THIS WEEK: April 20 to 26, 2016

Fee-Free Days at Steamtown. The National Park Service will celebrate its 100th birthday by waiving entrance fees April 20 to 24 in honor of National Park Week. Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 570-340-5200.

Chair Yoga Class, for all ages. No previous yoga experience necessary. Laflin Public Library, 47 Laflin Road. 11 a.m. to noon April 20. Free. Registration: 570-654-3323.

Myths, Miracles and Everyday Heroes, a “Lunch and Learn” presentation about the Gift of Life organ-donor program. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 12:30 p.m. April 20. Registration: 570-654-9847.

Back Mountain Business and Community Expo, with representatives showcasing the diverse businesses of the area. Insalaco Hall, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 4 to 6:30 p.m. April 20. Followed by a historical presentation by Bill Bachman who produced the documentary “Harveys Lake: A Video Postcard” at 6:45 p.m. Free. 570-675-9380.

Latin American Film Festival, a screening of “La Batalla de los Invisibles” (Mexican; 2010), the story of a five-year struggle by 2300 janitors against California’s most powerful supermarket chains. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, 320 Madison Ave., University of Scranton. 7 p.m. April 20. Free. 570-941-4317.

Health and Wellness Fair, with more than 35 health-related companies offering information and free services including blood-pressure, glaucoma and hearing screenings. A healthy lunch will be available. Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 4 E. Center Hill Road, Dallas. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21. Free. 570-675-8600.

An Evening of Environmental Science, an Earth Day event with student-run interactive science experiments and an exhibit of Earth Day Essay Contest submissions and art work. Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton. 6 to 8 p.m. April 21. Free. 570-941-7669.

Knitting Weekend Workshop, a relaxing four-day getaway to work on a twisted hug moebius wrap or a warm thrummed hat. Bring your own knitting, crochet, quilting, spinning or rug hooking projects, if desired. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. April 21 to 24. $70 per day includes lodging and meals. Reservations: 570-828-2319.

Wellness Series, a talk on “Effective Communication,” including how to be clear and how to speak the truth without offending others. Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road. 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 21. Free. 570-267-2406.

Gmail Basics, an introduction to sending and receiving email messages. West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 6:30 p.m. April 21. 570-654-9847.

Alton Brown Live: Eat Your Science, the television personality, author and Food Network star in a culinary variety show with comedy, music, puppets and “dangerous experiments” in the kitchen. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 21. $65.50, $55.50, $45.50. 570-826-1100.

Renoir: Revered and Reviled, a film about the influential impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, shown as part of the Exhibition on Screen series. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura Blvd., Moosic. 7 p.m. April 21. $15. 570-961-5943.

Winemaking Workshop, with award-winning winemaker Charles Adonizio who talks about local history and the winemaking process, offering samples of homemade wines. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. 7 p.m. April 21. Free. 570-675-1182.

Holi: The Indian Festival of Color, the annual spring event held in conjunction with a celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. With Indian food, a talk on the festival’s history and throwing of washable powdered colors on white-t-shirt-clad students. Dionne Green, University of Scranton. 3 p.m. April 22. Free. 570-941-5904.

Food for Thought, a public forum centering on various topics including the relationship between intellectual accountability and the public good. Mary Kintz Bevevino Library, Misericordia University, 301 Lake St., Dallas. 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 22. Free. Reservations: 570-674-8184.

Supply Drive for Blue Chip Farm. Bring a donation for the animal refuge (grooming and cleaning supplies, food, towels, sheets, blankets etc.) and receive free and discounted appetizers at Cork Bar and Restaurant, 463 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre. With Blue Chip-themed cocktails, specials and an open dining deck for your four-legged friends. Sponsored by Wild Blue Yonder, a Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2016 Project Team. April 22, 23 and 26. 570-357-7253.

Luzerne County Historical Society Annual Dinner, with a presentation by historians Charles Petrillo and Chester Kulesa on “The Knox Mine Disaster and Beyond.” Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. April 22 with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation. $80. Reservations: 570-823-6244, ext. 3.

