Community Calendar

Benefit for Gary Lukasiewicz: The Scranton Area Hockey organization and residents of the Taylor Borough will host a benefit for Gary Lukasiewicz, a goalie for the Scranton Area Hockey League and a junior at Riverside High School. Lukasiewicz has been diagnosed with a serious illness and is at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia for treatment.

A benefit in his honor will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 30, at Whistles Pub and Eatery, Franklin Avenue, Scranton.

The benefit will feature pizza, wings, beer, entertainment and a Chinese auction. Benefit tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 840-6739, 510-0016, 650-5500.

At this time, organizers are looking for donations for the auction as well as monetary donations.

Retirees Meeting: The Old Forge Retired Citizens will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Arcaro and Genell's in Old Forge. For more information, call 457-6124.

Softball Banquet: The Moosic/Old Forge Softball League will hold a banquet honoring the 2010 champions at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Arcaro & Genell's Banquet Hall, Main Street, Old Forge.

This will be the first banquet in many years and league officials are hoping for a great turnout. The banquet will also honor the Bosak Bushko Insurance Softball team that won the 1969 "Class B" State Championship. Ticket returns must be in by Friday, Aug. 20. For more information or tickets, contact Bob Semenza at 840-1610.

Flea Market: The Riverside Boys Basketball Booster Club will sponsor a flea market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, at Derenick Park, 600 Union St. Taylor.

The cost for a spot is $15 and one table will be provided. There will also be refreshments for sale.

Choral Society: The Catholic Choral Society will begin its 62nd season at 7 p.m. with rehearsal on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the IHM Center at Marywood University.

The group, composed of members from both Luzerne and Lackawanna counties, performs sacred, classical, Broadway and popular music and welcomes new members. No auditions are required. Ann Manganiello is the music director with Jean Shields as accompanist while Brenda Grunza and Dr. Thomas Rittenhouse are the co-presidents.

For further information visit www.catholicchoralsociety.org, or call 587-2753.

Family Fun Day: The Scranton Iron Furnaces will be the site of an event entitled: "Family Day at the Scranton Iron Furnaces," in celebration of the 170th anniversary of the furnaces, from 3-8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 12.

The day will also include games and storytelling for children, and other family activities. At 4 p.m. Rob Smith will present an interactive multi-generational program on traditional juggling.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The event will also include a book signing from 3-6 p.m. by author Margo L. Azzarelli on her new book entitled "Taylor."

Printed by Arcadia Publishing, the history and vintage photographs of this text document the many transitions of the tight-knit community of Taylor. Azzarelli has been the secretary and a charter member of the Taylor Historical Society since 2007. In addition to her current book on Taylor, she has also written and produced the highly acclaimed historical play: "1877: Riot on Lackawanna Avenue."

Azzarelli will be available during the day to talk with visitors and autograph copies of the book Taylor being sold at the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

In addition, a slide show of youth campers at the annual Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates summer camp will be featured for children.

At 7 p.m., there will be a special showing of the documentary film "Rocky Glen Park" by local historian Robert Savakinus and filmmaker Shannon C. Keith. This documentary includes footage of the former Rocky Glen amusement park of Moosic, from the 1930s through the 1970s and includes rare scenes of the Million Dollar Coaster and the duck boat ride.

The film features more than 20 interviews with people sharing memories of the park including descendants, former owners, employees, local citizens and visitors. The documentary was produced by Savakinus, Keith and Mark Migliore with funding provided by the Lackawanna County Council for the Arts. Both Savakinus and Keith will be available during the day to answer questions, talk with visitors and autograph copies of the DVD being sold at the Scranton Iron Furnaces.

Family Day at the Scranton Iron Furnaces is free and open to the public. In case of rain, call the Anthracite Heritage Museum for contingency planning. The Scranton Iron Furnaces are affiliated with the Anthracite Heritage Museum.

For more information visit www.anthracitemuseum.org.

After-School Program: Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, the Moosic Youth Center, 606 Main St., will host an after-school program from 3-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Activities will include homework help, crafts, open court time, games, movies and theater. Daily and weekly rates are available, with sibling discounts offered. The registration fee is $20 per family. Advance registration is required by calling 457-8450, or by e-mailing kathytangel@msn.com.

Bus transportation from the Old Forge and Riverside School Districts will be provided directly to the center with parent permission and enrollment.

Parents wishing to donate drinks, snacks and paper products should call 457-8450

Flea Market: St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Old Forge, will host a flea market and craft show from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept, 25. The event will be held in the church hall, 320 Vine St., rain or shine.

A variety of food items, baked goods and refreshments will be available.

Flea market and craft vendors are needed. Spaces are available for $20 per two tables. For more information on how to participate, call Maria at 457-8275.

Bus Trip: The Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates will host a bus trip to Lancaster County on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The trip includes a visit to Cornwall Iron Furnace (a national historic landmark) lunch at the Stolzfus Farm Restaurant, a Pennsylvania Dutch Farm Family; the Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732 by German settlers and the Landis Valley Museum, more than 100 acres living history farm that preserves more than 200 years of Pennsylvania German culture. The cost is $90 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 963-4804.

