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.
Rescue & Restore Church: Members of the church at 120 Willow Ave. in Olyphant, the former Holy Ghost Parish, residents of the Valley, veterans or anyone wishing to support the church may preserve their family name or history on a beautifully designed memorial plaque inside the church for posterity. Two sizes are available: single 7-inch by 10-inch or family 12-inch by 18-inch. Info: call Pastor Jack Munley at 570-483-4114.
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. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Mayfield, will host its Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 14-15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the church center, 701 Hill St. On Nov. 14, pierogies, clam chowder and cabbage and noodles will be sold. On Nov. 15, cabbage rolls, chili, city chicken, steakburgers, hot dogs, kielbasi on a stick or on a roll, sausage and peppers, Italian wedding soup, plus Friday’s menu will be served. Homemade desserts, St. John’s homemade bread, kolachi, raffles and vendors/crafters will also be available. Info: call 570-876-0730, 570-335-2128, 570-254-6882 or 570-876-0391.
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.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Circle Flea Flair: Flea market featuring hundreds of vendors is open every Sunday through November, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, at the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City. Buyer admission is $1 per car. Info: visit Circle Flea Fair on Facebook.
Dickson City Christmas Coloring Contest: Open to all children residing in Dickson City between 5 and 12 years old. Winners will be selected from three distinct age groups; each top winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Everyone who enters will receive a gift bag and Certificate of Recognition. All entrants will participate in the lighting of the Christmas tree at the free community event, “A Dickson City Christmas,” on Nov. 23 at Riverside Park, Enterprise Street. Coloring pages and entry forms can be picked up at the Dickson City Borough Building, 801 Enterprise St., from Monday to Friday during normal business hours. All entries must be submitted by Nov. 18. Contest hosted by the Dickson City Light and Banner Association.
Dickson City Scout Troop 322: is accepting new members (youths ages 10½ to 17 years old). The troop is sponsored by the Dickson City Fire Department Eagle Hose Company 1. The troop meets every Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Info: email scouttroop322dc@gmail.com or stop by on Thursday evenings.
Fall Book Club: Book club offered for students in grades 4-5 at the Gina Tomassoni School of Dance & Tutoring Center, 280 Main St., Eynon. Book Club will meet every Tuesday through Nov. 18, 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $75 per student; all participants will receive a complimentary copy of the book, “There’s an Owl in the Shower,” by Jean Craighead George. To register, call Miss Gina at 570-362-4091.
Fall dance classes: Gina Tomassoni School of Dance, 280 Main St., Eynon, is offering Country Line Dancing for Adults (with some chair exercises). Classes will be on Wednesdays through Nov. 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $60 for five-week session. Register/more info: call Miss Gina at 570-362-4091 or 570-876-0565.
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: Nov. 20, Black Friday Sale. Call DJ Gordo for info regarding vendors, food tents, entertainment and school fundraiser events at 570-766-3050.
HAUNTED HAPPENINGS
Circle of Screams: Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Dickson City. Open Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 10:30 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 30, and Sundays, 7 to 9:30 p.m., through Nov. 1. Includes Delfino Manor attraction and Twisted Acres Woods Walk, as well as scary movie. General admission is $25, with lower price for movie alone. Parking cost is $3. Tickets are on sale at circledrive-in.com and circleofscreams.com. Info: Visit event website and Circle of Screams on Facebook.
Massacre Mansion Haunted Attraction: 454 Delaware St., Simpson. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 11 p.m., and Sundays, 7 to 10 p.m., through October. Ticket booth opens at 7 p.m. and attractions begin at 7:30 p.m., with hayrides after 9 p.m. Bundle pass is $25 (cash only) and includes three walk-through haunted attractions and a hayride. Attractions can also be purchased separately. Info: Visit Massacre Mansion Haunted Attraction on Facebook.
Reaper’s Revenge: 460 Green Grove Road, Scott Twp. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2. Gates open at 6 p.m. and close between 9:30 and 10:30, based on the night. Includes five haunted attractions, as well as a family-friendly daytime attraction, Lil’ Grim’s Hayride, on Saturdays and Sundays in October. Tickets start at $59, but go up to $69 on the Saturdays of Oct. 11, 18 and 25. Tickets can be purchased at reapersrevenge.com. Info: Visit event website and Reaper’s Revenge on Facebook.