Meet & Greet with author and former Animal Planet star Shorty Rossi and his service dog Francis. Included: a talk on breed-specific legislation, animal rescue and the importance of spaying/neutering pets, along with light hors d’oeuvres, book signing, photo ops, basket raffles and more. Mohegan Sun Pocono, 1280 Route 315, Plains Township. 6 p.m. April 22. $20. Reservations: 570-825-4111, ext. 4 or 7.

Eat, Drink & Paint, a benefit for the Kunkle Fire Company with food, non-alcoholic beverages and all painting supplies. BYOB. Age 18 and older. Kunkle Social Hall, 815 Kunkle Road. 6:30 p.m. April 22. $45. Reservations: 570-675-3334.

Scranton Sesquicentennial Celebration, the 150th anniversary of Scranton’s 1866 charter beginning with 150 seconds of church bells and 150 seconds of sirens 9 a.m. on April 23. Other events include Historical Society tours of the city at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., a Sesquicentennial Quilt Exhibit (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at City Hall), a Citizens Luncheon with speakers and a premiere video (noon to 2 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center), LEGO Contest for age 5 and older (2 to 4 p.m. at the Steamtown Mall), a historic scavenger hunt 4 to 7 p.m. and a Birthday Bash (7 to 11 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel) followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Details at scrantontomorrow.org.

Shakespeare Lives! A festival celebrating Shakespeare’s unique contribution to world literature with noted Shakespeare scholars and performers offering lectures, discussions and scenes from “Hamlet.” Presentations include “Performing Shakespeare’s Language,” “Shakespeare Lives: Past, Present and Future,” “Will Power: 1616-2016,” “Shakespeare and Gender” and more. Brennan Hall and other campus venues, University of Scranton. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23. $25 includes a lunch buffet. Registration: 570-941-6206.

Hawley EarthFest, an Earth Day celebration with a Species Parade, an Environmental Expo with live animals, demonstrations, exhibits and more; an acoustic mini-jam, storytelling and an Earth Day-themed painting session. Bingham Park and other venues in downtown Hawley. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23. Also: an Earth Day Festival Birding & Breakfast 8 a.m. April 24. Details at hawleyearthfest.com.

Jim Thorpe Earth Day Celebration, with a Bike & Ride, River Clean-Up, live music, children’s activities, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, raffles, book readings, hula hooping, crafters and more. Downtown Jim Thorpe. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23. Details at jimthorpeearthday.com

Bloomsburg Renaissance Jamboree, the 38th annual street festival with arts-and-crafts vendors, food, games and entertainment by jugglers, magicians, martial artists, dance groups and musicians. Main Street, downtown Bloomsburg. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 23. 570-784-2522.

Monroe County Earth Day, with ecological exhibitors, speakers, eCycling, Give and Take, children’s activities, tire amnesty and entertainment by Spencer and Nancy Reed, Porter & Sayles, Katie Rubino and Mike Pilgermayer. Northampton Community College, 2411 Route 715, Tannersville. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23. 570-629-3061.

300 Years of Wyoming Valley History: Chapter 4 — Building Our Heritage 1900-1940, including events from the Great Strike of 1902 to World War II. 10:30 a.m. April 23 at the West Pittston Library, 200 Exeter Ave. 570-654-9565 or 570-654-9847.

Cherry Blossom Festival, the annual springtime festival with family-friendly entertainment, food, fun rides and handmade arts and crafts. Kirby Park, Market Street, Wilkes-Barre. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 23 and 24. 570-208-4237.

Stories of the Susquehanna: Utopian Dreams, a free showing of the 26-minute documentary produced by Bucknell University students about two river communities: Joseph Priestley’s society in the Northumberland County region and French Azilum in Bradford County. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 11 a.m. April 23. 570-996-1500.

Beginners Guide to Digital Photography, with landscape photographer Henry F. Smith Jr. who talks about gear you need to get started and a variety of options available to capture beautiful photographs in nature. Age 16 and older. Nescopeck State Park, 1137 Honey Hole Road, Drums. 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 23. Free. Registration: 570-403-2006.

Financial Wellness Workshop, how to set up a good financial plan. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 1 p.m. April 23. Free. 570-823-0156.

