Events Listings: Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2014

First Posted:

THIS WEEK: Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, 2014

Mid-Winter Cocktail Party, sponsored by Leadership Wilkes-Barre. With an award presentation to community leader Robert Snyder, recipient of the 2014 Patrick J. Solano Community Leadership Award. Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 5 to 8 tonight. $40. Reservations: 570-823-2101, ext. 135.

Passion of Ice, a 20-ton wedding-themed ice sculpture by Kevin McDonald depicting an ice chapel including a stage of giant ice-sculptured swans. On exhibit through March 10 at Damenti’s Restaurant, 870 N. Hunter Highway, Mountain Top. 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 4 to 9 p.m. Sundays. 570-788-2004.

Oscars at the Hoyt, screenings of Academy Award-winning movies running continuously throughout the day beginning Saturday and continuing daily through March 1. Vote for this year’s winners and win a special Oscar of your own. Popcorn while supplies last. Hoyt Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 1 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 570-287-2013.

Knit and Crochet Group, for all ages. Beginners welcome. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday. 570-823-0156.

New England Contra Dance, with music by Unbowed and calling by Hilton Baxter. No partner or previous experience necessary. Church of Christ Uniting, 776 Market St., Kingston. Saturday with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and dancing at 7. Pay what you wish. 570-333-4007 or folkloresociety.org/dancing.

Monthly Bingo, with cash prizes, door prizes and refreshments. Sponsored by St. Faustina Kowalska Parish at St. Mary’s School, 1010 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke. Sunday with doors at 12:30 p.m. and games at 1:45 p.m. 570-735-4833.

Autograph Session with members of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey team and its mascot Tux. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday. 570-823-0156.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk on Wyoming Seminary’s Performing Arts Institute by its director Nancy Sanderson. Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Garden Village Yarners, a gathering for knitters and crocheters to share ideas, meet new people and participate in community outreach projects. Bring your latest projects to work on. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Feb. 13. Registration: 570-654-9847.

Socrates Cafe, a respectful philosophical discussion group weighing in on various topics. Hoyt Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Free. Registration: 570-287-2013.

Around the World in Ice. Visit China, Italy, Egypt and more at the annual Crystal Cabin Fever ice show with a 50-foot ice slide, Mount Rushmore, the Eiffel Tower, ice carving demonstrations, factory tours and museum, complimentary wine tasting, free cocoa, bonfire, glass blowing, wood carving, food and more. Sculpted Ice Works, Route 590 between Hamlin and Hawley. Feb. 7 to 23: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. $15; $10 children. 570-226-6246 or crystalcabinfever.com.

Valentine’s Dinner Dance, with music by King Henry and the Showmen. Sponsored by the Big Band Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania at the Genetti Hotel and Convention Center, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. Feb. 7 with doors at 5:45 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. $30. Reservations: 570-586-5359 or 570-654-6454.

Ballroom Dancing Lessons, a new class with instruction in salsa, swing, cha cha, tango, fox trot and waltz. Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 W. Northampton St. Beginning Feb. 7 with classes at either 6 or 7 p.m. Child watch offered for age 6 and older. $150 per couple for a six-week session. Registration: 570-970-5012.

Cabin Fever, a series of workshops including an open-weave garlic basket, transfer design candle, machine patchwork placemat, natural egg dyeing, woven felt heart basket or Valentine quilling project. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 with morning and afternoon sessions and a homemade luncheon. Reservations (by Jan. 31): 570-992-6161.

Social Media. Learn the basics of Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest one-on-one. Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, 35 Kirby Ave., Mountain Top. 2 p.m. Feb. 8 and 22. Space very limited. Registration: 570-474-9313.

Back Mountain Swing Mid-Winter Dance, with host and instructor Christopher Carr. John Paul Center, (former Gate of Heaven school), 40 Machell Ave., Dallas. Feb. 8 with lessons for beginners at 6 p.m. and dance 7 to 10 p.m. No partner required. $7, $3 students. 570-674-6372.

with food and beverages available. Proceeds benefit the Noxen-Monroe Sportsmen’s Club. Noxen School and Community Center, School Street. 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 8. 570-298-2052.

