“It is in giving that we receive.”

Since 1947, the Marine Corps and Toys for Tots have been making a difference in the lives of American families. A few years ago, Lackawanna Heritage Valley extended this thoughtful campaign to the Santa Train, where children and their families are encouraged to bring an unwrapped new toy when they visit Saint Nick along his stops throughout the Lackawanna Valley.
Created by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, Toys for Tots became a national community action program in 1948. Hendricks worked for Warner Brothers Studios and got Walt Disney to design a poster featuring a miniature three-car train that became the iconic logo. Today, the Toys for Tots Foundation, founded in 1991, continues to run and support the program. It’s a heartwarming example of how compassion and community spirit can create magic during the holiday season.
The Santa Train started capturing the imaginations of local children in 1996. After taking a two-year respite during the pandemic, the train returned last year and will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
On Saturday, December 2nd, Santa, and his jolly caravan of merrymakers will be rolling along the historic Delaware and Hudson rail line in the upper and mid-valley communities before reaching its final destination at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. While some special anniversary surprises are in store, children can participate in the gift of giving by bringing an unwrapped new toy to any of the passenger station drop boxes. The train schedule: 10:30 AM at, Carbondale; 11:35 AM at Archbald; 12:20 PM at Jessup; 1 p.m. at Olyphant; 1:45 PM at Dickson City; and 3 PM at Steamtown. At each stop, Santa will greet the children, and families are encouraged to assemble at their respective train stations before the scheduled arrival times. 

SCRANTON – The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and so is the beloved Santa Train! Join us for the 25th anniversary of this free family event that brings magic and joy through the Lackawanna Valley on Saturday, December 2nd.
The Santa Train will travel along the historic Delaware & Hudson railroad line, stopping at six stations to greet children and families with special silver anniversary surprises. Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and other characters will distribute candy, gifts, and holiday cheer. The train will feature live entertainment by Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars, Franko the Great, Ryan Cornelius the Balloon Wizard, a special guest appearance by the Brown Initiative, the Valley View High School Band, and Champ, the mascot of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.
A holiday tradition since 1996, the Santa Train took a two-year hiatus but made a triumphant post-pandemic return in 2022 with hundreds of families and children in attendance. The train will arrive in Carbondale at 10:30 AM; Archbald at 11:20 AM; Jessup at noon; Olyphant at 12:45 PM; Dickson City at 1:30 PM, and its final destination, the Steamtown National Historic Site, at 3 p.m.
Beyond its popularity as a festive celebration, the Santa Train is a way of honoring the region’s rich heritage, shaped in large part by the railroad industry. With its origins in Carbondale, the D&H was one of the most important railroads in the country, connecting local coal mines with markets in New York and across the Atlantic seaboard. The Steamtown NHS in Scranton preserves and showcases the history and legacy of steam locomotives with exhibits, demonstrations, and excursions.
The Santa Train is a communitywide effort made possible by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Steamtown NHS, Delaware/Lackawanna Railroad, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, Carbondale Business Association, City of Carbondale, the boroughs of Archbald, Jessup, and Jessup 21st Century Association, Dickson City, Olyphant, and the City of Scranton.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Peoples Security Bank, Community Bank N.A., NBT Bank, Honesdale National Bank, Rotary Club of Scranton, North Penn Charitable Foundation, Quinn’s Market and Propst Transportation and Lackawanna County.

Dozens of families and friends gathered on Sunday, November 5th, for a festive community celebration at the Nay Aug Natural Play Area in Scranton. Thanks to our partners and participants for making this a day to remember!

Greenways, Trails, and Enlightening Tales from Scranton for PA Outdoor Professionals

SCRANTON — The Pennsylvania Greenways & Trails Summit is recognized as the state’s foremost gathering for outdoor professionals and volunteers who manage the natural amenities enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors from around the globe.

Organized by WeConservePA and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the biennial event recently convened for three days in Scranton, and site selectors could not have been happier with their host city.

More than 250 enthusiastic attendees shared insights, knowledge, and inspiration through seminars, mobile workshops, and networking opportunities at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

“The Summit is a catalyst for connecting people, organizations and communities passionate about enhancing Pennsylvania’s great outdoors,” said Owen Worozbyt, operations director for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “We were thrilled to welcome our kindred spirits from across the state, share our hospitality, and most importantly, our ideas for the future.”