Night at the Races, hosted by the Franklin Township and Mount Zion Bicentennial fire companies. With food, drinks, raffles, baskets and virtual horse racing. Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company, 329 Orange Road, Dallas. April 23 with doors at 6 p.m. and races at 7 p.m. $10. 570-406-3167.

Swing into Spring Dance, with music by the Poets. Genetti’s Hotel and Conference Center, 77 E. Market St., Wilkes-Barre. April 23 with doors at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing 8 to 11 p.m. $40. Reservations: 570-457-6558.

Cash Bingo, with homemade food and refreshments. Holy Family Parish Hall, 828 Main St., Sugar Notch. April 24 with doors at noon and games at 1 p.m. 570-822-8983.

Spring Food & Wine Tasting, a benefit for the Back Mountain Memorial Library at Top Value Kitchens, 17 E. Center St., Shavertown. 2 to 5 p.m. April 24. $35. 570-675-1182.

Big Screen Classics, a limited showing of the 1954 drama “On the Waterfront” with Marlon Brando accompanied by special commentary from Turner Classic Movies hosts Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura Blvd., Moosic. 2 and 7 p.m. April 24 and 27. 570-961-5943.

Fundraiser for cystic fibrosis victim Sage Harvey. Applebee’s Restaurant, 253 Wilkes-Barre Township Blvd., Wilkes-Barre. 8 to 10 a.m. April 24. $8, $4.50 children. 570-817-0823.

Tunkhannock Business and Professional Women’s Luncheon, to honor Barbara Landon as Woman of the Year 2016. Moose Lodge, Tunkhannock. 12:30 p.m. April 24. $15. Reservations: 570-665-1047.

300 Years of Wyoming Valley History: Chapter 5 — Hidden in the Corner 1940-1975, dealing with war and cultural changes along with the waning of the coal industry and the Agnes Flood. Presented by historian Clark Switzer. 6 p.m. April 25 at the Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas; and 10:30 a.m. April 30 at the Hoyt Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. Free. 570-287-2013 or 570-675-1182.

Live Your Best Life, a talk on saving for future education costs by Christie Bonnice of State Farm. Hoyt Library, 284 Wyoming Ave., Kingston. 6 p.m. April 25. Registration: 570-287-2013.

Conflict in the Middle East, a social justice talk by Jeff Schultz and Henry Hunsinger of the college’s social science and history departments. Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. April 26. Free and open to the public. 800-377-5222.

FUTURE

Film Favorites, a screening of “Sandlot,” (1993) about the adventures of Scotty Smalls who joins the local baseball team. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 1 and 7 p.m. April 27. Free. 570-996-1500.

Don’t Get Hacked! How to protect your personal information and identity online and learn the warning signs of identity theft. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 27. Free. 570-823-0156.

Silent Auction and Swapapalooza, a fundraiser for SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support). Bring an unwanted item (no clothes, shoes or books) and swap it for another donated item. Food and beverages available for purchase. The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. April 28 with doors at 6 p.m., Swapapalooza at 6:30 p.m. and silent auction ending at 7:30 p.m. 570-245-1256.

Coloring for Adults. Experience the relaxing art of coloring. Supplies provided or bring your own. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 28. Light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, with extreme spectacles, fast-paced performances and exotic animals. Included: high-wire wizards, strongmen, BMX trick riders, trampoline daredevils, contortionists, a high-flying human cannonball and a bungee aerial skydiving display. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. April 28-29; 1 and 5 p.m. April 30 and May 1. 570-970-7600 or ticketmaster.com.

Schemel Forum Luncheon, with a talk on “Human Rights and Corporate Accountability” by Zamira Djabarova of EarthRights International. Rose Room, Brennan Hall, 320 Madison Ave., University of Scranton. Noon on April 29. $20. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Classic Detectives, screenings of “A Close Call for Boston Blackie” (1946) and “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” (1939). Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. April 29. Refreshments served. 570-823-0156.

Fine Wine, Fine Art. Bring your own snacks and wine and learn to create pottery. Materials and instruction provided. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 7 to 9 p.m. April 29. $25. 570-996-1500.

