Celebrate Marywood event raises over $466,000

Marywood University’s flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, raised over $466,000 at the outdoor celebration May 7 at the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden.

Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over $4.6 million, with the 2026 total setting a new benchmark. Proceeds from this year’s event will fund the renovation and transformation of the Center for Natural & Health Sciences into a state-of-the-art facility supporting nursing, physician assistant, pre-med and science programs, including upgraded laboratory spaces, enhanced classrooms and advanced simulation environments.

This year, Marywood honored Virginia Doherty McGregor, Scranton, and the Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, Moscow, with the Inspire Award for their contributions to the university and the broader region. The celebration’s entertainment featured dueling pianos by The Philly Keys and fireworks on campus.

President Lisa A. Lori, J.D., praised both honorees. Lori said it was Marywood’s privilege to honor “two extraordinary individuals, whose lives reflect the very best of Marywood,” according to a university press release.

For more information about Celebrate Marywood, visit marywood.edu/celebratemarywood or call 570-348-6238.

Wright Center to host drug take-back event

The Wright Center for Community Health will host a drug take-back event with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna County Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs on Friday, June 12, from noon to 4 p.m. at its community health center in Scranton.

Anyone can stop by the Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., to drop off unused or expired medications. Medications accepted include prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, antacids, cold medications, laxatives, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as topical medications, creams and ointments, eye drops and pet medications.

Drug take-back programs are essential public health and safety initiatives designed to safely dispose of unused or expired medications, primarily to prevent opioid misuse, accidental poisoning and environmental contamination. Officials with the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs and members of the Scranton Police Department will be stationed in the community health center’s waiting room to safely collect items for proper disposal.

For more information, call the Lackawanna/Susquehanna Office of Drug & Alcohol Programs at 570-963-6820, ext. 32037.

Historical society to unveil America250 showcase

The Lackawanna Historical Society will unveil its America250 showcase, “Lackawanna Looks Back,” on Tuesday, June 23, at the Scranton Public Library’s Henkelman Room from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a brief program at 5:30 p.m. The series of 10 pop-up exhibits will be placed at Lackawanna County senior centers and libraries.

Following the unveiling, the interpretive banners will be on display at the Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna County Children’s Library, Taylor Community Library, Valley Community Library, Abington Community Library, North Pocono Library and United Neighborhood Center’s senior centers in Scranton, Jessup, Carbondale and Clarks Summit.

This summer marks the celebration of America250, the Semiquincentennial of the signing of Declaration of Independence. A nationwide initiative, celebrations have already begun across the country to “reflect on America’s past and honor the contributions of all Americans,” not just colonial-era history.

While not quite as old as the United States, within Lackawanna County’s 147-year history there are industrialists and politicians, laborers and immigrants, innovative technologies and fine arts.

“Lackawanna Looks Back” spotlights various Lackawanna Valley communities, telling stories about how each municipality is unique, but also highlighting similarities that tie them together. Each interpretive panel reproduces maps, photographs, postcards, newspaper clippings and objects from the collection of the Lackawanna Historical Society.

The project is sponsored in part by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area in partnership with the National Park Service, and hosted by the Lackawanna County Library System and United Neighborhood Centers.

For more information, contact the society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.