Saturday, October 26, 2013

Nikon's D5300 - Wireless and with a New 58mm f/1.4G lens -First Look

<Nikon D5300 Cyber Monday Dealp>Feeling Connected with Nikon's New Mid-Range APS DSLR

By Mason Resnick

With smart phones and tablets becoming a photographic viewing and sharing medium of choice, Nikon today announced their first Wi-Fi-friendly DSLR, the D5300. Is it the best of all worlds?

Nikon today announced a wireless refresh of its mid-range APS DSLR. The In addition to the 5300, Nikon announced a new Nikon D5300 is the first APS sensor Nikon DSLR to offer full Wi-Fi communication ability, giving users the option of sharing images online directly from their camera, or to operate the camera remotely using a free app on their smart phones or tablet computers. As with its predecessor, the Nikon D5300 comes with the superb 24MP DX sensor, which can also be found in the higher-end D7200. Also new is an extra-large 3.2-inch swivel LCD monitor, The D5300 accepts all Nikon F-mount lenses, but is best suited for use with DX lenses, and works seamlessly with the Nikon i-TTL flash system using Speedlights such as the SB-910; flash exposure is seamlessly calculated using the cameras matrix and center-weighted metering system.

58mm f/1.4G lens (see description below).

The Nikon D5300 can be pre-ordered now from Adorama. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders ship.

  • Photo enthusiasts
  • Photography students looking for a camera to grow with
  • First-time DSLR users who aren't intimidated by an moderately extensive control set
  • Habitual online photo sharers who aren't satisfied with cell phone photo quality

What's New

  • Nikon added Wi-Fi, instant photo sharing, and wireless camera control via smart phones and tablet comptuers using
  • Differences:
  • Wi-Fi enabled
  • Instant photo sharing via smart phone or tablet
  • Control camera via smart phone or tablet
  • Built-in GPS and geotagging
  • Monitor resolution increased from 921k dots to 1,037k dots, 3.2 vs. 3 inches

  • 24MP DX (APS) sensor measures 23.5x15.6mm
  • RAW and JPEG Image Capture in 12 or 14 bit
  • ISO range 100-12,800, pushable to ISO 25,600.
  • 39 point AF system with 9 cross type sensors
  • Full-time servo Autofocus
  • Built-in HDR
  • On-board photo retouch menu
  • Picture Control System

The
Nikon D5300 vs. D7100 vs. D3200

All three Nikon APS DSLRs feature the same highly-rated 24MP sensor. According to DxOMark labs, all cameras performed almost identically in the lab, producing outstanding image quality with excellent color depth, a dynamic range of over 13 stops, and clean image quality through ISO 1200. So, if their image quality is almost identical, what are the differences between these three cameras?

The Nikon D3200: Nikon's entry-level DSLR, the D3200 guides beginners through the picture-taking process, offering on-screen explanations of modes and settings. It is the lightest and least expensive DSLR. Read more.

The Nikon D7100: Designed for enthusiasts and semi-pro photographers, the D7100 puts extensive focus and exposure controls at the user's fingertips. Nikon has removed the low-pass filter, allowing for more light to hit the sensor and effectively boost image quality and low-light performance. Read more.
Nikon D5300 strives to strike a balance, offering many enthusiast-oriented features but at a price that will meet tighter budgets. Unlike the other two cameras, the D5200 has a high-resolution flip-out LCD monitor. Compact and ergonomic, it is also capable of high-quality HD Video (as are the others) but it is the only one that will let you easily share these videos online.


Wi-Fi and beyond

Nikon is hinting that there will be more DSLRs with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, but right now the D5300 is the first and only that will wirelessly connect to D5300 with your smartphone or tablet,* then browse the photos on D5300's memory card, import your favorites and instantly email them, text them or post them online. While connected, your smart device can also act as a remote monitor for the D5300. See what the camera sees and even fire the shutter-perfect for group shots and self portraits! When travelling, built-in GPS geotags all of your shots. Create exciting travel journals, find nearby Points of Interest and easily share your location data when posting photos on Facebook or Flickr.

The Sophisticated AF and Metering

The D5300 has 39 point high-density autofocus system with 9 cross-type sensors. Nikon has 3D tracking that uses the 2016-pixel RGB sensor, so it can recognize a moving subject and follow it and keep it in focus as it moves across the frame. Nikon's Scene Recognition System analyzes each shooting situation and compares it to an onboard database of thousands of scenes and automatically determines the best exposure. If using flash, it calculates and balances flash and ambient light exposure, as well as white balance and autofocus settings.

For more experienced photographers, the camera puts manual exposure, focus, flash and white balance settings within easy reach. You can manually set one, a few, or all of the above. It's your choice. Built-in HDR combines two photos into one image, expanding the dynamic range. D-lighting is another well-known Nikon feature that automatically brightens shadowy areas in images.

The Nikon D5300 also offers the ability to edit photos in camera. Options include cropping, applying filters and effects. And, since the camera has Wi-Fi connectivity, you can immediately share the edited photos via your smartphone or tablet computer.


Nikon D5300 will cost $799.95 at Adorama, body only.

In addition to the D5300, Nikon today announced the New Low-Light Lens

AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G ($1,699.95 at Adorama), designed for use in both DX (APS) sensor and FX (35mm) sensor Nikon cameras. When shooting with a DX sensor camera, the lens effectively becomes a medium telephoto lens, offering a portrait-friendly 85mm field of view. Nikon says the lens produces evenly-lit images with edge-to-edge sharpness and no saggital coma or light falloff, even when shooting at the widest aperture, where many lenses display such optical problems. The 9-blade diaphragm has rounded edges for pleasing bokeh.


Source: Adorama

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Nikon Coolpix S6600 Review

<Nikon D5300 Black Friday Dealp>

Introduction

The Nikon Coolpix S6600 is a back-illuminated 16 megapixel digital compact camera which also boasts an articulated screen, wi-fi capability, 12x optical zoom and FullHD video. As part of the Style range, the Nikon Coolpix S6600's curvy body looks good and is packed with technology. But will it cope in our stringent test? Costing around £199, the Nikon Coolpix S6600 is available in silver, red, black, purple and white.

Ease of Use

It's always nice to see the designers of a camera start from scratch when updating a model. The Nikon Coolpix S6600 is one such example because it looks completely different to the S6500. The new model has a larger, curvier lens bezel - undoubtedly to incorporate the 12x optical zoom inside the thin chassis. The rest of the camera has been rounded off to carry on the feel which flows around the corners for a fluid, organic look to it.

Because of the movable screen on the back, a few of the buttons have been placed on the top plate in order to retain a reasonable size to them. The Shooting and Playback buttons (used for flicking between taking pictures and replaying them) sit centrally with the sunken power button situated next to the shutter release. On the back and considering the restricted space, a large space has been reserved as a thumb rest. The rest of the buttons are crammed in underneath, which is a bit unusual. The space for resting your thumb could be halved.

The majority of the space is occupied by the articulating screen. It twists all around so is perfect for self portraits or low/high angle photography. It's great to see a twisting screen on a compact camera, they're so few and far between, but extremely useful.

Front

Rear

The Nikon Coolpix S6600 is part of a growing number of digital compact cameras that have built-in wi-fi capability. The wi-fi menu is in the set-up section of the Main menu. It can't upload images directly onto the internet, but it can transfer images to your smart phone for you to then upload from there. You can also add a GPS location to your pictures if you're abroad and wish to show friends on Google Maps. There's also an option to use the smart device as a remote control for taking pictures. You have to download the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility from iTunes or the Google Play store.

The sensor on the Nikon Coolpix S6600 is a back-illuminated type sensor, which - in theory - reacts better in low light. The reason is can do this is all down to the way the sensor is constructed. Traditional sensors have circuitry around each pixel and this in turn blocks light getting onto the photo site. Back illuminated sensors have the circuitry placed on the back of the sensor. Because it's then out of the way, more light gets onto the pixels and increases the performance of the sensor. The name stems from the appearance of the sensor as it sits in the camera. Because the circuitry is at the back, it looks as though it's on backwards and that the light is hitting the rear of what would be a traditional sensor.

There are a number of continuous shooting modes on the S6600. The Continuous Hi mode takes seven frames in just over half a second. Taking reflexes into consideration and any shutter lag, it could probably take around ten frames in a second if it wasn't capped at seven.

Front

Top

Start up time seems pretty standard at 2.5sec. We've seen a spate of cameras covering a faster time recently and we thought maybe it showed an increase in technology, but it could've just been a coincidence. Saying that, pressing the power off button seems to put a long winded close down of the systems into operation. It must take another two seconds to close the lens, which doesn't sound much, but when you're stood watching it, it's like a case of a watched kettle never boiling.

There are a number of other continuous or burst modes within the menu system such as the pre-shooting cache. Two high speed continuous shooting modes (120fps and 60fps) as well as the BSS (Best Shot Selector) and Multi-Shot 16.

Playback is operated using the button with the arrow icon on the top plate of the camera. It can switch on the playback regardless of whether the camera is switched on or not. If the camera is off, you just need to hold the button down for a few seconds so that it doesn't think you're knocking it while carrying the camera. The display is a standard amount of basic information. It shows simple shooting features, such as the ISO, frame number, flash status, battery level etc. You can change this in the set up part of the Main menu. There's an option to hide it all, show it constantly (the auto mode will lose the info after a few seconds), Add a video frame to it or add a rule of thirds grid.

Memory Card Slot

Battery Compartment

Pressing ok while the information is on screen will bring up the Quick effects menu and there's options for all types of vintage or retro effects, such as Vivid, High key, Toy camera, multiple cross processing options, cross screen, miniature effect and cyanotype. The latter adds a blue cast that is based on old cyanotype style photography which is the foundation of blue prints. You can access the Quick menu in the Playback menu as well. There's also a D-Lighting option - which is a kind of HDR feature. It gently adds more detail to shadow areas while capping burn out in highlights. You can add red-eye correction and if you like your portraits, there's the Glamour retouch to add a bit of pizzazz to your face.

Upon opening the Nikon Coolpix S6600's box, we were faced with a thick looking booklet which is actually a Quick Start guide and is in multiple languages, so you don't have to read the whole thing. There's also a CD with Nikon ViewNX 2 which is Nikon's editing and tagging suite for your photographs. The camera comes with a lithium ion battery, USB cable and a charging unit. The unit comes in two pieces; the first accepts the USB cable which doubles as a charging cable and it has a two pronged mains connector. This can alternatively be plugged into the second unit which adapts it to the UK connector. There's also a wrist strap to keep it safe while in between photographs.