Themed “Connecting an Industrious Past with an Innovative Future,” the Summit served as a springboard for underscoring the growing importance of outdoor recreation to Pennsylvania’s economy.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, more than $29 billion is spent by consumers who support more than 250,000 jobs and generate $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenues annually. Gov. Josh Shapiro has requested $2.8 million in the 2023-24 budget to create the state’s first Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Thirty northeast communities connect to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail where people can walk, run, hike, bike or fish along select locations. The regional trail saw more than 450,000 visitors in 2020, while overall trail usage increased by 200 percent across the state during the pandemic. Changes in the workplace now have economic developers focusing on quality-of-life issues – such as accessibility to trails – being demanded by a post-pandemic workforce.

“Our trails have the unique ability to bring communities together, promote physical activity and enhance the quality of life,” Worozbyt said. “They serve as corridors for recreation, transportation and conservation, enriching the natural and cultural heritage of the Lackawanna Valley.”

Throughout the Summit, participants explored topics including trail design, infrastructure improvements, community involvement and funding strategies, paving the way for positive development of the state’s most vital outdoor assets.

“We were honored to host the 2023 Greenways & Trail Summit,” said Alexa Peregrim, sales manager for the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, who served as event planning co-chair with Worozbyt. “Folk got to see Scranton in a different light and learn more about our vast array of historic, cultural and natural amenities.”

The Summit was partially financed by a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, administered by the DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

From left, Scranton Half Marathon committee members Bruce Beauvis, Jason Geadrities,
Owen Worozbyt, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority operations director; Tim Holmes,
Dr. Tom Minora, Joseph Corcoran, LHVA executive director; Matt Hunter and Matt Byrne

Partners in Progress

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area found a cherished partner in 2014 when former Mayor Chris Doherty and organizers of the inaugural Scranton Half Marathon joined more than 2,500 runners for a 13.1-mile journey around the Electric City.
Once voted the northeast’s top-ranked half marathon by Competitor Running magazine, the charity race continues thriving as hundreds of runners and walkers mark the event on their calendars.
The relationship deepened in 2017 when Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority officials unveiled the Scranton Half Marathon Pavilion near the entrance of the Scranton Riverwalk. The course took competitors from the Olive Street Trailhead of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail through several neighborhoods and downtown Scranton.
“Today, dozens of charities benefit from the trail’s natural amenities, and the Scranton Half Marathon stands as a shining example of a first-class event’s positive contributions to our region,” said Owen Worozbyt, LHVA director of operations.
In March 2023, the Scranton Half Marathon once again demonstrated a firm commitment to the community, raising more than $37,000 for Heritage Valley. The funds will enable LHVA to continue making upgrades to the Scranton portion of the 70-mile trail. Worobzyt said several enhancements have already been made in Scranton, including the installation of security cameras and the clearing of trees along Olive Street to Seventh Avenue.
“The work of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Tom Minora of the Scranton Half Marathon committee. “They are a driving force behind so many programs and events that enrich our community in so many ways.”
The Scranton Half Marathon is slated for April 7, 2024. Visit www.scrantonhalf.com for more information.

In keeping with its mission to cultivate community collaborations, Lackawanna Heritage Valley announces a partnership grant program designed to empower non-profit and civic organizations, municipal or governmental agencies, and educational institutions.
With grants up to $5,000, LHV is looking to advance initiatives that enhance the quality of life and contribute to the cultural, artistic, and historic fabric of the region. The organization fosters connections between communities and their shared heritage while highlighting the economic potential of cultural and historic assets.
“Community participation is at the heart of what we do,” said Owen Worobzyt, LHV Director of Operations. “We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for eligible groups to bring their innovative ideas to life. Our hope is these grants will not only enrich communities, but also inspire appreciation for our shared history and heritage.”
The selection process involves a thorough evaluation based on the potential to create positive change. The program requires a dollar-for-dollar funding match, and applicants must submit their proposals by noon, Sept. 15th.
Past recipients include the Anthracite Heritage Museum; the Scranton Jazz Festival; the Scranton Shakespeare Festival; First Friday Scranton; the Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art; the Lackawanna Historical Society; and the Waverly Community House.
For more information, contact April Rogato at arogato@LHVA.org or (570) 963-6730 (ext. 8200).