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: Dundaff and Delaware streets, Forest City, will host a Welcome Back to Church from Summer breakfast Sept. 13 immediately following the 9 a.m. Sunday service. All are welcome.
Mary Mother of God Parish: at Holy Rosary Church will hold a cash bingo fundraiser Oct. 11 at Holy Rosary Center, 316 Market St., Scranton. Bingo games start at 1 p.m. Doors open at noon. Tickets are $30 for 16 games with a prize of $150 per game. Four mystery special games at $5 each, with prizes ranging from $300 to $1,000. Homemade food, door prizes, 50/50, cash raffle, plus a raffle for a cauldren bowl containing lottery tickets and a guaranteed cash amount. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door; all attending must have a ticket. Info: call the parish office at 570-342-4881.
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. Adalbert’s Parish: 515 Mary St., Dickson City, will hold a takeout chicken barbecue and bake sale Oct. 3 from noon to 3 p.m. Dinners are $15 and can be purchased at the barbecue. To reserve in advance, call Mike at 570-947-2333. The church will also host a Blessing of Pets service Oct. 3 at noon. The service will take place rain or shine on the church grounds. All are welcome.
SS. Cyril and Methodius: Olyphant, will host its third annual car show, with a memorial salute to Gibby Carozzi, Sept. 20 from noon to 4 p.m. in the St. Cyril’s parking lot, 207 River St. Rain date is Sept. 27. Cars, trucks and motorcycles invited. Registration fee is $10. Pastor’s Choice, Men’s Choice and Women’s Choice trophies. There will be door prizes, 50/50 raffle, basket raffle and Gas Car Raffle ($100 gas card). DJ music and food will be available. Event benefits the church. No alcoholic beverages allowed; no bicycles, skates or skateboards. Info: contact Ron at 570-876-3213.
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 the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church: 378 Lyon St., Clifford Twp., is having a flea market and food sale Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seasonal items, kid items and housewares. Homemade chili and pierogi will be available as well as basket and lottery raffle, nut, poppy and apricot rolls, and other bake sale items.
St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral: Mayfield, will hold a flea market on Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the church center, 701 Hill St. The flea market will feature many unique items, including collectibles, jewelry, kitchenware, pictures, home décor, seasonal items, flatware, pots, mugs, furniture and more. Along with the flea market on Sept. 18, the kitchen will be open and will be serving St. John’s homemade fried pirogie and mac & cheese by the pint or by the quart. On Sept. 19, a take-out-only chicken cordon bleu dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The chicken cordon bleu dinner will be served with potato, vegetable, cucumber salad, roll and butter and dessert. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting 570-335-2128; 570-876-3576; 570-254-6882; 570-466-8431 or the rectory at 570-876-0730. A very limited number of tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $15 for dinner and dessert.
St. Mary’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church: 522 Main St., Dickson City, is holding a pork chop dinner Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per dinner; public is invited. Dinner includes a grilled smoked pork chop w/pineapple, mashed potatoes, vegetable, roll/butter and dessert. Takeout only. To order, call by Sept. 14. Orders/info: 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.
Trinity Episcopal Church: 58 River St., Carbondale is having a fall raffle fundraiser. Prizes include a 65-inch smart TV, 24-26-inch mountain bike, homemade Christmas afghan, Chocolate Lover’s Dream basket and more. Tickets are $6 per sheet, with 10 tickets per sheet, or two sheets for $10. You don’t need to be present to win. Tickets can be purchased at the church weekdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Drawing date is Oct. 4.
MUNICIPAL MEMOS
‘Spartan’ rebate forms: Property owners in Throop, Mid Valley School District, who received a property tax rebate for 2025 (Form PA-1000) may be entitled to a “Spartan” property tax rebate up to $200 based on income, courtesy of Mid Valley School District. Rebate forms are available at the Throop Tax Office or by leaving a message for the tax collector at 570 383-7009. A rebate form will be sent via mail or dropped off at residence. Filing deadline is close of business Jan. 15, 2027.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Greater Carbondale YMCA fall mum sale: Annual fundraiser is underway. Nine-inch mums, available in a variety of vibrant colors, can be pre-ordered at the YMCA. Mum pickup will be Wednesday, Sept. 16, after 9 a.m. Info: call the YMCA at 570-282-2210 or visit greatercarbondaleymca.org.