Entry Tags


Source: Photographyblog

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Weekend: Your guide to entertainment in Northeast Pennsylvania

SEASONAL

27TH ANNUAL FALL FOLIAGE ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE: today, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $5; Dorflinger Glass Cutting Factory, White Mills. 570-226-7513.

39TH ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL: today and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg, $5/$10. Visit www. quietvalley.org. 570-992-6161.

COMMUNITY WOMEN'S CLUB OF GREENTOWN AND NEWFOUNDLAND THIRD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL AND SOUP EXTRAVAGANZA: today, 10:30 a.m., Wallenpaupack South Elementary School, Main Street, Newfoundland, free. 570-857-7051 or 570-676-3711.

ANNUAL HARVEST & HERITAGE DAYS: today and Sunday, downtown Honesdale; pumpkin painting, today, noon to 4 p.m., Honesdale National Bank Corporate Center, Main Street; Ninth Annual Corn Shucking Contest, today, 1 to 3 p.m., Fred Miller Pavilion; old-fashioned hayrides, today, 1 to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; antique car cruise, today, 5 to 9 p.m., Central Park; Wing & Chili Taste-off, Sunday, noon to 3 p.m., 570-253-6363, 570-251-8994 or 570-253-5492; Dessin Animal Shelter seventh annual Pets on Parade costume competition, Sunday; parade, 1 p.m., Main Street; costume judging, 2 p.m., Fred Miller Pavilion; 570-647-0057.

HAUNTED LANTERN TOURS: today, Friday, Oct. 19 and 25-26; rain dates Sunday and Oct. 20 and 27; doors open 6 p.m., first tour 6:30 p.m., Eckley Miners' Village, 2 Eckley Main St., Weatherly, $5/$10, not recommended for children under 6.

EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL: Limelight Players; today and Friday, 7 p.m.; Sunday and Oct. 20, 1 p.m.; Oct. 19, 7 p.m. and midnight; Phoenix Performing Arts Center, 409 Main St., Duryea, $12. 570-457-3589.

PUMPKIN FEST: Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m., Endless Mountains Nature Center, Tunkhannock, $5 children/free for children under 2 and adults with a child's paid admission. Visit www.EMNConline.org. 570-836-3835.

DEARLY DEPARTED PLAYERS DUNMORE CEMETERY TOUR: Sunday, 2 p.m., Dunmore Cemetery main gate, Warren and Church streets, Dunmore, free. 570-344-3819.

DICKSON CITY CIVIC CENTER HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES: Circle of Screams trip, Sunday, departs 6 p.m., returns 10 p.m., 12 and older; Halloween dances, Oct. 25, 7 to 9 p.m., grades three to six, and Oct. 26, noon to 2 p.m., children up to second grade; Toddler Time Halloween Party, Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Family Fun open house, Oct. 31, 6 to 9 p.m., all ages; 935 Albert St., Dickson City. 570-383-1813.

OKTOBERFEST: Sunday, Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road. Visit www.montageisback.com.

POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER FALL EVENTS: Fall Photography, Sunday to Friday or Friday to Oct. 20, fees vary; Fall Foliage Hikers' Paradise, Oct. 19, 1 to 3 p.m., free for members/$5 nonmembers; 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, registration recommended. Visit www.peec.org. 570-828-2319.

SECOND THE WINE, THE WITCHES AND THE WARDROBE FASHION AND MARKETPLACE EVENT: benefiting Dress for Success Lackawanna, Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, $40. 570-941-0339.

ANNUAL VINTAGE HORROR FILM SERIES: "The Pit and the Pendulum," Friday; "Scream of Fear," Oct. 25; "Clue," Nov. 1; 7 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $5/$6/$8/free for children 2 and younger. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 845-295-2060.

TEEN LIBRARY GHOST HUNT: with Dickson City Paranormal Investigators, Friday, presentation for teens/parents 7 to 8 p.m., teen paranormal investigation 8 to 10:30 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St., Pittston, registration required. 570-654-9565.

TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR AND BOOK SALE: Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1546 Monsey Ave. 570-346-1383.

FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES FALL CRAFT FAIR: Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 493 Meridian Ave. 570-961-5495.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY CHILDREN'S LIBRARY HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES: Spooky Art with Miss Liz, Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m., ages 9 to 12; Halloween Circus: A Night of Oddities & Twisted Acts Halloween party, Oct. 24, 6 p.m., ages 6 to 12; pre-K Monster's Mash, Oct. 30, 4 p.m., ages 3 to 5; Little Monsters' Mash, Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m., ages birth to 5 years; 520 Vine St., registration required for all activities. 570-348-3000, ext. 3015.

THIRD ANNUAL BONFIRE AT THE IRON FURNACES: Oct. 19, 6 to 11 p.m., Scranton Iron Furnaces, 159 Cedar Ave., $15 advance/$20 at door/free for children under 12. Visit www.scrantonbonfire.com. 570-963-4804.

PITTSTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY OKTOBERFEST: Oct. 19, 6 to 10 p.m., Susquehanna Brewing Company, $15. 570-654-9565.

CELTIC NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Irish Cultural Society, Beech Street and Wintermantle Avenue, $20. 570-983-4087.

GRIFFIN POND ANIMAL SHELTER HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES: Halloween Parade, Oct. 20, registration noon, parade 1 p.m.; Phantom Ball, Oct. 31; 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp.

NANCY KAY HOLMES BRANCH LIBRARY FALL ACTIVITIES: Painted Pumpkin Contest, Oct. 21-31; Halloween Celebration, Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., all ages; Trick or Treat at Your Library, Oct. 31; Green Ridge Street and Wyoming Avenue. 570-207-0764.

ST. STANISLAUS YOUTH GROUP 20TH ANNUAL TRAIL OF TERROR: Oct. 19, 25-26, 7 to 10:30 p.m., YMS of R Park, Kane Street, $6.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC: THE HAUNTED SYMPHONY: Oct. 19, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre; Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.; $31 and more, email info@nepaphil.org. 570-270-4444.

GHOST HUNTERS LIVE!: Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25, $35, $60. 570-826-1100.

MOVIE NIGHT: CASPER'S SCARE SCHOOL: Oct. 24, 5:45 p.m., Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad St., Pittston. 570-654-9565.

THE TIMES-TRIBUNE CHILDREN'S SERIES: BUNNICULA: Theatreworks USA, Oct. 26, Wiggles and Giggles workshop, 10 a.m., show 11 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

ANNUAL CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN PARTY: Oct. 26, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly Twp., free. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 570-586-8191, ext. 2.

SPLATTERDAY: Oct. 26; "Ghostbusters," 2 p.m., rated PG; "Young Frankenstein," 4:30 p.m., rated PG; "Night of the Living Dead," 7 p.m., not rated; "Halloween," 9:30 p.m., rated R; "Rocky Horror Picture Show," midnight, rated R; F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $3/$5 one film, $20 all films. Visit www.kirbycenter.org. 570-826-1100.

OLYPHANT CRIME WATCH TRUNK OR TREAT: Oct. 26, Monsignor Hrynuck-Joe Beckage Baseball Park, 700 block of East Grant Street, Olyphant, 5 to 8 p.m. 570-766-1570.

HAUNTED HALLWAYS OF WEST SCRANTON HIGH: West Scranton High School Drama Club; Oct. 26, 6 to 10 p.m.; Oct. 27, 5 to 9 p.m.; West Scranton High School, 1201 Luzerne St., $5. Visit www.westscrantondrama.weebly.com. 570-348-3616.

GRAVESTONE MANOR THEATRICAL HAUNTED HOUSE: Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 26, 7 to 11 p.m.; Sundays through Oct. 27, 7 to 9:30 p.m.; $10, benefits United Way of Wyoming Valley. Visit www.gravestonemanor.org. 570-821-6500.

TRAILS OF TERROR: Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26, 8 p.m., 926 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming, $8, benefits West Wyoming Hose Company No. 1 Volunteer Fire Department.

HALLOWEEN IN THE HALLS: Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m., McHale, Alumnae, McGowan, Gildea and MacDowell halls, Misericordia University, Dallas, free.

KING'S CHEMISTRY CLUB 17TH ANNUAL THINGS THAT GO BOOM IN THE NIGHT: Oct. 29, 7 p.m., Burke Auditorium, William G. McGowan School of Business, King's College, Wilkes-Barre. 570-208-5900, ext. 5390.

CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN PARADE: Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m., Co-Operative Farmers Market, 900 Barring Ave. 570-961-8251.

HAUNTED HOUSE: Oct. 30-31, 6 to 9 p.m., building across from First National Bank, Main Street, Forest City, $3. 570-282-4821 or 570-785-4100.

HALLOWEEN CONCERT: University of Scranton Jazz Band, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m., Houlihan McLean Center, University of Scranton, free if dressed in costume, email music@scranton.edu. 570-941-7624.

GREATER CARBONDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE YOUTH BOARD CITYWIDE TRICK OR TREAT: Oct. 31, 3 to 5 p.m., downtown Carbondale.

TRICK OR TREAT AT YOUR LIBRARY: Oct. 31, Library Express, second floor, Mall at Steamtown. 570-558-1670.

CIRCLE OF SCREAMS HAUNTED DRIVE-IN: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 2, Circle Drive-In, 1911 Business Route 6, Dickson City. Visit www.circleofscreams.com. 570-876-1400.

HAUNTED! MYSTERIES OF THE BEYOND: daily through Nov. 30, 8 p.m., Houdini Museum Theater, 1433 N. Main Ave., $35, reservations required. 570-383-9297 or 570-342-5555.

CLUBS

ARLO'S TAVERN, 10340 Route 171, Union Dale: today, Jim Carro Band; Sunday, Big Boss Wally Band.

BAR LOUIE, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Twp.: today, Graces Downfall; Sunday, Nowhere Slow.

BAZIL, 1101 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: Wednesdays, Marko Marcinko Jazz Quartet.

BLU WASABI, Route 6, Dickson City: Tuesdays, Solo-Tu; Thursdays, Carl and Harley Dynamic Duo.

THE BLUE SHUTTERS, Route 435 at Blue Shutters Road, Elmhurst Twp.: today, Paul Oschal.

BOMB BAY CAFE, 80 S. Main St., Archbald: Wednesday, Jackson Vee.

BREAKERS, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Twp.: today, Shorty Long.

CLAYTON PARK RECREATION AND ARTS CENTER, Lake Ariel: today, Marilyn Kennedy.

EVOLUTION NIGHTCLUB, The Woodlands, 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre: today, DJ Davey B, DJ Kev the Rev.

EXECUTIVE LOUNGE, The Woodlands, 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre: today, Wallstreet.

FORMOSA, 727 S. State St., Clarks Summit: Thursdays, Ron Leas & Kenny McGraw.