PERFORMING ARTS AND EXHIBITS
Marywood art exhibit: “Tracing the Sky: Steve Poleskie’s Aerial Theater on Paper,” Marywood University’s Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, through Jan. 14. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: visit marywood.edu/community/galleries.
VETERANS DAY SERVICES
Jermyn ceremony: Nov. 11, 11 a.m., Veterans World War I Park, Bridge Street. The William J. Griffiths American Legion Post 465 and Commander Fred Jones will conduct the ceremony, with Christine McGreachie, soloist, providing patriotic songs, and guest speaker, Bruce Smallacombe, presenting local military history. Also participating are Girl Scouts Mayfield/Jermyn Troop and Boy Scouts. Immediately following the ceremony, a luncheon will be provided. Sponsored by the William J. Griffiths American Legion Post 465 and the Jermyn Shade Tree Commission and Events Committee. All are welcome.
Olyphant WWII veteran 100th birthday celebration: Olyphant American Legion Post 327 along with the Olyphant Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park will honor PFC Francis B. Hodorowski, Co L, 11th Infantry, 5th Division, U.S. Army, WWII, on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Both programs will be immediately followed by a luncheon and birthday celebration sponsored by Post 327, Sons of the American Legion Post 327 and the Ladies Auxiliary. Event will begin at the Olyphant Borough Building, 113 Willow Ave., Olyphant. Public is invited to attend. Info: call Kim Atkinson at 570-892-0378.
Scott Twp. ceremony: Nov. 8, 10 a.m., Scott Township Veterans Memorial in front of Township Building, 1038 Montdale Road, with the Scout Troop and Pack 265, Lakeland Band and guest speaker. Refreshments to follow.
Several area groups are holding Halloween events. (Metro)
DAILY EVENTS
October 30
Forest City’s Halloween on Main: 5 to 7 p.m., Main Street, downtown Forest City. Hosted by the Greater Forest City Business Alliance. Children can participate in trick-or-treating at local businesses and trunk-or-treating from community members. Families encouraged to bring their children dressed in their favorite costumes. Food vendors and live music by DJ Dennis. Info: visit the Greater Forest City Business Alliance Facebook page.
October 31
Carbondale Citywide Trick or Treat: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., downtown Carbondale. Businesses will be handing out treats. Look for the smiling pumpkin signs to find participating locations. Sponsored by the Greater Carbondale YMCA.
First Primitive Methodist Church of Dickson City Halloween party: 6 to 8 p.m., at the church, 516 Jackson St. Stop by during trick-or-treating. Games and goodies. Free candy, baked goods, hot cocoa and more. Info: visit dicksoncitychurch.com.
Olyphant Halloween event: Olyphant Neighborhood Watch will give out candy, hot dogs, hot chocolate and other goodies Halloween night starting at 5:30 p.m. at Eureka Hose Company 4, 717 E. Grant St.
Simpson Walter Paciga VFW Post 4712 Trunk or Treat: 5 to 7 p.m., post home, 500 N. Main St., Simpson, back parking lot. Hosted by the VFW Post 4712 and auxiliary. Family-friendly evening full of decorated trunks and treats. Info: visit the Simpson VFW Post 4712 Walter Paciga Post Facebook page.
Tiny Tot Terror-ific Dance: 10:30 a.m., Valley Community Library, 739 River St., Peckville. Socializing and dancing for little ones. There will be two areas so both babies and older toddlers and preschoolers can have fun getting their groove on. Registration is required for kids up to 5 years old. Costumes are encouraged; there will be a short parade around the library to show off the costumes. Register: visit lclshome.org/libraries/valley-community-library/.
November 1
4th annual arts and crafts fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton. For $2 admission, shop from over 20 vendors: food, bake sale, artisan specialties, crafts and one-of-a-kind creations for gifts this holiday. Sponsored by Covenant Women’s Circle. All proceeds benefit local missions and ministries. Info: call 570-346-6400.