Lynnette’s Twirlerettes fall registration: The twirling group is conducting fall registration in three locations, Carbondale, Forest City and Lake Ariel. No registration fee. September is tuition-free for new students. To register, phone or text 570-498-7415.
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 program: Hosted by the Wright Center for Community Health, Sept. 19, 9 a.m., Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Jermyn; walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. Sept. 12, 9 a.m., Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton; walkers should meet at the Olive Street entrance. Free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No preregistration is required. Info: contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
Evangelist Anne Trozzolillo of Healing Stream Ministry will celebrate her 100th birthday on Sept. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at an open house at the Pavilion at the Peckville Assembly of God Church. Light fare will be served. (Submitted)
DAILY EVENTS
September 11
Blood drive: Noon to 5 p.m., Browndale Fire Station, Route 247, 620 Marion St., Browndale. Appointments are suggested. New donors welcome. To make an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. A few walk-in appointments are available.
Tinnitus Support Group of NEPA meeting: 2 p.m., the Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones and anyone interested in learning more about this condition. Virtual meeting options available for those unable to attend in person. No fee to attend. New members welcome. Info/obtain virtual meeting link: contact Joe Kelly, community health worker at the Wright Center for Community Health, at kellyj@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
September 12
Blakely Borough Block Party: Noon to 10 p.m., Haband Field, 1610 Pennsylvania Ave. (behind the Blakely Carwash). Blakely Borough Recreation Committee invites the community to come out and enjoy a full day of family fun. The event will feature bounce houses and obstacle courses, ax throwing, a basketball shootout, local vendors and food trucks, a magician, New Era Pro Wrestling, a dunk tank, raffle baskets, live bands, a beer and wine tent, the 5K CM Race, kids games/crafts and more. Community-wide celebration seeks to bring neighbors, families, local businesses and organizations together for cause. All proceeds will benefit the Blakely Borough Community Center, Build-N-Athlete and Fruits & Roots, the local community food pantry.
Community lunch: Free monthly community lunch, noon to 1 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 58 River St., Carbondale. No income requirements. Everyone is welcome.
Jessup second annual Fall Block Party: 2 to 7 p.m., Church Street between Constitution and Second avenues, Jessup. A day of food, fun and live entertainment, with over 50 vendors, live music, and sausage and Lonza contests. A special CommUNITY train in conjunction with Archbald and Carbondale will arrive at 2 p.m. Some of Jessup’s history and heritage will be celebrated.
September 13
Clover 5K Run/Walk: Lackawanna County 4-H first-ever Clover 5K Run/Walk, Mellow Park, Archbald. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with race start at 9 a.m. Participants encouraged to pre-register; registration will also be available on the day of the event. Registration fee is $25. Open to all ages and fitness levels. Event raises funds to benefit local 4-H youth programs. Info/registration details: contact the Lackawanna County 4-H office at 570-963-6842 or email Kristin at kls5017@psu.edu.
9/11 memorial service: 10 a.m., Peckville Assembly of God, 3364 Scranton/Carbondale Highway, Route 6, Blakely. All first responders are invited to attend. Info: call 570-881-1465 or email peckvilleag@gmail.com.
September 15-19
Book sale: Friends of the Scranton Public Library five-day book sale, Sept. 15-19, Marketplace at Steamtown, Scranton, second floor in front of Crunch Fitness. There will be thousands of children’s and adults’ fiction and nonfiction books plus audio books, DVDs, CDs and jigsaw puzzles. Prices range from $1-$2, with children’s books ranging from 25 cents to $1. Sale hours are Tuesday through Friday, Sept. 15-18, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Saturday only, there will be the $5 fill a Friends’ tote bag for $5 sale. Also on Saturday only, as a community service, any teachers or people who work for nonprofits or those who have a free little library may take whatever they can use for free. All proceeds benefit the Scranton Public Library, including the free Sundays with Friends monthly events at the Children’s Library, which include the Turtle Show on Sept. 13 and P.T. Reptiles on Oct. 4.
September 16
Dickson City Neighborhood Watch meeting: 7 p.m, Dickson City Community Center, 824 Main St. Guest speaker will be Rob Williams, executive director of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and Food and Clothing Pantry. All are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
September 19
100th birthday celebration: Evangelist Anne Trozzolillo of Healing Stream Ministry will be celebrating her 100th birthday, 3 to 5 p.m., at an open house at the Pavilion at the Peckville Assembly of God Church. Light fare will be served.
