First Posted: 12/2/2014

REMINDERS

The Abington Heights Special Education Department’s monthly special education parent informational sessions, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13, Feb. 17, March 17, April 14 and May 12. in the Administration Building, second floor, 200 E. Grove St., Clarks Summit. All community members are invited to attend, and a sign language interpreter will be present.

Project Re-entry is seeking items for Christmas at the Lackawanna County Prison. Items sought include: wrapped candy, women’s socks, greeting cards, toothpaste, soap, VO5 Shampoo, Suave shampoo, writing paper, BIC stick pens cookies and monetary gifts. Donations may be delivered to 29 New York St., Scranton, by Dec. 6.

Dalton Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary Bingo, every second and fourth Monday at the Dalton Fire Hall. Doors open 6 p.m. Games start 6:45. Food will be available for purchase. Info: 570-563-1268.

Trinity Church Cash Bingo, every first, second, and third Tuesday at the church, 58 River St., Carbondale. Doors open 5 p.m. Games start at 6:15. Refreshments, desserts and beverages are available.

Cell phone collection. Abington Heights High School Students Against Destructive Decisions is collecting cell phones. The collected phones will be refurbished for use by the elderly. Cell phones in any condition may be dropped off during regular office hours in the Main Office of the High School. Info: 570-585-5300.

DAILY EVENTS

Bereavement Support Group session, 10 a.m. Dec. 3 in the Our Lady of the Snows Parish Center in Clarks Summit. Sessions are informal and informative and all are welcome. Info: Call Nettie at 570-586-1741.

Annual Holiday After Hours Card Exchange and Wine Judging, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Stately Pet Supply, 515 S. State St., Clarks Summit. All Abington Business and Professional Association members are encouraged to bring one non-member. Features wine judging, compliments of Vintner’s Circle, hor’s d’oeuvres and beverages and door prizes and giveaways. Reservations (appreciated by Dec. 1): 570-587-9045 or LauraABPA@aol.com.

“The Work of Human Hands” sale, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Fireplace Lounge, Nazareth Hall Student Center at Marywood University. The college’s department of campus ministry invites the community to shop for fair trade gifts, housewares, jewelry, and more. Every purchase made allows a producer to provide for the basic necessities of life, to educate his or her children, and to work in a safe environment. Info: marywood.edu/campmin/news-calendar/.

Marywood University’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, 4 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Rotunda, located in the Liberal Arts Center on campus. Cost: free. Features prayer, ornament presentations, holiday choral entertainment and light refreshments. Info: marywood.edu/news/.

Meditation Made Easy: A Beginner’s Class, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1780 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Learn stress-busting instinctive meditation in an easy, welcoming way in this three-week series. Cost: $30. Register: 570-240-3444 or lightyourfiremeditation.com.

Marywood University Transfer Day, 2 – 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Office of University Admissions in the Liberal Arts Center on the university’s campus. College students or former college students considering transferring to Marywood University can complete an application for admission, discuss financial aid and scholarship options and transfer credits. Spring semester classes begin on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Info: 570-348-6234.

Voluntary Action Center’s 9th Annual Holiday Happy Hour Silent Auction and Raffle, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Colonnade, 401 Jefferson Ave., Scranton. Includes Open Bar and Light Fare with music by Rich Jenkins and Company. Benefits all Voluntary Action Center programs. Cost: $50. Reservations: 570-347-5616 x 3342.

Cookie Walk, 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 and 11 a.m. until cookies are gone Saturday, December 6 at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock. Christmas in Our Hometown event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a container to fill with homemade cookies, proceeds benefiting free arts and educational programming for children at the theater. Cost: $5 per container. Info: 570-996-1500.

Leadership Lackawanna’s annual Mix, Mingle and Jingle Holiday Happy Hour, 6 – 8 p.m. Dec. 5, at P.J.’s Pub inside the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. This year’s event features beer, wine and soda, a pasta bar, a candy station and a raffle. Guests are invited to participate in a festive holiday sweater contest for a chance to win cash and prizes. All proceeds benefit Leadership Lackawanna. Cost: $25 for LL Alumni and Friends Assoc. Members and $30 for the general public. A validated parking option will be provided.

Pyrohy for Christmas Eve Holy Supper, 2 – 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of Scranton Parish Center, 428 N. Seventh Ave. The pyrohy is freshly made that day, not frozen. Cost: $7 per dozen. Order deadline: Dec. 1. Orders/info: 570-342-3749.

Wyoming Seminary Open House, 1 – 4 p.m. Dec. 7 on Sem’s Forty Fort and Kingston campuses. Students and their parents who are interested in learning more about Wyoming Seminary Lower and Upper School are invited to attend. Pre-registration is requested but not required. Info/register: 570-718-6610, 570-270-2160 or admission@wyomingseminary.org.

Abington Heights Middle School PTA Marketplace, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 in the middle school gymnasium. Includes a variety of vendors, crafters, food and a basket raffle. Free admission.

“Financial Aid and Scholarships” workshop, at 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Steamtown Express Library. Hosted by NEPA Career and College Counseling Associates. Cost: free. Info/register: 570-702-5700 or jkresock@gmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus Abington Council No. 6611 BINGO Night, 7 p.m. Dec. 9 in th Gathering Room at Our Lady of the Snows church in Clarks Summit. Complimentary light refreshments will be served. Room is wheelchair accessible. Cost: no cover charge; BINGO cards are 50 cents each or three for $1 per game. Info: Call Chris Kane at 570-587-1390.

Financial Aid Workshop, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dec, 9 in the Abington Heights High School auditorium, 222 Noble Road, Clarks Summit.

