Events

THIS WEEK: MARCH 19 to 25, 2010

Orchid Extravaganza, with 1000s of orchid blooms, displays and special exhibits throughout a four-acre conservatory along with concerts, special OrKid Days and the International Orchid Show & Sale with renowned vendors (March 26 to 28). Longwood Gardens, Route 1, Kennett Square. Through March 31. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 610-388-1000 or longwoodgardens.org.

Electric City Tattoo Convention, with 70 tattoo artists, live entertainment, food and retail vendors, contests, custom hot rods and educational seminars. Hilton Scranton & Conference Center, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton. Today, 3 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Details at electriccitytattooconvention.com.

DJ Dance, with door prizes, food and refreshments. Old Noxen School & Community Center, School Street, Noxen. Tonight, 7 to 10. $5, $3 students. 298-2052.

Two Small Pieces of Glass, a new planetarium show celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s discovery of the moons of Jupiter. Also: “The Stars of Spring,” a full-dome video on what can be seen in the heavens during spring. McMunn Planetarium, East Stroudsburg University. Tonight at 7:30 and 8:30. Reservations online at esu.edu/planetarium.

Lehigh Valley Green Building Expo, the latest green products and services for home, building and renovation projects including green building, energy efficiency, green living, organic gardening and renewable energy including solar electric, solar hot water, geothermal and wind power. Also: children’s activities including real-time science experiments. Spartan Center Gymnasium, Northampton Community College, Bethlehem. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5, $4 seniors and students. 484-695-9799.

Maple Open House, tours of the maple-tree woods by forester Jake Scheib along with the sap house to get a firsthand look maple-syrup making. Also: tours of a fiber-processing mill, demonstrations of soap making, hand spinning, blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, quilting and knitting and plenty of maple syrup, cream, candy and other maple treats. Loch’s Maple, off Route 29, Springville. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Preceded by a Pancake Breakfast at the Springville United Methodist Church from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 965-2679 or lochsmaple.com.

Arts for Everyone Open House, with make it/take it art sessions, yoga, decorative painting, theater arts, quilting, pottery and sculpture. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

Polar Bear Plunge, the sixth annual dive into Harveys Lake, held in memory of cancer victim Buddy Boris. Garrity Realty, Pole 89, Harveys Lake. Saturday at noon.

Fight for Air Arena Climb, scale 1,224 steps up and down the arena in this fundraiser for the American Lung Association. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Saturday at 2 p.m. $25 registration fee. 970-7600.

Tax Workshop, with CPA Andrea Schiappa who highlights deductions for the best return possible. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Free. 654-9847.

A Night Out on the Mountain, with a pasta-and-meatballs dinner ($7), a student art exhibit and a performance of the musical “Footloose” ($6). Organized by students at Crestwood High School, 281 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Saturday with dinner at 5 p.m. and play at 7 p.m. Reservations: 868-6478.

Night at the Races, sponsored by the Dallas Lions Club. American Legion, 730 Memorial Highway, Dallas. Saturday with doors at 6 p.m. and post time at 7 p.m. $5; $10 per horse. 675-4485.

50/50 Bingo, with food and beverages. Proceeds benefit the Noxen-Monroe Sportsmen’s Club. Old Noxen School & Community Center, School Street, Noxen. Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. 298-2052.

Thunder Motorcycle Show, a “People’s Choice” bike show along with motorcycle merchandise, a biker-style fashion show, entertainment by the Bare Knuckle Band, food vendors and face painting. All bikes welcome. Proceeds benefit the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5. 714-1246.

Saving Grace, a benefit for pancreatic cancer victim Grace King of Peckville. With food, raffles, cash bar and music by Double Cross, the Wanabees, Cameron Avenue Band, Indigo 6 and Maybe Someday. The Banshee Irish Pub, 320 Penn Ave., Scranton. Sunday, 1 to 7 p.m. $10. 604-2166.

St. Joseph’s Day Polka Dance, with music by Stanky & the Coalminers. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. Sunday, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

The Avondale Tragedy, a talk by author Robert P. Wolensky who presents new evidence suggesting that the mining disaster may have been an act of arson grounded in labor and ethnic disputes. Sponsored by the Northeast Pennsylvania Genealogical Society in Room 221, William G. McGowan Building, West Union and North River streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. Monday at 7 p.m. Free. 610-298-8417.