FOUR SEASONS ASIAN BISTRO, 1146 S. Main Ave.: Wednesdays, open mic.

GUBBIO'S UNIQUE ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR, 411 Chestnut St., Dunmore: today, Tommy Rogo.

HEIL'S PLACE, 1002 Wheeler Ave., Scranton: Wednesdays, The Village Idiots.

HUB LOUNGE, Clarion Hotel: Wednesdays, Open Mic Night; Fridays and Saturdays, Wise Crackers Comedy Show.

JJ BRIDJES, 925 Northern Blvd., Clarks Summit: today, Wanabees.

JUST RUMORS BAR & GRILL, Tafton: today, DJ Luis Luis.

MANHATTAN DRIVE/BEST WESTERN PLUS, Dunmore: today, the Girlz.

MENDICINO'S PIZZA AND LOUNGE, Routes 502 and 435, Covington Twp.: today, Paul Martin.

MERT'S, 302 Penn Ave.: today, Nowhere Slow.

MINOOKA PUB, 2934 Birney Ave.: today, Dave & Chae.

THE NEW PENNY, 1827 N. Main Ave.: today, Militia, 9Platform9.

OAK STREET EXPRESS, 729 Oak St.: today, DJ Devil Dog; Wednesday, karaoke with Speaker Jam.

O'LEARY'S PUB, 514 Ash St.: today, Giants of Science.

POOR RICHARD'S PUB, 125 Beech St.: Fridays and Saturdays, DJ Honey Do.

RIVER STREET JAZZ CAFE, 667 N. River St., Plains Twp.: today, Strawberry Jam; Wednesday, Scott Pemberton Trio & Mystery Fyre.

RUSTY NAIL, 732 S. Irving Ave.: Thursdays, DJ 10-4.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Twp.: today, Jimmy Waltich Jazz Trio; Tuesday and Wednesday, Phil Hinton Top 40.

SAMBUCA GRILL, 234 Penn Ave.: Fridays and Saturdays, Paul Ardito.

THE SETTLERS INN, 4 Main Ave., Hawley: today, Dan Bradley.

SKYTOP LODGE, Skytop: Saturdays, Doug Smith Orchestra.

SLINGSHOTS BAR AND GRILL, 110 Main St., Moscow: today, Comedy Night with Teri Granahan.

STATIC NIGHT CLUB, I-81, Scott Exit 199: Fridays, under-21 DJ party; Saturdays, Latin DJ party.

TOMAINO'S, Archbald: today, Gypsy Wagon.

VILLA MARIA, 1610 Washburn St.: today, Bill Arnold Band; Wednesdays, Jack Mead, Chris Gratz, Bob Scorey.

WELLINGTON'S, Clarks Summit: today, See You Next Tuesday.

THE WOODLANDS INN, 1073 Highway 315, Wilkes-Barre: Sunday, 90 Proof; Wednesday, karaoke with DJ Tony Piazza.

MUSIC

THE COOPERAGE PROJECT OPEN MIC: today, 2 to 4 p.m., Pocket Park, Honesdale. Visit their website thecooperageproject.org. 570-253-2020.

CELEBRATE HARMONY: Northeasters Honesdale Barbershop Chorus of the Barbershop Harmony Society 35th annual show, today, 7 p.m., Honesdale High School, Honesdale, $10. Visit www.northeastersbarbershopchorus.org. 570-493-1153.

CONTRA DANCE: today, 7:30 p.m., the Cooperage Project, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. Visit their website thecooperageproject.org. 570-253-2020.

SUZIE BROWN: today, 7:30 p.m., Boiler Room, Hawley Silk Mill, 8 Silk Mill Drive, Hawley, $16 advance/$20 at door, email jill@silkmillharmony.com. Visit www.harmonypresents.com. 570-588-8077.

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS - MUSIC FOR THE MOVIES FROM SILENTS TO THE 1960S: bus trip to WVIA concert, Sunday, departs 1:30 p.m., concert 3 p.m., departs Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, reservations required. 570-996-1500.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT SEM: RECITAL FOR PIANO TRIO: Sunday, 2 p.m., Wyoming Seminary Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, free. 570-270-2192.

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS ... MUSIC FOR THE MOVIES FROM THE SILENTS TO THE 1960S: Sunday, 3 p.m., WVIA Sordoni Theatre, Pittston, free. 570-655-2808.

HOMEGROWN MUSIC CONCERT: Three Imaginary Boys and Michi Egger, Monday, 8 p.m., Sordoni High-Definition Theater, WVIA Studios, Pittston, free. Visit www.wvia.org/hi-deftheaterentry. 570-655-2808.

SIMPLY STREISAND: Wednesday, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

BUTCHER BABIES: Wednesday, Brews Brothers West, Luzerne, $10 advance/$12 day of show. Visit www.SLPconcerts.net.

WORLD STAGE SERIES: JazzReach Presents She Said/She Says, Friday, 11 a.m.; Evan Mack's My Other Journey Home, Oct. 20, 2 p.m.; Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., email Education@BethelWoodsCenter.org. 845-295-2521.

NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PHILHARMONIC: An Evening in Eastern Europe with Erica and Pascal, Friday, 7 p.m., Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.; French Woodwind Delights, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Westmoreland Club, Wilkes-Barre; Masterworks: Music and Dance, with Ballet Northeast, Nov. 16, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; A Very NEPA Christmas, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; A Romantic Masterpiece by Brahms, Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Westmoreland Club; Steve Lippia - Simply Sinatra, Feb. 21, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Feb. 22, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; String Chamber Music, March 6, The Colonnade, 7 p.m., 401 Jefferson Ave., Scranton; Stringfest, March 8, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Debbie Gravitte: Broadway Baby, April 4, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center; April 5, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center; Beethoven's Ninth, April 25, 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center, $31 and more, email info@nepaphil.org. 570-270-4444.

ALICE COOPER: Friday, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $39/$49/$59/$75. Visit kirbycenter.org. 570-826-1100.

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY: Friday, 8 p.m., Wiltsie Center at the Historic Castle, 700 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, $19 to $45. Visit www.wiltsiecenter.org. 855-945-8743.

POP EVIL: with Age Of Days, Friday, Brews Brothers West, Luzerne, $12.50 advance/$15 day of show. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

WYCLIFFE GORDON: with University of Scranton Jazz Band, Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Houlihan McLean Center, free, email music@scranton.edu; talk, with Loren Schoenberg, precedes concert. 570-941-7624.

THE STYLISTICS: Oct. 19, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $30/$45.

UP & COMING COMEDY SERIES: Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Jan. 18, Feb. 22, March 22 and April 26, cocktails 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

ECHOES OF ARCADIA: Arcadia Chorale (formerly Robert Dale Chorale); Oct. 19, 8 p.m., St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton; Oct. 20, 3 p.m., St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre; $7/$12/$15/free for children under 12. Visit www.arcadiachorale.org. 570-871-0350.

OLD TIME FIDDLERS ANNUAL FIDDLE FESTIVAL: Oct. 20, doors open 1 p.m., music 2 p.m., Beach Lake Fire Hall, Route 652, Beach Lake, $5/$7/$10/free for children 12 and younger, email fiddlinaround@verizon.net. 570-224-6330.

PATRICK FITZSIMMONS: Oct. 20, 3 p.m., the Cooperage, Honesdale, $15 advance/$18 at door. 845-252-6783.

CYNDI LAUPER: SHE'S SO UNUSUAL TOUR: Oct. 22, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $34/$49/$59/$75. Visit www.kirbycenter.org. 570-826-1100.

THE STARGAZER LILIES LP RELEASE SHOW: Oct. 22, the Rattler, 137 N Main St., Pittston.

MUDRAS: Oct. 25, doors open 6:45 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., the Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale, donations accepted. Visit thecooperageproject.org.

SING! SING! SING!: demonstration with Endless Mountains Barbershop Chorus, Wyoming County Chorale and Tunkhannock First United Methodist Church Choir; Oct. 26, 11 a.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, all ages, registration required. 570-836-8595.

AMY GRANT: Oct. 26, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., $43/$53. 570-955-1455.

ST. BERNARDINE'S GOSPEL CHOIR: concert, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.; liturgy, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.; J. Carroll McCormick Campus Ministry Center, King's College, Wilkes-Barre. 570-208-6044.

FIRST FRIDAYS: Nov. 1, doors open 6:30 p.m., show 7:15 p.m., Equinunk Historical Society's Calder Cafe, 1972 Pine Mill Road, Equinunk, acoustic only. 570-224-0223 or 570-224-6722.

PIANO AND VIOLIN CONCERT: with Barry Hannigan and Sophie Till, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., Waverly Community House, 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly Twp., free. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 570-586-8191, ext. 2.

REMAKING OF A MASTERPIECE: Arcadia Chorale, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Organ Recital, Nov. 2, 4 p.m.; dedication of its renovated sanctuary/new pipe organ, Nov. 3, 10:30 p.m.; Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., free. Visit www.covenantchscr.org. 570-346-6400.

B.O.B.: Nov. 1, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $35. Visit kirbycenter.org.

MERLE HAGGARD: Nov. 2, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $40/$53/$63/$99.

COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ORGAN DEDICATION RECITAL: with organist Timothy Smith, Nov. 2, 4 p.m., 550 Madison Ave.. 570-346-6400.

AARON LEWIS: Nov. 9, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono, $45/$65.

NAOKO TAKADA: Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m., Milford Theatre, 114 E. Catherine St., Milford, $15 advance/$20 at door/free for children under 15. Visit kindredspiritsarts.org/.

AN AFTERNOON OF EARLY FRENCH BAROQUE MASTERPIECES: Nov. 10, 3 p.m., Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $10/$25. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

A TRIBUTE TO THE RAT PACK: Nov. 13, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

SIMPLE GIFTS: visits, Nov. 14-17, March 6-9 and April 24-27; World Celebration Festival music workshop, Sept. 15; Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., email Education@BethelWoodsCenter.org. 845-583-2097.

TRAPT: with Devour the Day and Righteous Vendetta, Nov., 14, Brews Brothers West, Luzerne, $13 advance/$15 day of show. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

ARTS AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CONCERT SERIES: church ensembles recital, Nov. 17, 4 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 300 School St., Clarks Summit, donations accepted. Visit www.fpccs.org. 570-586-6306.

THE RASCALS: ONCE UPON A DREAM: Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $65.50/$75.50/$99.

YAMATO - THE DRUMMERS OF JAPAN: Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$35.