Community luncheon: Noon-12:45 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 700 Delaware and Dundaff streets, Forest City. Visit the church website on Facebook. Handicapped accessible.
Knights of Columbus golf tournament: Knights of Columbus Council 10729, Jessup/Peckville, Arthur A. Albini Memorial Golf Tournament, Pine Hills Country Club, Keyser Avenue, Taylor. Captain and crew format. Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 8 a.m. $100 per golfer/$400 per foursome. Includes golf and cart, coffee and donuts in morning, lunch on course, dinner following golf. Prizes for flights and raffles. Entry fee due by Sept. 13. Info/register: contact Rich Sakulich at 570-561-8888 or Bob Wasilchak at 570-954-2057. Hole sponsors and program sponsors being accepted.
Welsh cookie sale: First United Presbyterian Church of Lackawanna Valley, 1557 Main Street, Peckville, is having a Welsh cookie sale. Cookies are $7/dozen and must be pre-ordered by calling Judy at 570-489-7866. Last day to order is Sept. 14. Pickup is from 9 a.m. to noon at the church door on the realty side of the building.
September 25
Food sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., All Saints Orthodox Church, 207 Willow Ave., Olyphant. Takeout only. Cabbage and noodles, pierogies with butter and onions, piggies and frozen pierogies; potato pancakes outside. There will also be a bake sale. Preorders required. Limited quantity day of sale. To place orders, call Ann at 570-383-0785 or Linda at 570-650-1427. During the week of sale, call hall at 570-489-5591.
October 3
Fall Fair: Valley Community Library second annual Fall Fair, 1 to 4 p.m., at the library, 739 River St., Peckville. Attendees can browse unique goods from local vendors and meet talented local authors. Families can participate in activities for kids at the all-ages event. The library is looking for raffle baskets, event volunteers and baked good donations that can be dropped off Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Info: email Kwallo@albright.org.
October 4
Blessing of pets: Christ Episcopal Church, Forest City, will conduct its annual blessing of pets, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Browndale Fire Station, 620 Marion St., Route 247, Browndale. Blessing will be a drive-through with each pet individually blessed inside your car. All pets are welcome to be blessed by the Rev. McGinty. Donations to Dessin Animal Shelter are welcome. Dessin is in need of the following items, which can be donated at the blessing or dropped off at Dessin directly: Kitchen garbage bags, bleach, Hefty contractor garbage bags, assorted sizes of Martingale collars, clumping cat litter, non-clumping litter, Purina Cat Chow, Friskies canned cat and kitten food, dog toys such as Benebones and Jolly Balls, and laundry detergent.
Memorial event: Hosted by the Greater Scranton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association in honor of the memory of Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, 1 to 4 p.m., the Waldorf, 14 Waldorf Lane, Scranton. Cost is $30/person. Menu includes pulled pork, barbecued chicken, salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, dessert. Soda, tea and coffee will be available. Cash bar. Chapter will name a scholarship to the Scranton campus in Sebastianelli’s name and present a plaque to the family. Matt McGloin, former PSU and Oakland Raiders quarterback, will provide comments. Reservation deadline is Sept. 15. Reservations/payment: contact Jeff Mallas at JRM9@psu.edu, Ann McDonough at AFM8252@gmail.com, Nick DeLeo at NDeleo52@yahoo.com, Walter Telech at psuchief1@gmail.com, Mike Duricko at Mduricko2@gmail.com or Dave Garvey at dgf1747@aol.com.
October 14
Local Author’s Luncheon: Teacher and author Amy Walsh, who writes contemporary and historical novels, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Local Author’s Luncheon at Elkview Country Club at Crystal Lake. Event benefits the Forest City Library. A time of hospitality will start off the event at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon and talk. Cost is $25. To make a reservation, send a check to the Forest City Library, 531 Main St., Forest City, PA 18421, by Oct. 7. Please note Elkview has a “no denim” policy. Info: contact the Forest City Library at 570-785-5590.
November 7
Chicken and biscuit dinner: 3 to 6 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, Delaware and Dundaff streets, Forest City. Take-out only. Cost is $15 per dinner. Each dinner includes chicken and biscuit with gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing, glazed carrots, applesauce and a homemade dessert.
Roast beef dinner: Noon to 4 p.m., St. James/St. George Episcopal Church, 398 Washington Ave., Jermyn. Takeout only. Gluten-free. Donation is $15. Basket raffle. Tickets available from any member or at the door until sold out. Info: call 570-876-4896.
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.