Good morning, Scranton.

At the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton, veterans received holiday cheer during a Friday luncheon when Major General John Pippy and staff greeted them alongside Santa, and DMVA honored RN Brooke Beppler with a National Guard Award of Excellence.

This week, Tunnels to Towers Foundation paid off Trooper Alex Douglass's mortgage and upgraded his Olyphant home with accessibility improvements after his 2014 injury; Douglass said the renovations give him greater independence.

Located near the food court at the Viewmont Mall, NEPA Crafters Unite has supported local crafts for 16 years by hosting nearly 40 vendors — each with a unique product category, offering affordable gifts and in-person shopping, according to owner Gary Dotter.

Visitors enjoyed repurposed fashion at the Everhart Museum on Friday night as local upcyclers turned discarded textiles into wearable art, and curator James Lansig announced a NASA-partnered exhibit set for January 14.

Community events celebrate Hanukkah in NEPA as families join activities beginning today; at Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre, children make candy dreidels while upcoming events at Temple Hesed and Friedman JCC offer crafts, cooking and family service.

Local rabbis stress the holiday's role in uniting diverse groups + sharing history.

The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce organized a bus tour to Data Center Alley in Loudoun County, where officials and local representatives compared advanced data center developments with Lackawanna County’s zoning challenges & land availability; they expect new centers in NE Pennsylvania to learn from Virginia’s model.

The Legal Matters piece explains elder abuse in care facilities where families might notice unexplained injuries and changes in behavior.

Attorney Keith Figured advises visiting loved ones at different times and calling emergency services or the hotline (1-800-490-8505) if immediate danger is seen.

State health officials visited Bucktown Center in Dunmore on Friday to urge residents to get the flu vaccine ahead of holiday gatherings — they stressed that the shot helps reduce severe cases amid rising hesitancy.

Dallas Area girls’ head basketball coach Vince Bucciarelli reached 700 wins with a close 54-53 victory over Scranton and now totals 702 wins.

He began coaching in 1982 and plans to continue shaping local sports history.

The Book of Mormon

2-3:30 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Ticket prices vary — Experience the wit and humor of this Tony Award-winning musical about two missionaries in Uganda.

Shiver by the River #1

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Scranton Running Company — Cost varies — Participate in a fun run with options for a 5k, 10k, or a leisurely 2mi walk along the scenic river.