CHORAL SOCIETY OF NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA: St. Nicolas, with Symphonic Chorus, Cantare and soloist Mark Kratz, Nov. 23, St. Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, Wilkes-Barre; Christmas with the Choral Society, Dec. 1, 4 p.m., Covenant Presbyterian Church, Scranton; NEPA Philharmonic holiday concerts, Dec. 7, F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre; Dec. 8, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple; A Ceremony of English Carols, with Choral Artists of NEPA, Cantare and organist Dr. Timothy Smith, Dec. 15, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton; Concerts at Covenant series, with Symphonic Chorus and Cantare, March 16, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Scranton; Chorus and NEPA Philharmonic, April 25, Scranton Cultural Center; Choral Artists ensemble, May 10, Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral.

ARLO GUTHRIE: Nov. 23-24, 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $75. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

NORTHERN TIER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Nov. 23, 8 p.m., Tunkhannock Middle School, Tunkhannock, $5/$10, email northerntiersymphony@yahoo.com. Visit www.NorthernTierSymphony.org. 570-289-1090.

DANI-ELLE'S CD RELEASE: Nov. 24, doors open 1:30 p.m., show 2 p.m., Genetti Manor, Dickson City, $10/$20/$30, benefits Marley's Mission. Visit www.Dani-ellesings.com. 570-876-3461 or 570-383-0206.

PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND: Nov. 24, doors open 6 p.m., show 7 p.m., Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., $30/$40. 570-955-1455.

ELVIS COSTELLO: Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $59, $79, $95.

KENNY ROGERS: CHRISTMAS AND HITS THROUGH THE YEARS: Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $50/$60/$75. Visit www.kirbycenter.org. 570-826-1100.

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA: THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE: Dec. 6, 4 and 8 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., benefits the Center for Cancer Wellness Candy's Place. Visit www.trans-siberian.com.

SUNDAYS WITH FRIENDS SERIES: Lincoln Center Family Holiday Concert, Dec. 8, Event Gallery, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., $42.50 each/series passes available. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

JOE NARDONE'S A CHRISTMAS DOO WOP SPECTACULAR: with Kenny Vance, the Flamingos, Larry Chance & the Earls, the Drifters and the Paramounts; Dec. 14, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29.50/$39.50/$49.50.

TROMBONE SHORTY AND ORLEANS AVENUE: SAY THAT TO SAY THIS: Jan. 17, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29/$39/$49.

RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS: Feb. 22, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $25/$35.

JOE BONAMASSA: May 7, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre.

MYSTERYLAND ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL: May 23-26, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y. Visit Mysteryland.com.

OPEN MIC: Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Center Court, Mall at Steamtown.

Stage

HELLO, DOLLY!: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania; today, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 6 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $37/$47/$57. 570-342-7784.

THE ODD COUPLE: Center Stage Players; today and Friday, 8 p.m.; Wednesday and Oct. 20, 2 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28. 570-421-5093.

THE FEMALE ODD COUPLE: Center Stage Players; Sunday and Thursday, 2 p.m.; Oct. 19, 8 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28. 570-421-5093.

DINOSAUR TRAIN - LIVE! BUDDY'S BIG ADVENTURE: Thursday, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $15/$25. Visit www.kirbycenter.org. 570-826-1100.

THE MAGIC OF BILL DICKSON: Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, all ages. 570-996-1500.

COMEDIAN RICH VOS: Oct. 19, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., Gravity Inn, 40 Gravity Planes Road, Waymart, $15 advance/$20 at door. Visit richvosgravityinn.brownpapertickets.com. 570-488-6918 or 570-357-2693.

NYC COMEDY NIGHT: with Jerrold Benford, Teddy Love and Father Paul, Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m., Corner Bistro Theater, Carbondale, $15. 570-282-7499.

ANTHRACITE OPERA COMPANY HEART AND SOUL CONCERT: Oct. 20, 3 p.m., St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Taylor Avenue and Ash Street, $7/free for children.

POETRY READING: with Amy Bloom, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., Burke Auditorium, King's College, Wilkes-Barre, free; question-and-answer session/book signing, follows reading. 570-208-5900, ext. 5487.

IN THE MOOD: Oct. 23, 2 and 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $32.50/$39/$49. Visit www.scrantonculturalcenter.org. 570-344-1111.

A SEA OF PUPPETS: Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company; Oct. 24, doors open 5:30 p.m., show 6 p.m.; Oct. 25, doors open 5 p.m., show 5:30 p.m.; McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center, University of Scranton, free; All the World's a Stage: Puppets and Modern Taiwanese Identity lecture, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m., Studio Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, free. 570-941-7401 or 570-941-4094.

THE MIRACLE WORKER: BBC Drama Department, Oct. 24-26, 7:30 p.m., Phelps Student Center, Baptist Bible College & Seminary, South Abington Twp. Visit www.bbc.edu/events. 570-585-9000.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: Oct. 25, doors open 6:30 p.m., show 7 p.m. featured performer Caitland Hawk 8:15 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 570-996-1500.

NATIONAL PASTIME: Oct. 25-26 and 31, Nov. 1-2, 7-9, 8 p.m.; ; Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 and 10, 3 p.m.: Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre.

WE WON'T PAY, WE WON'T PAY: University of Scranton Players; Oct. 25-26 and Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, 2 p.m.; McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, University of Scranton, fees vary, email players@scranton.edu. 570-941-4318.

SEUSSICAL JR. - THE MUSICAL: Oct. 25-27, Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 570-283-2195 or 800-698-PLAY.

AN ALTERNATE PERCEPTION OF REALITY: with Denny Corby, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m., Corner Bistro Theater, Carbondale, $12. 570-282-7499.

CAMPION LITERARY SOCIETY OPEN READING: Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Gold Room, Administration Building, King's College, Wilkes-Barre. 570-208-5900, ext. 5487.

HAMLET: Pocono Shakes, Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m.; Nov. 9-10, 2 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, $10/$15/$18, email ShawneePlayhouse@hotmail.com. 570-421-5093.

THE LAST THOUGHTS OF GINO MERLI: Scranton Public Theatre, Nov. 1-2, 8:15 p.m., Olde Brick Theatre, rear 128 W. Market St., $10. 570-344-3656.

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD: Pocono Shakes, Nov. 2 and 4, 2 p.m.; Nov. 8-9, 8 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, $10/$15/$18, email ShawneePlayhouse@hotmail.com. 570-421-5093.

THE BRADSTAN CABARET SERIES: Sibling Revelry, with the Callaway Sisters, Nov. 2, $59.50; Christmas, Christmas, Christmas, with Karen Mason, Dec. 14, $49.50; all 8 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

DEATH BY ARIA: Pennsylvania Lyric Opera, Nov. 3, 3 p.m., Cecilia Cohen Recital Hall, East Stroudsburg University, $5/$10/free for children 6 and younger. Visit www.griceartists.com. 570-328-5864.

JIM BELUSHI AND THE chicago costume wolf BOARD OF COMEDY: Nov. 3, Cove Haven Resort, 194 Lakeview Drive, Lakeville.

BLUE MAN GROUP: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Nov. 8, 8 p.m.; Nov. 9, 2 and 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 1 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $35/$49/$60. 570-342-7784.

AN EVENING AT FORD'S THEATRE: Dearly Departed Players; Nov. 9, 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, 2 p.m.; Temple Israel, Monroe Avenue and East Gibson Street, fees vary, benefits Temple Israel. 570-342-0350.

DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR! PIRATE AND PRINCESS ADVENTURE: Nov. 10, 2 and 5 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., $26/$50/$65. Visit www.ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET: Nov. 15, 17, 22 and 24; Dec. 1, 8-9, 15-16 and 22, 2 p.m.; and Nov. 16, 23, 29-30; Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2 and 8 p.m.; Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee on Delaware, $15/$25/$28, email ShawneePlayhouse@hotmail.com. 570-421-5093.

THE TIMES-TRIBUNE CHILDREN'S SERIES: "Madeline and the Bad Hat," ArtsPower Touring Co., Nov. 16; "The Monster Who Ate My Peas," ArtsPower Touring Co., April 5; "The Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks," Theatreworks USA, May 3; Wiggles and Giggles workshops, 10 a.m., shows 11 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

OPEN MIC NIGHT: Nov. 22, doors open 6:30 p.m., open mic 7 p.m., Ed Crawley and the Everything Natural Drummers 8:15 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. Seating is limited. For reservations and details, 570-996-1500.

HEMISPHERE 50TH ANNIVERSARY COMPETITIONS: Nov. 24, registration noon, show 1 p.m., Best Western Pioneer Plaza, 25 S. Main St., Carbondale, registration required, email misshemisphere@gmail.com. Visit www.misshemisphere.org. 215-791-0844 or 570-281-9797.

DIETRICH RADIO PLAYERS PERFORMANCE: Dietrich Theater Radio Players, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free; casual reception afterward; for reservations and details, 570-996-1500.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - THE MUSICAL: Music Box Players; Dec. 5-8, 12-15, 19-22; Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville.

RED, HOT ... BLUE CHRISTMAS REVUE: Dec. 11, 1 and 3:30 p.m., Mount Airy Casino Resort, Mount Pocono. 800-468-0046.

HANSEL AND GRETEL: Delaware Valley Opera, Dec. 15, art activity 12:30 p.m., show 2 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., email Education@BethelWoodsCenter.org. 845-295-2521.

MAX & RUBY IN THE NUTCRACKER SUITE: Dec. 19, 6 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $20/$30.

JEFF DUNHAM: Dec. 28, 5 p.m., Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp., $49.50. Visit Ticketmaster.com. 800-745-3000.

DUTY/HAPPILY, EVER AFTER/18/ASSISTANTS, PLEASE: Jan. 4-19, Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $11/$16/$19. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 570-421-5093.

YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER: Jan. 24-Feb. 2, Shawnee Playhouse, 552 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware, $11/$16/$19. Visit www.theshawneeplayhouse.com. 570-421-5093.

MEMPHIS: Jan. 25, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $35/$52/$62.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING: Gaslight Theatre Company, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., $10/$12. 570-955-1455.

CARMEN: Jan. 31, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $24/$39/$54.

JERSEY BOYS: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Feb. 4-6 and 11-13, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 7 and 14, 8 p.m.; Feb. 8 and 15, 2 and 8 p.m.; Feb. 9 and 16, 1 and 6:30 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave. 570-342-7784.

YOUNG PEOPLE'S THEATER SERIES: "Doktor Kaboom," Feb. 13; "Junie B. Jones," March 28; "The Monster Who Ate My Peas," April 4; "Peter Pan," May 15; all 10 a.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $7.

AMERICAN IDIOT: March 5, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $34/$49/$59/$75.

RAIN: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $37/$45/$55. 570-342-7784.

DRIVING MISS DAISY: Walnut Street Theater, March 6, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $15/$25/$35.