Moral Bystanders and the Virtue of Forgiveness, a talk by Dr. Linda Radzik, philosophy professor at the University of Texas A&M. Burke Auditorium, William G. McGowan School of Business, West Union and North River streets, King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. Monday at 7 p.m. Free. 208-5957.

Athletics Movie Series, the kickoff of a film-and-discussion series with an “Olympics” theme. Begins with a screening of “Miracle,” the 2004 film about the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team and its journey to win the gold medal. With special guest former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey player Dennis Bonvie. Science Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. $12. 675-9219.

History Talk, about the Connecticut Yankees of Westmoreland and the Susquehanna Coal Company which sold shares to settlers in the New World. Nanticoke Historical Society, 495 E. Main St., Nanticoke. Thursday at 7 p.m. 258-1367.

FUTURE

Dave Morgan Benefit, a fundraiser for the Wilkes-Barre navy reservist who was injured while serving in Kuwait. With DJs King B and Hersh, food and raffles. American Legion, 386 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. March 26, 6 to 11 p.m. $20. 823-2726.

Night at the Races, with food and beer. Wright Township Fire Hall, 477 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. March 26 with doors at 6:30 p.m. and post time at 7 p.m. $5 admission; $10 per horse. Sponsored by the Mountain Top Welcome Club. 868-6467.

Spring Equinox Maple Sugaring. Collect sap from sugar maples, then boil and condense it into sugar during this day-long event. Also: a Poetry Jam at 11 a.m.; sculpture demonstration 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a spring nature walk at 2 p.m. and a demonstration of scagliola, a 16th-century marbled-plaster technique at 4:30 p.m. Shawnee Gallery, Worthington Avenue, Shawnee on Delaware. March 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 420-9404.

Rocky Glen Park, a screening of the locally made film about the popular amusement park with rare footage from 1930 to 1980 along with interviews with park descendants and former owners. The Vintage Theater & Caf�, 119 Penn Ave., Scranton. March 26 at 7 p.m. ($10 includes a wine-and-cheese reception with the filmmaker); March 27 and 28 at 3 p.m. $5. 344-6344.

Jim Thorpe Burlesque Festival, the first annual event dedicated to the classic art of burlesque and vaudeville with a slate of performers, a burlesque bazaar, poster pinup contest, workshops, dance sessions, contests, lectures and the Saturday night show “The Big Reveal.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. March 27, 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; March 28, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 325-0249 or jimthorpeburlesque.com.

Genealogy Class, with tips on searching for ancestors with Times Leader genealogy columnist Tom Mooney. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. March 27 at 10:30 a.m. Free. 823-0156.

20th Anniversary Party, music and dancing with the Cadillacs, the Tones and vocalists Dani-Elle and Jim Cerminaro. Memorable Occasions, 268 S. Main St., Duryea. March 27 with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. $30. Reservations: 562-1258.

Penguins Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society with a relay event (walking laps, facepainting, an appearance by Tux, purple hair-streaking) followed by a Birthday Bash in a tented area with activities for kids, a Lumiaria Ceremony with glowsticks and a Penguins/Sharks hockey game. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. March 28 with Relay at 10 a.m. and game at 3:05 p.m. $16.25. 208-5415.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Lastovica & Polka Punch. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. March 28, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Pysanky Show, a demonstration of the centuries-old art of Ukrainian Easter egg art. WOLFrames Picture Framing, 259 E. Broad St., Nanticoke. March 29 to April 1, 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.; April 3, 1 to 3 p.m. Free. 735-1255.

Going Solar 101, an exploration of clean alternative energy sources with A.J. Bittner, president of Keystone Energy. Lackawanna Environmental Institute, Route 435, Covington Township. March 30 at 6:30 p.m. $4. Registration: 842-1506.

Corruption: Global Virus or Weapon of Mass Destruction, a talk by Miklos Marchall, regional director for Europe and Central Asia for Transparency International, the global civil society leading the fight against corruption. Room 509, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. March 31 at noon. $20 includes luncheon. 941-7816.

Messiah in the Passover, a presentation on the elements of the feast of Passover, how the Jewish people have observed it for the past 3500 years and how they observe it today. With Peter Parkas of CJF Ministries. Fellowship Evangelical Church, 45 Hildebrandt Road, Dallas. April 2 at 7 p.m. 675-6426.