Bake, soup and treasure sale: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., hosted by the Grace E. Barthold Chapter at the Kingsbury Lodge Hall, 410 Delaware Ave., Olyphant. A variety of soup and baked goods will be available for purchase. Gently loved items, household goods, books, décor and more. There will also be a basket raffle and mystery bags for $3.
Commissioners’ Cup Youth Soccer Skills Challenge: Staback Park, Archbald. Players from throughout Northeast Pennsylvania can compete. Players 8 and younger and 10 and younger will compete from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; players 12 and under and 14 and under will take to the pitch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Players will participate in five skills challenges to earn points. The 10 highest scorers in each division will win medals. They also may represent youth teams or clubs to help determine overall team champions at the recreation and club levels. Entry fee is $10 per participant; cash or check payable to Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau in advance or on the day of the event.
Fall open house: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Johnson College, 3427 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Open house will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid and student services. Same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted. Register: visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.
Pasta dinner: Nadine Cenci Marchegiani Foundation annual take-out only pasta dinner, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Cafe Soriano, 523 Main St., Peckville. Dinner tickets are $15. Raffle tickets are 3/$5 or 10/$10. For tickets, call Ken at 570-499-1794. All proceeds benefit the NCM Foundation.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” 50th anniversary showing: 7 p.m., Forest City Area Historical Society museum, Main and Dundaff streets, Forest City. Prop bags will be available or attendees can bring their own props. Concession stand will be open to purchase candy and soda. Museum will open at 6:30 p.m. to allow attendees to explore the historical exhibits. Public is welcome. The film is rated R; no one under 17 years old will be allowed without an accompanying adult. Museum is disabled accessible. Info: visit forestcityareahistoricalsociety.org or the society’s Facebook page.
Welsh pastie and chicken pot pie sale: Grace E. Barthold Chapter 216, Order of the Eastern Star is taking orders for Welsh pasties (beef and potato pie) and chicken pot pies. Cost is $9. Pickup will be at the Kingsbury Masonic Lodge Hall, 410 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant, between 10 a.m. and noon. Order deadline is Oct. 24. To place an order, call Kathy at 570-677-8602 or Edie at 570-562-1935.
November 2
Roast beef dinner: 1 to 4 p.m., Meredith Hose Co., 100 Main St., Childs. Takeout only. Includes roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, applesauce, roll and dessert. Donation is $15 per ticket.
Stuffed chicken breast dinner: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by Holy Ghost Church, take-out and drive-thru only, at LaSalle Hall, 309 First Ave., Jessup. Cost is $15 and includes chicken breast and mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, roll and dessert. Limited tickets at the door. Info: call Greg 570-489-8723 or Tim 570-878-2481.
November 4
Hoagie sale: William Walker Hose Company will hold an Election Day hoagie sale at the company building, 803 Penn Ave., Mayfield. Italian, ham and cheese, and turkey and cheese hoagies will be sold for $7 each. Day-of-sale walk-in orders are welcome from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until sold out. Local delivery is available for orders of 10 or more hoagies. Orders of 10 or more may be placed with WWHC members, or by leaving a message at 570-282-6059 by noon on Nov. 3.
Porketta sandwich sale: 9 a.m. until sold out, hosted by the Shopa Davey VFW Post 6082 Auxiliary at the post home, 123 Electric St., Peckville. Each sandwich costs $5. Pre-orders are suggested by calling Peggy at 570-335-1197 or the post home at 570-383-0501.
November 5
Eric Mintel investigates: 6 p.m., Valley Community Library, Peckville. 6 p.m. Guest paranormal expert Eric Mintel travels the country with his team chasing the unexplained. Register: visit lclshome.org/libraries/valley-community-library/.
November 7
Blood drive: Noon to 5 p.m., Browndale Fire Station, Route 247, 620 Marion St., Browndale. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. A few walk-in appointments are available.
November 8
Chicken and biscuit dinner: 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Court Street United Methodist Church, 816 Court St., Scranton. Meal includes mashed potatoes, vegetable, dessert and drink. Cost is $14. Info: call 570-342-0898.
Fall youth yoga: 1 p.m., Valley Community Library, Peckville. Ages 6-17 will learn breathing, stretching and yoga techniques to help relax. Yoga and breathing techniques will be taught and led by Mindy. Register: visit lclshome.org/libraries/valley-community-library/.