CESAR MILLAN: March 15, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $39/$54/$85.

ROCK OF AGES: Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania; March 28, 8 p.m.; March 29, 2 and 8 p.m.; March 30, 1 and 6 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave. 570-342-7784.

THE FANTASTICKS: Nebraska Theatre Caravan, March 29, Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., $30/$40. 570-955-1455.

RED GREEN: HOW TO DO EVERYTHING: March 31, 7 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $47.50. Visit kirbycenter.org.

IRELAND: THE SHOW: April 2, 7:30 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29/$39/$49.

CIRQUE DREAMS ROCKS: April 11, 7:30 p.m.; April 12, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; April 13, 1 and 6 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave. 570-342-7784.

BALLROOM WITH A TWIST: April 12, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $29/$39/$49/$79.

THE MIDTOWN MEN: April 26, 8 p.m., F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre, $35/$45/$55.

THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE SCIENCE SERIES: Motion and Machines, May 5; Electricity, May 6; Life in Space, May 7; Flight, May 8; Hot and Cold, May 9; 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

AN EVENING WITH PATTI LUPONE AND MANDY PATINKIN: May 9, 8 p.m.; May 10, 2 and 8 p.m.; May 11, 1 and 6 p.m.; Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave. 570-342-7784.

JASON MILLER PLAYWRIGHTS' PROJECT DRAMATISTS SUPPORT GROUP: writing group, meets third Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., Olde Brick Theatre, 128 W. Market St., Scranton.

THE POCONOS TONIGHT SHOW: Fridays, doors open 7 p.m., Paradise Stream Resort, Mount Pocono, $15/free for resort guests; dance party, follows show until 1 a.m. Visit www.CPResorts.com. 800-972-7168.

ART

SEVENTY YEARS OF PAINTING: works by Carol Oldenburg and Earl Lehman, on display through today, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

GATES TO INFINITY: works by Pilar Jimenez, on display through today, Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.

CRAYONS AND CARE II: works by children from Litewska Hospital, Warsaw, Poland; on display through Thursday, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke.

THIRD FRIDAY: works by Michael Sorrentino, on display Friday through Oct. 29, Blue Shutters Restaurant, Elmhurst Twp.; opening reception, Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.

NORTHEASTERN BIENNIAL TWENTY THIRTEEN: on display Oct. 19-Nov. 13; Mahady Gallery, Marywood University; Afa Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave.; Hope Horn Gallery, University of Scranton; and ArtWorks Gallery & Studio, 503 Lackawanna Ave., email gallery@marywood.edu; opening receptions, Oct. 19, 2 p.m., Hope Horn Gallery; 3 p.m., Afa Gallery and ArtWorks Gallery & Studio; 4:30 p.m., Mahady Gallery; awards ceremony, Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m., Mahady Gallery. 570-348-6211, ext. 2428.

THE ART OF BALLET: on display through Oct. 20, Sordoni Art Gallery, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, free. 570-408-4325.

THROUGH THE LENS: Northeast Photography Club members' juried exhibition, on display through Oct. 24, Windsor Studio, 408 Spruce St.

11TH INVITATIONAL EMERGING ARTISTS EXHIBITION: works by area high school students, on display through Oct. 25, Widmann Gallery, Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, King's College, Wilkes-Barre. 570-208-5900, ext. 5328.

THIS SHOW IS FOR THE BIRDS: works by John Goldman and Raymond Listanski, on display through Oct. 29, Camerawork Gallery, 515 Center St. Visit www.cameraworkgallery.org. 570-344-3313.

CAPTURING REALISM 2013: works by Ani Art Academies instructors, alumni and apprentices, on display through Oct. 31, Pauly Friedman Art Gallery, Misericordia University, Dallas.

SUPERHEROES: paintings, drawings and digital prints by Ryan Ritterbeck and Gerry Stankiewicz, on display through October, 417 Lackawanna Avenue LLC, 417 Lackawanna Ave.

GRAND OPENING: works by various artists, on display through October, Arts on Adams, 348 Adams Ave.

GONE TO THE DOGS: works by Elaine Tweedy, on display through October, Bella Faccias Personalized Chocolates & Gifts LLC, 516 Lackawanna Ave.

CHOE FO SHO: works by Jonesy, on display through October, the Bog, 341 Adams Ave.

SEVERAL ACTIVITIES: photography by Lacey Lynn; D&E "Duct Tape Design" by Danielle Jenkins & Emily; on display through October, Café Trio, Chocolate Creations, Ferrone Winery and Realty Network Commercial Group, 400 Spruce St.

RAILFANNING 50 YEARS: original railroad photography, 1963-2013, by Joe Cimini, on display through October, City Café, 116 N. Washington Ave.

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS: works by Patrick Murphy, on display through October, Eden - a vegan cafe, 344 Adams Ave.

BELLY DANCING: on display through October, Exhale Hookah Lounge & Kabob Grill, 136 Wyoming Ave.

A DAY TO REMEMBER: works by Matt Wheeler, on display through October, the Keys Beer & Spirits, 244 Penn Ave.

ABSTRACTIONS: works by Erin Jordan, on display through October, Lounge 414, 414 Spruce St.

ASSORTED ART & COOKOUT: on display through October, New Life Baptist Church, 326 Spruce St.

PICTURE YOUR IMPACT - WE HAVE THE PROMISE!: works by various children; United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties photography project; works by Marywood University students; on display through October, Penn Security Bank, 150 N. Washington Ave.

LATEST PAINTINGS: works by Heidi Van Leuven, on display through October, Pierre's Fine Clothing and Accessories, 406 Spruce St.

GENRE PHOTOGRAPHY - A WALK IN OUR SHOES: works by Kaitlin Staples, on display through October, Shopland Hall, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

SCHOOL SPIRIT: photos from The Scranton Times archives, on display through October, The Times-Tribune Newseum, 149 Penn Ave.

SHAPE SHIFTERS: works by Kati Kameroski, Baba Yarnga and Diana Perciballi, on display through October, the Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St.

ALL THINGS PRINTED: works by various artists, on display through October, the Workshop, 334 Adams Ave.

CAMERA FOR A CURE: works by Timmy Walsh, on display through October, Abington Art Studio, 208 Depot St., Clarks Summit. Visit www.cameraforacure.com.

WORKS FROM 'THE STUDIO': A COLLABORATIVE EXHIBITION: on display through Nov. 1, Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Twp., free. 570-842-1506.

PLACES I LOVE: on display Nov. 8-Dec. 6, Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Twp., free; opening reception, Nov. 8, 5 to 7 p.m., free. 570-842-1506.

THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH VIETNAM 1966-67 - THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF A YOUNG SOLDIER: photographs by John Hudanish, on display through Nov. 12, Chamber Gallery, Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Building, 27 N. Main St., Carbondale, free.

MARKS: juried exhibit, on display through Nov. 14, Madelon Powers Gallery, East Stroudsburg University, Fine & Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg. Visit esuarts.esu.edu. 570-422-3483.

AIRING OF THE QUILTS - CIVIL WAR ERA QUILTING: on display through Nov. 15, Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, all ages. 570-996-1500.

DISTINGUISHED VISITING ARTISTS LECTURE SERIES: Painter David Reed, Nov. 20, 3 p.m., Media Center 160, Learning Resources Center, free.

ANNUAL FACULTY/ALUMNI EXHIBIT: Dec. 6-Jan. 2, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke.

INFUSING THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY: works by Arts Alive visual arts faculty, on display through Dec. 7, Suraci Gallery, Marywood University, email gallery@marywood.edu. Visit www.marywood.edu/galleries. 570-348-6278.

GLENBURN TWP. NINTH ANNUAL ART SHOW AND SALE: on display through Dec. 12, Glenburn Twp. building, 54 Waterford Road, Glenburn Twp. 570-954-1489 or 570-563-1177.

COMMUNITY ART AT THE EVERHART: DECKED OUT: on display through Dec. 30, Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St. 570-346-7186.

SIDEWALK SURFING: THE ART & CULTURE OF SKATEBOARDING: on display through Dec. 30, Everhart Museum, 1901 Mulberry St. 570-346-7186.

FOUR ARTISTS RETURN: works by Sue Hand, Joe Welden, Jan Henning and Barbara Kapalski; on display through Dec. 31, Wyoming County Courthouse Gallery, 1 Courthouse Square, Tunkhannock. 570-836-3200.

RECENT WORKS: works by Joseph Opshinsky, on display through December, Friedman Art Gallery, Nesbitt Academic Commons, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Old Route 115 and University Drive, Lehman. Visit www.JosephOpshinsky.com.

EXCEPTIONAL ART - EXCEPTIONAL ARTISTS: on display through April, Speech-Language and Hearing Center, Misericordia University, Dallas; works by Verve Vertu Art Studio artists. 570-674-8255.

ART WALK: second Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Clarks Summit venues.

THIRD FRIDAY WILKES-BARRE: art walk, third Friday of the month, 5 to 8 p.m., downtown Wilkes-Barre.

THIRD FRIDAY EXHIBITS: third Friday of the month, Blue Shutters Restaurant, Route 435, Elmhurst Twp.

JESSUP ART LOOP: second Saturday of the month, 3 to 8 p.m., downtown Jessup. Visit www.jessupartloop.info.

WATERCOLORS: by Jeff Lewis, permanent display, Linda Kay's Ole Green Ridge Diner, Sanderson Avenue.

EAT. SLEEP. POOP.: ongoing, Timmy's Town Center, Mall at Steamtown, $3/free for children under 2. Visit www.timmystowncenter.org. 570-341-1511.

SELECTIONS FROM THE MASLOW COLLECTION: ongoing exhibit, Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, Shields Center for Visual Art, Marywood University.

WATERCOLOR AND MIXED MEDIA: by Bill Woelkers, ongoing exhibit, Community Bank, 108 N. Washington Ave.

ETC.

25TH ANNUAL JUNK AND JEWELS SALE: today, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sawtelle Auditorium, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 500 Madison Ave., benefits Covenant Women pledged mission projects. 570-346-6400.

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: Art in Nature: Bird Seed Wreath, today, 9 a.m. to noon, $25; Bears in your Backyard, Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m., Lackawanna College Environmental Center, $5, all ages; Wolf Visions, Oct. 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Art in Nature: Mother Nature's Zen Patterns, Nov. 2, 1 to 4 p.m., $30; Natural Wonders, every other Thursday through Dec. 5; Lackawanna College Environmental Center, $5; Lackawanna College Environmental Institute, 10 Moffat Drive, Covington Twp., registration required for all activities. 570-842-1506.

ABINGTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES: Friends fall book sale, today, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clarks Summit United Methodist Church; library closed, Monday; Savvy Social Security Planning, Tuesday, 7 to 8 p.m., adults; afternoon book club, Wednesday, 2 to 3 p.m., adults; story time, Friday, 10:30 a.m., ages 1 to 3; Oct. 29, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., ages 3 to 5; Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m., ages 2 and 3; registration requested; canned goods collection, through Oct. 31, benefits Dalton Food Pantry; Caring Hands Group, Mondays, 1 p.m., grade seven to adults; mahjong, Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m., adults; bridge group, Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, adults; Scrabble, Thursdays, 1 p.m., adults; 1200 W. Grove St., Clarks Summit. Visit www.lclshome.org/abington.

ST. MARK'S CHURCH CRAFTY FLEA: today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., VFW, Route 590, Lackawaxen. 570-685-1998.

BOOK SIGNING: with author Edward Murphy, today, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Gander Mountain, Dickson City.

SCRANTON READS: ONE BOOK ONE CITY: drop-by craft, today, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lackawanna County Children's Library; "To Escape My Fate," Monday, 7:30 p.m., Studio Theater, University of Scranton; Movie Night: Buster Keaton's "The General", Friday, 7 p.m., Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton; Children During the Civil War, on display through Oct. 26, Lackawanna County Children's Library lobby; Addy raffle, now through Oct. 31, Lackawanna County Children's Library. Visit www.ScrantonReads.org.

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL AND CHILI COOK-OFF: today, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, N.Y., fees vary, beer festival 21 and older, chili cook-off all ages. Visit www.BethelWoodsCenter.org. 800-745-3000.

BOOK SIGNINGS: with author D'Orsay Logan; today, 1 to 3 p.m., Northern Light Espresso Bar, 536 Spruce St.; Nov. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., Library Express, Steamtown Mall.

GRIFFIN POND ANIMAL SHELTER DOG-A-THON: today, 1 p.m., Mall at Steamtown.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY CHILDREN'S LIBRARY ACTIVITIES: Lego Club, today, 2:30 p.m., ages 5 to 12; pre-K story time, Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., ages 3 to 5; Tales for Tots, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m., ages 2 and 3; I Am a Hero - Part 3, Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., ages 9 to 12; Read with the Welcome Waggers, Thursday, 6:30 p.m., ages 5 to 12; Ma Goose Lap Rap, Friday, 10:30 a.m.; 520 Vine St., registration required for all activities. 570-348-3000, ext. 3015.

SECOND CORN ROAST AND PULLED PORK DINNER: today, 4 to 6 p.m., Clarks Green United Methodist Church hall, 119 Glenburn Road, Clarks Green, $4/$8.

A MIRACLE FOR AVA INAUGURAL GOLDEN GALA: today, 7 p.m., Genetti Manor, Dickson City. $25/$65. Visit www.amiracleforava.org. 570-677-0292.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON BUS TRIP: to Bucks County, today, 7 p.m., email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu 570-941-7816.

MODEL TRAIN SHOW & SALE: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hawley Fire Department, 17 Columbus Ave., Hawley, $3/free for children under 12. 570-226-3206.

ELMHURST ROARING BROOK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CHICKEN BBQ: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., St. Eulalia's Church Hall, 214 Blue Shutters Road, Roaring Brook Twp., $5/$9. 570-842-8309.

THINKBIG PEDIATRIC CANCER FUND FUNDRAISER: Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m., Gubbio's Restaurant, Dunmore, benefits ThinkBIG and children and families treated at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, email wlhinchey@geisinger.edu. 570-969-8179.

WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY SUNDAYS AT THE MUSEUM: Travel to the Time of the Lenape Indians, Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m., Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, free. Visit www.waynehistorypa.org. 570-253-3240

PITTSTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS: Teen Read Week, Sunday to Oct. 19; Wii Gamefest, Monday, 5 to 7:30 p.m., grades six to 12, free; Steampunk Craft, Tuesday, 3 to 4:30 p.m., grades six to 12; Fantasy Vs Sci-fi: Character Smackdown, Thursday, 6 p.m., grades six to 12; Lego Club, Mondays, 4 p.m.; Board Game Night, first Monday of the month, 6 p.m.; Craft Club, second Monday of the month, 6 p.m.; Snacks and Stories story time, Wednesdays, 4 p.m., all ages; Science Club, third Thursday of the month, 4 p.m.; toddler story time, Tuesdays, 10 a.m., and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.; preschool story time, Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.; 47 Broad St., Pittston. 570-654-9565.

THE MENU: Farmstand Fresh, Monday; Vegan Thanksgiving 101, Nov. 11; Back from Sorento with Chef Joe Caputo, Dec. 9; Superbowl Super Snacks with Wegmans, Jan. 13; Mario Bevilacqua of What the Fork Food Truck, March 10; Patio Party!, April 7; cocktails 6 p.m., program 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $10.

LACKAWANNA COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: Wednesday, 8:30 to 11 a.m., La Buona Vita, Dunmore, $15. 570-963-6800.

NANCY KAY HOLMES BRANCH LIBRARY EVENTS: Family Place, Wednesday and Oct. 23 and 30, 10 a.m., birth to 3 years and parents, registration required and limited; Story Time, Mondays and Fridays, 11:30 a.m., all ages; Friday CRAFTernoon, Fridays, 3 to 4:30 p.m., 3 and older; Green Ridge Street and Wyoming Avenue. 570-207-0764.

EVERHART READS BOOK CLUB: "Open City," Thursday; "Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found," Nov. 21; "The World Without Us," Dec. 19; 6 p.m., Library Express, Mall at Steamtown. 570-346-7186.

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 BAD MOVIE THURSDAYS: "Werewolf," Thursday; "Eegah!", Nov. 14; "Santa Conquers the Martians," Dec. 12; 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

ALBRIGHT MEMORIAL LIBRARY EVENTS: Ancestry.com workshop, Thursday; eBooks and Digital Magazines workshops, Oct. 24; National Novel Writing Month Kickoff Party, Oct. 27, 2 to 5 p.m.; Love, Loss and German Shepherds with Allie Larkin via Skype, Oct. 29, 7 p.m., register at ToGather.com; Mango workshop, Oct. 31; 500 Vine St. 570-348-3000.

KEYSTONE COLLEGE HOMECOMING: Friday and Oct. 19, campus, La Plume; Alumni Night, Friday, 5:30 p.m., Chef's Table Restaurant; Anthony Hannigan and the Hickory Project, Friday, 8 p.m.; breakfast, Friday, 9 a.m., Hibbard Campus Center; guided hike through wooded campus, Oct. 19, 10 a.m.; annual homecoming parade, Oct. 19, 11 a.m., College Avenue, Factoryville; alumni lunch/awards presentation, follows parade; Athletics Hall of Fame induction/reception, Oct. 19, 4:30 p.m., Theatre in Brooks. Visit www.keystone.edu/homecoming.

14TH ANNUAL BLACK BEAR FILM FESTIVAL: Friday to Oct. 20, Milford Theatre, 114 E. Catherine St., Milford; opening night gala, Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., St. Patrick's event venue, 111 E. High St., Milford, $60/$150; email info@blackbearfilm.com. Visit www.BlackBearFilm.com. 570-409-0909.

COLUMNS MUSEUM EVENTS: "The Vanishing American" film screening, Friday, 7 p.m.; Smoky Joe Wood Day, Oct. 25, 6 p.m., Rohmans Inn, 100 Rohman Road, Shohola; Dinner and a Movie: "Cool Hand Luke," Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m.; Pike County Historical Society, 608 Broad St., Milford. 570-296-8126.

SALT SPRINGS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Bats! Oh My!, Friday, 7 p.m., free for members/$5 individuals/$10 families; full moon hike, Oct. 19, rain date Oct. 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., $5 individual/$15 families/discount for members; Movie Nights, Nov. 2, 7 p.m., donations accepted; Take a Step Back in Thyme, Nov. 3, 1 to 3 p.m., $10 individual/$15 pairs/discount for members; Game On, Nov. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., donations accepted; Salt Springs Park, Silver Creek Road, Montrose.

EOTC FAMILY FUN WALK: Oct. 19, registration 8 a.m., walk 9 a.m., Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, $15 per family, benefits EOTC children's programs; registration/giveaways, EOTC Seventh Avenue Center, 431 N. Seventh Ave. 570-348-6484 or 570-558-7562.

ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH RUMMAGE SALE: Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 1625 N. Main Ave. Visit www.stmscranton.org/flyer2.pdf. 570-343-0634.

PASSPORT TO SCIENCE/OPEN HOUSE: Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lawrence and Sally Cohen Science Center, Wilkes University, 140 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre, free, registration encouraged and required for groups of 10 or more. Visit www.community.wilkes.edu/PassportToScience.

COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH ANNUAL TURKEY SUPPER & BAKE SALE: Oct 19, takeouts 2:30 to 4 p.m., dine-in 4 to 7 p.m., 14011 Orchard Drive, Clarks Summit, $12 adults/$6 children under 12. 570-587-3206.

NADINE CENCI MARCHEGIANI FOUNDATION PASTA DINNER: Oct. 19, 5 to 8 p.m., Café Soriano, 523 Main St., Peckville, $10, benefits NCMF; dine-in reservations, 570-383-5425; tickets, 570-383-0783.

THE COMMONWEALTH MEDICAL COLLEGE FIFTH ANNUAL GALA: Oct. 19, 6 p.m. to midnight, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., $175. Visit www.thecommonwealthmedical.com/gala. 570-504-9650.

POCONO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER ACTIVITIES: Nature at Night, Oct. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., $5; The "Easy Does It" Hikers, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to noon, free; ECO book club, Oct. 20, 1 to 2:30 p.m., free; EcoZone! Afternoon, Oct. 20, Nov. 3 and 10, and Dec. 8, 1 to 4 p.m., free, and Nov. 16 and Dec. 7, 1 to 4 p.m., $5; Girl Scout Badge Fest, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $12 half day/$20 full day; Boy Scout Badge Fest, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $12 half day/$20 full day; Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Nov. 3, 5 to 7 p.m., free; 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry, registration recommended. Visit www.peec.org. 570-828-2319.

SCRANTON SKI CLUB AUCTION: Oct. 19, 6 p.m., Montage Mountain, free, benefits Special Olympics and Wounded Warriors, 1000 Montage Mountain Road.

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR AT HOLY FAMILY RESIDENCE ANNUAL ROAST BEEF DINNER: Oct. 20, noon to 4 p.m., Holy Family Residence auditorium, 2500 Adams Ave., $10 advance/$12 at door/$6 children 10 and younger, benefits new mattresses and beds for residents. Visit www.littlesistersofthepoorscranton.org. 570-343-4065.

