The third issue of the Scranton-based independent zine Ruthless is now available online and around the downtown area – now with a front and back. This newly expanded issue includes information on the upcoming Ladyfest arts and music festival scheduled for July 24 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Nay Aug Park. There are also some great music articles and recommendations. Click the image for a pdf version of Ruthless #3.

The 2009 class of Leadership Lackawanna has undertaken a project to restore and enhance Hanlon’s Grove at Nay Aug Park but they’ll need some help from the Northeastern Pennsylvania community to make it possible. Named for Scranton’s twenty-first mayor, James T. Hanlon, Hanlon’s Grove was first opened in the early 1950′s. After years of vacancy, the grove was revived as an outdoor theatre...

First Friday Scranton held its first art walk of 2009 and there was a great turnout at local businesses and galleries in the downtown area. New additions to the First Friday lineup like Jeffrey Creedon Flower Shop and Art Gallery, 323 North Washington Ave., and The Vintage Theater saw crowds of local art lovers come out to enjoy the talent of Scranton artists on display. The March First Friday art walk will be Friday,...

There’s a new restaurant opening in the downtown tomorrow with plenty of spice to warm up this cold February. Viva el Caribe opens at 227 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton, offering a variety of Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Along with fresh salads and soups, Viva el Caribe features sandwiches like: Cubano – Roast pork with ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on Cuban bread; Elena Ruz – Turkey breaks with cream cheese...

On Tuesday, February 17, at 6 p.m., there will be a meeting of the Greater Carbondale Arts Alliance at Carbondale City Hall, 1 North Main St., Carbondale. Anyone who’s interested and being a part of the GCAA and supporting the arts in the Carbondale area should attend. At this meeting, organizers will discuss officer positions, an upcoming kick off event for the group and ideas for GCAA projects. If you’re...

For the first First Friday of 2009, there will be 21 venues across the downtown area participating this Friday, Feb. 6, from 6-9 p.m. Some of the exhibits you’ll want to check out on Friday include “Abstractions,” a display of abstract photos by Jonathan Steele at Anthology New and Used Books, 515 Center Street; “Spanning Time and Place,” color photography by Patricia E. Dunleavy at The Electric Theatre...