Treasures of the Earth, the annual rock and mineral show with fossils, gems, jewelry and geodes along with children’s activities in Dinoland, raffles and mineral identification. St. Joseph’s Oblates, 1880 Route 315, Pittston. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1. $3. 570-200-5987.

Mini Maker Faire, a showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness to celebrate the Maker Movement. Included: tech enthusiasts, crafters, scientists, hobbyists and garage tinkerers of all ages demonstrating particular skills and creations. The Children’s Museum, 2 W. Seventh St., Bloomsburg. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30. 570-389-9206.

One More Row, a knit-and-crochet group for all ages. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 10:30 a.m. to noon April 30. Light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Hops & Grapes Fest, with samples from two wineries and five craft brewers along with food tastings from area restaurants, music and raffles. Sponsored by the White Haven Area Community Library at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 411 Allegheny St., White Haven. 2 to 5 p.m. April 30. 570-443-8776.

All One Song, an experiential presentation interconnecting people, creativity and nature with percussionist Sue Spencer and poet, oral memoirist and photographer Michael Czarnecki. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Wyoming Valley, 20 Church Road, Wyoming. 7:30 p.m. April 30. $10. 570-696-3949.

Classic Car Show, the sixth annual fundraiser for the Luzerne County Historical Society. With DJ music, raffles, food and tours of the historic home of Luke Swetland. All vehicles welcome at a $15 entry fee. Swetland Homestead, 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. May 1 with car registration 9 a.m. to noon, judging 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and trophies awarded at 3 p.m. Dash plaques and goodie bags to the first 100 entrants. Registration: 570-823-6244, ext. 3.

Annual Quilters Luncheon, sponsored by the Cranberry Quilt Guild of Hazleton. With guest speaker Bethanne Nemesh presenting “Walk a Creative Path,” a multimedia show including a lecture, slide show and viewing of prized quilts. Sand Springs Country Club, 10 Clubhouse Drive, Drums. Noon to 4 p.m. May 1. $30. Reservations: 570-788-6141.

Tricky Tray Fundraiser, the seventh annual benefit for Caleb’s Foundation with more than 150 themed baskets along with a cash bar, door prizes and desserts. Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant, 205 Route 507, Hawley. Noon to 2:30 p.m. May 1. Info at calebspennies.com.

Israel and the Evolving Frontline of a Disintegrating Middle East: A Guided Tour, the 35th annual Max Rosenn Lecture in Law and Humanities presented by Ron Prosor, former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. May 1. Free. 570-408-4306.

Celebration of Student Scholars, the 16th annual event with displays and oral presentations of student research and other creative efforts. Atrium of the Loyola Science Hall, University of Scranton. 1 p.m. May 4. Free. 570-941-6353.

Cuatro de Mayo, a fundraiser for the Lacawac Sanctuary with beer, wine and appetizers. POSH @ the Scranton Club, 404 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 4. $20. info@lacawac.org.

America, Iran and the Middle East: An Assessment of the Current Situation, the Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute Lecture delivered by Professor Matthew Kroenig of Georgetown University. Loyola Science Center, University of Scranton. 7:30 p.m. May 5. Free. 570-941-7956.

Motherhood Movies, a showing of “Mamma Mia” (2008) starring Meryl Streep. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. May 6. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Greek Food Festival, with baklava, pastitsio, gyros, spanakopita, souvlaki and more. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 32 E. Ross St., Wilkes-Barre. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 11 to 14. Menu at greekfoodfestival.webs.com. 570-823-4805.

Schemel Forum Luncheon, with a talk on “Shared Paths, Divergent Courses: Zionism and Palestinian Nationalism.” DeNaples Center, 900 Mulberry St., University of Scranton. Noon on May 13. $20. Reservations: 570-941-6206.

Motherhood Movies, a showing of “The Joy Luck Club” (1993) about a group of aging Chinese women who meet regularly to trade familial stories while playing Mahjong. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. May 13. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Introduction to Blacksmithing, a look at the history and basics of blacksmithing with live demonstrations over a forge. Pocono Environmental Education Center, 538 Emery Road, Dingmans Ferry. 10 a.m. to noon May 15. $5. 570-828-2319.

Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Showcase, a trade show spotlighting area businesses. Shadowbrook Resort, 201 Resort Lane, Tunkhannock. Noon to 6 p.m. May 18. 570-836-7755.

Fine Arts Fiesta, the annual celebration of the arts with juried art exhibits, an artisans market, musical and stage performances, children’s tent, craftspersons and festival food. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 19 to 21; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 22. Info at fineartsfiesta.org.

Motherhood Movies, a showing of “Mildred Pearce” (1945) starring Joan Crawford. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. May 20. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Covered Bridge Tour, a bus ride to view 13 covered bridges in Columbia and Montour counties. Lunch provided. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 21. $20. Reservations: 800-847-4810.

Farm Animal Frolic, the 28th annual event with baby farm animals including kid goats, lambs, chicks, piglets, a calf and ducklings. Also: wagon rides pulled by Clydesdale draft horses, puppet show, storytelling, old-fashioned games, hay jump, fish pond, the Sheep Shed (with sheep shearing on May 21), one-room schoolhouse, the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, an outdoor brick bake oven with homemade bread, hot pretzels and cookies. Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm, 347 Quiet Valley Road, Stroudsburg. May 21 to 29 with hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. $8, $5 children. 570-992-6161 or quietvalley.org.

Motherhood Movies, a showing of “Mr. Mom” (1983) starring Michael Keaton and Teri Garr. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 2 p.m. May 27. Free with light refreshments. 570-823-0156.

Car Show, the 55th annual event sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Region of AACA. With more than 30 classes open to cars, trucks, motorcycles, street rods, rat rods, sport compacts and tuners. Wyoming Valley Airport, 2001 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. June 5 with gates open at 8 a.m. and judging at noon. $12 per vehicle entry; $2 spectators or $5 per carload. Information at nepraaca.org.

Support Our Veterans Ride and Picnic, the sixth annual motorcycle ride followed by a benefit picnic with food, music, drinks and raffles. American Legion Riders, 575 Route 239, Shickshinny. June 11 with registration 9 to 10 a.m. and ride at 10:30 a.m. $15; $10 passengers. The picnic runs 4 to 9 p.m. 570-542-4090.

Scranton Zinefest, the underground arts-and-literature festival and celebration of visual artists and writers. With zine makers, zine distros, artistic press publications, letterpress artists, live poetry readings, music and food. Adezzo’s Alleyway, 515 Center St., Scranton. Noon to 7 p.m. June 11. Free. Info at scrantonzinefest.weebly.com.

Civil War Reenactment, by the 143rd Pennsylvania Volunteers with a re-creation of the Battle of Big Bethel, weapons and drills demonstrations, authentic Civil War camps, hospital demonstrations and historic home tours. Swetland Homestead, 885 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. June 17 to 19. 570-823-6244.

Back Mountain Library Auction, the 70th annual event with antiques and collectibles up for bid in silent and live auctions, various booths, a flea market, plant stand, jewelry, themed raffle baskets, food vendors and more. Back Mountain Memorial Library, 96 Huntsville Road, Dallas. July 7 to 10. 570-675-1182.

Car Show, the third annual event with an Automotive Swap Meet. American Legion Mountain Post 781, Church Road, Mountain Top. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 31. $10 per entry. All vehicles welcome. 570-474-2161.

Star Wars Film Festival, a science-fiction marathon, sponsored by the W. Curtis Montz Film Series. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 3 with “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” (1977) at 1 p.m.; “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) at 4 p.m.; and “Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi” (1983) at 8 p.m. $5, $3 students; $12 for all three films. 570-826-1100.

ArtFest, the ninth annual summertime art party showcasing original works by regional artists along with music, food and family activities. Center Street between Main and Third streets, Bloomsburg. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6. 570-317-2596.

Fee-Free Days at Steamtown. The National Park Service will celebrate its 100th birthday by waiving entrance fees on the following days in 2016: National Park Service Birthday Weekend (Aug. 25 to 28), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 24) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Steamtown National Historic Site, 300 Cliff St., Scranton. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 570-340-5200.

Scranton Fringe Festival, a performing arts-based, four-day event held in multiple venues in downtown Scranton. Sept. 29 to Oct. 2. Details at scrantonfringe.org.