Night at the Races: Sons of the American Legion Ambrose Revels Squadron 328 will host its annual Night at the Races at the St. Thomas Aquinas basement, Archbald. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food and refreshments are included with the $10 donation. Info: contact Chris Marion at 570-954-2734 or any Squadron 328 member.
November 9
Bingo fundraiser: Altar and Rosary Society of St. Carlo Acutis Parish, Rebecca Street, Throop, is hosting bingo. Doors open at noon, with start time at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Along with the purchase of a ticket, attendees who make a donation of $3 or more will receive one extra playing sheet. Donations will be used to purchase grocery gift cards for the needy of the parish community, Tickets/info: contact Debbie at 570-540-1154.
Forest City Area Historical Society 15th anniversary celebration: 1 p.m., Beacon Restaurant, Union Dale. Short program and a buffet. Public is invited. Cost is $25 per person. Cash bar will be available. Reservations required by Nov. 2; contact Secretary Juliann Doyle at 570-499-4908 or jdoyle@nep.net.
Pancake breakfast: Boy Scout Troop 21, St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, parish center, Dickson City. Tickets are $8 and include pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee/tea. Dine-in or take-out. Tickets available from troop leaders, Scouts and at the door.
November 10
Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team meeting: 6 p.m., Forest City Emergency Services Building, Railroad Street. Meeting will gather input for future projects. The Erie Street Trail Head sidewalks and roadway is nearing completion, and funding for the Center Street pocket park is being worked on. The committee, chaired by Katie Zefran, is seeking community members to help with outdoor vision and grant writing. The FCOTAT is an arm of the Forest City Borough local government.
November 14-15
Fall book sale: Friends of the Valley Community Library fall book sale, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inside the library, 739 River St., Peckville. Patrons may fill a provided bag Nov. 15 for $5 from noon to 2 p.m. Special presale for Friends of the Library members only Nov. 13, 4 to 7:30 p.m. Memberships may be purchased at the door for $10 for an individual, $15 for families. Items for sale include fiction and non-fiction books, young adult and children’s books, puzzles and more. Prices vary from $0.25 to $2.
November 16
Jessup Christmas decorating: Jessup’s Operation Noel committee will be decorating for the Christmas season. Anyone wishing to assist should report at the rear of Jessica’s Eatery on Hill Street by 8 a.m.
November 20
Free community dinner: Kinship Kitchen, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Court Street United Methodist Church, 816 Court St., Scranton. Meal includes oven-roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, buttered corn, turkey gravy, roll, drinks and pumpkin pie. Info: call 570-342-0898.
November 27
Eynon-Archbald Lions free Thanksgiving dinner: Eynon-Archbald Lions Club is sponsoring its annual free Thanksgiving Dinner for homebound residents in Archbald Borough. Hot dinners will be prepared at Reina’s Place, Route 6, Eynon, and delivered by Lion members to individuals living in Eynon, Archbald, Sturges, Nebraska and Winton between 10 a.m. to noon. To place your order, call Gloria at 570-876-3215 or Karen at 570-877-4845. Deadline for orders is Nov. 19.
December 3
Blood drive: Fifth annual Matthew Passeri Memorial Blood Drive, noon to 5 p.m., VFW Hall Post 7963, 284 Main St., Eynon. To make an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code Eynon. Info: call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Bus trip: Friends of the Valley Community Library will host a bus trip to the Christmas & Gift Show, Harrisburg. Over 550 specialty vendors selling a wide array of exclusive, unique gifts. The bus will leave the library, 739 River St., Peckville, at 7:30 a.m., arrive at the PA Farm Show Complex at about 10 a.m., depart at 4 p.m. and return to the library at about 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, cash or check. There is a $2 additional fee for credit card charges. Ticket price includes bus, show admission and driver’s tip. Limited tickets available. Payment required to reserve a spot. All sales are final; no refunds. Signup is available at the library. Info: contact Ann at 570-479-0806 or valleylibraryfriends@outlook.com.
December 6
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 now accepted. Info: call 570-383-1813, email dcciviccenter@gmail.com or visit the center’s Facebook page.
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.
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.