Irem Shrine Circus, the annual springtime tradition. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. April 5-6 at 1:30 and 7:15 p.m.; April 7-9 at 10 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.; April 10 at 9:30 a.m., 1:30 and 7:15 p.m. $18, $14, $11, $10, $6. 714-0783.

Dyngus Day Polka Dance, an Easter Monday celebration with music by Eddie Derwin & the Polka Naturals. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 5, 7 to 10:30 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Athletics Movie Series, a screening of “Glory Road,” the 2006 film about a legendary Texas basketball team. Followed by a discussion. Science Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. April 8 at 6:30 p.m. $12. 675-9219.

Grand Opening Celebration, with vegetarian and vegan hors d’oeuvres and organic wine as well as holistic door prizes and tours of the 2,100-square-foot wellness center which includes a yoga studio, therapy rooms, art gallery and retail space. Balance Yoga and Wellness, 900 Rutter Ave., Kingston. April 10, 5 to 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 332-5705.

Night at the Races, a fundraiser for the Pittston Memorial Library. Jenkins Township Hose Company, 2 Second St., Pittston. April 10 at 6:30 p.m. $5. 654-9565.

The Taming of the Brew, a fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble. With fine microbrews, food, entertainment, beer-tasting talk, silent auction and raffles. Caldwell Consistory, Market Square, Bloomsburg. April 10, 7 to 11 p.m. $60. 784-5530.

Night at the Races, a fundraiser for Leadership Lackawanna with virtual horse races, raffles, door prizes and instant bingo. Reception Hall, Main Building, Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton. April 10, 7 to 11 p.m. 342-7711.

Family Game Night, with a large variety of board games for all ages. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. April 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: 474-9313.

Athletics Movie Series, a screening of “Jim Thorpe – All American,” the 1951 film starring Burt Lancaster. Followed by a discussion. Science Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. April 15 at 6:30 p.m. $12. 675-9219.

Great Gatsby Gala, the sixth annual gala sponsored by the Osterhout Free Library honoring the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic novel. With flappers, gangsters and “dapper dans” in 1920s attire, classic cars and entertainment by the David Leonhardt Jazz Group along with the charleston and other period dances performed by the David Blight Dancers. Hosted by WNEP-TV morning anchors Mindi Ramsey and Tom Williams. Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 17 beginning with cocktails at 6 p.m. $135. 823-0156.

Lovin’ the Music, a trip back to the sights and sounds of the 1970s in this fundraising gala for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. With passed hors d’oeuvres, interactive parlor games, 45-RPM record toss, dinner and music by the Dance Hall Docs. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Highway 315, Plains. April 17, 6 to 11:30 p.m. $120. 341-1568.

Blast from the Past, music and dancing with the Poets, Frankie & the Corvettes, the Tones and singer Dani-elle. Genetti’s Best Western Hotel, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. April 17 with doors at 6 p.m., dinner buffet at 6:30 p.m. and dancing 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. $35. Reservations: 825-6477.

A Night of Magic, with 10 magicians from the Northeast Magic Association. Sponsored by the West Hazleton Youth Group at Holy Family Academy, 22nd and Rose streets, Hazle Township. April 17 at 7 p.m. $6 advance; $8 at the door. 455-2150.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Pennsylvania Villagers. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 18, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Spring Wine & Dine, the annual benefit presented by the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre which aids various non-profit programs. With food and wines by area restaurants including Rustic Kitchen, Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Cork Bar & Restaurant, Caf� Toscana and Bar Louie. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, 1280 Route 315, Plains. April 18, 5 to 8 p.m. $55, $100 per couple. 288-4818.

Athletics Movie Series, a screening of “Cinderella Man,” the 2005 film about boxing champion James Braddock. Followed by a discussion. Science Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. April 22 at 6:30 p.m. $12. 675-9219.

Earth Day Celebration, with tree planting, grounds tending and other “earthy” activities. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. April 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 696-4500.

Renaissance Jamboree, the annual downtown street festival with hundreds of original arts-and-crafts vendors, a variety of foods, games of skill, live entertainment including a Kids Stage, dance performances, karate exhibitions, musical groups and an extreme aerial trampoline show by Flippenout. Main Street, Bloomsburg. April 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 784-2522.

Cherry Blossom Festival, the annual springtime event with family-friendly entertainment, food vendors, fun rides and handmade arts and crafts. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. April 24-25, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 208-4292.

Night at the Races, sponsored by St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council 12325. St. Mary’s Social Hall, 522 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre. April 24 with doors at 5 p.m. and post time at 5:45 p.m. $5 admission includes refreshments. 822-6028.