Cupcake Challenge, 5 – 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Keystone College in Evans Hall in Hibbard Campus Center. Attendees will sample and vote for their favorite cupcakes made by local bakers. Cost: $4 for Keystone students and $10 for general public. Proceeds will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Tickets: at the door or in advance by e-mailing sveety@keystone.edu. Bakeries wishing to participate may contact brenda.lidy@keystone.edu or call 570-945-8334.

Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Explained, 8 – 9 a.m. Dec. 10 at Abington Community Library. Tax credits may be awarded to businesses that make contributions to organizations on a list published by the Department of Community and Economic Development. Presented by Cindy Klenk, of Sen. Blake’s office. Continental breakfast served; registration limited to 40. Cost: $5 to public or free to ABPA members. Register: 570-587-3440.

Holiday Yoga Relaxation, 10 – 11:15 a.m. Dec. 10 at the Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock. For ages 16 to adult. Instructor Donna Fetzko will present this yoga class to help relax and refocus during the busy holiday season. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, towel or blanket. Register: 570-996-1500.

Sandy Hook commemorative vigil, 7 – 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at Saint Peter’s, 3832 State Route 6, Tunkhannock. In commemoration of the second anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, as well as the 60,000 American victims of gun violence since December 2012, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is joining the Newtown Foundation, Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, States United to Prevent Gun Violence and the Washington National Cathedral in a nationwide vigil service of mourning and remembrance for all those who have fallen victim to gun violence in America.

Aging Happens! Planning ahead to stay healthy and financially fit, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Riverside Health and Rehab, 500 Hospital St., Taylor. RSVP: 570-451-1031.

Lackawanna Historical Society’s annual holiday open house, 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Ave., Scranton. Wassail and sweet treats, stories and games will be part of this old-fashioned Christmas celebration. Brook Valley Farms will be on hand to offer horse-drawn carriage rides around the downtown, and a local toy exhibit will be on display. Info: 570-344-3841 or lackawannahistory@gmail.com.

Christmas Cantata, 1:30 and 4 p.m., Dec. 13 at Countryside Community Church, 14011 Orchard Dr., Clarks Summit. Refreshments will be served from 3 – 4 p.m. The event, titled “Hope of the Broken World” will highlight principal musicians, soloists, and music directors who will be joined by a 40 voice choir comprised of members of more than 10 local Christian faith communities.

8th annual Holiday Cookie Walk, 10 a.m. – noon, Dec. 13 at the Clarks Summit Fire House, 321 Bedford St., Clarks Summit. More than 80 homemade varieties of cookies will be available for purchase. Cost: $8 per pound. Info: 570-586-8061. Proceeds will benefit the Clarks Summit Fire Company.

Blood drive and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter fundraiser, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at The Shoppes at Montage, 1035 Shoppes Blvd., Moosic. A Geisinger Blood Center will set up its blood donor beds at Shoppes at Montage inside the former Coldwater Creek store—between Chico’s and J-Crew. Geisinger Blood Center will make a $5 contribution to the animal shelter for every unit of blood donated. Info: call Jess Farrell at 570-507-1643.

Candle Lighting, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Abington Community Library. Part of a worldwide event creating a 24-hour wave of light across the globe to give bereaved families and friends everywhere the opportunity to remember those no longer with them. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. with lighting of the ceremonial candle promptly at 7 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring a flameless candle and a photo of their loved one.

All Aboard the Polar Express, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Abington Community Library. An after-hours reading of “The Polar Express,” also featuring crafts, games, snacks and more. Children may come in their pajamas.

Signing Santa visit, 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Abington Community Library. All deaf and hearing-impaired children are invited to drop in to visit Santa and give him their wish lists. Co-sponsored by The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Veterans Discussion Group, 2 – 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Abington Community Library. Network and meet fellow veterans for coffee and informal discussion.

Abington Community Library Teen Leadership Committee meeting, 4 – 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at the library. The TLC is a group of tweens and teens focused on giving a voice to all young adults for programming, book selections and more. For grades 5-12.

Homemade Pirogie sale, noon – 4 p.m, Dec. 17 at St. John’s Center, Hill Street, Mayfield. Homemade pirogie (deep fried or uncooked) will be sold on a first come first serve basis, except for orders of 10 dozen or more. Cost: $7 per dozen. To place orders for larger amounts, call 570- 876-0730.

Live Nativity, at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19 and 20 and at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at Clarks Green Assembly of God, 204 South Abington Rd., Clarks Green. This enhanced outdoor Live Nativity includes live animals and performers, music and home-made cookies and warm beverages in the fellowship hall by the fireplace. Come celebrate Our Gift & His Presence at PA 18411. Info: 570-586-8286.

All You Can Eat Breakfast, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Dec. 21 at Clarks Summit Fire Company, 321 Bedford St. Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

Bereavement Support Group session, 2 p.m. Dec. 21 in the Our Lady of the Snows Parish Center in Clarks Summit. Sessions are informal, informative and open to all. Info: Call Nettie at 570-586-1741.

Holiday Homemade Bread and Kolachi sale, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Dec. 23 at the St. John’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral church center, Hill Street, Mayfield. Raisin and white bread will be sold in either loaf or round sizes. Loaves are $4 each and round are $8 each. Nut, poppyseed, lekvar and apricot kolachi will also be for sale. Orders may be placed by calling 570-876-0730 or 570-876-0391. Business establishment orders may be faxed to 570-876-2534.

First Night Scranton 2015, 3 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12 a.m. Jan. 1 at various locations in Downtown Scranton. A family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration of art and culture. Cost: general admission buttons are $10 and go on sale Dec. 8 at Customer Service at The Mall at Steamtown, Boscov’s in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, and all Gerrity’s supermarkets. Buttons for senior citizens and those with military identifi-cation are $5, and will be available only on the day of the event at First Night Headquarters, second floor of The Mall at Steamtown. Info: 570-344-1967.