from 1 to 3 p.m. Photos are $10. Info: call 570-282-3620.
Jermyn Christmas Light Parade: 6 p.m. with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This year’s theme is “A Rockin ‘n Rollin with Santa.” Parade begins at Washington and Rushbrook Street (Route 107), proceeding down Washington Avenue to Maple Street, ending at the Artisan Fire Company with hot chocolate and cookies with Santa. All are welcome. All residents who want to participate in the light parade assembly will be on Chestnut (old Bonnie Drive) Street. Assembly for parade will be at 5:30 p.m. at Chestnut Street adjacent to Exit 5 – Route 107. Parade and refreshments sponsored by the Jermyn Shade Tree Commission.
Jingle Bell Jog: 5K run and 1-mile walk, 9 a.m., Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 N. Blakely St., Dunmore. Participants of all ages and fitness levels welcome. Cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25; participants 12 years old and under are free. Same-day registration costs $35. Day of race check-in and packet pickup will be open from 8 to 8:45 a.m. Awards ceremony will take place at around 10 a.m. Runners and walkers encouraged to wear their favorite festive holiday attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free T-shirt. Proceeds benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program. Participants can register online at runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the facility. Info: contact Jennifer Dolphin, race coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
“Nerdy Nutcrackers” event: 2 p.m., Valley Community Library, 739 River St., Peckville. Teens can make their own festive fan art. Attendees will be given a wooden nutcracker to paint as their favorite sci-fi, fantasy or other pop culture character. Registration required at lclshome.org/libraries/valley-community-library.
December 14
Children’s Christmas Party: Knights of Columbus Council 10729 is sponsoring a free children’s Christmas Party at 11:30 a.m. at LaSalle School, 309 First Ave., Jessup. Santa arrives at noon.
‘Silent Santa’ event: Fourth annual “Silent Santa,” a free, low-sensory holiday experience designed for individuals with special needs and their families, will be held at Direction LLC, 1309 Route 6, Mayfield. The event creates a comfortable and inclusive environment for all ages, offering personalized, 15-minute private sessions with Santa, eliminating long lines and crowds. To ensure participants’ safety, Santa and his helpers are trained, CPR-certified professionals who have all required clearances. Guests can use the magic mailbox to send letters to Santa and will leave with free treats and toys. Photos and parking are also provided at no cost. Registration is required; space is limited. Register/info: visit directionllc.com/silent-santa-1.
December 18
Free community dinner: Kinship Kitchen, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Court Street United Methodist Church, 816 Court St., Scranton. Meal includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, drink and dessert. Info: 570-342-0898.
December 21
Greg’s Journey Benefit: Noon, Cooper’s Seafood House, 701 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Greg Boock is once again fighting mediastinal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma B-cell. Donations raised will help defray the costs of travel and treatments. Donation of $20 includes discounted food menu, free draft beer, live music, basket raffles, 50/50 raffle and more. Info: contact Bill at 570-468-6247.
December 27
Free community luncheon: Noon to 1 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St., Carbondale. All are welcome.
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.