GREEN RIDGE HISTORIC WALKING TOUR: Oct. 20, 1 p.m., departs Green Ridge Presbyterian Church, Green Ridge Street and Wyoming Avenue, free. 570-346-6179.

SEVENTH ANNUAL MICHELE'S LADIES IN PINK PARTY: Oct. 20, 2 to 6 p.m., Fiorelli's, Main Street, Peckville, $32, benefits local breast cancer patients, two Valley View High School scholarships and monetary gifts to local families affected by cancer. Visit www.michelesladiesinpink.com. 570-650-0617, 570-383-2031, 570-313-7795, 570-510-4659.

NINTH ANNUAL CHOCOHOLIC FROLIC: Oct. 20, 6 to 8 p.m., Hilton Scranton and Conference Center. Visit www.uncnepa.org. 570-346-0759, ext. 114 or 104.

DANCE NIGHTS: Oct. 20, 6 to 9 p.m.; Gala Christmas Dance, Dec. 2, 8 to 10 p.m.; Latour Room, Nazareth Hall, Marywood University, free.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE GROW YOURSELF SERIES: Walk and Birding Experience, Oct. 20, Lackawanna State Park, Dalton, $5 nonmembers/free for members; Tea Party with the Clelands, Nov. 13, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., Cleland House, 520 Madison Ave., $5 nonmembers/free for members; Introduction to Belly Dancing, Jan. 29, 6 to 7 p.m., Step by Step Dance Studio, 1200 N. Keyser Ave., $15; reservations required, mbushwick@jfsoflackawanna.org. 570-344-1186.

10TH ANNUAL CHEFS UNITED DINNER: Oct. 23, cocktails 5:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., Inn at Woodloch, benefits United Way of Pike County.

LIBRARY EXPRESS EVENTS: Open Mic Poetry Night, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., adults; Wild Thing Celebration, Oct. 24, 6 p.m., children; second floor, Mall at Steamtown. 570-558-1670.

ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS DAY LUNCHEON: Oct. 24, noon, Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel, reservations required. 570-344-7684.

WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY JAIL TALES: Oct. 25-26, 6 to 9 p.m., historic Old Stone Jail, 10th and Court streets, Honesdale, $10 advance/$12 at door, email wchs@ptd.net. Visit waynehistorypa.org. 570-253-3240.

ANNUAL STORYTELLING DINNER: Oct. 25-26, 6:30 p.m., Settlers Inn, 4 Main Ave., Hawley, $65. Visit www.TheSettlersInn.com. 570-226-2993.

BRIAN FANELLI BOOK LAUNCH/READING FOR ALL THAT REMAINS: Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St. Visit www.brianfanelli.com.

SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Ukrainian Cultural Day Show, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Cyril's School Gymnasium, 135 River St., Olyphant, 383-0319; banquet, Oct. 27, 5 to 9 p.m., Fiorelli Catering, 1501 Main St., Peckville, $12/$40. 570-383-9487. Visit www.stcyrils.maslar-online.com.

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL PARENTS CLUB CRAFT FAIR AND HOME SHOWCASE: Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Holy Cross High School, 501 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, $2/$3. 570-346-7541.

ANNUAL DUNMORE ROTARY FALL SPAGHETTI DINNER: Oct. 27, noon to 4 p.m., Carmella's Restaurant, 140 Erie St., Dunmore, $4/$9.

REMEMBER JOHNNY MITCHELL DAY: Oct. 27, 2 p.m., Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park. Visit www.anthracitemuseum.org. 570-963-4804.

SKYTOP LODGE EVENTS: book signing and photo/autograph session, with author Melissa Gorga, Oct. 27, event 3 to 5 p.m., cocktail reception 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Skytop Lodge, Skytop, $50 hotel guests/$75 public. Visit skytop.com/Events. 855-345-7759.

SIXTH ANNUAL A NIGHT FOR THE CURE: Oct. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., Woodloch Pines Resort, Hawley, $10, benefits Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation through BK Hope Cures. Visit www.bkhopecures.org/trickytray. 570-685-8002.

HYPNOPHOBIA FILM SCREENING: Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m., Carbondale Chamber of Commerce foyer/gallery, 27 N. Main St., Carbondale, 18 and older.

AMERICAN CULINARY FEDERATION PROFESSIONAL CHEFS OF NORTHEAST PENNSYLVANIA INC. SECOND CUPCAKE WARS: Oct. 28, 3 p.m., Vanderlyn's Restaurant, 239 Schyuler Ave., Kingston, $25, register by Oct. 20, email chefjohn21@comcast.net. 570-574-9310.

SECOND NORTHEAST REGIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE SPIRIT OF HOPE CELEBRATION: Nov. 1, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Plains Twp. 570-941-7984.

PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE INAUGURAL LAPS FOR LUNG CANCER MALL WALK: Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mall at Steamtown. 570-342-8874.

FASHION SHOW: Nov. 2, 2 p.m., Gouldsboro United Methodist Church, 495 Main St., Gouldsboro, $15, benefits Gouldsboro Train Station. 570-842-6129,

ST. ANDRE BESSETTE PARISH ANNUAL TOY BINGO: Nov. 3, doors open 11:30 a.m., games 1 p.m., Monsignor Curran Hall, Holy Saviour Church, 52 Hillard St., Wilkes-Barre, $5. 570-823-4988.

ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL TURKEY DINNER: Nov. 3, noon to 4 p.m., St. Mary's Center, 310 Mifflin Ave., $5/$12. Visit www.stpeterscathedral.org. 570-344-7231.

OUR TASTE OF THE TOWN: Nov. 3, 2 to 5 p.m., Best Western Pioneer Plaza, Carbondale, $25 advance/$30 at door, benefits Carbondale Chamber of Commerce and Carbondale and Forest City historical societies. 570-282-1690.

WAYNE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ACTIVITIES: Lunch and Learn series, Power to Make a Difference - Shopping for and Saving Electricity, Nov. 6; noon to 1 p.m.; library chess hour, Tuesdays through Nov. 12, 6 to 7 p.m.; 1406 Main St., Honesdale, email ewilson@waynelibraries.org. 570-253-1220.

ST. JOHN'S RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Nov. 8-9, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Parish Center, Hill Street, Mayfield. 570-876-0730, 570-254-6882 or 570-906-4520.

STEAMTOWN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE: Veterans Day entrance-fee free weekend, Nov. 9-11; Canadian Pacific Railway annual Holiday Train, Nov. 26, 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.; Steamtown Limited Short Train Rides, Wednesdays to Sundays through Nov. 24; $5 age 6 and older/$35 locomotive cab rides; Steamtown National Historic Site. Visit www.nps.gov/stea. 570-340-5200.

VALLEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY FALL BOOK SALE: Nov. 13-14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 739 River St., Peckville. 570-489-1765.

INTERACTIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATION/PRESENTATION: with the Rev. Leo Patalinghug, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., Huntzinger and Alden Trust Rooms 218-219, Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, Dallas, free; book signing, follows demonstration. Visit www.misericordia.edu. 570-674-6400.

SCRANTON SKI CLUB 55TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER-DANCE: Nov. 15, Al Mio Amore, 280 Main St., Dickson City. 570-706-3872.

CUB SCOUT PACK 21 HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., LaSalle School, Dickson City, $1.

WAVERLY COMMUNITY HOUSE EVENTS: Artisans' Marketplace Preview Party, Nov. 22, 6 p.m., $25; Juried Fine Arts & Crafts Show, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $6; Wreathmaking with Abby Peck, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., $2; Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 14, 10 a.m., $10; 1115 North Abington Road, Waverly Twp. Visit www.waverlycomm.org. 570-586-8191, ext. 2.

ANNUAL SANTA PARADE: Nov. 23, 9 to 11 a.m., downtown Scranton, email info@santaparade.net. Visit www.santaparade.net. 570-483-8757.

SECOND MATT FLYNN MEMORIAL FUNDRAISER: Nov. 23, 7 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON ASTRONOMY CLUB PUBLIC OBSERVATION NIGHTS: 2013 Comet ISON, Nov. 25, 8 p.m., Loyola Science Center Observation Deck, University of Scranton; email Astronomy@scranton.edu.

HARVEST & HERITAGE DAYS: Nov. 29-30, downtown Honesdale. 570-253-5492.

DALTON FIRE COMPANY LADIES AUXILIARY CRAFT SHOW: Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dalton Fire Hall, 109 S. Turnpike Road, Dalton, free. 570-563-1268 or 570-563-3298.

SECOND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY ARTISAN FAIR: Nov. 30, 10 p.m. to 4 p.m., Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., free, email info@scrantonsvintagetheater.com. 570-507 9671. Visit www.scrantonsvintagetheater.com.

SECOND BUY LOCAL HOLIDAY: Dec. 1, 11 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

FILM SCREENINGS: "Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas," Dec. 6-7, 5:30 and 7 p.m.; "It's a Wonderful Life," Dec. 17, 2, 7 and 8 p.m.; Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free. 570-996-1500.

HOLIDAY WORKSHOP: Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, all ages. 570-996-1500.

HOLIDAY MOVIE SCREENING: "Mickey's Christmas Carol" and "A Muppet's Christmas: Letter's to Santa," Dec. 19, 6 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., free.

ST. PATRICK'S PARADE DAY PARTY: March 15, noon, Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

EVENING OF FINE FOOD AND WINE: April 27, 5:30 p.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

GREY TOWERS MANSION TOURS: daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. 570-296-9630. Visit www.greytowers.org or www.fs.fed.us/gt.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SCRANTON GHOST WALKS: daily, 8 p.m., $15/$20, reservations required. Visit scrantonghosttours.com. 570-383-1821.

EVERYBODY EATS FREE MEAL AND LIVE MUSIC: third Monday of every month, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Myrtle Street United Methodist Church, 840 Harrison Ave., free. 570-346-9911.

HAWLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES: role-playing game, Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.; Music and Movement, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.; story time, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Read with Tess, Wednesdays through summer, 3 to 5 p.m.; Read with Twiggy, Thursdays, 3 to 5 p.m.; parent/child workshop, Fridays, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; 103 Main Ave., Hawley. 570-226-4620.

CRAFT NIGHT: Tuesdays, 7 p.m., The Vintage Theater, 326 Spruce St., free, donations accepted. Visit www.scrantonsvintagetheater.com. 570-507-9671.

DORFLINGER GLASS MUSEUM: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., White Mills. Visit www.dorflinger.org. 570-253-1185.

TASTES OF WAYNE - FIRST WEDNESDAYS: first Wednesday of the month, various Wayne County restaurants, benefits Wayne County Historical Society. 570-729-8187.

PIKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: canasta parties, second Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., 608 Broad St., Milford, $5, email pikemuse@ptd.net. 570-296-8126.

TROLLEY EXCURSIONS: Thursdays to Sundays, 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m., Electric City Trolley Museum, 300 Cliff St. 570-963-6590.

WRITERS' GROUP: Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, free, 18 and older. 570-996-1500.

MUSEUM WITHOUT WALLS: activities for children, first Thursday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ben-Mar Restaurant, 89 N. Main St., Carbondale, $10 per child. Visit www.theAHDC.com. 570-282-1771.

INTERNATIONAL DINNER CLUB: second Thursday of the month, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., St. Mary's Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., $19.95 advance only.

WEST PITTSTON LIBRARY EVENTS: weekly story time, Fridays, 1 p.m., free; book club, first Tuesday of the month, 6:45 p.m., free; West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave., West Pittston. 570-654-9847.

PIKE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS: The Columns mansion tours, Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m.; museum, Wednesdays and Fridays, 6 to 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.pikecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

TASTINGS AND DEMOS: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mill Market, Hawley Silk Mill, Suite 111, 8 Silk Mill Drive, Hawley, free, info@millmarketPA.com. Visit MillMarketPA.com. 570-390-4440.

HOUDINI MUSEUM TOUR AND MAGIC SHOW: weekends, 1 to 4:30 p.m., 1433 N. Main Ave., $17.95 adults/$14.95 children 11 and younger in advance, $20 at door, reservations recommended. Visit houdini.org. 570-342-5555.

HISTORY MYSTERY TOUR & MAGIC WORKSHOP: year-round, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.

A DAY AT THE CULTURAL CENTER: year-round, 10 a.m., Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave.


Source: Thetimes-tribune

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Improve your speed; improve your game

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The difference between catching and missing that long touchdown pass (or the bus for your morning commute) comes down to only sec­onds and inches, but can end up costing a lot more. Put some hustle behind your muscle and improve your overall speed with these easy and quick tips from the experts at Life Fitness. Speed is more than just a mad, reckless dash.

* View your body as an engine: more horsepower means quicker acceleration and faster speeds overall. Focus on building strength throughout your lower body with calf raises, squats, lunges and leg presses and pay special attention to your hip flexors. Powerful hip flexors will improve your range of motion and are the key to sprinting faster. Try the Dual Adjustable Pulley machine for single leg and balance work. In addition to your lower body, strengthening your core will improve your speed, balance, and agility by fortifying the connection between the muscles of the upper and lower body. Do Strength Training.

* Plyometric train­ing involves high-intensity, explosive muscular contractions, which enables your muscles to exert maximum force in the shortest amount of time possible, thereby improving your speed. Pre-stretch your muscles and then harness their maximum force by utilizing jumping, bounding, and hopping movements. Jumping jacks, split jumps, squat jumps and box jumps will torch calories and build lean muscle while helping you log faster times.

Do Plyometrics. * Amp up your overall speed with interval training, which alternates short, high intensity bursts of speed with slower recovery phases in a single workout. Interval training will enhance your cardiovas­cular capacity (the ability to deliver oxygen to the working muscles) and ultimately leads to increased accel­eration and speed.

* Do Intervals.

Put on the Brakes.

As an athlete, maintaining control over your movements and agility is paramount to your performance. You can't stop and turn on a dime with your legs flailing wildly beneath you, right? The key to slowing down is to have flexible legs, bent knees and lowered hips. Staying low will occur naturally if you are strong enough.

Practice flexibility training multiple times per week. Warm up before workouts with dynamic movements and cool down with static stretches.

Comments

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Source: Herald-dispatch

Nexus 5 said to be 'half the price' of the iPhone 5S

A source says the new Google phone will come with an attractive price for those that have been hankering for a new Nexus.

(Credit: MacRumors)

The hype and rumors we're hearing around the upcoming Nexus 5, expected from LG and Google later this month, is that it could instantly become the new Android phone to beat. But the latest whisperings hint that it could also give the iPhone 5s iphone cases lcd display fm transmitter with holder for apple iphone ipod a run for its money when it comes to how much of your money you have to shell out for one.

TechRadar says a "source familiar with Google" has told the site that the successor to the popular but LTE-less Nexus 4 will ship in the latter part of October and cost "half the price" of the iPhone 5S.

What's a little tricky about this is that the source seems to be referring to United Kingdom prices and ship dates, which can be different from what we see in the United States. If the Nexus 5 were to be half of what an unlocked iPhone 5S sells for at retail stateside (it starts at $649 for 16 GB contract-free with a T-Mobile SIM), that would mean we could see a new unlocked Nexus that, according to TechRadar's source, will meet the specs of the iPhone 5S, but for less than $350.

That would certainly be a welcome deal for Nexus fans hoping for a repeat of the $299 price tag for an unlocked Nexus 4 right out of the gate.

We'll see in the coming weeks if Google actually offers such a pre-holiday bargain on a top-flight phone, or if we've just caught wind of some sort of UK-only pricing scheme or just total bunk.

Be sure to read up on everything else we expect in a new Nexus, and let us know in the comments if you plan to get one of your own.


Source: Cnet

Narni, lo 'Speco' festeggia gli 800 anni / L'angelo che apparve a Francesco d'Assisi - TUTTOGGI.info

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Ieri, 29 settembre, la chiesa ha celebrato la memoria degli arcangeli e a Santa Maria degli Angeli si sono riuniti centinaia di famiglie per la grande Festa degli Angeli. Ma anche in un piccolo eremo della valle ternana il protagonista indiscusso è stato un angelo. Un angelo che otto secoli fa apparve al poverello di Assisi, malato e stanco, per alleviare le sue pene con angeliche armonie.

L'eremo in questione è il santuario del Sacro Speco di Sant'Urbano, presso Narni, convento francescano della prima ora, che il 28 settembre ha festeggiato i suoi 800 anni. Era infatti il 1213 quando Francesco e alcuni compagni giunsero per la prima volta in questo meraviglioso fazzoletto di bosco, dove già erano presenti e frequentate una piccola chiesa dedicata a San Silvestro, una fonte d'acqua miracolosa e alcune grotte, tra cui una, che il santo amò da subito, a forma di fenditura verticale che gli ricordava la piaga del costato del Signore Gesù (FF445) e che entrò nella tradizione francescana col nome di Speco.

Alla presenza del Provinciale, fr. Bruno Ottavi, e del Sindaco di Narni, il dott. Francesco De Rebotti, fr. Massimo Reschiglian, assieme agli altri frati dello Speco e ai tanti che ritrovano in quel luogo ristoro per lo spirito, hanno voluto organizzare una giornata per celebrare la storia di un eremo che è sempre stato legato a doppio filo con il sincero e profondo desiderio di radicalità francescano.

La prima parte del pomeriggio è stata dedicata all'approfondimento storico di questi 800 anni di storia. Il primo intervento in programma era quello di don Felice Accrocca, importante studioso di francescanesimo, che non è potuto essere presente e ha quindi affidato a fr. Pietro Messa la lettura della sua relazione sui primi due secoli di storia dello Speco attraverso le Fonti Francescane e gli scritti di un grande riformatore dell'Ordine del Trecento, Angelo Clareno. Il secondo intervento, di don Mario Sensi, ha spaziato lungo tutto il periodo dell'Osservanza, ovvero il Quattrocento. In primo luogo don Mario ha presentato la suggestiva ipotesi che lo Speco sorga su un santuario micaelitico del primo millennio dell'era cristiana, poi francescanizzato grazie alla memoria del passaggio di Francesco e dei primi compagni. Inoltre ha mostrato come lo Speco sia stato solo sfiorato dalla grande riforma osservante del Quattrocento, poiché fu abitato praticamente fino alla loro soppressione dai seguaci di fr. Angelo Clareno, e che solo con l'inizio del XVI secolo gli Osservanti abbiano voluto abitare questo luogo. E' proprio da questo momento, in particolare dal 1517, anno della divisione ufficiale dei Frati Minori e dei Frati Minori Conventuali, che questo luogo entra a far parte della provincia umbra dei Frati Minori. Proprio da questo anno 1517 è partito il terzo intervento, tenuto con maestria da Andrea Maiarelli, archivista presso l'archivio della provincia umbra dei Frati Minori, che ha compiuto un lungo percorso negli ultimi cinque secoli attraverso i documenti pervenuti fino a oggi. Grazie a testi elaborati dai frati del convento o sul convento abbiamo potuto cogliere aspetti importanti della vita quotidiana dello Speco fino alla sua chiusura nel 1911 e dalla riapertura nel 1943. Gli ultimi sessanta anni di storia, poi, sono stati indelebilmente segnati dalla figura di fr. Placido Santucci, che ha vissuto ben 62 anni allo Speco. A lui e a fr. Giuseppe de Bonis, tornato alla casa del Padre lo scorso mese d'agosto, sono stati dedicati tutti questi interventi.

Tra le immagini d'archivio proiettate dal prof. Maiarelli nel chiostro del convento, una riportava di nuovo in auge un angelo: era un documento del 1750 e riportava il sigillo dello Speco, raffigurante un angelo che suona la viola. Sulla scia di questa presenza costante degli angeli, la seconda parte del pomeriggio è stata dedicata alla lode di Dio attraverso il canto, grazie a un trio di frati che hanno preso ispirazione da una vetrata della basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli che raffigura anch'essa tre angeli con tre strumenti diversi. Il Trio Laudar Vollio, composto da fr. Alessandro Giacomo Brustenghi (canto e organo portativo), fr. Davide Pietro Boldrini (chitarra) e fr. Marco Savioli (violino) ha ripercorso la storia della salvezza nelle melodie delle antiche laudi medievali, cantando e suonando alla Vergine Maria, ai misteri della salvezza, a San Francesco nel piazzale esterno del convento, proprio sotto alla colonna dove l'angelo aveva rallegrato il sofferente Francesco.

Infine, con un semplice rinfresco, i partecipanti hanno vissuto un altro importante momento ricordato dalle Fonti Francescane: Francesco, stanco e malato, per avere un po' di sollievo per sé e per i suoi compagni, aveva chiesto che l'acqua della fonte si tramutasse in vino (FF429). Anche ieri, in quella che fr. Bartolomeo da Pisa alla fine del Trecento aveva ribattezzato "la Cana francescana", nella gratitudine e nella fraternità i tanti convenuti hanno potuto rifocillarsi prima di discendere di nuovo a valle e lasciare questo luogo santo dove ancora dopo 800 anni in tanti salgono per nutrire la vita spirituale nel silenzio, nella contemplazione, nel desiderio di radicalità sulle orme di Francesco.


Source: Tuttoggi