Donations Needed: The Taylor Community Library will host its annual fall festival Saturday, Sept. 25, and is seeking items for a white elephant sale. Items should not include clothing, shoes, bedding or curtains.

If anyone is interested, they can call the Taylor Community Library at 562-1234.

Fall Bazaar: The First Methodist Church, 402 S. Main St., Taylor will host its annual fall bazaar and flea market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. Homemade food and baked goods will also be available for sale.

Old Forge History: Historian Carl Orechovsky has been researching patch names for sections of Old Forge throughout history. Orechovsky has found several areas that had names where no meaning could be identified.

The remaining names are: Western Corners, Bush Patch, Rosemont, Grideltown, Raytown and Nickel Plate.

If anyone knows how those sections of town got their name, contact 702-4217 or e-mail to info@oldforgecoalmine.com.

Two Sunday Services: The Moosic United Methodist Church, Main Street, is now offering two services every Sunday. The first service begins at 9 a.m. with a second service starting at 11 a.m. Sunday school is from 10-11 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome.

Pet Notice: Old Forge residents are reminded that the borough has an ordinance governing the curbing of pets and other animals and the responsibility for the removal of all animal waste. This ordinance applies to all borough parks. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be subject to fines.

Zumba Classes: Zumba classes will be held at Romar Dance Studio at 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. The class is taught by Melissa Jones-Mariotti, certified Zumba instructor.

The cost is $5 per class. For information, call at 457-6576.

Seeking Members: Old Forge Borough is in the process of reforming the beautification committee. Any resident who is interested in becoming a member on this committee is asked to call the administrative office at 457-8852.

Volunteers Needed for Study: Volunteers are needed for a study measuring the effect of consuming one medium potato at lunch and dinner on body biochemistry. Volunteers must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and have elevated blood pressure.

Participants will be paid $200 for participating in this research, which requires three visits (about 30 minutes each) to The University of Scranton Exercise Science Department and three sessions (about 20 minutes each) at Pennant Labs in Dunmore for blood drawings.

For more information or to participate, contact Cheryil Demkosky at The University of Scranton at 941-5887 or by e-mail at demkoskyc2@scranton.edu.

Kiddie Park Closed in Old Forge: Due to renovations being made at the Old Forge Borough Miles Street Community Park, the kiddie park will be closed during construction.

Bulky Waste: Effective immediately, the Old Forge Borough Council has enacted an ordinance establishing a bulky waste collection rate of $6 per bulk waste item. The definition of bulky wastes is appliances, furniture, bedding and the like. The use of three $2 stickers is required. If you have any questions, call the administrative office at 457-8852.

Sewer Payment Notice: Old Forge residents are reminded that the borough sewer bills are to be paid at the Old Forge Branch of Penn Security Bank only. Other branches of Penn Security will not accept these payments.

Yard Waste Notice: Recently the state issued new requirements that apply to yard waste collection. All grass, leaves and brush need to be separated. Moosic Borough can no longer accept grass and leaves in any type of plastic bag (biodegradable or not). This is a requirement by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Grass and leaves must be placed in separate open containers, weighing no more than 35 pounds. Brush and tree limbs cannot be mixed with grass and leaves. They can be bundled together or placed in separate open containers.

Reunion Planned: The Old Forge High School Class of 1985 will hold its 25-year reunion on Saturday, Nov. 27, at Amadeo's Restaurant in Moosic. An invitation will be mailed to all classmates in the fall. If you would like to help with the plans or need to update your address/current information, send an e-mail to pjwelsh.ofhs1985@yahoo.com or call Paula (Wnorowski) Welsh at 878-1111. Classmates can also find reply via facebook at Old Forge High School Class of 1985.

Baby Item Collection: The Old Forge Catholic Community Social Concerns Group is conducting a collection of baby items for the St. Joseph Center's mother-infant program. This program provides transitional housing for new mothers and their babies.

The mothers participate in parenting education classes and life-skills programs in order to give them the tools they need to be self-sufficient. They receive support and assistance in obtaining employment and permanent housing.

The program is in need of many baby items, such as gently used clothing and sleepers in sizes newborn to 6, cribs, highchairs, car seats, strollers, swings, pack and plays, nursery monitors and diapers.

They also need Good Start baby formula, baby cereal, blankets and baby toiletries. Due to allergy and sanitary concerns, the center cannot accept stuffed animals or used toys.

Anyone wishing to donate, or who would like more information, is asked to call Mary Ann Jones at 562-1589, or 498-2953. Drop off or pick up can be arranged.

Mass Schedule: The following is a Mass schedule for Prince of Peace Church, Old Forge:

Saturday vigil is celebrated at 4 p.m. at St. Mary's, Church Street, and at 5:30 p.m. at St. Lawrence's Church on Main Street.

Sunday Mass is celebrated at 8 and 10 a.m. at St. Mary's and 11:15 a.m. at St. Lawrence's.

Heating Help: The Old Forge Community Action Committee has provided $25,000 to the Salvation Army to help income-eligible families catch up on lingering heating bills and is encouraging borough residents to apply for this assistance.

