There's always something good happening in downtown Wilkes-Barre!
October 18 - October 24, 2016
Last Friday, our strategic goal of positioning Downtown Wilkes-Barre as the region's Innovation District took another big step forward when Governor Tom Wolf, Senator John Yudichak, and Representative Ed Pashinski announced a $2 million state grant to advance the next steps of the "Innovation Squared" initiative.

I've previously used this newsletter to describe how Downtown is rapidly becoming our region's hub for information-sector employment and startup business activity. On Friday, that progress was on full display as the Governor toured Pepperjam's expanding corporate operations; the adjacent Wilkes-Barre THINK Center; and the next component of the initiative - the First National Bank building on Public Square. Vacant since 1978, its historic stone walls will soon be housing new jobs and new ideas.

You can hear about the ghostly stories that are contained within some of Downtown's other historic stone walls later this week, as the Luzerne County Historical Society presents its ever-popular Downtown Ghost Walks on Friday and Saturday nights. Between the Ghost Walks and the F.M. Kirby Center's all-day Halloween Film Festival - culminating in a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show - on Saturday, it's clear that Downtown is already in the Halloween spirit! 

For concertgoers, this week in Downtown offers everything from the iconic '80's band Foreigner on Friday evening at the Kirby Center; to Saturday night's performance by St. Bernadine's Gospel Choir at King's College; to the sublime Arcadia Chorale chamber choir celebrating Shakespeare in song at St. Stephen's on Saturday night.

Or, join us for one of Downtown’s regular offerings: Farmer's Market on Public Square; a meal at a downtown restaurant; shopping at one of our many retailers; a new Hollywood film at Wilkes-Barre Movies 14; and much more.
 
Hoping to see you soon in Downtown Wilkes-Barre!

Larry Newman, Executive Director
Diamond City Partnership
larry@wbdcp.org
This week at the F.M. Kirby Center:
Downtown Events

Tuesday, October 18
Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre Weekly Meeting

TIME: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
PLACE: Genetti Best Western Hotel & Conference Center, 77 East Market Street

The Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre meets every Tuesday at noon. We are neighbors and community leaders uniting for the common good. The meeting is open to members and their guests, prospective members, and visiting Rotarians.
More information: www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofWilkesBarrePa

Wednesday, October 19
Family Business Alliance Monthly Breakfast Series: Daughters in Charge

TIME: 8:30 AM
PLACE: Henry Student Center 2nd Floor Ballroom, 84 West South Street

The Family Business Alliance's Daughters in Charge program, presented by Amy Katz, will highlight the ways that women prepare for working in a family business, develop their roles, achieve credibility and influence, and manage relationships at work and at home. A panel of local businesswomen will share their personal experiences and describe the tools, practices, and lessons learned that have allowed them and their companies to be successful. Free and open to the public; advance registration required.
More information: www.wilkes.edu or 570-408-2120.

Wednesday, October 19
King’s College: “The Ultimate Flag Challenge”

TIME: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
PLACE:  King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, West Jackson Street

As part of the Sixth Annual Diversity Festival, the Multicultural & International Student Programs and the McGowan Hispanic Outreach Office at King’s College will host “The Ultimate Flag Challenge,” featuring games and prizes based on national flags to raise cultural awareness. Free and open to the public. 
More information: www.kings.edu or 570-208-8021

Wednesday, October 19
Osterhout Teen Night

TIME: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
PLACE: Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street

Every Wednesday night is Teen Night at the Osterhout! Enjoy snacks, bring your friends, make new friends and - most importantly - just relax and have fun! Free and open to teens aged 12 to 18.
More information: www.osterhout.info or 570-823-1959.

Thursday, October 20
Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market

TIME: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
PLACE: Public Square

Thursday is Farmers Market day in Downtown Wilkes-Barre! Full of family fun, music, food, crafts, and the highest quality fresh produce from local growers. Farmers Market is held every Thursday through November 17 on Public Square. Farmers Market is the place to be this autumn! Free and open to the public.
More information: www.wilkes-barre.pa.us/farmersm.php or 570-208-4149.

Thursday, October 20
"Franklin Street Sleuths" Mystery Book Club

TIME: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
PLACE: Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street

This month’s Franklin Street Sleuths book discussion focuses on Method 15/33 by Shannon Kirk. Books may be purchased at the Osterhout. Free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.
More information: www.osterhout.info or 570-821-1959.