Carve for Cancer, a day of winter fun to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With skiing, snowboarding, live music, raffles, rail jams, giveaways, demos and more. Montage Mountain Ski Resort, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. Feb. 9 with winter sports beginning at 8 a.m. and the party in the bar at 1 p.m. Details at carveforcancer.org.

Champagne Brunch and Silent Auction, to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger. Country Club of Scranton, 1001 Morgan Highway, Clarks Summit. 10:30 a.m. Feb. 9. $55; $25 children. Reservations: 800-322-5437 or events.geisinger.org.

The Art of Leadership, a luncheon and talk by Bill Strickland, who has improved the lives of many disadvantaged young people through his creative training programs. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum in the Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 10. $20. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Sweetheart Celebrity Bartending Event, to benefit the Wyoming Valley Children’s Association. With food, prizes and cocktails. Cork Restaurant, 463 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre. 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 10. $25. Reservations: 570-714-1246, ext. 309.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk by Dr. Jennifer Joyce, professor of family medicine at the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton. Rifkin Resource Center, Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Classic Movie Series, a screening of the 1942 classic World War II film “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 1 and 7 p.m. Feb. 12. $5. 570-996-1500.

Clarks Summit Festival of Ice, the 10th annual winter celebration with live ice carving, more than 50 ice sculptures, horse-and-carriage rides, entertainment and live music. Downtown Clarks Summit. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 13-14; 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Details at theabingtons.org.

Socrates Cafe, a respectful philosophical discussion group weighing in on various topics. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13. Free. 570-823-0156.

Model Railroad Winter Meet, the 17th annual gathering with exhibits and demonstrations by the Pennsylvania Garden Railway Society, Warrior Run Loco Works, Aikenback Live Steamers and the Wyoming Valley Live Steamers. Included: live steam railroading, electric G scale and other assorted large gauges. Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 to 16. 570-963-6590.

Knit and Crochet Group, for all ages. Beginners welcome. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 15. 570-823-0156.

Valentine’s Dinner Dance, with entertainment by Remember When. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. Feb. 15 with dinner 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by dancing. $45. Reservations: 866-605-7325.

Pocono Polar Bear Plunge, the 14th annual dive into Henning’s Pond in Albrightsville. Spectators welcome. Followed by an after-plunge party with music, bonfire and food at Robert Christian’s Restaurant, 710 Route 940, Pocono Lake. Feb. 16 with registration at 11 a.m. and plunge at 1 p.m. $40 includes a commemorative hooded sweatshirt, warm snacks and drinks. Registration (by Feb. 9): 570-646-6600

Benefit for Dominick Costantino Sr., who has acute myeloid leukemia. Includes beer, cash bar, basket raffle, refreshments, door prizes, food and entertainment by the Jeanne Zano Band, Iron Cowboy, 40 lb. Head and OZ. Woodlands Inn & Resort, 1073 Route 315, Plains Township. Noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 16. $20; $10 under age 21. 570-822-5974.

Presidents Day Family Skate, with Christian music and fun activities for both skaters and non-skaters. Skateaway, 610 Blackman St., Wilkes-Barre. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 17. $3 benefits the ministry of or wrgn.com.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk on “Religion and Cultural Competency” by Misericordia professor James Calderone. Rifkin Resource Center, Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. Feb. 19. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Bad Movie Thursdays, a screening of the 1955 sci-fi thriller “Bride of the Monster,” directed by Ed Wood. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. Feb. 20 with cocktails at 6 p.m. and movie at 7 p.m. $10. 570-344-1111.

Winter in the City, with food samplings from more than 40 restaurants, wine tasting by Capra Collina Winery and music by Paul LaBelle & the Exact Change. Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21. $20 benefits Scranton Tomorrow. 570-963-5901.