This year's grant will increase to $100,000 the amount of funding the OFCAC has provided to low-income households and families since launching the heating grant program in 2006.

Applicants may contact 969-6399 to schedule an appointment to complete the program application.

Individuals and families will be asked to complete an application and grants will be distributed based on the Salvation Army's income guidelines. All information is confidential and maintained by the Salvation Army.

OFCAC was organized more than five years ago and works with Alliance Landfill to support programs that benefit residents of Old Forge. The committee has helped disburse more than $700,000 to projects, programs and organizations in Old Forge.

Parent, Family, Friends, Alumni Testimonial: Holy Rosary School, Duryea, is currently putting together several different publications for upcoming use.

If you or anyone with an association to the school and would like to have your thoughts on what the Holy Rosary School experience means to you and your family, e-mail your testimonial to hrsduryea@hotmail.com (subject: testimonial) or call the school office at 457-2553.

Crohn's Support: A Crohn's and Colitis support group meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Community Medical Center in Scranton. For more information, call Maria Huggler at 947-3575.

New Members Welcome: The members of the First United Methodist Church, Harrison Street, Old Forge, announced that anyone new to the area who is looking for a place of worship is welcome to join the parish. Worship begins at 11:15 a.m. Children and people from all denominations are always welcome. The church is handicap accessible.

Seeking Volunteers: Serving Seniors is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and care of nursing home, assisted living/personal care home residents and older adults throughout Lackawanna County through its community services, transportation program, volunteer visitation, guardianship and ombudsman services and PEER (Pennsylvania's Empowered Expert Residents) program.

Serving Seniors is funded by the Lackawanna County Commissioners through the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging with funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Federal Administration on Aging and the United Way of Lackawanna County.

If you are available a few hours a month, 18 or older, concerned about the rights of nursing home and assisted living/personal care home residents and interested in making a difference in the lives of older adults, then you may be perfect for the volunteer program. For more information, contact 344-3931.

Blue Devil Fundraiser: The Old Forge Jr. Blue Devils are selling five-inch-by-five-inch Devil helmet and megaphone vinyl car decals for $8 each and can be personalized with the player's number or cheerleader's name. Decals are available in Blue Devils and Jr. Devils. Contact Paula Rebar at 575-1441 if interested in purchasing.

Borough Meetings: The 2010 Old Forge Borough Council meetings are scheduled as follows:

Work session meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.; public meetings are the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.; and planning meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

All meetings are held in council chambers located at the Old Forge Borough Building.

Democratic Meetings: The Taylor Democratic Committee meetings have resumed and will be held the third Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Taylor Community Center. All residents are encouraged to attend. Romayne Nerch presides.

Window Decals: The Lady Devils basketball team is selling 5-inch-by-5-inch window decals. The cost is $10 per decal and they come in two designs: Lady Devils basketball or Blue Devils basketball. Decals can also be personalized with players' numbers. Purchases can be made from any coach or player or by calling Donna Armillay at 562-3655. Make checks payable to Lady Devils Basketball.

Yard Sign Sale: The Lady Devils softball team is selling yard signs to support all Old Forge Blue Devil athletic programs.

One side has the outline of the Blue Devil head with the word "pride" running through the middle (in support of the Blue Devil Pride Program at the school). The other side says "Good Luck Blue Devils." It is a sign that can be placed in your yard throughout the school year as it doesn't designate any particular sport or activity, just all Blue Devil activities. Cost is $20 a sign.

If anyone is interested in purchasing a sign, contact any varsity softball player.

Recycling Notice: Old Forge Borough officials remind residents that a state law requires recycling in the borough. Cans, bottles and plastic are picked up at the curb on alternate weeks with newspaper and cardboard. If you have any questions or for more details on what can be recycled please call 457-8852.

Seeking Members: The Moosic Lions Club is opening membership for those interested in becoming a Knight of the Blind and Hearing Impaired and helping people in need. The group also sponsors a children's Christmas party and a Easter egg hunt.

To apply, call 457-4037 or attend a meeting, which are held the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Grande's Restaurant, and on the third Wednesday of the month in the rear of the Moosic Youth Center at 6:30 p.m.

Bucks for Books: Children opening a savings account or having a savings account at Old Forge Bank will have $1 deposited into their accounts for each book they read. The maximum is 12 books per year, one book per month.

Big Band Society: The Big Band Society of NEPA is conducting its annual membership drive. Interested persons may call Glenn Smith at 457-5009. Dues are $15. The society meets the first Friday of the month at Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre.

Lupus Support Meetings: The Scranton area monthly lupus support group meeting is held every third Monday at 7:15 p.m., Lupus Foundation, 615 Jefferson Ave., Scranton.

For more information, call 1-888-99-LUPUS or visit www.lupuspa.org.

Support Group: The Alzheimer's Association of Greater Pennsylvania hosts a support group meeting every Tuesday of the month from 7-8 p.m. For reservations, contact Rhonda Falk, 585-8099, or Rita Fenton, 342-1776 (work) or 586-0179 (home).

Support Meeting: T.O.P.S. Chapter 1569 will meet at the Taylor Library on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 562-1234

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