Thursday, October 20
Penn State "It’s Time to Laugh" Fall Film & Discussion Series: The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad

TIME: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
PLACE: R/C Movies 14, 24 East Northampton Street

This fall, take part in the Thursday Film & Discussion Series at Movies 14, presented by Penn State Wilkes-Barre and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber. The series continues with The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad, the law-and-order laugh-a-thon that made Leslie Nielson into a comedic actor. Series tickets: $25 (includes pre-film lecture and post-film discussion). Participants also earn continuing education credits upon series completion.
More information: http://wilkesbarre.psu.edu/film-discussion-series or 570-675-9253.

Friday, October 21
Osterhout Friday Movie Matinee: The Mummy

TIME: 2:00 PM
PLACE: Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street

Join us every Friday for a themed movie selection. October's movies theme is "Spooky Love." This week's movie is The Mummy (1999), starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah. Free and open to the public: popcorn provided.
More information: www.osterhout.info or 570-823-0156.

Friday, October 21
Meet the Artist Reception: "Howard Hao Tran: Drawings and Sculptures" 

TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
PLACE: King’s College Widmann Art Gallery, Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, between N. Main and N. Franklin Street

The Widmann Art Gallery opens its new exhibit of work by artist Howard Tran, ranging from figurative sculpture to abstract, two-dimensional pieces in a variety of mediums, with a "Meet the Artist" reception. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.kings.edu or 570-208-5900, ext. 5328.

Friday, October 21
Luzerne County Historical Society presents Downtown Wilkes-Barre Ghost Walks

TIME: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
PLACE: Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 South Franklin Street

Join the Historical Society for a walking tour of Downtown's historic district and learn the true stores of ghosts, murders and hidden graveyards, all right here in the heart of the Diamond City! Dr. William V. Lewis will take you on a trip through the darker side of our city, from the mid-1700's through the 20th century. All tours start in front of the Museum at 69 South Franklin Street at 6:45 PM and last approximately 2 hours. Cost: LCHS members, $7; nonmembers, $10. Space is limited, and reservations are required. 
More information and reservations: www.luzernehistory.org or 570-823-6244 ext. 3.

Friday, October 21
The F.M. Kirby Center presents Foreigner
in concert
TIME: 8:00 PM
PLACE: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square

Quintessential ‘80s hit band Foreigner brings its “The Hits: Unplugged” tour, presented by Rock 107, to the F.M. Kirby Center! Foreigner, one of the most popular rock acts in the world, has a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales. Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.  Tickets start at $49.50. 
More information: www.kirbycenter.org or 570-826-1100.

Saturday, October 22
Osterhout "Star Wars Reads Day
"
TIME: 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM
PLACE: Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street

Meet Star Wars costumed characters! Join us as we celebrate all things Star Wars with games, crafts , and snacks. Space is limited, so please call ahead to register. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.osterhout.info or 570-823-0156 ext. 217.

Saturday, October 22
Kirby Halloween Film Series Splatterday II: Hotel Transylvania (2012)
        
TIME: 3:15 PM costume parade; 3:30 PM movie
PLACE: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square

This year, the F.M. Kirby Center's Halloween Film Festival opens with an all-ages costume parade, followed by Hotel Transylvania (PG; 2012), the animated story of how Count Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teen-aged daughter. Tickets: $3.
More information: www.kirbycenter.org or 570-823-4599.

Saturday, October 22
Chamber Ghost Walk Dine-Out at Bart & Urby's

TIME: 5:00 PM
PLACE: Bart & Urby's, 119 South Main Street

Chamber Members and their guests are invited to enjoy an unique networking experience at our next Networking Dinner at Bart & Urby's, which includes tickets for the Historical Society's Downtown Ghost Walk! The Chamber arranges for small group dinners with tables of approximately 8 attendees, and the restaurant provides separate checks for each attendee. It all adds up to a casual, meaningful networking experience. Weather permitting, patio seating will be available. A $10.00 fee for the Ghostwalk benefits the Historical Society. Space is limited, so register now!
More information and to register: Click here or 570-823-2101.