Spin 4 Life, the 13th annual benefit with free t-shirts, refreshments and mini massagesCandy’s Place: The Center for Cancer Wellness, 190 Welles St., Suite 120, Forty Fort. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22. $20 per 45-minute ride. 570-714-8800.

Mardi Gras, with hors d’oeuvres, buffet, beer, wine and music by Frankie Gervasi of The Poets. Arcaro & Genell, 443 S. Main St., Old Forge. 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 22. Sponsored by Prince of Peace Parish. Adults only. $30. Reservations (by Feb. 10): 570-457-5900.

Masquerade Mardi Gras Ball and Art Auction, with hors d’oeuvres, basket raffle and New Orleans style music by the Penn Dixie Band. St. Jude School, 422 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top. Feb. 22 with art preview at 6 p.m. and auction at 7 p.m. $25. 570-474-5527.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk on the new Affordable Care Act with Denise Cesare, president and CEO at Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Rifkin Resource Center, Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. Feb. 26. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Identity Theft, a session touching on the latest tricks used by crooks, what to do if your identity is stolen and how to watch for scams. Luzerne County West Side Annex, 9000 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 28. Registration: 570-825-9441.

Monster Jam, the edge-of-your-seat motor-sports show with monster trucks including Grave Digger, Crushstation, Bad News, Predator, Prowler and more. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28; 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 1; 2 p.m. March 2. $40, $35, $25, $10. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

Home and Outdoor Living Show, the 27th annual event with exhibitors offering all aspects of home and leisure including landscaping, outdoor kitchens, RVs, hunting, fishing and more. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 W. Third St. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 2. 570-966-0625.

ARTiculture: The Philadelphia Flower Show, the oldest and largest indoor show with large-scale gardens, elaborate landscapes and over-the-top floral creations. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch streets, Philadelphia. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 1; 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 2 and 8; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 3 to 7; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 9. $28; $20 students; $15 children. Details at theflowershow.com.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall of Cornell University speaking on “Obama and the World in Historical Perspective.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. March 3. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk on “Teaching Awards and Rewards” by award-winning Wyoming Valley West Middle School teacher Leslie Nicholas. Rifkin Resource Center, Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. March 5. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Bullying and Internet Safety, a presentation on “Operation Safe Surf” and “Sticks and Stones” covering the importance of being safe on line and bullying through texting, social media, emails and websites. Luzerne County West Side Annex, 9000 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. 10 a.m. to noon March 7. Registration: 570-825-9441.

The Coupon Crew, tips on saving money through coupons. Wyoming Free Library, 358 Wyoming Ave. 1 p.m. March 8. 570-693-1364.

Conservation Mixer, sponsored by Pheasants Forever. With food stations, beer, wine and information on conservation projects and activities in the area. Appletree Terrace, Newberry Estate, North Pioneer Avenue, Dallas. 6 to 9 p.m. March 8. $20 advance reservations only by Feb. 15. 570-477-4668 or nepapf.org.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, with political analyst Jiri Pehe speaking on “The Emergence of Anti-Liberal Politics in Central Europe.” DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. March 10. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Classic Movie Series, a screening of the 1944 film-noir mystery “Double Idemnity with Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 1 and 7 p.m. March 12. $5. 570-996-1500.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, with author Jesse Ferris speaking on “Nasser’s Egypt and the Origins of the Arab Spring.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. March 14. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Scranton’s version of Mardi Gras with the annual march through downtown. March 15 beginning with a Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral at 10 a.m. and the parade stepping off at noon. Celebrate indoors at the annual Parade Day Party at the Scranton Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with refreshments and Irish music by Kilrush. Free. 570-344-1111 or stpatparade.com

Cesar Millan, the best-selling author and star of the hit TV show “Dog Whisperer” and the new series “Leader of the Pack.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 15. $85 (VIP Meet and Greet), $54, $39. 570-826-1100.

