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.
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. 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. 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.
ONGOING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bus trip: AARP NEPA Chapter 3731 will host a bus trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre in Hampton, New Jersey, on April 26, 2026, to see “Some Enchanted Evening.” Afternoon will feature Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest Broadway musical hits, from “Cinderella” to “The Sound of Music” performed by a cast of talented performers. Dinner included. Choose from five table-served cuisine dishes and their famous 30 varieties of desserts. Cost is $145. Trip open to the public. Reservations: call David at 570-892-1619 or Eileen at 570-328-3359.
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.
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, and Dec. 18. Call DJ Gordo for info regarding vendors, food tents, entertainment and school fundraiser events at 570-766-3050.
PERFORMING ARTS AND EXHIBITS
Jazz Ambassadors Concert: Nov. 21, 8 p.m., Marian Chapel, Marywood University. An evening of iconic blues, funk and swing that highlights the timeless spirit of mid-century jazz with dynamic arrangements, smooth style and remarkable technique. Presented by the university’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department. Admission is $10/adults, $5/students.
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.
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.
String Ensemble Concert: Nov. 24, 7 p.m., Marian Chapel, Marywood University. Program features Christopher Wilson’s rarely heard “Suite for Strings,” paired with an arrangement of Gershwin’s “Lullaby.” Presented by the university’s Music, Theatre and Dance Department. Free admission.
Some local groups will be holding bus trips in December. (Metro)
DAILY EVENTS
November 20
Caregivers Resource Fair: 5 to 7 p.m., the Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave. Event offers family members and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia an opportunity to connect with local support services. Rhonda Fallk, coordinator and facilitator of Café Connections and a local Alzheimer’s support group, will be keynote speaker. Info: visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
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 22
Meredith Hose Co. Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the host company, 100 Main St., Childs. Free admission, small business vendors, basket raffles and lunch available for purchase.
Winter pysanky workshop: 11 a.m., Lackawanna Historical Society headquarters, Catlin House, 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. Hosted by instructor Tammy Budnovitch. Cost is $30 and includes all supplies. Each workshop is a two-hour beginner class. Some of Budnovitch’s finished pysanky will be for sale, as well as additional supplies for anyone who wants to continue the craft. Space is limited. Reservations: contact the Lackawanna Historical Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahistory@gmail.com.
November 23
“Let There Be Lights” – A Dickson City Christmas: 2 to 6 p.m., Riverfront Park, 816 Enterprise St, Dickson City. Free community event features lighting of the Christmas tree. Coloring contest winners will be announced. Info: visit dicksoncityborough.org or the Dickson City Borough Facebook page.
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.
We Give Thanks annual free Thanksgiving dinner: Dickson City Eagle Hose Company, 1 Eagle Lane, Dickson City. Doors will open for sit-down meals at noon until 3 p.m. (or while food lasts). Takeout meals will be available only after 12:30 p.m. Meal is open to all. No questions asked; no income restrictions. Please do not call Eagle Hose Company for information. To volunteer or for more information, call Judie at 570-878-1001.
November 29
Forest City Rotary Forest City Alumni basketball game: 5 p.m., Forest City Regional High School, 100 Susquehanna St., Forest City. Admission free is $10. All proceeds go to Forest City Rotary scholarships. Register: email Fcrotary@yahoo.com.
December 2-6
Book sale: Friends of the Scranton Public Library will hold their book sale on the second floor of the Marketplace at Steamtown open area outside of Crunch Fitness. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, Dec. 2-5, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Saturday only, fill a Friend’s tote bag for $5. Also that day, books are free for teachers and people who work for nonprofits.
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
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.
Olyphant Kris Kringle Christmas 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.