Saturday, October 22
Kirby Halloween Film Festival: The Birds (1963)

TIME: 6:00 PM
PLACE: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square

The Kirby Center's Halloween Film Festival's second film will be the terrifying Hitchcock classic, The Birds (PG-13; 1963), in which a wealthy socialite's pursuit of a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town takes a bizarre turn when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people. Experience it on the big screen! Tickets: $5.
More information: www.kirbycenter.org or 570-823-4599.

Saturday, October 22
Luzerne County Historical Society's Downtown Wilkes-Barre Ghost Walks

TIME: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
PLACE: Luzerne County Historical Society Museum, 69 South Franklin Street

Join the Historical Society for a walking tour of Downtown's historic district and learn the true stores of ghosts, murders and hidden graveyards, all right here in the heart of the Diamond City! Dr. William V. Lewis will take you on a trip through the darker side of our city, from the mid-1700's through the 20th century. All tours start in front of the Museum at 69 South Franklin Street at 6:45 PM and last approximately 2 hours. Cost: LCHS members, $7; nonmembers, $10. Space is limited, and reservations are required. 
More information and reservations: www.luzernehistory.org or 570-823-6244 ext. 3.

Saturday, October 22
St. Bernardine's Gospel Choir in concert

TIME: 7:30 PM
PLACE: King’s College J. Carroll McCormick Campus Ministry Center, West Jackson Street

King's College presents the Saint Bernardine's Gospel Choir in concert on Saturday, October 22. The Choir's repertoire includes traditional gospel songs and contemporary religious compositions. The Choir will also perform during Sunday liturgy at 11 AM on October 23. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.kings.edu or 570-208-6044.

Saturday, October 22
The Arcadia Chorale in Concert: "The Play’s the Thing"

TIME: 7:30 PM
PLACE: St. Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, 35 South Franklin Street

The Arcadia Chorale, Northeastern Pennsylvania's premiere chamber choir, presents "The Play’s the Thing," the first program of their 2016-2017 concert season, at St. Stephen's. The concert is a tribute to Shakespeare, in honor of the 400th anniversary of his death. The program features modern settings of texts from Shakespeare’s plays, including several that were composed specifically for this anniversary year. Featured composers include Ralph Vaughan Williams, Matthew Harris, Alan Bullard, Juhani Komulainen, Emma Lou Diemer and Jussi Chydenius. Tickets: $15 general admission; $12 for seniors and WVIA members; free for students.
More information: www.arcadiachorale.org or  570-871-0350.

Saturday, October 22
Kirby Halloween Film Festival: Friday the 13th (1980)

TIME: 9:00 PM
PLACE: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square

The Kirby Center's Halloween Film Festival continues with Friday the 13th (R; 1980) - the film that put the splatter into Splatterday! Friday the 13th traces the grim fate of a group of camp counselors who are preparing to reopen a summer camp which, years before, was the site of a tragedy. Tickets: $5.
More information: www.kirbycenter.org or 570-823-4599.

Saturday, October 22
Kirby Halloween Film Festival: Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

TIME: Midnight (12:00 AM)
PLACE: F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, 71 Public Square

For the fourth year in a row, the Halloween Film Series concludes with a midnight showing of the camp classic Rocky Horror Picture Show (R; 1975), in which a newly engaged couple are forced to pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Come dance the Time Warp at the Kirby Center! Tickets: $5; please review the rules and prop list for Rocky Horror on our website.
More information: www.kirbycenter.org or 570-823-4599.

Sunday, October 23
Wilkes University: Empty Bowls

TIME: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
PLACE: Henry Student Center, 84 West South Street
 
Wilkes University, King's College, Luzerne County Community College and Wyoming Seminary invite you to enjoy a hot bowl of soup while raising money for area food banks at the 5th Annual "Empty Bowls" event. For a donation of just $15, you’ll receive soup, bread, a beverage and a handmade pottery bowl created especially for the event by one of our talented local artists.
More information: www.wilkes.edu/emptybowls

Monday, October 24
Osterhout Pumpkin Decorating for Adults

TIME: 5:30 PM- 7:30 PM
PLACE: Osterhout Free Library, 71 South Franklin Street

Join us for a free craft program for adults. Guests are to bring their own real or artificial pumpkin(s) or gourd(s) to paint, decoupage, or embellish. No carving or cutting involved. Light refreshments will be served. If possible, please call ahead to register. Free and open to the public.
More information: www.osterhout.info or 570-823-1959