Women’s Forum: Violence Against Women in Northeastern Pennsylvania, a panel discussion with Wyoming County district attorney Jeff Mitchel, paraole officer Laura Hasenzahl and and representatives from the Wyoming County Victims Resource Center, sharing their perspectives. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 3 p.m. March 16. Free. 570-996-1500.

JCC Institute of Learning, a talk by historian Sheldon Spear on “Wyoming Valley Children in the Age of Anthracite.” Rifkin Resource Center, Jewish Community Center, 60 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. March 19. Reservations: 570-824-4646.

Bad Movie Thursdays, a screening of the 1944 film about juvenile delinquency “I Accuse My Parents.” Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. March 20 with cocktails at 6 p.m. and movie at 7 p.m. $10. 570-344-1111.

The Harlem Globetrotters, an interactive game as the “Fans Rule World Tour” lets fans choose which game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown. Online voting at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. March 21. 800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, with Celeste Schenck, president of the American University in Paris speaking on “An American in Paris: Straddling Two Educational Cultures.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. March 31. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Red Green’s How to Do Everything Tour, Canada’s foremost handyman and TV star famous for his use of duct tape and his special style of humor. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. March 31. 570-826-1100.

Gourmet Gala, the 27th annual fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton with the theme “Under the Big Top.” Genetti Manor, 1505 Main St., Dickson City. 5 to 8 p.m. April 6. 570-969-8998.

Sweet Tale of Resilience, a documentary depicting three stories of Rwandan women in post-genocide Rwanda. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. 5:30 p.m. April 8. Free. 570-941-6206.

Nfinity Champions League Cheerleading, pre-recorded coverage of a show-stopping night of tumbling and stunts performed by a select group of 30 elite cheerleading teams from across the country, gathered in Atlanta for a three-day competition. Presented by Fathom Events at Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 7:30 p.m. April 10. $12.50, $11.50 seniors, $10.50 children. 570-961-5943 or fathomevents.com.

Africa: Art, Memory, Culture, an all-day symposium discussing the history, arts, economics and philosophies of Africa, African-Americans and the Caribbean. With guest speakers, lunch and a wine-and-cheese reception. Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 12. $40. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Taming of the Brew, the annual fundraiser for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble with fine microbrews, food, silent auction, beer-tasting talk, raffles and music by the Clove Collection. Caldwell Consistory, Market Square, Bloomsburg. 7 to 11 p.m. April 12. $75. 570-784-8181.

Irem Shrine Circus, the annual three-ring entertainment presented by the Royal Hanneford Circus. 109th Field Artillery Armory, 280 Market St., Wilkes-Barre. 1:30 and 7 p.m. April 21 and 26; 6:30 p.m. April 22; 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 23 to 25. $20, $15, $11, $6. 570-714-0783.

Spring Home and Garden Festival, a home expo showcasing products and services along with food, arts and crafts, demonstrations, raffles, silent auction, electronic recycling drop off, face painting, LEGO competition, an appearance by Wayne the Builder and more. Sponsored by the Wayne County Builders Association at Ladore Lodge Camp Retreat & Conference Center, South Street, Waymart. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 26; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27. $5. 570-226-4941 or homeandgardenfest.com.

World Affairs Luncheon Seminar, with Leoluca Orlando, mayor of Palermo, Italy, speaking on “Identity and the Struggle Between the Culture of Human Rights and the Mafia.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. Noon to 1:30 p.m. May 9. $20. Sponsored by the Schemel Forum. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Downton Abbey Tour, the second annual trip to Highclere Castle outside of Newbury, England, sponsored by the WVIA Travel Club. May 23 to 28. $2,749 per person. 570-344-9784 or wvia.org.

Steamtown National Historic Site will waive its entrance fee on Feb. 15 to 17; April 19-20; Aug. 25; Sept. 27 and Nov. 11. At 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through March 28; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. thereafter. 570-340-5200.