Smucker’s Stars on Ice, the spring tour with 2009 Men’s World Champion Evan Lysacek, 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Sasha Cohen, Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto along with World Champion and six-time National Champion Todd Eldredge. Mohegan Sun Arena, 155 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. April 25. 800-745-3000 or 970-7600.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Stanky & the Cadets. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. April 25, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Max Rosenn Lecture, with a talk on “Promoting Peace through Education” by Greg Mortenson who has established over 131 schools in rural and volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Free but tickets required. 826-1100.

Athletics Movie Series, a screening of “A League of Their Own,” the 1992 film about a female professional baseball team. Followed by a discussion. Science Center, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, off Old Route 115, Lehman. April 29 at 6:30 p.m. $12. 675-9219.

Jackson Mansion Open House. Visit the newly renovated Jackson Mansion, home to the Berwick Historical Society. With live music on the lawn at 5 p.m. 344 Market St., Berwick. May 1, 3 to 6 p.m. 752-2723.

Polka Sunday, with music by George Tarasek & the Polka Partners. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 2, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Golden Tones. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 9, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Volunteers of America Celebrity Dinner, with NBA legend Bill Walton, a two-time National Champion and three-time NCAA Player of the Year. Genetti’s Best Western Hotel, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. May 12 with VIP reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. $100; $50 students. 825-5261.

Family Game Night, with a large variety of board games for all ages. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration: 474-9313.

The Ultimate Motorhead Show, with all varieties of vehicles, live bands, parts vendors, food, games and competitions, flea market, cruises, trophies and giveaways. On-site camping available. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. May 14-15, 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; May 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 380-9065.

Polka Sunday, with music by Joe Lastovica & Polka Punch. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 16, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Bengal Festival, a celebration of Bengali song, dance, music and food. Town Park, off Market Street, Bloomsburg. May 23, 2 to 5:30 p.m. 389-0281.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Shoreliners. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 23, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by Jude’s Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. May 30, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

West Pittston in Bloom, a Garden Walk through the community. June 5 and 6. Sponsored by the West Pittston Library. 654-9847.

Car Show and Flea Market, 49th annual event with 30 classes of cars, trucks and motorcycles along with DJ music, food and a model-car competition. Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. June 6 with gates at 8 a.m., judging until 1 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. 735-7064.

Pocono Raceway Festival, an inaugural event with food, games, show cars and live music. Included: NASCAR vehicles, 200 vendors, racing simulators, the Pocono Stock Car Experience tire-changing game and a mini-NASCAR race on a scaled-down Tricky Triangle. Bands include Molly Hatchett. Downtown Stroudsburg. June 6, noon to 8:30 p.m. Free. 420-2808.

Polka Sunday, with music by the Matty Rock/Johnny Jay Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. June 6, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Polka Sunday, with music by Tony’s Polka Band. VFW Post 4909, 403 Main St., Dupont. June 13, 2 to 6 p.m. $12. 654-9104.

Father’s Day Car Show, sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers. Open to all vehicles and special-interest cars. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. June 20, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 344-2014.

Audubon Wildlife Arts & Crafts Festival, 25th annual event with juried artisans, a wildlife-themed fine-art sale, demonstrations, nature films and displays, live animal presentations, refreshments and children’s activities. Wallenpaupack School Complex, Route 6, Hawley. July 17-18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $4. 484-256-4485 or audubonfestival.com.

Reunion Car Show, sponsored by the Villa Capri Cruisers. Nay Aug Park, Scranton. Sept. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All cars and trucks welcome. 344-2014.

Blacksmithing Workshop, a hands-on lesson with a take-home creation. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 pm. Includes a cookout lunch. Limited to 10 participants. 696-4500.

Hillside Farms Fall Fest, with craft and food vendors, live farm animals and children’s activities. Hillside Farms, 65 Hillside Road, Trucksville. Oct. 2 and 3, noon to 5 p.m. $10 per carload. 696-4500.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Cherry Blossom Festival Bus Trip, a one-day bus tour to Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival activities. Sponsored by Unity Church of Wilkes-Barre. Leaves 6:45 a.m. March 27 from the Sears parking lot, Wyoming Valley Mall, Wilkes-Barre Township. $57 includes movies, morning snacks, beverages and box dinner. Reservations: 639-0878.

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