Downtown Exhibits
 
Luzerne County Historical Society Museum
(69 South Franklin Street)
HOURS:  Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

"Bringing the Giant to its Knees: the History of the Giant's Despair Hillclimb"
September 16, 2016 to March, 2017

The Luzerne County Historical Society's new exhibit - "Bringing the Giant to its Knees: The History of the Giant’s Despair Hillclimb" - explores the 110-year history of one of America’s greatest motor races, reviving the echos of names like Penske, Shelby, Danko, Cheverolet, De Palma, and Koveleski. View a fabulous collection of art, pictures, trophies, artifacts, and memorabilia from “The Giant.”

Native Americans of Wyoming Valley
Permanent exhibition
 
The permanent exhibit on the Native American inhabitants of the area includes local artifacts ranging from stone implements of the Archaic period to the archeological evidence of European influence.

Visitors: if you are planning on visiting the Museum on Saturday, please call us a few days in advance to ensure we will be open for your visit. 
More information: www.luzernehistory.org or 570-823-6244.
 
King’s College Widmann Art Gallery
(Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, between N. Main and N. Franklin Sts.)

HOURS: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

"Howard Hao Tran: Drawings and Sculptures"
October 3 - October 30

A collection of works by artist Howard Tran ranging from figurative sculpture to abstract, two-dimensional pieces in a variety of mediums.

More information: www.kings.edu or 570-208-5900, ext. 5328.

Marquis Art & Frame Second Floor Gallery
(122 South Main Street):

HOURS: 9:00 PM - 5:00 PM

"Paintings/Mixed Media, Photography and Watercolors"

Paintings/Mixed Media by Alan McLaughlin, Photography by Grace Marie Amico and Watercolors by Stephen Parulski. Marquis’ second-floor gallery is accessible by stairs only.
More information: www.marquisartframe.com or 570-823-0518.

The Sordoni Art Gallery at Wilkes University
(Stark Learning Center, 150 South River Street)


The Sordoni Art Gallery's next exhibition, Geographies, opens on October 25.

Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Centre for the Arts
(130 South Franklin Street):

HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sandra Dyczewski Maffei Gallery: "Portraying Women in Hindu Religion"

DATES: October 15 to November 30

Mona Pande’s exhibition “Portraying Women in Hindu Religion”, will feature paintings that combine the imagery of traditional Indian art. Mona is a self -taught artist who learned the practice of traditional Indian folk art forms such as Madhubani, Rajasthani and Indian religious paintings by talking to native people in India and taking part in various art groups. Mona has taken this traditional art form and transferred it to her work using canvas and oils to create vivid and colorful depictions of Indian culture.

WVAL Members Exhibit

The WVAL's current members' exhibit displays work in a wide variety of media and styles.

More information: www.wyomingvalleyartleague.org or 570-288-1020.
Submit An Event!
Let the community know about your Downtown Wilkes-Barre event by clicking on the link above. Add it to the community calendar and we'll share it in this email during the week of your event! Please be sure to choose "Downtown" as your event type.
Share
Forward to Friend
Subscribe!
Get "This Week in Downtown Wilkes-Barre" in your inbox each week! 
Looking for our downtown business directory? Click on the logo below.
This Week in Downtown Wilkes-Barre is brought to you by the following organizations:

Walk Wilkes-Barre:

This week's historic building is:

ACE Agribusiness (Pennsylvania Millers Mutual Insurance Company)
72 North Franklin Street (1935)
 
Though Wilkes-Barre’s days as a farming town are long gone, this elegant building – built to house the Pennsylvania Millers Mutual Insurance Company, which was formed in 1887 for the purpose of insuring gristmills against fire – serves as a fascinating reminder of that time. In 1992, Penn Millers demonstrated how the past and present can work together when it rehabilitated its original 1935 headquarters building, designed by Wilkes-Barre architect L. Verne Lacy in a combination of Art Moderne and Colonial Revival motifs, and joined it to a new office wing in the back. Today, the same company, now called ACE Agribusiness, continues to provide commercial agriculture insurance policies from its historic North Franklin Street quarters.

Click Here to View Future Downtown Events!
Copyright © 2016 Diamond City Partnership, All rights reserved.
unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences 

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp